<PAGE> 1
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON DECEMBER 16, 1997
REGISTRATION NO. 333-36555
================================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
---------------------
AMENDMENT NO. 2
TO
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
---------------------
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
<TABLE>
<C> <C> <C>
DELAWARE
(State or other jurisdiction 4813 94-3068423
of incorporation or (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
organization) Classification Code Number) Identification Number)
</TABLE>
---------------------
1751 PINNACLE DRIVE
NORTH TOWER -- 12TH FLOOR
MCLEAN, VA 22102
(703) 918-4500
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
---------------------
WILLIAM H. SEIPPEL
1751 PINNACLE DRIVE
NORTH TOWER -- 12TH FLOOR
MCLEAN, VA 22102
(703) 918-4558
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)
---------------------
Copies to:
<TABLE>
<C> <C>
DAVID J. BEVERIDGE, ESQ. JAMES J. CLARK, ESQ.
SHEARMAN & STERLING CAHILL GORDON & REINDEL
599 LEXINGTON AVENUE 80 PINE STREET
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022 NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10005
</TABLE>
---------------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant
to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. [ ]
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box. [ ]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ] __________________.
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier registration statement for the same
offering. [ ] __________________.
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434
under the Securities Act, please check the following box. [ ]
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SUCH
SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.
================================================================================
<PAGE> 2
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Registration Statement contains two forms of prospectus: one to be
used in connection with an underwritten public offering in the United States and
Canada of shares (the "U.S. Prospectus"), and one to be used in a
concurrent underwritten public offering outside the United States and Canada of
shares (the "International Prospectus"). The two prospectuses are
identical except for the front and back cover pages and the section entitled
"Underwriting." The form of U.S. Prospectus is included herein and is followed
by the alternate pages to be used in the International Prospectus. Each of the
alternate pages for the International Prospectus included herein is labeled
"International Prospectus -- Alternate Page." Final forms of each Prospectus
will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Rule 424(b)
under the Securities Act of 1933.
<PAGE> 3
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR
MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR
THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE
SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE
UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS
OF ANY SUCH STATE.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED DECEMBER 16, 1997
PROSPECTUS
SHARES
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
COMMON STOCK
[GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC. LOGO]
---------------------
All of the shares of Common Stock, par value $.10 per share (the "Common
Stock"), offered hereby are being offered by Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. (the
"Company"). Of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby,
shares are being offered in the United States and Canada (the "U.S. Offering")
and shares are being offered outside the United States and Canada (the
"International Offering" and, together with the U.S. Offering, the "Offerings").
The initial offering price per share and the underwriting discount per share
will be identical for both Offerings. See "Underwriting."
Prior to the Offerings, there has been no public market for the Common
Stock. The Common Stock has been approved for quotation on the Nasdaq National
Market, subject to official notice of issuance, under the symbol "GTSG."
Application will be made for listing of the Common Stock on the Amsterdam Stock
Exchange.
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 10 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS
THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE COMMON STOCK OFFERED
HEREBY.
---------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=============================================================================================================
PRICE TO UNDERWRITING PROCEEDS TO
PUBLIC DISCOUNT(1) COMPANY(2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per share......................... $ $ $
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total(3).......................... $ $ $
=============================================================================================================
</TABLE>
(1) The Company has agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters (as defined
herein) against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). See
"Underwriting."
(2) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated to be
$ .
(3) The Company has granted to the U.S. Underwriters (as defined herein) and the
International Managers (as defined herein) options, exercisable within 30
days of the date hereof, to purchase up to an additional and
additional shares of Common Stock, respectively, solely to cover
over-allotments, if any. See "Underwriting." If such options are exercised
in full, the total Price to Public, Underwriting Discount and Proceeds to
the Company will be $ , $ and $ , respectively.
---------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO. IS THE BOOKRUNNER OF THE OFFERINGS.
---------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
GLOBAL COORDINATOR CO-GLOBAL COORDINATOR
MERRILL LYNCH & CO. UBS SECURITIES
</TABLE>
---------------------
The shares of Common Stock are offered by the several Underwriters, subject
to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to
approval of certain legal matters by counsel for the Underwriters and certain
other conditions. The Underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or
modify such offer and to reject orders in whole or in part. It is expected that
delivery of the shares of Common Stock will be made in New York, New York on or
about , 1998.
---------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO. DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
SECURITIES CORPORATION
UBS SECURITIES
LEHMAN BROTHERS
FURMAN SELZ
---------------------
The date of this Prospectus is , 1998.
<PAGE> 4
[INSIDE FRONT COVER]
[PHOTOGRAPHS]
CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THE OFFERINGS MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS THAT
STABILIZE, MAINTAIN, OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK. SUCH
TRANSACTIONS MAY INCLUDE STABILIZING AND THE PURCHASE OF COMMON STOCK TO COVER
SYNDICATE SHORT POSITIONS. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE
"UNDERWRITING".
ii
<PAGE> 5
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") in Washington, D.C. a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (as
amended, the "Registration Statement") of which this Prospectus is a part under
the Securities Act with respect to the Common Stock offered hereby. This
Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration
Statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto. Statements made in this
Prospectus as to the contents of any contract, agreement or other document are
summaries of the material terms of such contract, agreement or other document.
With respect to each such contract, agreement or other document filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement, reference is made to the exhibit. The
Registration Statement (including the exhibits and schedules thereto) may be
inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, D.C.
20549 and will also be available for inspection and copying at the regional
offices of the Commission located at Seven World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New
York, New York 10048 and at Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street (Suite
1400), Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such material may also be obtained
from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. The Commission also maintains a Web
site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other
information regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission.
The address of such site is http://www.sec.gov.
Upon completion of the Offerings, the Company will be subject to the
informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "Exchange Act"), and, in accordance therewith, will file reports, proxy and
information statements and other information with the Commission. Such reports,
proxy and information statements and other information can be inspected and
copied at the addresses set forth above. The Company intends to furnish its
stockholders with annual reports containing consolidated financial statements
audited by its independent accountants and with quarterly reports containing
unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for each of the first
three quarters of each fiscal year.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations,
beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often,
but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "will likely
result," "are expected to," "will continue," "is anticipated," "estimated,"
"intends," "plans," "projection" and "outlook") are not historical facts and may
be forward-looking and, accordingly, such statements involve estimates,
assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ
materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Accordingly,
any such statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to, and are
accompanied by, the factors discussed throughout this Prospectus, and
particularly in the risk factors set forth herein under "Risk Factors." Among
the key factors that have a direct bearing on the Company's results of
operations are the potential risk of delay in implementing the Company's
business plan; the political, economic and legal aspects of the markets in which
the Company operates; competition and the Company's need for additional
substantial financing. These and other factors are discussed herein under "Risk
Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations," "Business" and elsewhere in this Prospectus.
The risk factors described herein could cause actual results or outcomes to
differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements of the
Company made by or on behalf of the Company, and investors, therefore, should
not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Further, any
forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is
made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking
statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on
which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated
events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for
management to predict all of such factors. Further, management cannot assess the
impact of each such factor on the Company's business or the extent to which any
factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially
from those contained in any forward-looking statements.
---------------------
Russia On Line(TM) is a trademark of the Company.
iii
<PAGE> 6
SUMMARY
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information and financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus
(this "Prospectus"). Unless otherwise indicated, (i) the term "GTS" or the
"Company" refers to Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. (and, when appropriate, to
its predecessor) and its subsidiaries, (ii) references to the number of shares
of common stock outstanding after the Offerings assume the Underwriters'
over-allotment option has not been exercised and (iii) the information in this
Prospectus (other than the audited financial statements) gives effect to a
3-for-2 stock split of the common stock effected in December 1997. See "Exhibit
A -- Glossary of Telecommunications Industry Terms" for definitions of acronyms
and technical telecommunications terms used in this Prospectus.
THE COMPANY
GTS is a provider of a broad range of telecommunications services to
businesses, other telecommunications service providers and consumers in Russia,
the Commonwealth of Independent States ("CIS") and Central Europe. Through its
subsidiary Hermes Europe Railtel B.V. ("HER"), GTS is developing, and operating
the initial segments of, a pan-European high capacity fiber optic network that
is designed to interconnect a majority of the largest Western and Central
European cities and to transport international voice, data and multimedia/image
traffic for other carriers throughout Western and Central Europe. GTS's strategy
to develop its businesses generally has been to establish joint ventures with a
strong local partner or partners while maintaining a significant degree of
operational control. The Company's business activities consist of the ownership
and operation of (i) international long distance businesses, which operate
through international gateways that provide international switching services and
transmission capacity, (ii) local access networks, which provide local telephone
service, (iii) cellular networks, which provide wireless telecommunications
services, (iv) a domestic long distance business, (v) data networks and (vi)
carriers' carrier networks, which provide high volume transmission capacity to
other carriers.
In Russia and the CIS, GTS's objective is to become the premier alternative
telecommunications operator. To attain its objective, the Company has partnered
with regional telephone companies and with Rostelecom, the national long
distance carrier in Russia. The Company currently operates in 24 oblasts
(regions) and the city of Moscow in Russia, as well as in 11 additional cities
in the CIS, and believes it is well-positioned to become the leading independent
telecommunications service provider in Russia. These businesses include: (i) EDN
Sovintel ("Sovintel"), which provides Moscow, and recently St. Petersburg, with
international long distance and local telephone services and access to the major
domestic long distance carriers; (ii) TeleCommunications of Moscow ("TCM"),
which provides local access services in Moscow; (iii) TeleRoss (as defined
herein), which provides domestic long distance services in fourteen cities in
Russia, including Moscow, as well as Very Small Aperture Terminal ("VSAT")
service to customers outside its primary long distance satellite network; (iv)
Sovam Teleport ("Sovam"), which provides data services, including high-speed
data transmission, electronic mail, Internet access services, as well as Russia
On Line, the first Russian language internet service; and (v) the Company's
cellular operations ("GTS Cellular"), which operate cellular networks in twelve
regions in Russia and also in Kiev, Ukraine, with licenses covering regions with
an aggregate population of approximately 25 million people at the end of 1996.
Whenever practical, GTS's businesses integrate and co-market their service
offerings in Russia and the CIS, utilizing TeleRoss as the domestic long
distance provider, Sovintel as the international gateway, TCM and GTS Cellular
for local access, and Sovam as the data communications and Internet access
network for business applications and on-line services. Together, GTS's Russian
and CIS ventures carried 202.5 million and 291.3 million minutes of traffic for
the year ended December 31, 1996 and the nine months ended September 30, 1997,
respectively, and had approximately 24,600 customers, including approximately
16,300 cellular subscribers, as of September 30, 1997. See "Business -- Russia
and the CIS."
In Western Europe, GTS seeks to position itself as the leading independent
carriers' carrier through the development of two ventures, HER and GTS-Monaco
Access S.A.M. ("GTS-Monaco Access") HER's objective is to become the leading
pan-European carriers' carrier by providing centrally managed cross-border
telecommunications transmission capacity to telecommunications companies
including traditional Public
1
<PAGE> 7
Telecommunications Operators ("PTOs") and new entrants, such as alternative
carriers, global consortia of telecommunications operators, international
carriers, Internet backbone networks, resellers, value-added networks and other
service providers ("New Entrants") on an approximately 18,000 kilometer high
capacity fiber optic network designed to interconnect a majority of the largest
Western and Central European cities. HER is currently operating over an
approximately 1,700-kilometer portion of the network linking Brussels, Antwerp,
Rotterdam, Amsterdam, London and Paris. HER expects to roll out full
telecommunications transport service over approximately 2,900 kilometers of
fiber optic cable linking the cities of London, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Antwerp,
Brussels, Paris, Dusseldorf, and Frankfurt (the "initial five country network")
in the second quarter of 1998. The full 18,000 kilometer network is expected to
become fully operational during the year 2000. HER also plans to lease capacity
on a transatlantic cable linking the European network to North America and is
exploring various interconnectivity options to Russia and Asia. Such
intercontinental interconnectivity will help HER satisfy the needs of is
European customers with respect to outgoing traffic and attract additional
non-European customers with traffic terminating in Europe. HER commenced
commercial service over the Brussels-Amsterdam portion of the network in late
1996 and the London-Paris portion in November 1997. GTS-Monaco Access operates
an international gateway in Monaco in partnership with, and utilizing the
existing gateway infrastructure of, the Principality of Monaco and provides
transit and routing of international calls to other telecommunications
operators. Through its HER and GTS-Monaco Access ventures, GTS is building a new
network for transporting voice, data and multimedia/image traffic for other
carriers throughout Western and Central Europe and for worldwide international
voice, data and multimedia/image traffic that either originates or terminates
in, or transits through, Western and Central Europe. See "Business -- Western
Europe."
In Central Europe, GTS's objective is to become one of the leading
alternative telecommunications providers in the region. GTS currently provides
private data communications services to government and commercial customers in
Hungary and the Czech Republic. In the Czech Republic, the Company provides
outgoing voice services and operates an international gateway and a data
services network. In Hungary, GTS operates a VSAT network, which GTS believes is
the largest VSAT network in Central Europe as measured by number of VSAT sites.
The Company has also signed an agreement to provide international data services
in Poland, subject to the receipt of necessary governmental approvals. GTS's
strategy is to expand its service offerings as the regulatory environment
permits, leverage its existing VSAT and international gateway infrastructure
where possible and provide a broad range of services to its target markets.
Although GTS does not currently own or operate significant
telecommunication assets in Asia, GTS's objective is to become an established
and diversified telecommunications provider in China and India. GTS seeks to
leverage its position in these countries to capitalize on opportunities as they
arise.
2
<PAGE> 8
The following table sets forth certain information for the principal
ventures through which the Company conducts its business:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COUNTRY/REGION GTS PRINCIPAL
COMPANY NAME OF OPERATIONS OWNERSHIP PARTNERS BUSINESS
------------ -------------- ------------ ------------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CIS
Sovintel......................... Russia 50% Rostelecom International Long
Distance; Local
Access
TCM.............................. Russia 50%(1) MTU Inform and Local Access Lines
others
TeleRoss......................... Russia 50%(2) Various local PTOs Domestic Long
Distance
Sovam............................ Russia 67%(3) Institute for Data and Internet
Automated Systems
GTS Cellular..................... CIS 25-70%(4) Primarily various Basic Cellular
local PTOs
WESTERN EUROPE
HER.............................. Western Europe 79%(5) Various Carriers' Carrier
GTS-Monaco Access................ Monaco 50% Principality of Carriers' Carrier;
Monaco International
Gateway
CENTRAL EUROPE
GTS-Hungary...................... Hungary 99% -- VSAT Network
EuroHivo......................... Hungary 70% Microsystems Paging Services
Telecom Rt.;
Gerard Aircraft
Sales and Leasing
Company
CzechNet......................... Czech Republic 100% -- International Long
Distance
CzechCom......................... Czech Republic 100% -- Data and Internet
ASIA
V-Tech........................... China 75% Shanghai Science VSAT Network
and Technology
Investment
Corporation
Beijing Tianmu................... China 47% China International VSAT Network
Travel Service
Telecom Co.,
Ltd.(6)
CDI.............................. India 100% -- Voice, Data and
Internet
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) GTS holds a 50% indirect interest in TCM through its 52.6% interest in
GTS-Vox Limited, an intermediate holding company.
(2) TeleRoss consists of (i) two wholly-owned holding companies and a 99% owned
subsidiary that operates a domestic long distance network (collectively,
"TeleRoss Operating Company") and (ii) thirteen joint ventures that are 50%
beneficially-owned by GTS (the "TeleRoss Ventures"). See "Business -- Russia
and the CIS -- TeleRoss."
(3) GTS has reached an agreement in principle to purchase its partner's interest
in Sovam and expects to consummate the transaction in January 1998, thereby
making Sovam a wholly owned subsidiary of GTS.
(4) GTS conducts its cellular operations through (i) Vostok Mobile B.V. ("Vostok
Mobile"), a wholly owned GTS subsidiary, which owns between 50% and 70% of a
series of 11 cellular joint ventures in various regions in Russia, (ii)
PrimTelefone, a 50% owned venture in Vladivostok and four other cities in
the Primorsky region of Russia and (iii) Bancomsvyaz, an approximately 25%
beneficially-owned venture in Kiev, Ukraine. GTS intends to enter into the
cellular markets of additional Russian regions through Vostok Mobile. See
"Business -- Russia and the CIS -- GTS Cellular."
(5) GTS currently owns approximately 79% of HER. The Company's interest is
expected to decrease due to the issuance of shares to certain HER executives
under the proposed HER stock option plan. See "Executive Compensation and
Other Information -- HER 1994 Stock Option Plan."
(6) GTS owns 75% of GTS China Investments LLC ("GCI"), which owns 90% of
American China Investment Corporation ("ACIC"). ACIC owns 70% of the Beijing
Tianmu China joint venture company.
3
<PAGE> 9
BUSINESS STRATEGY
GTS seeks to develop businesses to meet the rapidly expanding market demand
for telecommunications services. GTS's goal in emerging markets is to establish
itself as the leading alternative to the incumbent telecommunications service
providers and as a premier provider of value-added services. In addition, the
Company seeks to position itself as the leading independent carriers' carrier
within Western and Central Europe through the development of a pan-European
fiber optic network and an international gateway in Monaco.
GTS believes that it will be able to successfully operate its businesses
and develop business opportunities by pursuing the following strategies:
- Identify and Seize Early Market Opportunities. GTS's primary strategy is
to identify less developed markets in which the incumbent operator offers
inadequate service and where liberalization of telecommunications
regulations may be pending. The Company believes that entering these less
developed markets quickly is a key competitive advantage in the global
telecommunications market. GTS leverages its management's knowledge of the
markets in which the Company operates to assess and react quickly when
attractive business opportunities arise.
- Establish Joint Ventures with Experienced Local Partners. GTS seeks to
establish and maintain strategic partnerships and relationships with key
telecommunications operators and service providers in the countries in
which it operates. The Company believes that these relationships increase
its ability to anticipate and respond to changes in the regulatory and
legal environment and assist with license renewal and expansion of its
operating companies.
- Retain Significant Operational Control. In general, GTS actively
participates in the management of its ventures by (i) providing most of
the funding for the ventures' operations, (ii) selecting key members of
the local management team, (iii) developing business plans and marketing
strategies together with local management, (iv) monitoring operating
functions, (v) maintaining close working relationships with local partners
and (vi) integrating its networks and businesses in a manner which is
consistent with the Company's overall strategic objectives.
- Build Infrastructure to Provide High Quality Services. GTS continues to
develop and expand its network infrastructure. The Company believes that
its networks offer service, quality and cost advantages over incumbent
providers as a result of the Company's customer support, network
monitoring, management systems and its ability to integrate and co-market
its service offerings.
- Leverage Management Depth and Experience. GTS's management has
significant experience in the development and operation of
telecommunications businesses outside the United States. The Company
believes that this experience, together with the Company's extensive
operations, has provided its management with the ability to identify,
evaluate and pursue international telecommunications business
opportunities. Additionally, GTS has assembled a management team comprised
of executives with extensive experience managing telecommunications
companies in the respective local markets. GTS believes that its
management team possesses a broad knowledge of relevant political and
regulatory structures, as well as the cultural awareness and fluency with
international and local business practices necessary to implement the
Company's objectives.
- Ability to Access Capital. In general, the Company's financing strategy
is to establish parent level funding to meet general corporate needs and
the costs of start-ups and acquisitions and, when it is possible and
cost-effective, to finance ongoing operations at the venture level. Since
1993, the Company has raised approximately $268 million in equity and
approximately $215 million of debt (of which approximately $74 million
was raised through shareholders). In addition, HER completed a $265
million private placement of senior notes (of which $56.5 million was
placed into escrow for the first two years' interest payments) in 1997.
The Company's principal investors include affiliates of George Soros and
Alan B. Slifka and certain of his affiliates.
4
<PAGE> 10
In addition to its overall business strategy, GTS has developed specific
market strategies to achieve its goals in emerging markets and Western Europe.
Emerging Markets. The Company pursues its goals in emerging markets through
a three-stage approach of market entry, market expansion and market integration.
- Market Entry. GTS identifies a market as a suitable target for entry
based upon: (i) superior growth prospects for such market, demonstrated
by growing demand for high quality telecommunications services; (ii) the
provision of inadequate services by incumbent providers, typically
resulting from the incumbents' unwillingness to offer high quality
services with reliable customer support at attractive prices; and (iii)
attractive regulatory environments in which emerging alternative
telecommunications providers such as GTS have, or expect to have over a
clearly defined time horizon, the ability to compete on a substantially
equal basis with the incumbent providers in terms of certain services and
the cost of providing those services. Once GTS has identified a market as
suitable for entry, the Company seeks to establish its presence in that
market by establishing a venture with a strong local partner or partners.
In general, GTS maintains a significant degree of operational control in
such ventures. Through such ventures, the Company benefits from its
partners' ability to provide infrastructure, regulatory expertise and
personnel that will provide GTS with a competitive advantage in entering
that market. When entering a new market, GTS's strategy is to provide its
customers with higher quality service as compared to the services offered
by incumbent providers.
- Market Expansion. Having entered a market successfully and established a
limited service offering to its targeted customer base, GTS then seeks to
expand the range of services it offers to existing and potential
customers and to further develop its relationships with local partners.
By broadening its service offerings, GTS anticipates achieving increased
economies of scale through the common use of administrative and operating
functions already in place, increasing the Company's share of its
customers' telecommunications spending and expanding GTS's base of
potential customers through the provision of a bundled service offering.
The Company also seeks to expand its targeted geographic market by
forming new partnerships, installing infrastructure and offering services
in additional geographic regions, allowing the Company to further enhance
its operating leverage and ability to service its customers'
telecommunications needs.
- Market Integration. GTS ultimately intends to integrate and co-market its
service offerings in each of the markets in which it operates. The
Company believes such integration enables it to enhance its operating
efficiency by leveraging its distribution channels, infrastructure and
networks, and management information systems. As customers develop a need
for a broader variety of telecommunications services, the Company
believes GTS's integrated operations will represent an attractive service
alternative for customers seeking a single provider with the ability to
meet all their telecommunications needs.
Western Europe. The Company seeks to position itself as the leading
independent carriers' carrier within Western Europe through the development of
HER's pan-European fiber optic network and the operation of GTS-Monaco Access's
international gateway in partnership with, and utilizing the gateway
infrastructure of, the Principality of Monaco. The overall strategy of GTS in
Western Europe is to complement and enhance the services provided by PTOs and
New Entrants in a way that helps them to more successfully meet the needs of
their end-user customers. HER seeks to enter the market ahead of competition and
encourage a wide variety of carriers to use its network with service offerings
that meet their needs. To establish itself as the leading carriers' carrier for
international telecommunications within Europe, HER intends to provide its
customers with significantly higher quality transmission and advanced network
capabilities at a competitive price by utilizing advanced, uniform technology
across the region and providing redundant routing for higher levels of
reliability.
5
<PAGE> 11
FINANCING PLAN
In general, the Company's strategy is to finance general corporate cash
needs, the development of start-up ventures and acquisitions through the parent
company and, when possible and cost effective, to finance ongoing operations at
the venture level. Since 1993, the Company has raised approximately $268 million
in equity and approximately $215 million of debt (of which approximately $74
million was raised through shareholders). In addition, HER completed a $265
million private placement of senior notes (of which $56.5 million was placed
into escrow for the first two years' interest payments) in 1997.
The Company believes that the net proceeds from the Offerings, together
with existing cash, will be sufficient to fund its expected capital needs until
at least June 1999. GTS expects that it may require additional capital to
execute its current business plan and to fund expected operating losses, as well
as to consummate future acquisitions and exploit opportunities to expand and
develop its businesses. Management expects that GTS and its ventures will incur
over $550 million of capital expenditures during the next three years, of which
approximately $235 million will be incurred in 1998. Of these amounts,
approximately $290 million will be used to fund construction of the HER network,
with approximately $35 million required for the roll out of the initial five
country network that is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 1998.
The Company also will need to fund operating losses of its ventures for at least
the next 12 months. In addition, as part of its business strategy, the Company
regularly evaluates potential acquisitions and joint ventures. The Company has
no definitive agreement with respect to any acquisition or joint venture,
although from time to time it has discussions with other companies and assesses
opportunities on an on-going basis. The Company may fund these acquisitions or
joint ventures with a portion of the net proceeds from the Offerings. See "Risk
Factors -- Additional Capital Requirements" and "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and
Capital Resources."
After giving effect to the Offerings, certain affiliates of George Soros
and Alan B. Slifka and certain affiliates are expected to own % and %
of the Common Stock on a fully-diluted basis, respectively. See "Principal
Stockholders."
* * *
The Company was founded in 1983 as a not-for-profit company under the name
San Francisco/Moscow Teleport, Inc. The Company was incorporated as a California
for-profit corporation on September 25, 1986, and by way of a reincorporation
merger, merged with and into SFMT, Inc., a Delaware corporation formed for that
purpose on September 13, 1993. The Company was renamed Global TeleSystems Group,
Inc., on February 22, 1995. The Company's principal business office is located
at 1751 Pinnacle Drive, North Tower-12th Floor, McLean, Virginia 22102, United
States, and its telephone number is (703) 918-4500.
6
<PAGE> 12
THE OFFERINGS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Common Stock offered by the Company
U.S. Offering...................................... shares
International Offering............................. shares
Total...................................... shares
Common Stock to be outstanding after the
Offerings(1)....................................... shares
Use of Proceeds...................................... The Company intends to use the net proceeds
from the Offerings to provide working capital
for existing telecommunications ventures,
particularly in Russia and the CIS, to expand
the Company's operations, and for general
corporate purposes. The Company is also
considering using a portion of the net
proceeds to repay shareholder loans of $70
million (plus accrued interest). In addition,
a portion of the net proceeds may be used by
the Company in connection with one or more
acquisitions. See "Use of Proceeds."
