<PAGE> 1
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON AUGUST 11, 1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
------------------------
SCHEDULE 14D-1**
Tender Offer Statement Pursuant to Section 14(d)(1)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
QVC, INC.
(Name of Subject Company)
QVC PROGRAMMING HOLDINGS, INC.
COMCAST CORPORATION
TELE-COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(Bidders)
COMMON STOCK, $.01 PAR VALUE PER SHARE
(Title of Class of Securities)
747262 10 3
(CUSIP Number of Class of Securities)
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STANLEY L. WANG STEPHEN M. BRETT
COMCAST CORPORATION TELE-COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
1500 MARKET STREET 5619 DTC PARKWAY
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19102 ENGLEWOOD, CO 80111
(215) 981-7510 (303) 721-5400
(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to Receive Notices and
Communications on Behalf of Bidder)
</TABLE>
------------------------
Copies to:
<TABLE>
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DENNIS S. HERSCH FREDERICK H. MCGRATH
DAVIS POLK & WARDWELL BAKER & BOTTS, L.L.P.
450 LEXINGTON AVENUE 885 THIRD AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10017 NEW YORK, NY 10022
(212) 450-4000 (212) 705-5000
</TABLE>
CALCULATION OF FILING FEE
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<TABLE>
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TRANSACTION VALUATION AMOUNT OF FILING FEE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$1,497,046,264* $299,409.00
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* For purposes of calculating the filing fee only. The Transaction Valuation
amount assumes the purchase of all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock
and Preferred Stock of QVC, Inc. at $46.00 and $460.00 per share,
respectively (assuming the exercise of all vested options to purchase such
shares but excluding certain such shares owned by subsidiaries of Comcast
Corporation and Tele-Communications, Inc. that will not be tendered into the
offer). The amount of the filing fee is 1/50th of one percent of the
Transaction Valuation.
/ / Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Rule 0-11(a)(2)
and identify the filing with which the offsetting fee was previously paid.
Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form
or Schedule and the date of its filing.
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Amount Previously Paid: NOT APPLICABLE Filing Party: NOT APPLICABLE
Form or Registration No.: NOT APPLICABLE Date Filed: NOT APPLICABLE
</TABLE>
** This Statement also constitutes Amendment No. 1 to the Schedule 13D filed by
Tele-Communications, Inc. and Amendment No. 22 of the Schedule 13D filed by
Comcast Corporation in each case with respect to the securities of the
Subject Company.
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<PAGE> 2
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- ---------------------------------
CUSIP NO. 747262 10 3
- ---------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSON
QVC Programming Holdings, Inc. -- I.R.S. Identification No. --
Applied For
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*
(a) /X/
(b) / /
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3 SEC USE ONLY
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS*
BK WC AF
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
ITEMS 2(e) OR 2(f) / /
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6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
Delaware
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7 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
19,216,572
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (7) EXCLUDES CERTAIN
SHARES* /X/
Excludes shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Executive
Officers and Directors of TCI and Comcast. Excludes 294,944 shares
which may be deemed to be beneficially owned by TCI by virture of
its ownership of equity securities in two entities which are the
record owners of Company securities. Does not include any shares
beneficially owned by Barry Diller.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (7)
41.0%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*
CO
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</TABLE>
<PAGE> 3
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------
CUSIP NO. 747 262 10 3
- ---------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS
Comcast Corporation 23-1709202
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*
(a) /X/
(b) / /
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC USE ONLY
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS*
BK WC
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
ITEMS 2(e) OR 2(f) / /
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
Pennsylvania
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
23,216,572 Shares (consisting of 8,627,934 Shares held by Comcast
directly, 4,000,000 Shares previously reported to be held by Barry
Diller, 10,255,867 previously reported to be held by Liberty Media
Corporation, a Delaware Corporation ("Liberty") and 332,771 Shares
held by Tele-Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("TCI")
which may be deemed to be beneficially owned by Comcast as part of
a group with Barry Diller, with Liberty and with TCI.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (7) EXCLUDES CERTAIN
SHARES* /X/
Excludes shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Executive
Officers and Directors of Comcast. Comcast disclaims beneficial
ownership of all such shares.
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9 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (7)
46.9%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*
CO
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</TABLE>
<PAGE> 4
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------
CUSIP NO. 747 262 10 3
- ---------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS
Tele-Communications, Inc. -- 84-0588868
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*
(a) /X/
(b) / /
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC USE ONLY
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS*
BK WC AF
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
ITEMS 2(e) OR 2(f) / /
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
Delaware
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
19,216,572
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (7) EXCLUDES CERTAIN
SHARES* /X/
Excludes shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Executive
Officers and Directors of TCI and Comcast. Excludes 294,944 shares
which may be deemed to be beneficially owned by TCI by virtue of
its ownership of equity securities in two entities which are the
record owners of Company securities. Does not include any shares
beneficially owned by Barry Diller.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (7)
41.0%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*
CO
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 5
ITEM 1. SECURITY AND SUBJECT COMPANY.
(a) The name of the subject company is QVC, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the "Company"), and the address of its principal executive offices is Goshen
Corporate Park, 1365 Enterprise Drive, West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380.
(b) This Statement relates to the offer by QVC Programming Holdings, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser") to be wholly owned by Comcast
Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation, and Liberty Media Corporation, a
Delaware corporation (together the "Parent Purchasers"), and a wholly owned
subsidiary of Tele-Communications, Inc. ("TCI"), a Delaware corporation, to
purchase all outstanding shares (the "Shares") of Common Stock, $.01 par value
per share (the "Common Stock") and Series B Preferred Stock and Series C
Preferred Stock, each $.10 par value per share (together, the "Preferred
Stock"), of the Company at $46 per share of Common Stock and $460 per share of
Preferred Stock, net to the seller in cash without interest thereon, upon the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated
August 11, 1994 (the "Offer to Purchase") and in the related Letter of
Transmittal, copies of which are attached hereto as Exhibits (a)(l) and (a)(2),
respectively, (which are herein collectively referred to as the "Offer"). The
Offer is being made pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of
August 4, 1994, which provides, among other things, that as promptly as
practicable after the satisfaction or, if permissible, waiver of the conditions
set forth therein, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Purchaser will be merged
with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as the surviving
corporation, and outstanding Shares will be converted into rights to receive $46
(in the case of shares of Common Stock) or $460 (in the case of shares of
Preferred Stock) in cash or any higher price that may be paid per share of
Common Stock or Preferred Stock, as the case may be, in the Offer. The
information set forth under "Introduction" in the Offer to Purchase is
incorporated herein by reference.
(c) The information set forth in "The Tender Offer -- 5. Price Range of
Shares; Dividends" in the Offer to Purchase is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 2. IDENTITY AND BACKGROUND.
(a)-(d) This Statement is filed by the Purchaser, Comcast and TCI. The
information set forth under "Introduction", "The Tender Offer -- 7. Certain
Information Concerning the Purchaser and the Joint Bidders" in, and in Schedule
II ("Certain Information Regarding the Directors and Executive Officers of the
Purchaser and the Joint Bidders") to the Offer to Purchase is incorporated
herein by reference.
(e)-(f) None of the Purchaser, the Joint Bidders, or, to the best knowledge
of the Purchaser and the Joint Bidders, any of the persons listed in Schedule II
("Certain Information Regarding the Directors and Executive Officers of the
Purchaser and the Joint Bidders") to the Offer to Purchase, has during the last
five years (i) been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic
violations or similar misdemeanors) or (ii) been a party to a civil proceeding
of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result
of such proceeding was or is subject to a judgment, decree or final order
enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting activities subject to, federal or
state securities laws or finding any violation of such laws.
(g) The information set forth in Schedule II ("Certain Information
Regarding the Directors and Executive Officers of the Purchaser and the Joint
Bidders") to the offer to Purchase is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 3. PAST CONTACTS, TRANSACTIONS OR NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE SUBJECT COMPANY.
(a)-(b) The information set forth under "Introduction", "Special
Factors -- Background of the Transaction", "-- Purpose of the Transaction",
"-- Plans for the Company After the Merger", "-- Interests of Certain Persons in
the Transaction" and "The Tender Offer -- 7. Certain Information Concerning the
Purchaser and the Joint Bidders" in the Offer to Purchase is incorporated herein
by reference.
ITEM 4. SOURCE AND AMOUNT OF FUNDS OR OTHER CONSIDERATION.
(a)-(b) The information set forth under "Special Factors -- Financing of
the Transaction" in the Offer to Purchase is incorporated herein by reference.
(c) Not applicable.
2
<PAGE> 6
ITEM 5. PURPOSE OF THE TENDER OFFER AND PLANS OR PROPOSALS OF THE BIDDER.
(a)-(e) The information set forth under "Introduction", "Special
Factors -- Background of the Transaction", "-- Purpose of the Transaction",
"-- Plans for the Company After the Merger", "-- The Merger Agreement",
"-- Financing of the Transaction" and "The Tender Offer -- 8. Dividends and
Distributions" in the Offer to Purchase is incorporated herein by reference.
(f)-(g) The information set forth under "Special Factors -- Certain Effects
of the Transaction" in the Offer to Purchase is incorporated herein by
reference.
ITEM 6. INTEREST IN SECURITIES OF THE SUBJECT COMPANY.
(a)-(b) The information set forth under "Introduction", "Special
Factors -- Background of the Transaction", "-- Interests of Certain Persons in
the Transaction" and "The Tender Offer -- 7. Certain Information Concerning the
Purchaser and Parent Purchasers", in, and in Schedule II ("Certain Information
Regarding the Directors and Executive Officers of the Purchase and the Joint
Bidders") to, the Offer to Purchase is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 7. CONTRACTS, ARRANGEMENTS, UNDERSTANDINGS OR RELATIONSHIPS WITH RESPECT
TO THE SUBJECT COMPANY'S SECURITIES.
The information set forth under "Introduction", "Special
Factors -- Background of the Transaction", "-- Purpose of the Transaction",
"-- Plans for the Company After the Merger", "-- The Merger Agreement" and "The
Tender Offer -- 7. Certain Information Concerning the Purchaser and Parent
Purchasers" in the Offer to Purchase is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 8. PERSONS RETAINED, EMPLOYED OR TO BE COMPENSATED.
The information set forth under "The Tender Offer -- 12. Fees and Expenses"
in the Offer to Purchase is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 9. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF CERTAIN BIDDERS.
The information set forth under "The Tender Offer -- 7. Certain Information
Concerning the Purchaser and Parent Purchasers" in the Offer to Purchase is
incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
(a) None.
(b)-(c) The information set forth under "The Tender Offer -- 10. Certain
Conditions of the Offer" and "-- 11. Certain Legal Matters; Regulatory
Approvals" in the Offer to Purchase is incorporated herein by reference.
(d) The information set forth under "Special Factors -- Certain Effects of
the Transaction" in the Offer to Purchase is incorporated herein by reference.
(e) The information set forth under "The Tender Offer -- 11. Certain Legal
Matters: Regulatory Approvals" in the Offer to Purchase is incorporated herein
by reference.
(f) The information set forth in the Offer to Purchase and the Letter of
Transmittal is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
3
<PAGE> 7
ITEM 11. MATERIAL TO BE FILED AS EXHIBITS.
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(a)(1) -- Offer to Purchase, dated August 11, 1994.
(a)(2) -- Letter of Transmittal (including Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer
Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9).
(a)(3) -- Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
(a)(4) -- Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust Companies and Other
Nominees.
(a)(5) -- Form of Letter to Clients for use by Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust
Companies and Other Nominees.
(a)(6) -- Text of press release issued by Comcast Corporation, Liberty Media Corporation
and the Company dated August 4, 1994.
(a)(7) -- Form of summary advertisement dated August 11, 1994.
(a)(8) -- Accountants' consent relating to inclusion of certain financial statements of
QVC, Inc. in Annex C to the Offer to Purchase.
(c)(1) -- Joint Filing Agreement pursuant to Rule 13d-1(f), dated December 1, 1992
between Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 1 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation and
Liberty Media Corporation, in respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated
December 1, 1992).
(c)(2) -- Participation Agreement, dated as of December 1, 1992 among Comcast
Corporation, Comcast Financial Corporation, Comcast Cable Communications, Inc.,
Comcast Cablevision of Maryland Limited Partnership, Comcast Cable Investors
L.P., Comcast Cablevision of Indiana L.P., Liberty Media Corporation and
Liberty Program Investments, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to
the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation, in
respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated December 1, 1992).
(c)(3) -- Joint Filing Agreement pursuant to Rule 13d-1(f), dated December 15, 1992,
among Comcast Corporation, Liberty Media Corporation and Barry Diller
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to Amendment No. 1 to the Schedule 13D
filed by Comcast Corporation, and Liberty Media Corporation and the original
Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in respect of Common Stock of the Company,
dated December 15, 1992).
(c)(4) -- Summary Term Sheet, dated December 9, 1992, agreed to in principle by Comcast
Corporation, Liberty Media Corporation and Barry Diller (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 7 to Amendment No. 1 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast
Corporation, and Liberty Media Corporation and the original Schedule 13D filed
by Barry Diller, in respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated December 15,
1992).
(c)(5) -- Stock Purchase Agreement, dated December 9, 1992, between Barry Diller and
Liberty Media Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8 to Amendment
No. 1 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation, and Liberty Media
Corporation and the original Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in respect of
Common Stock of the Company, dated December 15, 1992).
(c)(6) -- Letter, dated December 23, 1992, from William F. Costello, Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, to Peter R. Barton,
President of Liberty Program Investments, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 9 to Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation
and Liberty Media Corporation and Amendment No. 1 to the Schedule 13D filed by
Barry Diller, in respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated January 7,
1993).
</TABLE>
4
<PAGE> 8
<TABLE>
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(c)(7) -- Letter, dated December 23, 1992, from William F. Costello, Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, to Peter R. Barton,
President of Liberty Media Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10
to Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty
Media Corporation and Amendment No. 1 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry
Diller, in respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated January 7, 1993).
(c)(8) -- Letter, dated December 28, 1992, from Neal S. Grabell, Senior Vice President
and General Counsel of the Company, to Vivian Carr, Assistant Secretary of
Liberty Media Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 11 to Amendment
No. 2 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media
Corporation and Amendment No. 1 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in
respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated January 7, 1993).
(c)(9) -- Letter, dated July 12, 1993, from Liberty Media Corporation to the Board of
Directors of the Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 to Amendment
No. 3 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media
Corporation and Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in
respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated July 19, 1993).
(c)(10) -- Equity Compensation Agreement dated as of December 9, 1992 by and among the
Company, Barry Diller and Arrow Investments, L.P. (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 15 to Amendment No. 3 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation
and Liberty Media Corporation and Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule 13D filed by
Barry Diller, in respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated July 19, 1993).
(c)(11) -- Stockholders Agreement, dated July 16, 1993, among Liberty Media Corporation,
Comcast Corporation, Barry Diller and certain affiliates and subsidiaries of
such parties (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 16 to Amendment No. 3 to the
Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation and
Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in respect of Common
Stock of the Company, dated July 19, 1993).
(c)(12) -- Preliminary term sheet for Series E Cumulative Convertible Exchangeable
Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19 to Amendment No. 4 to
the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation and
Amendment No. 3 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in respect of Common
Stock of the Company, dated September 21, 1993).
(c)(13) -- Letter agreement dated October 15, 1993, among QVC Network, Inc., Comcast
Corporation, Liberty Media Corporation, Advance Publications, Inc. and Cox
Enterprises, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 20 to Amendment No. 6
to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation
and Amendment No. 5 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in respect of
Common Stock of the Company, dated October 18, 1993).
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE> 9
<TABLE>
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(c)(14) -- Agreement dated October 15, 1993, among Comcast Corporation, Liberty Media
Corporation, Barry Diller, Advance Publications, Inc. and Cox Enterprises, Inc.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21 to Amendment No. 6 to the Schedule 13D
filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation and Amendment No. 5
to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in respect of Common Stock of the
Company, dated October 18, 1993).
(c)(15) -- Term Sheet for Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock of QVC Network, Inc.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 22 to Amendment No. 6 to the Schedule 13D
filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation and Amendment No. 5
to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in respect of Common Stock of the
Company, dated October 18, 1993).
(c)(16) -- Letter dated November 11, 1993, from QVC Network, Inc. to Comcast Corporation,
Advance Publications, Inc. and Cox Enterprises, Inc. (Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 24 to Amendment No. 7 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast
Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation and Amendment No. 6 to the Schedule
13D filed by Barry Diller, in respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated
November 16, 1993).
(c)(17) -- Agreement dated November 11, 1993, between QVC Network, Inc. and Liberty Media
Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 25 to Amendment No. 7 to the
Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation and
Amendment No. 6 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in respect of Common
Stock of the Company, dated November 16, 1993).
(c)(18) -- Memorandum of Understanding dated November 11, 1993, between BellSouth
Corporation and QVC Network, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 26 to
Amendment No. 7 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty
Media Corporation and Amendment No. 6 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry
Diller, in respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated November 16, 1993).
(c)(19) -- Understanding Among Stockholders dated November 11, 1993, among BellSouth
Corporation, Comcast Corporation, Liberty Media Corporation and Arrow
Investments, L.P. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 27 to Amendment No. 7
to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation
and Amendment No. 6 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in respect of
Common Stock of the Company, dated November 16, 1993).
(c)(20) -- Agreement Among Stockholders dated November 11, 1993, among BellSouth
Corporation, Comcast Corporation, Arrow Investments, L.P., Advance
Publications, Inc. and Cox Enterprises, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 28 to Amendment No. 7 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation
and Liberty Media Corporation and Amendment No. 6 to the Schedule 13D filed by
Barry Diller, in respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated November 16,
1993).
(c)(21) -- Agreement containing Consent Order dated November 11, 1993, among the Bureau of
Competition of the Federal Trade Commission, Tele-Communications, Inc. and
Liberty Media Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 33 to Amendment
No. 7 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media
Corporation and Amendment No. 6 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in
respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated November 16, 1993).
(c)(22) -- Interim Agreement dated November 11, 1993, among the Federal Trade Commission,
Tele-Communications, Inc. and Liberty Media Corporation (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 34 to Amendment No. 7 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast
Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation and Amendment No. 6 to the Schedule
13D filed by Barry Diller, in respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated
November 16, 1993).
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE> 10
<TABLE>
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(c)(23) -- Voting Agreement dated December 22, 1993 by BellSouth Corporation, Comcast
Corporation, Cox Enterprises, Inc., Advance Publications, Inc., and Arrow
Investments, L.P. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 35 to Amendment No. 8
to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation
and Amendment No. 7 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in respect of
Common Stock of the Company, dated December 29, 1993).
(c)(24) -- Letter Agreement dated as of December 20, 1993 among QVC Network, Inc., Comcast
Corporation, Cox Enterprises, Inc., Advance Publications, Inc., and BellSouth
Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 36 to Amendment No. 8 to the
Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation and
Amendment No. 7 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in respect of Common
Stock of the Company, dated December 29, 1993).
(c)(25) -- Letter Agreement dated as of February 1, 1994, among Comcast Corporation, Cox
Enterprises, Inc., Advance Publications, Inc., BellSouth Corporation and QVC
Network, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 37 to Amendment No. 9 to
the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation and
Amendment No. 8 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in respect of Common
Stock of the Company, dated February 3, 1994).
(c)(26) -- Stock Option Agreement dated as of February 15, 1994, among QVC Network, Inc.,
BellSouth Corporation, Cox Enterprises, Inc. and Advance Publications, Inc.
(including exhibits) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 40 to Amendment No.
11 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media
Corporation and Amendment No. 10 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in
respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated April 28, 1994).
(c)(27) -- Acknowledgement and Agreement dated as of February 15, 1994, by Comcast
Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
41 to Amendment No. 11 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation and
Liberty Media Corporation and Amendment No. 10 to the Schedule 13D filed by
Barry Diller, in respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated April 28, 1994).
(c)(28) -- Letter Agreement dated as of February 15, 1994, among Comcast Corporation,
BellSouth Corporation, Advance Publications, Inc., Arrow Investments, L.P., Cox
Enterprises, Inc. and Liberty Media Corporation (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 42 to Amendment No. 11 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation
and Liberty Media Corporation and Amendment No. 10 to the Schedule 13D filed by
Barry Diller, in respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated April 28, 1994).
(c)(29) -- Letter Agreement dated as of February 15, 1994, among BellSouth Corporation,
Liberty Media Corporation, Comcast Corporation and Arrow Investments, L.P.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 43 to Amendment No. 11 to the Schedule
13D filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation and Amendment
No. 10 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in respect of Common Stock of
the Company, dated April 28, 1994).
(c)(30) -- Letter dated July 12, 1994 of Comcast Corporation to Barry Diller, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of QVC, Inc. (Included in Exhibit (a)(1) hereto).
(c)(31) -- Letter Agreement dated July 21, 1994 between Comcast Corporation and Liberty
Media Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 46 to Amendment No. 20
to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation, in respect of Common Stock of
the Company, dated July 22, 1994).
</TABLE>
7
<PAGE> 11
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
(c)(32) -- Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 4, 1994, among QVC, Inc.,
Comcast Corporation, Liberty Media Corporation and Comcast QMerger, Inc.
(c)(33) -- Letter Agreement, dated as of August 4, 1994, among Comcast Corporation,
Liberty Media Corporation and Tele-Communications, Inc. (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 48 to Amendment No. 21 to Schedule 13D filed by Comcast
Corporation, in respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated August 8, 1994).
(c)(34) -- Letter Agreement, dated as of August 4, 1994, among Comcast Corporation, Arrow
Investments, L.P. and Barry Diller (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 50 to
Amendment No. 21 to Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation, in respect of
Common Stock of the Company, dated August 8, 1994).
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE> 12
SIGNATURE
After due inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify
that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.
Dated: August 11, 1994
QVC PROGRAMMING HOLDINGS, INC.
By: /s/ JULIAN A. BRODSKY
........................................
Name: Julian A. Brodsky
Title: Vice Chairman
COMCAST CORPORATION
By: /s/ JULIAN A. BRODSKY
........................................
Name: Julian A. Brodsky
Title: Vice Chairman
TELE-COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
By: /s/ STEPHEN M. BRETT
........................................
Name: Stephen M. Brett
Title: Executive Vice President
9
<PAGE> 13
EXHIBIT INDEX
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(a)(1) -- Offer to Purchase, dated August 11, 1994.
(a)(2) -- Letter of Transmittal (including Guidelines for Certification of
Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9).
(a)(3) -- Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
(a)(4) -- Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust
Companies and Other Nominees.
(a)(5) -- Form of Letter to Clients for use by Brokers, Dealers, Commercial
Banks, Trust Companies and Other Nominees.
(a)(6) -- Text of press release issued by Comcast Corporation, Liberty Media
Corporation and the Company dated August 4, 1994.
(a)(7) -- Form of summary advertisement dated August 11, 1994.
(a)(8) -- Accountants' consent relating to inclusion of certain financial
statements of QVC, Inc. in Annex C to the Offer to Purchase.
(c)(1) -- Joint Filing Agreement pursuant to Rule 13d-1(f), dated December 1,
1992 between Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to the Schedule 13D filed
by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation, in respect of
Common Stock of the Company, dated December 1, 1992).
(c)(2) -- Participation Agreement, dated as of December 1, 1992 among Comcast
Corporation, Comcast Financial Corporation, Comcast Cable
Communications, Inc., Comcast Cablevision of Maryland Limited
Partnership, Comcast Cable Investors L.P., Comcast Cablevision of
Indiana L.P., Liberty Media Corporation and Liberty Program
Investments, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to the
Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media
Corporation, in respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated
December 1, 1992).
(c)(3) -- Joint Filing Agreement pursuant to Rule 13d-1(f), dated December
15, 1992, among Comcast Corporation, Liberty Media Corporation and
Barry Diller (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to Amendment
No. 1 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation, and Liberty
Media Corporation and the original Schedule 13D filed by Barry
Diller, in respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated December
15, 1992).
(c)(4) -- Summary Term Sheet, dated December 9, 1992, agreed to in principle
by Comcast Corporation, Liberty Media Corporation and Barry Diller
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 7 to Amendment No. 1 to the
Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation, and Liberty Media
Corporation and the original Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in
respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated December 15, 1992).
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 14
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(c)(5) -- Stock Purchase Agreement, dated December 9, 1992, between Barry
Diller and Liberty Media Corporation (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 8 to Amendment No. 1 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast
Corporation, and Liberty Media Corporation and the original
Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in respect of Common Stock of
the Company, dated December 15, 1992).
(c)(6) -- Letter, dated December 23, 1992, from William F. Costello,
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the
Company, to Peter R. Barton, President of Liberty Program
Investments, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9 to
Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation
and Liberty Media Corporation and Amendment No. 1 to the Schedule
13D filed by Barry Diller, in respect of Common Stock of the
Company, dated January 7, 1993).
(c)(7) -- Letter, dated December 23, 1992, from William F. Costello,
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the
Company, to Peter R. Barton, President of Liberty Media Corporation
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to Amendment No. 2 to the
Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media
Corporation and Amendment No. 1 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry
Diller, in respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated January 7,
1993).
(c)(8) -- Letter, dated December 28, 1992, from Neal S. Grabell, Senior Vice
President and General Counsel of the Company, to Vivian Carr,
Assistant Secretary of Liberty Media Corporation (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 11 to Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule 13D
filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation and
Amendment No. 1 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in
respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated January 7, 1993).
(c)(9) -- Letter, dated July 12, 1993, from Liberty Media Corporation to the
Board of Directors of the Company (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 14 to Amendment No. 3 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast
Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation and Amendment No. 2 to
the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in respect of Common Stock
of the Company, dated July 19, 1993).
(c)(10) -- Equity Compensation Agreement dated as of December 9, 1992 by and
among the Company, Barry Diller and Arrow Investments, L.P.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 15 to Amendment No. 3 to the
Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media
Corporation and Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry
Diller, in respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated July 19,
1993).
(c)(11) -- Stockholders Agreement, dated July 16, 1993, among Liberty Media
Corporation, Comcast Corporation, Barry Diller and certain
affiliates and subsidiaries of such parties (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 16 to Amendment No. 3 to the Schedule 13D
filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation and
Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in
respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated July 19, 1993).
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 15
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(c)(12) -- Preliminary term sheet for Series E Cumulative Convertible
Exchangeable Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
19 to Amendment No. 4 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast
Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation and Amendment No. 3 to
the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in respect of Common Stock
of the Company, dated September 21, 1993).
(c)(13) -- Letter agreement dated October 15, 1993, among QVC Network, Inc.,
Comcast Corporation, Liberty Media Corporation, Advance
Publications, Inc. and Cox Enterprises, Inc. (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 20 to Amendment No. 6 to the Schedule 13D
filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation and
Amendment No. 5 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in
respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated October 18, 1993).
(c)(14) -- Agreement dated October 15, 1993, among Comcast Corporation,
Liberty Media Corporation, Barry Diller, Advance Publications, Inc.
and Cox Enterprises, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21
to Amendment No. 6 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation
and Liberty Media Corporation and Amendment No. 5 to the Schedule
13D filed by Barry Diller, in respect of Common Stock of the
Company, dated October 18, 1993).
(c)(15) -- Term Sheet for Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock of QVC
Network, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 22 to Amendment
No. 6 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty
Media Corporation and Amendment No. 5 to the Schedule 13D filed by
Barry Diller, in respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated
October 18, 1993).
(c)(16) -- Letter dated November 11, 1993, from QVC Network, Inc. to Comcast
Corporation, Advance Publications, Inc. and Cox Enterprises, Inc.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 24 to Amendment No. 7 to the
Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media
Corporation and Amendment No. 6 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry
Diller, in respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated November
16, 1993).
(c)(17) -- Agreement dated November 11, 1993, between QVC Network, Inc. and
Liberty Media Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 25
to Amendment No. 7 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation
and Liberty Media Corporation and Amendment No. 6 to the Schedule
13D filed by Barry Diller, in respect of Common Stock of the
Company, dated November 16, 1993).
(c)(18) -- Memorandum of Understanding dated November 11, 1993, between
BellSouth Corporation and QVC Network, Inc. (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 26 to Amendment No. 7 to the Schedule 13D
filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation and
Amendment No. 6 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in
respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated November 16, 1993).
(c)(19) -- Understanding Among Stockholders dated November 11, 1993, among
BellSouth Corporation, Comcast Corporation, Liberty Media
Corporation and Arrow Investments, L.P. (Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 27 to Amendment No. 7 to the Schedule 13D filed by
Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation and Amendment No.
6 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in respect of Common
Stock of the Company, dated November 16, 1993).
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 16
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(c)(20) -- Agreement Among Stockholders dated November 11, 1993, among
BellSouth Corporation, Comcast Corporation, Arrow Investments,
L.P., Advance Publications, Inc. and Cox Enterprises, Inc.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 28 to Amendment No. 7 to the
Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media
Corporation and Amendment No. 6 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry
Diller, in respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated November
16, 1993).
(c)(21) -- Agreement containing Consent Order dated November 11, 1993, among
the Bureau of Competition of the Federal Trade Commission, Tele-
Communications, Inc. and Liberty Media Corporation (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 33 to Amendment No. 7 to the Schedule 13D
filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation and
Amendment No. 6 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in
respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated November 16, 1993).
(c)(22) -- Interim Agreement dated November 11, 1993, among the Federal Trade
Commission, Tele-Communications, Inc. and Liberty Media Corporation
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 34 to Amendment No. 7 to the
Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media
Corporation and Amendment No. 6 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry
Diller, in respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated November
16, 1993).
(c)(23) -- Voting Agreement dated December 22, 1993 by BellSouth Corporation,
Comcast Corporation, Cox Enterprises, Inc., Advance Publications,
Inc., and Arrow Investments, L.P. (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 35 to Amendment No. 8 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast
Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation and Amendment No. 7 to
the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in respect of Common Stock
of the Company, dated December 29, 1993).
(c)(24) -- Letter Agreement dated as of December 20, 1993 among QVC Network,
Inc., Comcast Corporation, Cox Enterprises, Inc., Advance
Publications, Inc., and BellSouth Corporation (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 36 to Amendment No. 8 to the Schedule 13D
filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation and
Amendment No. 7 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in
respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated December 29, 1993).
(c)(25) -- Letter Agreement dated as of February 1, 1994, among Comcast
Corporation, Cox Enterprises, Inc., Advance Publications, Inc.,
BellSouth Corporation and QVC Network, Inc. (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 37 to Amendment No. 9 to the Schedule 13D
filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation and
Amendment No. 8 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in
respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated February 3, 1994).
(c)(26) -- Stock Option Agreement dated as of February 15, 1994, among QVC
Network, Inc., BellSouth Corporation, Cox Enterprises, Inc. and
Advance Publications, Inc. (including exhibits) (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 40 to Amendment No. 11 to the Schedule 13D
filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation and
Amendment No. 10 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in
respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated April 28, 1994).
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 17
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(c)(27) -- Acknowledgement and Agreement dated as of February 15, 1994, by
Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 41 to Amendment No. 11 to the Schedule 13D
filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation and
Amendment No. 10 to the Schedule 13D filed by Barry Diller, in
respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated April 28, 1994).
(c)(28) -- Letter Agreement dated as of February 15, 1994, among Comcast
Corporation, BellSouth Corporation, Advance Publications, Inc.,
Arrow Investments, L.P., Cox Enterprises, Inc. and Liberty Media
Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 42 to Amendment
No. 11 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation and Liberty
Media Corporation and Amendment No. 10 to the Schedule 13D filed by
Barry Diller, in respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated
April 28, 1994).
(c)(29) -- Letter Agreement dated as of February 15, 1994, among BellSouth
Corporation, Liberty Media Corporation, Comcast Corporation and
Arrow Investments, L.P. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 43 to
Amendment No. 11 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation
and Liberty Media Corporation and Amendment No. 10 to the Schedule
13D filed by Barry Diller, in respect of Common Stock of the
Company, dated April 28, 1994).
(c)(30) -- Letter dated July 12, 1994 of Comcast Corporation to Barry Diller,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of QVC, Inc. (Included in
Exhibit (a)(1) hereto).
(c)(31) -- Letter Agreement dated July 21, 1994 between Comcast Corporation
and Liberty Media Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
46 to Amendment No. 20 to the Schedule 13D filed by Comcast
Corporation, in respect of Common Stock of the Company, dated July
22, 1994).
(c)(32) -- Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 4, 1994, among
QVC, Inc., Comcast Corporation, Liberty Media Corporation and
Comcast QMerger, Inc.
(c)(33) -- Letter Agreement, dated as of August 4, 1994, among Comcast
Corporation, Liberty Media Corporation and Tele-Communications,
Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 48 to Amendment No. 21
to Schedule 13D filed by Comcast Corporation, in respect of Common
Stock of the Company, dated August 8, 1994).
(c)(34) -- Letter Agreement, dated as of August 4, 1994, among Comcast
Corporation, Arrow Investments, L.P. and Barry Diller (Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 50 to Amendment No. 21 to Schedule 13D
filed by Comcast Corporation, in respect of Common Stock of the
Company, dated August 8, 1994).
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit (a)(1)
OFFER TO PURCHASE FOR CASH
ALL OUTSTANDING SHARES OF COMMON STOCK,
SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK AND
SERIES C PREFERRED STOCK
OF
QVC, INC.
AT
$46 NET PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK AND
$460 NET PER SHARE OF PREFERRED STOCK
BY
QVC PROGRAMMING HOLDINGS, INC.
THE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS EXPIRE AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT, NEW YORK CITY TIME,
ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1994, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED.
THE OFFER IS CONDITIONED UPON, AMONG OTHER THINGS, (i) THERE BEING VALIDLY
TENDERED AND NOT WITHDRAWN PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE SHARES (THE "SHARES") OF
COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE (THE "COMMON STOCK"), AND SERIES B
PREFERRED STOCK AND SERIES C PREFERRED STOCK, EACH PAR VALUE $.10 PER SHARE
(TOGETHER, THE "PREFERRED STOCK") OF QVC, INC. (THE "COMPANY") WHICH, TOGETHER
WITH THE 18,883,801 FULLY DILUTED SHARES AGREED TO BE CONTRIBUTED BY COMCAST
CORPORATION ("COMCAST") AND LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION ("LIBERTY") (OR ANY
WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY THEREOF) TO QVC PROGRAMMING HOLDINGS, INC. (THE
"PURCHASER"), PURSUANT TO THE JOINT BIDDING AGREEMENT (AS DEFINED HEREIN),
REPRESENT AT LEAST A MAJORITY OF THE OUTSTANDING SHARES OF COMMON STOCK,
CALCULATED ON A FULLY DILUTED BASIS AND (ii) THE PURCHASER HAVING OBTAINED
SUFFICIENT FINANCING ON TERMS SATISFACTORY TO IT TO PURCHASE ALL OF THE
OUTSTANDING SHARES PURSUANT TO THE OFFER, CONSUMMATE THE MERGER (AS DESCRIBED
HEREIN) AND PAY RELATED FEES AND EXPENSES. SEE "THE TENDER OFFER -- 10. CERTAIN
CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER".
------------------------
THIS TRANSACTION HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE FAIRNESS OR MERITS OF
SUCH TRANSACTION NOR UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED
IN THIS DOCUMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS UNLAWFUL.
------------------------
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY (OTHER THAN DIRECTORS AFFILIATED WITH
COMCAST) HAS UNANIMOUSLY DETERMINED THAT THE OFFER AND THE MERGER DESCRIBED
HEREIN ARE FAIR TO AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE COMPANY'S STOCKHOLDERS
(OTHER THAN COMCAST AND LIBERTY AND THEIR AFFILIATES) AND APPROVED THE OFFER AND
THE MERGER, AND RECOMMENDS THAT THE COMPANY'S STOCKHOLDERS ACCEPT THE OFFER AND
APPROVE THE MERGER.
------------------------
IMPORTANT
Any stockholder desiring to tender Shares should either (1) complete and
sign the Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof) in accordance with the
instructions in the Letter of Transmittal and deliver it with the certificate(s)
representing tendered Shares and all other required documents to the Depositary
or tender such Shares pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer set
forth in "The Tender Offer -- 3. Procedures for Tendering Shares" or (2) request
his or her broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee to
effect the transaction for him or her. A stockholder having Shares registered in
the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee
must contact such person if he or she desires to tender such Shares.
Any stockholder who desires to tender Shares and whose certificates
representing such Shares are not immediately available or who cannot comply with
the procedures for book-entry transfer on a timely basis may tender such Shares
pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedure set forth in "The Tender
Offer -- 3. Procedures for Tendering Shares".
Questions and requests for assistance or additional copies of this Offer to
Purchase and the Letter of Transmittal may be directed to the Information Agent
or the Dealer Manager at their respective addresses and telephone numbers set
forth on the back cover of this Offer to Purchase. Additional copies of this
Offer to Purchase, the Letter of Transmittal and the Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery may also be obtained from brokers, dealers, commercial banks or trust
companies.
------------------------
The Dealer Manager for the Offer is:
LAZARD FRERES & CO.
August 11, 1994
<PAGE> 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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INTRODUCTION.......................................................................... 1
SPECIAL FACTORS....................................................................... 4
Background of the Transaction....................................................... 4
Purpose of the Transaction.......................................................... 16
Fairness of the Transaction......................................................... 16
Opinions and Reports of Financial Advisors.......................................... 19
Plans for the Company After the Merger.............................................. 25
Interests of Certain Persons in the Transaction..................................... 27
The Merger Agreement................................................................ 31
Dissenters Rights................................................................... 36
Certain Tax Consequences............................................................ 39
Certain Effects of the Transaction.................................................. 39
Financing of the Transaction........................................................ 41
Certain Litigation.................................................................. 41
THE TENDER OFFER...................................................................... 42
1. Terms of the Offer.............................................................. 42
2. Acceptance for Payment and Payment.............................................. 42
3. Procedure for Tendering Shares.................................................. 43
4. Withdrawal Rights............................................................... 45
5. Price Range of Shares; Dividends................................................ 46
6. Certain Information Concerning the Company...................................... 47
7. Certain Information Concerning the Purchaser and Parent Purchasers.............. 49
8. Dividends and Distributions..................................................... 53
9. Extension of Tender Period; Termination; Amendment.............................. 54
10. Certain Conditions of the Offer................................................. 55
11. Certain Legal Matters; Regulatory Approvals..................................... 56
12. Fees and Expenses............................................................... 58
13. Miscellaneous................................................................... 59
Schedule I -- Certain Information Regarding the Directors and Executive Officers of the
Company
Schedule II -- Certain Information Regarding the Directors and Executive Officers of the
Purchaser and the Parent Purchasers
Schedule III -- Certain Information Regarding the Purchaser Designees
Annex A -- Opinion of Allen & Company Incorporated
Annex B -- Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation Law
Annex C -- Certain Financial Statements of the Company
</TABLE>
i
<PAGE> 3
To the Holders of Common Stock,
Series B Preferred Stock and
Series C Preferred Stock of
QVC, Inc.:
INTRODUCTION
QVC Programming Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser") to
be wholly owned by Comcast Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation ("Comcast"),
and Liberty Media Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Liberty" and, together
with Comcast, the "Parent Purchasers") and a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Tele-Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("TCI"), hereby offers to
purchase all outstanding shares (the "Shares") of Common Stock, $.01 par value
per share (the "Common Stock"), and Series B Preferred Stock and Series C
Preferred Stock, each par value $.10 per share (together, the "Preferred Stock")
of QVC, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company") at $46 per share of Common
Stock and $460 per share of Preferred Stock, net to the seller in cash, without
interest thereon, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this
Offer to Purchase and in the related Letter of Transmittal (which together
constitute the "Offer"). Tendering stockholders will not be obligated to pay
brokerage fees or commissions or, except as set forth in Instruction 6 of the
Letter of Transmittal, stock transfer taxes on the purchase of Shares pursuant
to the Offer. The Purchaser will pay all charges and expenses of Lazard Freres &
Co. (in such capacity, the "Dealer Manager"), The Bank of New York (the
"Depositary") and D.F. King & Co., Inc. (the "Information Agent") incurred in
connection with the Offer.
THE OFFER IS CONDITIONED UPON, AMONG OTHER THINGS, (i) THERE BEING VALIDLY
TENDERED (AS HEREINAFTER DEFINED) AND NOT WITHDRAWN PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE
(AS DEFINED HEREIN) SHARES WHICH, TOGETHER WITH THE 18,883,801 FULLY DILUTED
SHARES AGREED TO BE CONTRIBUTED BY THE PARENT PURCHASERS (OR ANY WHOLLY-OWNED
SUBSIDIARY THEREOF) TO THE PURCHASER PURSUANT TO THE JOINT BIDDING AGREEMENT
DESCRIBED BELOW, REPRESENT AT LEAST A MAJORITY OF THE OUTSTANDING SHARES OF
COMMON STOCK, ON A FULLY DILUTED BASIS (THE "MINIMUM TENDER CONDITION") AND (ii)
THE PURCHASER HAVING OBTAINED SUFFICIENT FINANCING ON TERMS SATISFACTORY TO IT
TO PURCHASE ALL OF THE OUTSTANDING SHARES PURSUANT TO THE OFFER, CONSUMMATE THE
MERGER AND PAY RELATED FEES AND EXPENSES (THE "FINANCING CONDITION"). SEE "THE
TENDER OFFER -- 10. CERTAIN CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER".
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY (THE "BOARD") (OTHER THAN DIRECTORS
AFFILIATED WITH COMCAST) HAS UNANIMOUSLY DETERMINED THAT THE OFFER AND THE
MERGER DESCRIBED HEREIN ARE FAIR TO AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE COMPANY'S
STOCKHOLDERS (OTHER THAN THE PARENT PURCHASERS AND THEIR AFFILIATES) AND
APPROVED THE OFFER AND THE MERGER AND RECOMMENDS THAT THE COMPANY'S STOCKHOLDERS
ACCEPT THE OFFER AND APPROVE THE MERGER.
ALLEN & COMPANY INCORPORATED ("ALLEN & COMPANY" OR "ALLEN"), FINANCIAL
ADVISOR TO THE COMPANY, HAS DELIVERED AN OPINION TO THE BOARD TO THE EFFECT THAT
THE CONSIDERATION TO BE RECEIVED BY THE STOCKHOLDERS (OTHER THAN THE PARENT
PURCHASERS) OF THE COMPANY IN THE OFFER AND MERGER DESCRIBED HEREIN IS FAIR TO
SUCH STOCKHOLDERS FROM A FINANCIAL POINT OF VIEW. SEE "SPECIAL
FACTORS -- OPINIONS AND REPORTS OF FINANCIAL ADVISORS".
The Offer is being made pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated
as of August 4, 1994 (the "Merger Agreement") among the Company, the Parent
Purchasers and the Purchaser. The Merger Agreement provides, among other things,
that as promptly as practicable (but not before October 21, 1994) after the
satisfaction or, if permissible, waiver of the conditions set forth therein,
including the purchase of Shares pursuant to the Offer, a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Purchaser ("MergerCo") will be merged with
<PAGE> 4
and into the Company (the "Merger" and, together with the Offer, the
"Transaction"), with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation (the
"Surviving Corporation"). Pursuant to the Merger, each outstanding Share (other
than Shares held in the treasury of the Company or any wholly-owned subsidiary
thereof or owned by the Purchaser and MergerCo or any of its subsidiaries or
Shares held by Remaining Stockholders (as defined below) exercising appraisal
rights) will be converted into a right to receive $46 (in the case of shares of
Common Stock) or $460 (in the case of shares of Preferred Stock) in cash or any
higher price that may be paid per share of Common Stock or Preferred Stock, as
the case may be, in the Offer, without interest. See "Special Factors -- The
Merger Agreement".
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "GCL"), if the Purchaser
owns, following the contribution of 18,833,801 Fully Diluted Shares by the
Parent Purchasers to the Purchaser pursuant to the Joint Bidding Agreement
described below under "Special Factors -- Background" (the "Parent
Contribution") and the consummation of the Offer (or through other purchases
thereafter), at least 90% of the outstanding shares of each class of stock of
the Company, the Purchaser would be able to (and pursuant to the Merger
Agreement has agreed that it will) approve a merger of the Company without a
vote of the Board or other stockholders. Otherwise, under the GCL and the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation, a merger of the Company would require
the approval of the Board and the holders of Shares representing a majority of
the votes entitled to be cast. The Company's Board of Directors has approved the
Merger. If the Purchaser owns, following the Parent Contribution and the
consummation of the Offer or otherwise, Shares representing at least a majority
of the total number of Fully Diluted Shares (as defined below), the Purchaser
would have sufficient voting power to (and pursuant to the Merger Agreement has
agreed that it will) approve a merger of the Company without the affirmative
vote of any other stockholder of the Company. Such actions could, under the GCL
and the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, be taken by written consent
without a meeting and without a vote of the other stockholders of the Company.
As used in this Offer to Purchase, the term "Fully Diluted Shares" means Shares
of Common Stock assuming conversion of all securities convertible into Common
Stock and exercise of all options or warrants to purchase Common Stock, but
excludes options to purchase an aggregate of 14,294,600 shares of Common Stock
held by Bellsouth Corporation ("Bellsouth"), Advance Publications, Inc.
("Advance") and Cox Enterprises, Inc. ("Cox") exercisable at $60 per share.
According to the Company, as of June 30, 1994, there were outstanding
40,226,197 shares of Common Stock, employee stock options ("Options") to
purchase 8,194,650 shares of Common Stock, warrants to purchase 1,700,000 shares
of Common Stock and 558,673 shares of Preferred Stock. Each share of Preferred
Stock is convertible into 10 shares of Common Stock and entitles the holder
thereof to one vote per share, together with holders of Common Stock, on all
matters requiring a vote of stockholders (other than the election of two
directors elected by holders of Common Stock).
Based upon the foregoing, the Purchaser believes that as of June 30, 1994,
there were outstanding approximately 55,707,577 Fully Diluted Shares. Subsequent
to the Parent Contribution, the Purchaser will beneficially own 18,833,801 Fully
Diluted Shares. Accordingly, the Purchaser believes that the Minimum Tender
Condition will be satisfied if approximately 8,969,988 shares of Common Stock
are validly tendered pursuant to the Offer and not withdrawn prior to Expiration
Date.
According to the Company, as of July 31, 1994, all executive officers and
directors of the Company as a group beneficially owned 1,126,838 shares of
Common Stock and held Options that were exercisable presently or within the next
60 days to purchase 3,590,666 shares of Common Stock, together representing 8.5%
of the Fully Diluted Shares. The Purchaser has been advised by the Company that,
to the best of the Company's knowledge, all of the Company's executive officers
and directors not affiliated with Comcast, other than those individuals, if any,
for whom the tender of Shares would cause them to incur liability under the
provisions of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "Exchange Act"), currently intend to tender all Shares owned by them
pursuant to the Offer. See "Special Factors -- Interests of Certain Persons in
the Transaction." In addition, pursuant to the Stockholder Letter Agreement
described below under "Special Factors -- Background," Mr. Barry Diller,
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, has agreed,
subject to certain conditions, to tender 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock owned
by him pursuant to the Offer, and, if requested by Comcast and upon satisfaction
of certain additional
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conditions, to exercise Options to purchase 3,000,000 shares of Common Stock
held by him and to tender such 3,000,000 shares pursuant to the Offer.
As of August 8, 1994, all executive officers and directors of Comcast and
TCI (Comcast and TCI, together the "Joint Bidders") as a group beneficially
owned 34,025 shares of Common Stock (and such executive officers and directors
have advised the Purchaser that they will tender all Shares owned by them
pursuant to the Offer). In addition, TCI beneficially owns 332,772 Fully Diluted
Shares, or 0.6% of the Fully Diluted Shares, which Shares are in addition to the
Shares Liberty has agreed to contribute to Purchaser in the Parent Contribution.
TCI has advised the Purchaser that it will tender its Shares pursuant to the
Offer or, if TCI, Liberty and Comcast mutually agree, to contribute a portion of
such Shares to the Purchaser in lieu of the cash contribution required by
Liberty pursuant to the Joint Bidding Agreement (as defined herein).
The total amount of funds required by the Purchaser to purchase all of the
Fully Diluted Shares pursuant to the Offer and to pay related fees and expenses
is estimated to be $1.42 billion. See "Special Factors -- Financing the
Transaction".
The information contained in this Offer to Purchase concerning the Company,
including, without limitation, financial information and information about the
deliberations of the Board in connection with the Transaction and the opinion of
Allen & Company, the Company's financial advisor, was supplied by the Company.
None of the Joint Bidders or any of their affiliates takes any responsibility
for the accuracy of such information.
Stockholders are urged to read this Offer to Purchase and the related
Letter of Transmittal carefully before deciding whether to tender their Shares.
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SPECIAL FACTORS
BACKGROUND OF THE TRANSACTION
Prior to December 1, 1992, Comcast, which was a founding stockholder of the
Company, and Liberty were two of the largest stockholders of the Company with
each having two representatives on the Board.
On December 1, 1992, Comcast and Liberty formed a group (the
"Comcast-Liberty Group") and entered into an agreement (the "Participation
Agreement") setting forth their collective plans and proposals with respect to
the Company. Following the formation of the Comcast-Liberty Group, Comcast and
Liberty collectively owned approximately 53% of the outstanding Common Stock
(assuming the exercise and/or conversion of certain warrants and Preferred Stock
held by Liberty and Comcast). At such time, representatives of the
Comcast-Liberty Group met with the Board to discuss its plans and presented to
the Company its proposal to obtain majority representation on the Board in order
to effectuate an orderly change of control. At its regularly scheduled meeting
on December 7, 1992, the Board decided not to take any action with respect to
such proposal other than to agree to continue its consideration.
The Participation Agreement provided, among other things, that Comcast and
Liberty would seek to obtain majority representation on the Board through such
methods as they would mutually agree. If necessary, each of Comcast and Liberty
would, subject to the expiration of any applicable waiting periods and receipt
of any necessary consents and approvals, convert such shares of Preferred Stock
and exercise such warrants then owned by them as would be necessary to become
the collective owners of a majority of the outstanding voting stock of the
Company. Comcast and Liberty also agreed to take such additional steps as they
would mutually agree in order to gain majority representation on the Board. Each
of Comcast and Liberty agreed to vote all shares of voting stock of the Company
beneficially owned by it in favor of the nominees to the Board proposed by the
other person, so that Comcast and Liberty would obtain equal representation on
the Board. In addition, the Participation Agreement required Comcast and Liberty
to vote all shares of voting stock of the Company beneficially owned by each of
them in such manner as they would agree in respect of matters, other than the
election of directors, presented to the stockholders.
The Participation Agreement further provided that at such time as
representatives of Comcast and Liberty constituted a majority of the Board (the
"Control Time") and all required consents, approvals and other matters had been
received, the member of the Comcast-Liberty Group (the "Greater Party") owning
the greater number of the Common Stock, Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase
shares of Common Stock (collectively, the "Company Securities") would be
required to sell, and the member of the Comcast-Liberty Group (the "Lesser
Party") owning the lesser number of the Company Securities would be required to
purchase, at any time prior to December 15, 1993, such number of the Company
Securities (the "Parity Securities") on a Common Stock equivalent basis as would
be required to equalize the Lesser Party's equity ownership in the Company with
that of the Greater Party on a Common Stock equivalent basis. In the event that
the Lesser Party received all required consents, approvals and other matters,
but the Control Time had not occurred by December 15, 1993, then during the
period between December 15 and December 31, 1993 the Lesser Party would be
entitled to require the Greater Party to sell the Parity Securities to it and
the Greater Party would have the right to require the Lesser Party to purchase
such Parity Securities from it. The purchase price of any Parity Securities
would be $22 per share of Common Stock equivalent (less any exercise price in
the case of warrants), plus interest thereon at the "prime rate" as determined
from time to time by The Bank of New York from the date of the Participation
Agreement until the closing date of the purchase of the Parity Securities.
On December 9, 1992, representatives of the Comcast-Liberty Group met with
members of the Executive Committee of the Board and discussed the terms of a
proposed summary term sheet (the "Summary Term Sheet"), pursuant to which, among
other things, (i) Barry Diller would purchase a significant equity position in
the Company from Liberty, Mr. Joseph M. Segel and Mr. Segel's wife, and would
replace Mr. Segel as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company, (ii) Comcast, Liberty and Mr. Diller (collectively, the "Group") would
enter into a stockholders agreement pursuant to which Comcast, Liberty and Mr.
Diller would agree to act together with respect to purchases, dispositions and
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voting of the Company Securities and (iii) the Company would grant to Mr.
Diller, subject to his entering into an employment arrangement with the Company,
160,000 shares of Common Stock and options to purchase an additional 6,000,000
shares of Common Stock. Later that day, each of the Executive Committee and the
Compensation Committee of the Board, as well as the Board, unanimously approved
the terms of the Summary Term Sheet applicable to the Company as well as the
formation of the Group by Comcast, Liberty and Barry Diller.
The members of the Group agreed in principle to the terms outlined in the
Summary Term Sheet for the purpose of effecting an orderly change in control of
the Company and believed that by obtaining majority representation on the Board,
coupled with Mr. Diller's leadership in the roles of Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer of the Company, the Group would be able to control the
future direction of the Company and the scope of its business in such a way as
to maximize the value of the Company for the benefit of all of its stockholders.
At that time, the members of the Group believed that their objectives of
expanding the Company's existing lines of business, exploring new lines of
business, taking fuller advantage of emerging new technologies in the cable
television industry, and exploring the possibility of increasing the Company's
leverage in order to provide additional funds to improve and expand present
services, for the possible acquisition of other programming businesses in the
cable television industry and in order to effect a possible recapitalization of
the Company, would enhance the value of the Company to its stockholders.
In the Summary Term Sheet the parties agreed in principle that all voting
securities of the Company held by the Group would be voted for the election of
directors approved by each member of the Group (with each such member being
entitled to designate an equal number of persons to the Board) and otherwise in
the manner agreed to by at least two of the three members of the Group. In
addition, the Summary Term Sheet provided that, at any time between December 9,
1994 and December 9, 1997, but following the exercise of certain of his options,
Mr. Diller would be entitled to purchase shares of Common Stock from each of
Comcast and Liberty required to equalize his ownership of Common Stock on a
fully diluted basis with that of each of Comcast and Liberty at a price per
Share equal to the then current exercise price for certain of his options which
had exercise prices which increased over time (options for such shares being
referred to as the "Scaled Options"). As described below, the Summary Term Sheet
was later superseded by the Compensation Agreement (as defined herein) and the
Stockholders Agreement (as defined herein).
Pursuant to agreements entered into on December 9, 1992, Mr. Diller
purchased an aggregate of 420,000 shares of Common Stock from Mr. Segel and his
wife for an aggregate purchase price of $12.6 million in cash and, following
expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust
Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR Act") applicable to such
purchase, on January 15, 1993, he purchased, through Arrow Investments, L.P., a
limited partnership indirectly controlled by Mr. Diller through Arrow
Investments, Inc. ("Arrow"), an additional 420,000 shares of Common Stock from
Liberty for $12.6 million in cash.
On December 23, 1992, the Company extended an offer to all of the holders
(the "Warrantholders") of warrants (the "Warrants") to purchase Common Shares to
convert any or all of the Company's 9,479,913 outstanding Warrants into Shares.
Pursuant to the terms of such offer, the Company offered, at the Warrantholder's
election, (i) to issue to the Warrantholder, in exchange for the Warrantholder's
Warrants, Common Shares with an aggregate value (each share being valued at
$37.75 per share, representing a market based average stock price at such time
(the "Conversion Price")) equal to the difference between the Conversion Price
and the price at which the Warrants were exercisable (the "Exercise Price"),
multiplied by the number of Common Shares into which the Warrants were
exercisable, or (ii) if the Warrantholder elected to exercise its Warrants by
making payment of the Exercise Price in cash and delivery of the Warrant
certificate, to issue the number of Common Shares into which such Warrants were
exercisable and to repurchase from the Warrantholder, at the Conversion Price,
all of the Common Shares that could be purchased using all of the proceeds of
the payment by the Warrantholder of the Exercise Price. In connection with an
election described in (ii) above, the Company also offered to accept payment of
the Exercise Price in Common Shares valued at the Conversion Price. As a result
of acceptance of such offer by Liberty Media and its affiliates, the Company
issued 2,475,434 Common Shares to Liberty Media and its affiliates upon the
exercise or exchange of Warrants to purchase 3,903,764 Common Shares.]
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<PAGE> 8
As contemplated by the Summary Term Sheet, on January 18, 1993, Mr. Diller
became Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. In
connection with Mr. Diller's serving in these positions, the Company entered
into an Equity Compensation Agreement, dated as of December 9, 1992 (the
"Compensation Agreement"), with Mr. Diller and Arrow, under which Mr. Diller was
granted 160,000 shares of Common Stock and options to purchase an additional
6,000,000 shares of Common Stock. One-half of the options became exercisable on
December 9, 1993, and the remaining options will become exercisable on December
9, 1994. The exercisability of the options can be accelerated in the event of
(1) the termination of Mr. Diller's employment with the Company as a result of
death or disability, (2) the termination of Mr. Diller's employment with the
Company other than for Cause (as defined in the Compensation Agreement) or (3)
Mr. Diller's voluntary termination of employment with the Company for Good
Reason (as defined in the Compensation Agreement). All of the options, whether
or not currently exercisable, will expire and cease to be exercisable upon the
termination of Mr. Diller's employment for Cause, or upon his voluntary
termination of employment with the Company other than for Good Reason. All of
the options have a maximum term of five years from the date of grant.
In connection with its acquisition of a controlling interest in Home
Shopping Network, Inc. ("HSN"), the Company's principal television-shopping
competitor, on December 7, 1992, Liberty filed a Premerger Notification and
Report Form with the Department of Justice (the "DOJ") and the Federal Trade
Commission (the "FTC"). Liberty subsequently received a Request for Additional
Information from the DOJ on January 6, 1993. Following compliance with such
request, the DOJ granted early termination of the waiting period under the HSR
Act on February 11, 1993. Upon closing such acquisition, Liberty also delivered
a merger proposal to the Board of Directors of HSN. This merger proposal was
withdrawn on April 9, 1993 because of the uncertainties concerning the proposed
merger. On April 19, 1993, Liberty announced its intention to commence a cash
tender offer to purchase up to 15,000,000 shares of the common stock of HSN at a
price of $7 per share. On May 20, 1993, Liberty accepted for purchase and
purchased 16,296,602 shares of the common stock of HSN tendered to it in the
tender offer. Following consummation of such tender offer, Liberty beneficially
owned approximately 40% of the outstanding equity securities of HSN, which
shares represented in excess of 70% of the outstanding voting power of HSN.
On July 12, 1993, the Company made a proposal to HSN to combine HSN and the
Company in a stock-for-stock transaction (the "HSN Proposal"). In connection
with the proposed combination of HSN and the Company, the Company filed a
Premerger Notification and Report Form with the DOJ and the FTC. On September 8,
1993, the FTC issued Requests for Additional Information regarding the proposed
combination. In connection with the HSN Proposal, Liberty indicated that it
would support the Company's proposed transaction with HSN.
As contemplated by the Summary Term Sheet, Comcast, Liberty, Arrow and
certain affiliates and subsidiaries of such parties (the "Parties") entered into
a Stockholders Agreement, dated as of July 16, 1993 (the "Stockholders
Agreement"), which superseded, with limited exceptions, specified therein, the
Participation Agreement and the Summary Term Sheet. The Stockholders Agreement
provided that all securities of the Company (or, if the HSN Proposal were
consummated, all HSN securities) held by the Parties would be subject to the
Stockholders Agreement, which would govern the manner of all dispositions,
acquisitions and voting of Company Securities by the Parties. Such agreement
provided, among other things, that (i) the Parties would have to hold certain
minimum amounts of the outstanding voting stock (as defined therein) in order to
maintain certain rights under the Stockholders Agreement (which provision would
not apply to Mr. Diller so long as he was Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company), (ii) all voting stock held by the Parties
would be voted for the election of a slate of directors approved by the Parties
(with each Party entitled to designate an equal number of directors (such
directors being referred to as the "Stockholder Designees")) and (iii) each
Party would use such Party's reasonable best efforts to come to agreement with
the other Parties as to the voting of all voting stock on all matters presented
to the Company's stockholders and to vote or to use its reasonable best efforts
to cause each Stockholder Designee to cast his vote on all matters presented to
the Board in accordance with such agreement, subject, with respect to director
action, to director's fiduciary duties to the Company's stockholders; otherwise
each Party would vote in the manner agreed to by at least two of the three
Parties; provided, however, that (i) if there were only two
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<PAGE> 9
Eligible Stockholders (as defined therein) and they could not reach a unanimous
decision, each Party would be entitled to vote in the manner it chose and (ii)
if there was only one Eligible Stockholder, all Parties would be bound to vote
all Company Securities as instructed by such Eligible Stockholder.
Following an announcement of the entering into a merger agreement by Viacom
Inc. ("Viacom") and Paramount Communications, Inc., then a publicly-held
Delaware corporation ("Paramount"), on September 20, 1993 the Company delivered
a proposal to Paramount to combine the Company and Paramount (the "Paramount
Combination") in a merger in which each share of Paramount's outstanding common
stock would be converted into the right to receive $30 in cash and .893 shares
of the Company's Common Stock. The Paramount Combination was subject to the
negotiation and execution of a definitive merger agreement between the Company
and Paramount, the approval of the stockholders of the Company and Paramount and
the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals.
In light of the proposed Paramount Combination, the Company requested the
Independent Committee of HSN's Board of Directors formed to evaluate the HSN
Proposal to expand the scope of its evaluation to take into account the
Paramount Combination.
On October 27, 1993, following unsuccessful efforts to negotiate with
Paramount regarding the Paramount Combination, the Company made a cash tender
offer (with Comcast and Liberty as co-bidders with the Company) (the "Paramount
Offer") at $80 per share for 50.1% of the outstanding common shares of
Paramount. This tender offer was amended several times during the pendency of a
competing tender offer by Viacom for Paramount in connection with their previous
merger agreement. In the last round of the bidding, on February 1, 1994, the
Company amended the Paramount Offer to increase the cash price per share
proposed to be paid in the Paramount Offer to $104. Under the terms of the
Company's final amendment to the Paramount Offer, the Company offered
approximately $6.4 billion in cash for 61.7 million Paramount common shares with
the balance of the Paramount securities to be acquired with a combination of the
Company's securities. The Paramount Offer was to have been funded through a
$3.25 billion bank loan commitment and purchases of the Company's securities for
$1.5 billion by BellSouth and $0.5 billion by each of Advance, Cox and Comcast.
In accordance with the bidding procedure agreed to by Paramount, the Company and
Viacom on February 15, 1994, the then current expiration date of the Paramount
Offer and Viacom's offer, the Company learned that Viacom had received tenders
for a majority of the Paramount shares in satisfaction of the minimum condition
in its tender offer. Accordingly, on such date the Company terminated the
Paramount Offer. The costs incurred by the Company in connection with the
Paramount Combination and the Paramount Offer, comprised principally of bank
fees and legal and advisory fees, totaled $34.8 million which were expenses in
the fourth quarter of 1993. The $3.25 billion bank loan commitment expired on
February 15, 1994 upon the termination of the Paramount Offer.
On November 5, 1993, the Company announced that HSN and the Company had
agreed to terminate negotiations on the proposed merger of HSN and the Company.
On that day, the Company withdrew its Premerger Notification and Report Form
with respect to the proposed merger with HSN, without having complied with the
Request for Additional Information which has been issued by the FTC on September
8, 1993.
In connection with the contemplated financing of the Company's proposed
acquisition of Paramount, the Company and BellSouth entered into a Memorandum of
Understanding, dated as of November 11, 1993 (the "Memorandum of
Understanding"), pursuant to which, among other things, if the Company's efforts
to acquire Paramount were terminated or abandoned, BellSouth would have an
option to purchase directly from the Company, during the six-month period
following such termination or abandonment, 8,627,934 shares of Common Stock at
$60 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $517,676,040. The Company also
entered into a Commitment Letter, dated November 11, 1993 (the "Commitment
Letter"), with Comcast, Cox and Advance, pursuant to which, among other things,
each of Cox and Advance would be entitled to purchase 2,833,333 shares of Common
Stock at $60 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $170,000,000 which
right was exercisable at any time until six months after the Company terminated
or abandoned its interest in pursuing the acquisition of Paramount.
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In connection with the Paramount Offer, each of Liberty, Comcast, Arrow,
Cox, Advance and BellSouth entered into an Agreement Among Stockholders dated as
of November 11, 1993 (the "Agreement Among Stockholders"), pursuant to which
each agreed to vote all shares of Company voting securities held, if any, in
favor of the issuance of Company securities as contemplated by the Commitment
Letter and the Memorandum of Understanding and in favor of a merger with
Paramount as contemplated by the Paramount Offer.
In connection with the Paramount Offer, on October 22, 1993 the Company
filed a Premerger Notification and Report Form with the DOJ and the FTC. On
November 5, 1993, the FTC, pursuant to the HSR Act, issued Requests for
Additional Information, relevant to the proposed purchase of Paramount shares
pursuant to the Paramount Offer to each of the Company and five directors of the
Company, namely Barry Diller, John C. Malone (an officer and director of
Liberty), Peter R. Barton (also an officer and director of Liberty), Ralph J.
Roberts and Brian L. Roberts (each an officer and director of Comcast).
Following certain discussions between representatives of the Company, Liberty,
and TCI, and the staff of the FTC, on November 11, 1993 Liberty and TCI entered
into an Agreement Containing Consent Order (the "Consent Order") with the staff
of the Bureau of Competition of the FTC and an Interim Agreement (the "Interim
Agreement") relating thereto with the General Counsel of the FTC. Pursuant to
the Interim Agreement, on November 15, 1993, the waiting period under the HSR
Act was terminated.
The Consent Order contemplated that, if the Company consummated the
Paramount acquisition, Liberty and TCI would divest all of their ownership
interests in the Company within eighteen months of the date the Consent Order
became final. Pursuant to the Consent Order, Liberty and TCI agreed that if the
Paramount acquisition were consummated they would not, until such divestiture
was completed, enter into any agreements with the Company or Paramount that
grant Liberty or TCI any exclusive rights to exhibit recently released
theatrical motion pictures after Paramount's then current contract with Time
Warner Inc. or Home Box Office, Inc. terminates.
Pursuant to the Consent Order, if the Paramount acquisition had been
consummated, for a period beginning on the date the Consent Order became final
and ending three years after such divestiture of Liberty's and TCI's interests
in the Company was completed, Liberty and TCI would not have been permitted to
acquire, without prior FTC approval, any equity interest in, or assets in excess
of specified values of, the Company, Paramount or certain other entities.
Because the Company later terminated its efforts to acquire Paramount, Liberty
and TCI generally were not obligated to comply with the terms of the Consent
Order.
The Interim Agreement provided that until certain events specified therein
occurred, TCI would not (a) exercise direction of or control over, directly or
indirectly, the operations or management of the Company or Paramount, (b)
exercise any voting rights or agreements, directly or indirectly, pursuant to
Liberty's ownership in the Company or (c) participate in any change in the
composition of the management of the Company or Paramount; provided, however,
that Liberty and TCI could vote their ownership interests in the Company in
favor of the acquisition of Paramount and the transactions providing financing
by entities other than Liberty and TCI for such acquisition. Liberty and TCI
also agreed that (a) the officers, directors or employees of Liberty or TCI who
were then members of the boards of directors of the Company or Paramount would
resign such membership, and (b) no officer, director, or employee of Liberty or
TCI would serve on such boards until the first to occur of the specified events
described in the previous sentence. Effective November 11, 1993, Liberty's
representatives on the Board, John Malone and Peter Barton, resigned their
positions.
On November 11, 1993, Liberty and the Company entered into an agreement,
acknowledged and agreed to by TCI (the "Liberty-QVC Agreement"), pursuant to
which, if the Paramount acquisition had been consummated, Liberty would have had
the right to require the Company to purchase up to the equivalent of all Company
Securities held by Liberty (the "Current Shares") and any Liberty Related Entity
(as defined in the Liberty-QVC Agreement) that so elected (other than shares to
be sold to Comcast and Arrow pursuant to their parity rights under the
Stockholders Agreement and the Liberty-QVC Agreement) for $60 per share of
Common Stock equivalent in cash. The Company had the option, in lieu of paying
$60 per share, to require Liberty to sell the shares to a third party in a
manner reasonably acceptable to each of Liberty and the Company, in which case
the Company would have been obligated to reimburse Liberty in cash to the extent
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<PAGE> 11
that Liberty received aggregate net proceeds in such sale averaging less than
$60 per share of Common Stock equivalent.
Pursuant to the Liberty-QVC Agreement, Liberty no longer had any rights or
obligations under or was otherwise subject to any of the terms of the
Stockholders Agreement, except with respect to the parity rights of Comcast and
Arrow Investments as were provided in the Liberty-QVC Agreement and the
Stockholders Agreement. In connection with the Company's termination of the
Paramount Offer on February 15, 1994 and withdrawal of the HSR filing with
respect thereto, under the Liberty-QVC Agreement, Liberty had the right,
exercisable within ninety days of the termination, to be reinstated as a party
to the Stockholders Agreement, subject to and in accordance with the terms
thereof as in effect on November 11, 1993 and as altered by the Agreement Among
Stockholders and Understanding Among Stockholders (as defined below) and the
Memorandum of Understanding.
In accordance with the Liberty-QVC Agreement, Comcast purchased from
Liberty 1,690,041 shares of Common Stock at an average price per share of
$18.615, in settlement of its rights to purchase Parity Securities under the
Participation Agreement and the Stockholders Agreement.
In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding and the Commitment
Letter, the Company, BellSouth, Advance and Cox entered into a Stock Option
Agreement, dated as of February 15, 1994 (the "Stock Option Agreement"),
pursuant to which the Company granted to BellSouth, Cox and Advance the
above-described options to purchase shares of Common Stock. These options became
exercisable on the date of the Company's public announcement of termination of
the tender offer for Paramount (February 15, 1994) and will terminate, if not
exercised, on August 15, 1994.
Additionally, under the Stock Option Agreement, BellSouth agreed that if it
purchases shares of Common Stock pursuant thereto, it will become a party to the
Stockholders Agreement in accordance with the terms of the Understanding Among
Stockholders, dated as of November 11, 1993, among BellSouth, Liberty, Comcast
and Arrow (the "Understanding Among Stockholders"). Pursuant to the Stock Option
Agreement, the Company agreed that if BellSouth becomes a party to the
Stockholders Agreement, so long as Comcast, Arrow or BellSouth remains an
Eligible Stockholder (as defined in the Stockholders Agreement), the Company
will not take any action to (i) block or prevent open market purchases by such
Eligible Stockholder of shares of Common Stock so long as such entity's total
fully diluted voting power of the Company does not exceed 35% of the fully
diluted outstanding voting power of the Company or (ii) discriminate against
such Eligible Stockholder or deprive BellSouth, Comcast or Arrow of full rights
as a stockholder of the Company.
Contemporaneously with the execution of the Stock Option Agreement, Comcast
and Liberty entered into an Acknowledgement and Agreement dated as of February
15, 1994, pursuant to which Comcast and Liberty acknowledged and agreed to the
foregoing provisions of the Stock Option Agreement and further agreed that such
provisions modified and replaced the $500 million stock option provisions of the
Memorandum of Understanding.
Comcast, Liberty, BellSouth, Advance, Arrow and Cox also entered into a
Letter Agreement dated as of February 15, 1994, pursuant to which the parties
agreed that the Agreement Among Stockholders (whereby each of them had agreed to
vote all of their voting shares, if any, in favor of any merger with Paramount
and the issuance of securities in connection therewith) was terminated except
that (i) each of Comcast, Liberty and Arrow would be required to vote all of its
equity voting securities of the Company in favor of the issuance of the shares
of Common Stock pursuant to the Stock Option Agreement and (ii) each of Comcast,
Liberty, Arrow and BellSouth would remain bound by the provision of the
Agreement Among Stockholders acknowledging the Liberty-QVC Agreement.
Copies of the Participation Agreement, the Summary Term Sheet, the
Compensation Agreement, the Stockholders Agreement, the Memorandum of
Understanding, the Commitment Letter, the Agreement Among Stockholders, the
Consent Order, the Interim Agreement, the Liberty-QVC Agreement, the Stock
Option Agreement, the Understanding Among Stockholders and the Acknowledgement
and Agreement have
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been previously filed as exhibits to and described in reports on Schedule 13D
relating to securities of the Company by Barry Diller, Comcast and/or Liberty.
On May 19, 1994, Liberty filed an amendment to its Report on Schedule 13D
relating to its ownership of Common Stock of the Company stating, among other
things, that it no longer may be deemed part of the Group with Comcast and Barry
Diller for purposes of Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act as a result of the
expiration of the 90-day period following the termination of the Paramount
Offer, within which Liberty was entitled to elect to be reinstated as an
Eligible Stockholder under the Stockholders Agreement. Except for Mr. Diller's
options pursuant to the Liberty-QVC Agreement and the Stockholders Agreement to
purchase from Liberty the equivalent of 1,627,934 shares of Common Stock,
Liberty stated that it no longer has any contract, agreement or understanding
with Comcast or Mr. Diller with respect to the disposition or voting of the
outstanding equity securities of the Company.
In April 1994, Mr. Diller informed Ralph J. Roberts, Chairman of the Board
of Directors of Comcast, and Brian L. Roberts, President of Comcast, that the
Company was exploring the possibility of acquiring CBS, Inc. ("CBS"). Comcast
retained Lazard Freres & Co. ("Lazard") to act as its financial advisor in
connection with this matter. In late May, the Company, through its legal
advisors, discussed with Comcast and its financial and legal advisors a proposal
under which the Company would acquire CBS, CBS would place its Federal
Communications Commission (the "FCC") regulated, broadcast activities and
non-broadcast businesses into separate subsidiaries with Comcast having
representation on the Board of Directors of the non-broadcast subsidiary. In
addition, under this proposal certain activities of the broadcast subsidiary
would have been subject to the approval of the Board of Directors of the
non-broadcast subsidiary. After several weeks of discussions, the Company and
Comcast were unable to reach any agreement or understanding with regard to the
proposal referred to above, and Comcast advised the Company it was opposed to
any transaction with CBS that would not provide an opportunity for Comcast to
have a significant role in the future direction of the continuing entity.
On June 30, 1994, the Company and CBS announced that the companies were in
discussions regarding a proposed combination and were close to reaching an
agreement under which the Company would be merged into CBS with the shareholders
of the Company receiving a combination of voting and non-voting securities of
the combined entity (the "CBS Proposal").
In connection with the Proposed CBS Merger, Liberty and Time Warner Inc.
("Time Warner"), another significant stockholder of the Company, were asked to
sign agreements obligating them to vote in favor of the Proposed CBS Merger. In
addition, in order to comply with the Communications Act and the rules and
regulations of the FCC, it was contemplated that Liberty would accept a
proportionate amount of nonvoting securities of CBS greater than that proposed
to be provided to other QVC stockholders in exchange for its QVC Stock. As part
of the proposal, the Company was to relinquish certain rights to repurchase QVC
Stock held by Liberty and its affiliates and Liberty and TCI were to grant Mr.
Diller a proxy with respect to the voting of their stock in the combined entity
for a period of 10 years or until such earlier time as they would be permitted
to vote greater than 5% of the combined entity's securities under applicable
law.
Subsequent to the announcement, Comcast met with its financial and legal
advisors to review its position under the CBS Proposal and to discuss various
alternatives. On July 9, 1994, Ralph J. and Brian L. Roberts received copies of
the proposed merger agreement with CBS and other related agreements. Based on a
review of the draft agreements and due to certain regulatory restrictions
limiting Comcast's voting interests in the combined entity to 4.9%, and limiting
Comcast's ability to have its representatives participate on the board of
directors of the combined entity, Comcast concluded that the terms of the
proposed merger would be adverse to its interests as one of the major
shareholders of the Company.
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<PAGE> 13
On July 12, 1994, the Board of Directors of Comcast met in New York City
and considered and authorized a proposal, pursuant to which Comcast would
acquire the Company for $44 per share, consisting of $37 in cash and $7 of a new
class of Comcast convertible exchangeable preferred stock (the "Comcast
Proposal"). Late that afternoon Messrs. Ralph J. and Brian L. Roberts delivered
a letter to Mr. Diller, the text of which read as follows:
July 12, 1994
Mr. Barry Diller
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
QVC, Inc.
West Chester, PA 19380
Dear Barry:
As one of the founding shareholders of QVC, we have been strong supporters
of your efforts to grow and expand the QVC's business as it represents an
important element of our future diversification and programming strategy.
We feel that you have been a powerful and positive force at QVC and we have
supported all the initiatives you have undertaken since you first joined QVC 18
months ago. Today, in fact, QVC is a proven franchise with an outstanding track
record and a bright future.
However, as we have repeatedly expressed to you, the proposal to sell QVC
to CBS is of great concern to us as it represents a fundamental departure from
our strategic view of QVC's future. We do not believe that the CBS proposal is
in the best interests of Comcast's shareholders.
Therefore, we are proposing an acquisition of QVC by Comcast on terms far
more attractive to QVC's stockholders than the transaction proposed by CBS. For
us, a combination of Comcast and QVC makes excellent strategic sense and helps
fulfill our long-standing vision to build a strong programming capability.
Under our proposal, Comcast would acquire all of the outstanding shares of
QVC for a combination of cash and Comcast securities having a combined value of
$44 per common share, which represents a 23% premium over the July 12, 1994
closing market price of QVC's common stock.
Each outstanding share of QVC's common stock (other than shares held by
Comcast) would be converted into $37 in cash and $7 of a new series of Comcast
7.5% convertible exchangeable preferred stock, convertible into Comcast common
stock (CMCSK) at $21 per share. Comcast would have the right to substitute cash
for all or any part of the convertible shares.
All outstanding shares of QVC's preferred stock (other than shares held by
Comcast) would be treated in the merger as if such shares had been converted
into QVC common stock prior to the merger. All QVC options would either be
cashed out or rolled over into Comcast stock options on a basis that would
preserve the in-the-money value of the options.
We have been advised by The Bank of New York that they are highly confident
that they could obtain commitments from lenders for a senior credit facility in
the amount of $1,000,000,000. Comcast and its financial advisor, Lazard Freres &
Co., believe that the balance of the cash requirements are readily obtainable.
The transaction we offer QVC shareholders would be subject only to
execution of a definitive merger agreement and to our review of the same
information as that which was provided to CBS. We are prepared to enter into a
merger agreement substantially similar to the agreement proposed by CBS
(including the same representations, warranties and financing condition) except
that Comcast would not require that any breakup fees be paid to us if QVC
receives a superior acquisition proposal.
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<PAGE> 14
As a matter of good corporate governance, we feel that consideration of the
Comcast and CBS proposals should be deferred by the Board of Directors and that
the proposals should be submitted to a special committee of independent QVC
directors for their evaluation and recommendation. We believe that the committee
should have its own independent financial advisors and legal counsel. We are
prepared to move expeditiously to work with them and you to ensure that this is
an orderly and fair process.
We are confident that you will recognize that our decision confirms our
high regard for your leadership of QVC. Indeed, you have begun to build QVC into
a recognizable "brand" and have assembled a highly talented senior management
team. We would be pleased if you chose to remain as QVC's chief executive and
work with us to develop QVC to its fullest.
We look forward to sitting down with you to discuss our proposal.
Respectfully submitted,
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
/s/ Ralph /s/ Brian
----------------- -----------------
Ralph J. Roberts Brian L. Roberts
Chairman President
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 15
------------------------
On July 13, 1994, Ralph J. and Brian L. Roberts and their counsel attended
a meeting of the Board of the Company in New York City and at such meeting
discussed the Comcast proposal and the decision by CBS to terminate the CBS
Proposal. Messrs. Ralph and Brian Roberts described the terms of the Comcast
Proposal to the Board of Directors and stated that, in view of the decision by
CBS not to pursue the CBS Proposal, they were withdrawing their request for the
formation of a special committee of the Company's directors. After Messrs. Ralph
and Brian Roberts left the meeting, the remaining directors met with the
Company's legal and financial advisors to discuss the Comcast proposal and the
procedures to be followed to maximize stockholder value. Following the
conclusion of the meeting, the Company issued the following press release:
QVC, Inc. announced that in response to yesterday's merger proposal from
Comcast Corporation, the QVC Board of Directors has authorized management,
together with its advisors, to negotiate with Comcast and to explore
alternatives in order to maximize shareholder value.
Upon review of the Comcast Proposal, Liberty determined that the Comcast
Proposal would be a taxable transaction to Liberty which would result in Liberty
incurring significant tax liability in connection with the acquisition of its
Company Securities by Comcast in accordance with the Comcast Proposal. In
addition to this potential tax liability, Liberty continued to consider the
Company to be a valuable cable programming asset which was likely to increase in
value over time because of anticipated future growth in the home shopping
service area. Therefore, given the adverse tax consequences to Liberty if the
Comcast Proposal were consummated and Liberty's view that the Company Securities
were likely to continue to grow in value over time, Liberty determined that,
although the Comcast Proposal would have provided it with an immediate cash
return on its investment, the transactions contemplated by the Comcast Proposal
may not be in the best interests of Liberty and its stockholders.
Following the making of the Comcast Proposal, Liberty and Comcast began
discussions regarding various alternative transactions which would enable
Liberty to maintain a direct or indirect interest in the Company in a
transaction which would be tax-free to it or result in significantly less tax
liability to it. Representatives of Comcast and Liberty met in New York City on
July 18, 19 and 20 to negotiate the terms of a proposed joint acquisition of the
Company. On July 21, 1994, the Parent Purchasers executed a joint bidding
agreement (the "First Joint Bidding Agreement"). In the First Joint Bidding
Agreement, Liberty and Comcast agreed that Liberty would participate in the
Comcast Proposal as a joint bidder with Comcast and agree to contribute its
equity interest in the Company to one or more entities formed for the
transactions in exchange for a minority equity interest in the surviving
corporation. As a result of Liberty's agreement to participate, the
approximately $390 million which Comcast would have been required to pay to
Liberty in respect of the cash portion of the Purchase Price for its Company
Securities pursuant to the Comcast Proposal would become available to finance
the acquisition, and as a result Comcast and Liberty determined to revise the
Comcast Proposal to provide for the purchase of all shares not owned by Comcast
or Liberty at $44 per share of Common Stock.
On July 19, 1994, Comcast delivered to the Company a form of proposed
merger agreement.
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<PAGE> 16
On July 19, 1994 Comcast also met with its financial and legal advisors to
discuss alternative all-cash transactions, one in which Time Warner, a
significant stockholder of the Company, would retain a 10% interest in the
Company and one in which Time Warner would sell its entire interest in the
Company. Under the former structure, the equity interests in the Company would
be represented by Comcast (51%), Liberty (39%) and Time Warner (10%) and under
the latter structure the equity interests in the Company would be represented by
Comcast (56%) and Liberty (44%). Following a discussion of such alternatives
with Liberty, Comcast met with Time Warner to explore its interest in joining in
or otherwise supporting an acquisition of the Company by Comcast, Liberty and
Time Warner.
Pursuant to the First Joint Bidding Agreement, the Parent Purchasers agreed
to jointly acquire all outstanding equity securities of the Company at a price
of $44 in cash per share, with financing to be arranged in the future. In
connection with this offer, the Parent Purchasers agreed to make available
shares of the Company's capital stock (or rights to acquire such shares) held by
them to a mutually acceptable entity or entities for purposes of the offer. In
addition, Comcast agreed to contribute to such entity or entities an amount of
cash equal to (i) $229 million plus (ii) the amount necessary to exercise all
warrants to acquire shares of Common Stock held by Comcast (unless Comcast has
exercised such warrants prior to such contribution) to finance the purchase of
such securities. The First Joint Bidding Agreement contemplated that the Company
would be the surviving corporation in the transaction and would be owned 57.4%
by Comcast and 42.6% by Liberty.
On July 21, 1994, a representative of and legal and financial advisors for
the Parent Purchasers met with the Company's legal and financial advisors to
deliver the $44 per share all cash offer. On July 22, 1994, Comcast delivered to
the Company a revised draft of the proposed merger agreement reflecting, among
other things, the proposed joint acquisition by means of a first step tender
offer and a second step merger. From July 21, 1994 until August 3, 1994, the
Company's legal and financial advisors held discussions with the Parent
Purchasers' legal and financial advisors and indicated that the price proposed
to be paid by the Parent Purchasers was insufficient and that, unless the Parent
Purchasers offered to increase the price proposed to be paid, it was not
prepared to enter into a merger agreement at $44 per share.
On August 3, 1994, the Parent Purchasers advised the Company that they
would consider a transaction involving an increase in the consideration to be
paid to the Company's stockholders to $46 in cash per share (on a common
equivalent basis), provided, among other things, that the Company would agree to
certain limitations regarding solicitation and negotiation of alternative
transactions not involving the Parent Purchasers and would agree to pay a
break-up fee under certain circumstances, and that Mr. Diller would agree to
support the Comcast proposal and to terminate the Stockholders Agreement.
On August 4, 1994, representatives of Comcast, Liberty and TCI executed a
revised letter agreement (the "Joint Bidding Agreement"), which superseded the
First Joint Bidding Agreement in its entirety, and pursuant to the Joint Bidding
Agreement, Comcast and Liberty agreed to amend their offer to raise the offer
price from $44 per share of Common Stock to $46 per share of Common Stock and
from $440 per share of Preferred Stock to $460 per share of Preferred Stock. In
connection with this offer, the Parent Purchasers agreed to contribute to the
Purchaser their respective Company securities, consisting of an aggregate of
18,883,801 Fully Diluted Shares. Comcast also agreed to contribute to the
Purchaser an amount of cash approximately equal to (i) $267 million plus (ii)
the amount necessary to exercise all warrants to acquire shares of Common Stock
that it agreed to simultaneously contribute to the Purchaser (approximately $28
million). Liberty agreed to contribute approximately $20 million in cash to the
Purchaser. Following the Merger, Comcast and Liberty will own approximately
57.4% and 42.6%, respectively, of the Purchaser. In addition, the Parent
Purchasers agreed to work together to arrange debt financing for the remaining
cost of the acquisition and, in connection with the consummation of the Merger,
to cause the Company to waive any remaining rights it may have pursuant to the
Company Repurchase Rights (as defined in the Stockholders Agreement) under the
Stockholders Agreement and certain affiliation agreements between each of
Comcast and Liberty and the Company. The Parent Purchasers and TCI also agreed
to vote all of their respective shares of Common Stock in favor of the Merger.
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<PAGE> 17
Also on August 4, 1994, Comcast, Liberty, the Purchaser and the Company
executed the Merger Agreement.
In connection with the Offer and the Merger, Comcast, Mr. Diller and Arrow
entered into a letter agreement, dated as of August 4, 1994 (the "Stockholder
Letter Agreement"). Pursuant to the Stockholder Letter Agreement, Mr. Diller
agreed to vote, as a director of the Company, in favor of the Merger Agreement
and the transactions contemplated thereby, provided that there is not then a
bona fide transaction proposed to the Company or its stockholders which would
result in consideration to the Company's stockholders of more than $46 per share
of Common Stock (or such higher price then offered by Comcast and Liberty if
they increase the $46 per share of Common Stock price provided in the Merger
Agreement) and further subject to Mr. Diller's fiduciary obligations as a member
of the Board.
The Stockholder Letter Agreement further provides that, until the earlier
of consummation of the Merger or termination of the Merger Agreement, Mr. Diller
and certain of his affiliates (the "Arrow Group") will not (i) sell, transfer,
pledge, assign or otherwise dispose of, or agree to sell, transfer, pledge,
assign or otherwise dispose of, any equity securities of the Company or certain
options therefor (the "Arrow Options", and together with such equity securities,
the "QVC Securities") held by such parties except to tender Shares pursuant to
the Offer (provided that the Arrow Group may dispose of such securities to the
Company in order to effect a cashless exercise of options); (ii) deposit any QVC
Securities owned by them into a voting trust or grant a proxy or enter into a
voting agreement with respect to such QVC Securities; (iii) agree with any third
party to exercise any voting rights with respect to such QVC Securities, except
as described in the following two sentences; or (iv) seek or solicit any of the
foregoing, other than as permitted (as a director of the Company) under the
Merger Agreement. The Arrow Group also agreed to tender upon the request of
Comcast, pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the Offer, all shares
of Common Stock owned by it. Upon the request of Comcast, Mr. Diller agreed to
exercise all of the then exercisable options, provided that arrangements
satisfactory to Mr. Diller for the financing of the exercise and the purchase of
the Shares by Comcast will have been made.
Pursuant to the Stockholder Letter Agreement, unless each share of Common
Stock owned by the Arrow Group has been tendered pursuant to the Offer, the
Arrow Group will cause each Share that it then owns or has power to vote to be
voted (i) at the Company stockholder meeting to approve the Merger, for the
approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the Merger and (ii) against
any recapitalization, merger, business combination, or similar transaction
involving the Company unless Comcast or Liberty consents.
As provided in the Stockholder Letter Agreement, the provisions of the
preceding two paragraphs will not apply (i) upon the first to occur of (A) the
last day on which to tender into a tender or exchange offer which would result
in consideration to stockholders of the Company greater than $46 per share of
Common Stock (or such higher price then offered by Comcast and Liberty if they
increase the $46 price per share of Common Stock provided in the Merger
Agreement) (a "Superior Offer") (subject to the subsequent condition that such
Superior Offer is consummated) and (B) the fifth business day after any person
or entity has made a Superior Offer which has not been matched by Comcast and
Liberty (subject to the subsequent condition that such Superior Offer is
consummated) or (ii) to the extent it could result in any violation of or
liability under the federal securities law.
Pursuant to the Stockholder Letter Agreement, until the earlier of
consummation of the Merger or termination of the Merger Agreement, neither Mr.
Diller nor Arrow will, directly or indirectly, initiate, solicit or encourage
any person concerning the making of any proposal with respect to an Alternative
Transaction (as defined in the Merger Agreement), other than as permitted (as a
director of the Company) under the Merger Agreement.
Pursuant to the Stockholder Letter Agreement, Comcast agreed to cause the
Company and the Surviving Corporation to fulfill and completely discharge all
obligations under the Arrow Options. Comcast and Mr. Diller also agreed that (i)
upon consummation of the Offer, unless otherwise agreed to by Mr. Diller, Mr.
Diller's employment under his current compensation agreement will continue until
at least December 12, 1994, (ii) Mr. Diller may perform such services to the
Company as provided by such compensation agreement on a non-exclusive basis and
without minimum time requirements but that he will be reasonably available to
15
<PAGE> 18
facilitate the transition, (iii) the Company will continue to pay all expenses
incurred by Mr. Diller at least through December 12, 1994, on a basis consistent
with past practice, and (iv) upon termination of Mr. Diller's employment,
Comcast will cause the Company to execute for the benefit of Mr. Diller and the
Arrow Group, and, provided that Mr. Diller has been paid all amounts due in
respect of the Arrow Options and his employment (including payment of Mr.
Diller's expenses), Mr. Diller will execute for the benefit of the Company,
general releases in a form mutually agreed to by the parties.
The Stockholder Letter Agreement provides that, subject to the absence or
waiver of any inconsistent agreements, the Stockholders Agreement will terminate
without any further obligation thereunder and to release each other from any
claim of whatever nature arising out of or under the Stockholders Agreement,
provided, that if the Merger Agreement is terminated, the Stockholders Agreement
and such claims will be restored, and such termination will be of no effect,
effective as of August 4, 1994.
The Stockholder Letter Agreement will terminate automatically and
simultaneously with the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms, except
for the agreements described in the preceding paragraph which will survive any
such termination if Comcast, together with any other Party, acquires control of
a majority of the outstanding voting stock or a majority of the Board.
PURPOSE OF THE TRANSACTION
The purpose of the Offer is to acquire control of, and the entire equity
interest in, the Company. The purpose of the Merger is to acquire all
outstanding Shares not tendered and purchased pursuant to the Offer. The
acquisition of the publicly-held Shares of the Company has been structured as a
cash tender offer followed by a cash merger in order to provide a prompt and
orderly transfer of ownership of the Company from the public stockholders to the
Purchaser and to enable the unaffiliated stockholders to promptly receive the
cash payments they are entitled to receive for all of their Shares.
FAIRNESS OF THE TRANSACTION
The Company. At a meeting held on August 4, 1994, the Board, other than
Messrs. Ralph J. and Brian L. Roberts, who did not participate in the Board's
deliberations and decisions in connection with the Offer, by a unanimous vote of
such directors, approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby, including the Offer and the Merger, and determined that the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (the "Transactions"),
including the Offer and the Merger, are fair to, and in the best interests of,
the Company and its stockholders (other than Comcast, Liberty and their
affiliates).
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY (OTHER THAN THOSE DIRECTORS WHO ARE
REPRESENTATIVES OF COMCAST WHO EXPRESS NO OPINION AS TO THE FOLLOWING MATTERS)
RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS APPROVE AND ADOPT THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE
TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS
ACCEPT THE OFFER AND TENDER ALL OF THEIR SHARES PURSUANT TO THE OFFER.
Reasons for Recommendation.
Prior to reaching its conclusions, the Board received presentations from,
and reviewed the Offer and the Merger with, management of the Company as well as
the Company's financial advisor, Allen. In reaching its conclusions, the Board
considered a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the following:
(i) The Board's belief, based on its familiarity with the Company's
business, its current financial condition and results of operations and
its future prospects, and the current and anticipated developments in
the Company's industry, that the consideration to be received by the
Company's stockholders (other than Comcast, Liberty and their
affiliates) in the Offer and Merger fairly reflects the Company's
intrinsic value.
(ii) The oral and written presentations made by the Company's management
and Allen to the Board at the meeting held on August 4, 1994 as to
various financial and other considerations deemed relevant to the
Board's evaluation of the Offer and the Merger, including a review of
(A) trends in the cable programming and electronic retailing industries,
(B) the business prospects and financial
16
<PAGE> 19
condition of the Company, (C) historical business information and
financial results of the Company, (D) nonpublic financial and
operating results of the Company, (E) financial projections and the
1994 budget prepared by the Company's management, (F) information
obtained from meetings with senior management of the Company, (G) the
trading range of the Common Shares, (H) public financial information
of comparable companies in the cable programming and specialty
retailing industries, (I) public financial and transaction
information related to comparable mergers and acquisitions, and (J)
the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement and related
documents.
(iii) The opinion of Allen that the consideration to be received by the
Company's stockholders pursuant to the Merger Agreement, is fair to such
stockholders (other than Comcast and Liberty) from a financial point of
view. A copy of the written opinion of Allen to that effect, which sets
forth the matters considered, assumptions made and limits of its review,
is attached as Annex A hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.
Stockholders are urged to read the opinion carefully. In the course of
arriving at its opinion and presenting it to the Board, Allen analyzed
the terms of the Offer and Merger, the Company's historical results,
present condition and prospects, the trading history of the Common Stock
related to selected public announcements regarding the Company, the
trading history of the shares of Common Stock compared to that of
comparable companies and other market indices, the stock price and
market multiples of the shares of Common Stock compared to those of
selected cable programmers and selected specialty retailers, the
discounted cash flow value per share of the Common Stock based on
managements' financial forecast and the premiums and multiples paid in
comparable all cash and cash and stock transactions. In considering
Allen's opinion, the Board was aware that Allen will become entitled to
the fee described below in accordance with the terms of its engagement
by the Company upon consummation of the Offer.
(iv) The limited number of conditions to the Purchaser's obligation to
consummate the Offer. In this regard, the Board was aware of the fact
that in the event the Purchaser is unable to consummate the Offer at any
scheduled expiration thereof due to the fact that the waiting periods
under the HSR Act applicable to the Offer and the Merger have not
expired or been terminated, the Purchaser will not be entitled to
terminate the Offer prior to December 31, 1994, and has agreed to extend
the Offer until such time in such event. The Board also considered that
the conditions to the consummation of the Offer may not be amended in
any manner adverse to the holders of QVC Stock and no other conditions
other than those specified in Annex I to the Merger Agreement may be
imposed without the consent of the Company. The Board was also aware of
the fact that the Offer is subject to financing.
(v) The possible alternatives to a sale of the Company, including a self
tender offer for a portion of the QVC Stock or other possible
restructuring alternatives.
(vi) The provisions of the Merger Agreement relating to Alternative
Transactions (as defined therein and described under "-- The Merger
Agreement"), including the following:
(A) Although the Company is not permitted to initiate, solicit or
encourage any inquiries or the making of any proposal in connection
with an Alternative Transaction, engage in any discussions or
negotiations concerning, or provide information relating to it or
its subsidiaries for the purposes of, or otherwise facilitate or
encourage any inquiries or the making of any proposal which
constitutes, or may reasonably be expected to lead to, a proposal
to effect an Alternative Transaction, the Board of Directors of the
Company may furnish information to, and participate in negotiations
with, third parties making unsolicited requests or proposals
regarding Alternative Transactions and, following receipt of a
proposal for an Alternative Transaction, the Board may withdraw or
modify its recommendation regarding the Offer and the Merger, to
the extent it determines in good faith in accordance with, and
based upon the advice of, outside counsel that such action is
necessary or appropriate in order for the Board
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<PAGE> 20
of Directors to act in a manner that is consistent with its
fiduciary obligations under applicable law.
(B) The Company must advise Purchaser of, and communicate to Purchaser
the terms of, any such proposal it may receive or any such
inquiries that the Company receives which may be reasonably
expected to lead to a proposal and the identity of the person
making such proposal, and, thereafter, if the Company intends to
participate in discussions or negotiations or provide information
to any such person, the Company must give reasonable notice to
Purchaser and consult with Purchaser and must thereafter keep
Purchaser reasonably informed of the status and details of any such
request, Alternative Transaction, inquiry or proposal (or any
amendment to any proposal).
(C) Each of the Company and the Purchaser has the right to terminate the
Merger Agreement at any time if the Company's Board of Directors
withdraws, modifies or changes its recommendation so that it is not
in favor of the Merger Agreement, the Offer or the Merger or
resolves to do so, or if the Company's Board of Directors
recommends or resolves to recommend to stockholders an Alternative
Transaction, and upon such termination the Company must pay the
Purchaser $55,000,000, which amount is inclusive of all expenses of
the Purchaser and the Parent Purchasers.
The Board concluded that, as a result of these provisions, the Merger
Agreement should not significantly deter an interested third party from
proposing to the Company, and pursuing, an Alternative Transaction with
the Company and that such provisions are reasonable in light of the
benefits of the Offer and the Merger and the size of the payment in
comparison to such fees in comparable transactions.
(vii) The per share value of the consideration to be received for the
shares of QVC Stock in the Comcast/Liberty Offer was substantially more
certain than the consideration originally offered in the Comcast
Proposal because it is an all cash offer, and is higher than the
consideration offered in the Comcast Proposal and in the Comcast/Liberty
Proposal.
(viii) The Board considered the relationship between the consideration to
be received by stockholders as a result of the Offer and the Merger and
the historical market prices and recent trading activity of the shares
of Common Stock, and the fact that the Offer and the Merger will enable
the Company's stockholders to realize a substantial premium over the
closing market price of the shares of Common Stock on June 29, 1994,
immediately prior to press reports of the CBS Proposal. The Board was
aware that the shares of Common Stock had traded as high as $72.50 in
1993. The Board noted, however, that the price of Common Shares on June
29, 1994 represented, in Allen's opinion, a representative market price
of the shares of Common Stock.
(ix) The fact that no party other than the Parent Purchasers had indicated
interest in pursuing, and the ability to effect, a business combination
with the Company, even though the Comcast Proposal was publicly
announced more than three weeks prior to the signing of the Merger
Agreement at which time the Company also publicly announced that it
would explore alternatives to maximize stockholder value and, in this
regard, both Allen and the Company's management had contacted a
substantial number of possible interested parties to seek proposals for
a business combination. In view of the large percentage of [Fully
Diluted Shares] held by Comcast, Liberty and their affiliates, the Board
did not believe it was likely that further efforts or additional time
would produce an alternative proposal involving consideration greater
than that to be paid in the Offer and Merger.
(x) The Board also recognized that, following consummation of the Offer
and the Merger, the current stockholders of the Company will no longer
be able to participate in any increases or decreases in the value of the
Company's businesses and properties. The Board concluded, however, that
this consideration did not justify foregoing the opportunity for
stockholders to receive an immediate and substantial cash purchase price
for their Shares.
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<PAGE> 21
The Board considered each of the factors listed above, in addition to the
terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, during the course of their
deliberations prior to entering into the Merger Agreement in light of their
knowledge of the business and operations of the Company and their business
judgment. The Board believed that each of these factors supported the Board's
conclusions. In view of the wide variety of factors considered, the Board did
not find it practicable to, and did not, quantify or otherwise attempt to assign
relative weights to the specific factors considered in making their
determination.
Messrs. Ralph J. and Brian L. Roberts did not participate in the
deliberations or decisions relating to the Merger Agreement and the engagement
of Allen; therefore, the Board did not consider it necessary to retain an
unaffiliated representative to act solely on behalf of the public shareholders
of the Company for the purpose of negotiating the terms of the Merger Agreement
or preparing a report concerning the fairness to such shareholders of the
consideration to be received in the Offer and the Merger. The Merger Agreement
was unanimously approved by the directors of the Company other than Messrs.
Ralph J. and Brian L. Roberts.
The Board recognized that the Merger is not structured to require the
approval of a majority of the unaffiliated stockholders of the Company. The
Board further recognized that, given the ownership of Fully Diluted Shares by
the Parent Purchasers, satisfaction of the Minimum Tender Condition will occur
if only 8,969,988 Fully Diluted Shares (on a fully diluted basis) are tendered
in the Offer (significantly less than a majority of the Common Shares (on a
fully diluted basis) not held by TCI, the Parent Purchasers or their affiliates.
As a result, the Purchaser, if it purchases such number of Shares, would have
sufficient voting power to approve the Merger without the affirmative vote of
any other stockholder of the Company.
Comcast and Liberty. Comcast and Liberty have each concluded that the
Transaction is fair to the stockholders of the Company (other than the Purchaser
and its affiliates) based upon the following factors: (i) the conclusions and
recommendations of the Board; (ii) the written opinion of Allen & Company dated
August 4, 1994 to the Board (and not for the benefit of the Parent Purchasers,
their affiliates the stockholders of the Company or any other person) to the
effect that the consideration to be received by the stockholders of the Company
in the Transaction is fair to such stockholders, other than Comcast and Liberty
from a financial point of view; (iii) the factors referred to above as having
been taken into account by the Board; (iv) the premium represented by the offer
price over the historical market prices of the Common Stock, both prior to the
announcement of the CBS Proposal and prior to the announcement of the Proposed
Transaction; (v) Comcast's and Liberty's respective valuations of the
consideration offered by CBS in connection with the CBS Proposal; (vi) the
various analyses of Lazard Freres & Co. described under "-- Opinions and Reports
of Financial Advisors" and (vii) the fact that the offer price and the other
terms of the Merger Agreement were the result of arm's-length negotiations with
the Company and its advisors. Comcast and Liberty did not find it practicable
to, and did not, quantify or otherwise attach relative weights to the specific
factors considered by the Board. However, Comcast and Liberty each gave
significant weight to all the factors discussed in (i) through (vii) above.
OPINIONS AND REPORTS OF FINANCIAL ADVISORS
Opinion of Allen & Company. On August 4, 1994, Allen delivered its written
opinion to the Board to the effect that the consideration to be received by the
holders of QVC Stock and certain of the Company's stock options pursuant to the
Merger Agreement is fair to such holders, other than Comcast and Liberty, from a
financial point of view. A copy of Allen's opinion is attached hereto as Annex
A. The summary of the opinion set forth herein is qualified in its entirety by
Annex A which is incorporated herein by reference. Stockholders are urged to
read this opinion in its entirety for a description of the assumptions made,
matters considered and procedures followed by Allen. The consideration to be
paid pursuant to the Offer and Merger was determined by negotiations on behalf
of the Company and the Parent Purchasers and was not determined by Allen. In
arriving at its opinion, Allen reviewed, among other things, certain publicly
available business and financial information related to the Company. Allen also
reviewed certain other information provided to it by the Company, including
financial forecasts of the Company, and met with the management of the Company
to discuss its business and prospects. Allen also considered, among other
things, such other information, financial studies, analyses and investigations
and financial, economic and market criteria as it deemed relevant. No
limitations were imposed by the Board upon Allen with respect to the
investigations made or the procedures
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followed by Allen in rendering its opinion, and the Company and the members of
management cooperated fully with Allen in connection with its investigation.
Allen actively sought third parties who might be interested in acquiring the
Company in the course of its engagement and assisted the Company in evaluating
other alternative transactions.
In delivering its opinion and making its presentation to the Board, Allen
discussed certain financial and comparative analyses and other matters it deemed
relevant. Among various financial analyses that Allen discussed were:
(i) Multiple of Sales Comparison. Allen prepared a market multiple
comparison comparing the Company's ratio of total market capitalization
(defined as market value of the Company's equity plus net debt) to its
latest twelve months sales (the "LTM Sales Ratio") to the average LTM
Sales Ratio for groups of publicly traded cable programming companies
(included in such group were Gaylord Entertainment Company,
International Family Entertainment, Inc. and Turner Broadcasting System,
Inc. (the "Cable Programming Companies")) and publicly traded specialty
retailing companies (included in such group were Blockbuster
Entertainment Corporation, The Home Depot, Inc., Lowe's Companies, Inc.,
Melville Corporation, Price/Costco, Inc. and Toys 'R' Us, Inc. (the
"Specialty Retailing Companies")). The comparisons were made as of June
29, 1994; July 12, 1994; and August 2, 1994 (collectively, the
"Comparison Dates") (assuming for the Company on August 2, 1994, that
the common equivalent equity value of the Shares was $46 per share). The
analysis showed that the LTM Sales Ratio for the Company, the Cable
Programming Companies (on average) and the Speciality Retailing
Companies (on average), respectively, were: (a) as of June 29, 1994:
1.26, 3.22, and 1.24; (b) as of July 12, 1994: 1.40, 3.17 and 1.27; and
(c) as of August 2, 1994: 1.79, 3.18 and 1.24.
(ii) Multiple of Operating Cash Flow Comparison. Allen prepared a market
multiple comparison comparing the Company's ratio of total market
capitalization to its latest twelve months earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation and amortization (the "Cash Flow Ratio") to the
average Cash Flow Ratio for the Cable Programming Companies and the
Specialty Retailing Companies as of the Comparison Dates (assuming for
the Company on August 2, 1994, that the common equivalent equity value
of the Shares was $46 per share). The analysis showed that the Cash Flow
Ratio for the Company, the Cable Programming Companies (on average) and
the Speciality Retailing Companies (on average), respectively, were: (a)
as of June 29, 1994: 8.0, 19.3 and 10.5; (b) as of July 12, 1994: 8.9,
19.1 and 10.8; and (c) as of August 2, 1994: 11.4, 19.2 and 10.7.
(iii) Multiple of Earnings Per Share Comparison. Allen prepared a market
multiple comparison comparing the Company's ratio of the market value of
its equity to its latest twelve months earnings per share (the "EPS
Ratio") to the average EPS Ratio for the Cable Programming Companies and
the Specialty Retailing Companies as of the Comparison Dates (assuming
for the Company on August 2, 1994, that the common equivalent equity
value of the Shares was $46 per share). The analysis showed that the EPS
Ratio for the Company, the Cable Programming Companies (on average) and
the Speciality Retailing Companies (on average), respectively, were: (a)
as of June 29, 1994: 21.3, 38.5 and 23.1; (b) as of July 12, 1994: 23.6,
38.0 and 23.6; and (c) as of August 2, 1994: 30.2, 37.4 and 24.0.
(iv) Multiple of 1994 Estimated Earnings Per Share Comparison. Allen
prepared a market multiple comparison comparing the Company's ratio of
the market value of its equity to its estimated 1994 earnings per share
(the "1994 Estimated EPS Ratio") to the average 1994 Estimated EPS Ratio
for the Cable Programming Companies and the Specialty Retailing
Companies as of the Comparison Dates (assuming for the Company on August
2, 1994, that the common equivalent equity value of the Shares was $46
per share). The analysis showed that the 1994 Estimated EPS Ratio for
the Company, the Cable Programming Companies (on average) and the
Speciality Retailing Companies (on average), respectively, were: (a) as
of June 29, 1994: 20.2, 19.7 and 18.3; (b) as of July 12, 1994: 22.4,
19.3 and 18.7; and (c) as of August 2, 1994: 28.7, 19.0 and 19.0. The
foregoing excluded the Company's startup costs with respect to its Q2
project. Including such
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startup costs, the Company's 1994 Estimated EPS Ratio on each of the
Comparison Dates, in chronological order, would have been: 24.2, 26.9
and 34.3, respectively.
With respect to the foregoing four comparative analyses, Allen's analysis
stated that, for the Comparison Dates, the Company traded at multiples closely
related to the Specialty Retailing Companies, that as of June 29, 1994, the
Company traded at an LTM Sales Ratio, a Cash Flow Ratio, an EPS Ratio and a 1994
Estimated EPS Ratio (collectively, the "Comparison Ratios") within the range of
the Specialty Retailing Companies (although the 1994 Estimated EPS Ratio
exceeded the average for both Specialty Retailing Companies and Cable
Programming Companies), and that as of July 12, 1994 and August 2, 1994, based
on the comparisons described above, the Company's share prices traded at
Comparison Ratios that were higher (except in one case) than the range for
Specialty Retailing Companies.
(v) Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Allen analyzed the net present value
of the future unleveraged free cash flows of the Company based on
financial projections prepared, and capital structure assumptions
provided, by the management of the Company. Allen added to the present
value of the free cash flows the terminal value of the Company based on
multiples of the projected 1999 earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), discounted at the same rates
as were applied to discount the free cash flows. Discount rates ranging
from 15% to 25% and multiples of EBITDA ranging from 7.0 to 9.0 were
applied. Allen's analysis reflected that a price of $46 per share was in
line with its discounted cash flow analysis for the Company.
(vi) Other Factors Considered. Allen reviewed recent trends in the shares
of Common Stock prices and trading volume in the shares of Common Stock.
Allen also (a) compared the recent trend in shares of Common Stock
prices versus various market indices, (b) compared market reaction in
the price of the shares of Common Stock relating to selected public
announcements, (c) studied the above analyses and determined relevant
dates for purposes of determining a representative value of the shares
of Common Stock, (d) compared the premium of the price offered in the
Offer and the Merger over various recent market prices for the shares of
Common Stock, as well as a comparison of the premium to be paid in the
Offer to premiums paid in selected cash merger transactions, and (d) the
multiples to sales, EBITDA, net income and book value offered to the
Company in the Offer compared to those multiples in selected merger
transactions involving companies in generally comparable industries.
Some of the foregoing analyses used projections provided by management of
the Company, which Allen assumed to be reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting
the best currently available judgments of the management of the Company as to
the future financial performance of the Company. Allen did not make or seek to
obtain appraisals of the Company's assets in connection with its analysis of the
valuation of the Company.
A copy of Allen's written presentation to the Board has been filed as an
exhibit to the Rule 13e-3 Transaction Statement on Schedule 13E-3 filed by the
Company, the Parent Purchasers and the Purchaser (the "Schedule 13E-3") with the
Commission. Copies will be made available for inspection and copying at the
principal executive offices of the Company during regular business hours by any
interested stockholder of the Company, or his representative who has been so
designated in writing. The summary set forth above does not purport to be a
complete description of either Allen's analyses, including those set forth as
exhibits to the Schedule 13E-3, or Allen's presentations to the Board. Allen
believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting
portions of its analyses and of the factors considered by it, without
considering all factors and analyses, could create an incomplete view of the
processes underlying its opinion. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a
complex process and not necessarily susceptible to partial analyses or summary
description. In its analyses, Allen made numerous assumptions with respect to
industry performance, general business and economic conditions and other
matters, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Any estimates contained
therein are not necessarily indicative of actual values, which may be
significantly more or less favorable than as set forth therein. Estimates of
value of companies do not purport to be appraisals or necessarily reflect the
prices at which companies may actually be sold. Because such estimates are
inherently
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subject to uncertainty, none of the Company, the Purchaser, Allen or any other
person assumes responsibility for their accuracy.
The Company has retained Allen as the Company's financial advisor in
connection with the Merger, the Offer and other matters arising in connection
therewith pursuant to an engagement letter dated August 4, 1994 (the "Engagement
Letter") between the Company and Allen. The Engagement Letter provides, among
other things, that upon the earlier to occur of the consummation of the Offer or
such earlier time as Allen and the Company may agree, the Company will pay to
Allen a fee equal to $10.3 million. In addition, the Company has agreed to
reimburse Allen for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including reasonable
travel and legal expenses, and to indemnify Allen against certain liabilities.
In the event of the consummation of an alternative transaction to that
contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the Company has agreed to pay Allen a fee
in an amount to be agreed upon by Allen and the Company.
The Board selected Allen as its financial advisor because Allen is an
internationally recognized investment banking firm and regularly engages in the
valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and
acquisitions. Allen has particular expertise and experience in the cable and
media industries. Allen also represented the Company as its financial advisor in
connection with the Company's attempted acquisition of Paramount Communications
Inc. and provided financial advisory services to the Company in connection with
its consideration of a possible business combination with CBS. Paul A. Gould, a
managing director of Allen, has served as a director of Liberty since December
1991. Mr. Gould remains a director of Liberty following the business combination
in which Liberty became a wholly owned subsidiary of TCI. Allen acted as dealer
manager for a tender offer made by Liberty for HSN in 1993. In addition, as a
part of its investment banking and securities trading business, Allen holds
positions in and trades in the securities of the Company, Comcast and TCI from
time to time, and has previously held positions in and traded the securities of
Liberty.
Neither the Company nor any person acting on its behalf has retained any
other person to make solicitations or recommendations to stockholders on its
behalf concerning the Offer.
Opinions and Report of Lazard. Lazard has delivered its written opinion
(the "August 4 Lazard Opinion") dated August 4, 1994 addressed to the Board of
Directors of Comcast that, as of such date, based upon the procedures and
subject to the assumptions described therein, the consideration to be paid by
Comcast in the Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to Comcast.
In addition, Lazard has delivered its written opinion (the "July 12 Lazard
Opinion", and, together with the August 4 Lazard Opinion, the "Lazard Opinions")
dated July 12, 1994 addressed to the Board of Directors of Comcast that, as of
such date, based upon the procedures and subject to the assumptions described
therein, the consideration to be paid by Comcast in the Proposed Transaction is
fair, from a financial point of view, to Comcast.
The Board of Directors of Comcast has not requested or received any opinion
from Lazard as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the
consideration to be paid in the Transaction or the Proposed Transaction to the
stockholders of the Company. THE LAZARD OPINIONS ARE DIRECTED ONLY TO THE
FAIRNESS, FROM A FINANCIAL POINT OF VIEW, TO COMCAST OF THE TRANSACTION AND THE
PROPOSED TRANSACTION, RESPECTIVELY, AND DO NOT GO TO THE FAIRNESS, FROM A
FINANCIAL POINT OF VIEW, OF THE CONSIDERATION TO BE RECEIVED BY THE STOCKHOLDERS
OF THE COMPANY IN THE TRANSACTION OR PROPOSED TRANSACTION, RESPECTIVELY, OR
CONSTITUTE RECOMMENDATIONS TO ANY STOCKHOLDER OF THE COMPANY TO TENDER ITS
SHARES. The Lazard Opinions were delivered solely for the benefit of the Board
of Directors of Comcast and were not on behalf of, and were not intended to
confer rights or remedies upon, the Company or Liberty, or any stockholders of
Comcast, the Company or Liberty, or any other person other than the Board of
Directors of Comcast. Lazard was not requested to pass upon the fairness of the
terms of the Merger Agreement or any terms of any proposed financing of the
Transaction or the Proposed Transaction. Consideration of these terms was not
necessary by Lazard to an evaluation of the fairness to Comcast of the
consideration to be paid. Lazard was not requested to and did not recommend to
the Board of Directors of Comcast the form or amount of the consideration to be
paid to stockholders of the Company in the Transaction or the Proposed
Transaction, which (in the case of the Transaction) were determined through
negotiations between Comcast, Liberty and the Company and their respective
advisors.
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The full text of the Lazard Opinions, which set forth assumptions made,
matters considered and limits on the review undertaken, are available for
inspection and copying at the principal executive office of Comcast during its
regular business hours by any interested equity security holder of the Company
or his or her representative who has been so designated in writing. In addition,
copies of the Lazard Opinions have been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") as exhibits to the Schedule 13E-3 (as defined
under "The Tender Offer -- 13. Miscellaneous") and may be inspected, copied and
obtained in the manner specified in "The Tender Offer -- 6. Certain Information
Concerning the Company." The summaries of the Lazard Opinions set forth herein
are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full texts thereof.
August 4 Lazard Opinion. In rendering the August 4 Lazard Opinion, Lazard
among other things: (i) reviewed the Merger Agreement and the financial terms of
the Transaction set forth therein; (ii) reviewed certain publicly available
historical business and financial information relating to Comcast and the
Company; (iii) held discussions with the senior management of Comcast concerning
Comcast's objectives in pursuing the Transaction, its intended method of
financing the Transaction and certain other matters; (iv) reviewed certain
publicly available information with respect to certain other companies in lines
of business they believe to be comparable to those of Comcast and the Company;
(v) reviewed the financial terms of certain recent business combinations
involving companies in lines of business they believe to be comparable to those
of Comcast, and the Company, and in other industries generally; (vi) analyzed
the pro forma financial impact of the Transaction on Comcast; (vii) reviewed the
historical stock prices and trading volumes of Comcast's common stock and the
Common Stock; and (viii) conducted such other financial studies, analyses and
investigations as they deemed appropriate.
July 12 Lazard Opinion. In rendering the July 12 Lazard Opinion, Lazard
among other things: (i) reviewed the proposed terms of the Proposed Transaction
as outlined in the offer letter dated July 12, 1994 from Comcast to the Company
(see "-- Background of the Transaction"); (ii) reviewed certain publicly
available historical business and financial information relating to Comcast and
the Company; (iii) held discussions with the senior management of Comcast
concerning Comcast's objectives in pursuing the Proposed Transaction, its
intended method of financing the Proposed Transaction and certain other matters;
(iv) reviewed certain publicly available information with respect to certain
other companies in lines of businesses they believe to be comparable to the
businesses of Comcast and the Company; (v) reviewed the financial terms of
certain recent business combinations involving companies in lines of businesses
they believe to be comparable to those of Comcast and the Company, and in other
industries generally; (vi) analyzed the pro forma financial impact of the
Proposed Transaction on Comcast; (vii) reviewed the historical stock prices and
trading volumes of Comcast's common stock and the Common Stock; and (viii)
conducted such other financial studies, analyses and investigations as they
deemed appropriate.
The Lazard Report. In connection with the delivery of the July 12 Lazard
Opinion, Lazard prepared a report, dated July 12, 1994 (the "Lazard Report").
The Lazard Report included an outline of a proposed transaction structure
whereby Comcast would acquire the Company, an analysis of the structure of the
CBS Proposal (see "-- Background of the Transaction"), a valuation of the CBS
Proposal and a valuation of the Company. Certain of the analyses included in the
Lazard Report were based in part on financial projections provided by Comcast.
The Lazard Report was prepared solely for internal use and not with a view
to public disclosure or compliance with the published guidelines of the
Commission or the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants regarding
projections, and were not prepared with the assistance of, or reviewed by,
independent accountants. The information contained in the Lazard Report is
included in this Offer to Purchase solely because such report was furnished by
Lazard to Comcast. While presented with numerical specificity, such reports, and
the analyses included therein (including the projections provided to Lazard
contained therein), are based upon a variety of assumptions relating to the
businesses of the Company, industry performance, general business and economic
conditions and other matters and are subject to significant uncertainties and
contingencies, many of which are beyond the Company's control, and, therefore,
such report and analyses are inherently imprecise and there can be no assurance
that any valuations therein could be realized. None of the
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Purchaser, the Parent Purchasers, the Company or Lazard assumes any
responsibility for the validity, reasonableness, accuracy or completeness of any
of the Lazard Report.
No limitations were placed by Comcast with respect to the investigations
made or the procedures followed by Lazard. Lazard is an internationally
recognized investment banking firm and regularly engages in the valuation of
businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions.
Lazard has from time to time provided financial advice and services to Comcast,
but in selecting Lazard, Comcast considered primarily Lazard's general
reputation and expertise. See "The Tender Offer -- 12. Fees and Other Expenses"
for a description of the terms of Lazard's engagement by Comcast.
The summary of the Lazard Report set forth below does not purport to be a
complete description of the Lazard Report or the analyses performed, or the
matters considered by Lazard in arriving at the Lazard Opinions, and is
qualified in full by reference to the full text of the Lazard Report. Lazard
believes that its reports must be considered as a whole and that selecting
portions of its report and of the factors considered by it could create an
incomplete view as to the results of the Lazard Report and the Lazard Opinions.
The full text of the Lazard Report is available for inspection and copying at
the principal executive office of Comcast during its regular business hours by
any interested equity security holder of the Company or his or her
representative who has been so designated in writing. In addition, a copy of the
Lazard Report has been filed as an exhibit to the Schedule 13E-3 and may be
inspected, copied and obtained in the manner specified in "The Tender
Offer -- 6. Certain Information Concerning the Company".
The Lazard Report outlined a transaction structure for Comcast to acquire
all the outstanding shares of Common Stock the Company not already owned by
Comcast for a consideration of $45.00 per share consisting of $38.00 per share
in cash and $7.00 per share in a newly-formed class of convertible exchangeable
preferred stock of Comcast. The convertible exchangeable preferred stock was
proposed to have a 7.5% annual dividend and to be convertible into Comcast's
Class A Special Common Stock at a conversion price of $21.00 per share. The
Lazard Report proposed potential sources and uses of funds in the transaction.
The Lazard Report also contained an overview of the CBS Proposal, including
estimated proceeds to stockholders of both CBS and the Company, a blended
multiple analysis and stock trading history. In addition, the report included a
valuation of the Company. Lazard outlined the Company's present general
operations and certain projects to be launched in 1994. Lazard incorporated
projections of the Company's revenues, expenses, capital expenditures and cash
flows through 1999 as provided by Comcast. The report also included a range of
discounted cash flow values and internal rates of return based upon varying
assumptions, an analysis of the implied trading multiples at various stock
prices, the Company's stock trading history, a summary of market statistics for
comparable public companies and summaries of recent research reports on the
Company prepared by other parties. The following describes Lazard's analysis as
delivered to the Board of Directors of Comcast on June 12, 1994.
Summary Valuation Results. Lazard prepared summary valuation results
indicating unlevered discounted cash flow values per share at earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") exit multiples of 8.0x
and 9.0x, at discount rates of 14.0% and 15.0% and with revenue growth rates of
10.0%, 12.5% and 15.0% (the "Respective Revenue Growth Rates"). At an EBITDA
exit multiple of 8.0x, the discounted cash flow values per share (i) at a
discount rate of 14% were $38.60, $47.54, and $57.07, and (ii) at a discount
rate of 15% were $37.09, $45.66, and $54.82, at the Respective Revenue Growth
Rates. At an EBITDA exit multiple of 9.0x, the discounted cash flow values per
share (i) at a discount rate of 14% were $42.25, $52.07, and $62.63, and (ii) at
a discount rate of 15% was $40.58, $50.02, and $60.14, at the Respective Revenue
Growth Rates.
Lazard also indicated the leveraged pre-tax internal rate of return,
assuming a $1.1 billion equity investment including the value of the Company's
Shares already owned by Comcast, at EBITDA exit multiples of 8.0x, 9.0x, 10.0x
and 11.0x (the "Respective EBITDA Exit Multiples") and at purchase prices per
share ranging from $40.00 to $55.00. At $40.00 per share, the leveraged pre-tax
internal rate of return ranged from 27.8% to 37.8% at the Respective EBITDA Exit
Multiples. At $45.00 per share, the leveraged pre-tax internal rate of return
ranged from 20.8% to 30.3% at the Respective EBITDA Exit Multiples. At $50.00
per share, the leveraged pre-tax internal rate of return ranged from 15.7% to
24.8% at the Respective
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EBITDA Exit Multiples. At $55.00 per share, the leveraged pre-tax internal rate
of return ranged form 11.6% to 20.4% at the Respective EBITDA Exit Multiples.
Analysis at Various Stock Prices ("AVP"). Lazard prepared an analysis of
the relationship of various hypothetical share prices for the Shares ranging
from $35.00 to $55.00 to (i) the price on June 27, 1994, (ii) the high price
during the 52 week period prior to the date of the report and (iii) the low
price during the 52 week period prior to the date of the report, and an analysis
of the implied multiples of such share price.
At a per share price of $45.00, the AVP reflected market capitalization as
a multiple of revenues of 1.7x for the latest twelve months, of 1.5x for
projected 1994 results, and of 1.4x for projected 1995 results.
At a per share price of $45.00, the AVP reflected market capitalization as
a multiple of EBITDA of 10.9x for the latest twelve months, of 11.1x for
projected 1994 results, and of 9.4x for projected 1995 results.
At a per share price of $45.00, the AVP reflected market capitalization as
a multiple of earnings before interest and taxes ("EBIT") of 14.0x for the
latest twelve months, of 14.4 for projected 1994 results, and of 11.8x for
projected 1995 results.
At a per share price of $45.00, the AVP reflected adjusted market value as
a multiple of net income of 44.7x for the latest twelve months and 32.0x for
projected 1994 results.
Stock Price and Trading Volume Analysis. Lazard examined the history of
the daily trading prices of the Shares for the one year period from July 2, 1993
to July 11, 1994 and for the five year period from July 7, 1989 to July 11,
1994.
Comparable Companies Analysis. Using publicly available information,
Lazard prepared an analysis of selected financial data for companies in
businesses which Lazard believes to be comparable to the Company's. Although
such companies are similar to the Company in some respects, none of such
companies possess characteristics identical to those of the Company. Financial
data reviewed for these companies included, but was not limited to, revenues,
EBITDA, EBIT and net income, for the periods of the latest twelve months,
projected 1994 results and projected 1995 results.
Based on projected 1994 results, the market capitalization of the
comparable companies to: (a) revenues ranged from 0.9x to 3.5x, (b) EBITDA
ranged from 9.3x to 15.0x, (c) EBIT ranged from 11.7x to 17.7x. The
price-to-earnings multiples of the comparable companies on projected 1994
results ranged from 17.6x to 27.2x.
Other Opinions. In the course of determining the fairness of the
TCI/Liberty Merger to the respective stockholders of each of Liberty and [Old
TCI] during the first and second quarter of 1994, CS First Boston and Merrill
Lynch each estimated the value of the two companies' respective component assets
and businesses. In assigning values to publicly traded, non-control investments
held by the two companies (or, in the case of non-publicly traded securities
which are convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for publicly traded
securities, to the equivalent publicly traded security basis), such as Liberty's
minority equity interest in the Company, such investment advisors principally
relied on the market price of such publicly traded securities as of particular
dates, and did not prepare any specific report, opinion or appraisal as to the
value of the Company or the underlying Common Stock.
PLANS FOR THE COMPANY AFTER THE MERGER
In connection with its consideration of the Offer, the Purchaser has made a
preliminary review, and will continue to review, on the basis of available
information, various possible business strategies that it might consider upon
completion of the Transaction. Upon completion of the Offer, the Purchaser
intends to conduct a detailed review of the Company and its assets, businesses,
operations, properties, policies (including dividend policies), corporate
structure, capitalization and the responsibilities and qualifications of the
Company's management and personnel and consider what, if any, changes the
Purchaser deems desirable in light of the circumstances which then exist.
Pursuant to the Joint Bidding Agreement, the equity interests in the
Surviving Corporation will be owned 57.4% by Comcast and 42.6% by Liberty. The
management committee of the board of directors of the
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Surviving Corporation will be comprised of three representatives appointed by
Comcast who shall be reasonably acceptable to Liberty and two representatives
appointed by Liberty who shall be reasonably acceptable to Comcast. The
day-to-day operations of the Surviving Corporation will be managed by Comcast.
However, neither the Surviving Corporation nor the Company will, subject to
certain exceptions, engage in certain transactions or take certain actions
unless approved in advance by Liberty, including: (i) any action which would
result in the Surviving Corporation, conducting, participating in or making
certain investments in a business other than the marketing of goods or services
among electronic media and activities ancillary thereto or vertically integrated
therewith; (ii) transactions not in the ordinary course of business; (iii) the
disposition, by the Surviving Corporation not in its ordinary course of
business, of a material amount of its assets; (iv) the merger or consolidation
or the dissolution or liquidation of the Surviving Corporation or the Company;
(v) amendments to the Surviving Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation or
By-Laws; (vi) the issuance or purchase of any shares of the capital stock or
other equity securities of the Surviving Corporation or the Company; (vii) the
amendment or modification of any outstanding options, warrants or rights to
acquire shares of capital stock or other securities of the Surviving
Corporation; (viii) the filing by the Surviving Corporation of a petition under
the Bankruptcy Act or any other insolvency law, or the admission in writing of
its bankruptcy, insolvency or general inability to pay its debts; (ix) the
commencement or settlement of litigation or arbitration which is material to the
Surviving Corporation other than in the ordinary course of business; (x)
entering into by the Surviving Corporation of material contracts not connected
with carrying on its principal business; and (xi) certain transactions between
the Surviving Corporation and Comcast. Upon consummation of the Merger, Comcast
and TCI have agreed to cooperate in good faith to cause the Surviving
Corporation and HSN to pursue jointly business opportunities outside the United
States and Canada. Following consummation of the Merger, neither Comcast nor
Liberty (nor the directors, officers, members of the Management Committee,
employees or agents of the Surviving Corporation or any subsidiary who are also
directors, officers, employees or agents of either Comcast or Liberty) will be
obligated to present any corporate opportunity to the Surviving Corporation or
its subsidiaries.
Following the Merger, each of Comcast and Liberty will have the right to
three demand registrations to have their shares of the Surviving Corporation
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
Such demand registration rights will be subject to the right of first refusal of
the other party, at a price to be determined by three investment bankers based
upon a projected initial secondary public offering price of the Surviving
Corporation's common stock. Any other transfers will be subject to the other
party's right of first refusal except that a change in control of Liberty,
Comcast or certain affiliates thereof will not trigger such rights of first
refusal.
Unless Liberty, through the exercise of its demand registration rights,
shall have been the party which first caused the Surviving Corporation's common
stock to be registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "Exchange Act"), then Liberty may at any time during the 60-day period
following the fifth anniversary of the Merger (or if not previously exercised,
at any time during the 60-day period following each of the sixth, seventh,
eighth, and ninth anniversary of the Merger) exercise its exit rights as
described below and in the Joint Bidding Agreement.
Liberty may exercise its exit rights by delivering written notice to
Comcast, whereupon Liberty and Comcast will seek to agree upon the fair market
value of the Surviving Corporation on a going concern or a liquidation basis,
whichever is higher. If they are unable to agree upon a fair market value, then
each of Liberty and Comcast will appoint an independent appraiser to determine
such value. If the amount of the higher of the two appraisers is greater than
110% of the lower, then a third independent appraiser designated by the first
two appraisers will be retained and deliver its appraisal. The final appraisal
will be the average of the closest two appraisals.
Comcast shall have the right to purchase all of the common stock of the
Surviving Corporation held by Liberty at a price equal to the fraction of the
fair market value of the Surviving Corporation represented by such common stock
as a percentage of the fully diluted common stock of the Surviving Corporation.
Comcast may pay Liberty for such shares in cash, a Comcast promissory note
maturing not more than three years after issuance, or Comcast equity securities.
In certain circumstances, Comcast may be required to pay Liberty in Comcast
equity securities
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<PAGE> 29
If Comcast fails to purchase the shares of the Surviving Corporation held
by Liberty in accordance with the terms of The Joint Bidding Agreement, then
Liberty shall have the right to purchase the shares of the Surviving Corporation
held by Comcast on the same terms on which Liberty's shares of the Surviving
Corporation were offered to Comcast.
If Liberty fails to purchase the shares of the Surviving Corporation held
by Comcast by the time agreed, then Liberty and Comcast will use their best
efforts to sell the Surviving Corporation in a sale in which Liberty, Comcast or
any of their respective affiliates may be purchasers.
Liberty and Comcast have also agreed to use all reasonable efforts to
consummate any purchase and sale in the most tax efficient method available.
Except as described above or elsewhere in this Offer to Purchase, the
Purchaser has no present plans or proposals that would relate to or result in an
extraordinary corporate transaction involving the Company or any of its
subsidiaries (such as a merger, reorganization, liquidation, relocation of any
operations or sale or other transfer of a material amount of assets), any change
in the Company's Board of Directors or management, any material change in the
Company's capitalization or dividend policy or any other material change in the
Company's corporate structure or business.
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE TRANSACTION
In considering the recommendations of the Board, stockholders of the
Company should be aware that certain members of the Board have certain interests
that present actual or potential conflicts of interest in connection with the
Transaction. The Board was aware of these actual or potential conflicts of
interest and considered them along with other matters described under
"-- Fairness of the Transaction".
The Joint Bidders and their affiliates beneficially own approximately 34.5%
of the Fully Diluted Shares, and as result of such ownership the Joint Bidders
may be deemed to control the Company. Of the 18,883,801 Fully Diluted Shares
beneficially owned by the Parent Purchasers, 8,627,934 are held by Comcast
(6,207,434 shares of Common Stock, 72,050 shares of Preferred Stock and warrants
to purchase 1,700,000 of Common Stock, or 15.5% of the Fully Diluted Shares) and
10,255,867 are held by Liberty (6,527,207 shares of Common Stock and 372,866
shares of Preferred Stock, or 18.4% of the Fully Diluted Shares). In addition,
Old TCI (as defined under "The Tender Offer -- 7. Certain Information Concerning
the Purchaser and the Parent Purchasers") beneficially owns 332,772 Fully
Diluted Shares (153,552 shares of Common Stock and 17,922 shares of Preferred
Stock, or 0.6% of the Fully Diluted Shares).
Brian L. Roberts, the President and a director of Comcast, has served as a
director of the Company since October 1987 and Ralph J. Roberts, the Chairman of
the Board of Comcast, has served as a director of the Company since June 1991.
Peter Barton, the President and a director of Liberty and Executive Vice
President of TCI, served as a director of the Company from December 1989 to
November 1993 and John Malone, the President and a director of TCI, served as a
director of the Company from June 1991 to November 1993.
Paul A. Gould, a managing director of Allen, has served as a director of
Liberty since December 1991. Mr. Gould remains a director of Liberty following
the business combination transaction in which Liberty became a wholly owned
subsidiary of TCI. Allen acted as dealer manager for a tender offer made by
Liberty for HSN in 1993. In addition, as a part of its investment banking and
securities trading business, Allen holds positions in and trades in the
securities of the Company, Comcast, and TCI from time to time, and has
previously held positions in and traded in the securities of Liberty.
J. Bruce Llewellyn, a director of the Company, is Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer of Garden State Cablevision, Inc., the general partners
and owner of approximately 20% of the equity of Garden State Cablevision, L.P.
("Garden State"). A subsidiary of Comcast is a limited partner of Garden State
and owns approximately 40% of the equity of Garden State.
In connection with the merger of the Company with CVN Companies, Inc.
("CVN"), Satellite Services, Inc. ("SSI"), a wholly owned subsidiary of TCI,
entered into an Equity Participation Agreement (the "TCI Equity Participation
Agreement") and an Addendum to CVN Affiliation Agreement (the "TCI Adden-
27
<PAGE> 30
dum"), both dated October 27, 1987, with the Company. The TCI Addendum extends
the original term of an affiliation agreement (the "TCI Affiliation Agreement")
between CVN and SSI from July 1, 1994 to June 30, 2004 and requires TCI, its
subsidiaries and certain of its affiliates, (the "TCI Affiliates") to distribute
the QVC service to a minimum of 4,519,435 cable television subscribers for the
remainder of the term. The TCI Affiliation Agreement provides for the payment of
a 5% commission to the TCI Affiliates on net sales of the Company's merchandise
sold in the zip code areas served by the TCI Affiliates. The remedy for failure
to meet the carriage requirements under the TCI Addendum is a pro rata
repurchase by the Company, at $1.00 per share, of up to 372,866 shares of
Preferred Stock issued to the TCI Affiliates pursuant to the TCI Equity
Participation Agreement and other similar agreements between certain
subsidiaries and affiliates of TCI and the Company.
On July 26, 1993, Liberty and the Company entered into a letter agreement
(the "Q2 Agreement") pursuant to which Liberty agreed to use its reasonable best
efforts to cause the TCI Affiliates to carry the Q2 service to a minimum of
10,000,000 cable television subscribers by July 26, 1996, such carriage to
continue for seven years from commencement. The terms of the Q2 Agreement also
require the TCI Affiliates to transmit the QVC service to an additional 701,000
cable television subscribers by July 26, 1995. The remedy for failure to meet
the carriage requirements under the Q2 Agreement is the pro rata repurchase by
the Company from Liberty of up to 571,480 shares of Common Stock at $1.00 per
share.
Cable systems operated by TCI subsidiaries and of its affiliates
representing approximately 10.5 million of approximately 14 million of the cable
subscribers served by all of such systems distribute the QVC service to
approximately 8.8 million cable television subscribers and the Q2 service to
approximately 290,000 cable television subscribers. During the calendar year
1993 and the seven month period from January 1 to July 31, 1994, respectively,
such systems received an aggregate of approximately $12 million and $8.5 million
in commissions for sales of the Company's merchandise.
In connection with Equity Participation Agreements dated June 26, 1987 and
October 26, 1989 respectively, Comcast entered into an Affiliation Agreement
with the Company dated June 26, 1987 (the "Comcast Affiliation Agreement") and
an Addendum to the Comcast Affiliation Agreement dated October 26, 1989 (the
"Addendum"). The Comcast Affiliation Agreement provides for the payment of a 5%
commission to Comcast on net sales of the Company's merchandise sold in the zip
code areas served by Comcast. The Addendum extends the term of the Comcast
Affiliation Agreement from June 26, 1994 through June 26, 2004 and requires
Comcast to distribute the QVC service to a minimum of 1,441,000 cable
subscribers for the remainder of the term. In connection with the Comcast
Affiliation Agreement, the Company paid to Comcast and its subsidiaries
approximately $3.2 million in respect of the fiscal year ended January 31, 1993,
$3.5 million in respect of the fiscal year ended January 31, 1994 and $1.3
million in respect of the period from February 1, 1994 through July 31, 1994.
In addition to the Comcast Affiliation Agreement and the Addendum, Comcast
and the Company executed a Charter Affiliation Agreement dated May 1, 1994 (the
"CAA") governing Comcast's carriage of the Q2 service. Under the CAA, Comcast
has agreed to distribute both the QVC and the Q2 service to a minimum of 85% of
its subscriber base by December 31, 1998 (the "Minimum Carriage Commitment") in
exchange for Q2 launch incentives totalling approximately $10 million. The
remedy for failure to meet the Minimum Carriage Commitment by December 31, 1998
is a pro rata return of the launch incentives. The CAA further provides that
once a system commences carriage of QVC and/or Q2 that system must continue to
carry the service in question through the remainder of the term. The remedy for
failure to continue carriage of a service once launched in a system is specific
performance.
In addition, in the Joint Bidding Agreement Comcast and Liberty have
agreed, in connection with the consummation of the Merger, to cause the Company
to waive any remaining rights it may have pursuant to the Company Repurchase
Rights (or any similar contingent right of the Company to reacquire shares of
its capital stock) with respect to all shares of capital stock of the Company
(or rights to acquire such shares) currently held by Liberty, TCI or Comcast (or
any of their respective direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates).
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<PAGE> 31
Comcast currently distributes the QVC service to 2,670,259 subscribers and
the Q2 service to 428,662 subscribers.
According to the Company, as of July 31, 1994, all executive officers and
directors of the Company as a group beneficially owned 1,126,838 shares of
Common Stock and held Options to purchase an aggregate of 7,385,000 shares of
Common Stock. If the Transaction is consummated, such persons will receive an
aggregate of $51,834,548 in cash for their shares of Common Stock and, in
addition, an aggregate of $88,788,500 in respect of the cash-out of their
Options, assuming all Options are actually cashed out and assuming 3,000,000
scaled price options held by Mr. Diller are cashed out as of December 9, 1994,
the first date on which the last 1,500,000 of such Options become exercisable.
See "-- The Merger Agreement" for a discussion of the treatment of Options in
the Merger.