Listing.............................................. The Common Stock has been approved for
quotation on the Nasdaq National Market,
subject to official notice of issuance, under
the symbol "GTSG". Application will be made
for listing the Common Stock on the Amsterdam
Stock Exchange.
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Excludes (i) 7,777,776 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon
exercise of outstanding warrants at an exercise price of $9.33 per share,
(ii) 713,310 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of a
put right associated with a 1996 financing agreement, as amended, (iii)
6,310,782 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of
outstanding stock options at exercise prices ranging from $0.53 per share to
$15.67 per share, (iv) shares issuable upon conversion of the
Company's Senior Subordinated Convertible Bonds due 2000 (the "Convertible
Bonds") (assuming a public offering price in the Offerings of $ per
share) and (v) 617,040 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance pursuant
to the TCM business partnership agreement as deferred consideration to TCM's
partners. See "Certain Related Party Transactions."
RISK FACTORS
See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 10 for a discussion of certain factors
that should be considered by prospective investors in evaluating an investment
in the Common Stock.
7
<PAGE> 13
SUMMARY HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following summary historical consolidated financial data as of December
31, 1996 and for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 are derived
from the Company's audited Consolidated Financial Statements. The following
unaudited summary historical consolidated financial data as of September 30,
1997 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1997 are derived from
the Company's unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements. The summary
historical consolidated financial data presented below should be read in
conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations," and the audited Consolidated Financial Statements
and related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
Under generally accepted accounting principles, a majority of the Company's
ventures are accounted for by the equity method of accounting. Under this
method, the operating results of the ventures are included in the Company's
Consolidated Statement of Operations as a single line item, "Equity in losses of
ventures." The Company recognizes 100% of the losses in ventures where the
Company bears all of the financial risk (which includes all of the Company's
significant ventures except for Sovintel and, historically, HER). Also, the
assets, liabilities and equity of the ventures are included in the Company's
Consolidated Balance Sheets as a single line item, "Investments in and advances
to ventures." See Note 2 to the Company's audited Consolidated Financial
Statements and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations -- Overview." Financial information about the Company's
equity ventures is included below under "Supplemental Information -- Summary
Historical Financial Data -- Equity Investments."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------------------ ----------------------
1994 1995 1996 1996 1997(1)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues, net........................... $ 2,468 $ 8,412 $ 24,117 $ 14,639 $ 30,216
Gross margin............................ 23 16 5,176 1,758 1,864
Operating expenses...................... 12,863 41,014 52,928 35,725 52,059
Equity in losses of ventures............ (135) (7,871) (10,150) (6,999) (18,234)
Other income (expense).................. 990 11,034 (8,729) (6,535) (16,902)
Net loss................................ (11,985) (40,400) (67,991) (48,473) (87,872)
Loss per share..........................
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
1996 1997(1)
------------ -------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 57,874 $366,841
Property and equipment, net............................... 35,463 60,728
Investments in and advances to ventures................... 104,459 84,068
Total assets.............................................. 237,378 647,788
Total debt................................................ 85,547 502,482
Minority interest and stock subject to repurchase......... 6,248 32,764
Shareholders' equity...................................... 113,668 57,403
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) As a result of the Company's increase in ownership interest and amendment to
the HER Shareholders Agreement that was completed on July 16, 1997, the
Company accounts for its ownership interest in HER following the
consolidation as opposed to the equity method of accounting.
8
<PAGE> 14
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION -- SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
[THE COMPANY IS CURRENTLY EVALUATING THE DISCLOSURE THAT IT INTENDS TO PRESENT.]
9
<PAGE> 15
RISK FACTORS
ADDITIONAL CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
GTS expects that it may require additional capital to execute its current
business plan and to fund expected operating losses, as well as to consummate
future acquisitions and exploit opportunities to expand and develop its
businesses. Management expects that GTS and its ventures will incur over $550
million of capital expenditures during the next three years, of which
approximately $235 million will be incurred in 1998. Of these amounts,
approximately $290 million will be used to fund construction of the HER network,
with approximately $35 million required for the roll out of the initial five
country network that is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 1998.
The Company also will need to fund operating losses of its ventures for at least
the next 12 months. In addition, as part of its business strategy, the Company
regularly evaluates potential acquisitions and joint ventures. The Company has
no definitive agreement with respect to any material acquisition or joint
venture, although from time to time it has discussions with other companies and
assesses opportunities on an on-going basis. The Company may fund such
acquisitions or joint ventures with a portion of the net proceeds from the
Offerings.
The Company believes that the net proceeds from the Offerings, together
with existing cash, will be sufficient to fund its expected capital needs until
at least June 1999. The actual amount and timing of the Company's future capital
requirements, however, may differ materially from management's estimates. In
particular, the accuracy of management's estimates are subject to changes and
fluctuations in the Company's revenues, operating costs and development
expenses, which can be affected by the Company's ability to (i) effectively and
efficiently manage the expansion of the HER network and operations, (ii) obtain
infrastructure contracts, rights-of-way, licenses and other regulatory approvals
necessary to complete and operate the HER network, (iii) negotiate favorable
contracts with suppliers, including large volume discounts on purchases of
capital equipment and (iv) access markets, attract sufficient numbers of
customers and provide and develop services for which customers will subscribe.
The Company's revenues and costs are also dependent upon factors that are not
within the Company's control such as regulatory changes, changes in technology,
increased competition and various factors such as strikes, weather, and
performance by third-parties in connection with the Company's operations. Due to
the uncertainty of these factors, actual revenues and costs may vary from
expected amounts, possibly to a material degree, and such variations are likely
to affect the Company's future capital requirements. Historically, GTS has
experienced liquidity problems resulting in part from the Company's need to meet
the capital requirements of certain of its joint ventures in excess of forecast
amounts. In addition, certain of the Company's joint ventures have not met
management's financial performance expectations or have not been able to secure
local country financing and thus have not been able to generate the expected
cash inflows. In addition, if the Company expands its operations at an
accelerated rate or consummates acquisitions, the Company's funding needs will
increase, possible to a significant degree, and it will expend its capital
resources sooner than currently expected. The Company may also be required to
repay its Convertible Bonds upon maturity in the year 2000 to the extent such
bonds are not converted into Common Stock. As a result of the foregoing, or if
the Company's capital resources otherwise prove to be insufficient, the Company
may need to raise additional capital. See "-- Government Regulation,"
"-- Competition," "-- Technology," "-- HER Network Roll-out," "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and
"Use of Proceeds."
If the Company decides to raise additional funds through the incurrence of
debt, it may become subject to additional or more restrictive financial
covenants and its interest obligations will increase. If the Company decides to
raise additional funds through the issuance of equity, the interests of holders
of the Common Stock, will be diluted. There can be no assurance that additional
financing will be available to GTS on favorable terms or at all, and failure to
generate sufficient funds in the future, whether from operations or by raising
additional debt or equity capital, may require the Company to delay or abandon
some or all of its anticipated expenditures, to sell assets, or both, and could
affect the Company's ability to compete, either of which could have a material
adverse effect on the operations of the Company, and could affect the value of
the Common Stock. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and "Use of Proceeds."
10
<PAGE> 16
HISTORY OF OPERATING LOSSES
The Company has historically sustained substantial operating and net
losses. The Company had net losses of $0.4 million in 1992, $2.4 million in
1993, $12.0 million in 1994, $40.4 million in 1995, $68.0 million in 1996 and
$87.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997. The Company's
cumulative net losses totalled $213.8 million from inception through September
30, 1997. Further development of the Company's business will require significant
additional expenditures and the Company expects that it will have significant
operating and net losses and will record significant net cash outflow, before
financing, in coming years. There can be no assurance that the Company's
operations will achieve or sustain profitability or positive cash flow in the
future. If the Company cannot achieve and sustain operating profitability or
positive cash flow from operations, it may not be able to meet its debt service
obligations or working capital requirements. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
HER NETWORK ROLL-OUT
HER's ability to achieve its strategic objective will depend in large part
on the successful, timely and cost-effective completion of the HER network.
Although HER currently operates commercially over an approximately 1,700
kilometer portion of the network linking Brussels, Antwerp, Rotterdam,
Amsterdam, London and Paris, the development of the remainder of the network may
be delayed or adversely affected by a variety of factors, uncertainties and
contingencies. Many of these factors, such as strikes, natural disasters and
other casualties, are beyond HER's control. In addition, HER will need to
negotiate and conclude additional agreements with various parties regarding,
among other things, rights-of-way and development and maintenance of the network
infrastructure and equipment. Historically, HER has experienced substantial
delays in concluding these agreements and developing its network. There can be
no assurance that HER will be successful in concluding necessary agreements, or
that delays in concluding such agreements will not materially and adversely
affect the speed or successful completion of the network. The successful and
timely completion of the network will also depend on, among other things, (i)
the availability to HER of substantial amounts of additional capital and
financing, (ii) timely performance by various third parties of their contractual
obligations to engineer, design and construct portions of the network and (iii)
HER's ability to obtain and maintain applicable governmental approvals.
HER expects to roll out full telecommunications service over the initial
five country network in the second quarter of 1998, and the 18,000 kilometer
network to be operational during the year 2000. Although HER believes that its
cost estimates and the build-out schedule are reasonable, there can be no
assurance that the actual construction costs or time required to complete the
network build-out will not substantially exceed current estimates.
Any significant delay or increase in the costs associated with development
of the HER network could have a material adverse effect on HER and the Company.
Development of the HER network is capital intensive. The buildout of the
network is expected to require approximately $335 million of capital
expenditures, with approximately $100 million required for the initial five
country network. While HER raised approximately $265 million in a private
placement of its senior notes in August 1997 (of which $56.5 million has been
placed in escrow for the first two years' interest payments on the notes),
additional financing must be obtained to construct the HER network and there can
be no assurance that such additional financing will be completed. Failure to
obtain necessary financing may require HER to delay or abandon its plans for
deploying the remainder of the network and would adversely affect the viability
of HER, or may require the Company to make additional capital contributions to
HER at the expense of the Company's other operations, either of which could have
a material adverse effect on the operations of the Company. HER's revenues and
the cost of deploying its network and operating its business will depend upon a
variety of factors including, among other things, HER's ability to (i)
effectively and efficiently manage the expansion of its network and operations,
(ii) negotiate favorable contracts with suppliers, (iii) obtain additional
licenses, regulatory approvals, rights-of-way and infrastructure contracts to
complete and operate the network, (iv) access markets and attract sufficient
numbers of customers and (v) provide and develop services for which customers
will subscribe. HER's revenues and costs are also dependent upon factors that
11
<PAGE> 17
are not within HER's control such as regulatory changes, changes in technology,
increased competition and various factors such as strikes, weather and
performance by third-parties in connection with the development of the network.
Due to the uncertainty of these factors, actual costs and revenues may vary from
expected amounts, possibly to a material degree, and such variations would
likely affect HER's future capital requirements. See "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and
Capital Resources." HER must obtain additional infrastructure provider
agreements for the long-term lease of dark fiber, rights-of-way and other
permits to install fiber optic cable from railroads, utilities and governmental
authorities to build out the network. There can be no assurance that HER will be
able to maintain all of its existing agreements, rights and permits or to obtain
and maintain the additional agreements, rights and permits needed to implement
its business plan on acceptable terms. Loss of substantial agreements, rights
and permits or the failure to enter into and maintain required arrangements for
the HER network could have a material adverse effect to enter on HER's business.
In addition, HER depends on third parties for leases of dark fiber for
substantial portions of its network. There can be no assurance that HER will be
able to enter into and maintain required arrangements for leased portions of the
HER network, which could have a material adverse effect on HER's business.
In order to operate and, in the case of some countries, even to construct
the network in accordance with current plans, HER must obtain the necessary
regulatory approvals. To date, HER has obtained licenses, authorizations and/or
registrations in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and
France and has obtained a trial concession to operate in Switzerland. In
addition, HER intends to file applications in other countries in anticipation of
service launch in accordance with the HER network roll-out plan. The terms and
conditions of these licenses, authorizations or registrations may limit or
otherwise affect HER scope of operations. There can be no assurance that HER
will be able to obtain, maintain or renew licenses, authorizations or
registrations to provide the services it currently provides and plans to
provide, that such licenses, authorizations or registrations will be issued or
renewed on terms or with fees that are commercially viable, or that the
licenses, authorizations or registrations required in the future can be obtained
by HER. The loss of, or failure to obtain, these licenses, authorizations or
registrations or a substantial limitation upon the terms of these licenses,
authorizations or registrations could have a material adverse effect on HER. See
"Business -- Western Europe -- HER -- Licenses and Regulatory Issues."
RISKS RELATING TO REORGANIZATION OF RUSSIAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY
Svyazinvest was established by the Russian government in 1994 to hold the
government's interest in 88 regional telecommunication companies. In April 1997,
President Yeltsin approved the transfer of additional government-owned
telecommunications assets, including the government's 51% stake in Rostelecom
(the government controlled international and long distance operator), to
Svyazinvest. On July 30, 1997, Mustcom Ltd., a Cyprus-based company that
represents the interests of a consortium which includes ICFI Cyprus, Renaissance
International Ltd., Deutsche Morgan Grenfell, Morgan Stanley, and an affiliate
of George Soros, purchased a 25% stake in Svyazinvest for $1.87 billion. As of
September 30, 1997, affiliates of George Soros beneficially owned 25.8% of the
Company's Common Stock. The President has also authorized the sale of another
24% of Svyazinvest at a future date. This sale is scheduled to occur in the
first half of 1998 and is currently reserved solely for Russian investors. The
Russian government has announced that it will retain a controlling 51% interest
in Svyazinvest. As a result of the government's actions, a single entity,
Svyazinvest, now owns a majority interest in most of the Company's principal
venture partners and other telecommunication service providers in Russia which
together provide a range of international and domestic long distance and local
telecommunications services throughout Russia. The consolidation of many of its
partners under Svyazinvest and the possible sale of a significant interest in
Svyazinvest to foreign and/or Russian investors will likely subject the Company
to more coordinated competition from Svyazinvest, and may lead to adverse
changes in the business relationships between the Company and such partners,
which business relationships represent a material component of the Company's
business strategy in Russia. There can be no assurance that the continuing
privatization of Svyazinvest, or the evolution of government policy regarding
Svyazinvest and Rostelecom, will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company or its ventures. See "-- Competition," "-- Dependence on Certain Local
Parties; Absence of Control" and "Business -- Russia and the CIS -- Overview"
and "Principal Stockholders."
12
<PAGE> 18
MANAGING RAPID GROWTH
As a result of the Company's past and expected continued growth and
expansion, significant demands have been placed on the Company's management,
operational and financial resources and on its systems and controls. The Company
continues to construct segments of the HER network, expand its operations within
Russia and the CIS and expand into additional geographic and service markets
when business and regulatory conditions warrant. In order to manage its growth
effectively, the Company must continue to implement and improve its operational
and financial systems and controls, purchase and utilize additional
telecommunications facilities and expand, train and manage its employee base.
Inaccuracies in the Company's forecasts of market demand could result in
insufficient or excessive telecommunications facilities and disproportionate
fixed expenses for certain of its operations. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to construct and operate the entire HER network as
currently planned, expand with the markets in which its ventures are currently
operating or expand into additional markets at the rate presently planned by the
Company, or that any existing regulatory barriers to such expansion will be
reduced or eliminated. As the Company proceeds with its development and
expansion, there will be additional demands on the Company's customer support,
sales and marketing and administrative resources and network infrastructure.
There can be no assurance that the operating and financial control systems and
infrastructure of the Company and its ventures will be adequate to maintain and
effectively manage future growth. The failure to continue to upgrade the
administrative, operating and financial control systems or the emergence of
unexpected expansion difficulties could materially and adversely affect the
Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.
RISKS RELATING TO EMERGING MARKETS
Substantially all of the Company's revenue is derived from operations in
emerging markets, where the Company's businesses are subject to numerous risks
and uncertainties, including political, economic and legal risks, such as
unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, tariffs, customs, duties and
other trade barriers, difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations,
problems in collecting accounts receivable, political risks, fluctuations in
currency exchange rates, foreign exchange controls which restrict or prohibit
repatriation of funds, technology export and import restrictions or
prohibitions, delays from customs brokers or government agencies, seasonal
reductions in business activity, and potentially adverse tax consequences
resulting from operating in multiple jurisdictions with different tax laws,
which could materially adversely impact the Company's business, results of
operations and financial condition.
The political systems of many of the emerging market countries in which the
Company operates or plans to operate are slowly emerging from a legacy of
totalitarian rule. Political conflict and, in some cases, civil unrest and
ethnic strife may continue in some of these countries for a period of time. Many
of the economies of these countries are weak, volatile and reliant on
substantial foreign assistance. Expropriation of private businesses in such
jurisdictions remains a possibility, whether by an outright taking or by
confiscatory tax or other policies. There can be no assurance that GTS's
operations will not be materially and adversely affected by such factors or by
actions to expropriate or seize its operations. The success of free market
reforms undertaken in certain of the emerging market countries in which the
Company operates is also uncertain, and further economic instability may occur.
These factors may reduce and delay business activity, economic development and
foreign investment.
Legal systems in emerging market countries frequently have little or no
experience with commercial transactions between private parties. The extent to
which contractual and other obligations will be honored and enforced in emerging
market countries is largely unknown. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that
difficulties in protecting and enforcing rights in emerging market countries
will not have a material adverse effect upon GTS and its operations.
Additionally, the Company's businesses operate in uncertain regulatory
environments. The laws and regulations applicable to GTS's activities in
emerging market countries are in general new and subject to change and, in some
cases, incomplete. There can be no assurance that local laws and regulations
will become stable in the future, or that changes thereto will not adversely
affect the operations of GTS. Additionally, telecommunications regulations in
the more developed Western European markets in which GTS participates are
currently undergoing changes initiated by the Commission of the European Union.
See "Business."
13
<PAGE> 19
RISKS RELATING TO RUSSIA AND THE CIS
Substantially all of the Company's revenue is derived from operations in
Russia and the CIS. Foreign companies conducting operations in the former Soviet
Union face significant political, economic, and legal risks.
Political. The political systems of Russia and the other independent
countries of the CIS, which are in a stage of relative infancy, are vulnerable
to instability due to the populace's dissatisfaction with reform, social and
ethnic unrest and changes in government policies. Such instability could lead to
events that could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations in
these countries. In recent years, Russia has been undergoing a substantial
political transformation. During this transformation, legislation has been
enacted to protect private property against expropriation and nationalization.
However, due to the lack of experience in enforcing these provisions in the
short time they have been in effect and due to potential political changes in
the future, there can be no assurance that such protections would be enforced in
the event of an attempted expropriation or nationalization. Expropriation or
nationalization of the Company, its assets or portions thereof, whether by an
outright taking or by confiscatory tax or other policies potentially without
adequate compensation, would have a material adverse effect on the Company.
The various government institutions and the relations between them, as well
as the government's policies and the political leaders who formulate and
implement them, are subject to rapid and potentially violent change. For
example, the Constitution of the Russian Federation gives the President of the
Russian Federation substantial authority, and any major changes in, or rejection
of, current policies favoring political and economic reform by the President may
have a material adverse effect on the Company. Furthermore, the political and
economic changes in Russia have resulted in significant dislocations of
authority. The local press and international press have reported that
significant organized criminal activity has arisen and high levels of corruption
among government officials exist where the Company operates. While the Company
does not believe it has been adversely affected by these factors to date, no
assurance can be given that organized or other crime will not in the future have
a material adverse effect on the Company.
Economic. Over the past five years the Russian government has enacted
reforms to create the conditions for a more market-oriented economy. Despite
some progress in implementing its reforms, including progress in reducing
inflation and stabilizing the currency and industrial production, there remains
generally rising unemployment and underemployment, high government debt relative
to gross domestic product and high levels of corporate insolvency. No assurance
can be given that reform policies will continue to be implemented and, if
implemented, will be successful, that Russia will remain receptive to foreign
trade and investment or that the economy will improve.
In addition, Russia, the CIS and other emerging countries in which the
Company operates currently receive substantial financial assistance from several
foreign governments and international organizations. To the extent any of this
financial assistance is reduced or eliminated, economic development in Russia,
the CIS and such other countries may be adversely affected.
Russian and CIS businesses have a limited operating history in
market-oriented conditions. The relative infancy of the business culture is
reflected in the Russian banking system's under-capitalization and liquidity
crises. There have been concerns about rumors that many Russian banks continue
to have cash shortages. The Russian Central Bank has reduced banks' reserve
requirements in order to inject more liquidity into the Russian financial
system, but has stressed that it will not bail out the weaker banks. Many of
these banks are expected to disappear over the next several years as a result of
bank failure and anticipated consolidation in the industry. A general Russian
banking crisis could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations
and financial performance and on the viability of the Company's receivables.
Regulation of the Telecommunications Industry. The Russian
telecommunications system is currently regulated largely through the issuance of
licenses. There is currently no comprehensive legal framework with respect to
the provision of telecommunications services in Russia, although a number of
laws, decrees and regulations govern or affect the telecommunications sector. As
a result, ministry officials have a fairly high degree of discretion to regulate
the industry. Although telecommunication licenses may not be transferred
14
<PAGE> 20
under Russian law, the Russian Ministry of Communications (the "MOC") has
adopted the position that licensees may enter into agreements with third parties
in connection with the provision of services under the licensee's license;
however, the MOC does not generally review agreements entered into by licensees.
There can be no assurances that the current or future regulation of the Russian
telecommunications systems will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company.
Current Russian legislation governing foreign investment activities does
not prohibit or restrict foreign investment in the telecommunications industry.
However, on February 28, 1997, the State Duma, the lower house of parliament,
approved, on the first reading, draft foreign investment legislation which would
restrict any significant future foreign investment in numerous sectors of the
Russian economy, including telephone and radio communications. It is unlikely
that such restrictive legislation will be enacted, unless the political climate
changes dramatically. See "-- Political." More likely is the emergence of
restrictions on foreign investment in strategic industries, which could result
in foreign ownership limitations in industries such as telecommunications which
are not uncommon in many countries. The draft legislation has been referred to
the Russian government for comment. For such draft legislation to become Federal
law, it must be passed by a majority vote of the State Duma at another two
readings, then be approved by a majority of the Federation Council, the upper
house of parliament, and signed by the President of the Russian Federation.
Rejection of such legislation by the Federation Council can be overridden by a
two-thirds majority of the State Duma. Rejection of such legislation by the
President can be overridden by a two-thirds majority of each of the Federation
Council and the State Duma. There can be no assurance that future regulation of
foreign investment in the telecommunications industry will not have a material
adverse effect on the Company.
In addition, a lack of consensus exists over the manner and scope of
government control over the telecommunications industry. Because the
telecommunications industry is widely viewed as strategically important to
Russia, there can be no assurance that recent government policies liberalizing
control over the telecommunications industry will continue. Any change in or
reversal of such governmental policies could have a material adverse effect on
the Company. See "Business -- Russia and CIS -- Licenses and Regulatory Issues."
Legal Risks. As part of the effort to transform their economies into more
market-oriented economies, the Russian and other CIS governments have rapidly
introduced laws, regulations and legal structures intended to give participants
in the economy a greater degree of confidence in the legal validity and
enforceability of their obligations. Risks associated with the legal systems of
Russia and the other independent republics of the CIS include (i) the untested
nature of the independence of the judiciary and its immunity from economic,
political or nationalistic influence; (ii) the relative inexperience of judges
and courts in commercial dispute resolutions and generally in interpreting legal
norms; (iii) inconsistencies among laws, presidential decrees, government
resolutions and ministerial orders; (iv) frequently conflicting local, regional
and national laws, rules and regulations; (v) the lack of legislative, judicial
or administrative guidance on interpreting the applicable rules; and (vi) a high
degree of discretion on the part of government authorities and arbitrary
decision making which increases, among other things, the risk of property
expropriation. The result has been considerable legal confusion, particularly in
areas such as company law, commercial and contract law, securities and antitrust
law, foreign trade and investment law and tax law. Accordingly, there can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to enforce its rights in any disputes
with its joint venture partners or other parties in Russia or the CIS or that
its ventures will be able to enforce their respective rights in any disputes
with partners, customers, suppliers, regulatory agencies or other parties in
Russia or that the Company can be certain that it will be found to be in
compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Russia has adopted currency and capital transfer regulations designed to
prevent the flight of capital from its borders. These regulations require
certain licenses for the movement of capital, which includes the incurrence and
repayment of indebtedness and the payment of capital contributions in foreign
exchange to Russian entities. The Company is resolving licensing issues with
respect to certain intercompany loans and capital contributions with the
applicable government agencies and believes that any licensing irregularities
that may arise will not have a material adverse effect on its financial
condition or results of operations. There can be no assurance, however, that
Russian government authorities will not take an unexpected adverse position
which could materially adversely affect the Company's business.
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Taxes. Generally, taxes payable by Russian companies are substantial. In
addition, taxes payable by Russian companies are numerous and include taxes on
profits, revenue, assets and payroll as well as value-added tax ("VAT").
Moreover, statutory tax returns of Russian companies are not consolidated and
therefore, each company must pay its own Russian taxes. Because there is no
consolidation provision, dividends are subject to Russian taxes at each level.
Currently, dividends are taxed at 15% and the payor is required to withhold the
tax when paying the dividend, except with respect to dividends to foreign
entities that qualify for an exemption under treaties on the avoidance of double
taxation. To date, the system of tax collection has been relatively ineffective,
resulting in the continual imposition of new taxes in an attempt to raise
government revenues. This history, plus the existence of large government budget
deficits, raises the risk of a sudden imposition of arbitrary or onerous taxes,
which could adversely affect the Company.
Because of uncertainties associated with the laws and regulations of the
Russian tax system and the increasingly aggressive interpretation, enforcement
and collection activities of the Russian tax authorities, the Company's Russian
taxes may be in excess of the estimated amount expensed to date and accrued on
the Company's balance sheets. It is the opinion of management that the ultimate
resolution of the Company's Russian tax liability, to the extent not previously
provided for, will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition
of the Company. However, depending on the amount and timing of an unfavorable
resolution of this contingency, it is possible that the Company's future results
of operations or cash flows could be materially affected in a particular period.