According to the Company, the following table sets forth, as of July 31,
1994, the number of shares of Common Stock and Options owned by, the percentage
of Fully Diluted Shares beneficially owned by, and the aggregate amounts to be
received in connection with the Transaction (in the case of Options, net of the
exercise price) by, each executive officer and director of the Company who owns
any Common Stock or Options and all executive officers and directors of the
Company as a group. Other than the individuals named below, no executive officer
or director of the Company owns any Shares or Options.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT OF TOTAL CASH
NAME OF DIRECTOR CLASS AMOUNT TO BE
OR EXECUTIVE SHARES OF BENEFICIALLY RECEIVED IN
OFFICER OF THE COMPANY COMMON STOCK OPTIONS OWNED THE TRANSACTION
----------------------- ------------ --------- ------------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Douglas Briggs.......................... 20,888 387,500 1.01% $ 6,253,348
Candice Carpenter....................... 0 50,000 0.12 0
William Costello........................ 0 361,250 0.89 6,141,250
Thomas Downs............................ 0 153,750 0.38 2,489,250
Barry Diller(1)......................... 1,000,000 6,000,000 15.14 114,130,000
Neal Grabell............................ 200 160,000 0.40 2,699,700
James Held.............................. 0 10,000 0.02 0
John Link............................... 0 152,500 0.38 2,438,000
Brian L. Roberts........................ 750 0 0.002 34,500
Ralph J. Roberts........................ 5,000 0 0.01 230,000
William Schereck........................ 0 10,000 0.02 50,000
Joseph Segel............................ 100,000 100,000 0.50 6,157,000
------------ --------- ------ ---------------
1,126,838 7,385,000 17.88% $ 140,623,048
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The calculation of the cash amount to be received by Barry Diller assumes
the exercise of his 3,000,000 scaled options on 12/9/94.
On July 11, 1994, Thomas Downs exercised options to purchase 3,750 shares
of Common Stock at an exercise price of $5 per share and sold those shares on
such date at a price of $35.75 per share.
As of August 8, 1994, all executive officers and directors of the Joint
Bidders as a group beneficially owned an aggregate of 34,025 shares of Common
Stock. If the Transaction is consummated, such persons will receive an aggregate
of $1,505,150 in cash for such shares.
The following table sets forth, as of August 8, 1994, the number of shares
of Common Stock and the percentage of Fully Diluted Shares owned by, and the
aggregate amounts to be received by, each executive officer and director of the
Joint Bidders who owns any Common Stock and all executive officers and directors
of the Joint Bidders as a group pursuant to the Transaction. Other than the
individuals named below, no executive officer or director of the Joint Bidders
owns any Shares.
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<PAGE> 32
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL
NAME OF DIRECTOR SHARES PERCENT OF CASH
OR EXECUTIVE OF CLASS AMOUNT
OFFICER OF THE COMMON BENEFICIALLY TO BE
JOINT BIDDERS STOCK OWNED RECEIVED
- ------------------------------------------------------- ------- ------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Peter R. Barton........................................ 2,975 0.007% $ 136,850
Bob Magness............................................ 3,750 0.009 172,500
Fred A. Vierra......................................... 50 0.000 2,300
Ralph J. Roberts....................................... 5,000 0.01 230,000
Brian L. Roberts....................................... 750 0.002 34,500
Daniel Aaron........................................... 1,500 0.004 69,000
Irving A. Wechsler..................................... 12,000 0.03 552,000
Sheldon M. Bonovitz.................................... 1,500 0.004 69,000
Suzanne F. Roberts..................................... 5,000 0.01 230,000
Anne Wexler............................................ 500 0.001 2,300
Robert B. Clasen....................................... 1,000 0.002 46,000
======== ========== =========
34,025 0.08% $1,565,150
</TABLE>
In June 1992, the Company repurchased 1,970 shares of Common Stock at a
repurchase price of $0.38 per share, for a total repurchase amount of $752.30.
In July 1992, the Company repurchased 310 shares of Common Stock at a repurchase
price of $1.00 per share, for a total repurchase amount of $310.00. The total
amount of shares of Common Stock repurchased by the Company during the second
quarter of fiscal year ending January 31, 1993, was 2,280 at an average price of
$0.47 per share, for a total repurchase amount of $1,062.30.
In October 1992, Comcast converted a $30 million convertible note of the
Company (which had been called by the Company) into 1,704,546 shares of Common
Stock at an average price of $17.60 per share. Such conversion was the only
transaction in the Common Stock by the Company, the Purchaser or its affiliates
during the third quarter of the fiscal year ending January 31, 1993.
In January 1993, the Company repurchased 290 shares of Common Stock at a
repurchase price of $1.00 per share, for a total repurchase amount of $290.00.
Also in January 1993, the Company repurchased 800 shares of Common Stock at a
repurchase price of $38.125 per share, for a total repurchase amount of
$30,500.00. The total amount of shares repurchased by the Company during the
fourth quarter of fiscal year ending January 31, 1993 was 1,090 at an average
price of $28.25 per share, for a total repurchase amount of $30,790.00.
On November 15, 1993 Comcast purchased 1,690,041 shares of Common Stock
from Liberty at an average price per share of $18.615 per share.
In December 1993, the Company repurchased 380 shares of Common Stock at a
repurchase price of $1.00 per share, for a total repurchase amount of $380.00.
In January 1994, the Company repurchased 350 shares of Common Stock at a
repurchase price of $1.00 per share, for a total repurchase amount of $350.00.
The total amount of shares purchased by the Company, the Purchaser or its
affiliates during the fourth quarter of fiscal year ending January 31, 1994 was
1,690,041 at an average price of $18.607 per share.
On April 29, 1994, Comcast exercised warrants to purchase 310,000 shares of
Common Stock at an average price of $10.00 per share. Such exercise was the only
transaction in the Common Stock by the Company, the Purchaser or its affiliates
during the first quarter of the fiscal year ending January 31, 1995.
In July 1994, the Company repurchased 310 shares of Common Stock at a
repurchase price of $1.00 per share, for a total repurchase price of $310.00 per
share. Such repurchase was the only transaction in the Common Stock by the
Company, the Purchaser or its affiliates during the second quarter of the fiscal
year ending January 31, 1995 to date.
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<PAGE> 33
In July 1994 the Company paid Comcast approximately $2.1 million in
connection with Comcast beginning to carry certain of the Company's secondary
programs to certain of its cable television subscribers.
In addition, from time to time holders of shares of Preferred Stock have
converted such shares into Common Stock. In July 1994, 128 shares of Preferred
Stock were converted into 1,280 shares of Common Stock.
In April 1994, Comcast exercised warrants to purchase 310,000 Common Shares
for $10.00 per share.
On December 23, 1992, the Company extended an offer to all of the holders
(the "Warrantholders") of warrants (the "Warrants") to purchase Common Shares to
convert any or all of the Company's 9,479,913 outstanding Warrants into Shares.
Pursuant to the terms of such offer, the Company offered, at the Warrantholder's
election, (i) to issue to the Warrantholder, in exchange for the Warrantholder's
Warrants, Common Shares with an aggregate value (each share being valued at
$37.75 per share, representing a market based average stock price at such time
(the "Conversion Price")) equal to the difference between the Conversion Price
and the price at which the Warrants were exercisable (the "Exercise Price"),
multiplied by the number of Common Shares into which the Warrants were
exercisable, or (ii) if the Warrantholder elected to exercise its Warrants by
making payment of the Exercise Price in cash and delivery of the Warrant
certificate, to issue the number of Common Shares into which such Warrants were
exercisable and to repurchase from the Warrantholder, at the Conversion Price,
all of the Common Shares that could be purchased using all of the proceeds of
the payment by the Warrantholder of the Exercise Price. In connection with an
election described in (ii) above, the Company also offered to accept payment of
the Exercise Price in Common Shares valued at the Conversion Price. As a result
of acceptance of such offer by Liberty Media and its affiliates, the Company
issued 2,475,434 Common Shares to Liberty Media and its affiliates upon the
exercise or exchange of Warrants to purchase 3,903,764 Common Shares.
THE MERGER AGREEMENT
The following is a summary of the Merger Agreement, a copy of which is
filed as an Exhibit to the Schedule 14D-1. Such summary is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the Merger Agreement.
The Offer. The Merger Agreement provides that the obligation of the
Purchaser to consummate the Offer and to accept for payment and purchase the
Shares tendered pursuant to the Offer shall be subject only to the conditions
set forth in the Merger Agreement, which are described under "The Tender
Offer -- 10. Certain Conditions of the Offer". Comcast, Liberty and the
Purchaser have agreed in the Merger Agreement that, without the prior written
consent of the Company, the Purchaser will not make any change in the terms or
conditions of the Offer that is adverse to the holders of the Shares, change the
form of consideration to be paid in the Offer, decrease the price per Share
payable in the Offer or the number of Shares sought in the Offer, waive the
Minimum Condition or impose conditions to the Offer in addition to those set
forth in the Merger Agreement, add additional conditions to the Offer, or make
any other change in the terms or conditions of the Offer which is adverse to the
holders of Shares.
The Merger. The Merger Agreement provides that, upon the terms and subject
to the conditions thereof, at the time at which the Company and the Purchaser
file articles of merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and
make all other filings or recordings required by the GCL in connection with the
Merger, the Purchaser will cause MergerCo to be merged with and into the Company
in accordance with the GCL. The Merger shall become effective at such time (but
not prior to October 21, 1994) as the Certificates of Merger are duly filed with
the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or at such later time as is
specified in the Certificates of Merger (the "Effective Time"). As a result of
the Merger, the separate corporate existence of MergerCo will cease and the
Company will be the Surviving Corporation.
At the Effective Time, (i) each issued and outstanding Share held in the
treasury of the Company, or held by any wholly owned subsidiary thereof, or
owned by the Purchaser and MergerCo or any of its subsidiaries shall be
canceled, and no payment shall be made with respect thereto; (ii) each Share
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, other than as
provided in (i) above and other than any Dissenting Shares (as defined below),
be converted into the right to receive $46 (in the case of shares of
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<PAGE> 34
Common Stock) or $460 (in the case of shares of Preferred Stock) in cash or any
higher price per share of Common Stock or Preferred Stock, as the case may be,
that may be paid pursuant to the Offer, without interest (the "Merger
Consideration"); (iii) each share of common stock of MergerCo then outstanding
shall be converted into and become one share of common stock of the Surviving
Corporation; and (iv) each outstanding Option, whether or not exercisable, shall
be canceled and the holder thereof shall be entitled to receive, and shall
receive, cash in an amount equal to the difference between $46 and the per share
exercise price thereof, multiplied by the number of shares issuable pursuant to
such Option, provided, that if such Option was not issued pursuant to an
employee benefit plan meeting the requirements described in Rule 16b-3 of the
Exchange Act, and is held by a person subject to the short swing profit recovery
provisions of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, such Option shall not be
canceled at the Effective Time and shall remain an obligation of the Surviving
Corporation and shall remain enforceable in accordance with the terms thereof.
The Merger Agreement provides that Shares that are outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Time and which are held by stockholders who shall have
not voted in favor of the Merger or consented thereto in writing and who shall
be entitled to and shall have demanded properly in writing appraisal for such
shares in accordance with Section 262 of the GCL and who shall not have
withdrawn such demand or otherwise have forfeited appraisal rights
(collectively, the "Dissenting Shares") shall not be converted into or represent
the right to receive the Merger Consideration. Such stockholders shall be
entitled to receive payment of the appraised value of such Shares held by them
in accordance with the provisions of the GCL, except that all Dissenting Shares
held by stockholders who shall have failed to perfect or who effectively shall
have withdrawn, forfeited or lost their rights to appraisal of such Shares under
the GCL shall thereupon be deemed to have been converted into and to have become
exchangeable, as of the Effective Time, for the right to receive, without any
interest thereon, the Merger Consideration, upon surrender of the certificate or
certificates that formerly evidenced such Shares.
The Merger Agreement provides that, at the Effective Time, the certificate
of incorporation of MergerCo will be the certificate of incorporation of the
Surviving Corporation, except that the name of the Surviving Corporation shall
be "QVC, Inc." and except for certain changes that may be necessary or
appropriate for the Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement to qualify as a reclassification under the GCL. The bylaws of the
Surviving Corporation will be the bylaws of MergerCo until such time as they are
amended in accordance with applicable law.
Agreements of the Purchaser and the Company. The Merger Agreement provides
that effective upon acceptance for payment of any Shares by Purchaser, the
Purchaser shall be entitled to designate the number of directors, rounded up to
the next whole number, on the Company's Board that equals the product of (i) the
total number of directors on the Board of Directors of the Company (giving
effect to the election of any additional directors [described in] this
paragraph) and (ii) the percentage that the number of Shares owned by the
Purchaser, the Parent Purchasers or any of their respective wholly owned
subsidiaries (including Shares accepted for payment) bears to the total number
of Shares outstanding, and the Company [has agreed to] take all action necessary
to cause the Purchaser's designees (the "Purchaser Designees") to be elected or
appointed to the Board of Directors of the Company, including, without
limitation, increasing the number of directors or seeking and accepting
resignations of its incumbent directors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, until
such time as the Purchaser acquires a majority of the outstanding Common Shares
on a fully diluted basis, the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to
ensure that all of the members of the Board of Directors and such boards and
committees of the Company and each of the Company's subsidiaries as of August 4,
1994 who are not employees of the Company shall remain members of the Board of
Directors of the Company and such boards and committees until the Effective
Time. Following the election or appointment of the Purchaser Designees and prior
to the Effective Time, any amendment or termination of the Merger Agreement (see
"-- Termination" and "-- Amendment"), grant of extension or waiver by the
Company will require the concurrence of a majority of the Company's directors
then in office who are directors on the date of the Merger Agreement, or are
directors (other than the Purchaser Designees) designated by such persons to
fill any vacancy.
The Purchaser has advised the Company that it currently intends to
designate one or more of the executive officers listed in Schedule II hereto and
the person listed in Schedule III hereto to serve as directors
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<PAGE> 35
of the Company (but with respect to any executive officers of TCI, any such
designations shall only be until the Merger is consummated). All of such persons
have consented to act as directors of the Company. The foregoing information and
certain other information contained in this Offer to Purchase and Schedules II
and III hereto and in the Company's Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on
Schedule 14D-9 being mailed to stockholders herewith is being provided in
accordance with the requirements of Section 14(f) of the Exchange Act and Rule
14f-1 thereunder.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, if required by applicable law to
consummate the Merger, the Company will cause a meeting of its stockholders (the
"Company Stockholder Meeting") to be duly called and held as soon as practicable
after consummation of the Offer for the purpose of voting on the adoption of the
Merger Agreement and approval of the Merger. The Merger Agreement provides that
the Company will, as promptly as practicable after consummation of the Offer,
prepare and file (if necessary) with the Commission under the Exchange Act a
proxy statement relating to the Company Stockholder Meeting (the "Proxy
Statement"). The Company has agreed, subject to the fiduciary duties of its
Board of Directors on the basis of advice of independent counsel, to use its
best efforts to obtain the necessary approvals by its stockholders of the Merger
Agreement and the Merger. The Purchaser and the Parent Purchasers have agreed to
vote all Shares acquired in the Offer, or heretofore owned, in favor of the
Merger. The Purchaser and the Parent Purchasers have agreed to vote all Shares
acquired in the Offer, or heretofore owned, in favor of the Merger.
Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing to the contrary, in the event that the
Purchaser, the Parent Purchasers, MergerCo and/or any direct or indirect
wholly-owned subsidiaries thereof acquire at least 90% of the outstanding shares
of each class of capital stock of the Company, the Parent Purchasers and the
Company have agreed to take all necessary and appropriate action to cause the
Merger to become effective as promptly as practicable after the expiration of
the Offer and the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth under "The
Tender Offer -- 10. Certain Conditions of the Offer," without a meeting of the
Company's Stockholders, in accordance with Section 253 of the GCL.
Certain Covenants of the Company, the Parent Purchasers and the
Purchaser. The Company has agreed that, prior to the Effective Time, unless the
Purchaser consents in writing, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld,
the Company will not amend or otherwise change its Certificate of Incorporation
or Bylaws; in addition, the Company has agreed that, prior to the Effective Time
unless the Purchaser consents in writing, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld, each of the Company and its respective subsidiaries
(each, a "Subsidiary") will not (a) conduct its business in any manner other
than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; (b)
except as disclosed in the Company's disclosure schedule to the Merger
Agreement, issue, grant, sell, pledge, redeem or acquire for value (i) any of
its securities, including options thereon (other than the issuance of equity
securities upon the conversion of outstanding convertible securities or in
connection with a dividend reinvestment plan or by an employee benefit plan of
the Company or the exercise of options or warrants outstanding as of the date of
the Merger Agreement) or (ii) any material assets, except for sales of assets in
the ordinary course of business; (c) declare, set aside, make or pay any
dividend or other distribution with respect to any of its capital stock, except
dividends declared and paid by a subsidiary of the Company only to the Company,
or subdivide, re-classify, recapitalize, split, combine or exchange any of its
shares of capital stock (other than in connection with the exercise of currently
outstanding options or warrants); (d) incur any material amount of indebtedness
for borrowed money or make any loans or advances, except borrowings under
existing bank lines of credit in the ordinary course of business; (e) increase
the compensation payable or to become payable to its executive officers or
employees, except for increases in the ordinary course of business in accordance
with past practices, or grant any severance or termination pay to, or enter into
any employment or severance agreement with any director or executive officer of
it or any of its subsidiaries, or establish, adopt, enter into or amend in any
material respect or take action to accelerate any rights or benefits under any
collective bargaining agreement or any employee benefit plan, agreement or
policy; (f) take any action, other than reasonable and usual actions in the
ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice, with respect to
accounting policies or procedures (including tax accounting policies and
procedures); (g) acquire by merger or consolidation, or by purchase of assets,
or by any other manner, any material business; (h) mortgage or otherwise
encumber or subject to any lien any of its properties or assets that are
material to the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, except for liens
in connection with
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indebtedness incurred in connection with the Merger as permitted by clause (d)
above; or (i) authorize any of, or commit or agree to take any of, the foregoing
actions.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Company has agreed that it will not,
and will not permit any of its subsidiaries, or its subsidiaries' officers,
directors, employees, agents or representatives (including, without limitation,
any investment banker, attorney or accountant retained by it) to, initiate,
solicit or encourage, directly or indirectly, any inquiries or the making of any
proposal with respect to an Alternative Transaction (as defined below), engage
in any discussions or negotiations concerning, or provide to any other person
any information or data relating to the Company or its subsidiaries for the
purposes of, or otherwise cooperate in any way with or assist or participate in,
facilitate or encourage, any inquiries or the making of any proposal which
constitutes, or may reasonably be expected to lead to, a proposal to seek or
effect an Alternative Transaction, or agree to or endorse any Alternative
Transaction; provided that the Company or its Board of Directors will not be
prohibited from (i) taking and disclosing to its stockholders a position
contemplated by Rule 14e-2 under the Exchange Act or (ii) making any disclosure
to its stockholders that, in the judgment of its Board of Directors in
accordance with, and based upon the advice of, outside counsel, is required
under applicable law; and provided further that (x) the Board of Directors of
the Company on behalf of the Company may upon the unsolicited request of a third
party furnish information or data (including, without limitation, confidential
information or data) relating to the Company for the purposes of an Alternative
Transaction and participate in negotiations with a person making an unsolicited
proposal regarding an Alternative Transaction and (y) following receipt of a
proposal for an Alternative Transaction, the Board of Directors of the Company
may withdraw or modify its recommendation relating to the Offer or the Merger to
the extent that it determines in good faith in accordance with, and based upon
the advice of, outside counsel that such action is necessary or appropriate in
order for the Board of Directors of the Company to act in a manner that is
consistent with its fiduciary obligations under applicable law. The Company has
agreed to promptly advise the Purchaser of, and communicate the terms of, any
proposal it may receive, or any inquiries it receives which may reasonably be
expected to lead to a proposal, and the identity of the person making it; prior
to taking any such action, if the Company intends to participate in any such
discussion or negotiation or provide any such information to any such third
party, it shall give reasonable notice to the Purchaser and shall consult, and
thereafter shall continue to consult, with the Purchaser. If the Company is
required by this provision to give notice of a request, Alternative Transaction
proposal or inquiry, it shall keep the Purchaser reasonably informed of the
status and details of any such request, Alternative Transaction, [inquiry or
proposal it shall keep the Purchaser reasonably informed of the status and
details of any such request, Alternative Transaction, inquiry or proposal ] (or
any amendment to any proposal). "Alternative Transaction" means a transaction or
series of related transactions (other than the Transactions) resulting in (a)
any change of control of the Company, (b) any merger or consolidation of the
Company in which another person acquires 25% or more of the aggregate voting
power of all voting securities of the Company or the surviving corporation, as
the case may be, (c) any tender offer or exchange offer for, or any acquisitions
of, any securities of the Company which, if consummated, would result in another
person owning 25% or more of the aggregate voting power of all voting securities
of the Company or (d) any sale or other disposition of assets of the Company or
any of its subsidiaries if the Fair Market Value of such assets exceeds 25% of
the aggregate Fair Market Value of the assets of the Company and its
subsidiaries taken as a whole before giving effect to such sale or other
disposition. "Fair Market Value" of any assets or securities means the fair
market value of such assets or securities, as determined by the Board of
Directors of the Company in good faith.
The Parent Purchasers, the Purchaser and the Company have each agreed that
from and after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation will indemnify,
defend and hold harmless the present and former officers and directors of the
Company (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties") against all losses, expenses,
claims, damages, liabilities or amounts that are paid in settlement of, with the
approval of the Surviving Corporation (which approval shall not unreasonably be
withheld), or otherwise in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding
or investigation based in whole or in part on the fact that such person is or
was a director or officer of the Company and arising out of actions or omissions
occurring at or prior to the Effective Time (including, without limitation, the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement), in each case to the full
extent permitted under the GCL (and shall pay any expenses in advance of the
final disposition of any such action or proceeding to each Indemnified Party to
the fullest extent permitted under the GCL), upon
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receipt from the Indemnified Party to whom expenses are advanced of any
undertaking to repay such advances required under the GCL. In addition, for
three years after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation will provide
officers' and directors' liability insurance in respect of facts or events
occurring prior to the Effective Time covering each such person currently
covered by the Company's officers' and directors' liability insurance policy of
at least the same coverage and amount on terms and conditions no less
advantageous than those of such policy in effect on the date of the Merger
Agreement. The Surviving Corporation will not be obligated to pay premiums in
excess of 200% of the amount per annum that the Company currently pays for such
insurance.
For a period of two years after the Effective Time, the Purchaser and the
Parent Purchasers will cause the Surviving Corporation to maintain employee
compensation and benefit plans, programs and policies and fringe benefits
(including post-employment welfare benefits) that, in the aggregate, are no less
favorable than those provided to employees of the Company and its subsidiaries,
as applicable, as in effect on the date of the Merger Agreement, and will cause
the Surviving Corporation to provide severance pay and benefits no less
favorable than those provided by the Company and its subsidiaries as of the date
of the Merger Agreement. Immediately prior to consummation of the Offer, the
Purchaser has agreed to establish with a trustee satisfactory to the Company and
the Purchaser, a "Rabbi" trust, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company
and shall deposit in such trust cash in an amount sufficient to satisfy all
obligations under the Options. Comcast and Liberty have agreed to cause the
Purchaser and the surviving corporation to perform their respective obligations
under the Merger Agreement and to be jointly and severally liable for any breach
of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of the Purchaser and for
any breach of the covenant described in this sentence [by the Purchaser].
Representations and Warranties. The Merger Agreement contains customary
representations and warranties of the parties thereto, including representations
by the Company as to the absence of certain changes or events concerning its
respective business, compliance with law, employee benefit plans, taxes and
other matters.
Conditions to Certain Obligations. The obligations of the Company, the
Parent Purchasers and the Purchaser to consummate the Merger are subject to the
satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions: (i)
if required by the GCL, the Merger Agreement and the Merger shall have been
approved and adopted by the requisite vote of the stockholders of the Company;
(ii) no governmental entity or federal or state court of competent jurisdiction
shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any statute, rule,
regulation, executive order, decree, injunction or other order (whether
temporary, preliminary or permanent) which is in effect and which materially
restricts, prevents or prohibits consummation of the Merger or any transaction
contemplated by the Merger Agreement, provided, however, that the parties will
use their reasonable efforts to cause any such decree, judgment, injunction or
other order to be vacated or lifted, (iii) other than the filing of merger
documents in accordance with the GCL, all authorizations, consents, waivers,
orders or approvals required to be obtained, and all filings, notices or
declarations required to be made prior to the consummation of the Merger and the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement shall have been obtained and
made, except for such authorizations, consents, waivers, orders, approvals,
filings, notices or declarations the failure to obtain or make which would not
have a material adverse effect, at or after the Effective Time, on the business,
results of operations or financial condition (as existing immediately prior to
the consummation of the Merger) of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a
whole; and (iv) the Purchaser shall have purchased Shares pursuant to the Offer.
Termination. The Merger Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to
the Effective Time, whether before or after approval of the Merger Agreement and
the Merger by the stockholders of the Company, (i) by mutual consent of the
Company and the Purchaser; (ii) prior to the purchase of Shares pursuant to the
Offer, (A) by either the Company or the Purchaser upon termination of the Offer
by reason of the non-occurrence of a condition described under "The Tender Offer
- -- 10. Certain Conditions to the Offer", (B) by the Purchaser if the Company
shall breach any covenant or agreement on its part which has not been cured or
if any representation or warranty of the Company shall have become untrue, in
either case such that such breach or untruth is incapable of being cured by
February 28, 1995, or (C) by the Company in the event of a breach of any
representation, warranty, agreement or covenant on the part of the Purchaser or
the Parent
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Purchasers which has not been cured (and cannot reasonably be expected to be
cured before February 28, 1995) and will prevent or delay consummation of the
Merger by or beyond February 28, 1995 (other than the covenant relating to the
establishment of a "Rabbi" trust described above); or (iii) by either the
Company or the Purchaser if (A) the Merger or the Offer has not been consummated
before February 28, 1995, unless, in the case of termination by the Purchaser,
the Purchaser shall not have purchased Shares pursuant to the Offer by reason of
any failure of the Purchaser or the Parent Purchasers to fulfill its obligations
under the Merger Agreement, (B) if any permanent injunction or action by any
governmental entity preventing the consummation of the Merger shall have become
final and nonappealable, or (C) the Board of Directors of the Company shall
withdraw, modify or change its recommendation so that it is not in favor of the
Merger Agreement, the Offer or the Merger or shall have resolved to do any of
the foregoing or the Board of Directors of the Company shall have recommended or
resolved to recommend to its stockholders an Alternative Transaction, provided,
that in the case of any such termination by the Company or the Purchaser
pursuant to the provisions described in this clause (C), with such termination
it pays to the Purchaser an amount of $55,000,000, which amount is inclusive of
all expenses of the Purchaser and the Parent Purchasers.
Fees and Expenses. The Merger Agreement provides that the Company, the
Parent Purchasers and the Purchaser shall each bear all expenses incurred by it
in connection with the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby except that all costs and expenses relating to printing and mailing the
Proxy Statement will be borne equally by the Company and the Purchaser.
Amendment and Waivers. Any provision of the Merger Agreement may be
amended or waived prior to the Effective Time if, and only if, such amendment or
waiver is in writing and signed, (i) in the case of an amendment, by the
Company, the Parent Purchasers and the Purchaser or (ii) in the case of a
waiver, by the party or parties to be bound thereby. After the adoption of the
Merger Agreement by the stockholders of the Company, no amendment, which under
applicable law may not be made without the approval of the stockholders of the
Company, will be made without such approval.
DISSENTERS RIGHTS
Under Section 262 of the GCL, any holder of Shares at the Effective Time (a
"Remaining Stockholder") who does not wish to accept the per Share cash
consideration pursuant to the Merger has the right to seek an appraisal and be
paid the "fair value" of its Shares at the Effective Time (exclusive of any
element of value arising from the accomplishment or expectation of the Merger)
judicially determined and paid to them in cash provided that such holder
complies with the provisions of such Section 262 of the GCL.
The following is a brief summary of the statutory procedures to be followed
by a Remaining Stockholder in order to dissent from the Merger and perfect
appraisal rights under Delaware law. THIS SUMMARY IS NOT INTENDED TO BE COMPLETE
AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SECTION 262 OF THE GCL, THE
TEXT OF WHICH IS SET FORTH IN ANNEX B HERETO. ANY REMAINING STOCKHOLDER
CONSIDERING DEMANDING APPRAISAL IS ADVISED TO CONSULT LEGAL COUNSEL. APPRAISAL
RIGHTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNLESS AND UNTIL THE MERGER (OR A SIMILAR BUSINESS
COMBINATION) IS CONSUMMATED.
Remaining Stockholders of record who desire to exercise their appraisal
rights must fully satisfy all of the following conditions. A written demand for
appraisal of Shares must be delivered to the Secretary of the Company (x) before
the taking of the vote on the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement if
the Merger is not being effected as a "short-form" merger but, rather, is being
consummated following approval thereof at a meeting of the Company's
stockholders (a "long-form merger") or (y) within 20 days after the date that
the Surviving Corporation mails to the Remaining Stockholders a notice (the
"Notice of Merger") to the effect that the Merger is effective and that
appraisal rights are available (and includes in such notice a copy of Section
262 of the GCL and any other information required thereby) if the Merger is
being effected as a "short-form" merger without a vote or meeting of the
Company's stockholders. If the Merger is effected as a "long-form" merger, this
written demand for appraisal of Shares must be in addition to and separate from
any proxy or vote abstaining from or against the approval and adoption of the
Merger Agreement and, neither voting against, abstaining from voting, nor
failing to vote on the Merger Agreement will constitute a demand for appraisal
within the meaning of Section 262 of the GCL. In the case of a "long-form"
merger, any
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stockholder seeking appraisal rights must hold the Shares for which appraisal is
sought on the date of the making of the demand, continuously hold such Shares
through the Effective Time, and otherwise comply with the provisions of Section
262 of the GCL.
In the case of both a "short-form" and a "long-form" merger, a demand for
appraisal must be executed by or for the stockholder of record, fully and
correctly, as such stockholder's name appears on the stock certificates. If
Shares are owned of record in a fiduciary capacity, such as by a trustee,
guardian or custodian, such demand must be executed by the fiduciary. If Shares
are owned of record by more than one person, as in a joint tenancy or tenency in
common, such demand must be executed by all joint owners. An authorized agent,
including an agent for two or more joint owners, may execute the demand for
appraisal for a stockholder of record; however, the agent must identify the
record owner and expressly disclose the fact that in exercising the demand, he
is acting as agent for the record owner.
A record owner, such as a broker, who holds Shares as a nominee for others,
may exercise appraisal rights with respect to the Shares held for all or less
than all beneficial owners of Shares as to which the holder is the record owner.
In such case the written demand must set forth the number of Shares covered by
such demand. Where the number of Shares is not expressly stated, the demand will
be presumed to cover all Shares outstanding in the name of such record owner.
Beneficial owners who are not record owners and who intend to exercise appraisal
rights should instruct the record owner to comply strictly with the statutory
requirements with respect to the exercise of appraisal rights before the date of
any meeting of stockholders of the Company called to approve the Merger in the
case of a "long-form" merger and within 20 days following the mailing of the
Notice of Merger in the case of a "short-form" merger.
Remaining stockholders who elect to exercise appraisal rights must mail or
deliver their written demands to: Secretary, QVC, Inc., Goshen Corporate Park,
West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380. The written demand for appraisal should
specify the stockholder's name and mailing address, the number of Shares covered
by the demand and that the stockholder is thereby demanding appraisal of such
Shares. In the case of a "long-form" merger, the Company must, within ten days
after the Effective Time, provide notice of the Effective Time to all
stockholders who have complied with Section 262 of the GCL and have not voted
for approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement.
In the case of a "long-form" merger, Remaining Stockholders electing to
exercise their appraisal rights under Section 262 must not vote for the approval
and adoption of the Merger Agreement or consent thereto in writing. Voting in
favor of the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement, or delivering a
proxy in connection with the stockholders meeting called to approve the Merger
Agreement (unless the proxy votes against, or expressly abstains from the vote
on, the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement), will constitute a waiver
of the stockholder's right of appraisal and will nullify any written demand for
appraisal submitted by the stockholder.
Regardless of whether the Merger is effected as a "long-form" merger or a
"short-form" merger, within 120 days after the Effective Time, either the
Company or any stockholder who has complied with the required conditions of
Section 262 and who is otherwise entitled to appraisal rights may file a
petition in the Delaware Court of Chancery demanding a determination of the fair
value of the Shares of the dissenting stockholders. If a petition for an
appraisal is timely filed, after a hearing on such petition, the Delaware Court
of Chancery will determine which stockholders are entitled to appraisal rights
and thereafter will appraise the Shares owned by such stockholders, determining
the fair value of such Shares, exclusive of any element of value arising from
the accomplishment or expectation of the Merger, together with a fair rate of
interest to be paid, if any, upon the amount determined to be the fair value. In
determining fair value, the Delaware Court of Chancery is to take into account
all relevant factors. In Weinberger v. UOP, Inc., et al., the Delaware Supreme
Court discussed the factors that could be considered in determining fair value
in an appraisal proceeding, stating that "proof of value by any techniques or
methods which are generally considered acceptable in the financial community and
otherwise admissible in court" should be considered and that "[f]air price
obviously requires consideration of all relevant factors involving the value of
a company." The Delaware Supreme Court stated that in making this determination
of fair value the court must consider "market value, asset value, dividends,
earning prospects, the nature of the enterprise and any other facts which were
known or which could be
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ascertained as of the date of merger which throw any light on future prospects
of the merged corporation..." The Delaware Supreme Court has construed Section
262 of the GCL to mean that "elements of future value, including the nature of
the enterprise, which are known or susceptible of proof as of the date of the
merger and not the product of speculation, may be considered." However, the
court noted that Section 262 provides that fair value is to be determined
"exclusive of any element of value arising from the accomplishment or
expectation of the merger."
Remaining Stockholders who in the future consider seeking appraisal should
have in mind that the fair value of their Shares determined under Section 262
could be more than, the same as, or less than the per Share cash consideration
pursuant to the Merger if they do seek appraisal of their Shares, and that
opinions of investment banking firms as to fairness from a financial point of
view are not necessarily opinions as to fair value under Section 262 of the GCL.
Moreover, the Parent Purchasers intend to cause the Surviving Corporation to
argue in any appraisal proceeding that, for purposes thereof, the "fair value"
of the Shares is less than that paid in the Offer. The cost of the appraisal
proceeding may be determined by the Delaware Court of Chancery and taxed upon
the parties as the Delaware Court of Chancery deems equitable in the
circumstances. Upon application of a dissenting stockholder, the Delaware Court
of Chancery may order that all or a portion of the expenses incurred by any
dissenting stockholder in connection with the appraisal proceeding, including,
without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and the fees and expenses of
experts, be charged pro rata against the value of all Shares entitled to
appraisal. In the absence of such determination or assessment, each party bears
its own expenses.
Any Remaining Stockholder who has duly demanded appraisal in compliance
with Section 262 of the GCL will not, after the Effective Time, be entitled to
vote for any purpose the Shares subject to such demand or to receive payment of
dividends or other distributions on such Shares, except for dividends or other
distributions payable to stockholders of record at a date prior to the Effective
Time.
At any time within 60 days after the Effective Time, any former holder of
Shares shall have the right to withdraw his or her demand for appraisal and to
accept the per Share cash consideration pursuant to the Merger. After this
period, such holder may withdraw his or her demand for appraisal only with the
consent of the Surviving Corporation. If no petition for appraisal is filed with
the Delaware Court of Chancery within 120 days after the Effective Time,
stockholders' rights to appraisal shall cease and all stockholders shall be
entitled to receive the per Share cash consideration pursuant to the Merger.
Inasmuch as the Company has no obligation to file such a petition, and the
Parent Purchasers have no present intention to cause or permit the Surviving
Corporation to do so, any stockholder who desires such a petition to be filed is
advised to file it on a timely basis. However, no petition timely filed in the
Delaware Court of Chancery demanding appraisal shall be dismissed as to any
stockholder without the approval of the Delaware Court of Chancery, and such
approval may be conditioned upon such terms as the Delaware Court of Chancery
deems just.
Failure to take any required step in connection with the exercise of
appraisal rights may result in the termination or waiver of such rights.
APPRAISAL RIGHTS CANNOT BE EXERCISED AT THIS TIME. THE INFORMATION SET
FORTH ABOVE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY WITH RESPECT TO ALTERNATIVES
AVAILABLE TO STOCKHOLDERS IF THE MERGER (OR ANY SIMILAR BUSINESS COMBINATION) IS
CONSUMMATED. STOCKHOLDERS WHO WILL BE ENTITLED TO APPRAISAL RIGHTS IN CONNECTION
WITH THE MERGER (OR SIMILAR BUSINESS COMBINATION) WILL RECEIVE ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION CONCERNING APPRAISAL RIGHTS AND THE PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED IN
CONNECTION THEREWITH BEFORE SUCH STOCKHOLDERS HAVE TO TAKE ANY ACTION RELATING
THERETO.
STOCKHOLDERS WHO SELL SHARES IN THE OFFER WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO EXERCISE
APPRAISAL RIGHTS WITH RESPECT THERETO BUT, RATHER, WILL RECEIVE THE PRICE PAID
IN THE OFFER THEREFOR.
In addition, the Merger will have to comply with other applicable
procedural and substantive requirements of Delaware law, including any duties to
other stockholders imposed upon a controlling or, if applicable,
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majority stockholder. Several recent decisions by the Delaware courts, which may
or may not apply to the Merger, have held that a controlling stockholder of a
company involved in a merger has a fiduciary duty to other stockholders which
requires that the merger be "entirely fair" to such other stockholders. In
determining whether a merger is fair to minority stockholders, Delaware courts
have considered, among other things, the type and amount of the consideration to
be received by the stockholders and whether there was fair dealing among the
parties. The Delaware Supreme Court stated in Weinberger that, although the
remedy ordinarily available in a merger that is found not to be "fair" to
minority stockholders is the right to appraisal described above, such appraisal
remedy may not be adequate "in certain cases, particularly where fraud,
misrepresentation, self-dealing, deliberate waste of corporate assets, or gross
and palpable overreaching are involved", and that in such cases the Delaware
Chancery Court would be free to fashion any form of appropriate relief.
CERTAIN TAX CONSEQUENCES
Sales of Common Stock by stockholders of the Company pursuant to the Offer
and the receipt of cash in exchange for Common Stock pursuant to the Merger will
be taxable transactions for federal income tax purposes and may also be taxable
transactions under applicable state and local and other tax laws.
In general, a stockholder will recognize gain or loss equal to the
difference between the adjusted tax basis of his or her Common Stock and the
amount of cash received in exchange therefor. Such gain or loss will be capital
gain or loss if the Common Stock is a capital asset in the hands of the
stockholder and will be long-term gain or loss if the holding period for the
Common Stock is more than one year as of the date of the sale of such Common
Stock, which would be the date the Offer is consummated or the Effective Time,
as the case may be.
The foregoing discussion may not apply to (i) Shares acquired pursuant to
the exercise of employee stock options or other compensation arrangements with
the Company, (ii) the sale or exchange of Preferred Stock or (iii) to
stockholders who are not citizens or residents of the United States or who are
otherwise subject to special tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code").
To the extent that the Company or its subsidiaries owns or leases real
property in New York State, New York City or other jurisdictions having similar
real property transfer taxes, the New York State Real Property Gains Tax, the
New York State Real Estate Transfer Tax, the New York City Real Property
Transfer Tax or other similar transfer taxes may apply to the sale or exchange
of Shares by a stockholder pursuant to the Offer or the Merger. Although the
Purchaser has agreed to pay any such taxes on behalf of the stockholders, such
payment may be treated as additional consideration paid for the Shares. In such
case, the amount of such additional consideration would be offset by treatment
of the taxes as additional selling expenses incurred by the stockholder.
Accordingly, the payment of such taxes by the Purchaser should have no effect on
the amount of gain or loss recognized by a stockholder.
The tax discussion set forth above is included for general information
only. Due to the individual nature of tax consequences, stockholders are urged
to consult their tax advisors as to the specific tax consequences to them of the
Offer and the Merger, including the effects of applicable state, local or other
tax laws.
CERTAIN EFFECTS OF THE TRANSACTION
Consummation of the Transaction will terminate the equity interest of the
Company's stockholders other than the Purchaser and its affiliates. Following
the Merger, the interest of the Parent Purchasers in the Company's net book
value and net income will increase to 100%. The Parent Purchasers, as the sole
indirect stockholders of the Company, will thereafter benefit from any increases
in the value of the Company and also bear the risk of any decreases in the value
of the Company's operations.
Stockholders of the Company whose Shares are tendered and purchased will
receive cash for all their Shares at the Offer price and will avoid brokerage
and similar commissions. However, such stockholders will sustain the detriment
of foregoing any participation in any possible increase in the value of the
Shares. See "The Tender Offer -- 6. Certain Information Concerning the
Company -- Certain Projections" for a discussion of certain projections of the
Company's future financial performance.
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The purchase of Shares pursuant to the Offer will reduce the number of
shares of Common Stock that might otherwise trade publicly and may reduce the
number of holders of Common Stock, which could adversely affect the liquidity
and market value of the remaining Common Stock held by stockholders other than
the Purchaser. The Purchaser cannot predict whether the reduction in the number
of shares of Common Stock that might otherwise trade publicly would have an
adverse or beneficial effect on the market price for or marketability of the
Common Stock or whether it would cause future market prices to be greater or
less than the Offer price. There is currently no established trading market for
the Preferred Stock. See "The Tender Offer -- 5. Price Range of Shares;
Dividends".
Depending upon the number of shares of Common Stock purchased pursuant to
the Offer, the Common Stock may no longer meet the standards for continued
inclusion in the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated
Quotation System/National Market System (the "NASDAQ NMS"). If, as a result of
the purchase of Common Stock pursuant to the Offer, the Common Stock no longer
meets the criteria for continuing inclusion in the NASDAQ NMS, the market for
the Common Stock could be adversely affected. According to the published
guidelines of the NASDAQ NMS, the Common Stock would not meet the criteria for
continued inclusion in the NASDAQ NMS if, among other things, the number of
publicly-held shares of Common Stock were less than 200,000, the aggregate
market value of the publicly-held shares of Common Stock were less than
$2,000,000 or there were less than two market makers for the shares of Common
Stock. If these standards were not met, quotations might continue to be
published in the over-the-counter "additional list" or one of the "local lists"
unless, as set forth in the published guidelines of the NASDAQ NMS, the number
of publicly-held shares of Common Stock (excluding shares of Common Stock held
by officers, directors and beneficial owners of more than 10% of the shares of
Common Stock) were less than 100,000, there were fewer than 300 holders in
total, or there were not at least one market maker for the Common Stock. If the
Common Stock is no longer eligible for NASDAQ NMS quotation, quotations might
still be available from other sources.
The extent of the public market for the Common Stock and availability of
such quotations would, however, depend upon such factors as the number of
holders and/or the aggregate market value of the publicly-held shares of Common
Stock at such time, the interest in maintaining a market in the Common Stock on
the part of securities firms, the possible termination of registration of the
Common Stock under the Exchange Act, and other factors.
The shares of Common Stock are currently "margin securities" under the
regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the
"Federal Reserve Board"), which has the effect, among other things, of allowing
brokers to extend credit on the collateral of such shares. Depending upon
factors similar to those described above regarding listing and market
quotations, the shares of Common Stock might no longer constitute "margin
securities" for the purposes of the Federal Reserve Board's margin regulations
and, therefore, could no longer be used as collateral for loans made by brokers.
The Common Stock is currently registered under the Exchange Act. Such
registration may be terminated upon application of the Company to the Commission
if the Common Stock is not listed on a national securities exchange and there
are less than 300 holders of record. Termination of the registration of the
Common Stock under the Exchange Act would substantially reduce the information
required to be furnished by the Company to holders of Common Stock and to the
Commission and would make certain of the provisions of the Exchange Act, such as
the short-swing profit recovery provisions of Section 16(b), the requirement of
furnishing a proxy or information statement in connection with stockholder
action and the related requirement of an annual report to stockholders and the
requirements of Rule 13e-3 under the Exchange Act with respect to "going
private" transactions, no longer applicable with respect to the Common Stock.
Furthermore, "affiliates" of the Company and persons holding "restricted
securities" of the Company may be deprived of the ability to dispose of shares
of Common Stock pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). If registration of the Shares under the
Exchange Act were terminated, the Common Stock would no longer be included on
the Federal Reserve Board's list of "margin securities" or eligible for listing
or NASDAQ NMS reporting. The Purchaser intends to seek to cause the Company to
terminate registration of the Common Stock under the Exchange Act as soon
40
<PAGE> 43
after consummation of the Offer as the requirements for termination of
registration of the Common Stock are met.
FINANCING OF THE TRANSACTION
The total amount of funds required by the Purchaser to purchase all of the
Fully Diluted Shares pursuant to the Offer and to pay related fees and expenses
is estimated to be approximately $1.42 billion. The Purchaser expects that it
will obtain such funds from capital contributions to the Purchaser by Comcast
and Liberty, and borrowings from various commercial banks and the issuance of
subordinated debt securities. Pursuant to the Joint Bidding Agreement, Comcast
has agreed to contribute to the Purchaser an amount of cash equal to (i) $267
million plus (ii) $29 million, which represents the amount necessary to exercise
all warrants to acquire shares of Common Stock held by Comcast (unless Comcast
has exercised such warrants prior to such contribution) to finance the purchase
of Shares and Liberty has agreed to contribute to the Purchaser $20 million in
cash.
Comcast has received a letter dated July 12, 1994 from The Bank of New York
("BNY") indicating that BNY is highly confident that it could obtain commitments
from lenders for a senior secured debt facility of up to $1 billion to be made
available to finance a portion of the payment obligations arising out of the
Transaction. Comcast and Liberty are in discussions with a group of banks
including The Bank of New York concerning the financing required to consummate
the Transaction.
The Offer is conditioned upon, among other things, satisfaction of the
Financing Condition. See "The Tender Offer -- 10. Certain Conditions of the
Offer."
It is anticipated that the borrowings described above will be refinanced or
repaid from funds generated internally by the Purchaser (including, after
consummation of the Merger, funds generated by the Company).
CERTAIN LITIGATION
In July 1994, after the announcement that the Parent Purchasers would make
a joint offer to purchase all of the outstanding Shares of the Company, 8
putative class action lawsuits were filed by certain shareholders of the Company
in the Delaware Court of Chancery on behalf of a purported class consisting of
all public shareholders of the Company. These actions were consolidated under
the caption In Re QVC, Inc. Shareholders Litigation, Consolidated Civil Action
No. 13590 (Court of Chancery, New Castle County, State of Delaware) (the
"Consolidated Action"). The defendants in the Consolidated Action include the
Company and directors of the Company. Plaintiffs allege, among other things,
that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties when considering the Comcast
offer in that they failed to take all possible steps to seek out and encourage
the best offer for the Company. Plaintiffs sought, among other things, an
injunction ordering the defendants to auction the Company and an award of
unspecified compensatory damages to the members of the plaintiff class. On
August 5, 1994, counsel for plaintiffs, defendants, Comcast and Liberty reached
an agreement-in-principle providing for the settlement and dismissal with
prejudice of the Consolidated Action. The agreement-in-principle provides, among
other things, that an affiliate of the Parent Purchasers will commence a tender
offer to purchase all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock for $46 per
share in cash, to be followed by a merger in which the remaining holders of
Common Stock will receive $46 per share in cash. Further, any fees and expenses
awarded to plaintiffs' counsel will be paid by the Company on behalf of all
defendants in the event that the offer and merger are consummated.
41
<PAGE> 44
THE TENDER OFFER
1. Terms of the Offer. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in the Offer (including, if the Offer is extended or amended, the terms
and conditions of such extension or amendment), the Purchaser will accept for
payment and pay for all Shares that are validly tendered and not withdrawn by
the Expiration Date as provided under "-- 4. Withdrawal Rights". The term
"Expiration Date" shall mean 12:00 Midnight, New York City time, on Thursday,
September 8, 1994, unless the Purchaser, in its sole discretion (subject to the
terms of the Merger Agreement), shall have extended the period of time during
which the Offer is open, in which event the term "Expiration Date" shall mean
the latest time and date at which the Offer, as so extended by the Purchaser,
shall expire. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Purchaser will extend the
Offer in the event that the waiting periods under the HSR Act described below
shall not have expired or been terminated at the Expiration Date, provided that
the Purchaser is not obligated to extend the Offer beyond December 31, 1994. For
purposes of this Offer to Purchase, "Common Shares" means the shares of Common
Stock and "Preferred Shares" means the shares of Preferred Stock.
The Offer is subject to certain conditions set forth under "-- 10. Certain
Conditions of the Offer", including satisfaction of the Minimum Tender
Condition, satisfaction of the Financing Condition and expiration or termination
of the waiting periods under the HSR Act applicable to the Purchaser's
acquisition of Shares pursuant to the Offer, the acquisition by the Parent
Purchasers of the shares of Purchaser and the Parent Contribution. If any such
condition is not satisfied, the Purchaser may (subject to the terms of the
Merger Agreement) (i) terminate the Offer and return all tendered Shares to
tendering stockholders, (ii) extend the Offer and, subject to withdrawal rights
as set forth under "-- 4. Withdrawal Rights", retain all such Shares until the
expiration of the Offer as so extended, (iii) waive such condition and, subject
to any requirement to extend the period of time during which the Offer is open,
purchase all Shares validly tendered by the Expiration Date and not withdrawn
(provided, that pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Purchaser has agreed that
it will not, without the prior written consent of the Company, waive the Minimum
Condition or make any change in the terms or conditions of the Offer that is
adverse to the holders of Shares (see "Special Factors -- The Merger
Agreement -- The Offer")) or (iv) delay acceptance for payment or payment for
Shares, subject to applicable law, until satisfaction or waiver of the
conditions to the Offer. For a description of the Purchaser's right to extend
the period of time during which the Offer is open and to amend, delay or
terminate the Offer, see "-- 9. Extension of Tender Period; Termination;
Amendment".
The Company has provided the Purchaser with the Company's stockholder list
and security position listings for the purpose of disseminating the Offer to
holders of Shares. This Offer to Purchase and the related Letter of Transmittal
and other relevant materials will be mailed to record holders of Shares and will
be furnished to brokers, banks and similar persons whose names, or the names of
whose nominees, appear on the stockholder list or, if applicable, who are listed
as participants in a clearing agency's security position listing for subsequent
transmittal to beneficial owners of Shares.
2. Acceptance for Payment and Payment. Upon the terms and subject to the
conditions of the Offer (including, if the Offer is extended or amended, the
terms and conditions of such extension or amendment), the Purchaser will accept
for payment and pay for all Shares validly tendered and not withdrawn by the
Expiration Date as soon as practicable after the later of (i) the Expiration
Date and (ii) the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth under
"-- 10. Certain Conditions of the Offer". In addition, the Purchaser reserves
the right, in its sole discretion and subject to applicable law (including
applicable rules of the Commission), to delay the acceptance for payment or
payment for Shares in order to comply in whole or in part with any applicable
law. For a description of the Purchaser's right to terminate the Offer and not
accept for payment or pay for Shares or to delay acceptance for payment or
payment for Shares, see "-- 9. Extension of Tender Period; Termination;
Amendment".
For purposes of the Offer, the Purchaser shall be deemed to have accepted
for payment tendered Shares if, as and when the Purchaser gives oral or written
notice to the Depositary of its acceptance of such Shares for payment pursuant
to the Offer. Payment for Shares accepted for payment pursuant to the Offer will
be made by deposit of the purchase price with the Depositary, which will act as
agent for the tendering stockholders for the purpose of receiving payments from
the Purchaser and transmitting such payments to tendering
42
<PAGE> 45
stockholders. In all cases, payment for Shares accepted for payment pursuant to
the Offer will be made only after timely receipt by the Depositary of
certificates for such Shares or, in the case of Common Shares, of a confirmation
of a book-entry transfer of such Common Shares into the Depositary's account at
one of the Book-Entry Transfer Facilities (as defined under "-- 3. Procedure for
Tendering Shares"), a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal
(or facsimile thereof) and any other required documents. For a description of
the procedure for tendering Shares pursuant to the Offer, see "-- 3. Procedure
for Tendering Shares". Accordingly, payment may be made to tendering
stockholders at different times if delivery of the Shares and other required
documents occur at different times. Under no circumstances will interest be paid
by the Purchaser on the consideration paid for Shares pursuant to the Offer,
regardless of any delay in making such payment.
If the Purchaser increases the consideration to be paid for shares of
Common Stock or Preferred Stock pursuant to the Offer, the Purchaser will pay
such increased consideration for all shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock,
as the case may be, purchased pursuant to the Offer.
The Purchaser reserves the right to transfer or assign, in whole or from
time to time in part, to one or more of its affiliates the right to purchase
Shares tendered pursuant to the Offer, but any such transfer or assignment will
not relieve the Purchaser of its obligations under the Offer or prejudice the
rights of tendering stockholders to receive payment for Shares validly tendered
and accepted for payment.
If any tendered Shares are not purchased pursuant to the Offer for any
reason, or if certificates are submitted for more Shares than are tendered,
certificates for such unpurchased or untendered Shares will be returned (or, in
the case of Common Shares tendered by book-entry transfer into the Depositary's
account at a Book-Entry Transfer Facility pursuant to the Offer, see "-- 3.
Procedure for Tendering Shares," such Common Shares will be credited to an
account maintained at such Book-Entry Transfer Facility), without expense to the
tendering stockholder, as promptly as practicable following the expiration or
termination of the Offer.
3. Procedure for Tendering Shares. To tender Shares pursuant to the Offer,
either (a) a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or
facsimile thereof) and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal
(including, if applicable, any required signature guarantees) must be received
by the Depositary by the Expiration Date at one of its addresses set forth on
the back cover of this Offer to Purchase and either (i) certificates for the
Shares to be tendered must be received by the Depositary at one of such
addresses or (ii) in the case of Common Shares, such Common Shares must be
delivered pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer described below
(and a confirmation of such delivery received by the Depositary including an
Agent's Message if the tendering stockholder has not delivered a Letter of
Transmittal), in each case by the Expiration Date, or (b) the guaranteed
delivery procedure described below must be complied with. The term "Agent's
Message" means a message, transmitted by a Book-Entry Transfer Facility (as
hereinafter defined) to and received by the Depositary and forming a part of a
book-entry confirmation, which states that such Book-Entry Transfer Facility has
received an express acknowledgement from the participant in such Book-Entry
Transfer Facility tendering the Common Shares which are the subject of such
book-entry confirmation, that such participant has received and agrees to be
bound by the Letter of Transmittal and that the Company may enforce such
agreement against such participant.
The Depositary will establish an account with respect to the Common Shares
at The Depository Trust Company, Midwest Securities Trust Company and
Philadelphia Depository Trust Company (collectively referred to as the
"Book-Entry Transfer Facilities") for purposes of the Offer within two business
days after the date of this Offer to Purchase, and any financial institution
that is a participant in the system of any Book-Entry Transfer Facility may make
delivery of Common Shares by causing such Book-Entry Transfer Facility to
transfer such Common Shares into the Depositary's account in accordance with the
procedures of such Book-Entry Transfer Facility. However, although delivery of
Common Shares may be effected through book-entry transfer, the Letter of
Transmittal (or facsimile thereof) properly completed and duly executed together
with any required signature guarantees or an Agent's Message and any other
required documents must, in any case, be received by the Depositary at one of
its addresses set forth on the back cover of this Offer to Purchase by the
Expiration Date, or the guaranteed delivery procedure described below must be
complied with. Delivery
43
<PAGE> 46
of the Letter of Transmittal and any other required documents to a Book-Entry
Transfer Facility does not constitute delivery to the Depositary.
THE PREFERRED SHARES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION TO THE BOOK-ENTRY
TRANSFER FACILITIES AND DELIVERY OF PREFERRED SHARES MAY NOT BE EFFECTED BY
BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER.
Except as otherwise provided below, all signatures on a Letter of
Transmittal must be guaranteed by a firm which is a member of a registered
national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc., or by a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent
in the United States (an "Eligible Institution"). Signatures on a Letter of
Transmittal need not be guaranteed (a) if the Letter of Transmittal is signed by
the registered holder of the Shares tendered therewith and such holder has not
completed either the box entitled "Special Payment Instructions" or the box
entitled "Special Delivery Instructions" on the Letter of Transmittal or (b) if
such Shares are tendered for the account of an Eligible Institution. See
Instructions 1 and 5 to the Letter of Transmittal. If the certificates are
registered in the name of a person other than the signer of the Letter of
Transmittal or if payment is to be made or certificates for Shares not accepted
for payment or not tendered are to be returned to a person other than the
registered holder, then the tendered certificates must be endorsed or
accompanied by appropriate stock powers, in either case signed exactly as the
name or names of the registered owner or owners appears on the certificates,
with the signatures on the certificates or stock powers guaranteed as described
above. See Instruction 5 to the Letter of Transmittal.
If certificates for Shares are forwarded separately to the Depositary, the
Letter of Transmittal (or a facsimile thereof) properly completed and duly
executed must accompany each such delivery.
If a stockholder desires to tender Shares pursuant to the Offer and cannot
deliver such Shares and all other required documents to the Depositary by the
Expiration Date, or, in the case of Common Shares, such stockholder cannot
complete the procedure for delivery by book-entry transfer on a timely basis,
such Shares may nevertheless be tendered if all of the following conditions are
met:
(i) such tender is made by or through an Eligible Institution;
(ii) a properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery substantially in the form provided by the Purchaser is received by
the Depositary (as provided below) by the Expiration Date; and
(iii) the certificates for such tendered Shares (or, in the case of
Common Shares, a confirmation of a book-entry transfer of such Common
Shares into the Depositary's account at one of the Book-Entry Transfer
Facilities), together with a properly completed and duly executed Letter of
Transmittal (or facsimile thereof) with any required signature guarantee or
an Agent's Message and any other documents required by the Letter of
Transmittal, are received by the Depositary within five trading days on the
NASDAQ NMS after the date of execution of the Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery.
The Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may be delivered by hand or transmitted
by telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or mail to the Depositary and must
include a signature guarantee by an Eligible Institution in the form set forth
in such Notice.
THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF SHARES AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS,
INCLUDING THROUGH BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER FACILITIES, IS AT THE OPTION AND RISK OF
THE TENDERING STOCKHOLDER AND THE DELIVERY WILL BE DEEMED MADE ONLY WHEN
ACTUALLY RECEIVED BY THE DEPOSITARY. IF CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES ARE SENT BY
MAIL, REGISTERED MAIL WITH RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, PROPERLY INSURED, IS
RECOMMENDED. IN ALL CASES, SUFFICIENT TIME SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ENSURE TIMELY
DELIVERY.
Under the federal income tax laws, the Depositary may be required to
withhold 31% of the amount of any payments made to certain stockholders pursuant
to the Offer or the Merger unless the tendering stockholder, and, if applicable
each other payee, provides the Depositary with such stockholder's or payee's
correct taxpayer identification number and certifies that such stockholder or
payee is not subject to backup federal income tax withholding by completing the
Substitute Form W-9 included in the Letter of Transmittal. Please see
Instruction 8 to the Letter of Transmittal for additional information regarding
backup withholding.
44
<PAGE> 47
In addition, the Depositary will withhold 10% of the amount of any payments
made to foreign stockholders under Section 1445 of the Code unless the
Depositary receives from the Company the documentation necessary to avoid the
withholding tax applicable to transfers of interests in a "United States real
property holding corporation" as defined in Section 897 of the Code. There can
be no assurance that the necessary documentation will be obtained. Non-foreign
stockholders who want to be assured of avoiding withholding under Section 1445
regardless of whether the necessary documentation is obtained from the Company
must certify under penalties of perjury their non-foreign status by completing
the Section 1445 Certification included in the Letter of Transmittal. Please see
Instruction 9 to the Letter of Transmittal for additional information regarding
withholding under Section 1445 of the Code.
By executing a Letter of Transmittal, a tendering stockholder irrevocably
appoints designees of the Purchaser as such stockholder's proxy in the manner
set forth in the Letter of Transmittal to the full extent of such stockholder's
rights with respect to the Shares tendered by such stockholder and accepted for
payment by the Purchaser (and any and all other Shares or other securities
issued or issuable in respect of such Shares on or after August 4, 1994). All
such proxies shall be irrevocable and coupled with an interest in the tendered
Shares. Such appointment is effective only upon the acceptance for payment of
such Shares by the Purchaser. Upon such acceptance for payment, all prior
proxies and consents granted by such stockholder with respect to such Shares and
other securities will, without further action, be revoked, and no subsequent
proxies may be given nor subsequent written consents executed by such
stockholder (and, if given or executed, will not be deemed to be effective).
Such designees of the Purchaser will, with respect to such Shares and other
securities, be empowered to exercise all voting and other rights of such
stockholder as they, in their sole discretion, may deem proper at any annual,
special or adjourned meeting of the Company's stockholders, by written consent
or otherwise. The Purchaser reserves the right to require that, in order for
Shares to be validly tendered, immediately upon the Purchaser's acceptance for
payment of such Shares, the Purchaser is able to exercise full voting rights
with respect to such Shares and other securities (including voting at any
meeting of stockholders then scheduled or acting by written consent without a
meeting).
The tender of Shares pursuant to any one of the procedures described above
will constitute an agreement between the tendering stockholder and the Purchaser
upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer.
All questions as to the form of documents and the validity, eligibility
(including time of receipt) and acceptance for payment of any tender of Shares
will be determined by the Purchaser, in its sole discretion, which determination
shall be final and binding. The Purchaser reserves the absolute right to reject
any or all tenders of Shares determined by it not to be in proper form or the
acceptance for payment of or payment for which may, in the opinion of the
Purchaser's counsel, be unlawful. The Purchaser also reserves the absolute right
to waive any defect or irregularity in any tender of Shares. The Purchaser's
interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Offer (including the Letter of
Transmittal and the Instructions thereto) will be final and binding. None of the
Purchaser, the Dealer Manager, the Depositary, the Information Agent or any
other person will be under any duty to give notification of any defect or
irregularity in tenders or incur any liability for failure to give any such
notification.
4. Withdrawal Rights. Tenders of Shares made pursuant to the Offer may be
withdrawn at any time prior to the Expiration Date. Thereafter, such tenders are
irrevocable, except that they may be withdrawn after October 9, 1994 unless
theretofore accepted for payment as provided in this Offer to Purchase. If the
Purchaser extends the period of time during which the Offer is open, is delayed
in accepting for payment or paying for Shares or is unable to accept for payment
or pay for Shares pursuant to the Offer for any reason, then, without prejudice
to the Purchaser's rights under the Offer, the Depositary may, on behalf of the
Purchaser, retain all Shares tendered, and such Shares may not be withdrawn
except as otherwise provided in this Section 4.
To be effective, a written, telegraphic, telex or facsimile transmission
notice of withdrawal must be timely received by the Depositary at one of its
addresses set forth on the back cover of this Offer to Purchase and must specify
the name of the person who tendered the Shares to be withdrawn. If certificates
representing the Shares to be withdrawn have been delivered or otherwise
identified to the Depositary, a signed notice of
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<PAGE> 48
withdrawal with (except in the case of Shares tendered by an Eligible
Institution) signatures guaranteed by an Eligible Institution must be submitted
prior to the release of such Shares. In addition, such notice must specify, in
the case of Shares tendered by delivery of certificates, the name of the
registered holder (if different from that of the tendering stockholder) and the
serial numbers shown on the particular certificates evidencing the Shares to be
withdrawn or, in the case of Common Shares tendered by book-entry transfer, the
name and number of the account at one of the Book-Entry Transfer Facilities to
be credited with the withdrawn Common Shares.
Withdrawals may not be rescinded, and Shares withdrawn will thereafter be
deemed not validly tendered for purposes of the Offer. However, withdrawn Shares
may be retendered by again following one of the procedures described under
"-- 3. Procedure for Tendering Shares" at any time prior to the Expiration Date.
All questions as to the form and validity (including time of receipt) of
any notice of withdrawal will be determined by the Purchaser, in its sole
discretion, which determination shall be final and binding. None of the
Purchaser, the Dealer Manager, the Depositary, the Information Agent or any
other person will be under any duty to give notification of any defect or
irregularity in any notice of withdrawal or incur any liability for failure to
give any such notification.
5. Price Range of Shares; Dividends. The Common Shares are traded in the
over-the-counter market and are quoted on the NASDAQ NMS. The following table
sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low sale prices per Common
Share as reported on the NASDAQ NMS, as reported in the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1994 (the "Company 10-K") with
respect to the fiscal years ended January 31, 1993 and 1994, and thereafter as
reported in published financial sources. There is currently no established
trading market for the Preferred Shares. The Company has not declared or paid
any cash dividends with respect to any Shares for the periods indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRICE PER
COMMON SHARE
-------------
HIGH LOW
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Feb. 1, 1992 - April 30, 1992........................................ $20 1/2 $16 1/2
May 1, 1992 - July 31, 1992.......................................... 24 1/4 16 1/4
Aug. 1, 1992 - Oct. 30, 1992......................................... 24 1/4 16 1/4
Nov. 1, 1992 - Jan. 31, 1993......................................... 42 1/4 20 1/8
Feb. 1, 1993 - April 30, 1993........................................ 60 1/2 38 1/4
May 1, 1993 - July 31, 1993.......................................... 73 51 3/4
Aug. 1, 1993 - Oct. 30, 1993......................................... 70 1/4 52 3/4
Nov. 1, 1993 - Jan. 31, 1994......................................... 58 3/4 37
Feb. 1, 1994 - April 30, 1994........................................ 52 3/4 34
May 1, 1994 - July 31, 1994.......................................... 46 1/4 29 1/2
Aug. 1, 1994 - Aug. 10, 1994......................................... 45 1/4 44
</TABLE>
On August 10, 1994, the last full day of trading prior to the commencement
of the Offer, the last reported sales price per share of Common Stock on the
NASDAQ NMS was $44 7/8.
STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO OBTAIN CURRENT MARKET QUOTATIONS FOR THE COMMON
STOCK.
According to the Company, as of July 31, 1994, there were 4,908 record
holders of the Common Stock and 14 record holders of the Preferred Stock.
On October 1, 1991, the Company sold 3,250,000 shares of Common Stock to
the public in an underwritten offering at a price of $14 5/8 per share with
aggregate proceeds to the Company of $45,028,750, net of underwriting discounts.
On October 10, 1991, the Company sold an additional 487,500 shares of Common
Stock pursuant to overallotment arrangements with the underwriters at a price of
$14 5/8 per share with the aggregate proceeds to the Company of $6,754,312.50,
net of underwriting discounts.
46
<PAGE> 49
6. Certain Information Concerning the Company. The Company was
incorporated in 1986 under the laws of the State of Delaware. The principal
office of the Company is located at 1365 Enterprise Drive, West Chester,
Pennsylvania 19380.
The Company is a nationwide general merchandise retailer, operating as one
of the leading televised shopping retailers in the United States. Through its
merchandise-focused television program (the "QVC Service"), the Company sells a
wide variety of products directly to consumers. The products are described and
demonstrated live by program hosts, and orders are placed directly with the
Company by viewers who call a toll-free "800" telephone number. The Company's
television programming is produced at the Company's facilities and is broadcast
nationally via satellite to affiliated local cable system operators who have
entered into carriage agreements with the Company and who retransmit the
Company's programming to their subscribers.
The QVC Service currently reaches approximately 80% of all cable television
subscribers in the United States. The Company's main channel (the "Primary
Channel"), as of January 31, 1994, is transmitted live on a 7-day-a-week,
24-hour-a-day basis, to approximately 44 million cable television homes and on a
part-time basis to approximately 3 million additional cable television homes. In
addition, the QVC Service can be received at any time by approximately 3 million
home satellite dish users.
The following selected financial data relating to the Company and its
subsidiaries has been taken or derived from the audited financial statements
contained in the Company 10-K and the unaudited financial statements contained
in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for its fiscal quarters ended
April 30, 1994 and 1993 (the "Company 10-Qs"). More comprehensive financial
information is included in the Company 10-K and the Company 10-Qs and the other
documents filed by the Company with the Commission, and the financial data set
forth below is qualified in its entirety by reference to such reports and other
documents including the financial statements contained therein. Such reports and
other documents may be examined and copies may be obtained from the offices of
the Commission in the manner set forth below. A copy of the financial statements
set forth in the Company 10-K and the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for its fiscal quarter ended April 30, 1993 is reproduced as Annex C hereto.
47
<PAGE> 50
QVC, INC.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND RATIOS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AT AND FOR THE AT AND FOR THE
THREE MONTHS ENDED FISCAL YEAR ENDED
APRIL 30, JANUARY 31,
---------------------- ------------------------------------
1994 1993 1994 1993 1992
-------- -------- ---------- ---------- --------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Statement of Operations Data:
Net revenue...................... $296,441 $273,232 $1,222,104 $1,070,587 $921,804
Income before extraordinary item
and cumulative effect of
change in accounting
principle..................... 12,063 17,621 55,311 56,588 21,733
Net income....................... 12,063 21,611 59,301 55,092 19,625
Income per common share:
Primary:
Income before extraordinary
item and cumulative effect
of change in accounting
principle................... .25 .36 1.10 1.32 .68
Net income.................... .25 .44 1.18 1.29 .61
Fully diluted:
Income before extraordinary
item........................ .25 .36 1.10 1.27 .67
Net income.................... .25 .44 1.18 1.24 .61
Cash dividends per common
share......................... -- -- -- -- --
Balance Sheet Data:
Total assets..................... 871,970 736,574 878,160 699,695 714,539
Long-term debt, less current
maturities.................... 6,900 7,456 7,044 7,586 152,461
Supplementary Data:
Ratio of earnings to fixed
charges....................... 21.96x 21.92x 23.45x 4.88x 1.99x
Book value per common share...... $ 12.57 $ 11.42 $ 12.32 $ 10.34 $ 8.96
</TABLE>
The name, business address, principal occupation or employment, five year
employment history and citizenship of each director and executive officer of the
Company and certain other information are set forth in Schedule I hereto.
The information concerning the Company contained herein (including Schedule
I hereto) has been taken from or is based upon reports and other documents on
file with the Commission or otherwise publicly available. Although the Purchaser
does not have any knowledge that would indicate that any statements contained
herein based upon such reports and documents are untrue, the Purchaser does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information
contained in such reports and other documents or for any failure by the Company
to disclose events that may have occurred and may affect the significance or
accuracy of any such information but that are unknown to the Purchaser.
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange
Act and in accordance therewith files periodic reports, proxy statements and
other information with the Commission relating to its business, financial
condition and other matters. The Company is required to disclose in such proxy
statements certain information, as of particular dates, concerning the Company's
directors and officers, their remuneration, stock options granted to them, the
principal holders of the Company's securities and any material interest of such
persons in transactions with the Company. Such reports, proxy statements and
other information may be inspected at the public reference facilities maintained
by the Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549 and should also be available for inspection and copying at the regional
offices of the Commission in New York (Jacob K. Javits Federal Building, 26
Federal Plaza, New York, New
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<PAGE> 51
York 10278) and Chicago (Everett McKinley Dirksen Building, 219 South Dearborn
Street, Chicago, Illinois 60604). Copies of such material can also be obtained
from the Public Reference Section of the Commission in Washington, D.C. 20549,
at prescribed rates.
CERTAIN PROJECTIONS
The Company does not as a matter of course make public any forecasts as to
its future financial performance.
The Company has provided the Parent Purchasers with certain information,
including non-public information, concerning the Company and its subsidiaries.
Such information included, among other things, the Company's projections of
consolidated net revenues, net earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization ("EBITDA") and net income for the Company for the period fiscal
year 1994 through fiscal year 1997.
The information provided to the Parent Purchasers by QVC the
("Projections") discloses, among other things, the following:
QVC, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FORECAST FISCAL 1994-1997
(000'S)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FORECAST FORECAST FORECAST FORECAST
FY '94 FY '95 FY'96 FY'97
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Revenue............................... $1,367,486 $1,620,796 $2,052,253 $2,421,425
EBITDA.................................... 201,620 261,567 356,076 424,660
Net Income (Loss)......................... $ 65,244 $ 96,121 $ 153,558 $ 188,995
</TABLE>
The Projections reflect consolidated net revenue, EBITDA and net income on
a stand-alone basis and without reflecting any synergies from the acquisition of
the Company by the Parent Purchasers.
THE PROJECTIONS WERE PREPARED SOLELY FOR INTERNAL USE AND NOT WITH A VIEW
TO PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OR COMPLIANCE WITH THE PUBLISHED GUIDELINES OF THE
COMMISSION OR THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS REGARDING
PROJECTIONS AND WERE NOT PREPARED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF, OR REVIEWED BY,
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS. SUCH PROJECTIONS ARE INCLUDED BY THE PURCHASER AND THE
PARENT PURCHASERS IN THIS OFFER TO PURCHASE SOLELY BECAUSE SUCH INFORMATION WAS
FURNISHED TO THE PURCHASER AND THE PARENT PURCHASERS. NONE OF THE PURCHASER, THE
PARENT PURCHASERS, OR ANY PARTY TO WHOM THE PROJECTIONS WERE PROVIDED ASSUMES
ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE VALIDITY, REASONABLENESS, ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF
THE PROJECTIONS. WHILE PRESENTED WITH NUMERICAL SPECIFICITY, THE PROJECTIONS ARE
BASED ON A VARIETY OF ASSUMPTIONS RELATING TO THE BUSINESSES OF THE COMPANY,
INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE, GENERAL BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND OTHER MATTERS
WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO SIGNIFICANT UNCERTAINTIES AND CONTINGENCIES, MANY OF WHICH
ARE BEYOND THE COMPANY'S CONTROL, AND, THEREFORE, SUCH PROJECTIONS ARE
INHERENTLY IMPRECISE AND THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THEY WILL BE REALIZED.
ALSO, ACTUAL FUTURE RESULTS MAY VARY MATERIALLY FROM THOSE SHOWN IN THE
PROJECTIONS. NONE OF THE PURCHASER, THE PARENT PURCHASERS OR THE COMPANY IS
UNDER ANY OBLIGATION TO OR HAS ANY INTENTION TO UPDATE THE PROJECTIONS AT ANY
FUTURE TIME.
7. Certain Information Concerning the Purchaser and Comcast, Liberty and
TCI. The Purchaser is a Delaware corporation incorporated on July 18, 1994 and
to date has engaged in no activities other than those incident to its formation,
the execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement and the commencement of the
Offer. The Purchaser will be owned jointly by the Parent Purchasers. The
principal executive offices of the Purchaser are located at 1500 Market Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Comcast Corporation and its subsidiaries are principally engaged in the
development, management and operation of cable and cellular telephone
communications systems. Comcast's consolidated and affiliated cable operations
served more than 2,600,000 subscribers and passed approximately 4,200,000 homes
as of
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<PAGE> 52
December 31, 1993. In addition, Comcast owns a 19.9% interest in Heritage
Communications, Inc., a cable communications company serving approximately
1,000,000 subscribers and passing approximately 1,700,000 homes, a 40% interest
in Garden State Cablevision L.P., a cable communications company serving
approximately 192,000 subscribers and passing approximately 284,000 homes and
cable television and telecommunications investments in the United Kingdom.
Comcast provides cellular telephone communications services pursuant to licenses
granted by the FCC in markets with a population of over 7,400,000, including the
area in and around the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the State of Delaware
and in a significant portion of the state of New Jersey. Comcast holds interests
in, among other things, Nextel Communications, Inc., a specialized mobile radio
licensee developing an enhanced service capability, the Company and Teleport
Communications Group Inc. ("Teleport"), a company that provides fiber optic
networks and point to point digital communication links between
telecommunications-intensive business and long distance carriers. Comcast was
organized in 1969 under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and has its
principal executive offices at 1500 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
19107-3723. Sural Corporation ("Sural"), a Delaware corporation controlled by
Ralph J. Roberts, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Comcast, with its
principal offices located at 1105 N. Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware, 19801,
is a holding company that owns shares of Comcast constituting approximately 78%
of the voting power of Comcast.
On June 19, 1994, Comcast announced its agreement to purchase from Rogers
Communications, Inc. ("RCI") the U.S. cable television and alternative access
operations of Maclean Hunter Limited for approximately $1.27 billion in cash,
subject to certain purchase price adjustments. Maclean Hunter Limited's U.S.
cable operations include systems in New Jersey, Michigan and Florida, and
provide service to approximately 550,000 cable subscribers. The purchase is
subject to certain governmental and other approvals.
On August 4, 1994, Liberty and Tele-Communications, Inc., a Delaware
corporation now known as TCI Communications, Inc. ("Old TCI"), consummated a
business combination transaction (the "TCI/Liberty Merger") in which each of
Liberty and Old TCI became wholly-owned subsidiaries of a newly formed holding
company, which subsequently changed its name to Tele-Communications, Inc.
("TCI"). Accordingly, the business currently conducted by TCI is the business
previously conducted by its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Liberty and old TCI,
prior to the TCI/Liberty Merger. TCI's principal executive offices are located
at Terrace Tower II, 5619 DTC Parkway, Englewood, CO 80111.
Old TCI is a Delaware corporation organized in 1968. Old TCI and its
predecessor companies have been principally engaged in the acquisition,
development and operation of cable television systems since the early 1950's.
TCI believes that, measured by the number of basic subscribers, TCI is the
largest provider of basic cable television services in the United States. At
December 31, 1993, Old TCI, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, operated
cable television systems throughout the continental United States and Hawaii.
Systems owned by Old TCI provided basic service to approximately 10.7 million
subscribers and premium services to approximately 10.3 million subscribers at
that date. A basic subscriber may subscribe to one or more premium services and
the number of premium subscribers represents the total number of such
subscriptions to premium services. The foregoing information does not include
any subscriber data related to cable television systems in which Old TCI had at
such date an investment accounted for by the equity method or the cost method.
On August 8, 1994, TCI and TeleCable Corporation ("TeleCable") announced
that they had entered into a definitive merger agreement, whereby TeleCable will
be merged into TCI. TeleCable's stockholders will receive 41,666,667 shares of
TCI Class A Common Stock plus $300,000,000 liquidation value of a TCI
convertible preferred stock, paying a dividend of 5.5%, which is convertible at
the option of its holders into 10,000,000 shares of TCI Class A Common Stock and
is redeemable by TCI after five years. TeleCable, a privately held entity,
operates cable systems in 15 states with approximately 740,000 subscribers.
Liberty was incorporated in Delaware in 1990 and became a public company in
1991 following the contribution by Old TCI of certain cable television
programming interests and cable television systems pursuant to a restructuring
plan and the completion of an exchange offer with its stockholders. Liberty,
through its subsidiaries and affiliates, is an operator of cable television
systems and a provider of satellite-delivered video entertainment, information
and home shopping programming services to various video
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<PAGE> 53
distribution media including cable television systems, broadcast television
stations and home satellite dish owners. Cable television systems in which
Liberty has a direct or indirect ownership interest provided basic cable
television services to approximately 3.2 million subscribers and premium
services to approximately 2.6 million subscribers as of December 31, 1993, of
which approximately 160,000 and 127,000 of such subscribers for basic cable
television services and premium services, respectively, are attributable to
systems which are held by consolidated subsidiaries of Liberty. Included in the
foregoing numbers of subscribers to basic cable television services and premium
services in which Liberty has a direct or indirect ownership interest are
approximately 828,000 and 783,000 subscribers, respectively, which are also
included in such subscriber numbers reported for Old TCI above. The various
programming and programming related businesses in which Liberty has interests
include two national and fourteen regional sports networks and national
entertainment services such as Encore, Home Shopping Club, QVC, Black
Entertainment Television, Court TV, The Family Channel, Starz! and X*PRESS.
On July 11, 1994, Rainbow Program Enterprises purchased a 49.9% general
partnership interest in American Movie Classics Company ("AMC") from Liberty
under the terms of a buy-sell provision contained in the AMC partnership
agreement. Liberty received cash proceeds of $180,429,000 in such transaction.
Such transaction has been reflected in the accompanying condensed pro forma
financial data of TCI set forth below.
The following selected financial data relating to Comcast and its
subsidiaries has been taken or derived from the audited financial statements
contained in Comcast's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1993, and the unaudited financial statements contained in its Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1994 and 1993. More
comprehensive financial information is included in such Annual Reports and
Quarterly Reports and the other documents filed by Comcast with the Commission,
and the financial data set forth below is qualified in its entirety by reference
to such reports and other documents including the financial statements contained
therein. Such reports and other documents may be examined and copies may be
obtained from the offices of the Commission in the same manner as set forth with
respect to the Company under "-- 6. Certain Information Concerning the Company".
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<PAGE> 54
COMCAST CORPORATION
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE FOR THE
THREE MONTHS ENDED FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
----------------------- ------------------------------------
1994(1) 1993(1) 1993(1) 1992(1) 1991(1)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Statement of Operations Data:
Service income..................... $ 328,703 $ 325,225 $1,338,228 $ 900,345 $ 721,000
Operating income................... 64,275 58,657 264,896 165,106 144,951
Equity in net losses of
affiliates...................... (9,646) (6,371) (28,872) (104,306) (83,366)
Loss before extraordinary items and
cumulative effect of accounting
changes......................... (15,777) (23,856) (98,871) (217,935) (155,572)
Extraordinary items................ (11,580) -- (17,620) (52,297) --
Cumulative effect of accounting
changes......................... -- (742,734) (742,734) -- --
Net loss........................... (27,357) (766,590) (859,225) (270,232) (155,572)
Loss per share before extraordinary
items and cumulative effect of
accounting changes(2)........... (.07) (.12) (.46) (1.08) (.87)
Extraordinary items per share(2)... (.05) -- (.08) (.26) --
Cumulative effect of accounting
changes per share(2)............ -- (3.62) (3.47) -- --
Net loss per share(2).............. (.12) (3.74) (4.01) (1.34) (.87)
Cash dividends declared per
share(2)........................ .0233 .0233 .0933 .0933 .0933
Balance Sheet Data:
Total assets....................... $4,763,206 $4,607,058 $4,948,276 $4,271,898 $2,793,584
Working capital.................... 138,573 218,889 182,005 36,886 381,183
Long-term debt..................... 3,918,429 4,015,239 4,162,915 3,973,514 2,452,912
Stockholders' equity
(deficiency).................... (701,902) (818,944) (870,531) (181,641) 19,480
Supplementary Financial Data:
Operating income before
depreciation and
amortization(3)................. 141,520 146,330 606,396 397,153 309,250
Net cash provided by operating
activities(4)................... 62,192 87,069 345,892 252,297 176,228
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations" contained in Comcast's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1993 and in Comcast's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1994 for a discussion of events
which affect the comparability of the information reflected in the above
selected financial data.
(2) As adjusted for Comcast's three-for-two stock split effective February 2,
1994.
(3) Generally referred to in Comcast's businesses as "operating cash flow."
(4) Represents net cash provided by operating activities as presented in
Comcast's Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows contained in Comcast's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993 and in Comcast's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1994.
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<PAGE> 55
The name, business address, principal occupation or employment, five year
employment history and citizenship of each director and executive officer of the
Purchaser and the Parent Purchasers and certain other information are set forth
in Schedule II hereto.
Except as provided in the Merger Agreement and as otherwise described in
this Offer to Purchase, none of the Joint Bidders or their affiliates nor, to
the best knowledge of the Purchaser, any of the persons listed in Schedules I or
II to this Offer to Purchase, has any material contract, arrangement,
understanding or relationship with any other person with respect to any
securities of the Company, including, but not limited to, any contract,
arrangement, understanding or relationship concerning the transfer or voting of
such securities, finder's fees, joint ventures, loan or option arrangements,
puts or calls, guarantees of loans, guarantees of profits, division of profits
or loss or the giving or withholding of proxies. Except as set forth in this
Offer to Purchase, since January 1, 1991, none of the Joint Bidders or their
affiliates nor, to the best knowledge of the Purchaser, any of the persons
listed in Schedules I or II hereto, has had any material business relationship
or transaction with the Company or any of its executive officers, directors, or
affiliates that is required to be reported under the rules and regulations of
the Commission applicable to the Offer. Except as set forth in this Offer to
Purchase, since January 1, 1991, there have been no contracts, negotiations or
transactions concerning a merger, consolidation or acquisition, tender offer or
other acquisition of securities, an election of directors or a sale or other
transfer of a material amount of assets between the Joint Bidders, any of their
respective subsidiaries or, to the best knowledge of the Purchaser, any of the
persons listed in Schedules I or II to this Offer to Purchase or any of the
Company's affiliates other than the Joint Bidders, or any person not affiliated
with the Company who would have a direct interest in such matters, on the one
hand, and the Company or its affiliates, on the other hand.
Information contained herein with respect to Comcast, Liberty and TCI and
their respective executive officers, directors and controlling persons is given
solely by such person, and no other person has responsibility for the accuracy
or completeness of information supplied by such other persons.
Comcast and TCI are subject to the informational requirements of the
Exchange Act and in accordance therewith files periodic reports, proxy
statements and other information with the Commission relating to its business,
financial condition and other matters. Each of Comcast and TCI is required to
disclose in such proxy statements certain information, as of particular dates,
concerning its directors and officers, their remuneration, stock options granted
to them, the principal holders of its securities and any material interests of
such persons in transactions with such person. Such reports, proxy statements
and other information should be available for inspection and copying at the
offices of the Commission and the library of the NYSE in the same manner as set
forth with respect to the Company under "-- 6. Certain Information Concerning
the Company".
8. Dividends and Distributions. If on or after August 4, 1994, the Company
should (i) split, combine or otherwise change any of the Shares or its
capitalization, (ii) acquire or otherwise cause a reduction in the number of
outstanding Shares of any class or (iii) issue or sell any additional Shares
(other than shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to and in accordance with the
terms in effect on August 4, 1994 of employee stock options and convertible
securities outstanding prior to such date), shares of any other class or series
of capital stock, other voting securities or any securities convertible into, or
options, rights, or warrants, conditional or otherwise, to acquire, any of the
foregoing, then, without prejudice to the Purchaser's rights described under
"-- 10. Certain Conditions of the Offer", the Purchaser may, in its sole
discretion, make such adjustments in the purchase price and other terms of the
Offer as it deems appropriate including the number or type of securities to be
purchased.
If, on or after August 4, 1994, the Company should declare or pay (or set a
record date with respect to the payment of) any dividend on any Shares or any
distribution with respect to any Shares (including the issuance of additional
Shares or other securities or rights to purchase of any securities) that is
payable or distributable to stockholders of record on a date prior to the
transfer to the name of the Purchaser or its nominee or transferee on the
Company's stock transfer records of the Shares purchased pursuant to the Offer,
then, without prejudice to the Purchaser's rights as described under "-- 10.
Certain Conditions of the Offer", (i) the purchase price per share of Common
Stock or Preferred Stock, as the case may be, payable by the Purchaser pursuant
to the Offer will be reduced to the extent of any such cash dividend or
distribution and
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<PAGE> 56
(ii) the whole of any such non-cash dividend or distribution to be received by
the tendering stockholders will (a) be received and held by the tendering
stockholders for the account of the Purchaser and will be required to be
promptly remitted and transferred by each tendering stockholder to the
Depositary for the account of the Purchaser, accompanied by appropriate
documentation of transfer, or (b) at the direction of the Purchaser, be
exercised for the benefit of the Purchaser, in which case the proceeds of such
exercise will promptly be remitted to the Purchaser. Pending such remittance and
subject to applicable law, the Purchaser will be entitled to all rights and
privileges as owner of any such non-cash dividend or distribution or proceeds
thereof and may withhold the entire purchase price or deduct from the purchase
price the amount or value thereof, as determined by the Purchaser in its sole
discretion.
9. Extension of Tender Period; Termination; Amendment. The Purchaser
reserves the right, at any time or from time to time, in its sole discretion and
regardless of whether or not any of the conditions specified under "-- 10.
Certain Conditions of the Offer" shall have been satisfied (but subject to the
provisions of the Merger Agreement), (i) to extend the period of time during
which the Offer is open and thereby delay acceptance for payment of, and the
payment for, any Shares by giving oral or written notice of such extension to
the Depositary and by making a public announcement of such extension or (ii) to
amend the Offer in any respect by making a public announcement of such
amendment. There can be no assurance that the Purchaser will exercise its right
to extend or amend the Offer.
If the Purchaser decreases the number of Common Shares or Preferred Shares
being sought or increases or decreases the consideration to be paid for any
Shares pursuant to the Offer and the Offer is scheduled to expire at any time
before the expiration of a period of 10 business days from, and including, the
date that notice of such increase or decrease is first published, sent or given
in the manner specified below, the Offer will be extended until the expiration
of such period of 10 business days. If the Purchaser makes a material change in
the terms of the Offer (other than a change in price or percentage of securities
sought) or in the information concerning the Offer, or waives a material
condition of the Offer, the Purchaser will extend the Offer, if required by
applicable law, for a period sufficient to allow stockholders to consider the
amended terms of the Offer. In a published release, the Commission has stated
that in its view an offer must remain open for a minimum period of time
following a material change in the terms of such offer and that the waiver of a
condition such as the Minimum Tender Condition is a material change in the terms
of an offer. The release states that an offer should remain open for a minimum
of five business days from the date the material change is first published, sent
or given to securityholders, and that if material changes are made with respect
to information that approaches the significance of price and share levels, a
minimum of 10 business days may be required to allow adequate dissemination and
investor response. The term "business day" shall mean any day other than
Saturday, Sunday or a federal holiday and shall consist of the time period from
12:01 A.M. through 12:00 Midnight, New York City time.
The Purchaser also reserves the right, in its sole discretion (but subject
to the provisions of the Merger Agreement), in the event any of the conditions
specified under "-- 10. Certain Conditions of the Offer" shall not have been
satisfied and so long as Shares have not theretofore been accepted for payment,
to delay (except as otherwise required by applicable law) acceptance for payment
of or payment for Shares or to terminate the Offer and not accept for payment or
pay for Shares.
If the Purchaser extends the period of time during which the Offer is open,
is delayed in accepting for payment or paying for Shares or is unable to accept
for payment or pay for Shares pursuant to the Offer for any reason, then,
without prejudice to the Purchaser's rights under the Offer, the Depositary may,
on behalf of the Purchaser, retain all Shares tendered, and such Shares may not
be withdrawn except as otherwise provided under "-- 4. Withdrawal Rights". The
reservation by the Purchaser of the right to delay acceptance for payment of or
payment for Shares is subject to applicable law, which requires that the
Purchaser pay the consideration offered or return the Shares deposited by or on
behalf of stockholders promptly after the termination or withdrawal of the
Offer.
Any extension, termination or amendment of the Offer will be followed as
promptly as practicable by a public announcement thereof. Without limiting the
manner in which the Purchaser may choose to make any public announcement, the
Purchaser will have no obligation (except as otherwise required by applicable
law)
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<PAGE> 57
to publish, advertise or otherwise communicate any such public announcement
other than by making a release to the Dow Jones News Service. In the case of an
extension of the Offer, the Purchaser will make a public announcement of such
extension no later than 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on the next business day
after the previously scheduled Expiration Date.
10. Certain Conditions of the Offer. Notwithstanding any other provision
of the Offer, the Purchaser shall not be required to accept for payment or pay
for any Shares, and may terminate the Offer as provided in under "-- 9.
Extension of Tender Period; Termination; Amendment", if prior to the acceptance
for payment of any Shares (i) the Minimum Tender Condition shall not have been
satisfied, (ii) the Financing Condition shall not have been satisfied, (iii) the
waiting periods under the HSR Act applicable to the Purchaser's acquisition of
Shares pursuant to the Offer, the acquisition by the Parent Purchasers of the
shares of the Purchaser and the Parent Contribution shall not have expired or
been terminated, provided that prior to December 31, 1994, the Purchaser shall
not terminate the Offer by reason of nonsatisfaction of the condition in this
clause (iii) and will extend the Offer in such event (it being understood that
this provision shall not prohibit the Purchaser from terminating the Offer or
failing to extend the Offer by reason of the nonsatisfaction of any other
condition of the Offer), (iv) the Purchaser shall not be satisfied that it has
received all consents as are required from the FCC for consent to the transfer
of control of the FCC licenses listed in the QVC Disclosure Schedule to the
Merger Agreement or (v) at any time on or after August 4, 1994, and prior to the
acceptance for payment of Shares, any of the following conditions exist:
(a) there shall be, instituted or pending any action or proceeding by
any government or governmental authority or agency, domestic or foreign, or
by any other person, domestic or foreign, before any court or governmental
authority or agency, domestic or, foreign, (i) challenging or seeking to
make illegal, to delay materially or otherwise directly or indirectly to
restrain or prohibit the making of the Offer, the acceptance for payment of
or payment for some of or all the Shares by the Purchaser or the
consummation by the Purchaser of the Merger, seeking to obtain material
damages or imposing any material adverse conditions in connection therewith
or otherwise directly or indirectly relating to the transactions
contemplated by the Offer or the Merger, (ii) seeking to restrain or
prohibit the exercise of full rights of ownership or operation by the
Purchaser or its affiliates of all or any portion of the business or assets
of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or of the Purchaser
or any of its affiliates, or to compel the Purchaser or any of its
affiliates to dispose of or hold separate all or any material portion of
the business or assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a
whole, or of the Purchaser or any of its affiliates, (iii) seeking to
impose limitations on the ability of the Purchaser or any of its affiliates
effectively to exercise full rights of ownership of the Shares, including,
without limitation, the right to vote any Shares acquired or owned by the
Purchaser or any of its affiliates on all matters properly presented to the
Company's stockholders or (iv) seeking to require divestiture by the
Purchaser or any of its affiliates of any Shares; or
(b) there shall be any action taken, or any statute, rule, regulation,
injunction, order or decree proposed, enacted, enforced, promulgated,
issued or deemed applicable to the Offer, the acceptance for payment of or
payment for Shares or the Merger, by any court, government or governmental
authority or agency, domestic, foreign or supranational, other than the
application of the waiting period provisions of the HSR Act to the Offer or
the Merger, that, in the reasonable judgment of the Purchaser, might
directly or indirectly, result in any of the consequences referred to in
clauses (i) through (iv) of paragraph (a) above; or
(c) the Company shall have breached or failed to perform in any
material respect any of its covenants or agreements under the Merger
Agreement which has not been cured, or any of the representations and
warranties of the Company set forth in the Merger Agreement shall not be
true in any material respect when made or at any time prior to consummation
of the Offer as if made at and as of such time, in each case and shall
continue to be untrue; or
(d) the Merger Agreement shall have been terminated in accordance with
its terms.
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<PAGE> 58
which, in the reasonable judgment of the Purchaser, in any such case, and
regardless of the circumstances (including any action or omission by the
Purchaser) giving rise to any such condition, makes it inadvisable to proceed
with such acceptance for payment or payment.
The foregoing conditions are for the sole benefit of the Purchaser and may
be asserted by the Purchaser in its sole discretion regardless of the
circumstances (including any action or omission by the Purchaser) giving rise to
any such conditions or may be waived by the Purchaser in its sole discretion in
whole at any time or in part from time to time. The failure by the Purchaser at
any time to exercise its rights under any of the foregoing conditions shall not
be deemed a waiver of any such right; the waiver of any such right with respect
to particular facts and circumstances shall not be deemed a waiver with respect
to any other facts and circumstances, and each such right shall be deemed an
ongoing right which may be asserted at any time or from time to time. Any
determination by the Purchaser concerning the events described in this Section
will be final and binding upon all parties.
11. Certain Legal Matters; Regulatory Approvals.
(a) General. Based on its examination of publicly available
information filed by the Company with the Commission and other publicly
available information concerning the Company, except as described below the
Purchaser is not aware of any governmental license or regulatory permit
that appears to be material to the Company's business that might be
adversely affected by the Purchaser's acquisition of Shares as contemplated
herein or of any approval or other action by any government or governmental
administrative or regulatory authority or agency, domestic or foreign, that
would be required for the acquisition or ownership of Shares by the
Purchaser as contemplated herein. Should any such approval or other action
be required, the Purchaser currently contemplates that, except as described
below under "State Takeover Statutes", such approval or other action will
be sought. Except as described under "Antitrust" and "FCC Approvals", there
is, however, no current intent to delay the purchase of Shares tendered
pursuant to the Offer pending the outcome of any such matter. The Purchaser
is unable to predict whether it may determine that it is required to delay
the acceptance for payment of or payment for Shares tendered pursuant to
the Offer pending the outcome of any such matter. There can be no assurance
that any such approval or other action, if needed, would be obtained or
would be obtained without substantial conditions or that if such approvals
were not obtained or such other actions were not taken adverse consequences
might not result to the Company's business or certain parts of the
Company's business might not have to be disposed of, any of which could
cause the Purchaser to elect to terminate the Offer without the purchase of
Shares thereunder. The Purchaser's obligation under the Offer to accept for
payment and pay for Shares is subject to certain conditions. See "-- 10.
Certain Conditions of the Offer".
(b) State Takeover Statutes. A number of states have adopted laws
which purport, to varying degrees, to apply to attempts to acquire
corporations that are incorporated in, or which have substantial assets,
stockholders, principal executive offices or principal places of business
or whose business operations otherwise have substantial economic effects
in, such states. The Company, directly or through subsidiaries, conducts
business in a number of states throughout the United States, some of which
have enacted such laws. Except as described herein, the Purchaser does not
know whether any of these laws will, by their terms, apply to the Offer or
any merger or other business combination between the Purchaser or any of
its affiliates and the Company and has not complied with any such laws. To
the extent that certain provisions of these laws purport to apply to the
Offer or any such merger or other business combination, the Purchaser
believes that there are reasonable bases for contesting such laws.
In 1982, in Edgar v. MITE Corp., the Supreme Court of the United
States invalidated on constitutional grounds the Illinois Business Takeover
Statute which, as a matter of state securities law, made takeovers of
corporations meeting certain requirements more difficult. However, in 1987
in CTS Corp. v. Dynamics Corp. of America, the Supreme Court held that the
State of Indiana could, as a matter of corporate law, constitutionally
disqualify a potential acquiror from voting shares of a target corporation
without the prior approval of the remaining stockholders where, among other
things, the corporation is incorporated in, and has a substantial number of
stockholders in, the state.
56
<PAGE> 59
If any government official or third party should seek to apply any
state takeover law to the Offer or any merger or other business combination
between the Purchaser or any of its affiliates and the Company, the
Purchaser will take such action as then appears desirable, which action may
include challenging the applicability or validity of such statute in
appropriate court proceedings. In the event it is asserted that one or more
state takeover statutes is applicable to the Offer or any such merger or
other business combination and an appropriate court does not determine that
it is inapplicable or invalid as applied to the Offer or any such merger or
other business combination, the Purchaser might be required to file certain
information with, or to receive approvals from, the relevant state
authorities or holders of Shares, and the Purchaser might be unable to
accept for payment or pay for Shares tendered pursuant to the Offer, or be
delayed in continuing or consummating the Offer or any such merger or other
business combination. In such case, the Purchaser may not be obligated to
accept for payment or pay for any tendered Shares. See "-- 10. Certain
Conditions of the Offer".
Notice will be filed with the Pennsylvania Securities Commission which
will contain substantial additional information about the Offer, which
notice will be available for inspection at the Commission's principal
office at 1010 N. Seventh Street, 2nd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17102, during
business hours. The filing of the notice shall not be interpreted to imply
that the Pennsylvania Takeover Disclosure Law applies to this transaction.
(c) Antitrust. Under the HSR Act and the rules that have been
promulgated thereunder by the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC"), certain
acquisition transactions may not be consummated unless certain information
has been furnished to the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice
(the "Antitrust Division") and the FTC and certain waiting period
requirements have been satisfied. The purchase of Shares pursuant to the
Offer, the acquisition by the Parent Purchasers of the shares of the
Purchaser, and the Parent Contribution are subject to such requirements.
Therefore, notwithstanding the expiration of the respective waiting periods
under the HSR Act in respect of Liberty's prior filing to acquire up to
49.9% of the outstanding QVC securities and Comcast's prior filing to
acquire up to 24.9% of such securities, Liberty and Comcast will not be
permitted to consummate the offer until expiration of the waiting period of
the HSR Act in respect of such transactions.
Pursuant to the requirements of the HSR Act, Comcast, Liberty and the
Company filed the required Notification and Report Forms with the Antitrust
Division and the FTC on August 9, 1994. As a result, the waiting period
applicable to the purchase of Shares pursuant to the Offer is expected to
expire at 11:59 P.M., New York City time, on Wednesday, August 24, 1994.
However, the waiting periods applicable to the acquisition by the Parent
Purchasers of the shares of the Purchaser, and the Parent Contribution are
expected to expire at 11:59 P.M., New York City time, on Thursday,
September 8, 1994. However, prior to such dates, the Antitrust Division or
the FTC may extend the waiting periods by requesting additional information
or documentary material relevant to the acquisitions. If such a request is
made, the waiting period will be extended, in the case of the Offer, until
11:59 P.M., New York City time, on the tenth day after substantial
compliance by the Purchaser with such request. In the case of the
acquisition by the Parent Purchasers of the shares of the Purchaser, and
the contribution of QVC Securities to the Purchaser, if such a request is
made the waiting period will be extended until 11:59 P.M., New York City
time, on the twentieth day after substantial compliance by each of the
parties that receives such a request. Thereafter, such waiting periods can
be extended only by court order.
A request is being made pursuant to the HSR Act for early termination
of the applicable waiting periods. There can be no assurance, however, that
the waiting periods will be terminated early. Shares will not be accepted
for payment or paid for pursuant to the Offer until the expiration or
earlier termination of the applicable waiting periods under the HSR Act.
See "-- 10. Certain Conditions of the Offer". Any extension of the waiting
periods will not give rise to any withdrawal rights not otherwise provided
for by applicable law. See "-- 4. Withdrawal Rights". Subject to the rights
described under "-- 4. Withdrawal Rights", any extension of the waiting
periods will not give rise to any withdrawal rights not otherwise provided
for by applicable law. If the Purchaser's acquisition of Shares is delayed
pursuant to a request by the Antitrust Division or the FTC for additional
information or documentary material pursuant to the HSR Act, the Offer may
be extended.
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<PAGE> 60
The Antitrust Division and the FTC frequently scrutinize the legality
under the antitrust laws of transactions notified under the HSR Act. At any
time before or after the consummation of any such transactions, the
Antitrust Division or the FTC could take such action under the antitrust
laws as it deems necessary or desirable in the public interest, including
seeking to enjoin the purchase of Shares pursuant to the Offer or seeking
divestiture of the Shares so acquired or divestiture of substantial assets
of the Purchaser or the Company. Private parties may also bring legal
actions under the antitrust laws. The Purchaser does not believe that the
consummation of the Offer will result in a violation of any applicable
antitrust laws. However, there can be no assurance that a challenge to the
Offer on antitrust grounds will not be made, or if such a challenge is
made, what the result will be. See "-- 10. Certain Conditions of the Offer"
for certain conditions to the Offer, including conditions with respect to
litigation and certain governmental actions.
(d) FCC Approvals. The Company holds licenses issued by the FCC for
the operation of communication facilities, including three satellite earth
stations. The Communications Act and applicable FCC regulations require
prior FCC approval for the transfer or deemed transfer of control of
companies holding FCC licenses. Applications must be filed with the FCC
seeking such approval. The Communications Act requires that the FCC find
that the proposed transfer would serve the public interest, convenience and
necessity as a prerequisite to granting its approval. The FCC may also
require that the transferees demonstrate that it possesses the requisite
legal, financial, technical and other qualifications to operate the
licensed facilities in order for the transfer to be approved.
In order for the Purchaser to consummate the Offer and the Merger,
prior FCC approval will be required. The Purchaser intends to file with the
FCC, as soon as practicable, applications seeking FCC approval to take
control of the Company. There can be no assurance that the FCC will grant
such approval or that, if granted, such FCC approval will be on terms and
conditions acceptable to the Purchaser.
The Purchaser also intends to file with the FCC a request for special
temporary authority to permit the Offer and the Merger to be consummated
prior to the receipt of FCC approvals of the transfer of control
applications. Although in the past the FCC generally has expedited its
consideration of such requests, the Purchaser cannot predict how long the
FCC's consideration of the Purchaser's request will take.
The obligation of the Purchaser to consummate the Offer is conditioned
upon, among other things, the Purchaser being satisfied that it has
received all consents as are required from the FCC for consent to the
transfer of control of certain of the Company's FCC licenses. See "The
Merger Agreement -- Conditions of the Offer" in Item 3b(iii).
The Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992
directed the FCC to "prescribe rules and regulations establishing
reasonable limits on the number of channels on a cable system that can be
occupied by a video programmer in which a cable operator has an
attributable interest." 47 U.S.C. sec. 533(f)(1)(B). Accordingly, the FCC
recently adopted "vertical ownership" restrictions which, effective January
10, 1994, prohibit (subject to certain exemptions) a cable system operator
from holding attributable interests in video programmers collectively
occupying more than 40% of the channel capacity of its cable systems. The
restrictions on channel occupancy do not apply to channel capacity in
excess of 75 channels. For purposes of calculating the 40% benchmark, the
FCC defines "attributable interest" as it defines the term for purposes of
applying its broadcast cross-ownership restrictions.
12. Fees and Expenses. Lazard is acting as financial advisor to Comcast
and is acting as Dealer Manager in connection with the Offer. Comcast has agreed
to pay Lazard as compensation for its services as financial advisor in
connection with the Transaction and as Dealer Manager in connection with the
Offer a fee of $7,500,000. Comcast has agreed to pay Lazard $1,000,000 of such
fee upon the public announcement of any acquisition by Comcast (by merger or
otherwise) of all or a substantial portion of the Company, and the balance of
such fee, $6,500,000, upon the acquisition by Comcast of at least a majority of
Shares. Comcast has
58
<PAGE> 61
agreed to indemnify Lazard and its affiliates against certain liabilities,
including certain liabilities under the federal securities laws.
The Purchaser has retained D.F. King & Co., Inc. to act as the Information
Agent and The Bank of New York to act as the Depositary in connection with the
Offer. The Information Agent may contact holders of Shares by mail, telephone,
telex, telegraph and personal interviews and may request brokers, dealers and
other nominee stockholders to forward materials relating to the Offer to
beneficial owners. The Information Agent and the Depositary each will receive
reasonable and customary compensation for their respective services, will be
reimbursed for certain [reasonable] out-of-pocket expenses and will be
indemnified against certain liabilities in connection therewith, including
certain liabilities under the federal securities laws.
The Purchaser will not pay any fees or commissions to any broker or dealer
or any other person (other than the Dealer Manager, the Information Agent and
the Depository) for soliciting tenders of Shares pursuant to the Offer. Brokers,
dealers, commercial banks and trust companies will, upon request, be reimbursed
by the Purchaser for reasonable and necessary costs and expenses incurred by
them in forwarding materials to their customers.
It is estimated that the expenses incurred in connection with the
Transaction will be approximately as set forth below:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Filing Fees............................................. $ 219,417
Dealer Manager/Financial Advisory Fees.................. 18,000,000
Information Agent Fees.................................. 7,500
Depositary Fees......................................... 41,000
Legal Fees.............................................. 2,600,000
Accounting Fees......................................... 5,000
Printing and Mailing Costs.............................. 200,000
Miscellaneous........................................... 50,000
-----------
Total......................................... $21,122,917
==========
</TABLE>
All costs and expenses incurred by Comcast, Liberty and TCI in connection
with the Joint Bidding Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby
(other than costs and expenses related to the cash contribution agreed to be
made by each of the Parent Purchasers to the Purchaser, which shall be paid by
such Parent Purchaser) shall be paid or reimbursed by QVC following the Merger,
or if the Merger is not consummated, then by the party incurring such expenses.
13. Miscellaneous. The Offer is not being made to, nor will tenders be
accepted from or on behalf of, holders of Shares in any jurisdiction in which
the making of the Offer or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with
the laws of such jurisdiction. However, the Purchaser may, in its discretion,
take such action as it may deem necessary to make the Offer in any such
jurisdiction and extend the Offer to holders of Shares in such jurisdiction.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION ON BEHALF OF THE PURCHASER NOT CONTAINED IN THIS OFFER TO
PURCHASE OR IN THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION
OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED.
The Purchaser has filed with the Commission a Tender Offer Statement on
Schedule 14D-1, together with exhibits (the "Schedule 14D-1") pursuant to Rule
14d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act (the "Exchange
Act Rules"), and, together with the Company, a Rule 13e-3 Transaction Statement
on Schedule 13E-3 (the "Schedule 13E-3") pursuant to Rule 13e-3 of the Exchange
Act Rules, each furnishing certain additional information with respect to the
Transaction. By filing the Schedule 13E-3 none of the joint signatories thereto
concedes that Rule 13E-3 is applicable to the Transaction. The Schedule 14D-1,
the Schedule 13E-3 and any amendments thereto, including exhibits, may be
examined and copies may be obtained from the offices of the Commission in the
manner set forth under "-- 6. Certain Information Concerning the Company"
(except that such information will not be available at the regional offices of
the Commission).
59
<PAGE> 62
SCHEDULE I
QVC, INC.
Set forth below are the name, business address and present principal
occupation or employment, and material occupations, positions, offices or
employments for the past five years of each director and executive officer of
the Company. Except as otherwise noted, the business address of each such person
is c/o QVC, Inc., 1365 Enterprise Drive, West Chester, PA 19380, and such person
is a United States citizen. In addition, except as otherwise noted, each
executive officer of the Company has been employed by the Company in the
positions listed below during the last five years. This information has been
taken from and is based upon reports and other documents on file with the
Commission or otherwise publicly available.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
OR ORGANIZATION IN MATERIAL OCCUPATIONS,
WHICH SUCH POSITIONS, OFFICES OR
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION EMPLOYMENT IS EMPLOYMENTS FOR THE PAST
NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS CONDUCTED FIVE YEARS
- --------------------- -------------------------- -------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Douglas Briggs Executive Vice President The Company Mr. Briggs has been
and President of QVC Executive Vice President
Electronic Retailing and President of QVC
Electronic Retailing since
February 1994. From
January 1993 to February
1994, he was Executive
Vice President --
Electronic Retailing. From
December 1987 until
January 1993, Mr. Briggs
was Executive Vice
President -- Programming.
Candice M. Carpenter President -- Q2, Inc. The Company Ms. Carpenter has been
President of Q2, Inc., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of
the Company, since July
1993. Prior thereto, Ms.
Carpenter was President of
Time-Warner Video and
Time-Life Television from
1989 to July 1993.
William F. Costello Executive Vice President The Company Mr. Costello has been
-- Finance and Chief Director, Executive Vice
Financial Officer of the President -- Finance and
Company Chief Financial Officer of
the Company since December
1989. Mr. Costello was
also Treasurer of the
Company from December 1989
to September 1992. Prior
thereto, he was an
independent management and
financial consultant from
1988 until December 1989.
Barry Diller Chairman, Chief Executive The Company Mr. Diller has been
Officer and Director of Chairman of the Board, the
the Company Chief Executive Officer
and a Director of the
company since January 18,
1993. From 1984 to 1992,
Mr. Diller was Chairman of
the Board, a Director and
Chief Executive Officer of
Fox, Inc.
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 63
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
OR ORGANIZATION IN MATERIAL OCCUPATIONS,
WHICH SUCH POSITIONS, OFFICES OR
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION EMPLOYMENT IS EMPLOYMENTS FOR THE PAST
NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS CONDUCTED FIVE YEARS
- --------------------- -------------------------- -------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Thomas Downs Executive Vice The Company Mr. Downs has been
President -- Operations Executive Vice
and Services of the President -- Operations
Company and Services since
February 1994. Prior
thereto, Mr. Downs was
Executive Vice
President -- Customer
Service from February 1991
to February 1994,
Executive Vice
President -- Fulfillment
from December 1989 to
January 1991 and Senior
Vice
President -- Fulfillment
from 1987 to December
1989.
Neal S. Grabell Senior Vice President, The Company Mr. Grabell has been
General Counsel and Senior Vice President,
Secretary of the Company General Counsel and
Secretary of the Company
since 1987. Mr. Grabell is
of counsel to the law firm
Bolger, Picker, Hankin &
Tannenbaum.
James G. Held Executive Vice-President The Company Mr. Held has been
of QVC Merchandising Executive Vice President
of QVC Merchandising since
February 1994. Prior
thereto, he was Senior
Vice President of New
Business Development of
the Company from September
1993 to February 1994.
Prior thereto, he served
in a series of positions
with Bloomingdale's from
1983 to September 1993.
John F. Link Executive Vice The Company Mr. Link has been
President -- Information Executive Vice
Systems and President -- Information
Telecommunications and Systems and
Chief Information Telecommunications and
Officer of the Company Chief Information Officer
since February 1994. He
was Executive Vice
President of Information
Systems and
Telecommunications from
August 1990 to February
1994 and Senior Vice
President of Information
Systems and Data
Communications of the
Company since 1989. From
1964 to 1989, Mr. Link
held various positions
with Sun Company, Inc.
</TABLE>
I-2
<PAGE> 64
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
OR ORGANIZATION IN MATERIAL OCCUPATIONS,
WHICH SUCH POSITIONS, OFFICES OR
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION EMPLOYMENT IS EMPLOYMENTS FOR THE PAST
NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS CONDUCTED FIVE YEARS
- --------------------- -------------------------- -------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
J. Bruce Llewellyn Chairman of the Board and Soft drink bottler Mr. Llewellyn has been a
Chief Executive Officer and distributor Director of the Company
of The Philadelphia since June 1990. Mr.
Coca-Cola Bottling Llewellyn has been
Company Chairman of the Board and
Rubin, Baum, Levin, Chief Executive Officer of
Constant & Friedman the Philadelphia Coca-Cola
30 Rockefeller Plaza Bottling Company for more
29th Floor than five years. Mr.
New York, NY 10012 Llewellyn also serves as
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer of
The Coca-Cola Bottling
Company of Wilmington,
Inc., Queen City
Broadcasting, Inc. and
Garden State Cablevision,
Inc.
Robert J. Perkins President of Q Direct The Company Mr. Perkins has served as
President of Q Direct
since March 1994. Mr.
Perkins served as Senior
Vice President of
Marketing of Pizza Hut
from March 1991 to March
1994. From 1985 to 1991,
Mr. Perkins held a series
of positions within the
Chiat/Day advertising
organization.
Bruce M. Ramer Director, Principal of law Law Firm Mr. Ramer has been a
firm of Gang, Tyre, Director of the Company
Ramer & Brown, Inc. since May 1994. Mr. Ramer
6400 Sunset Building has been a principal of
Los Angeles, CA 90028 the law firm of Gang,
Tyre, Ramer & Brown, Inc.
for more than five years.
Ralph J. Roberts Chairman of the Board of Comcast Mr. Roberts has been a
Directors and Director Director of the Company
of Comcast since June 1991. Mr.
1500 Market Street Roberts has been Chairman
Philadelphia, PA 19107 of the Board of Directors
and a Director of Comcast
for more than five years.
Mr. Roberts has also been
President and a Director
of Sural for more than
five years. Prior to
February 7, 1990, Mr.
Roberts was President of
Comcast. Mr. Roberts is
also a Director of Storer
Communications, Inc.
</TABLE>
I-3
<PAGE> 65
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
OR ORGANIZATION IN MATERIAL OCCUPATIONS,
WHICH SUCH POSITIONS, OFFICES OR
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION EMPLOYMENT IS EMPLOYMENTS FOR THE PAST
NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS CONDUCTED FIVE YEARS
- --------------------- -------------------------- -------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Brian L. Roberts President and Director of Comcast Mr. Roberts has been a
Comcast Director of the Company
1500 Market Street since October 1987. Mr.
Philadelphia, PA 19107 Roberts has served as
President of Comcast since
February 1990. Prior
thereto, Mr. Roberts was
Executive Vice President
of Comcast since June 1987
and a Vice President of
Comcast since September
1986. Previously, he
served in various
capacities with Comcast
Cable Communications, a
division of Comcast which
operates Comcast's cable
communications business,
for more than five years.
Mr. Roberts also serves as
Vice President and a
Director of Sural. Mr.
Roberts is also a Director
of Turner Broadcasting
System, Inc. and Storer
Communications, Inc.
William J. Schereck President -- International The Company Mr. Schereck served as
Executive Vice
President -- International
of the Company from
December 1993 to February
1994, when he was
appointed to his current
position of President -
International. From 1990
to December 1993, Mr.
Schereck served as Vice
President, Cable
Affiliates for Fox
Broadcasting Company and
from 1985 to 1990 he held
a series of positions with
WMSN, a television station
in Madison, Wisconsin.
Joseph M. Segel Director and Chairman The Company Mr. Segel has been a
Emeritus of the Company Director of the Company
since 1986 and Chairman
Emeritus of the Company
since January 1993. Mr.
Segel was Chairman, Chief
Executive Officer and a
Director of the Company
from June 1986 to January
1993. From June 1986 to
November 1986 and from
December 1987 to July
1989, Mr. Segel was
President of the Company.
</TABLE>
I-4
<PAGE> 66
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
OR ORGANIZATION IN MATERIAL OCCUPATIONS,
WHICH SUCH POSITIONS, OFFICES OR
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION EMPLOYMENT IS EMPLOYMENTS FOR THE PAST
NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS CONDUCTED FIVE YEARS
- --------------------- -------------------------- -------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Linda J. Wachner Chairman, President and Apparel Company Mrs. Wachner has been a
Chief Executive Officer Director of the Company
of Warnaco Inc. since May 1994. She has
90 Park Avenue been Chairman, President
New York, NY 10016 and Chief Executive
Officer of Warnaco Inc., a
publicly-owned apparel
company, for more than
five years. She is also
Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of
Authentic Fitness
Corporation.
</TABLE>
I-5
<PAGE> 67
SCHEDULE II
COMCAST CORPORATION AND QVC PROGRAMMING HOLDINGS, INC.
Set forth below are the name, business address and present principal
occupation or employment, and material occupations, positions, offices or
employments for the past five years of each director, executive officer and
controlling person, and age of each executive officer, of Comcast, the Purchaser
and Sural. Except as otherwise noted, the business address of each such person
is c/o Comcast Corporation, 1500 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, and such
person is a United States citizen. In addition, except as otherwise noted, each
executive officer of Comcast, the Purchaser or Sural has been employed by
Comcast, the Purchaser or Sural, respectively, in the positions listed below
during the last five years.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
OR ORGANIZATION IN MATERIAL OCCUPATIONS,
WHICH SUCH POSITIONS, OFFICES OR
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION EMPLOYMENT IS EMPLOYMENTS FOR THE PAST
NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS CONDUCTED FIVE YEARS; AGE
- --------------------- -------------------------- -------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Ralph J. Roberts Chairman of Board of Comcast Mr. Roberts has served as
Directors and Director Chairman of the Board of
of Comcast; Chairman of Directors and a Director
Board of Directors and of Comcast for more than
Director of the five years. He has been
Purchaser; President and the President and a
Director of Sural Director of Sural for more
than five years. Mr.
Roberts is also a Director
of the Company and Storer
Communications, Inc. Age
73.
Julian A. Brodsky Vice Chairman of Board of Comcast Mr. Brodsky has served as
Directors and Director Vice Chairman of the Board
of Comcast; Vice of Directors and a
Chairman of Board of Director of Comcast for
Directors and Director, more than five years. He
Assistant Secretary and has served as Treasurer
Assistant Treasurer of and Director of Sural for
the Purchaser; Treasurer more than five years. Mr.
and Director of Sural Brodsky is also a Director
Corporation ("Sural"), a of Nextel, Inc., Storer
holding company that Communications, Inc. and
owns shares of Comcast RBB Fund, Inc. Age 60.
constituting
approximately 78% of the
voting power of Comcast
</TABLE>
II-1
<PAGE> 68
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
OR ORGANIZATION IN MATERIAL OCCUPATIONS,
WHICH SUCH POSITIONS, OFFICES OR
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION EMPLOYMENT IS EMPLOYMENTS FOR THE PAST
NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS CONDUCTED FIVE YEARS; AGE
- --------------------- -------------------------- -------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Brian L. Roberts President and Director of Comcast Mr. Roberts was elected to
Comcast; President and the Board of Directors in
Director of the June 1988 and was elected
Purchaser; Vice President of Comcast in
President and Director February 1990. Mr. Roberts
of Sural had been Executive Vice
President of Comcast since
June 1987 and had been a
Vice President of Comcast
since September 1986.
Previously, he served in
various capacities with
Comcast Cable
Communications, a division
of Comcast which operates
Comcast's cable
communications business
for more than five years.
Mr. Roberts serves as Vice
President and a Director
of Sural. Mr. Roberts is
also a Director of Turner
Broadcasting System, Inc.,
the Company and Storer
Communications, Inc.
Age 34.
John R. Alchin Senior Vice President and Comcast Mr. Alchin joined Comcast
(citizen Treasurer of Comcast; in January 1990 as Vice
of Australia) Senior Vice President President and Treasurer
and Treasurer of the and in February 1990 was
Purchaser elected Senior Vice
President. Prior to
joining Comcast, Mr.
Alchin held various
executive positions with
Toronto Dominion Bank for
more than five years,
including Managing
Director, Merchant Banking
Group. Age 45.
Thomas G. Baxter Senior Vice President of Comcast Mr. Baxter was elected
Comcast and President of Senior Vice President of
Comcast Cable Comcast in February 1990.
Communications, Inc. As of January 1, 1990, Mr.
Baxter was named Vice
President of Comcast and
President of Comcast Cable
Communications. Mr. Baxter
had been a Vice President
of Comcast Cable since
1985. Age 47.
</TABLE>
II-2
<PAGE> 69
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
OR ORGANIZATION IN MATERIAL OCCUPATIONS,
WHICH SUCH POSITIONS, OFFICES OR
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION EMPLOYMENT IS EMPLOYMENTS FOR THE PAST
NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS CONDUCTED FIVE YEARS; AGE
- --------------------- -------------------------- -------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Lawrence S. Smith Senior Vice President Comcast Mr. Smith was elected
-- Accounting and Senior Vice President of
Administration of Comcast in February 1990.
Comcast; Senior In April 1988, Mr. Smith
Vice President -- joined Comcast as Vice
Accounting and President -- Accounting
Administration of the and Administration. Mr.
Purchaser Smith is the Chief
Accounting Officer of
Comcast. Prior to joining
Comcast, Mr. Smith served
as Senior Vice President,
Finance of Advanta Corp.,
a financial services
holding company, from
1986. Previously, Mr.
Smith was a partner with
Arthur Andersen & Co. for
more than five years. Age
46.
Stanley L. Wang Senior Vice President, Comcast Mr. Wang was elected
General Counsel and Senior Vice President of
Secretary of Comcast; Comcast in February 1990.
Director, Senior Vice Previously, Mr. Wang
President and Secretary served as Vice President
of the Purchaser and General Counsel of
Comcast for more than five
years. Mr. Wang was also
named Secretary of Comcast
in Spring 1989. Mr. Wang
continues to serve as
General Counsel. Mr. Wang
is a Director of Storer
Communications, Inc. Age
53.
C. Stephen Backstrom Vice President -- Taxation Comcast Mr. Backstrom has been
of Comcast; Vice Vice President -- Taxation
President -- Taxation of of Comcast for more than
the Purchaser the past five years. Age
50.
Robert B. Clasen Senior Vice President of Comcast Mr. Clasen joined Comcast
Comcast and Chairman of in January 1993 as Senior
Comcast International Vice President and
Holdings, Inc. Chairman of Comcast
International, a division
of Comcast which owns,
develops and operates
Comcast's international
investments. From February
to December 1992, Mr.
Clasen was a consultant to
Comcast International, and
from February to November
1991, he was a Senior Vice
President of McCaw
Cellular Communications,
Inc. and President of
McCaw's western region.
From 1984 to 1991, he
served in various
executive positions with
Comcast, including Senior
Vice President. Age 49.
</TABLE>
II-3
<PAGE> 70
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
OR ORGANIZATION IN MATERIAL OCCUPATIONS,
WHICH SUCH POSITIONS, OFFICES OR
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION EMPLOYMENT IS EMPLOYMENTS FOR THE PAST
NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS CONDUCTED FIVE YEARS; AGE
- --------------------- -------------------------- -------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Donald A. Harris Senior Vice President of Comcast Mr. Harris joined Comcast
Comcast and President of in March 1992 as Vice
Comcast Cellular President of Comcast and
Communications, Inc. President of Comcast
Cellular Communications, a
division of Comcast which
operates Comcast's
cellular telephone
business. In February
1993, Mr. Harris was
elected Senior Vice
President. Prior to
joining Comcast, Mr.
Harris held various
executive positions with
PacTel Cellular for more
than five years, including
most recently General
Manager of PacTel's Los
Angeles, California
cellular business. Mr.
Harris is also a Director
of Nextel, Inc. Age 41.
Daniel Aaron Director of Comcast Comcast Mr. Aaron has served as a
Director of Comcast for
more than five years. He
served as Vice Chairman of
the Board of Directors for
more than five years until
his retirement in February
1991. He continues to
serve as a consultant to
Comcast.
Gustave G. Director, Attorney Law Firm Mr. Amsterdam has been a
Amsterdam 1845 Walnut Street Director of Comcast for
Suite 2390 more than five years. Mr.
Philadelphia, PA 19103 Amsterdam was, for more
than five years, Chairman
of the Board of Bankers
Securities Corporation, a
mercantile, real estate
management and operating
company.
Sheldon M. Bonovitz Director, Partner in law Law Firm Mr. Bonovitz has been a
firm of Duane, Morris Director of Comcast for
and Heckscher more than five years. Mr.
4200 One Liberty Place Bonovitz has been an
Philadelphia, PA 19103 attorney specializing in
tax matters with the law
firm of Duane, Morris &
Heckscher, in which firm
he is a partner, for more
than five years. Mr.
Bonovitz is also a
Director of Castle Energy
Corporation and Surgical
Laser Technologies, Inc.
</TABLE>
II-4
<PAGE> 71
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
OR ORGANIZATION IN MATERIAL OCCUPATIONS,
WHICH SUCH POSITIONS, OFFICES OR
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION EMPLOYMENT IS EMPLOYMENTS FOR THE PAST
NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS CONDUCTED FIVE YEARS; AGE
- --------------------- -------------------------- -------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Joseph L. Castle, II Director, President of Independent oil and Mr. Castle has been a
Castle Energy Corp. gas refining, Director of Comcast for
One Valley Square exploration and more than five years. Mr.
Suite 101 production Castle has been, for more
Blue Bell, PA 19422 company, which than five years, a
also manages oil financial consultant and
and gas limited is the President, Chief
partnerships Executive Officer and a
Director of Castle Energy
Corporation, an
independent oil and gas
refining, exploration and
production company which
also manages oil and gas
limited partnerships. Mr.
Castle is also a Director
of Reading Company,
Charming Shoppes, Inc. and
Independence Capital
Management, Inc., a
subsidiary of Penn Mutual
Life Insurance Company,
Inc.
Bernard C. Watson Director, President of Private Foundation Dr. Watson has been a
William Penn Foundation Director of Comcast for
One Valley Square more than five years. Dr.
Suite 101 Watson has been President
12 Township Line Road, and Chief Executive
Blue Bell, Officer of the William
PA 19422 Penn Foundation for more
than five years. Dr.
Watson also serves as a
Director of First Fidelity
Bancorporation, First
Fidelity Bank and Comcast
Cablevision of
Philadelphia, Inc.
Irving A. Wechsler Director, Partner in Accounting Firm Mr. Wechsler has been a
Wechsler, Myers & Walsh, Director of Comcast for
Certified Public more than five years, a
Accountants partner in the firm of
One Oliver Plaza Wechsler, Myers & Walsh,
Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Certified Public
Accountants, in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Anne Wexler Director, Chairman of The Consulting firm Ms. Wexler has been a
Wexler Group specializing in Director of Comcast since
1317 F. Street N.W. government March 1991 and has been
Suite 600 relations Chairman of the Wexler
Washington, DC 20004 Group, a consulting firm
specializing in government
relations and public
affairs, which is an
operating unit of Hill and
Knowlton Public Affairs
Worldwide, for more than
five years. Ms. Wexler is
also a Director of
American Cyanamid Company,
the Continental
Corporation and the New
England Electric System.
</TABLE>
II-5
<PAGE> 72
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
OR ORGANIZATION IN MATERIAL OCCUPATIONS,
WHICH SUCH POSITIONS, OFFICES OR
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION EMPLOYMENT IS EMPLOYMENTS FOR THE PAST
NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS CONDUCTED FIVE YEARS; AGE
- --------------------- -------------------------- -------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Suzanne F. Roberts Vice President and Holding Company Ms. Roberts has been a
Director of Sural 1375 Vice President and
Fairview Road Director of Sural for more
Coatesville, PA 19107 than five years.
</TABLE>
II-6
<PAGE> 73
TELE-COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Set forth below are the name, business address and present principal
occupation or employment, and material occupations, positions, offices or
employments for the past five years of each director and executive officer of
TCI. Except as otherwise noted, the business address of each such person is c/o
Tele-Communications, Inc., 5619 DTC Parkway, Englewood, CO 80111, and such
person is a United States citizen. In addition, except as otherwise noted, each
executive officer of Liberty has been employed by Liberty in the positions
listed below during the last five years.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
OR ORGANIZATION IN MATERIAL OCCUPATIONS,
WHICH SUCH POSITIONS, OFFICES OR
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION EMPLOYMENT IS EMPLOYMENTS FOR THE PAST
NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS CONDUCTED FIVE YEARS; AGE
- --------------------- -------------------------- -------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Peter R. Barton Executive Vice President TCI Mr. Barton has served as a
of TCI Director and President of
Liberty since 1990. Mr.
Barton was Senior Vice
President of TCI from 1988
until March 1991, and was
President of Cable Value
Network from 1986 to 1988,
during which time he was
also a consultant to TCI.
Mr. Barton is also a
Director of the Company
and BET Holdings, Inc. Age
43.
Bob Magness Chairman of the Board TCI Mr. Magness has been a
and Director of TCI Director of Liberty since
1990. Mr. Magness has been
Chairman of the Board and
a Director of TCI since
1973. Mr. Magness is also
a Director of TCI, Turner
Broadcasting System, Inc.
and Republic Pictures
Corporation.
John C. Malone President, Chief TCI Dr. Malone has been
Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board and
Director of TCI a Director of Liberty
since 1990. Dr. Malone has
also served as President
of TCI since 1973. Dr.
Malone is also a Director
of TCI and Turner
Broadcasting System, Inc.,
The Bank of New York
Company, Inc., QVC and
BET. Age 53.
Donne F. Fisher Executive Vice President, Acquisition, Executive Vice President
Treasurer of Director development and and Treasurer of
of TCI operation of cable TCI/Liberty since January
television systems 27, 1994; Executive Vice
and cable President of TCI since
television December of 1991; was
programming previously Senior Vice
President of TCI since
1982 and Treasurer since
1970; Vice President,
Treasurer and a director
of most of TCI's
subsidiaries. Age 56.
</TABLE>
II-7
<PAGE> 74
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
OR ORGANIZATION IN MATERIAL OCCUPATIONS,
WHICH SUCH POSITIONS, OFFICES OR
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION EMPLOYMENT IS EMPLOYMENTS FOR THE PAST
NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS CONDUCTED FIVE YEARS; AGE
- --------------------- -------------------------- -------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
John W. Gallivan Director of TCI Newspaper publishing Chairman of the Board of
Chairman of the Board Kearns-Tribune
Kearns-Tribune Corporation, a newspaper
Corporation publishing company.
400 Tribune Building
Salt Lake City, UT
84111
Anthony Lee Coelho Director of TCI Investment Services President and Chief
President and CEO of Executive Officer of
Wertheim Schroder Wertheim Schroder
Investment Services, Investment Services;
Inc. Managing Director of
787 7th Avenue, Wertheim Schroder & Co.,
5th Floor Incorporated; was formerly
New York, NY 10019 U.S. Representative from
California from January
1979 through June 1989 and
the Majority Whip of the
U.S. House of
Representatives from
December 1986 through June
1989.
Kim Magness Director of TCI Ranching and horse Manages family business
Magness family breeding interests, mostly in
business interests, ranching and breeding
principally in ranching Arabian horses, and is
and breeding Arabian Chairman and President of
horses; a company developing
1470 South Quebec Way, liners for irrigation
#148 canals.
Denver, CO 80231
Robert A. Naify Director of TCI Motion Picture President of The Todd-AO
President and CEO of Industry Corporation.
Todd-AO Corporation
172 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
Jerome H. Kern Director of TCI; Senior Law Senior partner of Baker &
Partner in Baker & Botts, L.L.P., a law firm
Botts, L.L.P. located in New York, New
885 Third Avenue, Suite York, since September
1900 1992. Mr. Kern was a
New York, NY 10022 senior partner of the Law
Offices of Jerome H. Kern
from January 1, 1992 to
September 1, 1992 and
prior to that, was a
senior partner of the law
firm of Shea & Gould from
1986 through December 31,
1991.
</TABLE>
II-8
<PAGE> 75
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
OR ORGANIZATION IN MATERIAL OCCUPATIONS,
WHICH SUCH POSITIONS, OFFICES OR
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION EMPLOYMENT IS EMPLOYMENTS FOR THE PAST
NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS CONDUCTED FIVE YEARS; AGE
- --------------------- -------------------------- -------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Stephen M. Brett Executive Vice President, Acquisition, Executive Vice President
Secretary and General development and and Secretary of
Counsel of TCI operation of cable TCI/Liberty since January
television systems 27, 1994. Senior Vice
and cable President and General
television Counsel of TCI since
programming December of 1991. From
August of 1988 through
December of 1991, was
Executive Vice
President -- Legal and
Secretary of United Artist
Entertainment Company
("UAE") and its
predecessor, United
Artists Communications,
Inc. ("UACI"). Age 53.
Brendan R. Clouston Executive Vice President Acquisition, Executive Vice President
of TCI development and of TCI/Liberty since
operation of cable January 27, 1994.
television systems Executive Vice President
and cable and Chief Operating
television Officer of TCI since March
programming 1992. Previously Senior
Vice President of TCI
since December of 1991.
From January of 1987
through December of 1991,
held various executive
positions with UAE and
UACI, most recently
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial
Officer.
Age 41.
Larry E. Romrell Executive Vice President Acquisition, Executive Vice President
of TCI development and of TCI/Liberty since
operation of cable January 27, 1994. Senior
television systems Vice President of TCI
and cable since 1991. From 1972 to
television the present held various
programming executive positions with
WestMarc Communications,
Inc. ("WestMarc"), and is
currently president and
Chief Executive Officer of
WestMarc, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of TCI. Age 54.
J.C. Sparkman Executive Vice President Acquisition, Executive Vice President
of TCI development and of TCI/Liberty since
operation of cable January 27, 1994.
television systems Executive Vice President
and cable of TCI since 1987. Age 62.
television
programming
</TABLE>
II-9
<PAGE> 76
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
OR ORGANIZATION IN MATERIAL OCCUPATIONS,
WHICH SUCH POSITIONS, OFFICES OR
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION EMPLOYMENT IS EMPLOYMENTS FOR THE PAST
NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS CONDUCTED FIVE YEARS; AGE
- --------------------- -------------------------- -------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
R.E. Turner Director of TCI Cable television and Chairman of the Board and
Chairman of the Board entertainment President of Turner
and President of programming. Broadcasting System, Inc.
Turner Broadcasting since 1970.
System, Inc. since
1970
One CNN Center, 14th Fl.
North
Atlanta, GA 30303
Fred A. Vierra Executive Vice President Acquisition, Executive Vice President
of TCI development and of TCI/Liberty since
operation of cable January 27, 1994.
television systems Executive Vice President
and cable of TCI since December of
television 1991. Was President and
programming. Chief Operating Officer of
UAE from May of 1989
through December of 1991;
President and Chief
Operating Officer of
United Cable Television
Corporation from 1982 to
May of 1989. Age 63.
</TABLE>
II-10
<PAGE> 77
SCHEDULE III
Set forth below is the name, business address and present principal
occupation or employment, and material occupations, positions, offices or
employments for the past five years and age of Arthur R. Block. Mr. Block's
business address is c/o Comcast Corporation, 1500 Market Street, Philadelphia,
PA 19107, and is a United States citizen.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
OR ORGANIZATION IN MATERIAL OCCUPATIONS,
WHICH SUCH POSITIONS, OFFICES OR
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION EMPLOYMENT IS EMPLOYMENTS FOR THE PAST
NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS CONDUCTED FIVE YEARS; AGE
- --------------------- -------------------------- -------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Arthur R. Block Vice President, General Comcast Mr. Block has been Deputy
Counsel and Assistant General Counsel and
Secretary of Comcast; Assistant Secretary of
Vice President, Comcast for more than five
Assistant Secretary and years, and Vice President
Assistant Treasurer of of Comcast since December
the Purchaser 1993. Age 39.
</TABLE>
III-1
<PAGE> 78
ANNEX A
[ALLEN & COMPANY LETTERHEAD]
August 4, 1994
The Board of Directors
QVC, Inc.
Goshen Corporate Park
West Chester, PA 19380
Dear Members of the Board:
You have requested our opinion, as of this date, as to the fairness, from a
financial point of view, to the holders of the outstanding shares of Common
Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "QVC Common Stock"), of QVC, Inc. (the
"Company"), QVC Preferred Stock and QVC Options (as such terms are hereinafter
defined), of the consideration to be received by such holders in connection with
the proposed Offer and Merger hereinafter referred to.
Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement"),
dated as of August 4, 1994, among the Company, Comcast Corporation, a
Pennsylvania corporation ("Comcast"), Liberty Media Corporation, a Delaware
corporation ("Liberty"), and Comcast Qmerger, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("MergerCo"), the Company, and a wholly owned subsidiary of MergerCo will enter
into a business combination transaction pursuant to which, on the terms and
subject to the conditions contained in the Merger Agreement, MergerCo will
commence a tender offer (the "Offer") to purchase for cash any and all shares of
QVC Common Stock as well as the Company's Series B Preferred Stock, Series C
Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock, par value $.10 per share
(collectively the "QVC Preferred Stock" and together with the QVC Common Stock,
the "QVC Stock"). Pursuant to the Offer, among other things, MergerCo will offer
to pay net to the seller in cash and without interest, (i) $46.00 per share of
QVC Common Stock issued and outstanding and (ii) $460.00 per share of QVC
Preferred Stock. The Merger Agreement provides that following the completion of
the Offer, a wholly owned subsidiary of MergerCo will be merged with and into
the Company (the "Merger") in accordance with the applicable provisions of
Delaware law and the terms of the Merger Agreement. Pursuant to the Merger
Agreement, QVC Stock not tendered to MergerCo pursuant to the Offer that remains
issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger
would be converted into the right to receive the consideration payable pursuant
to the Offer for such QVC Stock.
In addition, in connection with the Merger, the Company's obligations with
respect to each outstanding stock option granted pursuant to the Company's
employee stock option plans and certain other stock options (collectively, the
"QVC Options") will, except in certain circumstances, be satisfied by paying to
holders of such options an amount in cash equal to $46.00 for each share of QVC
Common Stock underlying each such option, less the exercise price of each such
option.
In arriving at our opinion, we have among other things:
(i) reviewed the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement and the
agreements and instruments referred to therein;
(ii) analyzed certain historical business and financial information
relating to the Company, including the Annual Reports to Stockholders
and Annual Reports on Form 10-K of the Company for each of the fiscal
years ended January 31, 1990 through 1994, and the Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q of the Company for the same fiscal years and for the quarter
ended April 30, 1994;
(iii) reviewed certain financial forecasts and other data provided to us by
the Company relating to its business, earnings, assets and prospects;
A-1
<PAGE> 79
(iv) conducted discussions with members of the senior management of the
Company with respect to the financial condition, business, operations,
strategic objectives and prospects of the Company;
(v) reviewed public information with respect to certain other companies in
lines of businesses we believe to be comparable in whole or in part to
the businesses of the Company;
(vi) compared the financial terms of certain business combinations
involving companies in lines of businesses comparable to the Company
with the financial terms of the Merger Agreement;
(vii) reviewed the trading history of QVC Common Stock, including its
performance in comparison to market indices and to selected companies in
comparable businesses;
(viii) reviewed certain stock market data and financial information
relating to selected public companies which we deemed generally
comparable to the Company; and
(ix) conducted such other financial analyses and investigations as we
deemed necessary or appropriate for the purposes of the opinion
expressed herein.
We have been advised that drafts of the Offer to Purchase and certain other
documents that may be prepared for use in connection with the proposed Offer and
the Merger Agreement are not yet available, and thus we have not been able to
review such documents in connection with our opinion.
In rendering our opinion, we have assumed and relied upon the accuracy and
completeness of the financial and other information provided by the Company to
us and the representations contained in the Merger Agreement, and we have not
undertaken any independent verification of such information or any independent
valuation or appraisal of any of the assets of the Company. With respect to the
financial forecasts referred to above, we have assumed that they have been
reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best currently available judgments
of the management of the Company as to the future financial performance of the
Company. Furthermore, our opinions are based on economic, monetary and market
conditions existing on this date.
We acted as financial advisor to the Company in connection with this
transaction and will receive a fee for our services. We have also performed
investment banking services for the Company in the past. Our opinion does not,
however, constitute a recommendation of the Merger over any other alternative
transactions which may be available to the Company. Paul A. Gould, a managing
director of our firm, serves as a director of Liberty. As a part of our
investment banking business, we hold positions in and trade in the securities of
the Company, Comcast and Liberty from time to time.