In various foreign jurisdictions, the Company is obligated to pay VAT on
the purchase or importation of assets, and for certain other transactions. In
many instances, VAT can be offset against VAT which the Company collects and
otherwise would remit to the tax authorities, or may be refundable. Because the
law in some jurisdictions is unclear, the local tax authorities could assert
that the Company is obligated to pay additional amounts of VAT. In the opinion
of management, any additional VAT which the Company may be obligated to pay
would not be material.
ADEQUACY OF MANAGEMENT, LEGAL AND FINANCIAL CONTROLS IN EMERGING MARKETS
Many of the emerging market countries in which the Company operates,
particularly in Russia and the CIS where the Company has to date derived most of
its revenues, are deficient in management and financial reporting concepts and
practices, as well as in modern banking, computer and other control systems. The
Company historically has had difficulty in hiring and retaining a sufficient
number of qualified employees to work in these markets. As a result of these
factors, the Company has experienced difficulty in establishing management,
legal and financial controls, collecting financial data and preparing financial
statements, books of account and corporate records and instituting business
practices that meet Western standards.
The Company has a policy worldwide of complying with all applicable laws
and seeks to ensure that all persons in its employ comprehend and comply with
such laws. The application of the laws of any particular country, however, is
not always clear, particularly in emerging market countries where commercial
practices differ significantly from practices in the United States and other
Western countries and the legal and regulatory frameworks are less developed. In
addition, some practices, such as the payment of fees for the purpose of
obtaining expedited customs clearance and other commercial benefits, that may be
common methods of doing business in these markets might be unlawful under the
laws of the United States. As a result of the difficulty the Company
historically has experienced in emerging markets in instituting business
practices that meet Western reporting and control standards, it historically has
been unable to ascertain whether certain practices by its ventures, which were
not in accordance with Company policy, were in compliance with applicable U.S.
and foreign laws. If it were to be determined that the Company or any of its
ventures were involved in unlawful practices and were the factual and legal
issues relating thereto to be resolved adversely, the Company or its ventures
could be exposed, among other things, to significant fines, risk of prosecution
and loss of its licenses. See "-- Risks Relating to Emerging Markets" and
"-- Government Regulation."
In light of these circumstances, in the second half of 1996 the Company
increased its efforts to improve its management and financial controls and
business practices. The Company recruited a more experienced financial and legal
team, including a new Chief Financial Officer of the Company, a senior finance
officer
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overseeing all of the regions in which the Company operates, a senior finance
officer for the CIS region, and a senior legal officer for the CIS region. The
Company also established a Treasury group and adopted a more rigorous Foreign
Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") compliance program. The Company has developed and
implemented a training program for employees regarding U.S. legal and foreign
local law compliance. The Company also appointed a Compliance Officer
responsible for monitoring compliance with such laws and training Company
personnel around the world. In connection with these developments, the Company
expanded its corporate business practices policy to include, in addition to
compliance with U.S. laws such as the FCPA, compliance with applicable local
laws such as the conflict of interest rules under the 1996 Russian Joint Stock
Company Law, currency regulations and applicable tax laws.
In early 1997, the Company retained special outside counsel to conduct a
thorough review of certain business practices of the Company in the emerging
markets in which the Company operates in order to determine whether deficiencies
existed that needed to be remedied. As a result of this review, the Company
replaced certain senior employees in Russia and instituted additional and more
stringent management and financial controls. As a result of the review, the
Company has not identified any violations of law that management believes would
have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition. There can
be no assurances, however, that if the Company or any of its ventures were found
by government authorities to have committed violations of law that, depending on
the penalties assessed and the timing of any unfavorable resolution, the
Company's future results of operations and cash flows would not be materially
adversely affected in a particular period.
Although the Company believes that this review was properly conducted and
was sufficient in scope, there can be no assurance that all potential
deficiencies have been identified or that the control procedures and compliance
programs initiated by the Company will be effective. If the Company or any of
its ventures are ever found to have committed violations of law, depending on
the penalties assessed and the timing of any unfavorable resolution, the
Company's future results of operations and cash flows could be materially
adversely affected in a particular period. Management believes, however, that
the actions taken during the past twelve months to strengthen the Company's
management, financial controls and legal compliance, coupled with the
implementation of the recent recommendations from the review and the oversight
provided through the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company to
ensure compliance, will be adequate to address the recurrence of any past
possible deficiencies.
DEPENDENCE ON CERTAIN LOCAL PARTIES; ABSENCE OF CONTROL
Many GTS operations including Sovintel, TeleRoss and GTS Cellular have been
developed in cooperation or partnership with key local parties, such as regional
PTOs. The Company is substantially dependent on its local partners to provide
marketing expertise and knowledge of the local regulatory environment in order
to facilitate the acquisition of necessary licenses and permits. Any failure by
the Company to form or maintain alliances with local partners, or the preemption
or disruption of such alliances by the Company's competitors or otherwise, could
adversely affect the Company's ability to penetrate and compete successfully in
the emerging markets it operates in or enters. In addition, in the uncertain
legal environments in which GTS operates, certain GTS businesses may be
vulnerable to local government agencies or other parties who wish to renegotiate
the terms and conditions of, or terminate, their agreements or other
understandings with GTS.
While the Company may have the right to nominate key employees, direct the
operations and determine the strategies of such joint ventures, under the terms
of their respective constituent documents, the Company's partners in some of the
ventures have the ability to frustrate the exercise of such rights. Significant
actions by most of GTS's ventures, such as approving budgets and business plans,
declaring and paying dividends, and entering into significant corporate
transactions effectively require the approval of GTS's local partners. Further,
the Company would be unlikely as a practical matter to want to take significant
initiatives without the approval of its joint venture partners. Accordingly, the
absence of unilateral control by the Company over the operations of its joint
ventures could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
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In addition, the Company and its venture partners frequently compete in the
same markets. For example, Rostelecom, GTS's partner in Sovintel, is the
dominant international and domestic long distance carrier in Russia. In
addition, many of the regional telephone companies partnered with GTS in the
TeleRoss Ventures offer cellular services in direct competition with certain of
the operations of GTS Cellular. Such competition with its partners may lead to
conflicts of interest for GTS and its partners in the operations of their
ventures. There can be no assurance that any such conflicts will be resolved in
favor of GTS. In addition, the combination under Svyazinvest of the Russian
government's majority interest in Rostelecom and 85 of the regional telephone
companies gives Svyazinvest a majority interest in entities that provide
international and domestic long distance and local telecommunications services
throughout Russia and may expose the Company to more coordinated competition
from its partners in the Russian telecommunications market. See "-- Risks
Relating to Reorganization of Russian Telecommunications Industry."
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
As a multinational telecommunications company, GTS through its ventures is
subject to varying degrees of regulation in each of the jurisdictions in which
its ventures provide services. Local laws and regulations, and the
interpretation of such laws and regulations, differ significantly among the
jurisdictions in which the Company and its ventures operate. There can be no
assurance that future regulatory, judicial and legislative changes will not have
a material adverse effect on the Company, that regulators or third parties will
not raise material issues with regard to the Company's or its ventures'
compliance or noncompliance with applicable regulations or that any changes in
applicable laws or regulations will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company or any of its ventures.
Many of GTS's ventures require telecommunications licenses, most of which
have been granted for periods of three to ten years. The terms and conditions of
these licenses may limit or otherwise affect the ventures' scope of operations.
The Company has had favorable experience obtaining, maintaining and renewing
licenses in the past. However, there can be no assurance that it will be able to
obtain, maintain or renew licenses to provide the services it currently provides
and plans to provide, that such licenses will be issued or renewed on terms or
with fees that are commercially viable, or that licenses required by future
ventures can be obtained by the Company or its partners. The loss of or a
substantial limitation upon the terms of these telecommunications licenses could
have a material adverse effect on the Company. See each section under "Business"
entitled "Licenses and Regulatory Issues."
A substantial portion of HER's strategy is based upon the timely
implementation of regulatory liberalization of the European Union ("EU")
telecommunications market on January 1, 1998 under existing European Community
("EC") directives. Although EU member states have a legal obligation to
liberalize their markets in accordance with their requirements, certain more
detailed aspects of the EU regulatory framework to apply in the liberalized
environment after January 1, 1998 still remain to be adopted. In addition,
Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Luxembourg and Greece have been granted extensions
from the January 1, 1998 deadline. There can be no assurance that each EU member
state will proceed with the expected liberalization on schedule, or at all, or
that the trend toward liberalization will not be stopped or reversed in any of
the countries. Accordingly, HER faces the risk that it will establish the HER
network and make capital expenditures in a given country in anticipation of
regulatory liberalization which does not subsequently occur.
In order to give effect to EC directives in each member state, national
governments must pass legislation liberalizing their respective markets. This
applies not only to the liberalization requirements set out in existing EC
directives, but also to requirements set out in directives which have yet to be
adopted. The implementation of EC directives in the telecommunications sector
has been inconsistent or ambiguous in some EU member states. Such implementation
could limit, constrain or otherwise adversely affect HER's ability to provide
certain services. Furthermore, national governments may not necessarily pass
legislation implementing an EC directive in the form required, or at all, or may
pass such legislation only after a significant delay. Even if a national
legislature enacts appropriate regulation within the time frame established by
the EU, there may be significant resistance to the implementation of such
legislation from PTOs, regulators, trade unions and other sources. Further,
HER's provision of services in Europe may be materially adversely affected if
any EU member state imposes greater restrictions on non-EU international
services than on international services
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within the EU. These and other potential obstacles to liberalization could have
a material adverse effect on HER's operations by preventing HER from
establishing its network as currently intended, as well as a material adverse
effect on the Company.
COMPETITION
GTS faces significant competition in all of its existing telecommunications
businesses and for the types of acquisition and development opportunities it
seeks in both emerging and Western European markets. GTS's competition in these
markets includes national PTOs, multinational telecommunications carriers, other
telecommunications developers and certain niche telecommunications providers. In
addition, certain of the Company's joint venture partners, including Rostelecom
and the regional telephone companies in Russia, certain of HER's rail-based
shareholders and other entities in the emerging markets in which the Company
operates, are also competitors of the Company. As a result of the recent
combination under Svyazinvest of the government's majority interest in
Rostelecom and 85 of the regional telephone companies, the Company may in the
future be subject to more coordinated competition from its partners in the
Russian telecommunications market. Although the Company believes it has a
favorable and cooperative relationship with its joint venture partners, there
can be no assurance that these partners will continue to cooperate with the
Company in the future or that they will not increase competitive pressures on
the Company. Any measures taken by the partners that reduce the level of
cooperation with the Company could jeopardize the Company's ability to
participate in the management and operation of its joint ventures and could have
a material adverse effect on the Company.
WorldCom, Inc. ("WorldCom") recently announced the construction of a
pan-European fiber network, the first phase of which is expected to connect
London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt and Paris by early 1998. Although the
Company believes that the proposed WorldCom pan-European network is primarily
intended to carry WorldCom traffic, WorldCom has stated that any excess capacity
on such network will be used to provide a competitive "carriers' carrier"
service.
HER also competes with respect to its "point-to-point" transborder service
offering against circuits currently provided by PTOs through International
Private Leased Circuits. In addition, the liberalization of the European
telecommunications market is likely to attract additional entrants to both the
"point-to-point" and other telecommunications markets. There can be no assurance
that HER will compete effectively against its current or future competitors.
Many of the Company's competitors have technical, financial, marketing and
other resources substantially greater than those of GTS. There can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to overcome successfully the competitive
pressures to which it is subject, both in the markets in which it currently
operates and in markets into which it might expand. See each section under
"Business" entitled "Competition." In addition, many of the Company's current
and potential competitors are not subject to, or constrained by the prohibitions
of, the FCPA, including the prohibition against making payments to government
officials in order to obtain commercial benefits. The Company is subject to and
seeks to comply with the limitations and prohibitions of such law, and
accordingly may be subject to competitive disadvantages to the extent that its
competitors are able to secure business, licenses or other preferential
treatment through the making of such payments. Accordingly, there can be no
assurances that the Company will be able to compete effectively against
companies free from such limitations in the emerging markets where such
commercial practices are commonplace. See "-- Adequacy of Management, Legal and
Financial Controls in Emerging Markets."
CONTROL BY CERTAIN STOCKHOLDERS
Certain persons control substantial portions of the Company's voting stock.
After giving effect to the Offerings, Soros Foundation-Hungary and certain of
its affiliates (collectively the "Soros Foundations"), affiliates of Capital
International, Inc., and Alan B. Slifka and certain of his affiliates, are
expected to beneficially own, or have rights to acquire, approximately %,
% and %, respectively, of the Common Stock on a fully diluted basis.
See "Principal Stockholders." In addition, three persons affiliated
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with the Soros Foundation currently serve on the Company's Board of Directors
(the "Board of Directors"). Consequently, these entities are in a position to
exercise control over the outcome of matters submitted for stockholder actions,
including the election of members to the Board of Directors, and are able to
influence the management and affairs of the Company. Additionally, affiliates of
the Soros Foundations and of Capital International, Inc. have purchased debt
securities of the Company that include covenants that restrict the operating and
financing activities of the Company. In certain situations, the interests of
holders of the Company's equity securities may diverge from the interests of the
holders of the Company's debt securities, and holders of both equity and debt
securities of the Company may be in a position to require GTS to act in a way
that is not consistent with the general interests of the holders of the Common
Stock. See "-- Substantial Additional Capital Requirements," "Management,"
"Principal Stockholders" and "Certain Related Party Transactions."
CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE RISKS
All of GTS's operations are conducted outside the United States. A
substantial portion of the Company's anticipated revenues (as well as the
majority of its operating expenses) will be in foreign currency. As a result,
the Company will be subject to significant foreign exchange risks. In
particular, GTS's ventures in countries whose currencies are considered "soft
currencies" subject the Company to the risk that it will accumulate currencies
which may not be readily convertible into hard currency and which may be subject
to significant limitations on repatriation. The Company does not enter into
hedging transactions to limit its foreign currency risk exposure, although the
Company may implement such practices in the future. There can be no assurance
that GTS's operations will not be adversely affected by such factors. In
addition, these factors may limit the ability of the Company to reinvest
earnings from ventures in one country to fund the capital requirements of
ventures in other countries.
In Russia, where the Company derives most of its revenue, the ruble has
generally experienced a steady depreciation relative to the U.S. Dollar over the
past three years, although there has been some instability in the ruble exchange
rate over this period of time. The Company's tariffs are denominated in U.S.
Dollars but charges are invoiced and collected in rubles, while the Company's
major capital expenditures are generally denominated and payable in various
foreign currencies. To the extent such major capital expenditures involve
importation of equipment and the like, current law permits the Company to
convert its ruble revenues into foreign currency to make such payments. The
ruble is generally not convertible outside Russia. A market exists within Russia
for the conversion of rubles into other currencies, but it is limited in size
and is subject to rules limiting the purposes for which conversion and payment
may be effected. The limited availability of other currencies may tend to
inflate their values relative to the ruble and there can be no assurance that
such a market will continue to exist indefinitely. Moreover, the banking system
in Russia is not yet as developed as its Western counterparts and considerable
delays may occur in the transfer of funds within, and the remittance of funds
out of, Russia. Any delay in converting rubles into a foreign currency in order
to make a payment or delay in the transfer of such foreign currency could have a
material adverse effect on the Company.
EXCHANGE CONTROLS AND REPATRIATION RISKS RELATING TO RUSSIAN SECURITIES
Russia has adopted currency and capital transfer regulations designed to
prevent the flight of capital from its borders. These regulations require
certain licenses for the movement of capital, which includes the incurrence and
repayment of indebtedness and the payment of capital contributions in foreign
exchange to Russian entities. The Company is resolving licensing issues with
respect to certain intercompany loans and capital contributions with the
applicable government agencies and believes that any licensing irregularities
that may arise will not have a material adverse effect on its financial
condition or results of operations. There can be no assurance, however, that
Russian government authorities will not take an unexpected adverse position
which could materially affect the Company's business.
No assurance can be given that Russian foreign investment and currency
legislation will continue to permit repatriation of the proceeds from
investments. Furthermore, no assurance can be given that further restrictions
will not be imposed on the conversion of ruble earnings into foreign currency
for purposes of making dividend payments or on the repatriation of profits. If
any such further restrictions were imposed, they would have a material adverse
effect on the Company's interests in Russia.
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TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
The Company has entered into financing agreements with certain of its
affiliates. It is the Company's view that each such transaction has been on
terms no less favorable to the Company than other similar transactions available
to the Company with unaffiliated parties, if available at all. Generally, such
transactions have been the Company's only recourse to meet financing needs
and/or business goals. Despite the foregoing, prospective purchasers may wish to
consider the circumstances in which such transactions were made, the terms of
such transactions and the Company's possible alternative courses of action. The
Company may enter into transactions in the future with affiliates in order to
meet its financing needs and/or business goals. See "Certain Related Party
Transactions" and "Description of Certain Indebtedness."
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
The Company believes that its growth and future success will depend in
large part upon the efforts of a small number of key executive officers, as well
as on its ability to attract and retain highly skilled and qualified personnel
to work in the emerging markets in which it operates. Henry Radzikowski, who
served as Chief Executive Officer -- CIS and Eastern Europe Operations from
February 1994 until January 1997 and who has extensive experience in the
telecommunications industry in Russia, resigned in 1997. Stewart Reich became
Senior Vice President-Russia effective September 1, 1997. The Company has also
replaced or reassigned executive officers and senior personnel. The competition
for qualified personnel in the telecommunications industry is intense,
particularly in emerging markets where the Company operates and, accordingly,
there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to hire and retain
qualified personnel. Although the Company believes it has maintained a strong
management team, despite the change of personnel in Russia and the CIS, there
can be no assurance as to what effect such personnel changes will have on the
Company's operations in Russia and the CIS.
DEPENDENCE ON EFFECTIVE INFORMATION SYSTEMS
To complete its billing, the Company must record and process massive
amounts of data quickly and accurately. While the Company believes its ventures'
management information systems are currently adequate, certain of such systems
will have to grow as the ventures' businesses expand. The Company believes that
the successful expansion of its information systems and administrative support
will be important to its continued growth, its ability to monitor and control
costs, to bill customers accurately and in a timely fashion and to achieve
operating efficiencies. There can be no assurance that the Company will not
encounter delays or cost-overruns or suffer adverse consequences in implementing
these systems. Any such delay or other malfunction of the Company's management
information systems could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations.
TAXES; AVAILABILITY OF NET OPERATING LOSS CARRY FORWARDS
The tax rules and regimes prevailing in certain emerging market countries
in which the Company operates or plans to operate are, in many cases, new and
rapidly changing. Repatriation of profits may result in additional taxes. In
addition, other forms of taxation, including VAT, excise taxes and import
duties, change at an unpredictable pace and may have an adverse effect on the
Company's operations.
Availability of tax holidays and provisions of tax treaties with the United
States are subject to changes which may affect GTS's utilization of certain tax
benefits in the countries in which it operates as well as in the United States.
Certain ventures in the CIS and Hungary are operating under tax holidays granted
by local governments. Tax holidays are for periods ranging from up to five to
several years after achieving profitability under local tax regulations. In
addition to these holidays, certain of the Company's foreign ventures have
foreign tax loss carryforwards in excess of $25.0 million.
As of December 31, 1996, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards
for U.S. federal income tax purposes of approximately $60.9 million expiring in
fiscal years 2003 through 2011. Because of the "change in ownership" provisions
of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, the utilization of the Company's net operating
loss carryforwards will be subject to an annual limitation as a result of the
consummation of the Offerings.
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The Company's financial statements do not reflect any provision for
benefits that might be associated with the U.S. and non-U.S. loss carryforwards.
There can be no assurance that such loss carryforwards will be allowed, in part
or full, by local tax authorities against future income.
TECHNOLOGY
The telecommunications industry is subject to rapid and significant changes
in technology and such technological advances may reduce the relative
effectiveness of existing technology and equipment. The Company obtains
telecommunications equipment from a number of vendors, upon whom it is dependent
for the adaptation of such equipment to meet varying local telecommunications
standards. The cost of implementation of emerging and future technologies could
be significant. There can be no assurance that the Company will maintain
competitive services or that the Company will obtain appropriate new technology
on a timely basis or on satisfactory terms. Any failure by the Company to
maintain competitive services or obtain new technologies could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Development and operation of the HER network are also subject to certain
technological risks. The network has been designed to utilize SDH technology.
While SDH represents an advanced, new transmission technology, HER's ability to
upgrade technology from this platform may be important in establishing and/or
maintaining a cost advantage over competitive carriers. There can be no
assurance that the HER network will achieve the technical specifications for
which it was designed or that HER will be able to upgrade the network as
technological improvements in telecommunications equipment are introduced.
Failure to achieve current specifications for, or future upgrades of, the
network may materially and adversely affect the viability of the HER network and
could have a material adverse effect on the business and prospects of GTS.
DIFFICULTY IN OBTAINING RELIABLE MARKET INFORMATION
The Company operates in markets in which it is difficult to obtain reliable
market information. The Company's business planning has been based on certain
assumptions concerning subscriber base, usage levels, pricing and operating
expenses based on the Company's experience and the Company's own investigation
of market conditions in the emerging market countries in which it operates. No
assurances can be given as to the accuracy of such assumptions, and such
assumptions may not be indicative of the actual performance of the Company's
operations.
DILUTION
The initial public offering price per share of Common Stock exceeds the net
tangible book value per share of the Common Stock. In addition, the net tangible
book value per share of the Common Stock will decrease upon the exercise of
outstanding options and warrants. Accordingly, purchasers of the Common Stock
offered hereby will incur an immediate and substantial dilution. See "Dilution."
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE; REGISTRATION RIGHTS; POTENTIAL ADVERSE IMPACT
ON MARKET PRICE FROM SALES OF COMMON STOCK
Sales of substantial amounts of Common Stock in the public market following
the Offerings could adversely affect the market price of the Common Stock and
adversely affect the Company's ability to raise capital at a time and on terms
favorable to the Company. Upon completion of the Offerings, there will be
shares of Common Stock outstanding, assuming no exercise of the
Underwriters' over-allotment options and excluding (i) 9,896,019 shares covered
by vested options and warrants outstanding at September 30, 1997 and (ii)
shares issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Bonds. Of
the outstanding shares, the shares registered in the Offerings and
13,582,764 additional shares will be freely tradeable without restriction under
the Securities Act, except that any shares purchased in the Offerings by
"affiliates" of the Company may generally only be resold in compliance with the
applicable provisions of Rule 144. Beginning 90 days after the date of this
Prospectus, an additional 23,361,744 shares will be eligible for sale in the
public market, subject to compliance with applicable provisions of Rule 144. In
addition, the
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holders of approximately 31,224,790 shares of Common Stock, warrants to purchase
7,777,776 shares of Common Stock and shares of Common Stock received by holders
of Convertible Bonds upon conversion are entitled to certain demand and
piggy-back registration rights in respect of their shares. If such holders
exercise their exercise registration rights and cause a large number of shares
to be registered and sold in the public market, such sales could have an adverse
effect on the market price for the Common Stock. See "Shares Eligible for Future
Sale" and "Description of Capital Stock -- Prior Purchase
Agreements -- Registration Rights."
ABSENCE OF DIVIDENDS
The Company has not paid any dividend on its Common Stock and does not
intend to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. The terms of the purchase
agreements relating to $40 million of notes (the "Chatterjee Notes") issued to
the Chatterjee Group, an affiliate of George Soros, and $30 million of notes
(the "Capital Research Notes") issued to Capital Research International prohibit
the Company from paying cash dividends until the notes have been repaid in full.
The Chatterjee Notes and the Capital Research Notes mature on January 1, 2001
and February 2, 2001, respectively. See "Description of Certain Indebtedness."
In the event that the Company and/or certain operating companies of the Company
enter into future financings, the terms of such financings may include dividend
restrictions. See "Dividend Policy."
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS
The Company is subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation
Law which contains certain anti-takeover provisions that prohibit a "business
combination" between a corporation and an "interested stockholder" within three
years of the stockholder becoming an "interested stockholder" except in certain
limited circumstances. The business combination provisions of Section 203 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law may have the effect of deterring merger
proposals, tender offers or other attempts to effect changes in control of the
Company that are not negotiated and approved by the Company's Board of
Directors. Accordingly, stockholders of the Company could be prevented from
realizing a premium on their shares in a transaction not approved by the
Company's Board of Directors. In addition, the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation and By-Laws have several provisions that could also have the
effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of the Company (although
the effectiveness of certain of such provisions in the Certificate of
Incorporation is subject to shareholder approval). Specifically, the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws provide for a classified Board of
Directors serving staggered three-year terms, restrictions on who may call a
special meeting of stockholders, a prohibition on stockholder action by written
consent, restrictions on the removal of directors and supermajority voting
requirements with respect to certain amendments to the Certificate of
Incorporation. The Company's Certificate of Incorporation also grants the Board
of Directors of the Company the authority to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of
preferred stock in one or more series and to determine the rights, voting
powers, dividend rate, conversion rights, redemption price, liquidation
preference and other terms of such preferred stock without any further vote or
action by the stockholders. Further, the Company has adopted a stockholders
rights plan and in connection therewith, [ ] shares of preferred stock have
been designated as Series A Preferred Stock (as defined herein). The foregoing
provisions, and any issuance of preferred stock (including Series A Preferred
Stock) with voting or conversion rights, may adversely affect the voting power
of the holders of Common Stock and may have the effect of delaying or preventing
a change of control of the Company or adversely affect the market price of the
Company's Common Stock. See "Description of Capital Stock -- Certain Charter and
By-Law Provisions."