Our engagement and the opinions expressed herein are solely for the benefit
of the Company's Board of Directors and are not on behalf of, and are not
intended to confer rights or remedies upon, either Comcast or Liberty, any
stockholders of the Company or any other person other than the Company's Board
of Directors. Furthermore, the opinion rendered herein does not constitute a
recommendation by our firm that any stockholder of the Company vote to approve
the Merger or accept the Offer.
Based on and subject to the foregoing and such other factors as we deemed
relevant, we are of the opinion that, as of this date, the consideration to be
received by the holders of QVC Stock and QVC Options pursuant to the Merger
Agreement is fair to such holders, other than Comcast and Liberty, from a
financial point of view.
Very truly yours,
ALLEN & COMPANY INCORPORATED
By: /s/ Enrique F. Senior
--------------------------------------
Enrique F. Senior
Managing Director
A-2
<PAGE> 80
ANNEX B
SECTION 262 OF THE DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
262. APPRAISAL RIGHTS.
(a) Any stockholder of a corporation of this State who holds shares of
stock on the date of the making of a demand pursuant to subsection (d) of this
section with respect to such shares, who continuously holds such shares through
the effective date of the merger or consolidation, who has otherwise complied
with subsection (d) of this section and who has neither voted in favor of the
merger or consolidation nor consented thereto in writing pursuant to sec. 228 of
this title shall be entitled to an appraisal by the Court of Chancery of the
fair value of his shares of stock under the circumstances described in
subsections (b) and (c) of this section. As used in this section, the word
"stockholder" means a holder of record of stock in a stock corporation and also
a member of record of a nonstock corporation; the words "stock" and "share" mean
and include what is ordinarily meant by those words and also membership or
membership interest of a member of a nonstock corporation.
(b) Appraisal rights shall be available for the shares of any class or
series of stock of a constituent corporation in a merger or consolidation to be
effective pursuant to sec. 251, 252, 254, 257, 258, 263 or 264 of this title:
(1) Provided, however, that no appraisal rights under this section
shall be available for the shares of any class or series of stock which, at
the record date fixed to determine the stockholders entitled to receive
notice of and to vote at the meeting of stockholders to act upon the
agreement of merger or consolidation, were either (i) listed on a national
securities exchange or designated as a national market system security on
an interdealer quotation system by the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. or (ii) held of record by more than 2,000 stockholders; and
further provided that no appraisal rights shall be available for any shares
of stock of the constituent corporation surviving a merger if the merger
did not require for its approval the vote of the stockholders of the
surviving corporation as provided in subsection (f) of sec. 251 of this
title.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this subsection, appraisal rights
under this section shall be available for the shares of any class or series
of stock of a constituent corporation if the holders thereof are required
by the terms of an agreement of merger or consolidation pursuant to
sec.sec. 251, 252, 254, 257, 258, 263 and 264 of this title to accept for
such stock anything except:
a. Shares of stock of the corporation surviving or resulting from
such merger or consolidation;
b. Shares of stock of any other corporation which at the effective
date of the merger or consolidation will be either listed on a national
securities exchange or designated as a national market system security
on an interdealer quotation system by the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. or held of record by more than 2,000
stockholders;
c. Cash in lieu of fractional shares of the corporations described
in the foregoing subparagraphs a. and b. of this paragraph; or
d. Any combination of the shares of stock and cash in lieu of
fractional shares described in the foregoing subparagraphs a., b. and c.
of this paragraph.
(3) In the event all of the stock of a subsidiary Delaware corporation
party to a merger effected under sec. 253 of this title is not owned by the
parent corporation immediately prior to the merger, appraisal rights shall
be available for the shares of the subsidiary Delaware corporation.
(c) Any corporation may provide in its certificate of incorporation that
appraisal rights under this section shall be available for the shares of any
class or series of its stock as a result of an amendment to its certificate of
incorporation, any merger of consolidation in which the corporation is a
constituent corporation or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of
the corporation. If the certificate of incorporation contains such a
B-1
<PAGE> 81
provision, the procedures of this section, including those set forth in
subsections (d) and (e) of this section, shall apply as nearly as is
practicable.
(d) Appraisal rights shall be perfected as follows:
(1) If a proposed merger or consolidation for which appraisal rights
are provided under this section is to be submitted for approval at a
meeting of stockholders, the corporation, not less than 20 days prior to
the meeting, shall notify each of its stockholders who was such on the
record date for such meeting with respect to shares for which appraisal
rights are available pursuant to subsections (b) or (c) hereof that
appraisal rights are available for any or all of the shares of the
constituent corporations, and shall include in such notice a copy of this
section. Each stockholder electing to demand the appraisal of his shares
shall deliver to the corporation, before the taking of the vote on the
merger or consolidation, a written demand for appraisal of his shares. Such
demand will be sufficient if its reasonably informs the corporation of the
identity of the stockholder and that the stockholder intends thereby to
demand the appraisal of his shares. A proxy or vote against the merger or
consolidation shall not constitute such a demand. A stockholder electing to
take such action must do so by a separate written demand as herein
provided. Within 10 days after the effective date of such merger or
consolidation, the surviving or resulting corporation shall notify each
stockholder of each constituent corporation who has complied with this
subsection and has not voted in favor of or consented to the merger or
consolidation of the date that the merger or consolidation has become
effective; or
(2) If the merger or consolidation was approved pursuant to sec. 228
or sec. 253 of this title, the surviving or resulting corporation, either
before the effective date of the merger or consolidation or within 10 days
thereafter, shall notify each of the stockholders entitled to appraisal
rights of the effective date of the merger or consolidation and that
appraisal rights are available for any or all of the shares of the
constituent corporation, and shall include in such notice or a copy of this
section. The notice shall be sent by certified or registered mail, return
receipt requested, addressed to the stockholder at his address as it
appears on the records of the corporation. Any stockholder entitled to
appraisal rights may, within 20 days after the date of mailing of the
notice, demand in writing from the surviving or resulting corporation the
appraisal of his shares. Such demand will be sufficient if it reasonably
informs the corporation of the identity of the stockholder and that the
stockholder intends thereby to demand the appraisal of his shares.
(e) Within 120 days after the effective date of the merger or
consolidation, the surviving or resulting corporation or any stockholder who has
complied with subsections (a) and (d) hereof and who is otherwise entitled to
appraisal rights, may file a petition in the Court of Chancery demanding a
determination of the value of the stock of all such stockholders.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time within 60 days after the effective
date of the merger or consolidation, any stockholder shall have the right to
withdraw his demand for appraisal and to accept the terms offered upon the
merger or consolidation. Within 120 days after the effective date of the merger
or consolidation, any stockholder who has complied with the requirements of
subsections (a) and (d) hereof, upon written request, shall be entitled to
receive from the corporation surviving the merger or resulting from the
consolidation a statement setting forth the aggregate number of shares not voted
in favor of the merger or consolidation and with respect to which demands for
appraisal have been received and the aggregate number of holders of such shares.
Such written statement shall be mailed to the stockholder within 10 days after
his written request for such a statement is received by the surviving or
resulting corporation or within 10 days after expiration of the period for
delivery of demands for appraisal under subsection (d) hereof, whichever is
later.
(f) Upon the filing of any such petition by a stockholder, service of a
copy thereof shall be made upon the surviving or resulting corporation, which
shall within 20 days after such service file in the office of the Register in
Chancery in which the petition was filed a duly verified list containing the
names and addresses of all stockholders who have demanded payment for their
shares and with whom agreements as to the value of their shares have not been
reached by the surviving or resulting corporation. If the petition shall be
filed by the surviving or resulting corporation, the petition shall be
accompanied by such a duly verified list. The Register in Chancery, if so
ordered by the Court, shall give notice of the time and place fixed for the
hearing of such petition by registered or certified mail to the surviving or
resulting corporation and to the stockholders shown
B-2
<PAGE> 82
on the list at the addresses therein stated. Such notice shall also be given by
1 or more publications at least 1 week before the day of the hearing, in a
newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Wilmington, Delaware
or such publication as the Court deems advisable. The forms of the notices by
mail and by publication shall be approved by the Court, and the costs thereof
shall be borne by the surviving or resulting corporation.
(g) At the hearing on such petition, the Court shall determine the
stockholders who have complied with this section and who have become entitled to
appraisal rights. The Court may require the stockholders who have demanded a
appraisal for their shares and who hold stock represented by certificates to
submit their certificates of stock to the Register in Chancery for notation
thereon of the pendency of the appraisal proceedings; and if any stockholder
fails to comply with such direction, the Court may dismiss the proceedings as to
such stockholder.
(h) After determining the stockholders entitled to an appraisal, the Court
shall appraise the shares, determining their fair value exclusive of any element
of value arising from the accomplishment or expectation of the merger or
consolidation, together with a fair rate of interest, if any, to be paid upon
the amount determined to be the fair value. In determining such fair value, the
Court shall take into account all relevant factors. In determining the fair rate
of interest, the Court may consider all relevant factors, including the rate of
interest which the surviving or resulting corporation would have had to pay to
borrow the money during the pendency of the proceeding. Upon application by the
surviving or resulting corporation or by any stockholder entitled to participate
in the appraisal proceeding, the Court may, in its discretion, permit discovery
or other pretrial proceedings and may proceed to trial upon the appraisal prior
to the final determination of the stockholder entitled to an appraisal. Any
stockholder whose name appears on the list filed by the surviving or resulting
corporation pursuant to subsection (f) of this section and who has submitted his
certificates of stock to the Register in Chancery, if such is required, may
participate fully in all proceedings until it is finally determined that he is
not entitled to appraisal rights under this section.
(i) The Court shall direct the payment of the fair value of the shares,
together with interest, if any, by the surviving or resulting corporation to the
stockholders entitled thereto. Interest may be simple or compound, as the Court
may direct. Payment shall be so made to each such stockholder, in the case of
holders of uncertificated stock forthwith, and the case of holders of shares
represented by certificates upon the surrender to the corporation of the
certificates representing such stock. The Court's decree may be enforced as
other decrees in the Court of Chancery may be enforced, whether such surviving
or resulting corporation be a corporation of this State or of any state.
(j) The costs of the proceeding may be determined by the Court and taxed
upon the parties as the Court deems equitable in the circumstances. Upon
application of a stockholder, the Court may order all or a portion of the
expenses incurred by any stockholder in connection with the appraisal
proceeding, including, without limitation, reasonable attorney's fees and the
fees and expenses of experts, to be charged pro rata gainst the value of all of
the shares entitled to an appraisal.
(k) From and after the effective date of the merger or consolidation, no
stockholder who has demanded his appraisal rights as provided in subsection (d)
of this section shall be entitled to vote such stock for any purpose or to
receive payment of dividends or other distributions on the stock (except
dividends or other distributions payable to stockholders of record at a date
which is prior to the effective date of the merger or consolidation); provided,
however, that if no petition for an appraisal shall be filed within the time
provided in subsection (e) of this section, or if such stockholder shall deliver
to the surviving or resulting corporation a written withdrawal of his demand for
an appraisal and an acceptance of the merger or consolidation, either within 60
days after the effective date of the merger or consolidation as provided in
subsection (e) of this section or thereafter with the written approval of the
corporation, then the right of such stockholder to an appraisal shall cease.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no appraisal proceeding in the Court of Chancery
shall be dismissed as to any stockholder without the approval of the Court, and
such approval may be conditioned upon such terms as the Court deems just.
(l) The shares of the surviving or resulting corporation to which the
shares of such objecting stockholders would have been converted had they
assented to the merger or consolidation shall have the status of authorized and
unissued shares of the surviving or resulting corporation.
B-3
<PAGE> 83
ANNEX C
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Financial Information Extracted from 1994 Form 10-K Annual Report
Independent Auditor's Report.................................................... C-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets at January 31, 1994 and 1993........................ C-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations of the years 1993, 1992 and 1991.......... C-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years 1993, 1992 and 1991......... C-5
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for years ended January 31,
1994, January 31, 1993 and January 31, 1992.................................... C-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...................................... C-7
Schedules II, VIII and X to the Consolidated Financial Statements............... C-25
Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations..................................................................... C-28
Interim Financial Information from Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended April 30, 1994
Consolidated Unaudited Balance Sheets, April 30, 1994 and January 31, 1994...... C-35
Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the three months ended
April 30, 1994 and 1993........................................................ C-36
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the three months ended
April 30, 1994 and 1993........................................................ C-37
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity (unaudited) for the three months
ended April 30, 1994........................................................... C-38
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).......................... C-39
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations..................................................................... C-43
Part II -- Other Information.................................................... C-49
</TABLE>
C-1
<PAGE> 84
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
QVC, INC.:
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of QVC, Inc. and
subsidiaries as listed in the accompanying index. In connection with our audits
of the consolidated financial statements, we have also audited the financial
statement schedules as listed in the accompanying index. These consolidated
financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules 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 QVC, Inc.
and subsidiaries as of January 31, 1994 and 1993, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended January 31, 1994, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when
considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a
whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth
therein.
As discussed in notes 1 and 13 to the consolidated financial statements,
the Company changed its method of accounting for income taxes in 1993 to adopt
the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes.
KPMG PEAT MARWICK
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 4, 1994
C-2
<PAGE> 85
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 31,
--------------------
1994 1993
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
A S S E T S
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 15,873 $ 4,279
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts
of $52,759 in 1994 and $21,316 in 1993 (Note 2)......... 183,162 97,008
Inventories............................................... 148,208 118,712
Deferred taxes (Note 13).................................. 59,749 10,680
Prepaid expenses.......................................... 5,536 3,716
-------- --------
Total current assets...................................... 412,528 234,395
Property, plant and equipment (Note 3)......................... 80,579 72,863
Cable television distribution rights (Note 4).................. 99,579 115,248
Other assets (Note 5).......................................... 33,664 9,028
Excess of cost over acquired net assets, less accumulated
amortization of $43,551 in 1994 and $33,710 in 1993.......... 251,810 268,161
-------- --------
Total assets.............................................. $878,160 $699,695
======== ========
L I A B I L I T I E S A N D S H A R E H O L D E R S' E Q U I T Y
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 7)............. $ 3,114 $ 24,073
Accounts payable-trade.................................... 81,594 51,622
Accrued liabilities (Note 6).............................. 225,989 151,358
-------- --------
Total current liabilities................................. 310,697 227,053
Long-term debt, less current maturities (Note 7)............... 7,044 7,586
-------- --------
Total liabilities......................................... 317,741 234,639
-------- --------
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 8 and 14)
Shareholders' equity (Notes 9 and 10):
Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.10............... 56 93
Common Stock, par value $.01.............................. 399 357
Additional paid-in capital................................ 446,027 409,970
Retained earnings......................................... 113,937 54,636
-------- --------
Total shareholders' equity................................ 560,419 465,056
-------- --------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity................ $878,160 $699,695
======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
C-3
<PAGE> 86
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR
------------------------------------
1993 1992 1991
---------- ---------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net revenue......................................................... $1,222,104 $1,070,587 $921,804
Cost of goods sold.................................................. 723,175 621,840 534,650
---------- ---------- --------
Gross profit........................................................ 498,929 448,747 387,154
---------- ---------- --------
Operating expenses:
Variable costs.................................................. 171,242 160,420 145,348
General and administrative...................................... 132,743 123,604 110,747
Depreciation.................................................... 16,682 17,105 16,679
Amortization of intangible assets............................... 26,019 29,420 29,983
---------- ---------- --------
346,686 330,549 302,757
---------- ---------- --------
Operating income.................................................... 152,243 118,198 84,397
---------- ---------- --------
Other income (expense):
Costs of Paramount tender offer (Note 16)....................... (34,800) -- --
Losses from joint ventures (Note 5)............................. (11,432) -- --
Interest expense................................................ (1,590) (18,364) (38,979)
Interest income................................................. 10,865 8,834 7,480
---------- ---------- --------
(36,957) (9,530) (31,499)
---------- ---------- --------
Income before income taxes, extraordinary item and cumulative effect
of a change in accounting principle............................... 115,286 108,668 52,898
Income tax provision (Note 13)...................................... (59,975) (52,080) (31,165)
---------- ---------- --------
Income before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of a change
in accounting principle........................................... 55,311 56,588 21,733
Extraordinary item--loss on extinguishment of debt, net of
tax benefit (Note 5).............................................. -- (1,496) (2,108)
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting for income taxes (Note
13)............................................................... 3,990 -- --
---------- ---------- --------
Net income.......................................................... $ 59,301 $ 55,092 $ 19,625
========== ========== =========
Income per share (Note 11):
Primary:
Income before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of a
change in accounting principle............................. $ 1.10 $ 1.32 $ .68
Extraordinary item, net of tax benefit........................ -- (.03) (.07)
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting for income
taxes...................................................... .08 -- --
========== ========== =========
Net income.................................................... $ 1.18 $ 1.29 $ .61
========== ========== =========
Fully diluted:
Income before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of a
change in accounting principle............................. $ 1.10 $ 1.27 $ .67
Extraordinary item, net of tax benefit........................ -- (.03) (.06)
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting for income
taxes...................................................... .08 -- --
---------- ---------- --------
Net income.................................................... $ 1.18 $ 1.24 $ .61
========== ========== =========
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares used
in computing income per share:
Primary......................................................... 50,062 43,890 31,959
========== ========== =========
Fully diluted................................................... 50,205 45,386 38,313
========== ========== =========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
C-4
<PAGE> 87
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR
----------------------------------
1993 1992 1991
-------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income....................................................... $ 59,301 $ 55,092 $ 19,625
Adjustments for non-cash items included in net income:
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting for income
taxes..................................................... (3,990) -- --
Loss on extinguishment of debt.............................. -- 2,720 3,838
Losses from joint ventures.................................. 11,432 -- --
Depreciation................................................ 16,682 17,105 16,679
Amortization of intangible assets........................... 26,019 29,420 29,983
Grant of executive stock award.............................. -- 4,869 --
Provision for income taxes not requiring a cash outlay...... 3,366 20,275 15,800
Interest incurred but not paid.............................. -- 96 9,199
Issuance of Common Stock under Standby Equity Agreement..... -- -- 614
Losses on termination of capitalized lease and sales of
fixed assets.............................................. 190 90 464
Changes in other non-current assets.............................. (3,458) 5,303 642
Effects of changes in working capital items (Note 15)............ (36,239) (33,557) 40,107
-------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities........................ 73,303 101,413 136,951
-------- --------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures............................................. (24,588) (21,137) (11,870)
Investments in and advances to joint ventures.................... (22,626) -- --
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment............. -- 28 9,010
Adjustments to purchase price of CVN Companies, Inc.............. -- 5 (230)
Changes in other non-current assets.............................. (347) (494) 330
-------- --------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities............................ (47,561) (21,598) (2,760)
-------- --------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payments under Senior term loan.................................. (21,000) (135,297) (128,101)
Principal payments under capitalized leases, mortgages and other
debt........................................................... (502) (5,300) (12,905)
Borrowings under revolving credit facilities..................... 20,000 -- 40,414
Payments against revolving credit facilities..................... (20,000) -- (40,414)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and other................ 1,169 16,687 891
Net proceeds from sale of Common Stock........................... -- -- 51,082
Proceeds from exercise of warrants............................... 6,185 11,570 --
Payment of unsecured note payable................................ -- -- (31,444)
-------- --------- ---------
Net cash used in financing activities............................ (14,148) (112,340) (120,477)
-------- --------- ---------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents................. 11,594 (32,525) 13,714
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year....................... 4,279 36,804 23,090
-------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year............................. $ 15,873 $ 4,279 $ 36,804
========= ========== ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
C-5
<PAGE> 88
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONVERTIBLE ADDITIONAL RETAINED
PREFERRED COMMON PAID-IN EARNINGS TREASURY
STOCK STOCK CAPITAL (DEFICIT) STOCK TOTAL
----------- ------------ ---------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance January 31, 1991...................... $ 125 $176 $228,628 $(20,081) $ (68) $208,780
Net income for year......................... -- -- -- 19,625 -- 19,625
Income tax benefit resulting from certain
capital stock transactions................ -- -- 11,500 -- -- 11,500
Proceeds from the exercise of employee stock
options................................... -- -- 893 -- -- 893
Issuance of Common Stock under Standby
Equity Agreement.......................... -- 1 613 -- -- 614
Excess of value assigned over amount
received for Series B Convertible
Preferred Stock............................. -- -- (239) -- -- (239)
Issuance of shares of Common Stock and
warrants in lieu of cash interest
payments.................................. -- 2 2,998 -- -- 3,000
Purchases of Treasury Stock................. -- -- -- -- (2) (2)
Net proceeds from public offering of Common
Stock..................................... -- 37 51,045 -- -- 51,082
Common Stock exchanged to retire unsecured
note payable.............................. -- 23 31,422 -- -- 31,445
Conversion of shares........................ (11) 11 -- -- -- --
Adjustments to warrants exchanged and Common
Stock issued in connection with the CVN
acquisition............................... -- -- (912) -- -- (912)
----- ----- ---------- -------- -------- --------
Balance January 31, 1992...................... 114 250 325,948 (456 ) (70) 325,786
----- ----- ---------- -------- -------- --------
Net income for year......................... -- -- -- 55,092 -- 55,092
Income tax benefit resulting from capital
stock transactions, exercise of stock
options and net operating loss
carryforward.............................. -- -- 22,312 -- -- 22,312
Proceeds from the exercise of employee stock
options................................... -- 13 16,708 -- (31) 16,690
Proceeds from exercise of warrants.......... -- 11 11,559 -- -- 11,570
Grant of executive stock award.............. -- 2 4,867 -- -- 4,869
Convertible subordinated note exchanged for
Common Stock, net of unamortized debt
placement fees of $1,260.................. -- 17 28,723 -- -- 28,740
Common Stock issued in warrant exchange
offer (Note 10)........................... -- 68 91,394 -- (91,462) --
Conversion of shares........................ (20) 20 -- -- -- --
Purchases of Treasury Stock................. -- -- -- -- (3) (3)
Retirement of Treasury Stock................ (1) (24) (91,541) -- 91,566 --
----- ----- ---------- -------- -------- --------
Balance January 31, 1993...................... 93 357 409,970 54,636 -- 465,056
----- ----- ---------- -------- -------- --------
Net income for year......................... -- -- -- 59,301 -- 59,301
Income tax benefit resulting from cumulative
effect of a change in accounting for
income taxes.............................. -- -- 27,053 -- -- 27,053
Income tax benefit resulting from exercise
of stock options.......................... -- -- 1,655 -- -- 1,655
Proceeds from the exercise of employee stock
options................................... -- 1 1,168 -- -- 1,169
Proceeds from exercise of warrants.......... -- 4 6,181 -- -- 6,185
Conversion of shares........................ (37) 37 -- -- -- --
----- ----- ---------- -------- -------- --------
Balance January 31, 1994...................... $ 56 $399 $446,027 $113,937 $ -- $560,419
=========== =============== ========== ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
C-6
<PAGE> 89
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 -- SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and all subsidiaries. Investments in the Company's joint ventures (50% or less
owned) are accounted for under the equity method. All significant intercompany
accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal Year.
The Company's fiscal year ends on January 31. Fiscal years are designated
in the financial statements and notes by the calendar year in which the fiscal
year commences.
Cash and Cash Equivalents.
All highly-liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three
months or less are classified as cash equivalents. The carrying amounts reported
in the balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents approximate the fair value of
those assets.
Inventories.
Inventories, consisting primarily of products held for sale, are stated at
the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the average cost method which
approximates the first-in, first-out method.
Property, Plant and Equipment.
The cost of property, plant and equipment is capitalized and depreciated
over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. When assets
are sold or retired, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the
accounts and any gain or loss is included in income. The cost of maintenance and
repairs is charged to expense as incurred.
Excess of Cost Over Acquired Net Assets.
The excess of cost over acquired net assets is amortized over thirty years
using the straight-line method.
Translation of Foreign Currencies.
All balance sheet items for foreign operations are translated at the
current exchange rate as of the balance sheet date, and income and expense items
are translated at average currency exchange rates for the year. Exchange gains
and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in losses
from joint ventures.
Net Sales and Returns.
Revenue is recognized at time of shipment to customers. The Company's
policy is to allow customers to return merchandise for full credit up to thirty
days after date of shipment. An allowance for returned merchandise is provided
as a percentage of sales based on historical experience. The return provision
was approximately 21, 19, and 18 percent of sales in fiscal 1993, 1992 and 1991,
respectively.
Capitalization of Start-Up Costs.
The Company capitalizes all direct incremental costs incurred prior to
operations for new broadcast ventures. These costs are amortized over a period
of eighteen months starting at the commencement of broadcast operations.
C-7
<PAGE> 90
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 1 -- SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- (CONTINUED)
Income Taxes.
Effective February 1, 1993, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes ("SFAS 109"). The
cumulative effect of the change in the method of accounting for income taxes was
included in the first quarter of 1993 Consolidated Statements of Operations and
Shareholders' Equity. Prior years' financial statements were not restated. Under
the asset and liability method of SFAS 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities
are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences
between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and
liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities
are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the
years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or
settled. Under SFAS 109, the effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax
assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the
enactment date.
The Company previously used the asset and liability method under SFAS 96.
Under the asset and liability method of SFAS 96, deferred tax assets and
liabilities were recognized for all events that had been recognized in the
financial statements. Under SFAS 96, the future tax consequences of recovering
assets or settling liabilities at their financial statement carrying amounts
were considered in calculating deferred taxes. Generally, SFAS 96 prohibited
consideration of any other future events in calculating deferred taxes.
NOTE 2 -- ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
The Company has an agreement with an unrelated third party which provides
for the sale and servicing of accounts receivable originating from the Company's
revolving credit card. The Company sold accounts receivable at face value of
$418.2 million, $392.7 million and $290.4 million under this agreement in fiscal
1993, 1992 and 1991, respectively. The Company remains obligated to repurchase
uncollectible accounts pursuant to the recourse provisions of the agreement and
is required to maintain a specified percentage of all outstanding receivables
transferred under the program as a deposit with the third party to secure its
obligations under the agreement. The Company is required to pay certain finance
and servicing fees which are offset by finance charges on customer account
balances. The net amount of this finance charge income is included as interest
income and is comprised of the following (in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR
-----------------------
1993 1992 1991
----- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Finance charges on customer account balances................... $26.2 $23.2 $20.0
----- ----- -----
Funding fees................................................... 8.7 8.1 7.7
Service fees................................................... 10.5 9.5 9.4
----- ----- -----
19.2 17.6 17.1
----- ----- -----
Net finance income............................................. $ 7.0 $ 5.6 $ 2.9
===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
The uncollected balances of accounts receivable sold under this program are
$201.2 million and $180.3 million at January 31, 1994 and 1993, respectively, of
which $170.1 million and $71.5 million represent deposits under the agreement
and are included in accounts receivable. The total reserve balances maintained
for the repurchase of uncollectible accounts are $55.7 million and $42.6 million
at January 31, 1994 and 1993, respectively. Approximately $8.6 million and $25.7
million of the reserve balances are included in accrued liabilities at January
31, 1994 and 1993, respectively; the remaining balances are included with
allowance for doubtful accounts.
C-8
<PAGE> 91
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 2 -- ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE -- (CONTINUED)
Receivables sold under this agreement are considered financial instruments
with off-balance sheet risk as defined in Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 105.
NOTE 3 -- PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 31, ESTIMATED
-------------------------------- USEFUL
1994 1993 LIFE
-------------- -------------- -------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Land................................. $ 3,977 $ 3,228 --
20 -- 30
Buildings and improvements........... 50,627 45,385 years
Furniture and other equipment........ 33,866 30,246 3 -- 8 years
Broadcast equipment.................. 8,942 12,478 5 -- 7 years
Computer equipment and software...... 20,005 18,047 3 -- 5 years
Construction in progress............. 1,684 482 --
-------------- --------------
119,101 109,866
Less -- accumulated depreciation..... (38,522) (37,003)
-------------- --------------
Net property, plant and equipment.... $ 80,579 $ 72,863
============== ==============
</TABLE>
In July 1993, the Company completed construction of a 50,000 square foot
telecommunications center in Chesapeake, Virginia for a total cost of
approximately $6.9 million. This new telecommunications center replaced a
facility that was leased.
NOTE 4 -- CABLE TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS
Cable television distribution rights consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 31,
--------------------
1994 1993
-------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Cable television distribution rights............................ $162,142 $166,082
Less -- accumulated amortization................................ (62,563) (50,834)
-------- --------
Net cable television distribution rights........................ $ 99,579 $115,248
======== ========
</TABLE>
The amounts assigned to cable television distribution rights arose
principally from excess fair values assigned, as determined by independent
appraisals, to Convertible Preferred Stock issued to cable system operators in
exchange for distribution agreements.
Cable television distribution rights are amortized by the straight-line
method over the lives of the individual agreements. The remaining weighted
average life for all cable television distribution rights is approximately 10
years at January 31, 1994.
C-9
<PAGE> 92
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 5 -- OTHER ASSETS
Other assets consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 31,
-------------------
1994 1993
------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred taxes (Note 13)......................................... $17,265 $ 7,120
Investments in and advances to joint ventures, net of accumulated
losses......................................................... 11,194 --
Start-up costs................................................... 3,459 --
Satellite transponder rights..................................... 1,000 1,000
Debt placement fees.............................................. 162 15,292
Other............................................................ 1,072 1,475
------- --------
34,152 24,887
Less -- accumulated amortization................................. (488) (15,859)
------- --------
Net other assets................................................. $33,664 $ 9,028
======= ========
</TABLE>
During fiscal 1993, the Company established electronic retailing program
service in England ("QVC -- The Shopping Channel") and Mexico ("CVC"), through
joint venture agreements with British Sky Broadcasting Limited and Grupo
Televisa, S.A. de C.V., respectively. The joint venture in England began
broadcasting on October 1, 1993 and the joint venture in Mexico began
broadcasting on November 15, 1993. The joint venture agreement in England
requires, among other things, that the Company provide all funding to the joint
venture until it is profitable. The Company will then recover all prior funding,
before any profits are shared. Accordingly, for 1993, the Company has included
100% of the loss on operations of this venture in the Consolidated Statements of
Operations. The operating results of the joint venture in Mexico are shared
equally by the partners.
Summarized financial information for "QVC -- The Shopping Channel" and
"CVC" on a 100% basis as of and for the period ended January 31, 1994 follows
(unaudited -- in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
QVC -- THE
SHOPPING CHANNEL CVC
---------------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Current assets.............................................. $ 5,608 $ 9,687
Property, plant and equipment, net.......................... 1,645 1,665
Unamortized start-up costs.................................. 2,205 1,650
Current liabilities......................................... 4,181 9,507
Net revenue................................................. 2,994 2,316
Gross profit................................................ 514 248
Loss........................................................ (8,943) (3,606)
</TABLE>
In fiscal 1993, the Company also entered a joint venture with Tribune
Entertainment Company and Regal Communications to form QRT Enterprises ("QRT").
QRT produces and syndicates "Can We Shop" with Joan Rivers, which commenced
broadcasting January 17, 1994. "Can We Shop" is a one-hour, Monday through
Friday television show through which merchandise is sold. The Company's
one-third share of QRT's operating loss amounted to $386,000 in 1993.
In fiscal 1993, the Company made a $3.8 million investment in Friday
Holdings, L.P., a limited partnership. The limited partnership's purpose is to
establish or acquire businesses in the communications field and to develop
information products. The Company's one-third share of Friday Holdings'
operating loss amounted to $300,000 in 1993.
C-10
<PAGE> 93
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 5 -- OTHER ASSETS -- (CONTINUED)
During the year, the Company also capitalized $3.5 million in costs
relating to Q2, a new televised shopping/programming service, scheduled to be
launched in the spring of 1994 in the United States. The capitalized start-up
costs will be amortized over eighteen months starting at the commencement of
broadcast operations.
Debt placement fees on the Senior term loan arising out of the CVN
acquisition have been amortized over the expected life of the debt using the
effective interest rate method. On March 5, 1993, the Company retired the Senior
term loan. Debt placement fees of $15.1 million associated with the Senior term
loan were fully amortized and the cost and accumulated amortization were removed
from the accounts. During fiscal 1992, the Company prepaid $86.3 million of the
Senior term loan. As a result, the amortization of debt placement fees of $2.7
million was accelerated and reported as an extraordinary loss of $1.5 million,
net of $1.2 million income tax benefit. During fiscal 1991, the Company prepaid
$98.1 million of the Senior term loan, and the amortization of debt placement
fees of $3.8 million was accelerated and reported as an extraordinary loss of
$2.1 million, net of $1.7 million income tax benefit.
NOTE 6 -- ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Accrued liabilities consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 31,
--------------------
1994 1993
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
(IN THOUSANDS)
Income taxes (Note 13).......................................... $ 80,879 $ 25,889
Reserve for uncollectible accounts under revolving credit
program (Note 2).............................................. 8,636 25,699
Non-inventory accounts payable.................................. 35,452 26,418
Accrued compensation and benefits............................... 13,996 13,035
Sales and other taxes........................................... 11,324 12,079
Allowance for sales returns..................................... 17,787 11,344
Other........................................................... 57,915 36,894
-------- --------
$225,989 $151,358
======== ========
</TABLE>
NOTE 7 -- LONG-TERM DEBT
Aggregate amounts of outstanding long-term debt consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 31,
------------------
1994 1993
------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
(IN THOUSANDS)
10.4% Mortgage notes payable in monthly installments until 1998... $10,158 $10,659
Senior term loan.................................................. -- 21,000
------- -------
10,158 31,659
Less -- current portion........................................... (3,114) (24,073)
------- -------
$ 7,044 $ 7,586
======= =======
</TABLE>
The Company has a $60.0 million bank revolving credit facility to finance
operations as well as to fund letters of credit for merchandise purchases.
Interest on outstanding amounts under this agreement is payable at the bank's
prime rate or other interest rate options. A commitment fee of .25% is payable
on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. The credit agreement
requires the Company to maintain certain ratios
C-11
<PAGE> 94
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 7 -- LONG-TERM DEBT -- (CONTINUED)
for total liabilities to shareholders' equity and for coverage of fixed charges.
The Company borrowed $20.0 million under the facility in March 1993 and retired
the remaining balance on the Senior term loan. All amounts borrowed under the
facility were repaid from net cash provided by operating activities during the
first quarter of 1993. Outstanding letters of credit totaled approximately $7.8
million at January 31, 1994.
The interest rate on the outstanding balance of the Senior term loan was
4.4% at January 31, 1993.
Maturities of the 10.4% mortgage notes payable for the five years
subsequent to January 31, 1994 are $3,114,000 in 1994; $601,000 in 1995;
$666,000 in 1996; $739,000 in 1997 and $5,038,000 in 1998.
NOTE 8 -- LEASES AND TRANSPONDER SERVICE AGREEMENTS
Future minimum payments under all non-cancellable operating leases and
transponder service agreements with initial terms of one year or more at January
31, 1994 consist of the following (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Fiscal Year
1994............................................................... $ 8,029
1995............................................................... 6,405
1996............................................................... 5,450
1997............................................................... 5,173
1998............................................................... 5,287
Thereafter......................................................... 34,001
-------
Total......................................................... $64,345
=======
</TABLE>
Expense for operating leases, principally for data processing equipment and
facilities, and for transponder service agreements amounted to $11,280,000,
$12,895,000 and $13,047,000 in fiscal years 1993, 1992 and 1991, respectively.
In November 1992, the Company started to transmit the QVC program on a
protected, non-preemptible transponder on the C-4 Satellite at a monthly cost
that averages $224,000 over the term of the twelve-year agreement.
In December 1992, the Company started to transmit The QVC Fashion Channel
on a protected non-preemptible transponder on the C-3 Satellite at a cost of
$205,000 per month over the term of the twelve-year agreement.
NOTE 9 -- CAPITAL STOCK
The Company has 175,000,000 shares of Common Stock authorized. There were
39,895,447 shares outstanding at January 31, 1994 and 35,734,062 shares
outstanding at January 31, 1993. The reasons for the increase in the number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding were the conversion of Convertible Preferred
Stock (3,659,040), the exercise of warrants (408,908) and the exercise of
employee stock options (93,437).
C-12
<PAGE> 95
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 9 -- CAPITAL STOCK -- (CONTINUED)
The following table summarizes the convertible preferred shares at January
31, 1994 and 1993 (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES SHARES
AUTHORIZED OUTSTANDING PAR VALUE
------------- --------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1994 AND 1993 1994 1993 1994 1993
------------- ---- ---- ---- ----
Series A............................ 10 -- -- $-- $--
Series B............................ 1,000 28 55 3 6
Series C............................ 1,000 531 788 53 79
Series D............................ 300 1 83 -- 8
---- ----
$56 $93
==== ====
</TABLE>
The shares of Convertible Preferred Stock were issued to cable system
operators in connection with their signing or extending cable television
distribution agreements in prior years.
CONVERTIBILITY.
Each share of Series B, Series C and Series D Convertible Preferred Stock
is convertible into ten shares of Common Stock.
VOTING RIGHTS.
The holders of the Common Stock are empowered to elect two directors of the
Company as a class. The holders of each class of stock are entitled to cast one
vote per share for the election of the remaining directors of the Company.
LIQUIDATION.
Upon the dissolution and liquidation of the Company, the assets remaining
after the payment of all debts and liabilities of the Company shall be
distributed first to the holders of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock at
$10.00 per share. To the extent available, the holders of Series C Convertible
Preferred Stock will then receive $10.00 per share followed by Series D
Convertible Preferred Stock holders at $15.00 per share. The balance, if any,
will be paid to the holders of the Common Stock share-for-share.
C-13
<PAGE> 96
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 10 -- STOCK OPTIONS, WARRANTS AND AWARDS
The following table summarizes shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance
for outstanding stock options and warrants:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICE
JANUARY 31, AT JANUARY 31,
------------------------ ------------------
1994 1993 1994 1993 EXPIRATION DATE
---------- ---------- ------- ------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Qualified stock options.......... 1,751,800 1,717,462 $30.56 $28.94 11/1996-01/2004
Non-qualified stock options...... 6,275,500 6,279,600 32.83 32.33 04/2000-07/2003
Warrants issued in connection
with 1987 debt financing....... 310,000 310,000 10.00 10.00 04/1994
Warrants issued in connection
with Convertible subordinated
debt........................... 1,600,000 1,600,000 17.49 17.49 10/1995
Warrants exchanged for CVN Series
2 Warrants..................... -- 408,908 -- 15.13 --
Warrants issued with Common Stock
in lieu of cash interest
expense........................ 100,000 100,000 13.35 13.35 04/1996-10/1996
---------- ----------
Total reserved shares........ 10,037,300 10,415,970
========== ==========
</TABLE>
The Company has Incentive Stock Option Plans ("ISO Plans") under which
options may be granted to key managerial employees to purchase up to 10,300,000
shares of Common Stock. The ISO Plans are administered by the Executive
Compensation Committee appointed by the Company's Board of Directors. The
Committee has the authority to determine optionees, the number of shares to be
covered by each option and certain other terms and conditions of the grant. The
ISO Plans require that the exercise price of options be equal to or greater than
the fair market value of the stock at the time of grant, and the term of any
option cannot exceed ten years. Options issued under the 1990 Non-Qualified
Stock Option Plan and the 1993 Qualified Stock Option Plan vest ratably over
four years, commencing one year from the date of the grant of the option, and
qualified and non-qualified options under all other ISO Plans, except where
noted below, vest ratably over three years, commencing on the date of grant.
In connection with obtaining a portion of the proposed financing for the
cash tender offer for Paramount Communications Inc. (Note 16), the Company
granted BellSouth Corporation, Advance Publications, Inc. and Cox Enterprises,
Inc. options to purchase an aggregate of 14.3 million shares of Common Stock at
$60.00 per share. The options were granted at the termination of the
QVC/Paramount tender offer on February 15, 1994 and are exercisable until the
later of August 15, 1994 or ten business days after stockholders of the Company
vote with respect to such grant of options.
On December 9, 1992, the Company and two of its principal shareholders
(Comcast Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation) announced an agreement
pursuant to which Mr. Barry Diller would become Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer. In connection with this agreement, the Company granted Mr.
Diller 160,000 shares of Common Stock. The value of the shares on the date of
grant ($4.9 million) was charged to general and administrative expense in fiscal
1992. Also in connection with this agreement, the Company granted to Mr. Diller
stock options covering 6,000,000 shares of Common Stock. All of the options have
a five-year term. One-half of these options ("base options") has an exercise
price of $30.43; the other one-half ("scaled options") has an exercise price
equal to $30.43 per share increased by 13 percent per annum until December 9,
1994 and thereafter by 15 percent per annum compounded annually. The exercise
price on any unexercised scaled options increases annually. One-half of the base
options and one-half of the scaled options became exercisable December 9, 1993
and the balance become exercisable December 9, 1994. The exercise date can be
accelerated upon certain events.
C-14
<PAGE> 97
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 10 -- STOCK OPTIONS, WARRANTS AND AWARDS -- (CONTINUED)
In August 1991, the Company granted to Mr. Joseph M. Segel, then Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer, non-qualified stock options covering 600,000 shares
of Common Stock at an exercise price of $15.90. One-half of these options vested
on the first anniversary of the date of grant and the balance was to vest on the
second anniversary of the date of grant. On December 9, 1992, the Board of
Directors and the Executive Compensation Committee approved the acceleration of
the vesting of the second half of these options to December 1992, in order to
allow Mr. Segel to realize their value in 1992. The Board and the Executive
Compensation Committee also accelerated an additional 50,000 options under ISO
Plans for Mr. Segel that were scheduled to vest in 1993 and 1994.
On December 9, 1992, the Board agreed to enter into a consulting and
severance arrangement with Mr. Segel whereby he would serve as a consultant to
the Company for a period of ten years after his retirement in January 1993 at an
annual salary of $240,000 and, as incentive to Mr. Segel to accept employment as
a consultant, granted to Mr. Segel, pursuant to the 1992 Qualified Incentive
Stock Option Plan, 100,000 options to purchase shares of Common Stock,
exercisable at $30.43 per share. These options vest ratably over a period of
five years. The present value of the ten-year consulting and severance
arrangement with Mr. Segel of $2.2 million was expensed in fiscal 1992.
The Board also approved entering into three-year (five-year in the case of
Michael C. Boyd, former President of the Company) employment agreements for nine
senior Company executives, pursuant to which, among other things, the executives
would be entitled to compensation at their current salaries and eligible for
bonus and incentive compensation programs as may be maintained from time to time
during the term of the agreement. As incentive to enter into the employment
agreements, the Board granted to these executives, pursuant to the 1992 Stock
Option Plan, an aggregate 1,450,000 options to purchase Common Stock exercisable
at $30.43 per share. Options granted under the 1992 Qualified Incentives Stock
Option Plan vest ratably over three years (five years in the case of Mr. Boyd).
In February 1994, Mr. Boyd retired from the Company and entered into a
consulting agreement. Accordingly, the present value of his employment agreement
of $1.3 million was expensed in fiscal 1993.
A summary of changes in outstanding options under the ISO Plans is as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NON-QUALIFIED OPTION
QUALIFIED OPTION SHARES SHARES
------------------------- -------------------------
OUTSTANDING EXERCISABLE OUTSTANDING EXERCISABLE PRICE RANGE
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at January 31, 1991............... 590,112 504,737 630,000 85,000 $5.00 -- $17.25
Granted................................... 5,000 1,250 607,500 -- 12.13 -- 15.90
Cancelled................................. (26,500) (19,000) (11,000) (1,375) 5.00 -- 16.00
Became exercisable........................ -- 49,625 -- 144,875 5.00 -- 16.00
Exercised................................. (65,825) (65,825) (26,000) (26,000) 5.00 -- 13.00
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance at January 31, 1992............... 502,787 470,787 1,200,500 202,500 5.00 -- 17.25
Granted................................... 1,582,000 351,167 6,010,000 -- 19.00 -- 38.86
Cancelled................................. (1,750) (1,750) (11,000) (3,500) 5.00 -- 16.00
Became exercisable........................ -- 29,500 -- 796,375 5.00 -- 16.00
Exercised................................. (365,575) (365,575) (919,900) (919,900) 5.00 -- 17.25
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance at January 31, 1993............... 1,717,462 484,129 6,279,600 75,475 5.00 -- 38.86
Granted................................... 106,000 1,250 50,000 -- 39.88 -- 70.75
Cancelled................................. (5,575) (5,575) (26,750) (3,000) 5.00 -- 23.25
Became exercisable........................ -- 370,416 -- 3,095,250 5.00 -- 34.39
Exercised................................. (66,087) (66,087) (27,350) (27,350) 5.00 -- 23.25
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance at January 31, 1994............... 1,751,800 784,133 6,275,500 3,140,375 $5.00 -- $70.75
=========== ========== =========== ==========
</TABLE>
C-15
<PAGE> 98
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 10 -- STOCK OPTIONS, WARRANTS AND AWARDS -- (CONTINUED)
In December, 1992, the Company offered to exchange warrants into shares of
Common Stock equivalent in value to the difference between the warrant exercise
price and the market price ($37.75) at the time of the offer. Warrants that
would have been exercisable for 7,061,005 shares were extinguished in this offer
and the Company issued 4,367,690 net shares of Common Stock. The warrant holders
were able to effect the exchange several ways. The net effect on the number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding after the exchange was the same. A total of
3,893,962 warrants was exercised by delivering to the Company 1,424,404
previously issued shares of Common Stock valued at the market price ($37.75). A
total of 2,492,017 warrants were exercised for $37,692,000, the proceeds of
which were used to purchase from the warrant holders 998,457 shares of Common
Stock at market. A total of 675,026 warrants was exchanged for 404,572 shares of
Common Stock with an aggregate value equal to the difference between the market
price and the exercise price. Warrant holders of an aggregate 2,418,908 shares
declined the offer. Since this warrant exchange was treated as a non-cash
financing transaction, it is not reflected on the Consolidated Statements of
Cash Flows.
C-16
<PAGE> 99
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 11 -- INCOME PER SHARE
The Company computes income per share using the modified treasury stock
method. The following table presents the information needed to compute net
income per share for fiscal years 1993, 1992 and 1991 (in thousands, except per
share data):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1993 1992 1991
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
FULLY FULLY FULLY
PRIMARY DILUTED PRIMARY DILUTED PRIMARY DILUTED
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INCOME:
Income before extraordinary item and
cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle.................................. $55,311 $55,311 $56,588 $56,588 $21,733 $21,733
Add -- Imputed income from interest savings,
net of tax, on assumed retirement of debt
with remaining proceeds from assumed
exercise of warrants and options........... -- -- 1,452 1,239 -- 3,896
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Adjusted income before extraordinary item and
cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle.................................. 55,311 55,311 58,040 57,827 21,733 25,629
Extraordinary item -- loss on extinguishment
of debt, net of tax benefit................ -- -- (1,496) (1,496) (2,108) (2,108)
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting
for income taxes........................... 3,990 3,990 -- -- -- --
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Adjusted net income.......................... $59,301 $59,301 $56,544 $56,331 $19,625 $23,521
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
SHARES:
Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding................................ 37,845 37,845 27,885 27,885 19,750 19,750
Add -- Common equivalent shares assuming
conversion of Series B, C and D Convertible
Preferred Preferred Stock.................. 7,387 7,387 10,340 10,340 12,209 12,209
Add -- Common equivalent shares assuming
conversion of subordinated note at
beginning of fiscal year................... -- -- -- 1,280 -- 1,704
Add -- Common shares assumed to be
outstanding from exercise of warrants and
options.................................... 10,184 10,180 12,812 10,517 -- 11,925
Less -- Assumed purchase of Common Stock from
proceeds of exercise of warrants and
options.................................... (5,354) (5,207) (7,147) (4,636) -- (7,275)
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
50,062 50,205 43,890 45,386 31,959 38,313
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
INCOME PER SHARE:
Income before extraordinary item and
cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle.................................. $ 1.10 $ 1.10 $ 1.32 $ 1.27 $ .68 $ .67
Extraordinary item, net of tax benefit....... -- -- (.03) (.03) (.07) (.06)
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting
for income taxes........................... .08 .08 -- -- -- --
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net income................................... $ 1.18 $ 1.18 $ 1.29 $ 1.24 $ .61 $ .61
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
PRO FORMA NET INCOME PER SHARE
On a pro forma basis, net income for fiscal 1991 would have been $22.9
million, or $.64 per share, assuming the Company's October 1991 public offering
of Common Stock and the related retirement of long-term debt as well as the
exchange of Common Stock with Liberty Media Corporation in satisfaction of one-
C-17
<PAGE> 100
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 11 -- INCOME PER SHARE -- (CONTINUED)
half of the unsecured note payable occurred as of the beginning of the year. The
pro forma computation assumes adjustments have been made to interest expense
attributable to the reduction of the long-term debt, net of income tax effect.
It also assumes that the shares issued in connection with the public offering
and the exchange were outstanding from the beginning of the period.
NOTE 12 -- RETIREMENT AND SAVINGS PLANS
The Company has a defined contribution Employee Retirement Plan which
covers substantially all of the Company's employees after completion of one year
of service. The Company's contribution under the Plan is equal to 3.0% of
eligible employees' salaries. The costs of this Plan charged to expenses were
$2,202,000, $2,177,000, and $1,664,000 in fiscal years 1993, 1992 and 1991,
respectively.
In addition, the Company sponsors a 401(k) Savings Plan which permits
employees to make contributions to the Savings Plan on a pre-tax salary
reduction basis in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code. Substantially all
full-time employees are eligible to participate after completion of one year of
service. The Company matches a portion of the voluntary employee contributions.
The costs of this Savings Plan charged to expenses were $2,053,000, $1,501,000,
and $812,000 in fiscal years 1993, 1992 and 1991, respectively.
NOTE 13 -- INCOME TAXES
Effective February 1, 1993, the Company changed its method of accounting
for income taxes as required by SFAS 109. The cumulative effect of this change
in accounting was to increase the net income of the first quarter of fiscal 1993
by approximately $4.0 million, which is reported separately in the Consolidated
Statements of Operations. Prior year's financial statements have not been
restated to reflect the provisions of SFAS 109.
The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR
-------------------------------
1993 1992 1991
-------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current
Federal.............................................. $ 66,366 $ 49,770 $19,394
State................................................ 21,710 19,810 11,771
-------- -------- -------
Total........................................ 88,076 69,580 31,165
-------- -------- -------
Deferred Federal....................................... (23,159) (17,500) --
State................................................ (4,942) -- --
-------- -------- -------
Total........................................ (28,101) (17,500) --
-------- -------- -------
Total provision........................................ $ 59,975 $ 52,080 $31,165
======== ======== =======
</TABLE>
C-18
<PAGE> 101
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 13 -- INCOME TAXES -- (CONTINUED)
Total income tax expense differs from the amounts computed by applying the
U.S. federal income tax rate of 35.0% for fiscal 1993 and 34.0% for fiscal 1992
and 1991 to income before income taxes and extraordinary item as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR
--------------------------
1993 1992 1991
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Provision at statutory rate........................... 35.0% 34.0% 34.0%
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit........ 14.5 12.0 14.7
Amortization of intangibles not deductible for tax
purposes............................................ 3.0 3.2 6.7
Net operating loss carryforward....................... -- -- (1.2)
Other................................................. (.5 ) (1.3) 4.7
---- ---- ----
Total income tax expense.............................. 52.0% 47.9% 58.9%
==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
Deferred income taxes reflect the net effects of temporary differences
between the value of assets and liabilities and their tax bases and the benefit
of existing net operating loss carryforwards. Significant components of the net
deferred tax assets as of January 31, 1994 and 1993 follow (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 31,
-----------------------
1994 1993
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Accounts receivable, principally due to the allowance for doubtful
accounts and related reserves for uncollectible accounts under
the Company's revolving credit program......................... $ 25,715 $ 15,985
Inventories, principally due to obsolescence reserves and
additional costs of inventories for tax purposes pursuant to
the Tax Reform Act of 1986..................................... 7,497 6,801
Allowance for sales returns....................................... 7,625 3,857
Executive stock award............................................. -- 1,655
Costs associated with the terminated Paramount tender offer....... 14,964 --
Costs associated with cable television distribution rights........ 26,619 2,813
Other............................................................. 7,061 (363)
-------- --------
Total gross deferred tax assets................................... 89,481 30,748
Less: Valuation allowance......................................... (12,467) --
Less -- amounts not recognized due to SFAS 96 limitations on
carrybacks of future net deductible amounts and carryforwards
of alternative minimum tax credits............................. -- (12,948)
-------- --------
Net deferred tax assets........................................... $ 77,014 $ 17,800
======== ========
</TABLE>
Of the total net additional deferred tax asset recorded at the time of the
adoption of SFAS 109, approximately $27.0 million was credited to additional
paid-in capital and approximately $6.5 million was credited to the excess of
cost over acquired net assets. The net increase in the deferred tax asset during
fiscal 1993 differs from the deferred benefit component of the current year's
tax provision primarily due to the recognition of a portion of the net operating
loss carryforwards.
Deferred tax assets were not recorded as of January 31, 1993 for state
income tax purposes since the Company's income is principally allocable to
states that do not permit carrybacks that would give rise to refundable taxes.
In addition, no deferred tax assets were recorded for federal or state tax
purposes in fiscal
C-19
<PAGE> 102
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 13 -- INCOME TAXES -- (CONTINUED)
1991 since refundable taxes could not be generated from carrying back future net
deductible amounts under the requirements of SFAS 96.
The increase in the deferred tax asset for fiscal 1992 differs from the
deferred benefit component of the current year tax provision because portions of
the deferred tax provision recorded were allocated to additional paid-in capital
or the excess of cost over acquired net assets.
The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of February 1, 1993 was
$12.2 million. The net change in the valuation allowance for fiscal 1993 was an
increase of $255,000. Approximately $6.0 million of the valuation allowance will
result in a credit to additional paid-in capital when it becomes more likely
than not that certain deductions associated with cable television distribution
rights will be realizable.
The following table summarizes the nature of certain tax benefits realized
that reduced taxes payable but were not credited to the tax provision (in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXCESS OF COST
OVER
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN ACQUIRED NET
CAPITAL ASSETS
------------------- ------------------
SOURCE OF TAX BENEFIT 1993 1992 1993 1992
- --------------------------------------------------- ------ ------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Exercise of employee stock options................. $1,655 $12,366 $ -- $ --
Net operating loss carryforward and other
deductions arising from equity transactions...... -- 6,967 -- --
Realization of tax benefits associated with
temporary differences in CVN acquisition......... -- -- 6,510 5,086
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward
generated from equity related deductions......... -- 2,979 -- --
------ ------- ------ ------
$1,655 $22,312 $6,510 $5,086
====== ======= ====== ======
</TABLE>
In 1993, the tax benefits realized from net operating loss carryforwards of $6.6
million reduced taxes payable and were credited to deferred tax assets.
As of January 31, 1994, the Company has a net operating loss carryforward
of $634,000 available to reduce future federal taxable income. There are no
other credits or loss carryforwards available as of the end of fiscal 1993.
NOTE 14 -- LITIGATION
In July 1993, Shop Television Network, Inc. ("STN"), J.C. Penney Company,
Inc. ("JCP"), JCPenney Television Shopping Channel Inc. ("JCPTV"), Michael Rosen
and the Company settled the litigation that STN had brought in the Superior
Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles in 1991, in
connection with the negotiation and execution of an agreement dated May 16,
1991, between the Company and JCPTV. The settlement requires dismissal of all
pending litigation between the parties, payment of approximately $8.8 million to
STN, and repurchase by STN of all its shares held by JCP for an agreed price.
JCPTV and the Company agreed to divide the settlement payment to STN between
them, with the Company being responsible for the payment of approximately $3.8
million of such settlement payment. This amount was included as a charge in
general and administrative expenses in the second quarter of fiscal 1993.
In July 1993, the Company was joined as a defendant in actions filed in
state and federal court in Delaware by certain shareholders of Home Shopping
Network, Inc. ("HSN") against HSN, Liberty Media Corporation ("Liberty"),
Liberty Program Investments, Inc., RMS Limited Partnership ("RMS"), and certain
individual directors and officers of HSN. The actions challenge Liberty's
purchase of HSN Class A
C-20
<PAGE> 103
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 14 -- LITIGATION -- (CONTINUED)
and Class B Common Stock from RMS, Liberty's tender offer for 15.0 million
shares of HSN Common Stock as well as the Company's July 12, 1993 letter
proposal to HSN to combine HSN and the Company in a stock-for-stock transaction
(the "Proposed HSN Merger"). The actions allege that the Company aided and
abetted breaches of fiduciary duties in connection with the Proposed HSN Merger,
as well as violations of certain regulations of the Securities Exchange Act.
Plaintiffs seek class certification, declaratory and injunctive relief,
compensatory damages, counsel fees, interest and costs. Management believes that
the allegations against the Company in these shareholder lawsuits are unfounded
and intends to defend against such actions vigorously. On November 5, 1993, the
Company and HSN announced their mutual agreement to terminate negotiations on
the Proposed HSN Merger. The Company's time to respond to the complaint in the
state action was extended indefinitely. In March 1994, the Company filed a
motion to dismiss the complaint in the federal action. The parties are currently
engaged in settlement discussions.
In September 1993, Viacom International Inc. ("Viacom International"), a
subsidiary of Viacom Inc. ("Viacom"), brought an action against the Company,
Tele-Communications, Inc., Liberty, Satellite Services, Inc., Encore Media
Corp., and Netlink USA, challenging the Company's September 20, 1993 proposal to
Paramount Communications Inc. ("Paramount") to combine Paramount and the Company
in a cash and stock-for-stock exchange. Viacom International amended its
complaint in November, 1993, adding Comcast Corporation ("Comcast") as an
additional defendant. The Company filed an answer to the amended complaint on
November 19, 1993. Comcast was subsequently dismissed as a defendant. Management
believes that the allegations against the Company in Viacom International's
action are unfounded and intends to defend against such action vigorously. On
February 15, 1994, the Company terminated its tender offer for 50.1% of
Paramount Common Stock.
In October 1993, the Company commenced legal action in the Delaware
Chancery Court against Viacom, Paramount and certain Paramount directors for
breach of fiduciary duties in failing to give fair treatment to the Company's
merger proposal while granting undue advantages to Viacom's merger proposal. The
Company sought to compel Paramount's board to give the two merger proposals
equal consideration and also sought to invalidate certain "lockup" agreements
and share purchase options given by Paramount to Viacom. Following a hearing,
the Court, on November 24, 1993, granted the Company's motion for a preliminary
injunction against Paramount's poison pill rights plan and certain other
anti-takeover mechanisms being used to preclude the Paramount shareholders from
accepting the Company's cash tender offer for approximately 50.1% of Paramount's
shares. On appeal by Paramount and Viacom, the Delaware Supreme court affirmed
the injunction granted by the Delaware Chancery Court on December 9, 1993, and
issued a formal opinion in support of its ruling on February 4, 1994. On
December 21, 1993, Viacom filed a motion to dismiss the Company's complaint
against it. On February 15, 1994, the Company terminated its tender offer for
Paramount's Common Stock.
The Company has also been named as a defendant in various legal proceedings
arising in the ordinary course of business. Although the outcome of these
matters cannot be determined, in the opinion of management, disposition of these
proceedings will not have a material effect on the Company's financial position.
C-21
<PAGE> 104
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 15 -- SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ON CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
An analysis of changes in working capital items follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR
-------------------------------------
1993 1992 1991
-------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Increase in accounts receivable......................... $(86,154) $(29,029) $(6,006)
Increase in inventories................................. (29,496) (9,784) (8,428)
Increase in deferred taxes.............................. (24,389) (10,680) --
Increase in prepaid expenses............................ (1,820) (450) (732)
Increase in accounts payable -- trade................... 29,972 11,312 7,245
Increase in accrued liabilities......................... 75,648 5,074 48,028
-------- -------- -------
$(36,239) $(33,557) $40,107
======== ======== =======
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid...................................... $ 1,369 $ 20,512 $30,397
Income taxes paid.................................. 31,841 37,944 1,351
</TABLE>
In fiscal year 1993, the Company did not enter into any non-cash financing
transactions. In fiscal years 1992 and 1991, the following non-cash financing
transactions were entered into by the Company (dollars in thousands).
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1992
Issuance of 1,704,546 shares of Common Stock in prepayment of Convertible
subordinated note, net of $1,260 debt placement fees............................. $28,740
Exercise of 3,893,962 warrants through deliverance of 1,424,404 shares of Common
Stock at market value............................................................ 53,771
Exercise of 2,492,017 warrants for $37,692 with simultaneous repurchase of 998,457
shares of Common Stock at market value........................................... 37,692
Issuance of 404,572 shares of Common Stock in exchange for 675,026 warrants,
representing the aggregate difference between the market price and the exercise
price............................................................................ 15,273
Exercise of stock options through deliverance of 800 shares of Common Stock at
market value..................................................................... 31
1991
Issuance of an aggregate of 243,522 shares of Common Stock and 100,000 warrants to
Comcast Financial Corporation in lieu of cash interest expense................... $ 3,000
Issuance of 75,075 shares of Common Stock to the Standby Investors in consideration
for signing the Standby Equity Agreement......................................... 614
Issuance of 2,269,552 shares of Common Stock to Liberty Media Corporation in
exchange for one-half of the outstanding balance of an unsecured note payable.... 31,445
Adjustment to the number of shares of Common Stock assumed issued to holders of
certain CVN Series 2 Warrants from 3,377,949 to 3,410,843 (at market value)...... 526
Adjustment to the number of new QVC Warrants assumed exchanged for certain CVN
Series 2 Warrants from 6,822,767 to 6,469,913 (value based on an independent
appraisal)....................................................................... (1,438)
</TABLE>
NOTE 16 -- PARAMOUNT TENDER OFFER
On October 27, 1993, the Company made an $80.00 cash tender offer for 50.1
percent of the outstanding common shares of Paramount. This tender offer was
amended several times during the bidding process against Viacom for Paramount.
On February 1, 1994, the Company amended its cash tender offer to $104 per
share.
C-22
<PAGE> 105
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 16 -- PARAMOUNT TENDER OFFER -- (CONTINUED)
The Company offered approximately $6.4 billion in cash for 61.7 million
Paramount common shares. The proposed cash tender offer would have been funded
through a $3.25 billion bank loan commitment and proposed capital contributions
to the Company of $1.5 billion from BellSouth Corporation and $0.5 billion each
from Advance Publications, Cox Enterprises and Comcast Corporation. On February
15, 1994, Paramount notified the Company that Viacom received the minimum
condition in its tender offer and had delivered to Paramount a completion
certificate pursuant to the bidding procedures. Accordingly, the Company
terminated its tender offer for 50.1 percent of the Common Stock of Paramount.
The costs incurred on the tender offer, comprised principally of bank fees and
legal and advisory fees, totaled $34.8 million which were expensed in the fourth
quarter of 1993. The $3.25 billion bank loan commitment expired on February 15,
1994 upon the termination of the tender offer.
NOTE 17 -- QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT AS TO PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL 1993
--------------------------------------------
FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH
-------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net revenue......................................... $273,232 $262,438 $313,945 $372,489
Gross profit........................................ 113,773 107,938 128,902 148,316
Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of
a change in accounting principle(1)............... 34,546 26,137 42,732 11,871
Income tax provision................................ (16,925) (12,810) (21,215) (9,025)
Income before cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principle.............................. 17,621 13,327 21,517 2,846
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle(2)...................................... 3,990 -- -- --
Net income.......................................... 21,611 13,327 21,517 2,846
Income per share(3):
Primary
Income before cumulative effect of a change
in accounting principle................... .36 .26 .42 .06
Net income................................... .44 .26 .42 .06
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL 1992
--------------------------------------------
FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH
-------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net revenue......................................... $233,168 $221,253 $274,332 $341,834
Gross profit........................................ 100,354 94,259 115,501 138,633
Income before income taxes and extraordinary item... 22,917 15,905 31,468 38,378
Income tax provision................................ (11,425) (7,190) (15,105) (18,360)
Income before extraordinary item.................... 11,492 8,715 16,363 20,018
Extraordinary item, net of tax benefit (4).......... (348) -- -- (1,148)
Net income.......................................... 11,144 8,715 16,363 18,870
Income per share(5)(6):
Primary
Income before extraordinary item............. .29 .22 .40 .44
Net income................................... .28 .22 .40 .42
Fully-diluted
Income before extraordinary item............. .29 .22 .40 .42
Net income................................... .28 .22 .40 .40
</TABLE>
C-23
<PAGE> 106
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 17 -- QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT AS TO PER SHARE DATA)
- ---------------
(1) Fourth quarter amount includes a charge of $34.8 million related to the
Paramount tender offer (Note 16).
(2) Amount represents the cumulative effect of adopting SFAS 109.
(3) Fully diluted earnings per share for all periods are not presented since
they are the same as the primary earnings per share.
(4) Amounts represent accelerated amortization of debt placement fees, net of
income tax benefits, due to prepayments of the Senior term loan (Note 5).
(5) The sum of the quarterly per share amounts does not equal the annual amount
due to the substantial changes in the number of shares throughout the year.
(6) In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1992, the modified treasury stock method of
computing earnings per share resulted in a fully-diluted computation with a
lower amount than the primary computation.
This is due primarily to using the year-end closing share price for the
fully-diluted computation versus the average share price for the fourth
quarter. The year-end closing price was $40.50 versus a fourth quarter
average of $32.92.
C-24
<PAGE> 107
SCHEDULE II
AMOUNTS RECEIVABLE FROM RELATED PARTIES AND UNDERWRITERS,
PROMOTERS, AND EMPLOYEES OTHER THAN RELATED PARTIES
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BALANCE AT
BALANCE DEDUCTIONS END OF PERIOD
AT ------------------------ ------------------
BEGINNING AMOUNTS AMOUNTS NOT
NAME OF DEBTOR OF PERIOD ADDITIONS COLLECTED WRITTEN-OFF CURRENT CURRENT
- --------------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- ----------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year Ended January 31, 1992
Peter Barton, unsecured 8% note
receivable due on demand........ $ 98 $ 6 $ -- $-- $ 104 $--
--------- --------- --------- --- ------- -------
Year Ended January 31, 1993
Peter Barton, unsecured 8% note
receivable due on demand........ $ 104 $ -- $ 104 $-- $ -- $--
--------- --------- --------- --- ------- -------
Year ended January 31, 1994
Candice Carpenter, unsecured,
prime plus one percent note
receivable due in installments
until May 31, 1998.............. $ -- $ 257 $ -- $-- $ 257 $--
--------- --------- --------- --- ------- -------
</TABLE>
C-25
<PAGE> 108
SCHEDULE VIII
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ADDITIONS ADDITIONS
BALANCE AT CHARGED TO CHARGED TO BALANCE AT
BEGINNING COSTS AND OTHER END OF
DESCRIPTION OF PERIOD EXPENSES ACCOUNTS DEDUCTIONS OTHER PERIOD
- ---------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Year ended January 31, 1992......... $ 8,214 $ 14,501 $ -- $ (7,260)(A) $ -- $ 15,455
Year ended January 31, 1993......... $ 15,455 $ 17,506 $ 1,250(C) $ (12,895)(A) $ -- $ 21,316
Year ended January 31, 1994......... $ 21,316 $ 24,765 $ -- $ (7,971)(A) $ 14,649 $ 52,759
Inventory obsolescence reserve:
Year ended January 31, 1992......... $ 8,387 $ 16,465 $ -- $ (12,141)(B) $ -- $ 12,711
Year ended January 31, 1993......... $ 12,711 $ 17,809 $ -- $ (14,312)(B) $ -- $ 16,208
Year ended January 31, 1994......... $ 16,208 $ 20,000 $ -- $ (21,186)(B) $ -- $ 15,022
Reserve for uncollectible accounts under
revolving credit program:
Year ended January 31, 1992......... $ 11,769 $ 14,175 $ -- $ (5,970)(A) $ -- $ 19,974
Year ended January 31, 1993......... $ 19,974 $ 10,159 $ -- $ (4,434)(A) $ -- $ 25,699
Year ended January 31, 1994......... $ 25,699 $ -- $ -- $ (2,414)(A) $ (14,649)(D) $ 8,636
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(A) Accounts written-off as uncollectible, net of recoveries.
(B) Written-off as obsolete.
(C) Reserve for interest on note receivable transferred from accrued
liabilities.
(D) Transfer to allowance for doubtful accounts
C-26
<PAGE> 109
SCHEDULE X
SUPPLEMENTARY INCOME STATEMENT INFORMATION
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CHARGED TO
ITEM COSTS
AND
EXPENSES
----------
<S> <C>
Advertising costs:
Year ended January 31, 1992.................................................. $ 35,407
Year ended January 31, 1993.................................................. $ 33,419
Year ended January 31, 1994.................................................. $ 28,172
</TABLE>
C-27
<PAGE> 110
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
GENERAL
The Company is a retailer of a wide range of consumer products which are
marketed and sold primarily by merchandise-focused televised-shopping programs.
The average number of homes receiving the QVC Service was:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR
--------------------------------
1993 1992 1991
------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT DOLLAR
AMOUNTS)
Cable homes -- 24 hours per day....................... 43.3 40.4 36.4
Cable homes -- part-time.............................. 3.0 2.9 3.8
Satellite dish homes (estimated)...................... 3.0 3.0 3.0
------ ------ ------
Total............................................ 49.3 46.3 43.2
====== ====== ======
Full-time equivalent homes ("FTE").................... 45.8 42.9 39.2
====== ====== ======
QVC net sales per FTE home............................ $26.56 $24.85 $23.37
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
FTE homes equal the total number of cable homes receiving the QVC Service
24 hours per day plus one-third of the part-time cable homes plus one-half of
the satellite dish homes. This calculation reflects the Company's estimate of
the relative value to the Company of part-time homes and satellite dish homes
compared to full-time homes. QVC net sales excludes non-merchandise revenue.
The increase in the number of homes receiving the QVC Service in fiscal
1993 is due to growth in the number of homes in existing cable systems. In
fiscal 1992, the growth in the number of homes reflects the full year's effect
of the homes obtained under a license agreement with JCPenney Television
Shopping Channel, Inc. ("JCPTV") in 1991 and growth in the number of homes in
existing cable systems.
Net revenue and operating income have increased since 1991 due to the
increase in the number of homes receiving the QVC Service and, to a lesser
extent, an increase in net sales to existing subscribers. It is unlikely that
the number of homes receiving the QVC Service will continue to grow at rates
comparable to prior periods, given that the QVC Service is already received by
approximately 80% of all of the cable television homes in the United States. As
relative growth in the number of homes declines, future growth in sales will
depend increasingly on continued additions of new customers from homes already
receiving the QVC Service and continued growth in repeat sales to existing
customers.
Operating profit margins have improved since fiscal 1991 largely as a
result of variable costs not growing in proportion to increases in revenue,
general and administrative costs not increasing as much as the revenue increase,
and the relatively fixed nature of depreciation and amortization.