ENFORCEABILITY OF JUDGMENTS
Substantially all of the assets of the Company (including all of the assets
of the Company's operating ventures) are located outside the United States. As a
result, it will be necessary for investors to comply with foreign laws in order
to enforce judgments obtained in a United States court (including those with
respect to federal securities law claims) against the assets of the operating
ventures, including foreclosure upon such assets, and there can be no assurance
that any U.S. judgments would be enforced under any such foreign laws.
23
<PAGE> 29
NO PRIOR PUBLIC MARKET: VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE
Prior to the Offerings, there has been no public market for the Common
Stock, and there can be no assurance that an active public market will develop
or be sustained after the Offerings. The initial public offering price of the
Common Stock has been determined through negotiations between the Company and
the Representatives of the Underwriters (as defined herein) and may not be
indicative of the market prices for the Common Stock after consummation of the
Offerings. See "Underwriting" for a discussion of the factors considered in
determining the initial public offering price. The market price for the Common
Stock could be subject to significant fluctuations in response to various other
factors such as announcements of new contracts, technological innovations or new
products by the Company or its competitors, other announcements concerning the
Company or its competitors, changes in government regulations, fluctuations in
the Company's quarterly and annual operating results and general market
conditions. In addition, the stock markets have in recent years experienced
significant price fluctuations. Those fluctuations often have been unrelated to
the operating performance of the specific companies whose stock is traded.
Market fluctuations, as well as economic conditions, may adversely affect the
market price of the Common Stock.
BENEFITS OF THE OFFERINGS TO CURRENT STOCKHOLDERS
The Company is considering using up to $84 million of the net proceeds of
the Offerings to repay the Capital Research Notes and the Chatterjee Notes,
which notes are held by current shareholders of the Company. Upon completion of
the Offerings, certain additional benefits will accrue to the current
stockholders of the Company, including the creation of a public market for their
shares of Common Stock, an increase of in the net tangible book value per
share of Common Stock and ownership of Common Stock in a Company having a lower
debt-to-equity ratio than existed prior to the completion of the Offerings.
Additionally, the aggregate unrealized gain to current stockholders will be
approximately million. See "Dilution."
24
<PAGE> 30
USE OF PROCEEDS
The aggregate net proceeds of the Offerings are estimated to be
approximately $ million after deducting estimated expenses of the Offerings
payable by the Company. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the
Offerings to provide working capital for existing telecommunications ventures,
particularly in Russia and the CIS, to expand the Company's operations, and for
general corporate purposes. In addition, as part of its business strategy, the
Company regularly evaluates potential acquisitions and joint ventures, including
the acquisition of minority interests in existing joint ventures. The Company
has no definitive agreement with respect to any material acquisition or joint
venture, although from time to time it has discussions with other companies and
assesses opportunities on an on-going basis. A portion of the net proceeds from
the Offerings may be used to fund such acquisitions. The Company is also
considering using a portion of the net proceeds to repay loans of $70 million
(plus accrued interest) from shareholders which bear interest at 10% per annum
and mature on January 19, 2001 and February 2, 2001. Pending any use of its net
proceeds from the Offerings in the manner described above, the Company intends
to invest the proceeds in short-term investment grade obligations, bank deposits
or similar instruments.
DIVIDEND POLICY
GTS has not paid any dividend on its Common Stock and does not intend to
pay dividends in the foreseeable future. The terms of the purchase agreements
relating to the Chatterjee Notes and the Capital Research Notes prohibit the
Company from paying cash dividends until the notes have been repaid in full. The
Chatterjee Notes and the Capital Research Notes mature on January 19, 2001 and
February 2, 2001. In the event that the Company and/or certain operating
companies of the Company enter into future financings, the terms of such
financings may include dividend restrictions.
25
<PAGE> 31
DILUTION
At September 30, 1997, the net tangible book value of the Common Stock was
$10.6 million in the aggregate, or $0.28 per share of Common Stock. "Net
tangible book value per share" represents the amount of total tangible assets of
the Company reduced by the amount of total liabilities and divided by the number
of shares of Common Stock outstanding. After giving effect to the sale of
shares of Common Stock offered hereby (at an assumed public offering price of
$ per share and after deduction of the estimated offering expenses),
the pro forma net tangible book value of the Common Stock would have been $
million in the aggregate, or $ per share. This represents an immediate
increase in net tangible book value of $ per share of Common Stock to
existing shareholders and an immediate dilution per share of $ to new
investors purchasing shares of Common Stock in the Offerings. "Dilution per
share" represents the difference between the price per share to be paid by new
investors and the pro forma net tangible book value per share after the
Offerings. The following table illustrates the dilution per share as described
above:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Assumed initial public offering price per share............. $
Net tangible book value per share at September 30, 1997..... $0.28
Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable
to the Offerings.......................................... $
-----
--
Pro forma net tangible book value per share after the
Offerings................................................. $
=====
Dilution per share to new investors in the Offerings........ $ --
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES OF TOTAL
COMMON STOCK CONSIDERATION AVERAGE PRICE
---------------- ---------------- PER SHARE OF
NUMBER PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT COMMON STOCK
------ ------- ------ ------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Current stockholders......................
New investors.............................
----- ----- ----- -----
Total...........................
===== ===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
The above computations assume no exercise of any outstanding options or
warrants. At September 30, 1997, there were outstanding options to purchase
6,310,782 shares of Common Stock at a weighted average exercise price of $8.25
per share and warrants to purchase 7,777,776 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $9.33 per share. To the extent outstanding options are
exercised, there will be further dilution to new investors. See "Certain Related
Party Transactions," "Management" and Note 7 to the audited Consolidated
Financial Statements of the Company.
26
<PAGE> 32
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the consolidated capitalization of the
Company as of September 30, 1997 and as adjusted to give effect to the
Offerings.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACTUAL(2) AS ADJUSTED
------------ --------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C>
Debt maturing within one year.......................... $ 26,575
Long-term debt, less current portion................... 475,907
--------- --------
Total debt................................... 502,482
--------- --------
Minority interest...................................... 20,275
Common stock subject to repurchase..................... 12,489
Shareholders' equity(1):
Common stock, $0.10 par value (135,000,000 shares
authorized; 37,606,814 shares issued and
outstanding, actual; shares issued and
outstanding, as adjusted)......................... 3,761
Additional paid-in capital............................. 274,433
Accumulated deficit.................................... (213,770)
Other.................................................. (7,021)
--------- --------
Total shareholders' equity................... 57,403
--------- --------
Total capitalization......................... $ 592,649 $
========= ========
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Excludes (i) 7,777,776 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon
exercise of outstanding warrants at an exercise price of $9.33 per share,
(ii) 6,310,782 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of
outstanding stock options at a weighted average exercise price of $9.33 per
share, (iii) 713,311 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon
exercise of a put right associated with a 1996 financing agreement, as
amended, (iv) shares issuable upon conversion of the Convertible
Bonds (assuming a public offering price in the Offerings of $ per share)
and (v) 617,040 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance pursuant to the
TCM business partnership agreement as deferred consideration to TCM's
partners. See "Certain Related Party Transactions."
(2) As a result of the Company's increase in ownership interest and amendment to
the HER shareholders agreement; that was completed as July 16, 1997, the
Company accounts for its ownership interest in HER following the
consolidation as opposed to the equity method of accounting.
27
<PAGE> 33
SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected historical consolidated financial data as of and for
the years ended December 31, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 are derived from
the Company's audited Consolidated Financial Statements. The following unaudited
selected historical consolidated financial data as of and for the nine months
ended September 30, 1996 and 1997 are derived from the Company's unaudited
Consolidated Financial Statements. The selected financial data presented below
should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the audited Consolidated
Financial Statements and related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this
Prospectus.
Under generally accepted accounting principles, most of the Company's
ventures are accounted for by the equity method of accounting. Under this
method, the operating results of the ventures are included in the Company's
Consolidated Statement of Operations as a single line item, "Equity in (losses)
earnings of ventures." The Company recognizes 100% of the losses in ventures
where the Company bears all of the financial risk (which includes all of the
Company's significant ventures except for Sovintel and, historically, HER).
Also, the assets, liabilities and equity of the ventures are included in the
Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as a single line item "Investments in and
advances to ventures." Financial information about the Company's equity ventures
is included below under "Supplemental Information -- Selected Historical
Financial Data -- Equity Investments."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
--------------------------------------------- -------------------
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1996 1997(1)
------ ------ ------- ------- ------- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues, net......................... $1,690 $ 328 $ 2,468 $ 8,412 $24,117 $ 14,639 $ 30,216
Gross margin.......................... 1,690 328 23 16 5,176 1,758 1,864
Operating expenses.................... 1,992 3,340 12,863 41,014 52,928 35,725 52,059
Equity in (losses) earnings of
ventures........................... (134) 472 (135) (7,871) (10,150) (6,999) (18,234)
Other (expense) income................ (2) 100 990 11,034 (8,729) (6,535) (16,902)
Net loss.............................. (437) (2,440) (11,985) (40,400) (67,991) (48,473) (87,872)
Loss per share........................
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF PERIOD):
Cash and cash equivalents............. $1,597 $3,641 $29,635 $ 9,044 $57,874 $ 86,504 $366,841
Property and equipment,
net................................ 41 829 8,393 29,523 35,463 34,599 60,728
Investments in and advances to
ventures........................... 270 794 13,841 56,153 104,459 83,341 84,068
Total assets.......................... 2,051 5,968 61,957 115,621 237,378 233,879 647,788
Total debt............................ -- 725 2,152 27,454 85,547 76,518 502,482
Minority interest and stock subject to
repurchase......................... -- -- 8 5,273 6,248 6,271 32,764
Shareholders' equity.................. 1,659 4,685 54,684 55,322 113,668 120,979 57,403
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) As a result of the Company's increase in ownership interest and amendment to
the HER Shareholders Agreement; that was completed on July 16, 1997, the
Company accounts for its ownership interest in HER following the
consolidation as opposed to the equity method of accounting.
28
<PAGE> 34
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION -- SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
[THE COMPANY IS CURRENTLY EVALUATING THE DISCLOSURE THAT IT INTENDS TO PRESENT.]
29
<PAGE> 35
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a discussion of the financial condition and results of
operations of the Company as of September 30, 1997 and 1996, December 31, 1996
and 1995 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 and for the
years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994. The following discussion should be
read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and the
notes related thereto. Certain statements contained in "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" including,
without limitation, those concerning (i) projected traffic volume, (ii) future
revenues and costs, (iii) changes in the Company's competitive environment and
(iv) the performance of future equity-method investments, contain
forward-looking statements concerning the Company's operations, economic
performance and financial condition. Because such statements involve risks and
uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements.
OVERVIEW
Business. GTS is a provider of a broad range of telecommunications services
to businesses, other telecommunications service providers and consumers in
Russia and the CIS and Central Europe. Through HER, GTS is developing, and
operating the initial segments of, a pan-European high capacity fiber optic
network which is designed to interconnect a majority of the largest Western and
Central European cities and to transport international voice, data and
multimedia/image traffic for other carriers throughout Western and Central
Europe. GTS's strategy to develop its businesses generally has been to establish
joint ventures with a strong local partner or partners while maintaining a
significant degree of operational control. The Company's business activities
consist of the ownership and operation of (i) international long distance
businesses, which operate through international gateways that provide
international switching services and transmission capacity, (ii) local access
networks, which provide local telephone service, (iii) cellular networks, which
provide wireless telecommunications services, (iv) a domestic long distance
business, (v) data networks and (vi) carriers' carrier networks, which provide
high volume transmission capacity to other carriers.
The Company began to acquire interests in numerous telecommunications
ventures beginning in 1994 and continued to acquire such interests throughout
1995 and 1996. Ventures with significant financial results in 1994 included
Sovintel (an international long distance and domestic and local access
telecommunications service provider) and GTS-Hungary (a VSAT network
telecommunications service provider); ventures that incurred start-up costs
associated with building out their business infrastructure in 1994 included
Sovam (a data and internet telecommunications service provider) and EuroHivo (a
paging telecommunications service provider). In 1995, TeleRoss (a domestic long
distance telecommunications service provider) and GTS Cellular (a basic cellular
telecommunications service provider) began operations and expanded into numerous
regions within the CIS by the end of 1996. Telecommunications of Moscow ("TCM")
(a local access telecommunications service provider) began operations in 1996.
HER (a carriers' carrier telecommunications service provider) began its network
build-out in 1995, began limited operations at the end of 1996 and expects to
continue to develop its network during 1998 and beyond. The fact that these
ventures are in various stages of development affects the discussion of
comparative results below.
GTS has invested significantly in its ventures through capital
contributions and loans. In addition, the Company has made a significant
commitment to its businesses and ventures through the provision of management
assistance and training. GTS has also incurred significant expenses in
identifying, negotiating and pursuing new telecommunications opportunities. GTS
and certain of its ventures are experiencing continuing losses and negative
operating cash flow primarily because the businesses are in the developmental
and start-up phases of operations. Management recognizes that the Company must
generate additional capital resources in order to continue its operations and
meet its new development initiatives. The ultimate recoverability of the
Company's investments in and advances to ventures is dependent on many factors
including, but not limited to, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient
financing to continue to meet its capital and operational commitments, the
economies of the countries in which it does business and the ability of the
Company to maintain the necessary telecommunications licenses.
30
<PAGE> 36
The Company's businesses are developing rapidly. Some of the businesses
operate in countries with emerging economies which have uncertain economic,
political and regulatory environments. The general risks of operating businesses
in the CIS and other developing countries include the possibility for rapid
change in government policies including telecommunications regulations, economic
conditions, the tax regime and foreign currency regulations.
ACCOUNTING METHODOLOGY
Accounting for Business Ventures. Wholly-owned subsidiaries and
majority-owned ventures where the Company has unilateral operating and financial
control are consolidated. Those ventures where the Company exercises significant
influence, but does not exercise unilateral operating and financial control, are
accounted for by the equity method. The Company has certain majority-owned
ventures that are accounted for by the equity method as a result of
super-majority voting conditions or other governmentally imposed uncertainties
so severe that they prevent the Company from obtaining unilateral control of the
venture.
Profit and Loss Accounting. The Company recognizes profits and losses in
accordance with its underlying ownership percentage or allocation percentage as
specified in the agreements with its partners; however, the Company recognizes
100% of the losses in ventures where the Company bears all of the financial risk
(which includes all of the Company's significant ventures except for Sovintel
and, historically, HER). Accordingly, the portion of the losses that would
normally be assigned to the minority interest partner ("Excess Losses") is
recognized by the Company. When such ventures become profitable, the Company
recognizes 100% of the profits until such time as the Excess Losses previously
recognized by the Company have been recovered. As of September 30, 1997, $5.3
million and $9.7 million represents the net unrecovered Excess Losses for the
Company's consolidated and equity method investments, respectively, that is
expected to favorably benefit future period results from operations upon the
Company's existing business ventures becoming profitable. This accounting policy
was adopted prior to 1995; however, 1995 was the first year that the excess loss
amount was deemed material for recognition within the Company's accounting
records. For the period from January 1, 1997, through August 31, 1997, the
Company recognized 100% of HER's losses due to GTS being the financing partner
during this period. As a result of HER's completion of a private placement of
$265.0 million of senior notes (of which $56.5 million was placed in escrow for
the first two years' interest payments) in August 1997, management no longer
considers itself as the financing partner.
Inter-Affiliate Transactions. Several of the Company's ventures have
entered into business arrangements through which they provide integrated
solutions for their customers by leveraging each others' telecommunications
infrastructure. These arrangements have historically been focused primarily
within a region; however, as GTS has increased its geographic coverage and
telecommunication capabilities, these arrangements have expanded between
regions. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, all
significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated upon
consolidation.
Turnover Taxes. The Company's ventures within the CIS region incur a 4%
turnover tax that is based on the revenues earned. The Company includes these
taxes as a component of its operating expenses, since these taxes are incidental
to the revenue cycle.
31
<PAGE> 37
The following table summarizes the accounting methodology for the principal
business ventures through which the Company conducts its business.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EFFECTIVE
COUNTRY/REGION GTS ACCOUNTING
COMPANY NAME OF OPERATIONS OWNERSHIP METHODOLOGY
------------ -------------- --------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CIS
Sovintel Russia 50% Equity
TCM Russia 50% Equity
Teleross Operating
Company Russia 100%(1) Consolidated
Teleross Ventures Russia 50%(2) Equity
Sovam Russia 67%(3) Equity
GTS Cellular CIS 25%-70%(4) Equity
Western Europe
HER Western Europe 79% Consolidated(5)
GTS-Monaco Access Monaco 50% Equity
Central Europe
GTS-Hungary Hungary 99% Consolidated
Eurohivo Hungary 70% Equity
CzechNet Czech Republic 100% Consolidated
CzechCom Czech Republic 100% Consolidated
Asia
V-Tech China 75% Equity
Beijing Tianmu China 47% Equity
CDI India 100% Consolidated
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1)The TeleRoss Operating Company is comprised of two wholly-owned holding
companies and a 99% owned subsidiary that operates a domestic long distance
network and holds the applicable operating license for TeleRoss and performs
the customer invoicing and collection functions for telecommunications
services. TeleRoss Operating Company is accounted for under the consolidation
method of accounting because GTS has unilateral control over the operations
and management decisions. TeleRoss Operating Company's operations are further
discussed in "-- Results of Operations -- Consolidated Ventures." A
significant portion of TeleRoss Operating Company's costs of revenue consists
of settlement fees paid to the TeleRoss Ventures, with such fees being
recorded as revenue by the TeleRoss Ventures. In 1996 and for the nine months
ended September 30, 1997, all of the TeleRoss Ventures' revenue was derived
from such fees. Any decline in the business or operations of the TeleRoss
Ventures would have a material adverse effect on the results of TeleRoss
Operating Company.
(2)TeleRoss Ventures is comprised of thirteen joint ventures that are 50%
beneficially owned by GTS, which originate traffic and provide local
termination of calls through agency arrangements with TeleRoss Operating
Company. GTS does not exercise unilateral control over the TeleRoss Ventures
and therefore, they are appropriately accounted for under the equity method
of accounting. TeleRoss Ventures' operations are further discussed in
"-- Results of Operations -- Non-Consolidated Ventures."
(3) GTS has reached an agreement in principle to purchase its partner's interest
in Sovam and expects to consummate the transaction in January 1998, thereby
making Sovam a wholly owned subsidiary of GTS.
(4) GTS conducts its cellular operations through (i) Vostok Mobile, a wholly
owned GTS venture which owns between 50% and 70% of a series of 11 cellular
joint ventures in various regions in Russia, (ii) PrimTelefone, a 50% owned
venture in Vladivostok, Russia and (iii) Bancomsvyaz, an approximately 25%
beneficially-owned venture in Kiev, Ukraine.
(5) As of July 16, 1997, HER is accounted for by the consolidation as opposed to
the equity method of accounting.
32
<PAGE> 38
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- CONSOLIDATED VENTURES
Management's discussion included within "-- Results of
Operations -- Consolidated Ventures" reflects the following significant
operating ventures: TeleRoss Operating Company, GTS-Hungary, CzechNet and
CzechCom (collectively the "Czech Companies") and HER (for fiscal 1997). See
"Results of Operations -- Non-Consolidated Ventures" (Equity Investees) for a
discussion of the operating results of Sovintel, TCM, Sovam, TeleRoss Ventures,
GTS Cellular, HER (prior to fiscal 1997), GTS-Monaco Access, EuroHivo and the
Asia business ventures.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 1997 compared to Nine Months Ended September
30, 1996
Revenue. The Company's consolidated revenue for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 increased by $15.6 million to $30.2 million, an increase of
over 100% from the comparable period in 1996. TeleRoss Operating Company's
growth accounted for approximately 54.3% of the Company's total growth over the
nine months ended September 30, 1997.
The CIS region's consolidated revenue was $19.0 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 1997, of which TeleRoss' revenue comprised 86.3%. TeleRoss
Operating Company's revenue increased by $10.3 million to $16.4 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1997, from the comparable period in 1996.
Service revenue represented approximately 69.5% of the total TeleRoss Operating
Company revenue for the nine months period ended September 30, 1997. The
remaining revenue generated by TeleRoss Operating Company was primarily related
to equipment sales and installation revenue of $2.9 million and $1.8 million for
the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Within the Central Europe region, GTS-Hungary and the Czech Companies
accounted for 100% of the $9.5 million in revenue earned for the nine months
ended September 30, 1997. GTS-Hungary's revenue increased by $1.4 million to
$5.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997, from the comparable
period in 1996, largely due to a 25.0% increase in the number of VSATs installed
since September 1996. Revenue of the Czech Companies, which provide a range of
international telephone, private data and internet access services, increased by
$2.4 million to $3.6 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 1997, from
the comparable period in 1996, primarily due to increased voice and internet
traffic and lease line services.
All of Western Europe's consolidated revenue of $2.3 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 1997 was derived from HER's initial Amsterdam to
Brussels route.
Gross Margin. GTS's consolidated gross margin was $1.9 million and $1.8
million, or 6.3% and 12.0% of total revenue, for the nine months ended September
30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The decrease in consolidated gross margin as a
percentage of revenue was attributable to the consolidation of HER in fiscal
1997.
TeleRoss Operating Company had a gross margin of $1.0 million and $(1.0)
million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
GTS-Hungary had gross margins of $2.7 million and $1.9 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively (representing 45.8% and
42.2% of GTS-Hungary's revenue during these periods). The remaining consolidated
gross margin of $(1.8) million and $0.9 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively, was primarily attributable to HER,
which generated a negative gross margin of $(3.2) million for the nine months
ended September 30, 1997, and to the Czech Companies, which generated gross
margin of $0.9 million and $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30,
1997 and 1996, respectively.
Operating Expenses. Consolidated operating costs were $52.1 million and
$35.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. The increase in operating costs reflected the growth in
expenditures associated with building business infrastructure, the inclusion of
HER's operating expenses and increasing corporate staff.
Equity in (Losses)/Earnings of Ventures. GTS recognized losses from its
investments in non-consolidated ventures of $18.2 million and $7.0 million for
the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Included in
these losses were $10.4 million and $5.1 million for the nine months ended
33
<PAGE> 39
September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively, that related to GTS's ownership share
of the losses incurred. The increase in the Company's losses from its ventures
was primarily the result of write-downs of investments and assets of
approximately $17.4 million and $2.4 million in the Asia and Central Europe
regions, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 1997. The Company
would have recognized earnings from its investments in non-consolidated ventures
of $1.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997, had the Company
not recognized the write-downs of investments and assets of approximately $17.4
million and $2.4 million, respectively. The Asia region write-downs were the
result of management's periodic reassessment of the recoverability of its
long-lived assets, and accordingly, specific assets are now reflected at their
fair value as determined by their expected recovery as of September 30, 1997.
Their fair value was based on the estimated future cash flows to be generated by
the assets, discounted at a market rate of interest. The write-down of Central
Europe's investment in EuroHivo was a result of the Company's decision in the
third quarter to recognize the contingent liabilities associated with the
expected liquidation and discontinuation of EuroHivo's operations as of
September 30, 1997. In addition, the Company's results were negatively affected
by the recognition of Excess Losses of $5.5 million and $1.9 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. As of September 30,
1997, $9.7 million represents the net unrecovered Excess Losses for the
Company's equity method investments, respectively, that is expected to favorably
benefit future period results from operations upon the Company's existing equity
method business ventures becoming profitable. CIS' ventures, primarily Sovintel
and TCM (with combined earnings to the Company of $11.6 million and $8.3 million
for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively), generated
earnings for the Company of approximately $8.2 million and $5.0 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively, which partially
offset losses generated by other ventures. See "-- Results of
Operations -- Non-Consolidated Ventures."
Interest, Net. GTS incurred interest expenses of $21.1 million and $7.3
million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997, and 1996, respectively.
Interest expense is comprised of interest accrued from debt maturing within one
year, long-term debt obligations, amortization of debt discount on the long-term
debt obligations and various other debt instruments. The increase in interest
expense was primarily related to the issuance of $144.8 million in Convertible
Bonds in July 1997 and $265.0 million in senior notes raised in August 1997 by
HER. See "-- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
GTS earned interest income of $5.3 million and $1.5 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively, primarily as a result of
investing the proceeds from equity and debt offerings in various highly liquid
investments.
Provision for Income Taxes. The company's consolidated tax provision was
$1.8 million and $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and
1996, respectively. The Company's income tax rates are significantly affected by
foreign taxes and the utilization of net operating losses. In addition, the
Company operates worldwide in numerous tax jurisdictions. As a result, losses
incurred in one jurisdiction may not be available to offset income in another.
Year Ended December 31, 1996 compared to Year Ended December 31, 1995 and
compared to Year Ended December 31, 1994
Revenue. The Company's consolidated revenue was $24.1 million, $8.4 million
and $2.5 million for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively. The growth in revenue was attributable to the commencement in 1995
of commercial operations by TeleRoss Operating Company, as well as the continued
expansion of services and customer base in Central Europe.
TeleRoss Operating Company generated revenue of $9.2 million and $3.8
million, representing 38.3% and 44.9% of the Company's consolidated revenue for
the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Service revenue
represented 64.1% and 21.1% of TeleRoss Operating Company's revenue for the
years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, with the balance of its
revenue in such periods principally represented by equipment sales. The growth
in revenue was a result of increased traffic volume generated by the TeleRoss
Ventures as they expanded to seven new cities during the year ended December 31,
1996, added customers in existing cities and installed several VSATs at customer
locations outside of cities in which they have a presence.
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GTS-Hungary and the Czech Companies accounted for $6.9 million and $2.3 million
of the Company's consolidated revenue in 1996, respectively, compared to $4.2
million and $0.3 million in 1995, respectively, and $1.3 million and none in
1994, respectively. The growth in revenue of GTS-Hungary from 1994 to 1996 was
due to the expansion of its customer base and the introduction of microwave
technology services. The Hungary state lottery accounted for 55.3%, 65.0% and
67.2% of GTS-Hungary's revenue in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The growth
in revenue of the Czech Companies was generated through increases in voice
traffic carried from sixteen buildings at December 31, 1996 as compared to eight
buildings at December 31, 1995.