C-28
<PAGE> 111
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth the Company's Consolidated Statements of
Operations expressed as a percentage of net revenue:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR
--------------------------
1993 1992 1991
------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net revenue.............................................. 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of goods sold....................................... 59.2 58.1 58.0
------ ------ ------
Gross profit............................................. 40.8 41.9 42.0
------ ------ ------
Operating expenses:
Variable costs...................................... 14.0 15.0 15.8
General and administrative.......................... 10.9 11.5 12.0
Depreciation........................................ 1.4 1.6 1.8
Amortization of intangible assets................... 2.1 2.8 3.2
------ ------ ------
28.4 30.9 32.8
------ ------ ------
Operating income......................................... 12.4 11.0 9.2
------ ------ ------
Other income (expense):
Costs of Paramount tender offer..................... (2.8) -- --
Losses from joint ventures.......................... (0.9) -- --
Interest expense.................................... (0.1) (1.7) (4.2)
Interest income..................................... 0.9 0.8 0.8
------ ------ ------
(2.9) (0.9) (3.4)
------ ------ ------
Income before income taxes, extraordinary item and
cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle.............................................. 9.5 10.1 5.8
Income tax provision..................................... (4.9) (4.9) (3.4)
------ ------ ------
Income before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of
a change in accounting principle....................... 4.6 5.2 2.4
Extraordinary item, net of tax benefit................... -- (0.1) (0.3)
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting for income
taxes.................................................. 0.3 -- --
------ ------ ------
Net income............................................... 4.9% 5.1% 2.1%
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
NET REVENUE AND GROSS PROFIT
Net revenue in 1993 was $1.22 billion, an increase of 14.2% over the net
revenue in the prior year. Net revenue in 1992 of $1.07 billion was 16.1% over
the $921.8 million in net revenue in 1991. In 1993, the sales increase was due
to the 6.8% increase in the average number of homes receiving the QVC Service as
well as the 6.9% increase in net sales per FTE home. The sales increase in 1992
was due to the 9.4% increase in the average number of homes receiving the QVC
Service and the 6.3% increase in net sales per FTE home.
Net revenue in 1993 included $26.2 million of net sales from The QVC
Fashion Channel to 8.1 million FTE homes compared to $29.7 million of net sales
to 7.3 million FTE homes in 1992. In 1991, net revenue included $7.9 million of
net sales from the secondary channel to 8.1 million FTE homes.
The Company is starting a new shopping service, consisting of on Q and Q2,
which is scheduled to be launched in the spring of 1994 to replace The QVC
Fashion Channel. On Q will be QVC's new fashion service for younger adults and
will broadcast weekdays. Q2 is being designed for the audience that has not yet
purchased from traditional home-shopping formats and will broadcast on weekends.
The Company has two credit programs, the QVC Easy-Pay Plan and the QVC
revolving credit card program. The Company offers customers the Easy-Pay Plan
option only on selected items. The Easy-Pay Plan permits customers to pay for
such selected items in several monthly installments. When the Easy-Pay Plan is
C-29
<PAGE> 112
selected by the customer, the item purchased is shipped after the first payment
is billed to the customer's credit card. The customer's credit card is
subsequently billed up to four additional monthly installments until the total
purchase price of the product has been received by the Company. QVC's revolving
credit card program permits customers to charge purchases on the Company's own
credit card. The accounts receivable from the revolving credit card program are
purchased (with recourse) and serviced by an unrelated third party. Sales under
these credit programs amounted to 40.8%, 40.3% and 39.7% of net revenue for
1993, 1992 and 1991, respectively. The loss provision for uncollectible accounts
under these credit programs amounted to $22.3 million, $25.6 million and $25.2
million in 1993, 1992 and 1991, respectively.
The sales mix for the past three years by product category as a percentage
of net sales has been:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR
--------------------------
1993 1992 1991
------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Jewelry.................................................. 41.9% 43.0% 45.7%
Apparel and accessories.................................. 17.8 17.4 14.6
Housewares............................................... 12.0 12.3 14.2
Electronics.............................................. 8.6 8.1 8.4
Collectibles............................................. 8.4 8.0 8.0
Other.................................................... 11.3 11.2 9.1
------ ------ ------
100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
Gross profit for 1993 was $498.9 million, or 40.8% of net revenue, compared
to $448.7 million, or 41.9% of net revenue, in 1992 and $387.2 million, or 42.0%
of net revenue, in 1991. The principal reason for the increased amounts of gross
profit was the increased sales volume. The decrease in the 1993 gross profit
percentage was due to increased shipping and handling charges, higher gold
prices and a higher return rate on sales.
VARIABLE COSTS
Variable costs totaled $171.2 million, $160.4 million and $145.3 million
for fiscal years 1993, 1992 and 1991, respectively. The major components of this
expense classification are detailed below, expressed in amounts and as a
percentage of net revenue (dollars in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR
-----------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1993 1992 1993
------------- ------------- -------------
<CAPTION>
$ % $ % $ %
----- ---- ----- ---- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Order processing and customer service........ 63.4 5.2 60.1 5.6 56.4 6.1
Commissions and license fees................. 65.4 5.4 57.7 5.4 46.8 5.1
Provision for doubtful accounts.............. 24.8 2.0 27.7 2.6 28.7 3.1
Credit card processing fees.................. 17.6 1.4 14.9 1.4 13.4 1.5
----- ---- ----- ---- ----- ----
171.2 14.0 160.4 15.0 145.3 15.8
===== ==== ===== ==== ===== ====
</TABLE>
Order processing and customer service expenses decreased as a percentage of
net revenue since 1991 due to greater utilization of the Company's automated
ordering system, which gives customers the option to place orders by using their
touchtone telephone instead of speaking to a telemarketing operator. Commissions
and license fees increased as a percentage of net sales in 1992 as a result of
fees paid for sales to the homes obtained under the license agreement with
JCPTV. The provision for doubtful accounts as a percentage of net revenue
decreased since 1991 due to continued improvement in the collection experience
of QVC's revolving credit card program. Credit card processing fees as a
percentage of net revenue have remained relatively stable over the three years.
C-30
<PAGE> 113
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE
In 1993, general and administrative expenses totaled $132.7 million, or
10.9% of net revenue, compared to $123.6 million, or 11.5% of net revenue, in
1992 and $110.7 million, or 12.0% of net revenue, in 1991. The major components
of general and administrative expenses are detailed below, expressed in amounts
and as a percentage of net revenue (dollars in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR
-----------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1993 1992 1993
------------- ------------- -------------
<CAPTION>
$ % $ % $ %
----- ---- ----- ---- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Administration............................... 50.3 4.1 43.2 4.0 34.0 3.7
Advertising and marketing.................... 28.2 2.3 33.4 3.1 35.4 3.8
Data processing.............................. 17.4 1.4 18.3 1.7 19.3 2.1
Broadcasting................................. 20.3 1.7 15.3 1.4 10.8 1.2
Merchandising and programming................ 10.8 0.9 8.0 0.8 5.8 0.6
Occupancy costs.............................. 5.7 0.5 5.4 0.5 5.4 0.6
----- ---- ----- ---- ----- ----
132.7 10.9 123.6 11.5 110.7 12.0
===== ==== ===== ==== ===== ====
</TABLE>
The increase in administration expenses in 1993 is due principally to the
$3.8 million settlement of the STN litigation. The litigation arose out of the
negotiation and execution of an agreement between the Company and JCPTV pursuant
to which JCPTV granted the Company a renewable one-year license of JCPTV's right
to use the cable channel time provided to JCPTV under affiliation agreements
with its program carriers. The remaining increase in administration expenses can
largely be attributed to higher personnel costs. In 1992, administration
expenses also increased due to higher personnel costs, including $4.9 million
related to 160,000 shares of Common Stock granted as an executive stock award to
Mr. Barry Diller, who became Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
in January 1993. The 1992 personnel costs also include the $2.2 million current
value of the ten-year consulting agreement with Mr. Joseph Segel, former
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.
Advertising and marketing expenses decreased in 1993 due to a reduction in
credits granted to customers and, to a lesser extent, fewer promotional mailings
to cable subscribers. In 1992, these expenses decreased due to the
discontinuation of the Company's mail order catalog as well as fewer promotional
mailings to QVC customers. Data processing costs decreased in 1993 due to a
reduction in outside consulting costs. The decrease in these expenses in 1992
was due to the purchase of mainframe computer equipment which was previously
leased. Broadcasting costs increased in 1993 due to higher transponder fees to
broadcast the QVC Service and The QVC Fashion Channel as well as higher costs to
enhance the on-air presentation. In 1992, the increase in these expenses related
to broadcasting The QVC Fashion Channel for a full year for sixteen hours a day
versus four months for eight hours a day in 1991. Merchandising and programming
expenses in 1993 increased due to additional personnel needed to sustain the
Company's sales growth. In 1992, the increase was due to the full year
broadcasting of The QVC Fashion Channel. Occupancy costs increased slightly in
1993 due to the additional maintenance required on the Company's new
telecommunications facilities in Texas and Virginia.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
Depreciation expense has remained relatively constant since 1991.
Amortization expense decreased in 1993 due to the reduction in amortization of
debt placement fees as a result of the repayments of the Senior Term Loan during
fiscal 1992 and the first quarter of fiscal 1993.
OPERATING INCOME
Operating income was $152.2 million in fiscal 1993, $118.2 million in
fiscal 1992, and $84.4 million in fiscal 1991. The increase in operating income
is due primarily to the additional gross profit arising from higher revenue and
the fixed nature of depreciation and amortization.
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<PAGE> 114
COSTS OF PARAMOUNT TENDER OFFER
On February 15, 1994, the Company terminated its cash tender offer for 50.1
percent of the Common Stock of Paramount Communications Inc. The costs incurred
on the tender offer totaled $34.8 million which were expensed in the fourth
quarter of 1993. The majority of these expenses were bank fees. The Company had
a $3.25 billion loan commitment available from November 19, 1993 to February 15,
1994 to help fund the cash portion of the tender offer.
LOSSES FROM JOINT VENTURES
During 1993, the Company entered into four joint ventures which resulted in
combined losses of $11.4 million. The most significant joint ventures are those
formed with BSkyB and Grupo Televisa. BSkyB and the Company formed a joint
venture to bring electronic retailing to the United Kingdom. On October 1, 1993,
BSkyB and the Company launched "QVC -- The Shopping Channel." A majority of
consumers subscribing to BSkyB's service are now able to receive the new QVC
service -- approximately 1.8 million homes. In addition, approximately .4
million cable homes receive the program. The agreement with BSkyB requires,
among other things, that the Company provide all funding to the joint venture
until it is profitable. The Company will then recover all prior funding before
any profits are shared. During the four months of 1993, QVC -The Shopping
Channel operations resulted in a $8.9 million loss, which was recorded by the
Company, including $630,000 amortization of capitalized start-up costs.
On November 15, 1993, the Company and Grupo Televisa began broadcasting
"CVC" in Mexico. CVC is distributed through broadcast television, cable
television and satellite dishes to approximately 7.3 million FTE homes. The
Company's 50% share of CVC's operations resulted in a $1.8 million loss in 1993,
including $266,000 amortization of capitalized start-up costs.
The Company also entered a joint venture with Tribune Entertainment Company
and Regal Communications to produce and distribute "Can We Shop" with Joan
Rivers. "Can We Shop" first aired on January 17, 1994 and is a one-hour Monday
through Friday television show through which merchandise is sold. The Company's
share of the operating loss amounted to $386,000 in 1993.
The Company made a one third investment in Friday Holdings, L.P. for the
purpose of establishing or acquiring businesses in the communications field as
well as developing information products. The Company recorded a $300,000 loss in
association with this partnership.
INTEREST EXPENSE
The major factor contributing to the reduced interest expense in 1993 and
1992 was $13.8 million and $13.2 million, respectively, of lower interest
expense on the Senior term loan which was retired during the 1993 first quarter.
The conversion in October 1992 of a $30.0 million convertible subordinated note
into 1.7 million shares of Common Stock also contributed to the lower interest
expense.
INTEREST INCOME
The Company has experienced higher interest income since 1991 on its
revolving charge card due to higher average account balances as well as an
increase in the number of customer accounts. This increase, however, was offset
by lower interest income on temporary cash investments.
INCOME TAX PROVISION
Effective February 1, 1993, the Company changed its method of accounting
for income taxes as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" ("SFAS 109"). Under the asset and liability
method of SFAS 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the
future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the
financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities, and
their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured
using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in
which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The
Company previously used the asset and liability
C-32
<PAGE> 115
method of SFAS 96. Under SFAS 96, the consideration of future events in
calculating deferred taxes was not permitted. Under SFAS 109, the effect on the
deferred tax assets and liabilities, because of the change in federal tax rates
incorporated in the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993, was recognized in the
third quarter of fiscal 1993, the period in which the enactment date falls. The
cumulative effect of approximately $4.0 million resulting from the change in the
method of accounting for income taxes to SFAS 109 was included in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations in the first quarter of 1993.
EXTRAORDINARY ITEM
During fiscal 1992 and 1991, the Company prepaid $86.3 million and $98.1
million, respectively, of its Senior term loan. As a result, amortization of
debt placement fees was accelerated and reported as an extraordinary item, net
of tax benefit, of $1.5 million in fiscal 1992 and $2.1 million in fiscal 1991.
NET INCOME
Net income for 1993 was $59.3 million compared to $55.1 million in 1992 and
$19.6 million in 1991. The changes in net income resulted from the factors
discussed above.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company's principal source of working capital is internally-generated
cash flow from operations. In fiscal 1993, net cash provided by operating
activities totaled $73.3 million compared to $101.4 million and $137.0 million
in fiscal 1992 and 1991, respectively. Net cash provided by operations in 1993
and 1992 was reduced by a net increase in working capital items of $36.2 million
and $33.6 million, respectively. The net change in working capital items in both
years was due principally to an increase in accounts receivable representing
deposits with a third party related to the Company's revolving credit card. In
1991, net cash provided by operations was increased by a net decrease in working
capital items of $40.1 million. The net decrease in working capital items was
due principally to an increase in accrued liabilities of $48.0 million
principally from increases in accrued income taxes of $13.0 million and in
reserve for repurchase of uncollectible accounts under the Company's credit card
program of $8.2 million.
The Company's capital expenditures totaled $24.6 million in 1993 compared
to $21.1 million in 1992 and $11.9 million in 1991. In 1993, capital
expenditures were principally for the construction of a new telecommunications
facility in Chesapeake, Virginia, which replaced a leased facility, additions
for computer equipment and software, and other equipment. Capital expenditures
in 1992 were principally for computer equipment and software, and the
construction and equipping of a telecommunications facility in San Antonio,
Texas. In fiscal 1991, capital expenditures were principally for studio,
computer and other equipment. The Company expects that annual capital
expenditures for current operations will approximate the 1993 level for the next
year.
The Company has an agreement with an unrelated third party which provides
for the sale and servicing of accounts receivable originating from the Company's
revolving credit card. The Company remains obligated to repurchase uncollectible
accounts pursuant to the recourse provisions of the agreement and is required to
maintain a specified percentage of all outstanding receivables transferred under
the program as a deposit with the third party to secure its obligations under
the agreement.
The Company has a $60.0 million bank revolving credit facility to finance
operations as well as to fund letters of credit for merchandise purchases.
Interest on outstanding amounts under this agreement is payable at the bank's
prime rate or other interest rate options. A commitment fee of .25% is payable
on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. The credit agreement
requires the Company to maintain certain ratios for total liabilities to
shareholders' equity and for coverage of fixed charges. The Company borrowed
$20.0 million under the facility in March 1993 and retired the remaining balance
on its Senior term loan. All amounts borrowed under the facility were repaid
from net cash provided by operating activities during the 1993 first quarter.
Outstanding letters of credit totaled approximately $7.8 million at January 31,
1994.
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<PAGE> 116
The Company had working capital at January 31, 1994 of $101.8 million
compared to $7.3 million at January 31, 1993. The principal reason for the
increase in working capital during 1993 was cash flows from operating activities
as well as the increase in the current deferred tax asset of $24.7 million
arising from the adoption of SFAS 109. The current ratio was 1.3 at January 31,
1994 compared to 1.0 at January 31, 1993. Long-term debt to total capitalization
was 1.2% at January 31, 1994, compared to 1.6% at the prior year end due to the
increase in retained earnings from the current year's operating results.
During the first quarter of 1993, the Company filed a registration
statement on Form S-3 for up to $400.0 million of debt securities and up to 5.0
million shares of Common Stock. Substantially all of the net proceeds of any
offering would be used for general corporate purposes, including investment in
or development of activities in which the Company is not currently engaged.
However, this registration statement was never declared effective by the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Company believes that its present capital resources and future
operations will result in adequate financial resources to fund all capital
expenditures.
EFFECTS OF INFLATION
Inflation has not had a significant impact on the results of the Company's
operations.
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<PAGE> 117
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED UNAUDITED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APRIL 30, JANUARY 31,
1994 1994
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents...................................... $ 20,105 $ 15,873
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of
$61,609 at April 30, 1994 and $52,759 at January 31, 1994... 170,009 183,162
Inventories.................................................... 156,602 148,208
Deferred taxes................................................. 58,815 59,749
Prepaid expenses............................................... 7,872 5,536
----------- -----------
Total current assets................................... 413,403 412,528
Property, plant and equipment, at cost, less accumulated
depreciation................................................... 79,098 80,579
Cable television distribution rights, net........................ 95,911 99,579
Other assets, net................................................ 34,193 33,664
Excess of cost over acquired net assets.......................... 249,365 251,810
----------- -----------
Total assets........................................... $ 871,970 $ 878,160
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt........................... $ 3,128 $ 3,114
Accounts payable-trade......................................... 69,667 81,594
Accrued liabilities............................................ 216,629 225,989
----------- -----------
Total current liabilities.............................. 289,424 310,697
Long-term debt, less current maturities.......................... 6,900 7,044
----------- -----------
Total liabilities...................................... 296,324 317,741
========= ========
Shareholders' equity:
Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.10.................... 56 56
Common Stock, par value $.01................................... 402 399
Additional paid-in capital..................................... 449,188 446,027
Retained earnings.............................................. 126,000 113,937
----------- -----------
Total shareholders' equity............................. 575,646 560,419
----------- -----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity............. $ 871,970 $ 878,160
========= ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
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<PAGE> 118
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
APRIL 30,
---------------------
1994 1993
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Net revenue............................................................ $296,441 $273,232
Cost of goods sold..................................................... 180,812 159,459
-------- --------
Gross profit................................................. 115,629 113,773
-------- --------
Operating expenses:
Variable costs....................................................... 40,037 40,130
General and administrative........................................... 32,291 30,570
Depreciation......................................................... 4,242 3,966
Amortization of intangible assets.................................... 6,205 6,680
-------- --------
82,775 81,346
-------- --------
Operating income....................................................... 32,854 32,427
-------- --------
Other income (expense):
Losses from joint ventures........................................... (10,013) --
Interest expense..................................................... (358) (544)
Interest income...................................................... 3,900 2,663
-------- --------
(6,471) 2,119
-------- --------
Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principle................................................. 26,383 34,546
Income tax provision................................................... (14,320) (16,925)
-------- --------
Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle.... 12,063 17,621
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting for income taxes........... -- 3,990
-------- --------
Net income................................................... $ 12,063 $ 21,611
-------- --------
Income per share:
Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle......................................................... $ .25 $ .36
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting for income taxes......... -- .08
-------- --------
Net income................................................... $ .25 $ .44
======== ========
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares......... 48,627 49,556
======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
C-36
<PAGE> 119
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
APRIL 30,
--------------------
1994 1993
-------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income............................................................ $ 12,063 $21,611
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities:
(Increase) decrease in deferred taxes.............................. (1,127) 1,523
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting for income taxes....... -- (3,990)
Depreciation....................................................... 4,242 3,966
Amortization of intangible assets.................................. 6,205 6,680
Losses from joint ventures......................................... 10,013 --
Changes in other non-current assets................................... (3,051) 1,017
Effects of changes in working capital items*.......................... (17,930) 2,374
-------- -------
Net cash provided by operating activities..................... 10,415 33,181
-------- -------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures.................................................. (2,761) (4,078)
Changes in other assets............................................... (100) --
Investments in and advances to joint ventures......................... (6,356) --
-------- -------
Net cash used in investing activities......................... (9,217) (4,078)
-------- -------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under revolving credit facilities.......................... -- 20,000
Payments against revolving credit facilities.......................... -- (20,000)
Principal payments under capitalized leases and other debt............ (130) (130)
Payments under Senior term loan....................................... -- (21,000)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options............................... 64 560
Proceeds from exercise of warrants.................................... 3,100 --
-------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities........... 3,034 (20,570)
-------- -------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents............................... 4,232 8,533
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period........................ 15,873 4,279
-------- -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.............................. $ 20,105 $12,812
======== =======
*Analysis of effects of changes in working capital items:
Decrease in accounts receivable....................................... $ 13,153 $ 8,216
Increase in inventories............................................... (8,394) (10,272)
Decrease (increase) in deferred taxes................................. 934 (3,215)
Increase in prepaid expenses.......................................... (2,336) (1,140)
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable............................... (11,928) 2,725
(Decrease) increase in accrued liabilities............................ (9,359) 6,060
-------- -------
$(17,930) $ 2,374
======== =======
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
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<PAGE> 120
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONVERTIBLE ADDITIONAL
PREFERRED COMMON PAID-IN RETAINED
STOCK STOCK CAPITAL EARNINGS TOTAL
----------- ------ ---------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance January 31, 1994..................... $56 $399 $ 446,027 $113,937 $560,419
Net income for period........................ -- -- -- 12,063 12,063
Proceeds from exercise of warrants........... -- 3 3,097 -- 3,100
Proceeds from the exercise of employee stock
options.................................... -- -- 64 -- 64
--- ------ ---------- -------- --------
Balance April 30, 1994....................... $56 $402 $ 449,188 $126,000 $575,646
======== ====== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
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<PAGE> 121
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1 -- BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The interim consolidated financial statements are unaudited and should be
read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes
thereto for the years ended January 31, 1994 and 1993.
In the opinion of QVC, Inc. (the "Company"), all adjustments necessary for
a fair presentation of such consolidated financial statements have been
included. Such adjustments principally consist of normal recurring items.
Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and all subsidiaries. Investments in the Company's joint ventures (50% or less
owned) are accounted for under the equity method. All significant intercompany
accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
NOTE 2 -- SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accounting policies followed by the Company are set forth in Note 1 to
the Company's consolidated financial statements in the QVC, Inc. Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1994.
NOTE 3 -- OTHER ASSETS
Other assets consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APRIL 30, JANUARY 31,
1994 1994
--------- -----------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred taxes (Note 5)............................................ $ 18,392 $17,265
Investments in and advances to joint ventures, net of accumulated
losses........................................................... 7,537 11,194
Start-up costs..................................................... 6,510 3,459
Satellite transponder rights....................................... 1,000 1,000
Debt placement fees................................................ 162 162
Other.............................................................. 1,014 1,072
--------- -----------
34,615 34,152
Less -- accumulated amortization................................... (422) (488)
--------- -----------
Net other assets................................................... $ 34,193 $33,664
======= ========
</TABLE>
During fiscal 1993, the Company established electronic retailing program
service in the United Kingdom ("QVC -- The Shopping Channel") and Mexico ("CVC")
through joint venture agreements with British Sky Broadcasting Limited and Grupo
Televisa, S.A. de C.V., respectively. The joint venture in the United Kingdom
began broadcasting on October 1, 1993, and the joint venture in Mexico began
broadcasting on November 15, 1993. The joint venture agreement in the United
Kingdom requires, among other things, that the Company provide all funding to
the joint venture until it is profitable. The Company will then recover all
prior funding before any profits are shared. Accordingly, the Company has
included 100% of the loss on operations of this venture in the Consolidated
Statements of Operations. The operating results of the joint venture in Mexico
are shared equally by the partners.
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<PAGE> 122
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Summarized financial information for "QVC -- The Shopping Channel" and
"CVC" on a 100% basis as of and for the quarter ended April 30, 1994 follows (in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
QVC
THE SHOPPING CHANNEL CVC
-------------------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Current assets......................................... $ 7,087 $ 7,718
Property, plant and equipment, net..................... 1,945 1,783
Unamortized start-up costs............................. 1,732 1,272
Current liabilities.................................... 6,773 8,540
Net revenue............................................ 3,069 4,689
Gross profit........................................... 634 809
Loss................................................... (7,199) (3,266)
</TABLE>
In fiscal 1993, the Company also entered a joint venture with Tribune
Entertainment Company and Regal Communications to form QRT Enterprises ("QRT").
QRT produces and syndicates "Can We Shop" with Joan Rivers, which commenced
broadcasting January 17, 1994. "Can We Shop" is a one-hour, Monday through
Friday television show through which merchandise is sold. The Company's
one-third share of QRT's operating loss amounted to $831,000 during the first
quarter of fiscal 1994.
The Company has made a $3.9 million investment in Friday Holdings, L.P., a
limited partnership. The limited partnership's purpose is to establish or
acquire businesses in the communications field and to develop information
products. The Company's one-third share of Friday Holdings' operating loss
amounted to $350,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 1994.
The Company has capitalized $6.5 million in costs relating to Q2, a new
televised shopping/programming service, scheduled to be launched in the third
quarter of fiscal 1994 in the United States. The capitalized start-up costs will
be amortized over eighteen months starting at the commencement of broadcast
operations.
NOTE 4 -- CAPITAL STOCK
The Company has 175,000,000 shares of Common Stock authorized. There were
40,214,097 shares outstanding at April 30, 1994 and 39,895,447 shares
outstanding at January 31, 1994. The increase in the number of shares of Common
Stock outstanding is the result of the exercise of warrants (310,000) and the
exercise of employee stock options (8,650).
The following table summarizes the number of Convertible Preferred shares
at April 30, 1994 and January 31, 1994 (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES
AUTHORIZED OUTSTANDING PAR VALUE
---------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Series A........................................... 10 -- $--
Series B........................................... 1,000 28 3
Series C........................................... 1,000 531 53
Series D........................................... 300 1 --
---
$56
=======
</TABLE>
NOTE 5 -- INCOME TAXES
The Company adopted the principles of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 109 ("SFAS 109") to account for income taxes in the first quarter
of fiscal 1993. The cumulative effect of adopting SFAS 109 was to increase net
income by approximately $4.0 million in the three-months ended April 30, 1993.
The provisions for income taxes for the three months ended April 30, 1994 and
1993 are based
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<PAGE> 123
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
on the estimated effective tax rate after considering the federal and state
statutory rates, amortization of intangibles arising from the CVN acquisition,
which is not deductible for tax purposes, and the fact that losses from foreign
joint ventures provide no state income tax benefit.
During the three months ended April 30, 1994, the Company received notice
that the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has completed its examinations of the
Company's federal income tax returns through fiscal 1991. As a result of the
examination, the IRS has proposed adjustments that relate primarily to the
amortization of cable television distribution rights, that would result in a
potential tax liability for those years in excess of $56.0 million. The Company
intends to vigorously contest these proposed adjustments. While it is not
possible at this time to predict the outcome of these actions, it is the opinion
of management, after reviewing the matter with outside counsel, that this matter
will be resolved without having a material financial impact on the Company.
NOTE 6 -- INCOME PER SHARE
The Company computes income per share using the modified treasury stock
method. Accordingly, primary earnings per share for the first quarter of fiscal
1994 were computed by dividing the net income by the 45,572,000 weighted average
number of outstanding shares of Common Stock and Common shares assumed to be
issued upon the conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock plus the net
3,055,000 shares assumed to be outstanding from the exercise of options and
warrants. Primary earnings per share for the three months ended April 30, 1993
were computed by dividing the net income by the 45,007,000 weighted average
number of outstanding shares of Common Stock and Common shares assumed to be
issued upon the conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock plus the net
4,549,000 shares assumed to be outstanding from exercise of options and
warrants. Fully-diluted earnings per share for both periods are not presented
because they would not differ from the primary earnings per share.
NOTE 7 -- SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ON CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS
OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS
ENDED
APRIL 30,
-----------------
1994 1993
---- ------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid................................................... $321 $ 561
Income taxes paid............................................... 20 4,393
</TABLE>
NOTE 8 -- LITIGATION
As previously reported in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended January 31, 1994 ("Form 10-K"), filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on April 20, 1994, the Company has been named as a defendant
in certain actions filed in state and federal courts in Delaware arising out of
Liberty Media Corporation's ("Liberty") prior acquisitions of shares of Home
Shopping Network, Inc. ("HSN") and the Company's July 1993 letter proposal to
HSN to combine HSN and the Company in a stock-for-stock transaction (the "HSN
Actions"). The plaintiffs and other defendants to the HSN Actions have executed
a Memorandum of Understanding (the "MOU") dated as of December 31, 1993, and
amended February 7, 1994, setting forth an agreement in principle for the
settlement of the HSN Actions for a total consideration of $13.0 million (plus
$200,000 to cover administrative expenses), all of which is to be funded by
Liberty. In early May 1994, the Company joined in the proposed settlement of the
HSN Actions by becoming a party to a revised MOU. Under the revised MOU, QVC is
not required to pay any portion of the proposed settlement fund. The proposed
settlement is subject to the parties' obtaining the approval of the Delaware
courts.
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<PAGE> 124
QVC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
In September 1993, Viacom International Inc. ("Viacom International"), a
subsidiary of Viacom Inc. ("Viacom"), brought an action in New York federal
court against the Company, Tele-Communications, Inc., Liberty, Satellite
Services, Inc., Encore Media Corp., and Netlink USA, challenging the Company's
September 1993 proposal to Paramount Communications Inc. ("Paramount") to
combine Paramount and QVC in a cash and stock-for-stock exchange. Viacom
International amended its complaint in November 1993 to add Comcast Corporation
("Comcast") as a defendant. Comcast was subsequently dismissed as a defendant.
The Company filed an answer to the amended complaint in November 1993. On
February 15, 1994, the Company terminated its tender offer for 50.1% of
Paramount Common Stock. All claims against the Company were dismissed by court
order filed on May 3, 1994.
In October 1993, the Company brought an action in Delaware Chancery Court
against Viacom, Paramount and certain Paramount directors for breach of
fiduciary duty in failing to give fair treatment to the Company's merger
proposal while granting undue advantages to Viacom's merger proposal. The
Company sought to compel Paramount's board to give the two merger proposals
equal consideration and also sought to invalidate certain "lockup" agreements
and share purchase options given by Paramount to Viacom. In November 1993, the
court granted the Company's motion for a preliminary injunction against
Paramount's poison pill rights plan and certain other anti-takeover mechanisms
being used to preclude the Paramount shareholders from accepting the Company's
cash tender offer for 50.1% of Paramount Common Stock. On appeal by Paramount
and Viacom, the Delaware Supreme Court affirmed the lower court's injunction on
December 9, 1993, and subsequently issued a formal opinion in support of its
ruling. On December 21, 1993, Viacom filed a motion to dismiss the Company's
complaint against it. Paramount's time to respond to the Company's complaint has
been extended to June 27, 1994.
The Company has also been named as a defendant in various legal proceedings
arising in the ordinary course of business. Although the outcome of these
matters cannot be determined, in the opinion of management, disposition of these
proceedings will not have a material effect on the Company's financial position.
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<PAGE> 125
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
GENERAL
The Company is a retailer of a wide range of consumer products which are
marketed and sold by merchandise-focused televised-shopping programs. The
average number of homes receiving the QVC Service was:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APRIL 30,
-----------------
1994 1993
----- -----
(IN MILLIONS,
EXCEPT DOLLAR
AMOUNTS)
<S> <C> <C>
Cable homes -- 24 hours per day.................................... 44.5 42.5
Cable homes -- part-time........................................... 2.9 2.8
Satellite dish homes (estimated)................................... 3.0 3.0
----- -----
Total.................................................... 50.4 48.3
===== =====
Full-time equivalent homes ("FTE")................................. 47.0 44.9
----- -----
QVC net sales per FTE home......................................... $6.29 $6.06
===== =====
</TABLE>
FTE homes equal the total number of cable homes receiving the QVC Service
24 hours per day plus one-third of the part-time cable homes and one-half of the
satellite dish homes. This calculation reflects the Company's estimate of the
relative value to the Company of part-time homes and satellite dish homes
compared to full-time homes. QVC net sales exclude non-merchandise revenue.
Net revenue increased in the first three months of fiscal 1994 due to the
increase in the number of homes receiving the QVC Service as well as an increase
in net sales to existing subscribers. It is unlikely that the number of homes
receiving the QVC Service will continue to grow at rates comparable to prior
periods, given that the QVC Service is already received by approximately 80% of
all the cable television homes in the United States. As relative growth in the
number of homes declines, future growth in sales will depend increasingly on
continued additions of new customers from homes already receiving the QVC
Service and continued growth in repeat sales to existing customers.
Operating profit increased slightly over the prior year's quarter as the
increase in the gross profit resulting from the higher sales volume was
partially offset by higher operating expenses.
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<PAGE> 126
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three months ended April 30, 1994 compared to three months ended April 30,
1993.
The following table sets forth the Company's Consolidated Statements of
Operations expressed as a percentage of net revenue:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS
ENDED
APRIL 30,
-----------------
1994 1993
----- -----
<S> <C> <C>
Net revenue........................................................ 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of goods sold................................................. 61.0 58.4
----- -----
Gross profit....................................................... 39.0 41.6
----- -----
Operating expenses:
Variable costs................................................... 13.5 14.7
General and administrative....................................... 10.9 11.2
Depreciation..................................................... 1.4 1.5
Amortization of intangible assets................................ 2.1 2.4
----- -----
27.9 29.8
----- -----
Operating income................................................... 11.1 11.8
Other income (expense):
Losses from joint ventures....................................... (3.4) --
Interest expense................................................. (0.1) (0.2)
Interest income.................................................. 1.3 1.0
----- -----
(2.2) 0.8
----- -----
Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principle............................................. 8.9 12.6
Income tax provision............................................... (4.8) (6.2)
----- -----
Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle........................................................ 4.1 6.4
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting for income taxes....... -- 1.5
----- -----
Net income......................................................... 4.1% 7.9%
===== =====
</TABLE>
NET REVENUE AND GROSS PROFIT
Net revenue for the three months ended April 30, 1994 was $296.4 million,
an increase of 8.5% over the $273.2 million net revenue in the prior year's
quarter. The sales increase was due to the 4.7% increase in the average number
of homes receiving the QVC Service as well as the 3.8% increase in net sales per
FTE home.
Net revenue in the first quarter of 1994 includes $2.8 million of net sales
from The QVC Fashion Channel to 8.7 million homes compared to $7.9 million of
net sales to 7.5 million FTE homes in 1992. The Company is starting a new
shopping service, consisting of onQ and Q2, which is going to replace The QVC
Fashion Channel. onQ is QVC's new fashion service for younger adults and will
broadcast weekdays. In May 1994, onQ started broadcasting sixteen hours of live
programming on Monday and nine hours of live programming on Thursday. Q2 is
being designed for the audience that has not yet purchased from traditional
home-shopping formats and will broadcast weekends. The Company anticipates that
onQ and Q2 will be fully operational, seven days a week, by the third quarter of
fiscal 1994.
The Company has two credit programs, the QVC Easy-Pay Plan and the QVC
revolving credit card program. The Company offers customers the Easy-Pay option
only on selected items. The Easy-Pay Plan permits customers to pay for such
selected items in several monthly installments. When the Easy-Pay Plan is
selected by the customer, the item purchased is shipped after the first payment
is billed to the customer's credit card. The customer's credit card is
subsequently billed up to four additional monthly installments until the total
purchase price of the product has been received by the Company. QVC's revolving
credit card program permits customers to charge purchases on the Company's own
credit card. The accounts receivable
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<PAGE> 127
from the revolving credit card program are purchased (with recourse) and
serviced by an unrelated third party. Sales under these credit programs amounted
to 42.9% and 38.3% of net revenue for the three months ended April 30, 1994 and
1993, respectively. Sales under these credit programs increased as a percentage
of total sales in the current quarter because of more sales under the Easy-Pay
Plan. The loss provision for uncollectible accounts under these credit programs
amounted to $5.2 million in the current period compared with $6.0 million in the
prior year.
The sales mix by product category as a percentage of net sales was as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS
ENDED
APRIL 30,
-----------------
1994 1993
----- -----
<S> <C> <C>
Jewelry............................................................ 38.9% 40.4%
Apparel and accessories............................................ 18.4 19.4
Housewares......................................................... 14.4 12.2
Electronics........................................................ 6.9 7.7
Collectibles....................................................... 7.0 9.0
Other.............................................................. 14.4 11.3
----- -----
100.0% 100.0%
===== =====
</TABLE>
Gross profit for the quarter ended April 30, 1994 was $115.6 million, or
39.0% of net revenue, compared to $113.8 million, or 41.6% of net revenue in the
prior year. The principal reason for the increase in gross profit was the
increased sales volume. The decrease in the gross profit percentage in 1994 was
principally due to the effect of higher gold prices on jewelry product profit
margins and, to a lesser extent, stronger sales of the Company's promotional
Today's Special Value items which sell below our normal gross profit margins.
VARIABLE COSTS
Variable costs totaled $40.0 million and $40.1 million for the first
quarter of 1994 and 1993, respectively. The major components of this expense
classification are detailed below, expressed in amounts and as a percentage of
net revenue (dollars in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30,
-------------------------------
1994 1993
------------- -------------
$ % $ %
---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Order processing and customer service................... 14.9 5.0 14.7 5.4
Commissions and license fees............................ 15.3 5.2 14.7 5.4
Provision for doubtful accounts......................... 5.6 1.9 6.8 2.5
Credit card processing fees............................. 4.2 1.4 3.9 1.4
---- ---- ---- ----
40.0 13.5 40.1 14.7
==== ==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
Order processing and customer service expenses increased as a result of the
higher sales volume. These expenses decreased as a percentage of net revenue in
1994 due to greater utilization of the Company's automated ordering system which
gives customers the option to place orders by using their touch-tone telephone
instead of speaking to a telemarketing operator. In 1994, commissions and
license fees increased in amount as a result of the higher sales volume and
decreased as a percentage of net revenue as a result of a reduction of sales to
homes obtained under the license agreement with JCPTV. The provision for
doubtful accounts as a percentage of net revenue decreased in 1994 due to an
improvement in collection experience of QVC's revolving credit card program.
Credit card processing fees as a percentage of net revenue have remained stable.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE
During the first quarter of 1994, general and administrative expenses
totaled $32.3 million, or 10.9% of net revenue compared to $30.6 million, or
11.2% of net revenue, in the prior year. The major components of
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<PAGE> 128
general and administrative expenses are detailed below, expressed in amounts and
as a percentage of net revenue (dollars in millions).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30,
----------------------------
1994 1993
------------ ------------
$ % $ %
---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Administration............................................. 10.7 3.6 10.7 3.9
Advertising and marketing.................................. 7.3 2.5 6.8 2.5
Data processing............................................ 4.1 1.4 4.3 1.6
Broadcasting............................................... 5.6 1.9 4.8 1.8
Merchandising and programming.............................. 3.2 1.0 2.6 0.9
Occupancy costs............................................ 1.4 0.5 1.4 0.5
---- ---- ---- ----
32.3 10.9 30.6 11.2
==== ==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
The increase in advertising and marketing expenses during the first quarter
of 1994 reflects additional promotional mailings to QVC customers. Data
processing costs decreased slightly due to the purchase of computer equipment
that was previously leased by the Company. The increase in broadcasting expenses
reflects the higher costs to enhance the on-air presentation. Merchandising and
programming expenses increased due to additional personnel needed to sustain the
Company's sales growth.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
Depreciation expense has remained constant in 1994 compared to the prior
year. Amortization expense decreased due to the reduction in amortization of
debt placement fees as a result of the repayment of the Senior term loan during
the first quarter of 1993.
OPERATING INCOME
Operating income of $32.9 million was slightly higher than last year's
$32.4 million as the higher gross profit resulting from the sales volume was
partially offset by higher operating expenses.
LOSSES FROM JOINT VENTURE
During 1993, the Company entered into four joint ventures which resulted in
combined losses of $10.0 million during the first quarter of 1994. The most
significant joint ventures are those formed with British Sky Broadcasting
Limited ("BSkyB") and Grupo Televisa, S.A. de C.V. BSkyB and the Company formed
a joint venture to bring electronic retailing to the United Kingdom. On October
1, 1993, BSkyB and the Company launched "QVC -- The Shopping Channel." A
majority of all consumers subscribing to BSkyB's service are now able to receive
the new QVC service -- approximately 2.0 million homes. In addition,
approximately .5 million cable homes receive the program. The agreement with
BSkyB requires, among other things, that the Company provide all funding to the
joint venture until it is profitable. The Company will then recover all prior
funding before any profits are shared. During the first quarter of 1994,
QVC -- The Shopping Channel operations resulted in a $7.2 million loss, which
was recorded by the Company, including $472,000 amortization of capitalized
start-up costs.
On November 15, 1993, the Company and Grupo Televisa, S.A. de C.V. began
broadcasting "CVC" in Mexico. CVC is distributed through broadcast television,
cable television and satellite dishes to approximately 7.3 million FTE homes.
The Company's 50% share of CVC's operations resulted in a $1.6 million loss
during the first quarter, including $319,000 amortization of capitalized
start-up costs.
The Company also entered a joint venture with Tribune Entertainment Company
and Regal Communications to produce and distribute "Can We Shop" with Joan
Rivers. "Can We Shop" first aired on January 17, 1994 and is a one-hour, Monday
through Friday television show through which merchandise is sold. The Company's
share of the operating loss amounted to $831,000 during the 1994 first quarter.
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<PAGE> 129
The Company made a one-third investment in Friday Holdings, L.P. for the
purpose of establishing or acquiring businesses in the communications field as
well as developing information products. The Company recorded a $350,000 loss in
association with this partnership.
INTEREST EXPENSE
Interest expense has remained relatively constant.
INTEREST INCOME
The Company experienced higher interest income on its revolving charge card
due to higher average account balances as well as an increase in the number of
customer accounts. The Company also experienced higher interest income on its
temporary cash investments.
INCOME TAX PROVISION
The Company adopted the principles of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 109 ("SFAS 109") to account for income taxes in the first quarter
of fiscal 1993. The provisions for income taxes for the three months ended April
30, 1994 and 1993 are based on the estimated effective tax rate after
considering the federal and state statutory rates, amortization of intangibles
arising from the CVN acquisition which is not deductible for tax purposes, and
the fact that the foreign joint ventures provide no state income tax benefit.
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE
Effective February 1, 1993, the Company changed its method of accounting
for income taxes as required by SFAS 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes". This
statement supersedes SFAS 96, which was adopted by the Company in fiscal 1988.
The cumulative effect of adopting SFAS 109 was to increase net income by
approximately $4.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 1993.
NET INCOME
Net income for the first quarter of 1994 was $12.1 million compared to net
income of $21.6 million in the prior year. The changes in net income resulted
from the factors discussed above.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company's principal source of working capital is internally-generated
cash flow from operations. For the three months ended April 30, 1994, net cash
provided by operating activities totaled $10.4 million. Net cash provided by
operations was decreased by the increase in working capital items of $17.9
million in 1994.
The Company's capital expenditures during the first quarter of 1994 totaled
$2.8 million, principally for broadcast equipment and computer software.
The Company has an agreement with an unrelated third party which provides
for the sale and servicing of accounts receivable originating from the Company's
revolving credit card. The Company remains obligated to repurchase uncollectible
accounts pursuant to the recourse provisions of the agreement and is required to
maintain a specified percentage of all outstanding receivables transferred under
the program as a deposit with the third party to secure its obligations under
the agreement.
The Company has a $60.0 million bank revolving credit facility to finance
operations as well as to fund letters of credit for merchandise purchases.
Interest on outstanding amounts under this agreement is payable at the bank's
prime rate or other interest rate options. A commitment fee of .15% is currently
payable on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. The commitment
fee was reduced from .25% on March 30, 1994. The credit agreement requires the
Company to maintain certain ratios for total liabilities to shareholders' equity
and for coverage of fixed charges. Outstanding letters of credit totaled $9.2
million at April 30, 1994.
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<PAGE> 130
Working capital at April 30, 1994 was $124.0 million compared to working
capital of $101.8 million at January 31, 1994. The current ratio was 1.4 at
April 30, 1994 compared to 1.3 at January 31, 1994. Long-term debt to total
capitalization was 1.2% at April 30, 1994.
During the first quarter of 1994, the Company entered into affiliation
agreements with various cable system operators for carriage of the Company's new
shopping service, Q2. The cable system operators will receive compensation from
the Company which is dependent upon the number of additional subscribers and the
launch date of Q2 on the cable system. The Company estimates that the cost of
these cable television distribution rights will approximate $40.0 million during
the remainder of fiscal 1994, which will be funded from the Company's free cash
flow.
The Company believes that its present capital resources and future
operations will result in adequate financial resources to fund all future
interest and debt payments as well as capital expenditures.
EFFECTS OF INFLATION
Inflation has not had a significant impact on the results of the Company's
operations.
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<PAGE> 131
PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
As previously reported in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of QVC Network,
Inc. (the "Company" or "QVC, Inc." or "QVC") for the fiscal year ended January
31, 1994 (the "Form 10-K"), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission") on April 20, 1994, the Company has been named as a defendant
in certain actions filed in the state and federal courts in Delaware arising out
of Liberty Media Corporation's ("Liberty") prior acquisitions of shares of Home
Shopping Network, Inc. ("HSN") and the Company's July 1993 letter proposal to
HSN to combine HSN and the Company in a stock-for-stock transaction (the "HSN
Actions"). As also previously reported in the Form 10-K, the plaintiffs and
other defendants to the HSN Actions had previously executed a Memorandum of
Understanding (the "MOU") setting forth an agreement in principle for the
settlement of the HSN Actions for a total consideration of $13 million (plus
$200,000 to cover administrative expenses), all of which is to be funded by
Liberty. In early May 1994, the Company joined in the proposed settlement of the
HSN Actions by becoming a party to a revised MOU. Under the revised MOU, QVC is
not required to pay any portion of the proposed settlement fund. The parties are
currently in the process of preparing formal settlement papers to submit to the
Delaware courts for approval of the proposed settlement.
In September 1993, Viacom International Inc. ("Viacom International"), a
subsidiary of Viacom Inc. ("Viacom"), brought an action in a New York federal
court against the Company, Tele-Communications, Inc., Liberty, Satellite
Services, Inc., Encore Media Corp., and Netlink USA, challenging the Company's
September 1993 proposal to Paramount Communications Inc. ("Paramount") to
combine Paramount and QVC in a cash and stock-for-stock exchange. Viacom
International amended its complaint in November 1993 to add Comcast Corporation
("Comcast") as a defendant. Comcast was subsequently dismissed as a defendant.
The Company filed an answer to the amended complaint in November 1993. On
February 15, 1994, the Company terminated its efforts to acquire Paramount, and
Viacom eventually acquired Paramount in a cash and stock-for-stock exchange. On
April 21, 1994, plaintiffs filed a Stipulation and Order of Dismissal,
dismissing all claims against QVC without prejudice. This Stipulation and Order
of Dismissal was filed as a court order on May 3, 1994.
In October 1993, the Company brought an action in the Delaware Chancery
Court against Viacom, Paramount and certain Paramount directors for breach of
fiduciary duty in failing to give fair treatment to QVC's proposal to merge with
Paramount while granting undue advantages to Viacom's merger proposal. The
Company sought to compel Paramount's board of directors to give the two merger
proposals equal consideration and also sought to invalidate certain "lockup"
agreements and share purchase options given by Paramount to Viacom. In November
1993, the court granted the Company's motion for a preliminary injunction
against Paramount's poison pill rights plan and certain other anti-takeover
mechanisms being used to preclude the Paramount shareholders from accepting the
Company's cash tender offer for Paramount shares. On appeal by Paramount and
Viacom, the Delaware Supreme Court affirmed the lower court's injunction on
December 9, 1993, and subsequently issued a formal opinion in support of its
ruling. On December 21, 1993, Viacom filed a motion to dismiss the Company's
complaint against it. Paramount's time to respond to the complaint has been
extended to June 27, 1994.
The Company has also been named as a defendant in various legal proceedings
arising in the ordinary course of business. Although the outcome of these
matters cannot be determined, in the opinion of management, disposition of these
proceedings will not have a material effect on the Company's financial position.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.
As previously reported in the Form 10-K, under the Stock Option Agreement,
dated as of February 15, 1994 (the "Stock Option Agreement"), among the Company,
BellSouth Corporation ("BellSouth"), Advance Publications, Inc. ("Advance"), and
Cox Enterprises, Inc. ("Cox"), BellSouth, Advance and Cox were granted certain
options to purchase shares of QVC Common Stock. These options are currently
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<PAGE> 132
exercisable until the later of the date that is (i) August 15, 1994, or (ii) if
approval of the stockholders of the Company of the issuance of these options is
required, ten (10) business days after the stockholders vote with respect to
such matter (whether or not such approval is received). By proxy materials
mailed to its stockholders on or about May 31, 1994, the Company is seeking such
approval at the annual meeting of stockholders which is scheduled to be held on
June 27, 1994.
Additionally, under the Stock Option Agreement, BellSouth has agreed that
if it purchases Common Stock pursuant thereto, it will become a party to the
Stockholders Agreement dated as of July 16, 1993, among Comcast, Liberty, Arrow
Investments, L.P. ("Arrow"), and certain affiliates and subsidiaries of such
parties (the "Stockholders Agreement"), in accordance with the terms of the
Understanding Among Stockholders dated as of November 11, 1993, among BellSouth,
Liberty, Comcast and Arrow (the "Understanding Among Stockholders"). The Stock
Option Agreement further provides that, after BellSouth becomes a party to the
Stockholders Agreement, so long as Comcast, Arrow, Liberty or BellSouth remains
an Eligible Stockholder (as defined in the Stockholders Agreement), the Company
will not take any action to (i) >block or prevent open market purchases by such
Eligible Stockholder or Liberty (if it has become a party to the Stockholders
Agreement under the terms of the Liberty-QVC Agreement, dated November 11, 1993,
between QVC and Liberty (the "Liberty-QVC Agreement")) of Common Stock so long
as such entity's total fully diluted voting power of the Company does not exceed
35% of the fully diluted outstanding voting power of the Company or (ii)
>discriminate against such Eligible Stockholder or Liberty (if it has become a
party to the Stockholders Agreement pursuant to the Liberty-QVC Agreement) as a
stockholder or deprive BellSouth, Comcast, Arrow or Liberty (if it has become a
party to the Stockholders Agreement pursuant to the Liberty-QVC Agreement) of
full rights as a stockholder of the Company.
Under the Stock Option Agreement, the Company, BellSouth, Cox and Advance
also agreed that, for a period of 18 months from February 15, 1994, if the
Company proposes to invest in, acquire or form all or part of an originator,
owner or other producer of programming or content (including, without
limitation, a film studio, network, film library or television programming
producer) in a transaction valued at greater than $250 million, and if the Stock
Option Agreement has not terminated with respect to the applicable purchaser
thereunder or such purchaser has acquired shares of Common Stock pursuant to the
Stock Option Agreement, the Company will give such purchaser along with Comcast
(and Liberty, if it has become a party to the Stockholders Agreement), to the
extent the Company requires third party financing in connection with such
transaction, a preferential opportunity, subject to applicable law, to
participate meaningfully in any such transaction on an arm's-length basis and
will negotiate in good faith concerning any such party's participation therein.
None of BellSouth, Comcast and Liberty will be entitled to any such preferential
opportunity, however, to the extent it is not legally permitted to participate
in the relevant transaction.
The description herein of the Stock Option Agreement is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such agreement, a copy of which is an Exhibit to the
Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A of the Company filed with the Commission on May
31, 1994, which is incorporated by reference herein.
Contemporaneously with the execution of the Stock Option Agreement, Comcast
and Liberty entered into an Acknowledgement and Agreement dated as of February
15, 1994, pursuant to which Comcast and Liberty acknowledged and agreed to the
foregoing provisions of the Stock Option Agreement and further agreed that such
provisions modified and replaced the $500 million stock option provisions of the
Memorandum of Understanding, dated as of November 11, 1993, between QVC and
BellSouth.
Comcast, Liberty, BellSouth, Advance, Arrow and Cox have also entered into
a Letter Agreement dated as of February 15, 1994, pursuant to which the parties
agreed that the Agreement Among Stockholders (whereby each of them agreed to
vote all of their shares of voting securities of the Company, if any, in favor
of any merger with Paramount and the issuance of securities in connection
therewith) was terminated except that (i) each of Comcast, Liberty and Arrow
will be required to vote all of its equity securities of the Company (to the
extent such securities are entitled to vote with respect thereto) in favor of
the issuance of the shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Stock Option
Agreement and (ii) each of Comcast, Liberty, Arrow and BellSouth remains bound
by the provision of the Agreement Among Stockholders acknowledging the
Liberty-QVC Agreement.
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<PAGE> 133
On May 19, 1994, Liberty filed a Schedule 13D (Amendment No. 25) with the
Commission, in which it stated that it no longer may be deemed to constitute a
"group" with Comcast and Barry Diller for purposes of Rule 13d-5 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") with respect to
the respective beneficial ownership of Liberty, Comcast and Mr. Diller of the
Common Stock of QVC, as a result of the expiration of the 90-day period
following the termination of the Company's bid for Paramount, within which
Liberty was entitled to elect to be reinstated as an Eligible Stockholder under
the Stockholders Agreement, and Liberty's decision not to be so reinstated.
Except for Mr. Diller's options pursuant to the Liberty-QVC Agreement and the
Stockholders Agreement to purchase from Liberty the equivalent of 1,627,934
shares of Common Stock of the Company, Liberty states that it no longer has any
contract, agreement or understanding with Comcast or Mr. Diller with respect to
the disposition or voting of the outstanding equity securities of the Company.
As a result, except as noted in its Schedule 13D filing, Liberty states that it
has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to all 10,255,867 shares of
QVC Common Stock beneficially owned by it and no longer has any rights or
obligations under the Stockholders Agreement.
The Company has entered into new employment agreements with Douglas S.
Briggs and William F. Costello, each dated as of January 1, 1994 (collectively,
the "Employment Agreements"), agreeing to employ them as President, QVC
Electronic Retailing, and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer,
respectively. The Employment Agreements are similar to Mr. Briggs' and Mr.
Costello's former employment agreements with the Company, dated as of December
9, 1992, except that Mr. Briggs and Mr. Costello have had the terms of their
agreements extended to December 31, 1998, and December 31, 1996, respectively.
Mr. Briggs' Employment Agreement provides for an annual base salary of $350,000,
subject to specific stated annual increases. Mr. Costello's Employment Agreement
provides for an annual base salary of $300,000, subject to annual upward review
at the discretion of the Company. Mr. Briggs and Mr. Costello will continue to
be eligible for and participate in such bonus and incentive compensation
programs as are generally provided to other executive officers of the Company.
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<PAGE> 134
Facsimile copies of the Letter of Transmittal will be accepted. The Letter
of Transmittal and certificates for Shares and any other required documents
should be sent to the Depositary at one of the addresses set forth below:
The Depositary:
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
(For Information Call (800) 507-9357)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
By Mail: By Facsimile: By Hand or Overnight Courier:
Tender & Exchange Dept. (212) 815-6213 Tender & Exchange Dept.
P.O. Box 11248 101 Barclay Street
Church Street Station Confirm by telephone Receive and Deliver Window
New York, NY 10286-1248 (800) 507-9357 New York, NY 10286
</TABLE>
Questions or requests for assistance or additional copies of this Offer to
Purchase and the Letter of Transmittal may be directed to the Information Agent
or the Dealer Manager at their respective addresses and telephone numbers set
forth below. Stockholders may also contact their broker, dealer, commercial bank
or trust company for assistance concerning the Offer.
The Information Agent is:
D.F. KING & CO., INC.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
135 South LaSalle Street 77 Water Street 9841 Airport Boulevard
Chicago, Illinois 60603 New York, New York 10005 Los Angeles, California 90045
(312) 236-5881 (collect) (212) 269-5550 (collect) (213) 215-3860 (collect)
</TABLE>
OR
CALL TOLL-FREE (800) 735-3591
The Dealer Manager for the Offer is:
LAZARD FRERES & CO.
One Rockefeller Plaza
New York, New York 10020
(212) 632-6000
(call collect)
August 11, 1994
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit (a)(2)
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
TO TENDER SHARES
OF
COMMON STOCK,
SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK
AND
SERIES C PREFERRED STOCK
OF
QVC, INC.
PURSUANT TO THE OFFER TO PURCHASE
DATED AUGUST 11, 1994
OF
QVC PROGRAMMING HOLDINGS, INC.
THE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS EXPIRE AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT, NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1994, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED.
To: The Bank of New York, DEPOSITARY
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
By Mail: By Facsimile Transmission: By Hand or Overnight Courier:
Tender & Exchange (212) 815-6213 Tender & Exchange
Department Department
P.O. Box 11248 Confirm by Telephone 101 Barclay Street
Church Street Station (800) 507-9357 Receive and Deliver Window
New York, NY 10286-1248 New York, NY 10286
</TABLE>
DELIVERY OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET
FORTH ABOVE OR TRANSMISSIONS OF INSTRUCTIONS VIA A FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION TO A
NUMBER OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY.
THE INSTRUCTIONS ACCOMPANYING THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL SHOULD BE READ
CAREFULLY BEFORE THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IS COMPLETED.
This Letter of Transmittal is to be used by stockholders if certificates
for Shares (as defined below) are to be forwarded herewith or, unless an Agent's
Message (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) is utilized, if delivery of Common
Shares is to be made by book-entry transfer to the Depositary's account at The
Depository Trust Company, Midwest Securities Trust Company or Philadelphia
Depository Trust Company (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Book-
Entry Transfer Facilities") pursuant to the procedures set forth under "The
Tender Offer -- 3. Procedure for Tendering Shares" in the Offer to Purchase
dated August 11, 1994. Stockholders who tender Common Shares by book-entry
transfer are referred to herein as "Book-Entry Stockholders."
Holders of Shares whose certificates for such Shares (the "Share
Certificates") are not immediately available or who cannot deliver their Share
Certificates and all other documents required hereby to the Depositary on or
prior to the Expiration Date (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) or who cannot
complete the procedures for book-entry transfer on a timely basis, must tender
their Shares pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedure set forth under "The
Tender Offer -- 3. Procedure for Tendering Shares" in the Offer to Purchase. See
Instruction 2.
<PAGE> 2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES TENDERED
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES)
OF REGISTERED HOLDER(S)
(PLEASE FILL IN, IF BLANK,
EXACTLY AS NAME(S) APPEAR(S)
ON SHARE CERTIFICATE(S))
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARE CERTIFICATE(S) AND SHARE(S) TENDERED
(ATTACH ADDITIONAL LIST IF NECESSARY)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS AND SERIES TOTAL NUMBER
SHARE OF SHARES OF SHARES NUMBER OF
CERTIFICATE REPRESENTED BY REPRESENTED BY SHARES
NUMBER(S)* SHARE CERTIFICATE(S) SHARE CERTIFICATE(S)* TENDERED**
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL SHARES OF COMMON STOCK........................
------------------------
TOTAL SHARES OF SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK............
------------------------
TOTAL SHARES OF SERIES C PREFERRED STOCK............
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* NEED NOT BE COMPLETED BY STOCKHOLDERS TENDERING BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER.
** UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, IT WILL BE ASSUMED THAT ALL SHARES REPRESENTED BY ANY CERTIFICATES
DELIVERED TO THE DEPOSITARY ARE BEING TENDERED. SEE INSTRUCTION 4.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
NOTE: SIGNATURES MUST BE PROVIDED ON THE INSIDE AND REVERSE BACK COVER
PLEASE READ ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
/ / CHECK HERE IF TENDERED COMMON SHARES ARE BEING DELIVERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER TO THE
DEPOSITARY'S ACCOUNT AT ONE OF THE BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER FACILITIES AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
Name of Tendering Institution....................................................................
Account No.....................................................................................at
/ / The Depository Trust Company
/ / Midwest Securities Trust Company
/ / Philadelphia Depository Trust Company
Transaction Code No. ............................................................................
/ / CHECK HERE IF TENDERED SHARES ARE BEING DELIVERED PURSUANT TO A NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY
PREVIOUSLY SENT TO THE DEPOSITARY AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING. PLEASE ENCLOSE A PHOTOCOPY OF SUCH
NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY:
Name(s) of Registered Stockholders...............................................................
Window Ticket Number (if any): ..................................................................
Date of Execution of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery...............................................
Name of Institution which Guaranteed Delivery....................................................
</TABLE>
------------------------
<PAGE> 3
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned hereby tenders to QVC Programming Holdings, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser") to be wholly owned by Comcast
Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation ("Comcast") and Liberty Media
Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Liberty" and, together with Comcast, the
"Parent Purchasers") and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tele-Communications, Inc.,
the above-described shares (the "Shares") of Common Stock, $.01 par value per
share (the "Common Stock"), and Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred
Stock, each $.10 par value per share (together, the "Preferred Stock"), of QVC,
Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), pursuant to the Purchaser's offer
to purchase all outstanding Shares at a price of $46 per share of Common Stock
and $460 per share of Preferred Stock, net to the seller in cash, without
interest thereon, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the
Offer to Purchase dated August 11, 1994, receipt of which is hereby
acknowledged, and in this Letter of Transmittal (which together constitute the
"Offer"). For purposes of this Letter of Transmittal, "Common Shares" means the
Shares of Common Stock and "Preferred Shares" means the shares of Preferred
Stock. The Purchaser reserves the right to transfer or assign, in whole or from
time to time in part, to one or more of its subsidiaries or affiliates the right
to purchase any or all Shares tendered pursuant to the Offer.
Subject to, and effective upon, acceptance for payment of and payment for
the Shares tendered herewith in accordance with the terms and subject to the
conditions of the Offer, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers, to
or upon the order of, the Purchaser all right, title and interest and any and
all dividends thereon or distributions with respect thereto in and to all the
Shares that are being tendered hereby (and any and all other Shares or other
securities issued or issuable in respect thereof on or after August 4, 1994) and
irrevocably appoints the Depositary the true and lawful agent, attorney-in-fact
and proxy of the undersigned to the full extent of the undersigned rights with
respect to the Shares (and all such other Shares or securities), with full power
of substitution (such power of attorney and proxy being deemed to be an
irrevocable power coupled with an interest), to (a) in the case of Common
Shares, deliver Share Certificates for such Common Shares (and all such other
Common Shares and securities), or transfer ownership of such Common Shares (and
all such other Shares or securities) on the account books maintained by any of
the Book-Entry Transfer Facilities, together, in any such case, with all
accompanying evidences of transfer and authenticity, to or upon the order of the
Purchaser upon receipt by the Depositary, or as the undersigned's agent, of the
purchase price, (b) present such Shares for transfer on the books of the Company
and (c) receive all benefits and otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial
ownership of such Shares, all in accordance with the terms of the Offer.
The undersigned hereby irrevocably appoints Brian L. Roberts, John R.
Alchin and Stanley L. Wang and each of them, the attorneys-in-fact and proxies
of the undersigned, each with full power of substitution, to exercise all voting
and other rights of the undersigned in such manner as each such attorney and
proxy or his substitute shall in his sole discretion deem proper, with respect
to all of the Shares tendered hereby which have been accepted for payment by the
Purchaser prior to the time of any vote or other action which the undersigned is
entitled to vote of any meeting of stockholders (whether annual or special and
whether or not an adjourned meeting), by written consent or otherwise. This
power of attorney and proxy is coupled with an interest in the Company and in
the Shares and is irrevocable and is granted in consideration of, and is
effective upon, the acceptance for payment of such Shares by the Purchaser in
accordance with the terms of the Offer. Such acceptance for payment shall
revoke, without further action, any other power of attorney or proxy granted by
the undersigned at any time with respect to such Shares and no subsequent powers
of attorneys or proxies will be given (and if given will be deemed not to be
effective) with respect thereto by the undersigned. The undersigned understands
that the Purchaser reserves the right to require that, in order for Shares to be
deemed validly tendered, immediately upon the Purchaser's acceptance for payment
of such Shares, the Purchaser is able to exercise full voting rights with
respect to such Shares and other securities, including voting at any meeting of
stockholders.
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has
full power and authority to tender, sell, assign and transfer the Shares
tendered hereby and that when the same are accepted for payment by the
Purchaser, the Purchaser will acquire good and unencumbered title thereto, free
and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances and not subject
to any adverse claims. The undersigned will, upon request, execute and deliver
any additional documents deemed by the Depositary or the Purchaser to be
necessary or desirable to complete the sale, assignment and transfer of the
Shares tendered hereby. In addition, the undersigned will promptly remit and
transfer to the Depositary for the account of the Purchaser any and all other
distributions in respect of the Shares tendered hereby, accompanied by
appropriate documentation of transfer and, pending such remittance or
appropriate assurance thereof, the Purchaser shall be entitled to all rights and
privileges as owner of any such distributions, and may withhold the entire
purchase price or deduct from the purchase price of Shares tendered hereby, the
amount or value thereof, as determined by the Purchaser in its sole discretion.
All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred shall survive the
death or incapacity of the undersigned, and any obligation of the undersigned
hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs, personal representatives, successors
and assigns of the undersigned. Except as stated in the Offer, this tender is
irrevocable.
The undersigned understands that tenders of Shares pursuant to any one of
the procedures described under "The Tender Offer -- 3. Procedure for Tendering
Shares" in the Offer to Purchase and in the instructions hereto will constitute
a binding agreement between the undersigned and the Purchaser upon the terms and
subject to the conditions of the Offer.
<PAGE> 4
Unless otherwise indicated herein under "Special Payment Instructions,"
please issue the check for the purchase price and/or return any Share
Certificates not tendered or accepted for payment in the name(s) of the
undersigned. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated under "Special Delivery
Instructions," please mail the check for the purchase price and/or return any
Share Certificates not tendered or accepted for payment (and accompanying
documents, as appropriate) to the undersigned at the address shown below the
undersigned's signature. In the event that both the "Special Delivery
Instructions" and the "Special Payment Instructions" are completed, please issue
the check for the purchase price and/or return any Share Certificates not
tendered or accepted for payment in the name(s) of, and deliver said check
and/or return certificates to, the person or persons so indicated. Stockholders
tendering Common Shares by book-entry transfer may request that any Common
Shares not accepted for payment be returned by crediting such account maintained
at such Book-Entry Transfer Facility as such stockholder may designate by making
an appropriate entry under "Special Payment Instructions." The undersigned
recognizes that the Purchaser has no obligation pursuant to the "Special Payment
Instructions" to transfer any Shares from the name of the registered holder
thereof if the Purchaser does not accept for payment any of such Shares.
<PAGE> 5
SPECIAL PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS
(SEE INSTRUCTIONS 1, 5, 6 AND 7)
To be completed ONLY if the check for the purchase price of Shares
purchased or Shares Certificates not tendered or not purchased are to be issued
in the name of someone other than the undersigned, or if Common Shares tendered
by book-entry transfer that are not purchased are to be returned by credit to an
account at one of the Book-Entry Transfer Facilities other than that designated
above.
Issue check and/or certificates to:
Name............................................................................
(Please Print)
Address.........................................................................
...............................................................................
(Zip Code)
................................................................................
(Taxpayer Identification No. or Social Security No.)
(See Substitute Form W-9 below)
/ / Credit unpurchased Common Shares tendered by book-entry transfer to the
account set forth below:
Name of Account Party...........................................................
Account No. ................................................................. at
/ / The Depository Trust Company
/ / Midwest Securities Trust Company
/ / Philadelphia Depository Trust Company
SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
(SEE INSTRUCTIONS 1, 5, 6 AND 7)
To be completed ONLY if the check for the purchase price of Shares
purchased or Shares Certificates not tendered or not purchased are to be mailed
to someone other than the undersigned or to the undersigned at an address other
than that shown below the undersigned's signature(s).
Mail check and/or certificates to:
Name............................................................................
(Please Print)
Address.........................................................................
...............................................................................
(Zip Code)
................................................................................
(Taxpayer Identification No. or Social Security No.)
<PAGE> 6
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C>
SIGN HERE
(PLEASE COMPLETE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 BELOW)
............................................................................
Signature(s) of Owner(s)
............................................................................
Dated................................................................., 1994
Name(s) ....................................................................
(Please Print)
............................................................................
Capacity (full title) ......................................................
Address ....................................................................
............................................................................
............................................................................
(Include Zip Code)
Area Code and Telephone No. ................................................
Tax Identification or Social Security No. ..................................
(See Substitute Form W-9 on Reverse Side)
(Must be signed by registered holder(s) exactly as name(s) appear(s) on stock certificate(s) or on
a security position listing or by person(s) authorized to become registered holder(s) by
certificates and documents transmitted herewith. If signature is by a trustee, executor,
administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or other person acting in a
fiduciary or representative capacity, please set forth full title and see Instruction 5.)
Guarantee of Signature(s)
(If required -- See Instructions 1 and 5)
Name of Firm ...............................................................
Authorized Signature .......................................................
Name .......................................................................
Address ....................................................................
Area Code and Telephone Number .............................................
Dated................................................................., 1994
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 7
TO BE COMPLETED BY ALL TENDERING STOCKHOLDERS
(SEE INSTRUCTION 8)
PAYER'S NAME: THE BANK OF NEW YORK
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
SUBSTITUTE PART I -- PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR ----------------------------------
FORM W-9 TIN IN THE BOX AT THE RIGHT AND Social Security Number
DEPARTMENT OF THE CERTIFY BY SIGNING AND DATING or
TREASURY INTERNAL BELOW. ----------------------------------
REVENUE SERVICE Employer Identification Number
PAYER'S REQUEST FOR
TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER (TIN)
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PART II
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CERTIFICATION -- Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:
(1) The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number
(or 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, or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue
Service ("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 backup withholding.
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 underreporting 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 such
item (2).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SIGNATURE_________________________________ DATE______________,1994/ PART III
Awaiting TIN / /
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM MAY RESULT IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING
OF 31% OF ANY PAYMENTS MADE TO YOU PURSUANT TO THE 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 3 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 reportable payments made to me will be
withheld, but that such amounts will be refunded to me if I then provide a
Taxpayer Identification Number within sixty (60) days.
Signature____________________________________Date _________________________
<PAGE> 8
SECTION 1445 CERTIFICATION
A. FORM FOR INDIVIDUAL TRANSFERORS
Section 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code provides that a transferee
(buyer) of a U.S. real property interest must withhold tax if the transferor
(seller) is a foreign person. To inform the transferee (buyer) that withholding
of tax is not required upon my disposition of a U.S. real property interest, I,
, hereby certify the following:
1. I am not a nonresident alien for purposes of U.S. income taxation;
2. My U.S. taxpayer identifying number (Social Security number) is
.
3. My home address is:
--------------------------------------------------------
I understand that this certification may be disclosed to the Internal
Revenue Service by the transferee and that any false statement I have made here
could be punished by fine, imprisonment, or both.
Under penalties of perjury I declare that I have examined this
certification and to the best of my knowledge and belief it is true, correct,
and complete.
SIGNATURE DATE , 1994
B. FORM FOR ENTITY TRANSFERORS
Section 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code provides that a transferee of a
U.S. real property interest must withhold tax if the transferor is a foreign
person. To inform the transferee that withholding of tax is not required upon
the disposition of a U.S. real property interest by , the
undersigned hereby certifies on its behalf the following information with
respect to it:
1. It is not a foreign corporation, foreign partnership, foreign trust, or
foreign estate (as those terms are defined in the Internal Revenue Code
and Income Tax Regulations).
2. U.S. employer identification number: .
3. Office address:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is understood that this certification may be disclosed to the Internal
Revenue Service by transferee and that any false statement contained herein
could be punished by fine, imprisonment or both.
Under penalties of perjury I declare that I have examined this
certification and to the best of my knowledge and belief it is true, correct and
complete, and I further declare that I have authority to sign this document on
behalf of the aforementioned entity.
SIGNATURE DATE , 1994
TITLE
NOTE: SEE INSTRUCTION 9 FOR INFORMATION REGARDING THIS FORM.
<PAGE> 9
INSTRUCTIONS
FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER
1. Guarantee of Signatures. Except as otherwise provided below, all
signatures on this Letter of Transmittal must be guaranteed by a firm which is a
member of a registered national securities exchange or the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc., or by a commercial bank or trust company having an
office or correspondent in the United States (an "Eligible Institution").
Signatures on this Letter of Transmittal need not be guaranteed (a) if this
Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of the Shares (which
term, in the case of Common Shares and for purposes of this document, shall
include any participant in one of the Book-Entry Transfer Facilities whose name
appears on a security position listing as the owner of Common Shares) tendered
herewith and such holder(s) have not completed the instruction entitled "Special
Payment Instructions" on this Letter of Transmittal or (b) if such Shares are
tendered for the account of an Eligible Institution. See Instruction 5.
2. Delivery of Letter of Transmittal and Shares. This Letter of Transmittal
is to be used either if Share Certificates are to be forwarded herewith or,
unless an Agent's Message is utilized if delivery of Common Shares is to be made
by book-entry transfer pursuant to the procedures set forth in "The Tender
Offer -- 3. Procedures for Tendering Shares". Share Certificates, or a
confirmation of a book-entry transfer into the Depositary's account at one of
the Book-Entry Transfer Facilities of all Common Shares delivered
electronically, as well as a properly completed and duly executed Letter of
Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), or an Agent's Message and any other
documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be received by the
Depositary at one of its addresses set forth on the front page of this Letter of
Transmittal by the Expiration Date. Stockholders whose Share Certificates are
not immediately available or who cannot deliver their Share Certificates and all
other required documents to the Depositary by the Expiration Date or who cannot
complete the procedures for delivery by book-entry transfer on a timely basis
must tender their Shares pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedure set forth
in "The Tender Offer -- 3. Procedures for Tendering Shares". Pursuant to such
procedure: (a) such tender must be made by or through an Eligible Institution,
(b) a properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery
substantially in the form provided by the Purchaser must be received by the
Depositary by the Expiration Date and (c) the Share Certificates or a
confirmation of a book-entry transfer into the Depositary's account at one of
the Book-Entry Transfer Facilities of all Common Shares delivered
electronically, as well as a properly completed and duly executed Letter of
Transmittal (or facsimile thereof) (or, in the case of a book-entry delivery, an
Agent's Message) and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal,
must be received by the Depositary within five trading days on the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automatic Quotation System/National
Market System after the date of execution of such Notice of Guaranteed Delivery,
all as provided in "The Tender Offer -- 3. Procedures for Tendering Shares". If
Shares are forwarded separately to the Depositary, each must be accompanied by a
duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof).
THE PREFERRED SHARES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION TO THE BOOK-ENTRY
TRANSFER FACILITIES AND DELIVERY OF PREFERRED SHARES MAY NOT BE EFFECTED BY
BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER.
The method of delivery of Share Certificates, this Letter of Transmittal
and all other required documents including in the case of Common Shares, through
Book-Entry Transfer Facilities is at the option and sole risk of the tendering
stockholder and the delivery will be deemed made only when actually received by
the Depositary. If delivery is by mail, registered mail with return receipt
requested, properly issued, is recommended. In all cases, sufficient time should
be allowed to ensure timely delivery.
No alternative, conditional or contingent tenders will be accepted, and no
fractional Shares will be purchased. By executing this Letter of Transmittal (or
facsimile thereof), the tendering stockholder waives any right to receive any
notice of the acceptance for payment of the Shares.
3. Inadequate Space. If the space provided herein is inadequate, the
certificate numbers and/or the number of Shares and any other required
information should be listed on a separate schedule attached hereto and
separately signed on each page thereof in the same manner as this Letter of
Transmittal is signed.
4. Partial Tenders (not applicable to stockholders who tender by book-entry
transfer). If fewer than all the Shares represented by any certificate delivered
to the Depositary are to be tendered, fill in the number of Shares which are to
be tendered in the box entitled "Number of Shares Tendered". In such case, a new
certificate for the remainder of the Shares represented by the old certificate
will be sent to the person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal, unless
otherwise provided in the appropriate box on this Letter of Transmittal, as
promptly as practicable following the expiration or termination of the Offer.
All Shares represented by certificates delivered to the Depositary will be
deemed to have been tendered unless otherwise indicated.
5. Signatures on Letter of Transmittal; Stock Powers and Endorsements. If
this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of the Shares
tendered hereby, the signature(s) must correspond with the name(s) as written on
the face of the certificates without alteration, enlargement or any change
whatsoever.
If any of the Shares tendered hereby are held of record by two or more
persons, all such persons must sign this Letter of Transmittal.
If any of the Shares tendered hereby are registered in different names on
different certificates, it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as
many separate Letters of Transmittal as there are different registrations of
certificates.
If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of the
Shares tendered hereby, no endorsements of certificates or separate stock powers
are required unless payment of the purchase price is to be made, or Shares not
<PAGE> 10
tendered or not purchased are to be returned, in the name of any person other
than the registered holder(s). Signatures on any such certificates or stock
powers must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.
If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the
registered holder(s) of the Shares tendered hereby, certificates must be
endorsed or accompanied by appropriate stock powers, in either case, signed
exactly as the name(s) of the registered holder(s) appear(s) on the certificates
for such Shares. Signature(s) on any such certificates or stock powers must be
guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.
If this Letter of Transmittal or any certificate or stock power is signed
by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a
corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity,
such person should so indicate when signing, and proper evidence satisfactory to
the Purchaser of the authority of such person so to act must be submitted.
6. Stock Transfer Taxes. Except as noted in this Instruction 6, the
Purchaser will pay any stock transfer taxes with respect to the sale and
transfer of any Shares to it or its order pursuant to the Offer. If, however,
payment of the purchase price is to be made to, or Shares not tendered or not
purchased are to be returned in the name of, any person other than the
registered holder(s), or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than
the sale or transfer of Shares to the Purchaser pursuant to the Offer, then the
amount of any stock transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered holder(s),
such other person or otherwise) will be deducted from the purchase price unless
satisfactory evidence of the payment of such taxes, or exemption therefrom, is
submitted herewith.
Except as provided in this Instruction 6, it will not be necessary for
Transfer Tax Stamps to be affixed to the certificates listed in this Letter of
Transmittal.
7. Special Payment and Delivery Instructions. If the check for the purchase
price of any Shares purchased is to be issued, or any Shares not tendered or not
purchased are to be returned, in the name of a person other than the person(s)
signing this Letter of Transmittal or if the check or any certificates for
Shares not tendered or not purchased are to be mailed to someone other than the
person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal or to the person(s) signing this
Letter of Transmittal at an address other than that shown above, the appropriate
boxes on this Letter of Transmittal should be completed. Stockholders tendering
Common Shares by book-entry transfer may request that Common Shares not
purchased be credited to such account at any of the Book-Entry Transfer
Facilities as such stockholder may designate under "Special Payment
Instructions". If no such instructions are given, any such Common Shares not
purchased will be returned by crediting the account at the Book-Entry Transfer
Facilities designated above.
8. Substitute Form W-9. Under the federal income tax laws, the Depositary
will be required to withhold 31% of the amount of any payments made to certain
stockholders pursuant to the Offer or the Merger. In order to avoid such backup
withholding, each tendering stockholder, and, if applicable, each other payee,
must provide the Depositary with such stockholder's or payee's correct taxpayer
identification number and certify that such stockholder or payee is not subject
to such backup withholding by completing the Substitute Form W-9 set forth
above. In general, if a stockholder or payee is an individual, the taxpayer
identification number is the Social Security number of such individual. If the
Depositary is not provided with the correct taxpayer identification number, the
stockholder or payee may be subject to a $50 penalty imposed by the Internal
Revenue Service. Certain stockholders or payees (including, among others, all
corporations and certain foreign individuals) are not subject to these backup
withholding and reporting requirements. In order to satisfy the Depositary that
a foreign individual qualifies as an exempt recipient, such stockholder or payee
must submit a statement, signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to that
individual's exempt status. Such statements can be obtained from the Depositary.
For further information concerning backup withholding and instructions for
completing the Substitute Form W-9 (including how to obtain a taxpayer
identification number if you do not have one and how to complete the Substitute
Form W-9 if Shares are held in more than one name), consult the enclosed
Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute
Form W-9.
Failure to complete the Substitute Form W-9 will not, by itself, cause
Shares to be deemed invalidly tendered, but may require the Depositary to
withhold 31% of the amount of any payments made pursuant to the Offer. Backup
withholding is not an additional federal income tax. Rather, the 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 provided that the required information is furnished to
the Internal Revenue Service.
NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 MAY RESULT IN
BACKUP WITHHOLDING OF 31% OF ANY PAYMENTS MADE TO YOU PURSUANT TO THE OFFER.
PLEASE REVIEW THE ENCLOSED GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
9. Withholding Under Section 1445. In addition to any applicable backup
withholding, under Section 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"), the Depositary will withhold 10% of the amount of any payments
made to foreign stockholders unless the Depositary receives from the Company the
documentation necessary to avoid the withholding tax applicable to transfers of
interest in a "United States real property holding corporation" as defined in
Section 897 of the Code. There can be no assurance that the necessary
documentation will be obtained. Non-foreign stockholders who want to be assured
of avoiding withholding under Section 1445 regardless of whether the necessary
documentation is obtained from the Company must certify, under penalties of
perjury, their non-foreign status by completing the Section 1445 Certification
included in this Letter of Transmittal. Individuals should complete Form A and
entities should complete Form B of the Section 1445 Certification.
Failure to complete the Section 1445 Certification will not, by itself,
cause Shares to be deemed invalidly tendered, but may require the Depositary to
withhold 10% of the amount of any payments made pursuant to the offer. Any
amounts
<PAGE> 11
withheld under Section 1445 will be allowed as a credit against such
stockholder's United States federal income tax liability and may entitle such
stockholder to a refund, provided that the Internal Revenue Service determines
that the Company is not a "United States real property holding corporation" and
the required information is furnished to it.
10. Requests for Assistance or Additional Copies. Requests for assistance
or additional copies of the Offer to Purchase and this Letter of Transmittal may
be obtained from the Information Agent or Dealer Manager at their respective
addresses or telephone numbers set forth below.
11. Lost, Destroyed or Stolen Certificates. If any certificate(s)
representing Shares has been lost, destroyed or stolen, the stockholder should
promptly notify the Depositary. Instructions will then be given as to what steps
must be taken to obtain a replacement certificate(s). The Letter of Transmittal
and related documents cannot be processed until the procedures for replacing
such missing certificate(s) have been followed.
Facsimile copies of the Letter of Transmittal, properly completed and duly
executed, will be accepted. The Letter of Transmittal, certificates of Shares
and any other required documents should be sent or delivered by each stockholder
of the Company or his broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other
nominee to the Depositary at one of its addresses set forth below:
The Depositary for the Offer is:
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
By Mail: By Facsimile Transmission: By Hand or Overnight Courier:
Tender & Exchange (212) 815-6213 Tender & Exchange
Department Confirm by Telephone: Department
P.O. Box 11248 (800) 507-9357 101 Barclay Street
Church Street Station Receive and Deliver
New York, NY 10286-1248 Window
New York, New York 10286
</TABLE>
Questions and requests for assistance may be directed to the Information
Agent or the Dealer Manager at their respective addresses and telephone numbers
listed below. Additional copies of this Offer to Purchase, the Letter of
Transmittal and other tender offer materials may be obtained from the
Information Agent as set forth below, and will be furnished promptly at the
Company's expense. You may also contact your broker, dealer, commercial bank,
trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning this Offer.
The Information Agent for the Offer is:
D.F. KING & CO., INC.
77 Water Street
New York, New York 10005
(212) 269-5550 (Collect)
(800) 735-3591 (Toll-Free)
The Dealer Manager for the Offer is:
LAZARD FRERES & CO.
One Rockefeller Plaza
New York, New York 10020
(Call Collect)
(212) 632-6000
<PAGE> 12
GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
IRS INSTRUCTIONS
(SECTION REFERENCES ARE TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.)
PURPOSE OF FORM. -- A person who is required to file an information return
with the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS) must obtain your correct taxpayer
identification number (TIN) to report income paid to you, real estate
transactions, mortgage interest you paid, the acquisition or abandonment of
secured property, or contributions you made to an individual retirement account
(IRA). Use Form W-9 to furnish your correct TIN to the requester (the person
asking you to furnish your TIN), and, when applicable, (1) to certify that the
TIN you are furnishing is correct (or that you are waiting for a number to be
issued), (2) to certify that you are not subject to backup withholding, and (3)
to claim exemption from backup withholding if you are an exempt payee.
Furnishing your correct TIN and making the appropriate certifications will
prevent certain payments from being subject to backup withholding.
NOTE: IF A REQUESTER GIVES YOU A FORM OTHER THAN A W-9 TO REQUEST YOUR TIN,
YOU MUST USE THE REQUESTER'S FORM.
HOW TO OBTAIN A TIN. -- If you do not have a TIN, apply for one
immediately. To apply, get FORM SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card
(SSN) (for individuals), from your local office of the Social Security
Administration, or FORM SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number
(EIN) (for businesses and all other entities), from your local IRS office.
To complete Form W-9, if you do not have a TIN, check the box in Part 3 of the
substitute Form W-9, sign and date the form, and give it to the requester.
Generally, you will then have 60 days to obtain a TIN and furnish it to the
requester. If the requester does not receive your TIN within 60 days, backup
withholding, if applicable, will begin and continue until you furnish your TIN
to the requester. For reportable interest or dividend payments, the payer must
exercise one of the following options concerning backup withholding during this
60-day period. Under option (1), a payer must backup withhold on any withdrawals
you make from your account after 7 business days after the requester receives
this form back from you. Under option (2), the payer must backup withhold on any
reportable interest or dividend payments made to your account, regardless of
whether you make any withdrawals. The backup withholding under option (2) must
begin no later than 7 business days after the requester receives this form back.
Under option (2), the payer is required to refund the amounts withheld if your
certified TIN is received within the 60-day period and you were not subject to
backup withholding during the period.
NOTE: CHECKING THE BOX IN PART 3 OF THE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 MEANS THAT YOU
HAVE ALREADY APPLIED FOR A TIN OR THAT YOU INTEND TO APPLY FOR ONE IN THE NEAR
FUTURE.
As soon as you receive your TIN, complete another Form W-9, include your
TIN, sign and date this form, and give it to the requester.
WHAT IS BACKUP WITHHOLDING? -- Persons making certain payments to you after
1992 are required to withhold and pay to the IRS 31% of such payments under
certain conditions. This is called "backup withholding." Payments that could be
subject to backup withholding include interest, dividends, broker and barter
exchange transactions, rents, royalties, nonemployee compensation, and certain
payments from fishing boat operators, but do not include real estate
transactions.
If you give the requester your correct TIN, make the appropriate
certifications, and report all your taxable interest and dividends on your tax
return, your payments will not be subject to backup withholding. Payments you
receive will be subject to backup withholding if:
(1) You do not furnish your TIN to the requester, or
(2) The IRS notifies the requester that you furnished an incorrect TIN, or
(3) You are notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup withholding
because you failed to report all your interest and dividends on your tax return
(for reportable interest and dividends only), or
(4) You fail to certify to the requester that you are not subject to backup
withholding under (3) above (for reportable interest and dividend accounts
opened after 1983 only), or
(5) You fail to certify your TIN. This applies only to reportable interest,
dividend, broker or barter exchange accounts opened after 1983, or broker
accounts considered inactive in 1983.
Except as explained in (5) above, other reportable payments are subject to
backup withholding only if (1) or (2) above applies. Certain payees and payments
are exempt from backup withholding and information reporting. See PAYEES AND
PAYMENTS EXEMPT FROM BACKUP WITHHOLDING, below, and EXEMPT PAYEES AND PAYMENTS
under SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS, on page 2, if you are an exempt payee.
<PAGE> 13
PAYEES AND PAYMENTS EXEMPT FROM BACKUP WITHHOLDING. -- The following is a
list of payees exempt from backup withholding and for which no information
reporting is required. For interest and dividends, all listed payees are exempt
except item (9). For broker transactions, payees listed in (1) through (13) and
a person registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 who regularly acts
as a broker are exempt. Payments subject to reporting under sections 6041 and
6041A are generally exempt from backup withholding only if made to payees
described in Items (1) through (7), except that a corporation that provides
medical and health care services or bills and collects payments for such
services is not exempt from backup withholding or information reporting. Only
payees described in items (2) through (6) are exempt from backup withholding for
barter exchange transactions, patronage dividends, and payments by certain
fishing boat operators.
(1) A corporation.
(2) An organization exempt from tax under Section 501(a), or an IRA, or a
custodial account under section 403(b)(7).
(3) The United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities.
(4) A state, the District of Columbia, a possession of the United States,
or any of their political subdivisions or instrumentalities.
(5) A foreign government or any of its political subdivisions, agencies or
instrumentalities.
(6) An international organization or any of its agencies or
instrumentalities.
(7) A foreign central bank of issue.
(8) A dealer in securities or commodities required to register in the U.S.
or a possession of the U.S.
(9) A futures commission merchant registered with the Commodity Futures
Trading Commission.
(10) A real estate investment trust.
(11) An entity registered at all times during the tax year under the
Investment Company Act of 1940.
(12) A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 584(a).
(13) A financial institution.
(14) A middleman known in the investment community as a nominee or listed
in the most recent publication of the American Society of Corporation
Secretaries, Inc., Nominee List.
(15) A trust exempt from tax under section 664 or described in section
4947.
Payments of dividends and patronage dividends generally not subject to backup
withholding also include the following:
- Payments to nonresident aliens subject to withholding under section 1441.
- Payments to partnerships not engaged in trade or business in the U.S. and
that have at least one nonresident partner.
- Payments of patronage dividends not paid in money.
- Payments made by certain foreign organizations.
Payments of interest generally not subject to backup withholding include
the following:
- Payments of interest on obligations issued by individuals.
NOTE: YOU MAY BE SUBJECT TO BACKUP WITHHOLDING IF THIS INTEREST IS $600 OR
MORE AND IS PAID IN THE COURSE OF THE PAYER'S TRADE OR BUSINESS AND YOU HAVE
NOT PROVIDED YOUR CORRECT TIN TO THE PAYER.
- Payments of tax-exempt interest (including exempt-interest dividends
under section 852).
- Payments described in section 6049(b)(5) to nonresident aliens.
- Payments on tax-free covenant bonds under section 1451.
- Payments made by certain foreign organizations.
- Mortgage interest paid by you.
Payments that are not subject to information reporting are also not subject to
backup withholding. For details, see sections 6041, 6041A(a), 6042, 6044, 6045,
6049, 6050A, and 6050N, and their regulations.
PENALTIES
FAILURE TO FURNISH TIN. -- If you fail to furnish your correct TIN to a
requester, you are subject to a penalty of $50 for each such failure unless your
failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect.
CIVIL PENALTY FOR FALSE INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO WITHHOLDING. -- If you
make a false statement with no reasonable basis that results in no backup
withholding, you are subject to a $500 penalty.
CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR FALSIFYING INFORMATION. -- Willfully falsifying
certifications or affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties including
fines and/or imprisonment.
MISUSE OF TINS. -- If the requester discloses or uses TINs in violation of
Federal law, the requester may be subject to civil and criminal penalties.
<PAGE> 14
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
NAME. -- If you are an individual, you must generally provide the name
shown on your social security card. However, if you have changed your last name,
for instance, due to marriage, without informing the Social Security
Administration of the name change, please enter your first name, the last name
shown on your social security card and your new last name.
If you are a sole proprietor, you must furnish your individual name and either
your SSN or EIN. You may also enter your business name. Enter your name(s) as
shown on your social security card and/or as it was used to apply for your EIN
on Form SS-4.
SIGNING THE CERTIFICATION. --
(1) INTEREST, DIVIDEND, AND BARTER EXCHANGE ACCOUNTS OPENED BEFORE 1984 AND
BROKER ACCOUNTS CONSIDERED ACTIVE DURING 1983. -- You are required to furnish
your correct TIN, but you are not required to sign the certification.
(2) INTEREST, DIVIDEND, BROKER AND BARTER EXCHANGE ACCOUNTS OPENED AFTER
1983 AND BROKER ACCOUNTS CONSIDERED INACTIVE DURING 1983. -- You must sign the
certification or backup withholding will apply. If you are subject to backup
withholding and you are merely providing your correct TIN to the requester, you
must cross out item (2) in the certification before signing the form.
(3) REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS. -- You must sign the certification. You may
cross out item (2) of the certification.
(4) OTHER PAYMENTS. -- You are required to furnish your correct TIN, but
you are not required to sign the certification unless you have been notified of
an incorrect TIN. Other payments include payments made in the course of the
requester's trade or business for rents, royalties, goods (other than bills for
merchandise), medical and health care services, payments to a nonemployee for
services (including attorney and accounting fees), and payments to certain
fishing boat crew members.
(5) MORTGAGE INTEREST PAID BY YOU, ACQUISITION OR ABANDONMENT OF SECURED
PROPERTY, OR IRA CONTRIBUTIONS. -- You are requested to furnish your correct
TIN, but you are not required to sign the certification.
(6) EXEMPT PAYEES AND PAYMENTS. -- If you are exempt from backup
withholding, you should complete this form to avoid possible erroneous backup
withholding. Enter your correct TIN in Part 1, write "EXEMPT" in the block in
Part 2, and sign and date the form. If you are a nonresident alien or foreign
entity not subject to backup withholding, give the requester a completed Form
W-8, Certificate of Foreign Status.
(7) "AWAITING TIN". -- Follow the instructions under HOW TO OBTAIN A TIN,
on page 1, check the box in Part 3 of the Substitute Form W-9 and sign and date
the form.
SIGNATURE. -- For a joint account, only the person whose TIN is shown in
Part 1 should sign the form.
PRIVACY ACT NOTICE. -- Section 6109 requires you to furnish your correct
TIN to persons who must file information returns with the IRS to report
interest, dividends, and certain other income paid to you, mortgage interest you
paid, the acquisition or abandonment of secured property, or contributions you
made to an IRA. The IRS uses the numbers for identification purposes and to help
verify the accuracy of your tax return. You must provide your TIN whether or not
you are required to file a tax return. Payers must generally withhold 31% of
taxable interest, dividends, and certain other payments to a payee who does not
furnish a TIN to a payer. Certain penalties may also apply.
WHAT NAME AND NUMBER TO GIVE THE REQUESTER
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C>
---------------------------------------------------------------
GIVE THE NAME AND
FOR THIS TYPE OF ACCOUNT: SOCIAL SECURITY
NUMBER OF:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
1. Individual The individual
2. Two or more individuals (joint The actual owner of
account) the account or, if
combined funds, the
first individual on
the account(1)
3. Custodian account of a minor (Uniform The minor(2)
Gift to Minors Act)
4. a. The usual revocable savings trust The
(grantor is also trustee) grantor-trustee(1)
b. So-called trust account that is not The actual owner(1)
a legal or valid trust under state law
5. Sole proprietorship The owner(3)
---------------------------------------------------------------
GIVE THE NAME AND
EMPLOYER
FOR THIS TYPE OF ACCOUNT: IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
OF:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
6. Sole proprietorship The owner(3)
7. A valid trust, estate or pension trust Legal entity(4)
8. Corporate The corporation
9. Association, club, religious, The organization
charitable, educational, or other
tax-exempt organization
10. Partnership The partnership
11. A broker or registered nominee The broker or nominee
12. Account with the Department of The public entity
Agriculture in the name of a public
entity (such as a state or local
government, school district, or
prison) that receives agricultural
program payments
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 15
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) List first and circle the name of the person whose number you furnish.
(2) Circle the minor's name and furnish the minor's social security number.
(3) Show the individual's name. You may also enter your business name. You may
use your SSN or EIN.
(4) List first and circle the name of the legal trust, estate, or pension trust.
(Do not furnish the TIN of the personal representative or trustee unless the
legal entity itself is not designated in the account title.)
NOTE: IF NO NAME IS CIRCLED WHEN THERE IS MORE THAN ONE NAME, THE NUMBER WILL BE
CONSIDERED TO BE THAT OF THE FIRST NAME LISTED.
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit (a)(3)
NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY
FOR
TENDER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
AND PREFERRED STOCK
OF
QVC, INC.
This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery or one substantially equivalent hereto
must be used to accept the Offer (as defined below) if certificates representing
shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock (each as defined below) of QVC, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation (the "Company") and all other documents required by the
Letter of Transmittal are not immediately available or cannot be delivered to
the Depositary on or prior to the Expiration Date (as defined in the Offer to
Purchase), or in the case of Common Shares (as defined in the Letter of
Transmittal) the procedures for delivery of book-entry transfer cannot be
completed on a timely basis. This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may be delivered
by hand or sent by facsimile transmission or mail to the Depositary. See "The
Tender Offer -- 3. Procedure for Tendering Shares" in the Offer to Purchase.
To: THE BANK OF NEW YORK, Depositary
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
By Mail: By Facsimile: By Hand or Overnight Courier:
Tender & Exchange Dept. (212) 815-6213 Tender & Exchange Dept.
P.O. Box 11248 101 Barclay Street
Church Street Station Confirm by telephone Receive and Deliver Window
New York, NY 10286-1248 (800) 507-9357 New York, NY 10286
</TABLE>
DELIVERY OF THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS
SET FORTH ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION OF INSTRUCTIONS VIA A FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION 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.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned hereby tenders to QVC Programming Holdings, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser") to be wholly owned by Comcast
Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation, and Liberty Media Corporation, a
Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tele-Communications, Inc.,
upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase
dated August 11, 1994 (the "Offer to Purchase") and the related Letter of
Transmittal, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, all shares indicated below
(the "Shares") of Common Stock, $.01 par value per share (the "Common Stock"),
Series B Preferred Stock, $.01 par value per share (the "Series B Preferred
Stock"), and Series C Preferred Stock, $.10 par value per share (the "Series C
Preferred Stock"), of the Company pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedure
set forth under "The Tender Offer -- 3. Procedure for Tendering Shares" in the
Offer to Purchase.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Number of Shares of Common Stock: ......... SIGN HERE
Number of Shares of Series B Preferred
Stock: ..................................
Number of Shares of Series C Preferred
Stock: ..................................
Certificate Nos. (if available):
........................................... ..... ...........................................
........................................... ..... (Signature(s))
If Common Share(s) will be tendered ...........................................
by book-entry transfer: (Name(s) of Record Holders) (Please Print)
Name of Tendering Institution: ...........................................
(Address)
........................................... ..... ...........................................
(Zip Code)
........................................... ..... ...........................................
(Area Code and Telephone No.)
Account No. ............................... ...at ...........................................
Date
</TABLE>
/ / The Depository Trust Company
/ / Midwest Securities Trust Company
/ / Philadelphia Depository Trust Company
<PAGE> 2
GUARANTEE
(NOT TO BE USED FOR SIGNATURE GUARANTEE)
The undersigned, a firm that is a member in good standing of a registered
national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc., or a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in
the United States, hereby guarantees to deliver to the Depositary, at one of its
addresses set forth above, the certificates representing all tendered Shares, in
proper form for transfer, together with a properly completed and duly executed
Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), with any required signature
guarantees, or an Agent's Message (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) in the
case of a book-entry delivery of Common Shares, and any other documents required
by the Letter of Transmittal within five trading days on the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation System/National
Market System after the date of execution of this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
.......................................................
(Name of Firm)
.......................................................
(Authorized Signature)
.......................................................
(Name)
.......................................................
(Title)
.......................................................
(Address)
.......................................................
(Zip Code)
.......................................................
(Area Code and Telephone No.)
Dated: .............., 1994
NOTE: DO NOT SEND CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES WITH THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED
DELIVERY. CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES SHOULD BE SENT WITH YOUR LETTER OF
TRANSMITTAL.
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit (a)(4)
LAZARD FRERES & CO.
ONE ROCKEFELLER PLAZA
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10020
OFFER TO PURCHASE FOR CASH
ALL OUTSTANDING SHARES
OF
COMMON STOCK,
SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK
AND
SERIES C PREFERRED STOCK
OF
QVC, INC.
AT
$46 NET PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
$460 NET PER SHARE OF PREFERRED STOCK
BY
QVC PROGRAMMING HOLDINGS, INC.
THE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS
WILL EXPIRE AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT, NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1994, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED.
August 11, 1994
To Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks,
Trust Companies and Other Nominees:
We have been appointed by QVC Programming Holdings, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Purchaser") to be wholly owned by Comcast Corporation, a
Pennsylvania corporation ("Comcast"), and Liberty Media Corporation, a Delaware
corporation ("Liberty" and, together with Comcast, the "Parent Purchasers") and
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tele-Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation,
to act as financial advisor and Dealer Manager in connection with its offer to
purchase all outstanding shares (the "Shares") of Common Stock, $.01 par value
per share (the "Common Stock"), and Series B Preferred Stock and Series C
Preferred Stock, each $.10 par value per share (together, the "Preferred
Stock"), of QVC, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), at $46 per share
of Common Stock and $460 per share of Preferred Stock, net to the seller in
cash, without interest thereon, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in the Purchaser's Offer to Purchase dated August 11, 1994 (the "Offer to
Purchase") and the related Letter of Transmittal (which together constitute the
"Offer").
Please furnish copies of the enclosed materials to those of your clients
for whose accounts you hold Shares registered in your name or in the name of
your nominee.
<PAGE> 2
The Offer is subject to several conditions contained in the Offer to
Purchase, including there being validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the
expiration date Shares which, together with the Shares agreed to be contributed
by the Parent Purchasers to the Purchaser, represent at least a majority of the
outstanding Shares of Common Stock on a fully diluted basis.
For your information and for forwarding to your clients for whom you hold
Shares registered in your name or in the name of your nominee, we are enclosing
the following documents:
1. Offer to Purchase dated August 11, 1994;
2. Letter of Transmittal to tender Shares for your use and for the
information of your clients, together with Guidelines for Certification of
Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9 providing information
relating to backup federal income tax withholding (facsimile copies of the
Letter of Transmittal may be used to tender Shares);
3. Notice of Guaranteed Delivery for Shares to be used to accept the Offer
if the certificates for Shares and all other required documents are not
immediately available or cannot be delivered to The Bank of New York (the
"Depositary") by the Expiration Date or if procedures for book-entry transfer
cannot be completed by the Expiration Date (as defined in the Offer to
Purchase);
4. A printed form of the letter which may be sent to your clients for whose
accounts you hold Shares registered in your name or in the name of your nominee,
with space provided for obtaining such clients' instructions with regard to the
Offer; and
5. A return envelope addressed to the Depositary.
YOUR PROMPT ACTION IS REQUESTED, WE URGE YOU TO CONTACT YOUR CLIENTS AS
PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL
EXPIRE AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT, NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1994,
UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED.
In order to accept the Offer, a duly executed and properly completed Letter
of Transmittal and any required signature guarantees, or an Agent's Message (as
defined in the Offer to Purchase) in connection with a book-entry delivery of
Common Shares (as defined in the Letter of Transmittal) and any other required
documents should be sent to the Depositary and either certificates representing
the tendered Shares should be delivered to the Depositary, or such Common Shares
should be tendered by book-entry transfer into the Depositary's account
maintained at one of the Book Entry Transfer Facilities (as described in the
Offer to Purchase), all in accordance with the instructions set forth in the
Letter of Transmittal and the Offer to Purchase.
If holders of Shares wish to tender, but it is impracticable for them to
forward their certificates or other required documents on or prior to the
Expiration Date or to comply with the book-entry transfer procedures on a timely
basis, a tender may be effected by following the guaranteed delivery procedures
specified in "The Tender Offer -- 3. Procedures for Tendering Shares" in the
Offer to Purchase.
The Purchaser will not pay any fees or commissions to any broker or dealer
or other person (other than the Dealer Manager, the Information Agent or the
Depositary as described in the Offer to Purchase) for soliciting tenders of
Shares pursuant to the Offer. The Purchaser will, however, upon request,
reimburse brokers, dealers, commercial banks and trust companies for reasonable
and necessary costs and expenses incurred by them in forwarding materials to
their customers. The Purchaser will pay all stock transfer taxes applicable to
its purchase of Shares pursuant to the Offer, subject to Instruction 6 of the
Letter of Transmittal.
2
<PAGE> 3
Any inquiries you may have with respect to the Offer should be addressed
to, and additional copies of the enclosed materials may be obtained from, the
Information Agent or the undersigned at the addresses and telephone numbers set
forth on the back cover of the Offer to Purchase and the Letter of Transmittal.
Very truly yours,
LAZARD FRERES & CO.
NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN OR IN THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENTS SHALL CONSTITUTE YOU
THE AGENT OF QVC PROGRAMMING HOLDINGS, INC. (OR ANY AFFILIATE THEREOF), THE
DEALER MANAGER, THE INFORMATION AGENT OR THE DEPOSITARY, OR AUTHORIZE YOU OR ANY
OTHER PERSON TO USE ANY DOCUMENT OR MAKE ANY STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF ANY OF THEM
IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER OTHER THAN THE DOCUMENTS ENCLOSED HEREWITH AND THE
STATEMENTS CONTAINED THEREIN.
3
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit (a)(5)
OFFER TO PURCHASE FOR CASH
ALL OUTSTANDING SHARES
OF
COMMON STOCK,
SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK
AND
SERIES C PREFERRED STOCK
OF
QVC, INC.
AT
$46 NET PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
$460 NET PER SHARE OF PREFERRED STOCK
BY
QVC PROGRAMMING HOLDINGS, INC.
THE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT, NEW YORK CITY
TIME, ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1994, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED.
August 11, 1994
To Our Clients:
Enclosed for your consideration are the Offer to Purchase dated August 11,
1994 (the "Offer to Purchase") and the related Letter of Transmittal (which
together constitute the "Offer") relating to the offer by QVC Programming
Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser") to be wholly owned by
Comcast Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation ("Comcast"), and Liberty Media
Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Liberty" and, together with Comcast, the
"Parent Purchasers") and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tele-Communications, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation, to purchase for cash all outstanding shares (the
"Shares") of Common Stock, $.01 par value per share (the "Common Stock"), and
Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock, each $.10 par value per
share (together, the "Preferred Stock"), of QVC, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the "Company"), at a price of $46 per share of Common Stock and $460 per share
of Preferred Stock, net to the seller in cash, without interest thereon, upon
the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer. Holders of Shares whose
certificates for such Shares (the "Share Certificates") are not immediately
available or who cannot deliver their Share Certificates and all other required
documents to the Depositary (as defined below) on or prior to the Expiration
Date, or who cannot complete the procedures for book-entry transfer on a timely
basis, must tender their Shares according to the guaranteed delivery procedures
set forth in the Offer to Purchase. See "The Tender Offer -- 3. Procedure for
Tendering Shares" in the Offer to Purchase.
WE ARE THE HOLDER OF RECORD OF SHARES HELD FOR YOUR ACCOUNT. A TENDER OF
SUCH SHARES CAN BE MADE ONLY BY US AS THE HOLDER OF RECORD AND PURSUANT TO YOUR
INSTRUCTIONS. THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IS FURNISHED TO YOU FOR YOUR INFORMATION
ONLY AND CANNOT BE USED BY YOU TO TENDER SHARES HELD BY US FOR YOUR ACCOUNT.
<PAGE> 2
We request instructions as to whether you wish us to tender any or all of
the Shares held by us for your account, upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth in the Offer.
Your attention is directed to the following:
1. The tender price is $46 per share of Common Stock and $460 per share of
Preferred Stock, net to you in cash, without interest thereon, upon the terms
and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer.
2. The Offer is being made for all outstanding shares of Common Stock and
Preferred Stock.
3. The Offer and withdrawal rights expire at 12:00 Midnight, New York City
time, on Thursday, September 8, 1994, unless the Offer is extended.
4. The Offer is conditioned upon, among other things, (i) there being
validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date (as defined in
the Offer) Shares which, together with the Shares agreed to be contributed by
the Parent Purchasers(or any wholly-owned subsidiary thereof) to the Purchaser
pursuant to the Joint Bidding Agreement (as defined in the Offer) represent at
least a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, calculated on a
fully diluted basis and (ii) the Purchaser having obtained sufficient financing
on terms satisfactory to it to purchase all of the outstanding Shares pursuant
to the Offer, consummate the Merger (as defined in the Offer) and pay related
fees and expenses.
5. Any brokerage fees, commissions or stock transfer taxes applicable to
the sale of Shares to the Purchaser pursuant to the Offer will be paid by the
Purchaser, except as otherwise provided in Instruction 6 of the Letter of
Transmittal.
6. Payment for Shares purchased pursuant to the Offer will in all cases be
made only after timely receipt by The Bank of New York (the "Depositary") of (a)
Share Certificates or timely confirmation of the book-entry transfer of Common
Shares (as defined in the Letter of Transmittal) into the account maintained by
the Depositary at The Depository Trust Company, the Midwest Securities Trust
Company or the Philadelphia Depository Trust Company (collectively, the
"Book-Entry Transfer Facilities"), pursuant to the procedures set forth in the
Offer to Purchase, (b) the Letter of Transmittal (or a facsimile thereof),
properly completed and duly executed, with any required signature guarantees or
an Agent's Message (as defined in the Offer to Purchase), in connection with a
book-entry delivery, and (c) any other documents required by the Letter of
Transmittal. See "The Tender Offer -- 3. Procedure for Tendering Shares" in the
Offer to Purchase. Accordingly, payment may not be made to all tendering
stockholders at the same time depending upon when certificates for or
confirmations of book-entry transfer of such Common Shares into the Depositary's
account at a Book-Entry Transfer Facility are actually received by the
Depositary.
7. The Board of Directors of the Company (other than directors affiliated
with Comcast) has unanimously determined that the Offer and the Merger described
in the Offer are fair to and in the best interests of the Company's stockholders
(other than Comcast and Liberty and their affiliates) and approved the Offer and
the Merger, and recommends that the Company's stockholders accept the Offer and
approve the Merger.
If you wish to have us tender any or all of your Shares, please so instruct
us by completing, executing, detaching and returning to us the instruction form
on the detachable part hereof. An envelope to return your instructions to us is
enclosed. If you authorize tender of your Shares, all such Shares will be
tendered unless otherwise specified on the detachable part hereof. Your
instructions should be forwarded to us in ample time to permit us to submit a
tender on your behalf by the expiration of the Offer.
The Purchaser is not aware of any state where the making of the Offer is
prohibited by administrative or judicial action pursuant to any valid state
statute. If the Purchaser becomes aware of any valid state statute prohibiting
the making of the Offer or the acceptance of Shares pursuant thereto, the
Purchaser will make a reasonable good faith effort to comply with such state
statute. If, after such reasonable good faith effort, the Purchaser cannot
comply with such state statute, the Offer will not be made to (nor will tenders
be accepted from or on behalf of) the holders of Shares in such state.
In any jurisdiction where the securities, blue sky or other laws require
the Offer to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Offer is being made on
behalf of the Company by Lazard Freres & Co., the Dealer Manager for the Offer,
or one or more registered brokers or dealers that are licensed under the laws of
such jurisdiction.
<PAGE> 3
INSTRUCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE
OFFER TO PURCHASE FOR CASH
ALL OUTSTANDING SHARES
OF
COMMON STOCK,
SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK
AND
SERIES C PREFERRED STOCK
OF
QVC, INC.
The undersigned acknowledge(s) receipt of your letter and the enclosed
Offer to Purchase dated August 11, 1994 and the related Letter of Transmittal,
in connection with the offer by QVC Programming Holdings, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, ("the Purchaser"), to purchase all outstanding shares (the
"Shares") of Common Stock, $.01 par value per share (the "Common Stock"), and
Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock, each $.10 par value per
share, of QVC, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
This will instruct you to tender to the Purchaser the Shares indicated
below (or if no number is indicated below, all Shares) held by you for the
account of the undersigned, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in the Offer to Purchase and the related Letter of Transmittal.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SIGN HERE
Shares to be Tendered: ........................................
.... shares of Common Stock Signature(s)
.... shares of Series B Preferred ........................................
Stock ........................................
.... shares of Series C Preferred Please print name(s) and address(es) here
Stock ...................................................
Dated:............................., 1994 Area Code & Telephone Numbers
...................................................
Taxpayer Identification or
Social Security Number(s)
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit (a)(6)
COMCAST AND LIBERTY MEDIA
SIGN MERGER AGREEMENT WITH QVC
------------------------------------------------
PRICE INCREASED TO $46 PER SHARE
------------------------------------------------
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Englewood, Colorado and West Chester, Pennsylvania
- -- August 5, 1994: Comcast Corporation, Liberty Media Corporation and QVC, Inc.
jointly announced today that Comcast, Liberty and QVC have entered into a
definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Comcast and Liberty will acquire
QVC. QVC stockholders will receive $46 in cash per share of QVC Common Stock and
$460 in cash per share of QVC Preferred Stock.
QVC's Board of Directors has received the opinion of Allen & Company
Incorporated that the consideration to be received by QVC's shareholders (other
than Comcast, Liberty and their affiliates) pursuant to the transaction is fair
to such shareholders from a financial point of view.
In accordance with the merger agreement, Comcast and Liberty expect to
commence on or prior to Thursday, August 11, 1994, a tender offer for all shares
of stock of QVC at a net cash price of $46 per share of QVC Common Stock and a
net cash price of $460 per share of QVC Preferred Stock. Lazard Freres & Co.
will act as dealer manager for the tender offer.
Following expiration of the tender offer, a corporation controlled by both
Comcast and Liberty will merge with QVC and any remaining shares of QVC will be
converted into cash at the same price as offered in the tender offer.
The total cost of the acquisition of the remainder of QVC stock not
currently owned by Comcast or Liberty will be approximately $1.42 billion.
Comcast and Liberty have agreed to fund approximately $267 million and $20
million respectively, of the acquisition with the balance to be provided through
debt financing, which, after the merger, will be an obligation of QVC. Following
the acquisition, Comcast and Liberty will own approximately 57% and 43%,
respectively, of QVC and QVC will be managed by Comcast.
The transaction is conditioned upon Comcast and Liberty obtaining the
requisite financing on satisfactory terms to purchase all of the outstanding
shares of QVC, upon receipt of certain governmental approvals and other
customary conditions.
Comcast, Liberty and Tele-Communications, Inc., who collectively currently
own approximately 35% of QVC's outstanding voting shares on a fully diluted
basis, have agreed to vote their shares of QVC in favor of the transaction.
Barry Diller has also agreed among other things, to vote his QVC shares in favor
of the transaction to the extent such shares are not tendered in the offer.
QVC has agreed that if the merger agreement is terminated in certain
circumstances prior to consummation of the merger, QVC will pay an aggregate of
$55 million to Comcast and Liberty.
Comcast Corporation is principally engaged in the development, management
and operation of cable communications networks. Comcast's consolidated and
affiliated operations served approximately 3.0 million cable subscribers at
March 31, 1994. After completion of the acquisition of Maclean Hunter's United
States cable properties, Comcast's consolidated and pro-rated affiliated
operations will serve approximately 3.5 million cable subscribers, making it the
third largest cable operator in the country. Comcast provides cellular telephone
services in the Northeast United States to markets encompassing a population in
excess of 7.4 million. Comcast also has investments in cable programming,
telecommunications systems, and international cable and telephony franchises.
Comcast's Class A and Class A Special Common Stock are traded on the Nasdaq
Stock Market under the symbols CMCSA and CMCSK, respectively.
Liberty, its affiliates and companies in which it holds investments operate
cable television systems serving an aggregate of approximately 3.2 million
subscribers in 30 states. Liberty's programming interests include
<PAGE> 2
BET, The Family Channel, Encore, Starz!, Home Shopping Club, QVC, Court TV,
X*PRESS and regional and national sports networks.
On August 4, 1994, TCI and Liberty consummated a business combination
transaction resulting in TCI and Liberty becoming wholly-owned subsidiaries of a
newly formed holding company, which has been renamed Tele-Communications, Inc.
Beginning August 5, 1994, the new TCI's Class A Common Stock, Class B Common
Stock and Class E Preferred Stock will trade on the NASDAQ Stock Market under
the symbols TCOMA, TCOMB and TCOMP, respectively. Liberty's Class A Common
Stock, Class B Common Stock and Class E 6% Cumulative Redeemable Exchangeable
Junior Preferred Stock discontinued trading on such market at the close of
business on August 4, 1994.
QVC, Inc. is the world's largest electronic retailer, reaching more than 50
million homes across the United States and an additional 17 million households
through joint ventures in the United Kingdom and Mexico. QVC is traded on the
NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol QVCN.
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit (a)(7)
This announcement is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer
to sell Shares. The Offer is made solely by the Offer to Purchase dated
August 11, 1994 and the related Letter of Transmittal and is not being
made to, nor will tenders be accepted from or on behalf of, holders
of Shares in any jurisdiction in which the making of the Offer or
acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the laws of
such jurisdiction.
NOTICE OF OFFER TO PURCHASE FOR CASH
ALL OUTSTANDING SHARES
OF
COMMON STOCK,
SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK
AND
SERIES C PREFERRED STOCK
OF
QVC, INC.
AT
$46 NET PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
AND
$460 NET PER SHARE OF PREFERRED STOCK
BY
QVC PROGRAMMING HOLDINGS, INC.
QVC Programming Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser") to
be wholly owned by Comcast Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation ("Comcast"),
and Liberty Media Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Liberty" and, together
with Comcast, the "Parent Purchasers") and a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Tele-Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is offering to purchase all
outstanding shares (the "Shares") of Common Stock, $.01 par value (the "Common
Stock"), and Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock, each par
value $.10 per share (collectively, the "Preferred Stock"), of QVC, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), at $46 per share of Common Stock and $460
per share of Preferred Stock, net to the seller in cash, upon the terms and
subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated August 11,
1994 (the "Offer to Purchase") and in the related Letter of Transmittal (which
together constitute the "Offer").
THE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS EXPIRE AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT, NEW YORK
CITY TIME, ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1994, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED.
THE OFFER IS CONDITIONED UPON, AMONG OTHER THINGS, (I) THERE BEING VALIDLY
TENDERED AND NOT WITHDRAWN PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE (AS DEFINED IN THE
OFFER TO PURCHASE) SHARES WHICH, TOGETHER WITH THE 18,883,801 FULLY DILUTED
SHARES (AS DEFINED IN THE OFFER TO PURCHASE) AGREED TO BE CONTRIBUTED BY THE
PARENT PURCHASERS (OR ANY WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY THEREOF) TO THE PURCHASER
PURSUANT TO THE JOINT BIDDING AGREEMENT (AS DEFINED IN THE OFFER TO PURCHASE),
REPRESENT AT LEAST A MAJORITY OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF FULLY DILUTED SHARES AND
(II) THE PURCHASER HAVING OBTAINED SUFFICIENT FINANCING ON TERMS SATISFACTORY
TO IT TO PURCHASE ALL OF THE OUTSTANDING SHARES PURSUANT TO THE OFFER,
CONSUMMATE THE MERGER AND PAY RELATED FEES AND EXPENSES.
The purpose of the Offer is to acquire control of, and the entire equity
interest in, the Company. The Offer is being made pursuant to an Agreement and
Plan of Merger dated as of August 4, 1994 (the "Merger Agreement") among the
Company, the Parent Purchasers and the Purchaser. The Merger Agreement
provides, among other things that as promptly as practicable after the
satisfaction or, if permissible, waiver of the conditions set forth therein
(but not prior to
<PAGE> 2
October 21, 1994), a wholly-owned subsidary of the Purchaser will be merged
with and into the Company (the "Merger"), with the Company continuing as the
surviving corporation. Pursuant to the Merger, each outstanding Share (other
than Shares held by the Company or any wholly-owned subsidiary thereof, or
Purchaser or the merger subsidiary or any of its subsidiaries, or Shares held
by stockholders exercising appraisal rights) will be converted into a right to
receive $46 (in the case of shares of Common Stock) or $460 (in the case of
shares of Preferred Stock) in cash or any higher price that may be paid per
share of Common Stock or Preferred Stock, as the case may be, in the Offer,
without interest.
The Board of Directors of the Company (other than the directors affiliated
with Comcast) has unanimously determined that the Offer and the Merger are fair
to and in the best interests of the Company's stockholders (other than the
Parent Purchasers and their affiliates) and approved the Merger Agreement and
the transactions comtemplated thereby, including the Offer and the Merger, and
recommends that the Company's stockholders accept the Offer and approve and
adopt the Merger Agreement and the Merger.
The Offer is subject to certain conditions set forth in the Offer to
Purchase. If any such condition is not satisfied, the Purchaser may, subject
to certain limitations set forth in the Merger Agreement and described in the
Offer to Purchase, (i) terminate the Offer and return all tendered Shares to
tendering stockholders, (ii) extend the Offer and, subject to withdrawal
rights as set forth below, retain all such Shares until the expiration of the
Offer as so extended, (iii) waive such condition and, subject to any requirement
to extend the time during which the Offer is open, purchase all Shares validly
tendered and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date or (iv) delay
acceptance for payment or payment for shares, subject to applicable law, until
satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to the Offer.
The Purchaser reserves the right, at any time or from time to time, to
extend the period of time during which the Offer is open by giving oral or
written notice of such extension to The Bank of New York (the "Depositary").
Any such extension will be followed as promplty as practicable by public
announcement thereof.
For purposes of the Offer, the Purchaser shall be deemed to have accepted
for payment tendered Shares when, as and if the Purchaser gives oral or written
notice to the Depositary of its acceptance of the tenders of such Shares.
Payment for Shares accepted for payment pursuant to the Offer will be made only
after timely receipt by the Depositary of certificates for such Shares (or in
the case of Shares of Common Stock, a confirmation of a book-entry transfer of
such Shares into the Depositary's account at one of the Book-Entry Transfer
Facilities (as defined in the Offer to Purchase)), a properly completed and
duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof) and any other
required documents.
Tenders of Shares made pursuant to the Offer may be withdrawn at any time
prior to the Expiration Date. Thereafter, such tenders are irrevocable, except
that they may be withdrawn after October 9, 1994 unless theretofore accepted
for payment as provided in this Offer to Purchase. To be effective, a written,
telegraphic, telex or facsimile transmission notice of withdrawal must be
timeley received by the Depositary at one of its addresses set forth in the
Offer to Purfchase and must specify the name of the person who tendered the
Shares to be withdrawn and the class, series and number of Shares to be
withdrawn. If the Shares to be withdrawn have been delivered to the
Depositary, a signed notice of withdrawal with (except in the case of Shares
tendered by an Eligible Institution (as defined in the Offer to Puchase))
signatures guaranteed by an Eligible Institution must be submitted prior to
the release of such Shares. In addition, such notice must specify, in the
case of Shares tendered by delivery of certificates, the name of the
registered holder (if different from that of the tendering stockholder) and
the serial numbers shown on the particular certificates evidencing the Shares
to be withdrawn or, in the case of Shares tendered by book-entry transfer,
the name and number of the account at one of the Book-Entry Transfer
Facilities to be credited with the withdrawn Shares.
The information required to be disclosed by paragraph (e)(1)(vii) of Rule
14d-6 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 is contained in the Offer to Purchase and is incorporated herein by
reference.
The Company has provided the Purchaser with the Company's stockholder lists
and security position listings for the purpose of disseminating the Offer to
holders of Shares. The Offer to Purchase and the related Letter of Transmittal
will be mailed to record holders of Shares and will be furnished to brokers,
dealers, commercial banks, trust companies and similar persons whose names, or
the names of whose nominees, appear on the stockholder list or, if
applicable, who are listed as participants in a clearing agency's security
position listing for subsequent transmittal to beneficial owners of Shares.
THE OFFER TO PURCHASE AND LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL CONTAIN IMPORTANT
INFORMATION WHICH SHOULD BE READ BEFORE ANY DECISION IS MADE WITH RESPECT TO
THE OFFER.
Requests for copies of the Offer to Purchase and the related Letter of
Transmittal and other tender offer materials may be directed to the Information
Agent or the Dealer Manager as set forth below, and copies will be furnished
promptly at the Purchaser's expense.
The Information Agent for the Offer is:
D.F. KING & CO., INC.
77 Water Street
New York, New York 10005
(212) 269-5550 (collect)
or
CALL TOLL FREE (800) 735-3591
The Dealer Manager for the Offer is:
LAZARD FRERES & CO.
One Rockefeller Plaza
New York, New York 10020
(212) 632-6000
(call collect)
August 11, 1994
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit (a)(8)
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors
QVC, Inc.:
We consent to the use of our report dated March 4, 1994, with respect to
the consolidated balance sheets of QVC, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 31,
1994 and 1993, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
shareholders' equity, and cash flows and related schedules for each of the years
in the three-year period ended January 31, 1994, which report appears in Annex C
to the Offer to Purchase attached as exhibit (a)(1) to the Schedule 14D-1 of QVC
Programming Holdings, Inc., Comcast Corporation and Tele-Communications, Inc.
dated August 11, 1994.
Our report refers to a change in accounting for income taxes.
KPMG PEAT MARWICK
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
August 11, 1994
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit (c)(32)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
AMONG
QVC, INC.,
COMCAST CORPORATION,
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION
AND
COMCAST QMERGER, INC.
DATED AS OF AUGUST 4, 1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
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<S> <C> <C>
ARTICLE I
THE OFFER AND THE MERGER
SECTION 1.01. The Offer............................................................. 1
SECTION 1.02. Company Action........................................................ 2
SECTION 1.03. Directors............................................................. 2
SECTION 1.04. The Merger............................................................ 3
SECTION 1.05. Action by Stockholders................................................ 3
SECTION 1.06. Proxy Statement....................................................... 3
SECTION 1.07. Closing............................................................... 4
SECTION 1.08. Effective Time........................................................ 4
SECTION 1.09. Effect of the Merger.................................................. 4
SECTION 1.10. Certificate of Incorporation.......................................... 4
SECTION 1.11. Bylaws................................................................ 4
SECTION 1.12. Directors and Officers................................................ 4
ARTICLE II
CONVERSION OF SECURITIES; EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES
SECTION 2.01. Conversion of Securities.............................................. 5
SECTION 2.02. Exchange of Certificates and Cash..................................... 5
SECTION 2.03. Stock Transfer Books.................................................. 6
SECTION 2.04. Stock Options; Payment Rights......................................... 6
SECTION 2.05. Dissenting Shares..................................................... 6
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF QVC
SECTION 3.01. Organization and Qualifications; Subsidiaries......................... 7
SECTION 3.02. Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws............................... 7
SECTION 3.03. Capitalization........................................................ 7
SECTION 3.04. Authority Relative to This Agreement.................................. 8
SECTION 3.05. No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents............................ 8
SECTION 3.06. Compliance............................................................ 9
SECTION 3.07. SEC Filings; Financial Statements..................................... 9
SECTION 3.08. Absence of Certain Changes and Events................................. 10
SECTION 3.09. Employee Benefit Plans................................................ 10
SECTION 3.10. Opinion of Financial Advisor.......................................... 10
SECTION 3.11. Brokers............................................................... 10
SECTION 3.12. Taxes................................................................. 11
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF COMCAST,
LIBERTY AND BUYER
SECTION 4.01. Organization and Qualification........................................ 11
SECTION 4.02. Authority Relative to This Agreement.................................. 11
SECTION 4.03. No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents............................ 11
SECTION 4.04. SEC Filings, Financial Statements..................................... 12
SECTION 4.05. Brokers............................................................... 12
</TABLE>
i
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<TABLE>
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<S> <C> <C>
SECTION 4.06. Organization and Qualification........................................ 13
SECTION 4.07. Authority Relative to This Agreement.................................. 13
SECTION 4.08. No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents............................ 13
SECTION 4.09. SEC Filings, Financial Statements..................................... 13
SECTION 4.10. Brokers............................................................... 14
SECTION 4.11. Organization and Qualification........................................ 14
SECTION 4.12. Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws............................... 14
SECTION 4.13. Authority Relative to This Agreement.................................. 14
SECTION 4.14. No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents............................ 15
SECTION 4.15. Brokers............................................................... 15
ARTICLE V
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER
SECTION 5.01. Conduct of Business by QVC Pending the Merger......................... 15
ARTICLE VI
ADDITIONAL COVENANTS
SECTION 6.01. Access to Information; Confidentiality................................ 16
SECTION 6.02. No Solicitation....................................................... 16
SECTION 6.03. Directors' and Officers' Indemnification and Insurance................ 17
SECTION 6.04. Notification of Certain Matters....................................... 18
SECTION 6.05. Further Action; Best Efforts.......................................... 18
SECTION 6.06. Public Announcements.................................................. 18
SECTION 6.07. Conveyance Taxes...................................................... 18
SECTION 6.08. Gains Tax............................................................. 18
SECTION 6.09. Obligations of Buyer.................................................. 19
SECTION 6.10. Severance Policy; Employee Benefits................................... 19
SECTION 6.11. FCC Approvals......................................................... 19
SECTION 6.12. Tax Certification..................................................... 19
ARTICLE VII
CLOSING CONDITIONS
SECTION 7.01. Condition to Obligations of Each Party to Effect the Merger........... 19
ARTICLE VIII
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
SECTION 8.01. Termination........................................................... 20
SECTION 8.02. Effect of Termination................................................. 20
SECTION 8.03. Amendment............................................................. 20
SECTION 8.04. Waiver................................................................ 21
SECTION 8.05. Fees, Expenses and Other Payments..................................... 21
ARTICLE IX
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 9.01. Effectiveness of Representations, Warranties and Agreements........... 21
SECTION 9.02. Notices............................................................... 21
SECTION 9.03. Certain Definitions................................................... 22
SECTION 9.04. Headings.............................................................. 23
</TABLE>
ii
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<TABLE>
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PAGE
----
<S> <C> <C>
SECTION 9.05. Severability.......................................................... 23
SECTION 9.06. Entire Agreement...................................................... 23
SECTION 9.07. Assignment............................................................ 23
SECTION 9.08. Parties in Interest................................................... 23
SECTION 9.09. Governing Law......................................................... 23
SECTION 9.10. Enforcement of the Agreement.......................................... 23
SECTION 9.11. Counterparts.......................................................... 23
</TABLE>
iii
<PAGE> 5
INDEX OF DEFINED TERMS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TERM SECTION
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------
<S> <C>
affiliate..................................................................... 9.03
Agreement..................................................................... PREAMBLE
Alternative Transaction....................................................... 6.02
Bidding Agreement............................................................. 4.08
business day.................................................................. 9.03
Buyer......................................................................... PREAMBLE
Buyer Material Adverse Effect................................................. 4.13
Certificates.................................................................. 2.02
Claim......................................................................... 6.03
Code.......................................................................... 2.02
Comcast....................................................................... PREAMBLE
Comcast Material Adverse Effect............................................... 4.01
Comcast SEC Reports........................................................... 4.04
Common Merger Consideration................................................... 2.01
Common Shares................................................................. 1.01
Confidentiality Agreements.................................................... 6.01
control....................................................................... 9.03
Delaware Law.................................................................. PREAMBLE
Dissenting Shares............................................................. 2.05
Effective Time................................................................ 1.08
ERISA......................................................................... 3.09
Exchange Act.................................................................. 3.05
Exchange Agent................................................................ 2.02
Exchange Fund................................................................. 2.02
Expenses...................................................................... 8.05
Fair Market Value............................................................. 6.02
FCC........................................................................... 6.11
Gains Tax..................................................................... 6.08
Governmental Entity........................................................... 3.05
HSR Act....................................................................... 3.05
Indemnified Parties........................................................... 6.03
IRS........................................................................... 3.09
Liberty....................................................................... PREAMBLE
Liberty Material Adverse Effect............................................... 4.06
Liberty SEC Reports........................................................... 4.09
Material QVC Subsidiary....................................................... 3.01
Merger........................................................................ PREAMBLE
Merger Consideration.......................................................... 2.02
MergerCo...................................................................... PREAMBLE
Minimum Condition............................................................. 1.01
Offer Documents............................................................... 1.01
Offer......................................................................... PREAMBLE
Options....................................................................... 3.03
Preferred Shares.............................................................. 1.01
Preferred Merger Consideration................................................ 2.01
Proxy Statement............................................................... 1.06
</TABLE>
iv
<PAGE> 6
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TERM SECTION
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------
<S> <C>
QVC........................................................................... PREAMBLE
QVC Common Stock.............................................................. 1.01
QVC Disclosure Schedule....................................................... 3.03
QVC Material Adverse Effect................................................... 3.01
QVC Plans..................................................................... 3.09
QVC Preferred Stock........................................................... 1.01
QVC SEC Reports............................................................... 3.07
QVC Stock..................................................................... 1.01
QVC Stock Options............................................................. 3.03
QVC Subsidiary................................................................ 3.01
Respective Representatives.................................................... 6.01
Restated Certificate of Incorporation......................................... 3.05
Schedule 14D-9................................................................ 1.02
SEC........................................................................... 3.01
Securities Act................................................................ 3.07
Shares........................................................................ 1.01
subsidiary.................................................................... 9.03
Surviving Corporation......................................................... 1.04
taxes......................................................................... 3.12
Transactions.................................................................. 1.02
Transfer Taxes................................................................ 6.08
Transmittal Documents......................................................... 2.02
</TABLE>
v
<PAGE> 7
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as of August 4, 1994 (the "Agreement"),
among COMCAST CORPORATION, a Pennsylvania corporation ("Comcast"), LIBERTY MEDIA
CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation ("Liberty"), COMCAST QMERGER, INC., a
Delaware corporation ("Buyer"), and QVC, INC., a Delaware corporation ("QVC").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement and
in accordance with the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
("Delaware Law"), Buyer will make the offer described in Section 1.01 below (the
"Offer") and thereafter QVC and Buyer will enter into a business combination
transaction pursuant to which a wholly owned subsidiary of Buyer ("MergerCo")
will merge with and into QVC (the "Merger");
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of QVC has determined that the Offer and
the Merger are fair to, and in the best interests of, QVC and its stockholders
and has approved and adopted this Agreement, has approved the Offer and the
Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby and has recommended
approval and adoption of this Agreement and approval of the Merger by the
stockholders of QVC; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of each of Comcast, Liberty and Buyer have
approved and adopted this Agreement and have approved the Offer and the Merger
and the other transactions contemplated hereby;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth in this
Agreement, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
THE OFFER AND THE MERGER
SECTION 1.01. The Offer. (a) Provided that nothing shall have occurred
that would result in a failure to satisfy any of the conditions set forth in
paragraphs (a) through (d) of Annex I hereto, Buyer (or a subsidiary of Buyer)
shall, as promptly as practicable after the date hereof, but in no event later
than five business days following the public announcement of the terms of this
Agreement, commence an offer to purchase (i) all of the outstanding shares (the
"Common Shares") of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of QVC (the "QVC
Common Stock") at a price of $46.00 per Common Share, and (ii) all of the
outstanding shares (the "Preferred Shares") of QVC Series B Preferred Stock,
Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock, par value $.10 per share,
(collectively, the "QVC Preferred Stock") at a price of $460 per Preferred
Share, in each case net to the seller in cash. For purposes of this Agreement,
"Shares" means the Common Shares and the Preferred Shares and "QVC Stock" means
the QVC Common Stock and the QVC Preferred Stock.
(b) The Offer shall be subject to the conditions set forth in Annex I
hereto. Buyer shall not, without the prior written consent of QVC, make any
change in the terms or conditions of the Offer that is adverse to the holders of
QVC Stock, change the form of consideration to be paid in the Offer, decrease
the price per Share payable in the Offer or the number of Shares sought in the
Offer, waive the Minimum Condition (as defined in Annex I) or impose conditions
to the Offer in addition to those set forth in Annex I.
(c) As soon as practicable on the date of commencement of the Offer,
Comcast, Liberty and Buyer shall file with the SEC (as defined in Section 3.01)
a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule 14D-1 and, together with QVC, a Rule 13E-3
Transaction Statement on Schedule 13E-3, with respect to the Offer which will
contain the offer to purchase and form of the related letter of transmittal
(together with any supplements or amendments thereto, collectively the "Offer
Documents"). QVC agrees to provide Comcast, Liberty and Buyer with such
information concerning QVC as any of such parties may reasonably request in
connection with the preparation of the Schedule 13E-3. Each party hereto agrees
promptly to supplement, update and correct any information provided by it for
use in the Offer Documents if and to the extent that it is or shall
<PAGE> 8
have become incomplete, false or misleading. Each of Comcast, Liberty and Buyer
agrees to take all steps necessary to cause the Offer Documents as so corrected
to be filed with the SEC and to be disseminated to holders of Shares, in each
case as and to the extent required by applicable federal securities laws. QVC
and its counsel shall be given an opportunity to review and comment on the
Schedule 14D-1 prior to its being filed with the SEC.
SECTION 1.02. Company Action. (a) QVC hereby consents to the Offer and
represents that its Board of Directors, at a meeting duly called and held, has
unanimously (other than the directors affiliated with Comcast) (i) determined
that this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the
Offer and the Merger, are fair to and in the best interest of QVC's stockholders
(other than Comcast and Liberty and their affiliates), (ii) approved this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Offer and the
Merger, which approval satisfies in full the requirements of Delaware Law
(including all approvals required under Section 203 of Delaware Law in
connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (the
"Transactions") and the contribution by each of Comcast and Liberty of Shares
and other QVC Securities to Buyer in connection with the consummation of the
Offer) and (iii) subject to its fiduciary duties under applicable law, resolved
to recommend acceptance of the Offer, and approval and adoption of this
Agreement and the Merger, by its stockholders. QVC further represents that Allen
& Company Incorporated has delivered to QVC's Board of Directors its written
opinion dated the date hereof that the consideration to be paid in the Offer and
the Merger is fair to the holders of Shares (other than Comcast and Liberty)
from a financial point of view. To the best of QVC's knowledge, all of its
directors (other than those directors affiliated with Comcast) and executive
officers intend either to tender their Shares pursuant to the Offer or to vote
in favor of the Merger. QVC will promptly furnish Buyer with a list of its
stockholders, mailing labels and any available listing or computer file
containing the names and addresses of all record holders of Shares and lists of
securities positions of Shares held in stock depositories, in each case true and
correct as of the most recent practicable date, and will provide to Buyer such
additional information (including, without limitation, updated lists of
stockholders, mailing labels and lists of securities positions) and such other
assistance as Buyer may reasonably request in connection with the Offer.
(b) As soon as practicable on the day that the Offer is commenced QVC will
file with the SEC a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 (the
"Schedule 14D-9") which shall reflect the recommendations of QVC's Board of
Directors referred to above. Each party hereto agrees promptly to supplement,
update and correct any information provided by it for use in the Schedule 14D-9
if and to the extent that it is or shall have become incomplete, false, or
misleading. QVC agrees to take all steps necessary to cause the Schedule 14D-9
as so corrected to be filed with the SEC and to be disseminated to holders of
Shares, in each case as and to the extent required by applicable federal
securities laws. Buyer and its counsel shall be given an opportunity to review
and comment on the Schedule 14D-9 prior to its being filed with the SEC.
SECTION 1.03. Directors. (a) Effective upon the acceptance for payment by
Buyer of any Shares, Buyer shall be entitled to designate the number of
directors, rounded up to the next whole number, on QVC's Board of Directors that
equals the product of (i) the total number of directors on QVC's Board of
Directors (giving effect to the election of any additional directors pursuant to
this Section) and (ii) the percentage that the number of Shares owned by Buyer,
Comcast, Liberty or any of their respective wholly owned subsidiaries (including
Shares accepted for payment) bears to the total number of Shares outstanding,
and QVC shall take all action necessary to cause Buyer's designees to be elected
or appointed to QVC's Board of Directors, including, without limitation,
increasing the number of directors or seeking and accepting resignations of
incumbent directors. At such times, QVC will use its best efforts to cause
individuals designated by Buyer to constitute the same percentage as such
individuals represent on QVC's Board of Directors of (x) each committee of the
Board (other than any committee of the Board established to take action under
this Agreement), (y) each board of directors of each QVC Subsidiary (as defined
in Section 3.01) and (z) each committee of each such board (in each case rounded
up to the next whole number). Notwithstanding the foregoing, until such time as
Buyer acquires a majority of the outstanding Common Shares on a fully-diluted
basis, QVC shall use its reasonable best efforts to ensure that all of the
members of the Board of Directors and
2
<PAGE> 9
such boards and committees as of the date hereof who are not employees of QVC
shall remain members of the Board of Directors and such boards and committees
until the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.06).
(b) QVC's obligations to appoint designees to the Board of Directors shall
be subject to Section 14(f) of the Exchange Act (as defined in Section 3.05) and
Rule 14f-1 promulgated thereunder and any other required material regulatory
approvals. QVC shall promptly take all actions required pursuant to Section
14(f) and Rule 14f-1 in order to fulfill its obligations under this Section and
shall include in the Schedule 14D-9 such information with respect to QVC and its
officers and directors (and to the extent required by law, those persons
designated by Buyer) as is required under Section 14(f) and Rule 14f-1 to
fulfill its obligations under this Section 1.03. Buyer will supply to QVC in
writing and be solely responsible for any information with respect to itself and
its nominees, officers, directors and affiliates required by Section 14(f) and
Rule 14f-1.