Gross Margin. GTS's consolidated gross margin was $5.2 million, or 21.6% of
revenue, for the year ended December 31, 1996 and $0.02 million, or 0.0% of
revenue, for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994.
TeleRoss Operating Company incurred a negative gross margin of $1.0 million
for both the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 which was the result of the
high fixed cost component of its network hub in Moscow. GTS-Hungary had a gross
margin of $3.0 million, $1.7 million and $(0.3) million, representing 43.4%,
40.5% and (23.1)% of GTS-Hungary's revenue for the years ended December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The favorable gross margin trend reflected
the increased utilization of GTS-Hungary's 1,000 VSAT capacity hub located in
Budapest. The remaining gross margin of $3.2 million for the year ended December
31, 1996 was attributable to the higher margin sales of equipment and consulting
services.
Operating Expenses. Consolidated operating costs were $52.9 million, $41.0
million and $12.9 million for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively. The increase in operating costs reflected the growth in
expenditures associated with building business infrastructure for primarily the
TeleRoss Operating Company and GTS-Hungary and increasing corporate staff.
Equity in (Losses)/Earnings of Ventures. GTS recognized losses from its
investments in non-consolidated ventures of $10.2 million, $7.9 million and $0.1
million for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
Included in these losses were $5.7 million, $5.2 million and $0.1 million for
the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, that related to
GTS's ownership share of the losses. In addition, the Company's results were
negatively affected due to the recognition of Excess Losses of $4.5 million and
$2.7 million for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. See
"--Overview." The Company would have recognized additional losses of $8.2
million and $3.3 million for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively, had the Company been considered the financing partner of HER
during those time periods. The Company's losses from its ventures were primarily
the result of most of its ventures being in the early stages of operations.
Sovintel and TCM, however, generated combined earnings of $11.8 million and $3.8
million for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, which
partially offset losses generated by other ventures.
Other Non-Operating Income. Favorably affecting the 1995 results was the
non-recurring $10.3 million gain the Company recognized as a result of its cash
settlement of certain claims with a third party in 1995.
Interest, Net. GTS incurred interest expense of $11.1 million, $0.7 million
and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively. The increase in interest expense was due to the $60.0 million
increase in debt during 1996. See "--Liquidity and Capital Resources."
GTS earned interest income of $3.6 million, $2.2 million and $1.2 million
for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, primarily as
a result of investing the proceeds from private placements of common stock in
various highly liquid investments.
Provision for Income Taxes. The Company's consolidated tax provision was
$1.4 million and $2.6 million for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. These rates were significantly affected by foreign taxes and the
utilization of net operating losses. In addition, the Company operates
world-wide in numerous tax jurisdictions. As a result, losses incurred in one
jurisdiction may not be available to offset income in another. The Company had
no income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 1994.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- NON-CONSOLIDATED VENTURES (EQUITY INVESTEES)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 1997 compared to Nine Months Ended September
30, 1996
RUSSIA -- CIS
Sovintel. Sovintel's revenue increased by 58.9% to $82.0 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1997, from $51.6 million for the comparable
period in 1996. The increase in revenue was primarily the result of
telecommunications services revenue, which increased to $61.5 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1997, from $34.9 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 1996, due to the Moscow customer base growth and traffic
from other GTS ventures that generated increased volume of outgoing
international and domestic minutes carried by Sovintel. Incoming international
revenue grew significantly by $6.3 million to $9.9 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 1997, from the comparable period in 1996. Included in
Sovintel's 1997 traffic revenue was $8.7 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997, that was related to customers using phone numbers provided
by TCM. This revenue was derived primarily from international/long distance
traffic and local traffic. Sovintel and TCM have an arrangement whereby Sovintel
reimburses TCM 50% of installation charges, monthly fees and local traffic
revenues and approximately 33% of the international/long distance billings from
TCM-supplied phone numbers.
Sovintel's non-traffic related revenue increased to $20.5 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1997, from $16.7 million for the comparable
period in 1996. In March 1997, Sovintel's historically largest customer for port
sales revenue, MTS, received its own numbering plan. Accordingly, management
expects revenue from port sales to continue to decline.
Sovintel's gross margin percentage decreased to 37.8% for the nine months
ended September 30, 1997, as compared to 40.7% for the comparable period in
1996, in part due to a general price decrease implemented in April 1997.
Operating expenses were $12.4 million and $7.3 million, or 15.1% and 14.1%
of total revenue, for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. The increase in operating expenses for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 was related to an increase in turnover taxes associated with
revenues, and also increased personnel, advertising and sales force costs
required to support Sovintel's growth.
Income tax expense was $4.7 million and $3.9 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
TCM. TCM's revenue grew 64.9% to $20.7 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997, from the comparable period in 1996. TCM's gross margin was
$16.0 million and $10.3 million, or 77.3% and 81.7% of total revenue, for the
nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The decrease in
gross margin as a percentage of revenue was attributable to higher
infrastructure and settlement costs. Operating expenses were $2.0 million and
$1.2 million, or 9.7% and 9.5% of total revenue, for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Sovam. Sovam's revenue increased by 61.3% to $12.9 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 1997, from the comparable period in 1996. Sovam's
revenue was derived primarily from data services, network capabilities and
application revenues. The increase in revenue is primarily attributable to the
expansion of Sovam's network throughout Russia and the CIS and the improvement
in the quality of Internet services due to increased international bandwidth.
Sovam's gross margin was $5.1 million, or 39.5% of total revenue, for the
nine months ended September 30, 1997, up from $2.1 million, or 26.3%, for the
nine months ended September 30, 1996. Operating expenses were $4.6 million and
$4.2 million, or 35.7% and 52.5% of total revenue, for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
TeleRoss Ventures. Revenue for the TeleRoss Ventures for the nine months
ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 was $5.1 million and $1.2 million,
respectively. The increase in revenues reflected growth in settlement fees
charged to the TeleRoss Operating Company. The settlement fees are based on
minutes of use by regional customers in the core switched voice services, as
well as installation work and equipment sales.
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Gross margin was $3.7 million and $0.8 million, or 72.6% and 66.6% of total
revenue, for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Operating expenses of $2.5 million and $1.5 million were incurred for the nine
months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
GTS Cellular. The Company operates three cellular networks through
differing ownership structures; Vostok Mobile, Prim Telefone and Bancomsvyaz.
Revenue for Vostok Mobile increased by 41.5% from $10.6 million to $15.0
million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997, from the comparable period
in 1996, as a result of increased subscribership to approximately 11,000 at
September 30, 1997. Vostok Mobile's gross margin was $7.6 million and $5.3
million, or 50.7% and 50.0% of total revenue, for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Operating expenses were $4.8 million
and $5.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. The higher operating costs in 1996 was attributed to development
and start-up expenses related to new business ventures.
Revenue for PrimTelefone increased by 43.3% to $8.2 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 1997, from the comparable period in 1996, due to an
increase in subscribership to approximately 4,600 as of September 30, 1997.
PrimTelefone's gross margin was $4.7 million and $3.0 million, or 57.3% and
52.6% of total revenue, for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. Operating expenses were $2.7 million and $1.5 million, or 32.9%
and 26.3% of total revenue, for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and
1996, respectively.
Revenues for Bancomsvyaz was $4.0 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997, with a gross margin of $1.5 million and operating expenses
of $3.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997, respectively.
WESTERN EUROPE
GTS-Monaco Access. In 1997, GTS-Monaco Access revenue increased
significantly to $7.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997, from
$2.2 million for the same period in 1996. The increase was the result of a
substantially larger traffic base and number of countries covered under the
network. Gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 was
$0.4 million and $(0.3) million, respectively.
CENTRAL EUROPE
Eurohivo. Eurohivo's operating results were minimal for the nine months
ended September 30, 1997 and 1996. In September 1997, the Company recorded a
$2.4 million charge in the third quarter to recognize the contingent liabilities
associated with the planned liquidation and discontinuance of Eurohivo's
operations. See Footnote 2 in the Company's condensed consolidated financial
statements for additional disclosures related to Eurohivo.
ASIA
Most of the Company's ventures within the Asia region were in the start-up
phase and had not commenced operations in 1996. The non-consolidated ventures in
the Asia region had no revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 1997, and
had minimal revenue of $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30,
1996. See Footnote 2 in the Company's condensed consolidated financial
statements for additional disclosures related to the Company's Asia operations.
Year Ended December 31, 1996 compared to Year Ended December 31, 1995 and
compared to Year Ended December 31, 1994
RUSSIA -- CIS
Sovintel. Sovintel's revenue for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995
and 1994 was $75.0 million, $44.3 million, and $20.7 million, respectively.
Sovintel's revenue was derived from telecommunications
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services, including international, domestic and local traffic, and other
non-traffic related revenue associated with port and equipment sales, leased
line installation and maintenance. Telecommunications services traffic revenue
was $50.8 million, $26.8 million and $19.5 million, representing 67.7%, 60.5%
and 94.2% of Sovintel's total revenue, for the years ended December 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994, respectively.
Revenue from outgoing international, domestic long distance and Moscow
local traffic was $44.0 million, $24.6 million and $18.0 million for the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. This growth was due to
Sovintel's increased customers in Moscow and traffic from other GTS ventures.
Sovintel began providing Moscow local access services in 1995. Revenue from
incoming international minutes was $6.8 million, $2.2 million and $1.5 million
for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Included in
Sovintel's 1996 traffic revenue was $5.0 million from customers using phone
numbers provided by TCM.
Sovintel's non-traffic related revenue of $24.2 million, $17.5 million and
$1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively,
was primarily attributable to non-recurring port sales revenues of $12.4 million
and $14.4 million for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
Included in 1996 non-traffic related revenue was $3.7 million from one-time
installation charges related to TCM-supplied phone numbers. There were no
significant port sales in 1994.
Sovintel's gross margin was $31.1 million, $18.0 million and $8.2 million,
or 41.5%, 40.6% and 39.6% of revenue, for the years ended December 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994, respectively. The gross margin percentage remained relatively
unchanged over the past three years as the decrease in average revenue per
minute for international and intercity calls was partially offset by the
decrease in average settlement cost per minute.
Operating expenses were $10.3 million, $7.1 million and $4.6 million, or
13.7%, 16.0% and 22.2% of total revenue, for the years ended December 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994, respectively. Turnover taxes and personnel related costs
comprised the majority of the increase in selling, general and administrative
costs. The increase in personnel related costs reflected the growth in sales and
general operations of Sovintel.
Income tax expense was $5.2 million and $2.6 million for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The increase in income tax expense was
attributable to Sovintel's profitable operations. According to Russian
Federation tax holiday provisions, Sovintel was exempt from income taxes for a
two-year period beginning with the first year of taxable income, which was in
1993.
TCM. TCM's total revenue was $16.5 million for the year ended December 31,
1996 and had minimal activities in 1995. TCM had a gross margin of $13.2
million, or 80.0% of total revenue, and operating expenses of $1.9 million, or
11.5% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 1996.
Sovam. Sovam's revenue was $11.7 million, $4.4 million and $3.3 million for
the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The increase in
revenues is primarily attributable to the wider variety of service offerings,
including the introduction of Russia On Line services.
Gross margin was $3.4 million, $1.5 million and $1.8 million, or 29.1%,
34.1% and 54.6% of total revenue for the years ended December 31 in 1996, 1995
and 1994, respectively. The decline in gross margin as a percentage of revenue
was reflective of the higher cost of sales component in Sovam's recently
introduced products. Operating expenses were $5.7 million, $3.3 million and $2.1
million, or 48.7%, 75.0% and 63.6% of total revenue, for the years ended
December 31, in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
TeleRoss Ventures. Revenues for TeleRoss Ventures for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995 were $2.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
Revenues resulted from settlement fees charged to TeleRoss Operating Company.
The growth in total revenue was the result of steady growth in sales of core
switched voice services in the five cities serviced in 1995 as well as the
addition of seven new cities to the network in 1996.
Gross margin for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 was $1.6
million and $0.1 million, respectively. Operating expenses of $2.3 million and
$0.2 million were incurred for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
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GTS Cellular. The Company operates three cellular networks through
differing ownership structures: Vostok Mobile, PrimTelefone and Bancomsvyaz.
Revenue for Vostok Mobile was $16.5 million and $2.0 million for the years
ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Vostok Mobile's gross margin was
$9.3 million and $1.1 million, or 56.4% and 55.0% of total revenue, and
operating expenses were $9.2 million and $4.7 million for the year ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
Revenue for PrimTelefone was $8.4 million and $2.2 million for the years
ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. PrimTelefone's gross margin was
$4.7 million and $0.6 million, or 56.0% and 27.3% of total revenue, and
operating expenses were $3.7 million and $0.7 million for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
Bancomsvyaz did not have significant operations until 1997.
WESTERN EUROPE
HER. HER represents substantially all of GTS's investment in the Western
Europe region. A small operational revenue stream was earned in 1996.
Operating expenses were $16.0 million, $6.7 million and $0.2 million for
the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The increase in
selling, general and administrative expenses reflected HER's continued
transition from the start-up phase to the operational phase.
GTS-Monaco Access. Limited international traffic was carried from GTS
subsidiaries through GTS-Monaco Access for termination worldwide during 1995
which resulted in minimal revenues earned. Total revenue was $3.9 million and
gross margin was $(0.4) million for the year ended December 31, 1996.
CENTRAL EUROPE
EuroHivo. EuroHivo's revenue was $1.0 million and $0.5 million for the
years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Although revenue improved
significantly during 1996, EuroHivo continued to show negative gross margins of
$(0.2) million and $(0.5) million for the years ended December 31, 1996 and
1995, respectively. Furthermore, operating expenses decreased to $1.9 million
for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $2.4 million for the year ended
December 31, 1995 despite a 64.0% increase in personnel during 1996. This was
primarily attributable to management's decision to grow revenue through
alternative measures resulting in significant reductions to advertising
expenditures in 1996.
ASIA
Most of the Company's ventures within the Asia region were in the start-up
phase and had not commenced operations in 1996. The non-consolidated ventures in
the Asia region had revenue of $7.0 million and $0.0 million for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The revenue in 1996 consisted
principally of equipment sales. The Company believes that future revenue will be
derived primarily from providing telecommunications engineering and consulting
services.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The telecommunications business is capital intensive. The Company generally
is the primary source of funding for its ventures, both for working capital and
capital expenditures. Under a typical arrangement, GTS's venture partner
contributes the necessary licenses or permits under which the venture will
conduct its business, office space and other equipment. GTS's contribution is
generally cash and equipment, but may consist of other specific assets as
required by the joint venture agreement.
The Company has raised capital through the issuance of equity securities
and through various debt agreements. The issuance of equity securities has
raised $36.5 million, $107.7 million, $42.1 million and $62.1 in 1997, 1996,
1995 and 1994, respectively, net of placement fees, for a total of $248.4
million. In addition, the Company and HER received $409.8 million, $60.0 million
and $23.3 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
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<PAGE> 45
respectively, for a total of $493.1 million under various debt agreements.
Included within the debt proceeds identified above, the Company received $3.5
million, $60.0 million and $10.0 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively,
from lenders who are affiliated with, and are considered related parties to, the
Company as a result of their (or their affiliates) ownership of the Company's
Common Stock.
The Company had working capital of $359.8 million and $66.5 million as of
September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Approximately $190.0 million of the
$359.8 million of working capital at September 30, 1997, is restricted, pursuant
to the terms and conditions of the senior notes issued by HER in August 1997,
for the buildout of the HER Network. The Company had an accumulated deficit of
$213.8 million as of September 30, 1997, including a net loss of approximately
$87.9 million and $48.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and
1996, respectively. During 1997, the Company has incurred and expects to
continue to incur substantial expenditures to fund the working capital
requirements of its ventures, to provide capital equipment for certain of its
ventures, and to engage in new development and acquisitions.
GTS will require substantial capital investment to execute its business
plans and to fund expected operating losses. Management expects that GTS and its
ventures will incur over $475.0 million of capital expenditures and investments
in ventures during the next three years, of which approximately $200.0 million
will be incurred in 1997. The Company has obtained funds in 1997 through a
variety of financing arrangements, including (i) the issuance in September 1997
of $39.2 million of Common Stock in a private placement of equity with a value
of $15.67 per common share, (ii) the issuance in August 1997 of $265.0 million
in gross proceeds (of which $56.5 million was placed into escrow to fund the
first two years' interest payments) of 11.5% Senior Notes by HER that may be
redeemed upon the successful completion of a complying equity offering or
meeting other certain criteria, and (iii) the issuance in July and August 1997
of $144.8 million in gross proceeds of the Convertible Bonds by GTS, that are
convertible into Common Stock upon the Company's completion of a complying
equity offering.
The Company believes that the net proceeds from the Offerings, together
with existing cash and cash flow from operations, if any, will be sufficient to
fund its expected capital needs until at least June 1999. The Company expects
that it may require additional capital to execute its current business plan and
to fund expected operating losses, as well as to consummate future acquisitions
and exploit opportunities to expand and develop its businesses. There can be no
assurances that the Company will be able to consummate additional financing on
favorable terms. As a result, the Company may be subject to additional or more
restrictive financial covenants, its interest obligations may increase
significantly and its existing shareholders may be adversely diluted. Failure to
generate sufficient funds in the future, whether from operations or by raising
additional debt or equity capital, may require the Company to delay or abandon
some or all of its anticipated expenditures, to sell assets, or both, either of
which could have a material adverse effect on the operations of the Company.
HER
Construction of the HER fiber optic network is one of the Company's most
significant business activities. The buildout of the network is expected to
require approximately $335.0 million of capital expenditures, with approximately
$100.0 million required for initial five country network. As of September 30,
1997, approximately $27.6 million has been spent on network capital expenditure.
In August 1997, HER completed the issuance of $265.0 million in gross proceeds
of 11.5% Senior Notes due in August 2007. The Senior Notes are be general
unsecured obligations of HER. HER currently estimates that its capital resources
will be sufficient to fund operations and expected network development through
December 1998, at which time it may be required to obtain additional funds.
Sources of capital to fund network development after 1998 may include internally
generated funds, bank debt and vendor financing. HER is currently in discussion
with a number of financial institutions to obtain debt financing and to
negotiate vendor financing with key suppliers of network equipment. Any failure
to obtain necessary financing may require HER to delay or abandon its plans for
the deploying the remainder of the network and would jeopardize the viability of
HER, or may require the Company to make additional capital contributions to HER
at the expense of the Company's other operations, either of which could have a
material adverse effect on the operations of the Company. There can be no
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assurance that GTS or its partners in HER would have sufficient capital to make
contributions to HER, or that they would be willing to do so.
Pursuant to the Recapitalization, HER offered to GTS-Hermes, HIT Rail and
the eleven individual members of the HIT Rail consortium the right to subscribe
to additional common stock of the Company. GTS-Hermes and two of the members of
HIT Rail exercised their rights, while HIT Rail and the nine remaining members
of HIT Rail declined to participate.
As a result of the finalization of the Recapitalization, total shareholder
loans of ECU 39.4 million (approximately $48.5 million) from, collectively,
GTS-Hermes, HIT Rail and two of the members of HIT Rail, were converted into
equity. Additionally, GTS-Hermes contributed ECU 46.0 million (approximately
$51.8 million) and one of the members of HIT Rail contributed a ten-year fiber
optic cable lease which was valued at ECU 1.8 million (approximately $2.0
million). The ownership of HER subsequent to the recapitalization was as
follows: GTS-Hermes, 79.08%; HIT Rail, 12.63%; and the two members of HIT Rail
combined, 8.29%. See "Business -- Western Europe -- HER -- HER
Recapitalization."
Liquidity Analysis
The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $366.8 million and $86.5
million as of September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Approximately $190.0
million of the $366.8 million of cash and cash equivalents at September 30,
1997, is restricted for the build-out of the HER network. The Company had
restricted cash of $59.8 million and $3.9 million as of September 30, 1997 and
1996, respectively. Restricted cash included amounts held in escrow to pay the
first two years' interest payments on the Senior Notes of HER, amounts held for
equipment purchases under various debt agreements, and cash maintained in
foreign financial institutions that may not be readily convertible into dollars
or easily repatriated.
During the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, the Company used
$45.4 million and $31.8 million, respectively, of cash for operating activities.
Cash used for investing activities was $66.6 million and $48.0 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The use of cash in
operations and for investing activities reflected primarily the development and
buildout of existing telecommunications networks and the funding of fully
operational ventures.
Substantially all of the Company's operations are in foreign countries and
therefore the Company's consolidated financial results are subject to
fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Company's consolidated operations
transact their business in the following significant currencies: Russian Ruble,
Hungarian Florint, Belgium Franc and the European Currency Equivalent. For those
operating companies that transact their business in currencies that are not
readily convertible, the Company attempts to minimize its exposure by indexing
its invoices and collections to the applicable dollar/foreign currency exchange
rate to the extent its costs (including interest expense, capital expenditures
and equity) are incurred in U.S. dollars. Although the Company will continue to
attempt to match revenues, costs, borrowing and repayments in terms of their
respective currencies, the Company may experience economic loss and a negative
impact on earnings with respect to holdings solely as a result of foreign
currency exchange rate fluctuations, which include foreign currency devaluations
against the U.S. dollar. Furthermore, certain of the Company's operations have
notes payable and notes receivable which are denominated in a currency other
than their own functional currency or loans linked to the U.S. dollar. The
Company may also experience economic loss and a negative impact on earnings
related to these monetary assets and liabilities.
The Company is in the process of developing risk management policies that
will establish guidelines for managing foreign exchange risk. The Company
expects that these policies will be implemented in the first quarter of 1998,
and anticipates that these policies will allow management to use financial
hedging instruments to manage foreign exchange exposure. Currently, the Company
is considering alternatives to hedge foreign exchange exposure resulting from
the issuance of $265.0 million in senior notes by HER.
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BUSINESS
INTRODUCTION
GTS is a provider of a broad range of telecommunications services to
businesses, other telecommunications service providers and consumers in Russia,
the CIS and Central Europe. Through HER, GTS is developing, and operating the
initial segments of, a pan-European high capacity fiber optic network that is
designed to interconnect a majority of the largest Western and Central European
cities and to transport international voice, data and multimedia/image traffic
for other carriers throughout Western and Central Europe. GTS's strategy to
develop its businesses generally has been to establish joint ventures with a
strong local partner or partners while maintaining a significant degree of
operational control. The Company's business activities consist of the ownership
and operation of (i) international long distance businesses, which operate
through international gateways that provide international switching services and
transmission capacity, (ii) local access networks, which provide local telephone
service, (iii) cellular networks, which provide wireless telecommunications
services, (iv) a domestic long distance business, (v) data networks and (vi)
carriers' carrier networks, which provide high volume transmission capacity to
other carriers.
In Russia and the CIS, GTS's objective is to become the premier alternative
telecommunications operator. To attain its objective, the Company has partnered
with regional telephone companies and with Rostelecom, the national long
distance carrier in Russia. The Company currently operates in 24 oblasts
(regions) and the city of Moscow in Russia, as well as in 11 additional cities
in the CIS, and believes it is well-positioned to become the leading independent
telecommunications service provider in Russia. These businesses include: (i)
Sovintel, which provides Moscow, and recently St. Petersburg, with international
long distance and local telephone services and access to the major domestic long
distance carriers; (ii) TCM, which provides local access services in Moscow;
(iii) TeleRoss, which provides domestic long distance services in fourteen
cities in Russia, including Moscow, as well as VSAT service to customers outside
its primary long distance satellite network; (iv) Sovam, which provides data
services, including high-speed data transmission, electronic mail, Internet
access services, as well as Russia On Line, the first Russian language internet
service; and (v) GTS Cellular, which operates cellular networks in twelve
regions in Russia and also in Kiev, Ukraine, with licenses covering regions with
an aggregate population of approximately 25 million people at the end of 1996.
Whenever practical, GTS's businesses integrate and co-market their service
offerings in Russia and the CIS, utilizing TeleRoss as the domestic long
distance provider, Sovintel as the international gateway, TCM and GTS Cellular
for local access, and Sovam as the data communications and Internet access
network for business applications and on-line services. Together, GTS's Russian
and CIS ventures carried 202.5 million and 291.3 million minutes of traffic for
the year ended December 31, 1996 and the nine months ended September 30, 1997,
respectively, and had approximately 24,600 customers, including approximately
16,300 cellular subscribers, as of September 30, 1997. See "-- Russia and the
CIS."
In Western Europe, GTS seeks to position itself as the leading independent
carriers' carrier through the development of two ventures, HER and GTS-Monaco
Access. HER's objective is to become the leading pan-European carriers' carrier
by providing centrally managed cross-border telecommunications transmission
capacity to telecommunications companies including traditional PTOs and New
Entrants on an approximately 18,000 kilometer pan-European high capacity fiber
optic network designed to interconnect a majority of the largest Western and
Central European cities. HER is currently operating over an approximately 1,700-
kilometer portion of the network linking Brussels, Antwerp, Rotterdam,
Amsterdam, London and Paris. HER expects the initial five country network to be
placed in operation in the second quarter of 1998. This segment of the network
is expected to deliver managed transport services over approximately 2,900
kilometers of fiber optic cable linking the cities of London, Rotterdam,
Amsterdam, Antwerp, Brussels, Paris, Dusseldorf and Frankfurt. The full 18,000
kilometer network is expected to become fully operational during the year 2000.
HER also plans to lease capacity on a transatlantic cable linking the European
network to North America and is exploring various interconnectivity options to
Russia and Asia. Such intercontinental interconnectivity will help HER to
satisfy the needs of its European customers with respect to outgoing traffic and
to attract additional non-European customers with traffic terminating in Europe.
HER commenced commercial service over the Brussels-Amsterdam portion of the
network in late 1996, and the London-Paris portion in November 1997. GTS-Monaco
Access operates an international gateway in Monaco in partnership with, and
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<PAGE> 48
utilizing the existing gateway infrastructure of, the Principality of Monaco and
provides transit and routing of international calls to other telecommunications
operators. Through its HER and GTS-Monaco Access ventures, GTS is building a new
network for transporting voice, data and multimedia/image traffic for other
carriers throughout Western and Central Europe and for worldwide international
voice, data and multimedia/image traffic that either originates or terminates
in, or transits through, Western and Central Europe. See " -- Western Europe."
In Central Europe, GTS's objective is to become one of the leading
alternative telecommunications providers in the region. GTS currently provides
private data communications services to government and commercial customers in
Hungary and the Czech Republic. In the Czech Republic, the Company provides
outgoing voice services and operates an international gateway and a data
services network. In Hungary, GTS operates a VSAT network, which GTS believes is
the largest VSAT network in Central Europe as measured by number of VSAT sites.
The Company has also signed an agreement to provide international data services
in Poland, subject to the receipt of necessary governmental approvals. GTS's
strategy is to expand its service offerings as the regulatory environment
permits, leverage its existing VSAT and international gateway infrastructure
where possible and provide a broad range of services to its target markets. See
" -- Central Europe."
Although GTS does not currently own or operate significant
telecommunication assets in Asia, GTS's objective is to become an established
and diversified telecommunications provider in China and India. GTS seeks to
leverage its position in these countries to capitalize on opportunities as they
arise. See "-- Asia."
BUSINESS STRATEGY
GTS seeks to develop businesses to meet the rapidly expanding market demand
for telecommunications services. GTS's goal in emerging markets is to establish
itself as the leading alternative to the incumbent telecommunications service
providers and as a premier provider of value-added services. In addition, the
Company seeks to position itself as the leading independent carriers' carrier
within Western and Central Europe through the development of a pan-European
fiber optic network and an international gateway in Monaco.
GTS believes that it will be able to successfully operate its businesses
and develop business opportunities by pursuing the following strategies:
- Identify and Seize Early Market Opportunities. GTS's primary strategy is
to identify less developed markets in which the incumbent operator offers
inadequate service and where liberalization of telecommunications
regulations may be pending. The Company believes entering these less
developed markets quickly is a key competitive advantage in the global
telecommunications market. GTS leverages its management's knowledge of
the markets in which the Company operates to assess and react quickly
when attractive business opportunities arise.
- Establish Joint Ventures with Experienced Local Partners. GTS seeks to
establish and maintain strategic partnerships and relationships with key
telecommunications operators and service providers in the countries in
which it operates. The Company believes that these relationships increase
its ability to anticipate and respond to changes in the regulatory and
legal environment and assist with license renewal and expansion of its
operating companies.
- Retain Significant Operational Control. In general, GTS actively
participates in the management of its ventures by (i) providing most of
the funding for the ventures' operations, (ii) selecting key members of
the local management team, (iii) developing business plans and marketing
strategies together with local management, (iv) monitoring operating
functions, (v) maintaining close working relationships with local
partners and (vi) integrating its networks and businesses in a manner
which is consistent with the Company's overall strategic objectives.
- Build Infrastructure to Provide High Quality Services. GTS continues to
develop and expand its network infrastructure. The Company believes that
its networks offer service, quality and cost advantages over incumbent
providers as a result of the Company's customer support, network
monitoring, management systems and its ability to integrate and co-market
its service offerings.
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<PAGE> 49
- Leverage Management Depth and Experience. GTS's management has
significant experience in the development and operation of
telecommunications businesses outside the United States. The Company
believes that this experience, together with the Company's extensive
operations, has provided its management with the ability to identify,
evaluate and pursue international telecommunications business
opportunities. Additionally, GTS has assembled a management team
comprised of executives with extensive experience managing
telecommunications companies in the respective local markets. GTS
believes that its management team possesses a broad knowledge of relevant
political and regulatory structures, as well as the cultural awareness
and fluency with international and local business practices necessary to
implement the Company's objectives.
- Ability to Access Capital. In general, the Company's financing strategy
is to establish parent level funding to meet general corporate needs and
the costs of start-ups and acquisitions and, when it is possible and
cost-effective, to finance ongoing operations at the venture level. Since
1993, the Company has raised approximately $268 million in equity and
approximately $215 million of debt (of which approximately $74 million
was raised through shareholders). In addition, HER completed a $265
million private placement of senior notes (of which $56.5 million was
placed in escrow for the first two years' interest payments) in 1997. The
Company's principal investors include affiliates of George Soros and Alan
B. Slifka and certain of his affiliates.
In addition to its overall business strategy, GTS has developed specific
market strategies to achieve its goals in emerging markets and Western Europe.
Emerging Markets. The Company pursues its goals in emerging markets through
a three-stage approach of market entry, market expansion and market integration.
- Market Entry. GTS identifies a market as a suitable target for entry
based upon: (i) superior growth prospects for such market, demonstrated
by growing demand for high quality telecommunications services; (ii) the
provision of inadequate services by incumbent providers, typically
resulting from the incumbents' unwillingness to offer high quality
services with reliable customer support at attractive prices; and (iii)
attractive regulatory environments in which emerging alternative
telecommunications providers such as GTS have, or expect to have over a
clearly defined time horizon, the ability to compete on a substantially
equal basis with the incumbent providers in terms of certain services and
the cost of providing those services. Once GTS has identified a market as
suitable for entry, the Company seeks to establish its presence in that
market by establishing a venture with a strong local partner or partners.
In general, GTS maintains a significant degree of operational control in
such ventures. Through such ventures, the Company benefits from its
partners' ability to provide infrastructure, regulatory expertise and
personnel that will provide GTS with a competitive advantage in entering
that market. When entering a new market, GTS's strategy is to provide its
customers with higher quality service as compared to the services offered
by incumbent providers.
- Market Expansion. Having entered a market successfully and established a
limited service offering to its targeted customer base, GTS then seeks to
expand the range of services it offers to existing and potential
customers and to further develop its relationships with local partners.
By broadening its service offerings, GTS anticipates achieving increased
economies of scale through the common use of administrative and operating
functions already in place, increasing the Company's share of its
customers' telecommunications spending and expanding GTS's base of
potential customers through the provision of a bundled service offering.
The Company also seeks to expand its targeted geographic market by
forming new partnerships, installing infrastructure and offering services
in additional geographic regions, allowing the Company to further enhance
its operating leverage and ability to service its customers'
telecommunications needs.
- Market Integration. GTS ultimately intends to integrate and co-market its
service offerings in each of the markets in which it operates. The
Company believes such integration enables it to enhance its operating
efficiency by leveraging its distribution channels, infrastructure and
networks, and management information systems. As customers develop a need
for a broader variety of telecommunications services, the Company
believes GTS's integrated operations will represent an attractive service
44
<PAGE> 50
alternative for customers seeking a single provider with the ability to
meet all their telecommunications needs.
Western Europe. The Company seeks to position itself as the leading
independent carriers' carrier within Western Europe through the development of
HER's pan-European fiber optic network and the operation of GTS-Monaco Access's
international gateway in partnership with, and utilizing the gateway
infrastructure of, the Principality of Monaco. The overall strategy of GTS in
Western Europe is to complement and enhance the services provided by PTOs and
New Entrants in a way that helps them to more successfully meet the needs of
their end-user customers. HER seeks to enter the market ahead of competition and
encourage a wide variety of carriers to use its network with service offerings
that meet their needs. To establish itself as the leading carriers' carrier for
international telecommunications within Europe, HER intends to provide its
customers with significantly higher quality transmission and advanced network
capabilities at a competitive price by utilizing advanced, uniform technology
across the region and providing redundant routing for higher levels of
reliability.
RUSSIA AND THE CIS
OVERVIEW
GTS is a leading provider of a broad range of telecommunications services
in Russia. GTS's services include international long distance services, domestic
long distance services, high speed data transmission and Internet access,
cellular services and local access services. GTS was among the first foreign
telecommunications operators in the CIS, where it began offering data links to
the United States in 1986, international long distance services in 1992, local
access to its networks in 1994 and cellular services in 1995. GTS has developed
these businesses into a leading provider of telecommunications service offerings
in Russia by building its own infrastructure, including a fully digital overlay
network and interconnections with its local Russian telecommunications partners.
The Company believes that evolving changes in government policy over the
last several years and the overall inadequacy of basic telecommunications
services throughout Russia have created a significant opportunity. Before 1990,
all international, domestic long distance and local telecommunications in the
Soviet Union were provided by a monopoly state telecommunications company
managed by the Ministry of Posts and Communications. In 1990, the Council of
Ministers established a joint-stock company called Sovtelecom and transferred to
it all of the telecommunications assets and operations of the Soviet Ministry of
Posts and Communications. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991,
the name of the company was changed to Intertelecom. In 1992, the Russian
government decided to split Intertelecom into several components to foster
privatization, competition and investment. The international and long-distance
assets and operations were combined into Rostelecom, creating a monopolistic
service provider. The local telecommunications assets and operations were broken
up into 88 independent regional joint-stock companies, seven of which serve
cities, including the Moscow City Telephone Network and the Petersburg Telephone
Network. Most of the regional companies have a telecommunications trunk operator
and provide a domestic long distance service within their service region.
Domestic long distance calls to and from areas outside the companies' service
area, as well as international calls, are switched to and from Rostelecom, which
forwards the calls to and from another regional company or a foreign carrier for
international calls. Exceptions to this rule include the seven city operators.
In Moscow and St. Petersburg, the trunk operators have been isolated into
separate, long distance companies called Moscow MMT and St. Petersburg MMT. All
domestic long distance and international calls originating from or terminating
in Moscow and St. Petersburg are switched through the MMTs, which forward the
calls to and from Rostelecom.
Following the former Soviet Union's transformation from a centralized
economy to a more market-oriented economy, increased demand from emerging
private businesses and from individuals, together with the poor state of the
public telephone network, has led to rapid growth in the telecommunications
sector in Russia and the CIS. In 1991 the MOC was established as the Russian
successor to the Soviet Ministry of Posts and Communications to regulate and
improve the telecommunications industry and to be the government's
representative for its ownership share of the 88 regional operating companies,
the assets currently held by
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<PAGE> 51
Svyazinvest (then the monopoly international and domestic long distance service
provider) and national radio, television and satellite operating companies. This
enabled the MOC and operating organizations to begin the privatization process,
attract foreign investment and initiate joint ventures with foreign partners.
Although it remains subject to certain restrictions, significant progress
in privatization of the telecommunications industry in Russia and the CIS has
occurred. Under Russian law, state-owned enterprises within the
telecommunications sector were subject to privatization but only pursuant to a
decision of the Russian government in each individual case and with the state
retaining a certain percentage of the stock of the privatized entity for three
years, subject to extension for national security reasons. At present, virtually
all of the former state telecommunications enterprises have been privatized and,
subject to the above restrictions, shares of the newly formed joint stock
companies have been sold to the public. Also, a significant number of private
operators provide a wide variety of telecommunications services pursuant to
licenses from the MOC to a growing number of customers throughout Russia.
According to the MOC, more than 6,000 licenses have been granted to
telecommunications operators in Russia, a large portion of which is assumed to
represent licenses reissued to the same operators as a result of their
reorganization or obligation to hold such licenses on counterfeit-proof paper.
In October 1994, the President authorized the establishment of Svyazinvest
with the stated purpose of fostering greater efficiency and economies of scale
within the industry through competition. As a wholly government-owned company,
Svyazinvest was granted a controlling stake in approximately 85 regional
telecommunications companies in order to compete in these respective markets.
Svyazinvest was also given control of more than 20 million of the 25.5 million
telephone lines in Russia, except in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
In April 1997, President Yeltsin approved the transfer of the federal
government's 51% stake in Rostelecom, as well as similar stakes in Central
Telegraph (the national PTO), the Yekaterinberg City Telephone Network and
Giprosvyaz (a telecommunications research institute), to Svyazinvest. On July
30, 1997, Mustcom Ltd., a Cyprus-based company that represents the interests of
a consortium which includes ICFI Cyprus, Renaissance International Ltd.,
Deutsche Morgan Grenfell, Morgan Stanley, and an affiliate of George Soros,
purchased a 25% stake in Svyazinvest for $1.87 billion. The President has also
authorized the sale of another 24% of Svyazinvest at a future date. This sale is
scheduled to occur in the first half of 1998 and is currently reserved solely
for Russian investors. The Russian government has announced that it will retain
a controlling 51% interest in Svyazinvest.
The Russian government's interest in Svyazinvest is held by the MOC, which
was reclassified as the State Committee on Telecommunications and Informatics
during a recent government reorganization. The MOC remains the central body of
federal authority in the Russian Federation, having responsibility for state
management of the communications industry and supervisory responsibility for the
condition and development of all types of communications.
Despite the recent changes in the Russian telecommunications industry, the
level of telecommunications service generally available from most public
operators in Moscow remains significantly below that available in cities of
Western Europe and the United States, although in recent years, the Moscow local
telephone infrastructure has benefitted from significant capital investment. By
1995, there were approximately 16 lines per 100 persons in Russia and 45 lines
per 100 persons in Moscow. In comparison, there were 60 and 58 lines per 100
persons in the United States and Western Europe, respectively. In addition, the
quality of services, reflected as the percentage of digital switching in local
telephone networks, currently is approximately 12% in Russia compared to 65% and
66% in the United States and Western Europe, respectively.
Outside Moscow (and to a lesser extent St. Petersburg), most standard
Russian telecommunications equipment is obsolete. For example, many of the
telephone exchanges are electromechanical and most telephones still use pulse
dialing. The Russian population is over 145 million, of which approximately two-
thirds is concentrated in urban areas. The telecommunications market in Russia
currently includes a number of operators that compete in different service
offering segments -- local, inter-city, international, data and cellular
services. In large measure, the relative lack of economic development in the
regions accounts for the lack of improvement in local telecommunications
infrastructure. Although the regions still generally rely on an
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outdated infrastructure inherited from the former Soviet Union, they are
starting to resort to sophisticated sources of finance, such as municipal bond
offerings, in order to upgrade it.
Growth in the Russian telecommunications industry has been principally
driven by businesses in Moscow requiring international and domestic long
distance voice and data services and by consumers using mobile telephony. This
growth has been most significant as multinational corporations have established
a presence in Moscow and Russian businesses have begun to expand. The service
sector, which includes operations in distribution, financial services and
professional services and tends to be the most telecommunications-intensive
service sector of the economy, is growing rapidly in Moscow. Since moving to a
more market-oriented economy, the economic conditions in the outlying regions in
Russia have also generally improved. The telecommunications industry in the
outlying regions has experienced recent growth, principally as a result of
growth in the industrial sector as well as the establishment of satellite
offices in the regions by multinational corporations and growing Russian
businesses. The extent of overall market growth will depend in part on the rate
at which the Russian economy expands, although recent revenue growth in the
sector has been significant (in spite of a declining economy in certain regions)
because of increasing traffic from pre-existing customers and the normalization
of tariffs for business services.
The Company believes it is well-positioned to take advantage of market
growth factors due to (i) its early market entry, (ii) its strong infrastructure
position in Moscow, by far the most important regional market, (iii) the local
market experience of its local partners, (iv) the extent of its existing
customer base and (v) its extensive range of international and domestic
telecommunications services. GTS believes it is the only operator in Russia
currently capable of providing a broad range of service offerings and marketing
them as a single end-to-end service offering for its customers.
STRATEGY
GTS's objective is to become the premier alternative carrier in Russia and
other key growth markets of the CIS. To attain this objective, the Company has
developed and implemented the following strategy:
- Develop Strong Local Partnerships. The Company has and continues to
develop its Russian and CIS business through alliances with experienced
local partners, which to date have been primarily regional telephone
companies and Rostelecom. These ventures combine the management,
financial and marketing expertise of GTS together with its partner's
ability to provide infrastructure and local regulatory experience. GTS
believes that these relationships lend it credibility and increase its
ability to anticipate and respond to the evolving regulatory and legal
environment. GTS maintains a significant degree of managerial and
operational control in its joint ventures through its foundation
documents, which enable GTS to develop them in a manner consistent with
its overall strategic objectives.
- Expand Customer Base. The Company continues to expand its customer base
through the provision of basic telephone and digital services in markets
where such services are not currently provided. Once they have
established a presence in a market, the Company's ventures seek for
opportunities to expand further into neighboring regions and cities.
- Increase Range of Digital Services. As its business customers expand
their operations throughout Russia and the CIS and as their
telecommunications needs become more sophisticated, the Company seeks to
increase its revenues by expanding the range of integrated digital
services offered to its customers.
- Offer High Quality Telecommunications Service and Customer Service. The
Company continues to invest in and build sophisticated high-speed digital
networks and other infrastructure through which customers can gain local
access to the Company's services. In addition to providing advanced, high
quality network infrastructure, the Company emphasizes and offers its
customers a level of customer service which the Company believes cannot
be found elsewhere in the market.
To date, GTS has made substantial progress employing this strategy. The
Company provides digital voice, data and local services in Moscow through its
Sovintel, Sovam and TCM ventures and provides these same services to thirteen
additional Russian cities through its TeleRoss long distance network.
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<PAGE> 53
OPERATIONS
GTS provides a broad range of telecommunications services in Russia,
including international long distance services, domestic long distance services,
cellular services, high speed data transmission, Internet access and local
access services. These services are supported by operator assistance, itemized
call reporting and billing, and other value-added capabilities that leverage
GTS's investment in advanced switching, data collection and processing
equipment. GTS also provides customized systems integration, including PABXs,
key systems, wiring and interconnectivity. GTS's own infrastructure is
supplemented with dedicated and leased capacity to allow GTS to bypass the
severely congested and poorly maintained local, domestic and long distance
circuits of the Russian carriers.
Whenever practical, GTS's business units integrate and co-market their
service offerings, utilizing TeleRoss as the long distance provider, Sovintel as
the international gateway, TCM and GTS Cellular for local access, and Sovam as
the data communications and Internet access network for business applications
and on-line services. Through this integrated marketing approach, GTS is able to
provide comprehensive telecommunications solutions to multinational corporations
operating throughout Russia and the CIS.
The following table sets forth certain operating data related to the
Company's operating ventures in Russia and the CIS.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AT AND FOR THE YEAR
ENDED DECEMBER 31, AT AND FOR THE NINE
------------------------ MONTHS ENDED
1994(1) 1995 1996 SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
------- ---- ----- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cities In Service................................. 5 24 33 40
Total Voice Minutes (millions)(2)
Inter-city...................................... -- (3) 2.3 15.8 33.8
Local........................................... 0.0 22.1 133.0 174.9
International Outgoing.......................... 7.7(3) 10.5 20.5 31.7
Incoming........................................ 2.0 4.5 33.2 50.9
Total Data Customers (thousands).................. 1.9 2.9 6.2 8.3
Total Cellular Subscribers (thousands)............ 0.0 1.6 9.8 16.3
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) In 1994, the Company's interest in ventures operating in Russia consisted of
a ten-percent interest in Baltic Communications Limited, a one-third
interest in Sovam, and Sovintel, in which the Company owned a 12.5% interest
through May 1994 and a 50% interest thereafter.
(2) Amounts include minutes between Company affiliates.
(3) International and inter-city long distance outgoing minutes not segregated
in 1994.
SOVINTEL
GTS owns 50% of Sovintel, a joint venture with Rostelecom, the national
long distance carrier. Sovintel was founded in 1990 by GTS, Rostelecom and GTE
Spacenet, with GTS acquiring GTE Spacenet's interest in 1994. Sovintel markets a
broad range of high quality telecommunications services by (i) directly
providing international direct dial access to over 170 countries and private
line dedicated voice channels and (ii) leveraging the infrastructure and
services of the other GTS ventures, including TeleRoss, TCM and Sovam. In
addition, Sovintel provides and installs for its customers equipment such as
PABXs, key systems and wiring and provides maintenance and other value-added
services. Sovintel customers, which primarily consist of businesses, hotels and
Moscow-based cellular operators, are able to access these telecommunications
services through Sovintel's fully-digital overlay network in Moscow. In
addition, Sovintel has recently commenced construction of a limited network in
St. Petersburg that is interconnected to Sovintel's Moscow network and is
intended to support Sovintel's Moscow clients which have a presence in St.
Petersburg. Sovintel serviced over 40,500 telephone numbers, or "ports," for
business customers and cellular providers and had over 240 employees as of
September 30, 1997.
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Sovintel has constructed and operates a fully-digital overlay network in
and around Moscow which consists of (i) an approximately 600-kilometer fiber
optic ring, (ii) over 250 PABXs linked to the fiber optic ring, (iii) a
fully-digital microwave network, (iv) a wireless local loop and (v) an
international gateway connected to the fiber optic ring. In addition, Sovintel
leases dedicated international long distance channels. Customers are connected
to the Sovintel network via last mile connections to over 250 PABXs that provide
"points-of-presence" in and around Moscow. The PABXs are connected to the
network through a direct fiber connection or a digital microwave network. Some
of Sovintel's new customers are temporarily connected to the network through a
wireless local loop. The wireless local loop provides a significant competitive
advantage because it allows Sovintel to connect customers to its network more
quickly than alternative methods. As these customers are provided permanent
connections to Sovintel's network through direct connections to the PABXs,
additional customers are rolled onto the wireless local loop.
[GTS SOVINTEL MOSCOW NETWORK]
After a customer is connected to the Sovintel network, local telephone
services are provided through the Sovintel fiber optic ring's interconnection
with the switches of either TCM or MTU Inform. These switches provide access to
local telephone service in Moscow through interconnections with the Moscow city
telephone network ("MGTS") and the principal Moscow cellular providers. Sovintel
provides its customers access to domestic long distance service through the
TeleRoss long distance network, or through Rostelecom's network in cities not
currently served by TeleRoss. International service is provided primarily
through the Sovintel international gateway, which transmits international
traffic via dedicated international leased long distance channels. Sovintel's
customers also can receive high speed data services through Sovintel's
interconnection with the Sovam data network. Accordingly, from a customer's
perspective, Sovintel offers a broad range of telecommunication services.
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<PAGE> 55
The following table sets forth certain operating data related to Sovintel's
operations:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AT AND FOR THE
AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, NINE MONTHS
-------------------------------------- ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
1994 1995 1996 1997
-------- --------- --------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
MINUTES OF USE(1)
International Minutes
Number of Minutes.................... 7,681(2) 10,516 20,839 30,628
Average Rate Per Minute.............. $ 2.35 $ 2.06 $ 1.55 $ 1.19
Domestic Long Distance Minutes
Number of Minutes.................... --(2) 2,047 10,098 16,946
Average Rate Per Minute.............. -- $ 0.86 $ 0.65 $ 0.55
Moscow (Local) Fixed Line Minutes
Number of Minutes.................... -- -- -- 2,302
Average Rate Per Minute.............. -- -- -- $ 0.06
Moscow (Local) Cellular Minutes
Number of Minutes.................... -- 21,478 83,673 82,333
Average Rate Per Minute.............. -- $ 0.06 $ 0.08 $ 0.08
Incoming Minutes
Number of Minutes.................... 1,967 3,839 24,306 34,571
Average Rate Per Minutes............. $ 0.76 $ 0.58 $ 0.28 $ 0.29
PORTS
Number of Ports (cumulative)............ -- 6,079 29,646 40,563
NUMBER OF PRIVATE LINE CHANNELS
International........................... 1 26 89 162
Inter- and Intra-City................... 1 26 103 184
APPROXIMATE EQUIPMENT SALES (THOUSANDS)... $1,100 $ 1,400 $ 2,200 $ 2,500
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Minutes in thousands. Amounts include minutes among affiliates.
(2) International and domestic long distance outgoing minutes not segregated in
1994.
Services. Sovintel markets a broad range of high quality telecommunications
services by (i) directly providing international direct dial access to over 170
countries and private line dedicated voice services and (ii) by leveraging the
infrastructure and services of the other GTS ventures. Sovintel's services
include:
- Switched International, Domestic Long Distance and Local
Services. Customers are provided switched international long distance
services directly through Sovintel's international gateway in Moscow and
its leased long distance channels. Domestic long distance services are
marketed by Sovintel and provided either through the TeleRoss long
distance network or, where the call destination is not served by
TeleRoss, through Rostelecom's network. Local call service is provided by
Sovintel indirectly as a result of its interconnection, through TCM or
MTU Inform, with the Moscow city telephone network. Based on its
familiarity with the market, the Company believes that Sovintel's
services are distinguished by a higher level of quality than those of its
competitors, particularly with respect to call completion rates for its
domestic long distance and local call services. In addition, the Company
trains its employees to provide customer service at a level which is
comparable to that provided by Western telecommunications companies. As a
result, the Company believes that customers choose Sovintel over its
competitors because it has earned a reputation for providing high quality
telecommunications services through an experienced and professional
customer service staff.
- Private Line Channels. Private line channels, which are provided over
dedicated leased lines, are principally utilized by customers with
high-volume data traffic needs, such as Sovam and large data providers.
Private line customers have access to intra-city service in Moscow
through Sovintel's fiber optic ring and to inter-city service between
Moscow and St. Petersburg via fiber leased by Sovintel, in each case
benefitting from Sovintel's high quality infrastructure. Private line
domestic long distance
50
<PAGE> 56
service is provided through TeleRoss and, for cities not served by
TeleRoss, through Rostelecom. International private line service is
provided through dedicated leased fiber channels from Rostelecom.
- Equipment Sales, Installation Services and Project Planning and
Management Services. In providing the above services to its customers,
Sovintel installs and maintains equipment on its customers' premises,
including PABXs, key systems and wiring. Sovintel also provides project
planning and management services, including system design and management,
to its customers.
- World Access Service. Customers are able to access Sovintel's
international long distance services through the World Access Card, which
provides customers either direct or calling-card-based portable access to
domestic and international long distance service. The calling card can be
used in 15 Russian cities, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, and 23
countries.