(c) Following the election or appointment of Buyer's designee(s) pursuant
to this Section and prior to the Effective Time (defined in Section 1.08), any
amendment or termination of this Agreement, grant by QVC of any extension for
the performance or waiver of the obligations or other acts of Buyer, Comcast or
Liberty or waiver of QVC's rights hereunder, or action with respect to any QVC
(or Surviving Corporation) employee benefit plan or option agreement, including,
without limitation, any equity compensation agreement, shall require the
concurrence of a majority of QVC's directors then in office who are directors on
the date hereof, or are directors (other than directors designated by Buyer in
accordance with Section 1.03(a) and other than the directors affiliated with
Comcast) designated by such persons to fill any vacancy.
SECTION 1.04. The Merger. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions
set forth in this Agreement, and in accordance with Delaware Law, at the
Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.08), Buyer shall cause MergerCo to be
merged with and into QVC. As a result of the Merger, the separate existence of
MergerCo shall cease and QVC shall continue as the surviving corporation of the
Merger (the "Surviving Corporation") under the name "QVC, Inc."
SECTION 1.05. Action by Stockholders. If required by applicable law to
consummate the Merger, QVC, acting through its Board of Directors, shall, in
accordance with applicable law, its Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws: (i)
as soon as practicable after consummation of the Offer, duly call, give notice
of, convene and hold a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of
adopting this Agreement and approving the Merger; (ii) subject to its fiduciary
duties on the basis of advice of independent counsel, include in any proxy
statement the determination and recommendation of the Board of Directors to the
effect that the Board of Directors, having determined that this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated hereby are in the best interests of QVC and its
stockholders, has approved this Agreement and such transactions and recommends
that the stockholders vote in favor of the approval and adoption of this
Agreement and the Merger; and (iii) use its best efforts, subject to its
fiduciary duties on the basis of advice of independent counsel, to obtain the
necessary approval of this Agreement and the Merger by stockholders. Comcast,
Liberty, MergerCo and Buyer shall vote all Shares acquired in the Offer, or
heretofore owned, in favor of the Merger.
SECTION 1.06. Proxy Statement. (a) As promptly as practicable after
consummation of the Offer, QVC shall prepare and file with the SEC (if
necessary) a proxy statement relating to the meeting of QVC's stockholders to be
held in connection with the Merger (together with any amendments thereof or
supplements thereto, the "Proxy Statement"). Comcast, Liberty, MergerCo and
Buyer shall furnish to QVC all information concerning Comcast, Liberty and Buyer
as QVC may reasonably request in connection with the preparation of the Proxy
Statement. As promptly as practicable after the Proxy Statement has been cleared
by the SEC, QVC shall mail the Proxy Statement to its stockholders. The Proxy
Statement shall include the recommendation of the Board of Directors of QVC in
favor of the Merger, unless otherwise necessary due to the applicable fiduciary
duties of the directors of QVC, as determined by such directors in good faith
after consultation with, and based upon the advice of, outside counsel.
(b) The information supplied by each of Comcast, Liberty, MergerCo and
Buyer for inclusion in the Proxy Statement shall not, at (i) the time the Proxy
Statement (or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto) is first mailed to
the stockholders of QVC, (ii) the time of the QVC stockholders' meeting
contemplated by such Proxy Statement, and (iii) the Effective Time, contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the
3
<PAGE> 10
statements therein not misleading. If at any time prior to the Effective Time
any event or circumstance relating to any party hereto, or their respective
officers or directors, should be discovered by such party which should be set
forth in an amendment or a supplement to the Proxy Statement, such party shall
promptly inform QVC and Buyer thereof and take appropriate action in respect
thereof.
(c) Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing to the contrary, in the event
that Comcast, Liberty, MergerCo, Buyer and/or any other direct or indirect
subsidiary thereof, shall acquire at least 90 percent of the outstanding shares
of each class of capital stock of QVC, Comcast, Liberty and QVC hereby agree to
take all necessary and appropriate action (subject to Section 1.07 hereof) to
cause the Merger to become effective as promptly as practicable after the
expiration of the Offer and the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set
forth in Article VII hereof, without a meeting of QVC's stockholders, in
accordance with Section 253 of Delaware Law.
SECTION 1.07. Closing. Unless this Agreement shall have been terminated
and the transactions herein contemplated shall have been abandoned pursuant to
Section 8.01 and subject to the satisfaction or, if permissible, waiver of the
conditions set forth in Article VII, the closing of the Merger will take place
as promptly as practicable (and in any event, subject to the proviso at the end
of this sentence, within ten business days) after satisfaction or waiver of the
conditions set forth in Article VII, at the offices of Davis Polk & Wardwell,
450 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York, unless another date, time or place is
agreed to in writing by the parties hereto, provided that the Closing shall not
occur prior to October 21, 1994.
SECTION 1.08. Effective Time. As promptly as practicable after the
satisfaction or, if permissible, waiver of the conditions set forth in Article
VII (but subject to Section 1.07 hereof), the parties hereto shall cause the
Merger to be consummated by filing a certificate of merger with the Secretary of
State of the State of Delaware and by making any related filings required under
Delaware Law in connection with the Merger. The Merger shall become effective at
such time (but not prior to October 21, 1994) as the certificate of merger is
duly filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or at such later
time as is specified in the certificate of merger (the "Effective Time").
SECTION 1.09. Effect of the Merger. From and after the Effective Time,
the Surviving Corporation shall possess all the rights, privileges, powers and
franchises and be subject to all of the restrictions, disabilities and duties of
QVC and MergerCo, and the Merger shall otherwise have the effects, all as
provided under Delaware Law.
SECTION 1.10. Certificate of Incorporation. The certificate of
incorporation of MergerCo in effect at the Effective Time shall be the
certificate of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation until amended in
accordance with applicable law, except that the name of the Surviving
Corporation shall be "QVC, Inc.", provided that (i) the par value of the common
stock of the Surviving Corporation shall not be $.01 per share, or (ii) there
shall be such other changes made to the certificate of incorporation of the
Surviving Corporation or otherwise as shall be reasonably acceptable to the
parties hereto as shall be necessary or appropriate in order for the Merger and
the Transactions to qualify as a reclassification under Delaware Law.
SECTION 1.11. Bylaws. The bylaws of MergerCo in effect at the Effective
Time shall be the bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until amended in
accordance with applicable law.
SECTION 1.12. Directors and Officers. From and after the Effective Time,
until successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified (or earlier
resignation or removal) in accordance with applicable law, (i) the directors of
MergerCo at the Effective Time shall be the directors of the Surviving
Corporation and (ii) the officers of QVC at the Effective Time shall be the
officers of the Surviving Corporation.
4
<PAGE> 11
ARTICLE II
CONVERSION OF SECURITIES; EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES
SECTION 2.01. Conversion of Securities. At the Effective Time, by virtue
of the Merger and without any action on the part of Buyer or MergerCo, QVC or
the holders of any of the following securities:
(a) Each share of QVC Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Time (other than any shares of QVC Common Stock to
be canceled pursuant to Section 2.01(b) and any Dissenting Shares (as
defined in Section 2.05)) shall be converted into the right to receive
$46.00 in cash, without interest (the "Common Merger Consideration"). Each
share of QVC Preferred Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to
the Effective Time (other than any shares of QVC Preferred Stock to be
canceled pursuant to Section 2.01(b) and any Dissenting Shares), shall be
converted into the right to receive $460.00 in cash, without interest (the
"Preferred Merger Consideration"). At the Effective Time, all shares of QVC
Stock shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be canceled
and retired and shall cease to exist, and each certificate previously
evidencing any such shares shall thereafter represent the right to receive,
upon the surrender of such certificate in accordance with the provisions of
Section 2.02, the Common Merger Consideration or the Preferred Merger
Consideration, as the case may be. The holders of such certificates
previously evidencing such shares of QVC Stock outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall cease to have any rights with respect to
such shares of QVC Stock except as otherwise provided herein or by law.
(b) Each share of QVC Stock held in the treasury of QVC or by any
wholly owned subsidiary thereof and each share of QVC Stock owned by Buyer
and MergerCo or any of its subsidiaries, immediately prior to the Effective
Time shall automatically be canceled and extinguished without any
conversion thereof and no payment shall be made with respect thereto.
(c) Each share of common stock of MergerCo outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into and become one share of
common stock of the Surviving Corporation with the same rights, powers and
privileges as the shares so converted and shall constitute the only
outstanding shares of capital stock of the Surviving Corporation.
SECTION 2.02. Exchange of Certificates and Cash. (a) Exchange
Agent. Prior to the Effective Time, Buyer shall deposit, or shall cause to be
deposited, with or for the account of a bank or trust company designated by
Comcast, which shall be reasonably satisfactory to QVC (the "Exchange Agent"),
for the benefit of the holders of shares of QVC Stock (other than Dissenting
Shares), for exchange in accordance with this Article II, through the Exchange
Agent, an amount in cash equal to the Common Merger Consideration and the
Preferred Merger Consideration payable pursuant to Section 2.01(a) in exchange
for all of the outstanding shares of QVC Stock (such cash funds are hereafter
referred to as the "Exchange Fund"). The Exchange Agent shall, pursuant to
irrevocable instructions, deliver the Merger Consideration (as defined in
paragraph (b) below) to be paid and issued pursuant to Section 2.01(a) out of
the Exchange Fund to holders of shares of QVC Stock. The Exchange Fund shall not
be used for any other purpose. Any interest, dividends or other income earned on
the investment of cash held in the Exchange Fund shall be for the account of
Buyer.
(b) Exchange Procedures. As soon as reasonably practicable after the
Effective Time, Buyer will instruct the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of
record of a certificate or certificates which immediately prior to the Effective
Time evidenced outstanding shares of QVC Stock (other than Dissenting Shares)
(the "Certificates"), (i) a letter of transmittal (which shall specify that
delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the Certificates shall
pass, only upon proper delivery of the Certificates to the Exchange Agent and
shall be in such form and have such other provisions as Buyer may reasonably
specify) and (ii) instructions to effect the surrender of the Certificates in
exchange for cash. Upon surrender of a Certificate for cancellation to the
Exchange Agent or to such other agent or agents as may be appointed by Buyer
together with such letter of transmittal, duly executed, and such other
customary documents as may be required pursuant to such instructions
(collectively, the "Transmittal Documents"), the holder of such Certificate
shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor an amount in cash which such
holder has the right to receive pursuant to
5
<PAGE> 12
Section 2.01(a) (the "Merger Consideration"), and the Certificate so surrendered
shall forthwith be canceled. In the event of a transfer of ownership of shares
of QVC Stock which is not registered in the transfer records of QVC, the Merger
Consideration may be issued and paid in accordance with this Article II to a
transferee if the Certificate evidencing such shares of QVC Stock is presented
to the Exchange Agent, accompanied by all documents required to evidence and
effect such transfer and by evidence that any applicable stock transfer taxes
have been paid. The Merger Consideration will be delivered by the Exchange Agent
as promptly as practicable following surrender of a Certificate and the related
Transmittal Documents, and cash payments may be made by check (unless otherwise
required by a depositary institution in connection with the book-entry delivery
of securities). No interest will be payable on such Merger Consideration
regardless of any delay in making payments. Until surrendered as contemplated by
this Section 2.02, each Certificate shall be deemed at any time after the
Effective Time to evidence only the right to receive, upon such surrender, the
Merger Consideration, without interest.
(c) Termination of Exchange Fund. Any portion of the Exchange Fund which
remains undistributed to the holders of QVC Stock for six months after the
Effective Time shall be delivered to Buyer, upon demand, and any holders of QVC
Stock who have not theretofore complied with this Article II shall thereafter
look only to Buyer for the Merger Consideration to which they are entitled
pursuant to this Article II.
(d) No Liability. Neither Buyer, Comcast, Liberty, the Surviving
Corporation nor QVC shall be liable to any holder of shares of QVC Stock for any
cash from the Exchange Fund delivered to a public official pursuant to any
applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
(e) Withhold Rights. Buyer or the Exchange Agent shall be entitled to
deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this
Agreement to any holder of shares of QVC Stock such amounts as Buyer or the
Exchange Agent is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of
such payment under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"), or any provision of state, local or foreign tax law. To the extent
that amounts are so withheld by Buyer or the Exchange Agent, such withheld
amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid
to the holder of the shares of QVC Stock in respect of which such deduction and
withholding was made by Buyer or the Exchange Agent.
SECTION 2.03. Stock Transfer Books. At the Effective Time, the stock
transfer books of QVC shall be closed, and there shall be no further
registration of transfers of shares of QVC Stock thereafter on the records of
QVC. On or after the Effective Time, any Certificates presented to the Exchange
Agent or the Surviving Corporation for any reason shall be converted into the
Merger Consideration.
SECTION 2.04. Stock Options; Payment Rights. At the Effective Time, each
outstanding QVC Stock Option (as defined in Section 3.03) to purchase shares of
QVC Common Stock, whether or not then exercisable, shall be canceled and the
holder thereof shall be entitled to receive, and shall receive, cash in an
amount equal to the difference between $46.00 and the per share exercise price
thereof, multiplied by the number of shares issuable pursuant to such QVC Stock
Option, provided, that if such QVC Stock Option was not issued pursuant to an
employee benefit plan meeting the requirements described in Rule 16b-3 of the
Exchange Act (as hereinafter defined), and is held by a person subject to the
short swing profit recovery provisions of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act,
such QVC Stock Option shall not be canceled at the Effective Time and shall
remain an obligation of the Surviving Corporation and shall remain enforceable
in accordance with the terms thereof. The Surviving Corporation shall perform
all of QVC's obligations under all QVC Stock Options and shall honor all rights
with respect thereto, and the Surviving Corporation shall have no right of
offset, counterclaim, reduction, recoupment or similar right with respect to any
such QVC Stock Options or any Optionee's rights with respect thereto, on any
basis whatsoever.
SECTION 2.05. Dissenting Shares. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision
of this Agreement to the contrary, shares of QVC Stock that are outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time and which are held by stockholders who
shall have not voted in favor of the Merger or consented thereto in writing and
who shall be entitled to and shall have demanded properly in writing appraisal
for such shares in accordance with Section 262 of Delaware Law and who shall not
have withdrawn such demand or otherwise have forfeited appraisal rights
(collectively, the "Dissenting Shares") shall not be converted into or represent
the right to
6
<PAGE> 13
receive the Merger Consideration. Such stockholders shall be entitled to receive
payment of the appraised value of such shares of QVC Stock held by them in
accordance with the provisions of Delaware Law, except that all Dissenting
Shares held by stockholders who shall have failed to perfect or who effectively
shall have withdrawn, forfeited or lost their rights to appraisal of such shares
of QVC Stock under Delaware Law shall thereupon be deemed to have been converted
into and to have become exchangeable, as of the Effective Time, for the right to
receive, without any interest thereon, the Merger Consideration, upon surrender,
in the manner provided in Section 2.02, of the certificate or certificates that
formerly evidenced such shares of QVC Stock.
(b) QVC shall give Buyer prompt notice of any demands for appraisal
received by it, withdrawals of such demands, and any other instruments served
pursuant to Delaware Law and received by QVC and relating thereto. QVC and Buyer
shall jointly direct all negotiations and proceedings with respect to demands
for appraisal under Delaware Law. Neither QVC nor Buyer shall, except with the
prior written consent of the other, make any payment with respect to any demands
for appraisal, or offer to settle, or settle, any such demands.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF QVC
QVC hereby represents and warrants to Comcast, Liberty and Buyer that:
SECTION 3.01. Organization and Qualifications; Subsidiaries. (a) Each of
QVC and each Material QVC Subsidiary (as defined below) is a corporation,
partnership or other legal entity duly incorporated or organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
incorporation or organization 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, individually or in the aggregate, have a
QVC Material Adverse Effect (as defined below). QVC and each Material QVC
Subsidiary is duly qualified or licensed as a foreign corporation to transact
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 such failures to be
so qualified or licensed and in good standing that would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the business, results of
operations or financial condition of QVC and the QVC Subsidiaries, taken as a
whole (a "QVC Material Adverse Effect").
(b) Each subsidiary of QVC (a "QVC Subsidiary") that constitutes a
Significant Subsidiary of QVC within the meaning of Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X
of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") is referred to herein as a
"Material QVC Subsidiary."
SECTION 3.02. Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. QVC has heretofore
made available to Buyer a complete and correct copy of the certificate of
incorporation and the bylaws or equivalent organizational documents, each as
amended to the date hereof, of QVC and each Material QVC Subsidiary. Such
certificates of incorporation, bylaws and equivalent organizational documents
are in full force and effect. Neither QVC nor any Material QVC Subsidiary is in
violation of any provision of its certificate of incorporation, bylaws or
equivalent organizational documents, except for such violations that would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a QVC Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.03. Capitalization. The authorized capital stock of QVC
consists of 175,000,000 shares of QVC Common Stock and 5,000,000 shares of QVC
Preferred Stock. As of June 30, 1994, (i) (a) 40,226,197 shares of QVC Common
Stock were issued and outstanding, all of which were validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable, (b) 5,586,730 shares of QVC Common Stock were reserved for
issuance upon conversion of the QVC Preferred Stock, (c) 8,194,650 shares of QVC
Common Stock were reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding stock
options granted pursuant to QVC's employee stock plans and certain other stock
options not issued pursuant to employee stock plans ("QVC Stock Options"), (d)
1,700,000 shares of QVC Common Stock were reserved for issuance upon exercise of
all outstanding warrants of QVC, (e) 730 shares of QVC Common Stock and no
shares of QVC Preferred Stock were held in
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the treasury of QVC, (f) no shares of QVC Common Stock or QVC Preferred Stock
were held by QVC Subsidiaries, and (g) 553,713 shares of QVC Common Stock and 0
shares of QVC Preferred Stock were reserved for future issuance pursuant to QVC
Stock Options to be granted; and (ii) 27,788 shares of QVC Series B Preferred
Stock, 530,757 shares of QVC Series C Preferred Stock, and 128 shares of QVC
Series D Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding, all of which were fully
paid and nonassessable and no other shares of QVC Preferred Stock were issued or
outstanding. Except as set forth above, as of June 30, 1994, no shares of
capital stock or other voting securities of QVC were issued, reserved for
issuance or outstanding. Except as set forth in this Section 3.03 or in Section
3.03 of the Disclosure Schedule previously delivered by QVC to Comcast (the "QVC
Disclosure Schedule"), there are no options, stock appreciation rights, warrants
or other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of any character
(collectively, "Options") relating to the issued or unissued capital stock of
QVC or any QVC Subsidiary, or obligating QVC or any QVC Subsidiary to issue,
grant or sell any shares of capital stock of, or other equity interests in, or
convertible into equity interests in, QVC or any QVC Subsidiary. Since June 30,
1994, QVC has not issued any shares of its capital stock or Options in respect
thereof, except upon the conversion of the securities or the exercise of the
options or warrants referred to above. All shares of QVC Common Stock subject to
issuance as aforesaid, upon issuance on the terms and conditions specified in
the instruments pursuant to which they are issuable, will be duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Except as set forth in Section
3.03 of the QVC Disclosure Schedule, there are no outstanding contractual
obligations of QVC or any QVC Subsidiary to repurchase, redeem or otherwise
acquire any shares of QVC Common Stock or any capital stock of any Material QVC
Subsidiary, or make any material investment (in the form of a loan, capital
contribution or otherwise) in, any QVC Subsidiary or any other person. Except as
set forth in Section 3.03 of the QVC Disclosure Schedule, each outstanding share
of capital stock of each Material QVC Subsidiary is duly authorized, validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable and is owned by QVC or another QVC
Subsidiary free and clear of all security interests, liens, claims, pledges,
options, rights of first refusal, agreements, limitations on QVC's or such other
QVC Subsidiary's voting rights, charges and other encumbrances of any nature
whatsoever.
SECTION 3.04. Authority Relative to This Agreement. QVC has all necessary
corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform
its obligations hereunder and to consummate the Transactions. The execution and
delivery of this Agreement by QVC and the consummation by QVC of the
Transactions have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate
action and no other corporate proceedings on the part of QVC are necessary to
authorize this Agreement or to consummate the Transactions (other than, with
respect to the Merger, the approval and adoption of this Agreement by the
holders of a majority of the then outstanding shares of QVC Common Stock and QVC
Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class, and the filing and
recordation of appropriate merger documents as required by Delaware Law). This
Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by QVC and, assuming
the due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties hereto,
constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of QVC, enforceable against
QVC in accordance with its terms. QVC has taken all appropriate actions so that
the restrictions on business combinations contained in Section 203 of Delaware
Law will not apply with respect to or as a result of the Transactions or the
transactions contemplated by the Bidding Agreement (as defined in Section 4.08).
SECTION 3.05. No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents. (a) Except as
set forth in Section 3.05 of the QVC Disclosure Schedule, the execution and
delivery of this Agreement by QVC do not, and the performance of this Agreement
and the consummation of the Transactions by QVC will not, (i) conflict with or
violate the certificate of incorporation or by-laws or equivalent organizational
documents of QVC or any Material QVC Subsidiary, (ii) conflict with or violate
any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree applicable to QVC or any
QVC Subsidiary or by which any property or asset of QVC or any QVC Subsidiary 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, result in the loss of a material benefit under, or give to others any
right of termination, amendment, acceleration, increased payments or
cancellation of, or result in the creation of a lien or other encumbrance on any
property or asset of QVC or any QVC Subsidiary pursuant to, any note, bond,
mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or
other instrument or obligation to which QVC or any QVC Subsidiary is a party or
by which QVC or any QVC
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Subsidiary or any property or asset of QVC or any QVC subsidiary is bound or
affected, except, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), for any such conflicts,
violations, breaches, defaults or other occurrences which would not prevent or
delay consummation of the Merger in any material respect, or otherwise prevent
QVC from performing its obligations under this Agreement in any material
respect, and would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a QVC Material
Adverse Effect.
(b) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by QVC do not, and the
performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions by QVC
will not, require any consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing
with or notification to, any governmental or regulatory authority, domestic or
foreign (each a "Governmental Entity"), except (i) for (A) applicable
requirements, if any, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act") and state takeover laws, (B) the pre-merger notification
requirements of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as
amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the "HSR Act"), and (C)
filing and recordation of appropriate merger and similar documents and the
restated certificate of incorporation (the "Restated Certificate of
Incorporation") as required by Delaware Law and (ii) 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 Merger in any
material respect, or otherwise prevent QVC from performing its obligations under
this Agreement in any material respect, and would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have a QVC Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.06. Compliance. Except as set forth in Section 3.06 of the QVC
Disclosure Schedule, neither QVC nor any QVC Subsidiary is in conflict with, or
in default or violation of, (i) any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or
decree applicable to QVC or any QVC Subsidiary or by which any property or asset
of QVC or any QVC Subsidiary is bound or affected, or (ii) any note, bond,
mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or
other instrument or obligation to which QVC or any QVC Subsidiary is a party or
by which QVC or any QVC Subsidiary or any property or asset of QVC or any QVC
Subsidiary is bound or affected, except for any such conflicts, defaults or
violations that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a QVC Material
Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.07. SEC Filings; Financial Statements. (a) QVC has filed all
forms, reports and documents required to be filed by it with the SEC since
January 31, 1992, and has heretofore made available to Buyer, in the form filed
with the SEC (excluding any exhibits thereto), (i) its Annual Reports on Form
10-K for the fiscal years ended January 31, 1992, 1993 and 1994, respectively,
(ii) its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 1994,
(iii) all proxy statements relating to QVC's meetings of stockholders (whether
annual or special) held since February 1, 1992, and (iv) all other forms,
reports and other registration statements (other than Quarterly Reports on Form
10-Q not referred to in clause (iii) above and preliminary materials) filed by
QVC with the SEC since January 31, 1992 (the forms, reports and other documents
referred to in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) above being referred to herein,
collectively, as the "QVC SEC Reports"). The QVC SEC Reports and any forms,
reports and other documents filed by QVC with the SEC after the date of this
Agreement (x) were or will be prepared in accordance with the requirements of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and the Exchange
Act, as the case may be, and the rules and regulations thereunder and (y) did
not at the time they were filed, or will not at the time they are filed, contain
any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements made
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading. No QVC Subsidiary is required to file any form, report or other
document with the SEC.
(b) Each of the consolidated financial statements (including, in each case,
any notes thereto) contained in the QVC SEC Reports was prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis
throughout the periods indicated (except as may be indicated in the notes
thereto), and each fairly presented the consolidated financial position, results
of operations and cash flows of QVC and the consolidated QVC Subsidiaries as at
the respective dates thereof and for the respective periods indicated therein
(subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to normal and recurring year-end
adjustments which were not and are not expected, individually or in the
aggregate, to be material in amount). Since January 31,
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1994, there has been no change in any of the significant accounting (including
tax accounting) policies, practices or procedures of QVC or any QVC Material
subsidiary.
(c) Except (i) as set forth in Section 3.07 of the QVC Disclosure Schedule,
(ii) as and to the extent set forth in the QVC SEC Reports filed with the SEC
prior to the date of this Agreement, or (iii) since April 30, 1994, as incurred
in the ordinary course of business, and not in violation of this Agreement
(assuming this Agreement was in effect as of April 30, 1994), QVC and the QVC
Subsidiaries do not have any liability or obligation of any nature (whether
accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise) other than liabilities and
obligations which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a QVC
Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.08. Absence of Certain Changes and Events. Except as set forth
in Section 3.08 of the QVC Disclosure Schedule, contemplated by this Agreement
or disclosed in any QVC SEC Report filed since April 30, 1994 and prior to the
date of this Agreement, since April 30, 1994, (i) QVC and the QVC Subsidiaries
have conducted their businesses only in the ordinary course and have not taken
any of the actions set forth in paragraphs (a) through (j) of Section 5.01 and
(ii) there has not been any material adverse change in the business, financial
condition or results of operations of QVC and the QVC Subsidiaries, taken as a
whole.
SECTION 3.09. Employee Benefit Plans. With respect to all the employee
benefit plans, programs and arrangements maintained for the benefit of any
current or former employee, officer or director of QVC or any QVC Subsidiary
(the "QVC Plans"), except as set forth in Section 3.09 of the QVC Disclosure
Schedule or the QVC SEC Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement: (i)
none of the QVC Plans is a multi-employer plan within the meaning of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), (ii) none
of the QVC Plans promises or provides retiree medical or life insurance benefits
to any person, (iii) each QVC Plan intended to be qualified under Section 401(a)
of the Code has received a favorable determination letter from the Internal
Revenue Service (the "IRS") that it is so qualified and nothing has occurred
since the date of such letter that could reasonably be expected to affect the
qualified status of such QVC Plan other than occurrences that would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a QVC Material Adverse Effect; (iv) each
QVC Plan has been operated in all material respects in accordance with its terms
and the requirements of applicable law; (v) neither QVC nor any QVC Subsidiary
has incurred any direct or indirect liability under, arising out of or by
operation of Title IV of ERISA in connection with the termination of, or
withdrawal from, any QVC Plan or other retirement plan or arrangement, and no
fact or event exists that could reasonably be expected to give rise to any such
liability, other than any liability that would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have a QVC Material Adverse Effect; and (vi) QVC and the QVC
Subsidiaries have not incurred any liability under, and have complied in all
material respects with, the Worker Adjustment Retraining Notification Act, and
no fact or event exists that could give rise to liability under such act, other
than any liability that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a QVC
Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth in Section 3.09 of the QVC
Disclosure Schedule or the QVC SEC Reports, the aggregate accumulated benefit
obligations of each QVC Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA (as of the date of the
most recent actuarial valuation prepared for such QVC Plan) do not exceed the
fair market value of the assets of such QVC Plan (as of the date of such
valuation).
SECTION 3.10. Opinion of Financial Advisor. QVC's Board of Directors has
received the opinion of Allen & Company Incorporated dated the date hereof, to
the effect that, as of such date, the consideration to be received by the
holders of the Shares (other than Comcast and Liberty) pursuant to the Offer and
the Merger is fair to such holders from a financial point of view, a copy of
which opinion has been delivered to Buyer.
SECTION 3.11. Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker (other than
Allen & Company Incorporated) is entitled to any brokerage, finder's or other
fee or commission in connection with the proposed transaction with CBS Inc., the
Offer, the Merger or the Transactions based upon arrangements made by or on
behalf of QVC. QVC has heretofore furnished to Comcast a complete and correct
copy of all agreements between QVC and Allen & Company Incorporated as of the
date hereof pursuant to which such firm would be entitled to any payment
relating to the Transactions or the proposed transaction with CBS Inc.
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SECTION 3.12. Taxes. (a) Except as set forth in Section 3.12(a) of the
QVC Disclosure Schedule, each of QVC and the QVC Subsidiaries has filed all tax
returns and reports required to be filed by it or requests for extensions to
file such returns or reports have been timely filed, granted and have not
expired, except to the extent that such failures to file or to have extensions
granted that remain in effect individually and in the aggregate would not have a
QVC Material Adverse Effect. All returns filed by QVC and each of the QVC
Subsidiaries are complete and accurate in all material respects. QVC and each of
the QVC Subsidiaries has timely paid (or QVC has paid on its behalf) all taxes
shown as due on such returns, and the most recent financial statements contained
in the QVC SEC Reports reflect an adequate reserve for all taxes payable by QVC
and the QVC Subsidiaries for all taxable periods and portions thereof accrued
through the date of such financial statements. Except as set forth in Section
3.12(a) of the QVC Disclosure Schedule, no deficiencies for any taxes have been
proposed, asserted or assessed against QVC or any QVC Subsidiary that are not
adequately reserved for, except for deficiencies that individually or in the
aggregate would not have a QVC Material Adverse Effect, and no requests for
waivers of the time to assess any such taxes have been granted or are pending.
QVC is not nor has it been within 5 years of the date hereof a "United States
real property holding corporation" as defined in Section 897 of the Code.
(b) As used in this Section 3.12, "taxes" shall include all Federal, state,
local and foreign income, franchise, alternative or add-on minimum tax, gross
receipts, transfer, withholding on amounts paid to or by QVC or any QVC
Subsidiary, payroll, employment, license, property, sales, use, excise and other
taxes, tariffs or governmental charges of any nature whatsoever, together with
any interest, penalty or addition to tax attributable to such taxes.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF COMCAST, LIBERTY
AND BUYER
Comcast hereby makes to QVC the representations and warranties set forth
below in Sections 4.01 through 4.06:
SECTION 4.01. Organization and Qualification. Comcast is a corporation
duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
Pennsylvania 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
incorporated, existing or in good standing or to have such power, authority and
governmental approvals would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
material adverse effect on the business, results of operations or financial
condition of Comcast and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole (a "Comcast Material
Adverse Effect"). Neither Comcast nor any of its subsidiaries is in violation of
any provision of its certificate of incorporation, bylaws or equivalent
organizational documents, except for such violations that would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Comcast Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 4.02. Authority Relative to This Agreement. Comcast has all
necessary corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement,
to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the Transactions. The
execution and delivery of this Agreement by Comcast and the consummation by
Comcast of the Transactions have been duly and validly authorized by all
necessary corporate action and no other corporate proceedings on the part of
Comcast are necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the
Transactions (other than the filing and recordation of appropriate merger
documents as required by Delaware Law). This Agreement has been duly and validly
executed and delivered by Comcast and, assuming the due authorization, execution
and delivery by QVC and Liberty, constitutes the legal, valid and binding
obligation of Comcast, enforceable against Comcast in accordance with its terms.
SECTION 4.03. No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents. (a) The
execution and delivery of this Agreement by Comcast do not, and the performance
of the Transactions by Comcast will not, (i) conflict with or violate the
certificate of incorporation or by-laws or equivalent organizational documents
of Comcast, (ii) conflict with or violate any law, rule, regulation, order,
judgment or decree applicable to Comcast or by
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which any property or asset of Comcast 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, result in the loss of a material
benefit under or give to others any right of termination, amendment,
acceleration, increased payments or cancellation of, or result in the creation
of a lien or other encumbrance on any property or asset of Comcast pursuant to,
any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, lease, license,
permit, franchise or any other instrument or obligation to which Comcast is a
party or by which Comcast or any property or asset of Comcast is bound or
affected, except in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), for any such conflicts,
violations, breaches, defaults or other occurrences which would not prevent or
delay consummation of the Merger in any material respect, or otherwise prevent
Comcast from performing its obligations under this Agreement in any material
respect, and would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Comcast
Material Adverse Effect.
(b) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Comcast do not, and the
performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions by
Comcast will not, require any consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or
filing with or notification to, any Governmental Entity, except (i) for (A)
applicable requirements, if any, of the Exchange Act and state takeover laws,
(B) the pre-merger notification requirements of the HSR Act, and (C) filing and
recordation of appropriate merger and similar documents as required by Delaware
Law and (ii) 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 Merger in any material respect, or otherwise prevent Comcast
from performing its obligations under this Agreement in any material respect,
and would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Comcast Material Adverse
Effect.
SECTION 4.04. SEC Filings, Financial Statements. (a) Comcast has filed
all forms, reports and documents required to be filed by it with the SEC since
December 31, 1991, and has heretofore made available to QVC, in the form filed
with the SEC (excluding any exhibits thereto), (i) its Annual Reports on Form
10-K for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1991, 1992 and 1993, respectively,
(ii) its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1994,
(iii) all proxy statements relating to Comcast's meetings of stockholders
(whether annual or special) held since January 1, 1992, and (iv) all other
forms, reports and other registration statements (other than Quarterly Reports
on Form 10-Q not referred to in clause (ii) above and preliminary materials)
filed by Comcast with the SEC since December 31, 1991 (the forms, reports and
other documents referred to in clauses (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) above being
referred to herein, collectively, as the "Comcast SEC Reports"). The Comcast SEC
Reports and any other forms, reports and other documents filed by Comcast with
the SEC after the date of this Agreement (x) were or will be prepared in
accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as
the case may be, and the rules and regulations thereunder and (y) did not at the
time they were filed, or will not at the time they are filed, contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in the
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(b) Each of the consolidated financial statements (including, in each case,
any notes thereto) contained in the Comcast SEC Reports was prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent
basis throughout the periods indicated (except as may be indicated in the notes
thereto) and each fairly presented the consolidated financial position, results
of operations and cash flows of Comcast and the consolidated Comcast
subsidiaries as at the respective dates thereof and for the respective periods
indicated therein (subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to normal and
recurring year-end adjustments which were not and are not expected, individually
or in the aggregate, to be material in amount). Since December 31, 1993, there
has been no change in any of the significant accounting (including tax
accounting) policies, practices or procedures of Comcast.
SECTION 4.05. Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker (other than
Lazard Freres & Co.) is entitled to any brokerage, finder's or other fee or
commission in connection with the Merger and the Transactions based upon
arrangements made by or on behalf of Comcast.
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Liberty hereby makes to QVC the representations and warranties set forth
below in Sections 4.06 through 4.10:
SECTION 4.06. Organization and Qualification. Liberty is a corporation
duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
Delaware 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
incorporated, existing or in good standing or to have such power, authority and
governmental approvals would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
material adverse effect on the business, results of operations or financial
condition of Liberty and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole (a "Liberty Material
Adverse Effect"). Neither Liberty nor any of its subsidiaries is in violation of
any provision of its certificate of incorporation, bylaws or equivalent
organizational documents, except for such violations that would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Liberty Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 4.07. Authority Relative to This Agreement. Liberty has all
necessary corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement,
to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the Transactions. The
execution and delivery of this Agreement by Liberty and the consummation by
Liberty of the Transactions have been duly and validly authorized by all
necessary corporate action and no other corporate proceedings on the part of
Liberty are necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the
Transactions (other than the filing and recordation of appropriate merger
documents as required by Delaware Law). This Agreement has been duly and validly
executed and delivered by Liberty and, assuming the due authorization, execution
and delivery by QVC and Comcast, constitutes the legal, valid and binding
obligation of Liberty, enforceable against Liberty in accordance with its terms.
SECTION 4.08. No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents. (a) The
execution and delivery of this Agreement by Liberty do not, and the performance
of the Transactions by Liberty will not, (i) conflict with or violate the
certificate of incorporation or by-laws or equivalent organizational documents
of Liberty, (ii) conflict with or violate any law, rule, regulation, order,
judgment or decree applicable to Liberty or by which any property or asset of
Liberty 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, result in the loss of a material benefit under or give to others
any right of termination, amendment, acceleration, increased payments or
cancellation of, or result in the creation of a lien or other encumbrance on any
property or asset of Liberty pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture,
contract, agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or any other instrument
or obligation to which Liberty is a party or by which Liberty or any property or
asset of Liberty is bound or affected, except in the case of clauses (ii) and
(iii), for any such conflicts, violations, breaches, defaults or other
occurrences which would not prevent or delay consummation of the Merger in any
material respect, or otherwise prevent Liberty from performing its obligations
under this Agreement in any material respect, and would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have a Liberty Material Adverse Effect.
(b) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Liberty do not, and the
performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions by
Liberty will not, require any consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or
filing with or notification to, any Governmental Entity, except (i) for (A)
applicable requirements, if any, of the Exchange Act and state takeover laws,
(B) the pre-merger notification requirements of the HSR Act applicable to the
transactions contemplated by the letter agreement dated August 4, 1994 among
Comcast, Liberty and TCI (the "Bidding Agreement") and (C) filing and
recordation of appropriate merger and similar documents as required by Delaware
Law and (ii) 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 Merger in any material respect, or otherwise prevent Liberty
from performing its obligations under this Agreement in any material respect,
and would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Liberty Material Adverse
Effect.
SECTION 4.09. SEC Filings, Financial Statements. (a) Liberty has filed
all forms, reports and documents required to be filed by it with the SEC since
December 31, 1991, and has heretofore made available to QVC, in the form filed
with the SEC (excluding any exhibits thereto), (i) its Annual Reports on Form
10-K for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1991, 1992 and 1993, respectively,
(ii) its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1994,
(iii) all proxy statements relating to Liberty's
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meetings of stockholders (whether annual or special) held since January 1, 1992,
and (iv) all other forms, reports and other registration statements (other than
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q not referred to in clause (ii) above and
preliminary materials) filed by Liberty with the SEC since December 31, 1991
(the forms, reports and other documents referred to in clauses (i), (ii), (iii),
and (iv) above being referred to herein, collectively, as the "Liberty SEC
Reports"). The Liberty SEC Reports and any other forms, reports and other
documents filed by Liberty with the SEC after the date of this Agreement (x)
were or will be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Securities
Act and the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and the rules and regulations
thereunder and (y) did not at the time they were filed, or will not at the time
they are filed, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state
a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the
statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading.
(b) Each of the consolidated financial statements (including, in each case,
any notes thereto) contained in the Liberty SEC Reports was prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent
basis throughout the periods indicated (except as may be indicated in the notes
thereto) and each fairly presented the consolidated financial position, results
of operations and cash flows of Liberty and the consolidated Liberty
subsidiaries as at the respective dates thereof and for the respective periods
indicated therein (subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to normal and
recurring year-end adjustments which were not and are not expected, individually
or in the aggregate, to be material in amount). Since December 31, 1993, there
has been no change in any of the significant accounting (including tax
accounting) policies, practices or procedures of Liberty, except in connection
with the business combination transaction between Liberty and
Tele-Communications, Inc.
SECTION 4.10. Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker (other than
Lazard Freres & Co.) is entitled to any brokerage, finder's or other fee or
commission in connection with the Merger and the Transactions based upon
arrangements made by or on behalf of Liberty.
Buyer, Comcast and Liberty each hereby makes to QVC the representations and
warranties in respect of Buyer set forth below in Sections 4.11 through 4.15:
SECTION 4.11. Organization and Qualification. Buyer is a corporation duly
incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Delaware
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 incorporated,
existing or in good standing or to have such power, authority and governmental
approvals would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse
effect on the business, results of operations or financial condition of Buyer
and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole (a "Buyer Material Adverse Effect").
Since the date of its incorporation, Buyer has not engaged in any activities
other than in connection with or as contemplated by this Agreement or in
connection with arranging any financing required to consummate Transactions.
Buyer does not have any operating subsidiaries.
SECTION 4.12. Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. Buyer has
heretofore made available to QVC a complete and correct copy of its certificate
of incorporation and bylaws, each as amended to the date hereof. Such
certificates of incorporation and bylaws are in full force and effect. Buyer is
not in violation of its certificate of incorporation or bylaws.
SECTION 4.13. 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. The
execution and delivery of this Agreement by Buyer and the consummation by Buyer
of the Transactions have been duly and validly 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 (other
than the filing and recordation of appropriate merger documents as required by
Delaware Law). This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered
by Buyer and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by QVC,
constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Buyer, enforceable
against Buyer in accordance with its terms.
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SECTION 4.14. No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents. (a) The
execution and delivery of this Agreement by Buyer do not, and the performance of
the Transactions by Buyer will not, (i) conflict with or violate the certificate
of incorporation or by-laws or equivalent organizational documents 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,
result in the loss of a material benefit under or give to others any right of
termination, amendment, acceleration, increased payments or cancellation of, or
result in the creation of a lien or other encumbrance on any property or asset
of Buyer pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement,
lease, license, permit, franchise or any other instrument or obligation to which
Buyer is a party or by which Buyer or any property or asset of Buyer is bound or
affected, except in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), for any such conflicts,
violations, breaches, defaults or other occurrences which would not prevent or
delay consummation of the Merger in any material respect, or otherwise prevent
Buyer from performing its obligations under this Agreement in any material
respect, and would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Buyer Material
Adverse Effect.
(b) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Buyer do not, and the
performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions by Buyer
will not, require any consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing
with or notification to, any Governmental Entity, except (i) for (A) applicable
requirements, if any, of the Exchange Act and state takeover laws, (B) the
pre-merger notification requirements of the HSR Act and (C) filing and
recordation of appropriate merger and similar documents as required by Delaware
Law and (ii) 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 Merger in any material respect, or otherwise prevent Buyer
from performing its obligations under this Agreement in any material respect,
and would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Buyer Material Adverse
Effect.
SECTION 4.15. Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker (other than
Lazard Freres & Co.) is entitled to any brokerage, finder's or other fee or
commission in connection with the Merger and the Transactions based upon
arrangements made by or on behalf of Buyer.
ARTICLE V
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER
SECTION 5.01. Conduct of Business by QVC Pending the Merger. QVC
covenants and agrees that, between the date of this Agreement and the Effective
Time, unless Buyer shall have consented in writing (such consent not to be
unreasonably withheld), QVC and its respective subsidiaries shall not, except as
set forth on Schedule 5.01 to the QVC Disclosure Schedule:
(a) conduct its business in any manner other than in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice;
(b) amend or otherwise change the certificate of incorporation or
by-laws of QVC;
(c) issue, grant, sell, pledge, redeem or acquire for value (i) any of
its or their securities, including options thereon (other than the issuance
of equity securities upon the conversion of outstanding convertible
securities or in connection with any dividend reinvestment plan or by any
QVC Plan with an employee stock fund or employee stock ownership plan
feature, consistent with applicable securities laws, or the exercise of
options or warrants outstanding as of the date of this Agreement and in
accordance with the terms of such options or warrants in effect on the date
of this Agreement) or (ii) any material assets, except for sales of assets
in the ordinary course of business;
(d) declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or other
distribution, payable in cash, stock, property or otherwise, with respect
to any of its capital stock, except dividends declared and paid by a
subsidiary of QVC only to QVC, or subdivide, reclassify, recapitalize,
split, combine or exchange any of
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its shares of capital stock (other than in connection with the exercise of
currently outstanding options or warrants);
(e) incur any material amount of indebtedness for borrowed money or
make any loans or advances, except borrowings under existing bank lines of
credit in the ordinary course of business;
(f) increase the compensation payable or to become payable to its
executive officers or employees, except for increases in the ordinary
course of business in accordance with past practices, or grant any
severance or termination pay to, or enter into any employment or severance
agreement with any director or executive officer of it or any of its
subsidiaries, or establish, adopt, enter into or amend in any material
respect or take action to accelerate any rights or benefits under any
collective bargaining agreement or any employee benefit plan, agreement or
policy;
(g) take any action, other than reasonable and usual actions in the
ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice, with respect
to accounting policies or procedures (including tax accounting policies and
procedures);
(h) acquire by merger or consolidation, or by purchase of assets, or
by any other manner, any material business;
(i) mortgage or otherwise encumber or subject to any lien any of its
properties or assets that are material to it and its subsidiaries taken as
a whole, except for liens in connection with indebtedness incurred in
connection with the Merger as permitted by clause (e) above; or
(j) authorize any of, or commit or agree to take any of, the foregoing
actions.
ARTICLE VI
ADDITIONAL COVENANTS
SECTION 6.01. Access to Information; Confidentiality. (a) From the date
hereof to the Effective Time, QVC shall (and shall cause its subsidiaries and
officers, directors, employees, auditors and agents to) afford the officers,
employees and agents of Comcast and Liberty (the "Respective Representatives")
reasonable access at all reasonable times to its officers, employees, agents,
properties, offices, plants and other facilities, books and records, and shall
furnish such Respective Representatives with all financial, operating and other
data and information as may be reasonably requested. All information obtained
will be subject to the Confidentiality Agreement, dated as of July 13, 1994,
between Comcast and QVC, and the Confidentiality Agreement, dated as of July 21,
1994, between Liberty and QVC (collectively, the "Confidentiality Agreements").
(b) No investigation pursuant to this Section 6.01 shall affect any
representation or warranty in this Agreement of any party hereto or any
condition to the obligations of the parties hereto.
SECTION 6.02. No Solicitation. QVC shall not, nor shall it permit any of
its subsidiaries, or its or its subsidiaries' officers, directors, employees,
agents or representatives (including, without limitation, any investment banker,
attorney or accountant retained by it) to, initiate, solicit or encourage,
directly or indirectly, any inquiries or the making of any proposal with respect
to an Alternative Transaction (as defined below), engage in any discussions or
negotiations concerning, or provide to any other person any information or data
relating to it or its subsidiaries for the purposes of, or otherwise cooperate
in any way with or assist or participate in, facilitate or encourage, any
inquiries or the making of any proposal which constitutes, or may reasonably be
expected to lead to, a proposal to seek or effect an Alternative Transaction, or
agree to or endorse any Alternative Transaction; provided, however, that nothing
contained in this Section 6.02 shall prohibit QVC, or its Board of Directors
from (i) taking and disclosing to its stockholders a position contemplated by
Exchange Act Rule 14e-2 or (ii) making any disclosure to its stockholders that,
in the judgment of its Board of Directors in accordance with, and based upon the
advice of, outside counsel, is required under applicable law; and, provided,
further, that (x) the QVC Board of Directors on behalf of QVC may upon the
unsolicited request of a third party furnish information or data (including,
without limitation,
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confidential information or data) relating to QVC for the purposes of an
Alternative Transaction and participate in negotiations with a person making an
unsolicited proposal regarding an Alternative Transaction and (y) following
receipt of a proposal for an Alternative Transaction, the QVC Board of Directors
may withdraw or modify its recommendation relating to the Offer or the Merger to
the extent that it determines in good faith in accordance with, and based upon
the advice of, outside counsel that such action is necessary or appropriate in
order for the QVC Board of Directors to act in a manner that is consistent with
its fiduciary obligations under applicable law. QVC shall promptly advise Buyer
of, and communicate the terms of, any proposal it may receive, or any inquiries
it receives which may reasonably be expected to lead to a proposal, and the
identity of the person making it; prior to taking any such action, if QVC
intends to participate in any such discussion or negotiation or provide any such
information to any such third party, it shall give reasonable notice to Buyer
and shall consult, and thereafter shall continue to consult, with Buyer. If QVC
is required by this Section 6.02 to give notice of a request, Alternative
Transaction proposal or inquiry, it shall keep Buyer reasonably informed of the
status and details of any such request, Alternative Transaction, inquiry or
proposal (or any amendment to any proposal). Nothing in this Section 6.02 shall
(x) permit QVC to enter into any agreement with respect to an Alternative
Transaction during the term of this Agreement (it being agreed that during the
term of this Agreement QVC shall not enter into any agreement with any person
that provides for, or in any way facilitates, an Alternative Transaction, other
than a confidentiality agreement in customary form) or (y) affect any other
obligation of QVC under this Agreement. "Alternative Transaction" means a
transaction or series of related transactions (other than the Transactions)
resulting in (a) any change of control of QVC, (b) any merger or consolidation
of QVC in which another person acquires 25% or more of the aggregate voting
power of all voting securities of it or the surviving corporation, as the case
may be, (c) any tender offer or exchange offer for, or any acquisitions of, any
securities of QVC which, if consummated, would result in another person owning
25% or more of the aggregate voting power of all voting securities of it or (d)
any sale or other disposition of assets of QVC or any of its subsidiaries if the
Fair Market Value of such assets exceeds 25% of the aggregate Fair Market Value
of the assets of QVC and its subsidiaries taken as a whole before giving effect
to such sale or other disposition. "Fair Market Value" of any assets or
securities means the fair market value of such assets or securities, as
determined by the Board of Directors of QVC in good faith.
SECTION 6.03. Directors' and Officers' Indemnification and
Insurance. (a) From and after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation
shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the present and former officers and
directors of QVC (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties") against all losses,
expenses, claims, damages, liabilities or amounts that are paid in settlement
of, with the approval of the Surviving Corporation (which approval shall not
unreasonably be withheld), or otherwise in connection with any claim, action,
suit, proceeding or investigation (a "Claim"), based in whole or in part on the
fact that such person is or was a director or officer of QVC and arising out of
actions or omissions occurring at or prior to the Effective Time (including,
without limitation, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement), in each
case to the full extent permitted under Delaware Law (and shall pay any expenses
in advance of the final disposition of any such action or proceeding to each
Indemnified Party to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware Law, upon
receipt from the Indemnified Party to whom expenses are advanced of any
undertaking to repay such advances required under Delaware Law).
(b) For a period of three years after the Effective Time, the Surviving
Corporation shall cause to be maintained in effect the current policies of
directors' and officers' liability insurance maintained by QVC (provided that
the Surviving Corporation may substitute therefor policies of at least the same
coverage and amounts containing terms and conditions which are no less
advantageous to such officers and directors) with respect to claims arising from
facts or events which occurred before the Effective Time; provided, however,
that in no event shall the Surviving Corporation be required to expend pursuant
to this Section 6.03(b) more than an amount equal to 200% of the current annual
premiums paid by QVC for such insurance (which premiums QVC represents and
warrants to be approximately $700,000 in the aggregate on an annualized basis in
addition to the remaining premium to be paid during the next twelve months in
connection with a prior acquisition by QVC).
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(c) This Section 6.03 is intended to be for the benefit of, and shall be
enforceable by, the Indemnified Parties, their heirs and personal
representatives and shall be binding on the Surviving Corporation and its
respective successors and assigns.
SECTION 6.04. Notification of Certain Matters. QVC shall give prompt
notice to Buyer, and Buyer shall give prompt notice to QVC, of (a) the
occurrence, or non-occurrence, of any event the occurrence, or non-occurrence,
of which would be likely to cause (i) any representation or warranty contained
in this Agreement to be untrue or inaccurate or (ii) any covenant, condition or
agreement contained in this Agreement not to be complied with or satisfied and
(b) any failure of QVC or Buyer (or Comcast or Liberty), as the case may be, to
comply with or satisfy any covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with
or satisfied by it hereunder; provided, however, that the delivery of any notice
pursuant to this Section 6.04 shall not limit or otherwise affect the remedies
available hereunder to the party receiving such notice.
SECTION 6.05. Further Action; Best Efforts. (a) Upon the terms and
subject to the conditions hereof, each of the parties hereto shall (i) make
promptly its respective filings, and thereafter make any other required
submissions, under the HSR Act with respect to the Transactions, and (ii) use
its 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 or otherwise to consummate and make effective
the Transactions, including, without limitation, using its best efforts to
obtain all financing necessary to consummate the Transactions as well as all
licenses, permits, waivers, orders, consents, approvals, authorizations,
qualifications and orders of Governmental Entities and parties to contracts with
QVC and its subsidiaries as are necessary for the consummation of the
Transactions. In case at any time after the Effective Time any further action is
necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, the proper
officers and directors of each party to this Agreement shall use their best
efforts to take all such action.
(b) Each party shall use its best efforts not to take any action, or enter
into any transaction, which would cause any of its representations or warranties
contained in this Agreement to be untrue or result in a breach of any covenant
made by it in this Agreement.
SECTION 6.06. Public Announcements. Buyer, Comcast, Liberty and QVC shall
consult with each other before issuing any press release or otherwise making any
public statements with respect to this Agreement or any Transaction and shall
not issue any such press release or make any such public statement without the
prior consent of the other parties, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld; provided, however, that a party may, without the prior consent of the
other parties, issue such press release or make such public statement as may be
required by law or any listing agreement or arrangement to which Buyer, Comcast,
Liberty or QVC is a party with a national securities exchange or the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation System if it has
used all reasonable efforts to consult with the other parties and to obtain such
parties' consent but has been unable to do so in a timely manner.
SECTION 6.07. Conveyance Taxes. Buyer and QVC shall cooperate in the
preparation, execution and filing of all returns, questionnaires, applications,
or other documents regarding any real property transfer or gains, sales, use,
transfer, value added, stock transfer and stamp taxes, any transfer, recording,
registration and other fees, and any similar taxes which become payable in
connection with the Transactions that are required or permitted to be filed on
or before the Effective Time.
SECTION 6.08. Gains Tax. Buyer shall pay any New York State Tax on Gains
Derived from Certain Real Property Transfers (the "Gains Tax"), New York State
Real Estate Transfer Tax and New York City Real Property Transfer Tax (the
"Transfer Taxes") and any similar taxes in any other jurisdiction (and any
penalties and interest with respect to such taxes), which become payable in
connection with the Offer and the Merger, on behalf of the stockholders of QVC.
Buyer and QVC shall cooperate in the preparation, execution and filing of any
required returns with respect to such taxes (including returns on behalf of the
stockholders of QVC) and in the determination of the portion of the
consideration allocable to the real property of QVC and the QVC Subsidiaries in
New York State and City (or in any other jurisdiction, if applicable). The terms
of the Offer and Proxy Statement shall provide that the stockholders of QVC
shall be deemed to have agreed to be bound by the allocation established
pursuant to this Section 6.08 in the preparation of any return with respect to
the Gains Tax and the Transfer Taxes and any similar taxes, if applicable.
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SECTION 6.09. Obligations of Buyer. Comcast and Liberty each agree to
take all action necessary to cause Buyer and the Surviving Corporation to
perform their respective obligations under this Agreement and to consummate, and
cause MergerCo to consummate, the Offer and the Merger on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement. Comcast and Liberty shall be jointly and
severally liable for any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or
agreement of Buyer and for any breach of this covenant.
SECTION 6.10. Severance Policy; Employee Benefits. (a) Comcast, Liberty
and Buyer will cause the Surviving Corporation to maintain for a period ending
on the second anniversary of the Effective Time, without interruption, employee
compensation and benefit plans, programs and policies and fringe benefits
(including post-employment welfare benefits) that, in the aggregate, are no less
favorable than those provided to such employees of QVC and its subsidiaries, as
applicable, as in effect on the date hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for
a period ending on the second anniversary of the Effective Time, Comcast,
Liberty and Buyer will cause the Surviving Corporation to provide to all
employees of QVC and its subsidiaries severance pay and benefits which are no
less favorable than under the applicable severance plans, programs and policies
of QVC and its subsidiaries, as applicable, as in effect on the date hereof.
(b) Immediately prior to consummation of the Offer, Buyer shall establish
with a trustee satisfactory to QVC and Buyer, a "Rabbi" trust, in a form
reasonably acceptable to QVC, and shall deposit in such trust cash in an amount
sufficient to satisfy all obligations under QVC Stock Options. The terms of such
trust shall provide that payments shall be made to the holders of QVC Stock
Options following the Effective Time, in accordance with the provisions of
Section 2.04, upon delivery to the trustee by or on behalf of the option holder
of a copy of the option agreement evidencing such QVC Stock Options (or other
appropriate documentation) and certification by the option holder that such
option holder is entitled to such payment under the terms of such option
agreement and Section 2.04.
SECTION 6.11. FCC Approvals. If not already withdrawn, within five
business days after the date hereof QVC will withdraw any applications pending
with the Federal Communications Commission (the "FCC") relating to the transfer
of control of any licenses or other permits issued by the FCC to QVC or any QVC
Subsidiary. QVC will not make any applications to the FCC in respect of the
Transactions without Buyer's prior approval.
SECTION 6.12. Tax Certification. At any time during the period beginning
on the date hereof and ending on the Effective Time, QVC shall provide to Buyer,
within two business days of a request by Buyer, a certificate signed by QVC to
the effect that QVC is not, nor has it been within 5 years of the date thereof,
a "United States real property holding corporation" as defined in Section 897 of
the Code.
ARTICLE VII
CLOSING CONDITIONS
SECTION 7.01. Conditions to Obligations of Each Party to Effect the
Merger. The respective obligations of each party to effect the Merger and the
Transactions shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Effective
Time of the following conditions, any or all of which may be waived, in whole or
in part, to the extent permitted by applicable law:
(a) Stockholder Approval. If required by Delaware Law, this Agreement
and the Merger shall have been approved and adopted by the requisite vote
of the stockholders of QVC.
(b) No Order. No Governmental Entity or federal or state court of
competent jurisdiction shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or
entered any statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, injunction
or other order (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) which is in
effect and which materially restricts, prevents or prohibits consummation
of the Merger or any Transaction contemplated by this Agreement; provided,
however, that the parties shall use their reasonable efforts to cause any
such decree, judgment, injunction or other order to be vacated or lifted.
(c) Other Approvals. Other than the filing of merger documents in
accordance with Delaware Law, all authorizations, consents, waivers, orders
or approvals required to be obtained, and all filings,
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notices or declarations required to be made, by Comcast, Liberty or Buyer
and QVC prior to the consummation of the Merger and the Transactions shall
have been obtained from, and made with, all required Governmental Entities,
except for such authorizations, consents, waivers, orders, approvals,
filings, notices or declarations the failure to obtain or make which would
not have a material adverse effect, at or after the Effective Time, on the
business, results of operations or financial condition (as existing
immediately prior to the consummation of the Merger) of QVC and the QVC
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
(d) The Offer. Buyer shall have purchased shares pursuant to the
Offer.
ARTICLE VIII
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
SECTION 8.01. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time
prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after approval of this Agreement
and the Merger by the stockholders of QVC:
(a) by mutual consent of QVC and Buyer;
(b) prior to the purchase of Shares pursuant to the Offer, (x) by
Buyer or QVC upon termination of the Offer by Buyer pursuant to Annex I,
(y) by Buyer upon a breach of any covenant or agreement on the part of QVC
set forth in this Agreement which has not been cured, or if any
representation or warranty of QVC shall have become untrue, in either case
such that such breach or untruth is incapable of being cured by February
28, 1995 or (z) by QVC in the event of a breach of any representation,
warranty, agreement or covenant of Comcast, Liberty or Buyer set forth in
this Agreement, provided that such breach (other than the covenant
contained in Section 6.10(b)) has not been cured (and cannot reasonably be
expected to be cured before February 28, 1995) and will prevent or delay
consummation of the Merger by or beyond February 28, 1995;
(c) by either Buyer or QVC, if any permanent injunction or action by
any Governmental Entity preventing the consummation of the Merger shall
have become final and nonappealable;
(d) by either Buyer or QVC, if the Offer shall not have been
consummated before February 28, 1995, unless, in the case of termination by
Buyer, Buyer shall not have purchased Shares pursuant to the Offer by
reason of any failure by Buyer, Comcast or Liberty to fulfill its
obligations hereunder; or
(e) by Buyer or QVC if (i) the Board of Directors of QVC shall
withdraw, modify or change its recommendation so that it is not in favor of
this Agreement, the Offer or the Merger or shall have resolved to do any of
the foregoing or (ii) the Board of Directors of QVC shall have recommended
or resolved to recommend to its stockholders an Alternative Transaction,
provided that, in the case of any such termination by QVC, simultaneously
with such termination it complies with Section 8.05(b) of this Agreement.
The right of any party hereto to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this
Section 8.01 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of
any investigation made by or on behalf of any party hereto, any person
controlling any such party or any of their respective officers or directors,
whether prior to or after the execution of this Agreement.
SECTION 8.02. Effect of Termination. Except as provided in Section 8.05
or Section 9.01, in the event of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to
Section 8.01, this Agreement shall forthwith become void, there shall be no
liability on the part of any party hereto, or any of their respective officers
or directors, to the other and all rights and obligations of any party hereto
shall cease; provided, however, that nothing herein shall relieve any party from
liability for the wilful breach of any of its representations, warranties,
covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement.
SECTION 8.03. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by the parties
hereto by action taken by or on behalf of their respective Boards of Directors
at any time prior to the Effective Time; provided, however, that, after approval
of this Agreement and the Merger by the stockholders of QVC, no amendment,
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which under applicable law may not be made without the approval of the
stockholders of QVC, may be made without such approval. This Agreement may not
be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.
SECTION 8.04. Waiver. At any time prior to the Effective Time, either
party hereto may (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the
obligations or other acts of the other party hereto, (b) waive any inaccuracies
in the representations and warranties of the other party contained herein or in
any document delivered pursuant hereto and (c) waive compliance by the other
party with any of the agreements or conditions contained herein. Any such
extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing
signed by the party or parties to be bound thereby.
SECTION 8.05. Fees, Expenses and Other Payments. (a) All costs and
expenses, including, without limitation, fees and disbursements of counsel,
financial advisors and accountants, incurred by the parties hereto shall be
borne solely and entirely by the party which has incurred such costs and
expenses (with respect to such party, its "Expenses"); provided, however, that
all costs and expenses related to printing and mailing the Proxy Statement shall
be borne equally by QVC and Buyer.
(b) Except to the extent earlier payment is required pursuant to Section
8.01(e), QVC agrees that if this Agreement shall be terminated by Buyer or QVC
pursuant to Section 8.01(e), then QVC will pay to Buyer an amount equal to
$55,000,000, which amount is inclusive of all expenses of Buyer, Comcast and
Liberty. Any payment required to be made pursuant to this paragraph (b) shall be
made as promptly as practicable but not later than two business days after
termination of this Agreement and, in any such case, shall be made by wire
transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by Buyer.
ARTICLE IX
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 9.01. Effectiveness of Representations, Warranties and
Agreements. (a) Except as set forth in Section 9.01(b), the representations,
warranties and agreements of each party hereto shall remain operative and in
full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of
any other party hereto, any person controlling any such party or any of their
respective officers or directors, whether prior to or after the execution of
this Agreement.
(b) The representations, warranties and agreements in this Agreement shall
terminate at the Effective Time or upon the termination of this Agreement
pursuant to Article VIII, except that the agreements set forth in Articles I, II
and IX, and Sections 6.03, 6.09, 6.10 and 6.11 shall survive the Effective Time
and those set forth in the last sentence of Section 6.01(a) and Sections 8.02
and 8.05 and Article IX shall survive termination.
SECTION 9.02. Notices. All notices and other communications given or made
pursuant hereto shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given
or made as of the date delivered or transmitted, and shall be effective upon
receipt, if delivered personally, mailed by registered or certified mail
(postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the parties at the following
addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like
changes of address) or sent by electronic transmission to the telecopier number
specified below:
(a) If to Comcast or Buyer:
Comcast Corporation
1500 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102-4735
Attention: General Counsel
Telecopier No.: (215) 981-7794
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with a copy to:
Davis Polk & Wardwell
450 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Attention: Dennis S. Hersch
Telecopier No.: (212) 450-4800
(b) If to Liberty or Buyer:
Liberty Media Corporation
8101 East Prentice Avenue
Suite 500
Englewood, CO 80111
Attention: President
Telecopier No.: (303) 721-5415
with a copy to:
Baker & Botts
885 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Attention: Jerome H. Kern
Telecopier No.: (212) 705-5125
(c) If to QVC:
QVC, Inc.
1365 Enterprise Drive
Goshen Corporate Park
West Chester, PA 19380
Attention: Corporate Secretary
Telecopier No.: (610) 430-2380
with a copy to:
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
51 West 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019
Attention: Pamela S. Seymon
Telecopier No.: (212) 403-2000
SECTION 9.03. Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the
term:
(a) "affiliate" means a person that, directly or indirectly, through
one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common
control with, the first mentioned person;
(b) "business day" means any day other than a day on which (i) banks
in the State of New York are authorized or obligated to be closed or (ii)
the SEC or NYSE is closed;
(c) "control" (including the terms "controlled," "controlled by" and
"under common control with") means the possession, directly or indirectly
or as trustee or executor, of the power to direct or cause the direction of
the management or polices of a person, whether through the ownership of
stock or as trustee or executor, by contract or credit arrangement or
otherwise; and
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(d) "subsidiary" or "subsidiaries" of any person means any
corporation, partnership, joint venture or other legal entity of which such
person (either alone or through or together with any other subsidiary)
owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the stock or other equity
interests, the holders of which are generally entitled to vote for the
election of the board of directors or other governing body of such
corporation or other legal entity.
SECTION 9.04. Headings. The headings contained in this Agreement are for
reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.
SECTION 9.05. Severability. If any term or other provision of this
Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law
or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall
nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal
substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner
materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other
provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto
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 to the extent possible.
SECTION 9.06. Entire Agreement. This Agreement (together with the
Exhibits, the QVC Disclosure Schedule, the Confidentiality Agreements and the
other documents delivered in connection herewith), constitutes the entire
agreement of the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and undertakings,
both written and oral, between the parties, or any of them, with respect to the
subject matter hereof.
SECTION 9.07. Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assigned by
operation of law or otherwise and any purported assignment shall be null and
void, provided that any of Comcast, Liberty or Buyer may assign its rights, but
not its obligations, under this Agreement to any affiliate of Comcast, Liberty
or Buyer.
SECTION 9.08. 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 (other than the provisions of Section 6.03 and
6.10, which provisions are intended to benefit and may be enforced by the
beneficiaries thereof), is intended to or shall confer upon any person any
right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this
Agreement.
SECTION 9.09. Governing Law. Except to the extent that Delaware Law may
be applicable to the Merger and the rights of the stockholders of QVC, 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
applicable principles of conflicts of law.
SECTION 9.10. Enforcement of the Agreement. The parties hereto agree that
irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this
Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were
otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled
to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to
enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, this being in addition to
any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity.
SECTION 9.11. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each
of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken
together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Comcast, Liberty, Buyer and QVC have caused this
Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above by their respective
officers thereunto duly authorized.
COMCAST CORPORATION
By /s/ BRIAN L. ROBERTS
--------------------------------------
Name: Brian L. Roberts
Title: President
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION
By /s/ PETER BARTON
--------------------------------------
Name: Peter Barton
Title: President
COMCAST QMERGER, INC.
By /s/ BRIAN L. ROBERTS
--------------------------------------
Name: Brian L. Roberts
Title: President
QVC, INC.
By /s/ NEAL S. GRABELL
--------------------------------------
Name: Neal S. Grabell
Title: General Counsel, Senior Vice
President and Secretary
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ANNEX I
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Offer, Buyer shall not be
required to accept for payment or pay for any Shares, and may terminate the
Offer, if (i) the Shares tendered pursuant to the Offer by the expiration of the
Offer and not withdrawn, together with the Shares agreed to be contributed by
Comcast and Liberty to Buyer pursuant to the Bidding Agreement (as in effect on
the date hereof), represent, on a fully diluted basis less than a majority of
the outstanding Common Shares, in each case calculated on a fully diluted basis
(the "Minimum Condition"), (ii) Buyer has not obtained sufficient financing on
terms satisfactory to it to purchase all of the outstanding Shares pursuant to
the Offer, consummate the Merger and pay related fees and expenses, (iii) the
waiting periods under the HSR Act applicable to the proposed Transactions and
the transactions contemplated by the Bidding Agreement shall not have expired or
been terminated, provided that prior to December 31, 1994, Buyer shall not
terminate the Offer by reason of nonsatisfaction of the condition in this clause
(iii) and will extend the Offer in such event (it being understood that this
provision shall not prohibit Buyer from terminating the Offer or failing to
extend the Offer by reason of the nonsatisfaction of any other condition of the
Offer), (iv) Buyer shall not be satisfied that it has received all consents as
are required from the FCC for consent to the transfer of control of the FCC
licenses listed in the QVC Disclosure Schedule or (v) at any time prior to the
acceptance for payment of Shares, any of the following conditions exist:
(a) there shall be instituted or pending any action or proceeding by
any government or governmental authority or agency, domestic or foreign, or
by any other person, domestic or foreign, before any court or governmental
authority or agency, domestic or foreign, (i) challenging or seeking to
make illegal, to delay materially or otherwise directly or indirectly to
restrain or prohibit the making of the Offer, the acceptance for payment of
or payment for some of or all the Shares by Buyer or the consummation by
Buyer of the Merger, seeking to obtain material damages or imposing any
material adverse conditions in connection therewith or otherwise directly
or indirectly relating to the transactions contemplated by the Offer or the
Merger, (ii) seeking to restrain or prohibit the exercise of full rights of
ownership or operation by Buyer or its affiliates of all or any portion of
the business or assets of QVC and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or of
Buyer or any of its affiliates, or to compel Buyer or any of its affiliates
to dispose of or hold separate all or any material portion of the business
or assets of QVC and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or of Buyer or any
of its affiliates, (iii) seeking to impose limitations on the ability of
Buyer or any of its affiliates effectively to exercise full rights of
ownership of the Shares, including, without limitation, the right to vote
any Shares acquired or owned by Buyer or any of its affiliates on all
matters properly presented to QVC's stockholders or (iv) seeking to require
divestiture by Buyer or any of its affiliates of any Shares; or
(b) there shall be any action taken, or any statute, rule, regulation,
injunction, order or decree proposed, enacted, enforced, promulgated,
issued or deemed applicable to the Offer, the acceptance for payment of or
payment for any Shares or the Merger, by any court, government or
governmental authority or agency, domestic, foreign or supranational, other
than the application of the waiting period provisions of the HSR Act to the
Offer or the Merger, that, in the reasonable judgment of Buyer, might,
directly or indirectly, result in any of the consequences referred to in
clauses (i) through (iv) of paragraph (a) above; or
(c) QVC shall have breached or failed to perform in any material
respect any of its covenants or agreements under the Merger Agreement which
has not been cured, or any of the representations and warranties of QVC set
forth in the Merger Agreement shall not be true in any material respect
when made or at any time prior to consummation of the Offer as if made at
and as of such time, in each case and shall continue to be untrue; or
(d) the Merger Agreement shall have been terminated in accordance with
its terms;
which, in the reasonable judgment of Buyer in any such case, and regardless of
the circumstances giving rise to any such condition, makes it inadvisable to
proceed with such acceptance for payment or payment.
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