Sovintel complements its service offerings by providing a wide range of
value-added services including operator assistance, maintenance and customer
support and itemized call reporting and billing.
Customers and Pricing. Sovintel's customers consist primarily of
high-volume business and professional customers, such as IBM, Credit Suisse
Group and Reuters, other multinational corporations and Russian enterprises, a
number of premium Moscow hotels and other telecommunications carriers. In
addition, Sovintel is one of the primary providers of domestic and international
long distance service for the major cellular service providers in Moscow,
including VimpelCom, MTS and Moscow Cellular. Sovintel's customers typically
demand a higher level of service than generally available in the market.
Sovintel further provides to its large corporate customers data services such as
frame relay and Internet access contracted from Sovam in order to offer
"one-stop shopping" telecommunications solution to these customers, who
increasingly require this type of service.
The pricing structure for international and domestic long distance calls is
based upon traffic volume and overall market rates, with Sovintel's rates
varying depending on the time and destination of the call. Local calls, other
than calls placed to cellular phones, are completed without charge. Sovintel
expects to continue its practice of not charging to complete local calls unless
and until the MGTS begins to charge for completion of such calls. Sovintel
prices its international long distance services slightly below those of its
principal competitors, and has recently reduced its rates in anticipation of
increased competitive pricing pressures. Sovintel's average revenue per minute
for outgoing international long distance calls has declined from approximately
$2.35 per minute for the year ended December 31, 1994 to approximately $1.19 per
minute for the nine months ended September 30, 1997. Sovintel expects increased
pricing pressure from competitors over time. Sovintel prices domestic long
distance services in line with those of its principal competitors. Prices for
domestic long distance services have increased significantly over the last
several years, although such prices stabilized in the second half of 1996.
Sovintel's private line services are priced competitively. Sovintel provides
private line channels by releasing lines it leases from Rostelecom. The lines
are leased by Sovintel from Rostelecom at wholesale rates and leased by Sovintel
to its customers at prices in line with Rostelecom's retail rate.
Customers are billed monthly with larger-volume customers receiving
discounts of up to 25%. Customers using international services, domestic long
distance or data services are billed in U.S. dollars. To the extent permitted by
law, payment is made either in U.S. dollars or in rubles at the ruble/dollar
exchange rate at the time of payment, plus a conversion charge in order to
minimize the impact of currency fluctuations. Sovintel currently bills on an
invoicing system that was internally developed. Currently, the system is
adequate for Sovintel's present customer base; however, the Company is
evaluating alternatives for upgrading the system in anticipation of future
growth.
Sales and Marketing. Sovintel's sales and marketing strategy targets large
multinational and Russian businesses both directly and through contacts with
real estate developers and business center managers in the greater Moscow area.
These developers and managers typically determine which telecommunications
service provider will service their respective properties. By identifying and
building relationships with these developers and managers at an early stage
(typically up to one year prior to the completion of a new building project),
Sovintel seeks to enhance the likelihood of winning the service contract. In
addition to its traditional target
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<PAGE> 57
market, Sovintel has recently begun to market its services to smaller
businesses. Sovintel utilizes a departmentalized sales force in order to focus
its sale efforts on the different segments within its target market. The sales
force is comprised of 40 sales personnel, including 15 account managers, all of
whom specialize in serving specific targeted industries. Dedicated marketing and
customer support personnel provide technical support, customer service,
training, market monitoring and promotional functions for Sovintel. Sovintel's
sales and marketing personnel are paid through a combination of salary,
commissions and incentive bonuses.
Ownership and Control. Sovintel is a joint venture between a wholly-owned
entity of GTS and Rostelecom with each having a 50% ownership interest. Under
Sovintel's charter, GTS and Rostelecom each have the right to appoint three of
the six members of Sovintel's managing board. Rostelecom has the right to
nominate the Director General (the highest ranking executive officer at
Sovintel), while GTS has the right to nominate the First Deputy Director General
(the next-highest ranking executive officer at Sovintel). In practice, the
Director General and the First Deputy Director General together perform the role
of a chief executive officer. Certain business decisions, including the adoption
of Sovintel's annual budget and business plan as well as the distribution of
profits and losses require the approval of both GTS and Rostelecom. Neither GTS
nor Rostelecom are obligated to fund Sovintel's operations or capital
expenditures. Losses and profits of Sovintel are allocated to the partners in
accordance with their ownership percentages, in consideration of funds at risk.
As of September 30, 1997, GTS and Rostelecom has each made equity contributions
of $1.0 million to Sovintel. In addition, Sovintel had outstanding loans of $9.0
million to GTS as of September 30, 1997. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis -- Accounting Methodology -- Profit and Loss Accounting." The Sovintel
joint venture agreement does not have an expiration date. See "Risk
Factors -- Dependence on Certain Local Parties; Absence of Control."
TCM
GTS beneficially owns approximately 50% of TCM, a joint venture founded in
1994 that provides a licensed numbering plan and interconnection to the Moscow
city telephone network for carriers needing basic local access service in
Moscow. GTS's partners in TCM are MTU-Inform and a group of entrepreneurs with
extensive telecommunications experience. TCM is currently licensed to provide
100,000 numbers in Moscow, of which approximately 44,000 have been leased. TCM
has contracted with MGTS to construct up to an additional 100,000 numbers in
several stages over the next five years, and currently plans to construct 10,000
numbers in each of 2000, 2001 and 2002. Any such construction, however, is
subject to TCM obtaining a license covering the additional numbers and the
availability of such numbers in the portion of the MGTS numbering plan in which
TCM plans to construct such numbers. TCM's switching facilities are fully
integrated with the networks of Rostelecom, Sovintel, and MGTS, allowing it to
provide high quality digital service to its customers.
Services. TCM acts as a local gateway by providing numbers and ports to
carriers in Moscow, including Sovintel, VimpelCom, MTS and Moscow Cellular, and
thus providing interconnectivity to the Moscow city telephone network. Access to
the Moscow city telephone network provides customers with the higher quality and
broader range of services available in Moscow, such as the services provided by
Sovintel. Access from outlying regions is typically obtained through a domestic
long distance service provider such as TeleRoss. See "-- Sovintel" and
"-- TeleRoss."
Customers and Pricing. TCM provides its services on the wholesale level to
primary carriers. VimpelCom is TCM's primary customer and accounts for
substantially all of TCM's revenues, hence the loss of VimpelCom as a customer
would have a material adverse effect on the Company. TCM also provides ports to
Sovintel and to other network operators including MTS and Moscow Cellular. TCM's
ports are leased principally to carriers in Moscow. Although local access
services are priced upon the basis of supply and demand factors in the local
market, in general, for each port cellular operators pay an approximately $300
installation fee and a $16 flat monthly fee plus a per minute charge for traffic
while other carriers pay a larger initial fee of approximately $500 and a
monthly fee of approximately $25. Local access services are typically provided
pursuant to five-year contracts that may be renewed upon expiration for
additional one-year periods. TCM has entered into an agreement with Sovintel
pursuant to which billing and collecting functions for TCM-Sovintel joint
customers are performed by Sovintel, with Sovintel remitting such amounts (less
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<PAGE> 58
applicable settlement charges and administrative costs) to TCM. The rapid growth
of cellular services in markets like Moscow has placed a premium on new numbers,
which has translated into attractive prices for these numbers. TCM, however,
believes these prices will decline over time.
Ownership and Control. GTS's indirect interest in TCM is represented by its
approximately 52% interest in a holding company, which owns 95% of TCM. This
structure provides GTS with 50% beneficial ownership interest in TCM. Decisions
of the holding company regarding TCM require unanimous board approval and
neither GTS nor its partner in the holding company is obligated to fund
operations or capital expenditures of the holding company. In addition, neither
the holding company nor the TCM shareholders are obligated to fund operations or
capital expenditures of TCM. At both the holding company and TCM level, losses
and profits are allocated to the partners in accordance with their ownership
percentages, in consideration of funds at risk. GTS acquired its indirect, 50%
beneficial interest in TCM for approximately $700,000 and certain additional
consideration. As of September 30, 1997, GTS had no outstanding loans relating
to TCM. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis -- Accounting
Methodology -- Profit and Loss Accounting." None of the operative charters and
agreements relating to the holding company or TCM have expiration dates. See
"Risk Factors -- Dependence on Certain Local Parties; Absence of Control."
TELEROSS
TeleRoss, which began operations in 1995, consists of (i) two wholly-owned
holding companies and a 99% owned subsidiary of GTS that operates a domestic
long distance network (collectively, the "TeleRoss Operating Company") and (ii)
thirteen joint ventures that are 50% beneficially-owned by GTS that originate
traffic and provide local termination of calls (the "TeleRoss Ventures" and,
together with TeleRoss Operating Company, "TeleRoss"). The TeleRoss domestic
long distance network serves fourteen major Russian cities, including Moscow
and, through VSAT technology, 19 customers located outside these cities.
TeleRoss provides digital domestic long distance services and other value-added
services through its own infrastructure as well as access to Sovintel's
international gateway services and access to the Moscow city telephone network
through TCM's switching facilities. Sovam uses the TeleRoss digital channels to
provide regional data service and has co-located its access facilities with
TeleRoss. As of September 30, 1997, TeleRoss employed approximately 188 persons
of which approximately 90 people were based in Moscow and approximately 98
people were deployed in the regions in which TeleRoss operates.
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<PAGE> 59
TeleRoss's licenses cover the city of Moscow and a total of 39 regions
throughout Russia. Most of the thirteen cities in which TeleRoss primarily
operates are regional capitals, with an aggregate population of approximately
11.5 million. TeleRoss's licenses cover the entire oblast surrounding these
cities, with populations totalling approximately 38.1 million persons, and GTS
intends eventually to extend the reach of the TeleRoss network beyond the
regional capitals to the surrounding areas. The cities in which TeleRoss
currently offers its services are:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 POPULATION
---------------------------------------
(IN MILLIONS)
URBAN
CITY(4) CITY(1) OBLAST(2) TOTAL OBLAST(3)
------- ------- --------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Arkhangelsk....................................... 0.6 1.2 1.6
Ekaterinburg...................................... 1.4 4.1 4.7
Irkutsk........................................... 0.6 2.3 2.9
Khabarovsk........................................ 0.6 1.5 1.9
Krasnodar......................................... 0.6 2.6 4.8
Nizhni Novgorod................................... 1.4 2.9 3.7
Novosibirsk....................................... 1.4 2.1 2.8
Syktyvkar......................................... 0.3 0.9 1.3
Tyumen............................................ 0.5 2.4 3.1
Ufa............................................... 1.0 2.6 4.0
Vladivostok....................................... 1.2 1.8 2.2
Volgograd......................................... 0.9 2.0 2.6
Voronezh.......................................... 1.0 1.5 2.5
---- ---- ----
Total................................... 11.5 27.9 38.1
---- ---- ----
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) This column reflects the population residing in cities. Source: GTS estimate
(2) This column reflects the urban population in oblast. Source: Rusline
(3) This column reflects the total population residing in the oblast, including
rural population. Source: Rusline
(4) TeleRoss plans to expand to the city of Samara in January, 1998. The 1995
city population, urban oblast population and total oblast population for
Samara was 1.2 million, 2.7 million and 3.3 million, respectively.
The TeleRoss network architecture involves local city switches connected to
remote earth stations which communicate via satellite to a Moscow-based hub.
This hub consists of the network control center, earth station equipment,
multiplexing equipment and a switch. The earth stations, hub and related
equipment are owned by TeleRoss, which gives TeleRoss the flexibility to
redeploy network assets to other locations as necessary. The hub interconnects
to Sovintel's network providing access to Sovam's data networks, TCM's switching
facilities and Sovintel's international gateway, which transports international
traffic via dedicated international leased satellites and fiber channels and
provides access to Rostelecom's long distance networks. Outside of Moscow,
TeleRoss's local joint venture partners provide interconnection to the local
public telephone networks in each of the cities it serves. In addition to
providing services through its network, TeleRoss currently serves 19 customers
in 18 additional cities through VSAT technology which links the customers via
satellite to the Moscow hub.
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<PAGE> 60
The following table sets forth certain operating data related to TeleRoss's
operations:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AT AND FOR
AT AND FOR THE NINE
THE YEAR MONTHS
ENDED ENDED
DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
1996 1997
------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C>
MINUTES OF USE(1)
Domestic Minutes (thousands).............................. 3,478 14,440
Average Rate Per Domestic Minute.......................... $ 0.99 $ 0.66
International Minutes (thousands)......................... 189 486
Average Rate Per International Minute..................... $ 2.76 $ 2.56
NUMBER OF CITIES SERVED..................................... 13 14
WORLD CONNECT DIAL/RUSSIA
Number of Connect Dial Ports.............................. 472 961
Average Revenue Per Port Per Month........................ $ 767 $ 378
MOSCOW CONNECT
Number of Ports........................................... 49 56
Average Revenue Per Port Per Month........................ $1,165 $ 1,513
DEDICATED CIRCUITS
Number of Dedicated Channels.............................. 33 43
Average Price Per Channel................................. $4,553 $ 4,264
WORLD ACCESS SERVICE
Number of World Access Card Users......................... 3,929 4,360
Average Revenue Per Card Per Month........................ $ 52 $ 45
VSAT SERVICES
Number of VSATs........................................... 12 20
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Includes minutes among affiliates.
Services. Through its network and VSAT offerings, TeleRoss offers the
following services:
- Carriers' Carrier Services. TeleRoss provides services as a "carriers'
carrier," providing domestic long distance carrier services to cellular
operators, Sovintel, the TeleRoss Ventures' regional partners and
competitive bypass operators from the cities in which the TeleRoss
Ventures operate, and to customers in remote cities using VSAT stations.
These services are provided to and from Moscow, and are provided by
TeleRoss at wholesale rates competitive with those offered by Rostelecom.
TeleRoss also provides private line channels to Sovam in cities where the
TeleRoss Ventures operate. In addition, TeleRoss has recently received a
license to provide international private line service.
- World Connect Dial/Russia Connect Dial. Customers in TeleRoss's cities
are provided dedicated local access to the regional TeleRoss switch
through lines leased from the TeleRoss Venture's regional joint venture
partner. These customers then have access to the domestic long distance
service provided by TeleRoss, international long distance service provided
by Sovintel and are fully integrated into the local phone networks
operated by the applicable TeleRoss Venture's partner and to the Moscow
city telephone network through TCM.
- Moscow Connect. Customers are provided with dedicated last mile
connection over lines leased from the regional joint venture partner
which lines are connected to a local TeleRoss switch. The TeleRoss
network and its interconnection to TCM provide customers with a Moscow
dial tone which allows users in remote locations better access to
Moscow's advanced telecommunications infrastructure. In addition, Moscow
Connect service provides better call quality at lower rates for domestic
and international long distance. Moscow Connect also facilitates
communications between users and their
55
<PAGE> 61
Moscow-based associates as calls can be made to and from Moscow without the use
of prefixes and without long distance charges accruing to the Moscow-based
parties.
- Dedicated Circuits. Customers are provided with point-to-point clear
channel circuits within Russia and internationally through the TeleRoss
backbone and its interconnection with Sovintel's international gateway in
Moscow. Dedicated circuits are generally used by news services, banks and
other commercial customers who require high capacity and high quality
service. This service can be used for voice or data, depending on the
user's needs. In providing dedicated circuits, TeleRoss competes against
other alternative communications providers, however, TeleRoss believes
that it has a distinct price advantage over its competitors because of
the use of its own infrastructure and the bulk purchase of satellite
capacity.
- World Access Service. TeleRoss and Sovintel co-market World Access
Service to their customers in each of the cities they serve through two
products: World Access Direct and World Access Card. Through World Access
Direct, TeleRoss customers can access domestic long distance and
international service anywhere within the customer's city through the
local telephone network. The World Access Card is a calling card which
allows TeleRoss customers portable access to domestic long distance and
international service from 15 Russian cities, including Moscow and St.
Petersburg, and 23 countries. This service is provided through Sovintel's
infrastructure.
- VSAT Services. For customers that are located outside the cities serviced
by TeleRoss or that cannot be physically linked to TeleRoss's regional
switches, TeleRoss offers VSAT service which connects these customers
directly to TeleRoss's Moscow-based hub through a VSAT antenna installed
at the customer's location. Both dedicated and switched services are
provided through these VSAT arrangements.
In addition to continuing the development of its core domestic long
distance business, TeleRoss's strategy includes the development of local access
networks to capitalize on demand for local phone service and to capture
additional customers for its long distance and value-added service offerings.
Outside Moscow, TeleRoss has primarily pursued a strategy whereby it develops
its own intra-city trunking network with copper based or fiber optic facilities
leased from the regional joint venture partners. As of September 30, 1997,
TeleRoss, in conjunction with regional joint venture partners, has installed
approximately 25 kilometers of fiber optic cable in 3 cities and plans to
install an aggregate of approximately 100 kilometers of additional fiber optic
cable in up to an additional 6 cities over the next 24 to 30 months. Customers
who obtain local phone numbers from TeleRoss's venture partners are directly
interconnected to the local telephone company and to the Company's long distance
network and Sovintel's international gateway and may obtain a broad range of
value-added services offered by the Company.
Customers and Pricing. TeleRoss's customers include businesses and other
telecommunications service providers such as carriers, PTOs, cellular operators,
Sovintel and Sovam. TeleRoss's business customers consist of large multinational
and Russian businesses in each of the regions it services, as well as medium and
small-sized businesses. Between 1993 and mid-1996, consumer prices in TeleRoss's
industry increased significantly as a result of Rostelecom raising its prices in
an effort to raise capital for investment and development of its network
infrastructure, although prices have stabilized over the past six months. In the
first nine months of 1997, TeleRoss increased sales to carriers, which sales
were made at wholesale rates, resulting in a decrease in the average rate per
minute for TeleRoss. TeleRoss strategically prices its domestic long distance
services at a slight premium over similar services offered by Rostelecom to
account for a higher quality of service, but in line with the prices offered by
regional competitors.
Sales and Marketing. TeleRoss markets its services to carriers and
businesses through direct sales channels. As of September 30, 1997, TeleRoss
employed 27 sales and marketing personnel, approximately half of which are based
in Moscow with the other half deployed regionally to identify and contact
prospective customers. The Moscow-based sales and marketing personnel are
organized into industry groups in order to better identify and serve customer
needs. Each region is typically served by one or two sales representatives.
TeleRoss's sales efforts are supported by market research and promotional
activities carried out at the joint venture level and tailored to the specific
market base of each region. TeleRoss's marketing strategy is to attract
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<PAGE> 62
carrier customers by focusing on those carriers with high volume minutes
operating in regions where TeleRoss has a competitive advantage. Through
cross-marketing agreements with Sovintel and Sovam, TeleRoss markets many of the
other service offerings of GTS's Russian businesses to customers throughout its
service regions. Billing functions and the monitoring of quality control and
technical issues are performed centrally through the Moscow-based hub.
Ownership and Control. TeleRoss consists of the TeleRoss Operating Company,
and the 50% beneficially-owned TeleRoss Ventures. GTS controls TeleRoss
Operating Company (which holds the network license) and co-manages the TeleRoss
Ventures under the terms of the applicable TeleRoss Ventures' foundation
agreements and charters. Under some of these charters, GTS generally has the
right to designate the Chairman of the board of directors, and GTS's local
partner has the right to designate the Deputy Chairman, for the first two-year
term (and thereafter GTS and the local partner nominate the Chairman and Deputy
Chairman for approval by the entire board on a rotating basis). The foundation
agreements and charters do not have expiration dates. While GTS has significant
influence within these ventures, decisions, including the decision to declare
and pay dividends, are generally subject to GTS's partner's approval. See "Risk
Factors -- Dependence on Certain Local Parties; Absence of Control." Neither GTS
nor its respective joint venture partners are obligated to fund operations or
capital expenditures of the TeleRoss Ventures. Losses and profits are allocated
to the partners in accordance with their ownership percentages, in consideration
of funds at risk. As of September 30, 1997, GTS and its partners had each made
equity contributions aggregating $1.7 million to the various TeleRoss Ventures.
Contributions made by the partners include contributions of cash and intangible
assets, such as licenses. In addition, the various TeleRoss Ventures had
outstanding loans of $3.3 million to GTS as of September 30, 1997. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis -- Accounting Methodology -- Profit and
Loss Accounting."
SOVAM
Sovam is a venture owned 66.7% by GTS and 33.3% by the Institute for
Automated Systems ("IAS"). Sovam was founded in 1990 as a venture equally owned
by GTS and IAS. In 1992, Cable & Wireless acquired a 33% ownership interest in
Sovam, which interest was subsequently acquired by GTS in 1994, bringing GTS's
ownership interest to its current 66.7%. GTS has reached an agreement in
principle to purchase IAS's interest in Sovam and expects to consummate the
transaction in January 1998, thereby making Sovam a wholly owned subsidiary of
GTS. Sovam provides high-speed data communications services, electronic mail and
database access over a high-speed packet/frame relay network in 30 major Russian
and CIS cities. Sovam also offers Russia On Line, the first Russian language
Internet service, which provides direct access to the Internet as well as access
to a wide range of local and international information services and databases.
As of September 30, 1997, Sovam had approximately 1,667 data service customers
and approximately 3,272 Russia On Line customers. Sovam employed over 100
persons in Moscow and other regions of the CIS as of September 30, 1997. Sovam
provides equipment and maintains marketing and technical support personnel at
each location either through its own infrastructure or through the
infrastructure of TeleRoss.
In addition to serving the Moscow and St. Petersburg markets, Sovam
co-locates its operations with the TeleRoss Ventures, offering its services in
all TeleRoss cities, and also serves 15 additional cities in Russia and the CIS.
Sovam operates under its own license within Russia while services elsewhere in
the CIS are provided through applicable joint venture or local partner licenses.
The local partners of the TeleRoss Ventures provide facilities, assist in the
provision of leased lines to Sovam customers that allow them to connect with
Sovam's local data switches and also provide technical support. Sovam utilizes
Sovintel's international capabilities and, in TeleRoss-served locations,
TeleRoss's satellite overlay network, to take data through its local data
switches and over the leased lines to its customers. Customers may obtain
virtual private data networks without investing in, acquiring, installing and
maintaining their own network nodes and switches.
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<PAGE> 63
The following table sets forth certain operating data related to Sovam's
operations:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AT AND FOR THE
AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED NINE MONTHS
DECEMBER 31, ENDED
--------------------------- SEPTEMBER 30,
1994 1995 1996 1997
------- ------- ------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BASIC DATA SERVICE
Percentage of Total Sovam Revenue..... 96% 91% 79% 80%
Number of Customers................... 1,335 1,587 1,726 1,667
Average Revenue Per Month Per
Customer........................... $ 180 $ 201 $ 446 $ 675
Number of Cities in Service........... 2 11 25 30
EQUIPMENT AND HARDWARE SALES
Percentage of Total Sovam Revenue..... 4% 8% 14% 10%
RUSSIA ON LINE SERVICE
Percentage of Total Sovam Revenue..... -- 1% 7% 10%
Number of Subscribers(1).............. -- 407 1,854 2,606
Average Revenue Per Month Per
Subscriber......................... -- $ 49 $ 52 $ 67
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) In addition to the subscribers included above, Sovam frequently connects
potential Russia On Line subscribers on a complimentary one-month trial
basis. As of September 30, 1997, there were approximately 600 such potential
subscribers.
Services. Sovam's service offerings are comprised of data services,
equipment and hardware sales and its Russia On Line services.
- Data Services. Sovam provided high speed connectivity, electronic mail,
database access and fax services to approximately 1,667 customers as of
September 30, 1997, in Russia and the CIS. Sovam customers can use
electronic mail systems to send and receive messages and data and to
access public and private data networks (including the Internet)
worldwide. Customers may obtain virtual private data networks without
investing in, acquiring, installing and maintaining their own network
nodes and switches. In addition, Sovam offers its customers value-added
data services. For example, Sovam offers "one-stop shopping" for
hardware, software, installation and maintenance support and products
such as "SovamMail," an e-mail service which allows customers to use
Sovam's data network to send telex or facsimile messages to overseas
recipients worldwide. Data services are currently available in 30 cities
throughout Russia and the CIS, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, each of
the cities served by TeleRoss and some cities outside of the TeleRoss
network.
- Equipment and Hardware Sales. Sovam sells communications equipment and
hardware, and provides related installation, maintenance and support
functions, to its customers. Sovam's primary customers in the equipment
and hardware market are banking clients who use the equipment to
interface with Sovam's network.
- Russia On Line. Russia On Line is the first Russian language, as well as
the first dual language, graphical user interface online service for
accessing domestic and international information sources designed to
appeal to a wide commercial audience. This service, which is distributed
via GTS's domestic long distance infrastructure, provides customers with
access to international databases (including the Internet), as well as an
array of proprietary Russian and English language information services,
such as news stories and market updates. Sovam had 2,606 Russia On Line
subscribers as of September 30, 1997. Sovam has developed a modified
version of Netscape's Internet browser, which utilizes the Cyrillic
alphabet, as part of its Russia On Line package. Sovam's enhanced Russian
version of Netscape's browser is provided by Sovam to its customers under
a distribution agreement with Netscape. In addition, Sovam has signed a
letter of intent with Microsoft whereby Microsoft has agreed to include
software access to Russia On Line in its Russian version of Windows 97,
which had not been released as of September 1997. Sovam has also entered
into agreements with equipment
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<PAGE> 64
manufacturers, including Dell, Hewlett-Packard and U.S. Robotics, to
include Russia On Line software with their products.
Customers and Pricing. Sovam's data communications customers consist
primarily of banking and financial services organizations and large
multinational companies, while Sovam's Russia On Line customers consist of a
wide variety of commercial enterprises. Sovam charges customers an installation
fee when service is commenced and a charge for any equipment which is installed.
Thereafter, customers are billed on a monthly basis for leased line fees, port
access charges and charges for data and Russia On Line services rendered during
the month. Data services are priced on a two-tier structure with high volume
users generally negotiating a flat-rate fee and lower volume uses paying a
volume-based fee which on average was $446 and $675 per subscriber in 1996 and
for the nine months ended September 30, 1997, respectively. Russia On Line
customers pay a fixed monthly access charge plus an additional volume-based fee.
Customers are billed in dollars and payment is remitted in rubles and, to the
extent permitted by law, in dollars, with a 5% conversion fee added to
ruble-denominated payments.
Sales and Marketing. Sovam employs a dedicated sales and marketing force
comprised of 23 Russian nationals, 18 of which are based in Moscow with the
remainder deployed in the other Russian and CIS regions. Salespersons are paid a
fixed salary supplemented by sales commissions and performance-based bonuses.
Sovam's sale efforts are focused primarily on the banking and financial
communities and large multinational companies, although small and medium sized
entities are also emerging as potential Sovam customers. Bundled service
packages, which include Sovam's data and Internet service, Sovintel's
international service and TeleRoss's long distance service, are frequently
marketed together in order to offer customers a comprehensive telecommunications
solution. In addition to data communications services, Sovam offers its
customers hardware, installation and maintenance service and is a distributor of
Northern Telecom equipment.
Ownership and Control. GTS owns 66.7% of Sovam and IAS owns the remaining
33.3%. GTS has reached an agreement in principle to purchase IAS's interest in
Sovam and expects to consummate the transaction in January 1998, thereby making
Sovam a wholly owned subsidiary of GTS. The Sovam managing board is comprised of
three GTS representatives and two IAS representatives. Decisions of the managing
board are adopted by a majority vote. Changes to the charter and certain
business decisions, including decisions on distribution of profits and losses,
obtaining loans and approving major transactions, require unanimous approval.
See "Risk Factors -- Dependence on Certain Local Parties; Absence of Control."
The Sovam charter does not have an expiration date. Neither GTS nor IAS are
obligated to fund Sovam's operations or capital expenditures. Losses and profits
of Sovam are allocated to the partners in accordance with their ownership
percentages, in consideration of funds at risk. As of September 30, 1997, GTS
and its partner had made equity contributions of $1.3 million and $0.7 million,
respectively, to Sovam. In addition, Sovam had outstanding loans of $10.4
million to GTS as of September 30, 1997. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis -- Accounting Methodology -- Profit and Loss Accounting."
GTS CELLULAR
GTS Cellular operates three cellular businesses in Russia and Ukraine. In
Russia, GTS has a wholly owned subsidiary Vostok Mobile, which operates eleven
AMPS cellular companies in Russian regions west of the Urals under the trade
name Unicel. Vostok Mobile owns between 50% and 70% of these cellular joint
ventures (the "Unicel Ventures") in Russia. In addition, GTS intends to enter
into the cellular markets of additional Russian regions through its Vostok
Mobile venture. GTS also participates in PrimTelefone, a 50% owned joint venture
that operates an NMT-450 network in Vladivostok and four other cities in the
Primorsky region of Russia. In Ukraine, GTS has an approximately 25% beneficial
interest in Bancomsvyaz which operates a DCS-1800 cellular network in Kiev, and
an international overlay network in Ukraine. GTS Cellular entities possess
licenses covering major Russian and Ukrainian markets (excluding Moscow and St.
Petersburg) with an aggregate 1995 population of approximately 25 million
people.
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GTS currently offers cellular services in the following regions as of
September 30, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
URBAN
GTS'S POPULATION TOTAL
OPERATING ECONOMIC CITY IN OBLAST NUMBER OF
COMPANY INTEREST(1)(4) CITY POPULATION(3) OBLAST(2) POPULATION(2) SUBSCRIBERS
--------- -------------- ---- ------------- ---------- ------------- -----------
(MILLIONS) (MILLIONS) (MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
RUSSIA
Vostok Mobile(4)
Arkhangelsk Mobile
Networks................ 50.0% Arkhangelsk 0.6 1.2 1.6 499
Astrakhan Mobile.......... 50.0% Astrakhan 0.6 0.7 1.0 1,116
Chuvashi Mobile........... 70.0% Cheboksary 0.5 0.8 1.4 1,052
Lipetsk Mobile............ 70.0% Lipetsk 0.5 0.8 1.2 1,237
Murmanskaya Mobilnaya
Set..................... 50.0% Murmansk 0.6 1.1 1.8 1,170
Penza Mobile.............. 60.0% Penza 0.6 1.0 1.5 603
Saratov Mobile............ 50.0% Saratov 0.2 2.0 2.7 1,599
Parma Mobile.............. 50.0% Syktyvkar 0.3 0.9 1.3 360
Volgograd Mobile.......... 50.0% Volgograd 0.9 2.0 2.6 1,309
Votec Mobile.............. 50.0% Voronezh 1.0 1.5 2.5 1,631
Mar Mobile................ 50.0% Yoshkar-ola 0.4 0.5 0.8 415
PrimTelefone................. 50.0% Vladivostok(5) 1.2 1.8 2.2 3,907
UKRAINE
Bancomsvyaz.................. 24.9% Kiev 2.6 3.7 4.5 1,438
---- ---- ---- ------
Total................ 10.0 18.0 25.1 16,336
---- ---- ---- ------
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Represents the indirect economic interest of GTS in each entity.
(2) Source: Rusline (1995), except Kiev (from Ukraine Ministry of Statistics
(1995)).
(3) Source: GTS estimate (1995).
(4) Prior to September 26, 1997, GTS owned 62% of Vostok Mobile. On September
26, 1997, GTS acquired the minority interest in Vostok Mobile, making Vostok
Mobile a wholly owned subsidiary of GTS. Vostok Mobile owns between 50% and
70% of a series of 11 cellular joint ventures in various regions in Russia.
In addition, Vostok Mobile has acquired a 50% interest in a cellular joint
venture in the city of Barnaul, which became operational in December 1997.
GTS intends to enter into the cellular markets of additional Russian regions
through its Vostok Mobile venture.
(5) Includes Vladivostok and four other cities in the Primorsky region.
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The following table sets forth certain operating data related to GTS
Cellular's operations:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AT AND FOR THE AT AND FOR THE
YEAR ENDED NINE MONTHS
DECEMBER 31, ENDED
----------------- SEPTEMBER 30,
1995 1996 1997
------ ------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Vostok Mobile
Total Subscribers................................... 850 6,884 10,991
Average Revenue Per Subscriber Per Month............ -- $ 128 $ 138
Minutes of Use(1)(thousands)........................ -- 10,561 18,800
Population Covered by Licenses (thousands).......... 18,400 18,400 18,400
Population Covered by Networks (thousands).......... 4,000 6,500 6,500
Subscriber Penetration of Population Covered by
Networks.......................................... -- 0.11% 0.17%
PrimTelefone
Total Subscribers................................... 792 2,822 4,581
Average Revenue Per Subscriber Per Month............ $ 282 $ 236 $ 230
Minutes of Use(1)(thousands)........................ 725 6,919 10,592
Population Covered by Licenses (thousands).......... 2,200 2,200 2,200
Population Covered by Networks (thousands).......... 500 1,175 1,175
Subscriber Penetration of Population Covered by
Networks.......................................... 0.16% 0.24% 0.39%
Bancomsvyaz
Cellular Network
Total Subscribers................................... -- 121 1,438
Average Revenue Per Subscriber Per Month............ -- $ 62 $ 185
Minutes of Use(1)(thousands)........................ -- 9 2,261
Population Covered by Licenses (thousands).......... -- 4,500 4,500
Population Covered by Networks (thousands).......... -- 1,669 1,669
Subscriber Penetration of Population Covered by
Networks.......................................... -- 0.01% 0.09%
Overlay Network
Minutes of Use(1)(thousands)........................ -- -- 2,232
Number of Ports..................................... -- -- 555
Average Revenue Per Minute.......................... -- -- $ 0.36
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Includes minutes among affiliates.
Vostok Mobile. Through Vostok Mobile, GTS participates in eleven cellular
joint ventures in Russia. Vostok Mobile owns between 50% and 70% interests in
each of the eleven Unicel Ventures with regional telephone companies and, in one
instance, a private Russian company, owning the remaining ownership interest.
The Unicel Ventures each operate an AMPS-based cellular network, which was
chosen principally because of the lower licensing fees and equipment costs
associated with AMPS operations. The Company believes that the Unicel Ventures'
AMPS-based networks can be upgraded to digital AMPS ("D-AMPS") for an
incremental capital investment. Cellular networks which utilize digital
technology, such as D-AMPS, DCS and GSM offer several advantages over analog
technology including improved overall signal and sound quality, improved call
security, potentially lower incremental infrastructure costs for additional
subscribers and the ability to provide enhanced data transmission services, such
as facsimile and e-mail. Digital technology also provides increased system
capacity. The ventures intend to convert to D-AMPS at such time as there exists
sufficient competitive pressures and/or market demand for digital services to
merit the additional investment.
AMPS technology is widely used by other cellular networks throughout
Russia, making roaming commercially feasible. The Unicel Ventures have entered
into roaming agreements with other AMPS-based cellular providers, which allow
their subscribers to manually roam throughout Russia. Manual roaming, as opposed
to automated roaming, requires subscribers to notify their local cellular
providers of their travel plans
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in order to receive roaming capability. Vostok Mobile is currently working with
VimpelCom to develop automated roaming standards which will provide subscribers
with automated roaming capability.
The Unicel Ventures, collectively, are licensed to provide cellular service
to regions with an aggregate population of approximately 18.4 million people and
the cellular networks of these ventures cover populations of approximately 6.5
million people. Over the next five years, Vostok Mobile plans to expand the
coverage of the cellular networks to approximately 9.8 million people.
The Unicel Ventures are the only cellular operators in many of their
respective regions. Each region, however, has the potential for three licensed
operators, including one operator for each of the AMPS, NMT and GSM cellular
standards, and the Company expects competition to increase in the future as the
Russian economy develops and telephony demands increase. Each of the Unicel
Ventures operates independently within uniform guidelines established by Vostok
Mobile. The Unicel Ventures employ local engineering and marketing personnel,
which helps the ventures maximize their presence in their respective markets and
maintain quality control. Vostok Mobile and its ventures employed over 279
persons as of September 30, 1997, with over 240 persons employed regionally.
PrimTelefone. GTS's cellular operations in Vladivostok are conducted
through PrimTelefone, a 50% owned GTS subsidiary, with the local electrosviaz
owning the remaining 50%. PrimTelefone began operations in 1995 and operates an
NMT-450 network in Vladivostok and four other cities in the Primorsky region.
PrimTelefone entered and penetrated the Vladivostok market by leveraging its
network design and full interconnection with the city telephone network. As a
result, PrimTelefone's subscriber base has grown to 3,907 as of September 30,
1997 and PrimTelefone has been able to capture approximately half of the
Vladivostok cellular market. PrimTelefone has also updated its billing system,
which allows it to offer automated roaming. Although PrimTelefone has
experienced significant growth, it does face competition. PrimTelefone's only
current competitor has recently upgraded its network for more complete coverage
and has been fully interconnected to the city telephone network and may prove to
be more competitive in the future. PrimTelefone employs approximately 60 persons
which include dedicated sales, marketing and customer service personnel.
PrimTelefone holds a license to provide cellular service to a region having
a population of approximately 2.2 million people and, as of September 30, 1997,
its cellular network covered an area with a population of approximately 1.2
million people. PrimTelefone plans to expand its network's coverage to
approximately 1.7 million people over the next five years.
Bancomsvyaz. GTS operates in Ukraine through a 60% owned intermediate
holding company which holds an approximately 49% interest in Bancomsvyaz, giving
GTS an indirect approximately 25% economic interest in Bancomsvyaz. The
remaining approximately 51% interest in Bancomsvyaz is owned by Bancomservice, a
private company whose principals include telecommunications industry
participants in Ukraine, and a Ukranian national. Bancomsvyaz is co-managed by
GTS and Bancomservice, with Bancomservice appointing the General Director and
GTS appointing the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and two
Business Line directors. The current General Director has been active in the
development of the telecommunications industry in Ukraine. Through Bancomsvyaz,
GTS participates in the operation of a cellular network and an international
overlay network. With over 96 employees, Bancomsvyaz markets its services and
closely monitors technical and quality-related issues.
Cellular network. Bancomsvyaz operates a cellular network in Kiev utilizing
DCS-1800 cellular technology, and operates under a cellular license that covers
the Kiev oblast. Bancomsvyaz began cellular operations in 1996 by covering the
city center of Kiev and expanded its coverage to include the entire city in
1997. Bamcomsvyaz currently provides automated roaming capability in the U.K.
and has entered into a clearinghouse agreement with a European PTO which
provides Bancomsvyaz customers with automated roaming capability with all GSM
signatories with a roaming agreement with this PTO.
Bancomsvyaz holds a license to provide cellular service to a region having
a population of approximately 4.5 million people and, as of September 30, 1997,
its cellular network covered an area with approximately 1.7 million people.
Bancomsvyaz plans to expand its network's coverage to approximately 3.2 million
people over the next five years.
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Overlay network. Bancomsvyaz provides switched traffic service through its
overlay network in Kiev. Bancomsvyaz owns and operates a partitioned mobile
switch for both its overlay and cellular businesses. Bancomsvyaz has seven
central offices in the city and also provides last mile connections (which are
primarily copper) from the central offices to customers. Local traffic is routed
to the local telephone network through the mobile switch. International traffic
is routed through a government-owned satellite dish to the GTS-Monaco Access
international gateway. Bancomsvyaz emphasizes its high quality service and
markets primarily to multinational companies, real estate developers and hotels.
Bancomsvyaz is also negotiating with Sovintel to provide a link to Moscow and
plans to offer VSAT-based connections to its network in the future.
Sales and Marketing. The GTS Cellular entities have entered into agreements
with local distributors to more effectively reach their target markets.
Particular emphasis is placed on product branding. Vostok Mobile's sales and
marketing efforts are focused on the branding of its trade name, Unicel, which
is marketed and promoted at the local level by each of the Unicel Ventures. By
promoting the Unicel trade name, local ventures can emphasize their
relationships with Vostok Mobile and the other Unicel Ventures, allowing
customers to view the Unicel Ventures as integrated parts of a large cellular
organization rather than as lone, independent operators. Bancomsvyaz operates
under the trade name Golden Telecom.
Customers and Pricing. GTS Cellular's customers are primarily large,
mid-sized and start-up businesses and wealthy individuals. Increases in the
number of customers for GTS Cellular's ventures is typically linked to the
economic health of the region in which such venture operates. Cellular service
is generally a premium service in the cities in which GTS Cellular operates and
is priced as such. Each venture begins with two tariff plans, a "standard"
tariff plan and a "premium" tariff plan, which includes a fixed amount of
airtime at a discounted per-minute rate. Each plan prices late night and weekend
calls at off-peak rates. The Company expects that prices will decrease as
competition increases. Connection fees are minimized in order to reduce license
fees in AMPS regions (which are partially calculated by reference to connection
fees), as well as to keep market entry costs low. GTS Cellular has benefited
from high margins generated by the sale of handsets, which are marked up in line
with other cellular operators in Russia and the CIS. Value-added services, such
as call forwarding and conference calling, when available, are priced nominally
and discounted when sold in packages. Cellular accounts are recorded in dollars
and customers remit payment in rubles at the exchange rate on the date of the
bill and, in instances permitted by law, in dollars. Ruble accounts generally
are charged a two percent conversion fee and payments in rubles are applied at
the rate of exchange on the date of payment. In order to lessen risks to its
receivables, the Company and its cellular ventures require advance payment from
all customers with prepayments averaging approximately $250 per customer or six
to eight weeks of service.
Ownership and Control. GTS Cellular's Russian operations (except for the
Vladivostok operations) are conducted through ventures that are owned between
50% and 70% by Vostok Mobile, a wholly owned subsidiary of GTS. GTS Cellular's
Vladivostok and Ukrainian operations are conducted through ventures which
require partner approval for most decisions. The applicable foundation
agreements and charters do not have expiration dates. See "Risk
Factors -- Dependence on Certain Local Parties; Absence of Control." Neither GTS
nor any of its respective partners in its Vladivostok or Ukrainian operations
are obligated to fund operations or capital expenditures. Losses and profits of
all such ventures are allocated to the partners in accordance with their
ownership percentages, in consideration of funds at risk. As of September 30,
1997, GTS and its partners had made equity contributions aggregating $15.8
million and $15.3 million, respectively, to the various GTS Cellular Ventures.
Contributions made by the partners include contributions of cash and intangible
assets, such as licenses. In addition, the various GTS Cellular Ventures had
outstanding loans of $28.0 million to GTS as of September 30, 1997. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis -- Accounting Methodology -- Profit and
Loss Accounting."
LICENSES AND REGULATORY ISSUES
Telecommunications operators in Russia are nominally subject to the
regulations of the Regional Communications Committee (the "RCC"). As a practical
matter, national telecommunications authorities of the individual CIS countries
and certain regional and local authorities generally regulate telecommunications
operators in their markets through their power to issue licenses and permits.
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The Communications Law sets out a comprehensive legal and regulatory
framework for the sector. It also sets forth general principles for the right to
carry on telecommunications activities, describes government involvement in
telecommunications regulation and operation, establishes the institutional
framework involved in regulation and administration of telecommunications, and
deals with various operational matters, such as ownership of networks,
protection of fair competition, interconnection, privacy and liability. This
institutional framework is implemented by separate legislation.
Licenses to provide telecommunications services are issued by the MOC on
the basis of a decision by the Licensing Commission at the MOC. No new licensing
regulations have been issued since the enactment of the Communications Law and
in practice the MOC continues to issue licenses based on the Licensing
Regulations. Under the Licensing Regulations, licenses for rendering
telecommunications services may be issued and renewed for periods ranging from 3
to 10 years and several different licenses may be issued to one person. Once the
licenses are received, the licensee is required to register its right to hold
and operate under the license with Gossvyaznadzor, the national authority
responsible for monitoring compliance with regulatory and technical norms.
Renewals may be obtained upon application to the MOC and verification by
appropriate government authorities that the licensee has conducted its
activities in accordance with the licenses. Officials of the MOC have fairly
broad discretion with respect to both the issuance and renewal procedures. Both
the Communications Law and the Licensing Regulations provide that a license may
not be transferred. However, regional authorities are sometimes in a practical
position to limit these national authorities. In August 1995, the Russian
government created Svyazinvest, a holding company, to hold the federal
government's interests in the majority of Russian local telecommunications
operators. Such entities at the oblast and krai levels (administrative regions
within Russia) and two cities -- Moscow and St. Petersburg -- exercise
significant control over their respective local telephone networks.
License procedures for the Company's cellular services include frequency
licensing from the MOC through a two step process. A license must first be
obtained from the MOC for permission to operate mobile cellular services on a
commercial basis in a specific standard and frequency bandwidth. Thereafter, an
approval to use specific frequencies within the band must be received from the
State Radio Frequencies Commission. Once the licenses are received,
Gossvyaznadzor confirms the rights of an operator to offer radio frequency
transmissions on specific frequencies, administers type acceptance procedures
for radio communications equipment and monitors compliance with licensing
constraints. In each instance, the Company is required to obtain additional
licenses and permits with respect to the use of equipment and the provision of
services.
Telecommunications laws and regulations in Ukraine are similar in many
respects to those of Russia but are subject to greater risks and uncertainties.
Regulations currently prohibit foreign entities from owning more than 49% of any
telecommunications operating company. GTS's Ukrainian joint venture agreements
provide it with the option of purchasing an additional one percent of the
cellular network if these rules are liberalized. The Ukrainian government has
proposed substantial frequency permit fees in connection with providing GSM
service in Ukraine. Although the government has not imposed additional fees on
Bancomsvyaz's existing DCS-1800 service, there can be no assurance that such
fees will not be imposed in the future.
GTS's subsidiaries and ventures hold the following licenses in Russia and
Ukraine:
Switched Services. In Russia, the Company holds two licenses. The first
license was reissued to Sovintel in November 1996 and authorizes Sovintel to
operate as an international overlay network with the ability to interconnect
with the Moscow region and St. Petersburg public switched telecommunications
network ("PSTN"). This license covers a total of 50,000 subscribers and expires
in May 2000. It was amended in February 1997 to cover the Leningrad region. The
second license was reissued to SFIT, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of GTS in
February 1997, for provision of intercity services in 39 regions and in Moscow
with ability to interconnect with the PSTN. In Kiev, Ukraine, the company holds
a license for provision of overlay network services, including international
services, in the name of its affiliate, Bancomsvyaz. In addition, Sovintel is an
ITU recognized private operating agency ("RPOA"), which enables it to maintain a
separate dialing code (7-501) that can be directly dialed from over 170
countries. Sovintel's status as an RPOA also enables it to terminate calls
directly with other operators.
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Leased Circuits. In September 1996 the MOC issued to Sovintel a five-year
license to lease local, intercity and international circuits in the territory of
Moscow, Moscow region and St. Petersburg, valid until September 2001. The total
amount of circuits leased is approximately 300 and may be increased up to a
total authorized capacity of 2,500.
Data Services. In August 1996, the MOC reissued to Sovam a 2 1/2-year
license, effective July 1996, to provide data transmission services via a
dedicated network to a number of oblasts and other regions covering a large
portion of Russia. The license permits a network capacity of not less than 5,000
customers, allows it to interconnect with other data transfer networks in
Russia, and expires January 1, 1999.
Local Access Services. In January 1997, the MOC has licensed TCM to provide
local telephone service in Moscow to not less than 100,000 subscriber local
access lines. The license expires in May 2006. TCM has an agreement with MGTS to
provide up to 200,000 lines, which would require an extension to its license,
when its current capacity is reached.
Cellular Services. In connection with cellular operations, Russian law
apportions the responsibility for regulating and licensing cellular businesses
between national and regional regulators. National telecommunications regulators
have been assigned the responsibility of regulating and licensing cellular
businesses utilizing the GSM and NMT-450 cellular standards prevalent in Europe.
These regulators have auctioned licenses to provide these services to a number
of ventures that have included large, well capitalized western
telecommunications providers such as U S WEST and Nokia during the last four
years. Regional telecommunications authorities have been given the rights to
supervise the observance of licenses by cellular businesses utilizing AMPS
cellular standard service, which is prevalent in the United States. However,
AMPS licenses are issued by the MOC. GTS believes that, in many instances,
cellular operators obtaining AMPS standard licenses, particularly those in
second tier cities, pay license fees that are lower than those paid for the GSM
and NMT-450 "national standards". Licenses for cellular providers have a term of
approximately 10 years.
The Company's twelve Russian cellular companies have licenses which expire
between 2005 and 2007. One of the companies initially received an operating
license in 1994, six companies initially received an operating license in 1995
and five companies initially received an operating license in 1996.
Bancomsvyaz holds a license for provision of DCS-1800 mobile services in
the Kiev oblast.
COMPETITION
Overview. GTS faces significant competition in virtually all of its
existing telecommunications businesses in the CIS. Many of the Company's
competitors and potential competitors, which include large multinational
telecommunications companies, have substantially greater financial and technical
resources than the Company and have the ability to operate independently or with
global or local partners and to obtain a dominant position in these markets. The
Company believes that it has a competitive advantage in each of these markets
because of its operating history, its ability to bundle a broad range of
telecommunications services in the region and its ability to make rapid
decisions in pursuing new business opportunities and addressing customer service
needs. The Company also believes that its local partnerships and reliance on
nationals in the management of its businesses and joint ventures provide it with
better knowledge of local political and regulatory structures, cultural
awareness and access to customers.
International Services. Sovintel faces significant competition from more
than ten other existing service providers in Moscow, including Rostelecom and
joint ventures between local parties and multinational telecommunications
providers. Large competitors include the "Combelga" joint venture, an RPOA
operator in which Alcatel and the Belgian PTO participate as foreign investors,
"Comstar", a joint venture between GPT Plessey and MGTS, providing services
similar to those provided by the Company, TelMos, a joint venture between AT&T,
MGTS, Global One, through its Moscow based ventures, and Peterstar, in
Petersburg, which is part of the PLD Telekom group. Several smaller companies,
such as DirectNet, and Aerocom provide high-volume and carrier's carrier
services in Moscow. Bancomsvyaz competes in the switched international traffic
market with the Kiev electrosviaz and UTel, a joint venture that includes
Western partners with substantial capital and technical resources who together
hold a dominant share of the
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Kiev market. The Company expects that market consolidation will take place among
the competitive field in international services.
Domestic Long Distance Services. The Company believes its major competitors
in the Russian domestic long distance market consist of Rostelecom, the
electrosviazs, including those which are partners in the Company's TeleRoss
Ventures, and a variety of ventures that include foreign partners with
substantial financial resources. The most significant of such competitors
include: Global One, through its regional operations; Rustel, a venture that
includes Rostelecom, other Russian partners and International Business
Communication Systems, a Massachusetts telecommunications firm; Belcom, a
private company in which Comsat has a majority interest and which provides VSAT
services primarily to the energy sector; Satcom, a Russian joint venture
licensed to provide local, long distance and international service over private
and public switched networks; Teleport TP, a satellite overlay company jointly
owned by Rostelecom and Petersburg Long Distance that provides satellite
teleports in cities throughout Russia; and Comincom, a Russian private venture.
In the Russian far east, TeleRoss competes with Vostok Telecom, which is owned
by the Japanese companies KDD and NIC and certain Russian partners; and Nakhodka
Telecom, which is owned by Cable & Wireless and certain Russian partners.
GTS both cooperates and competes with Rostelecom. Rostelecom provides only
international and long distance services to international carriers and regional
electrosviazs, and does not provide end-to-end customer services. GTS provides
last mile, account management, and transit services for Rostelecom in Moscow,
and uses Rostelecom channels and switches for both international and long
distance services. GTS provides long distance and international services on an
end-to-end basis, using service elements of Rostelecom, the electrosviazs and
its own resources. However, Rostelecom does compete with Teleross, in that
Teleross provides intercity services to customers, using satellite channels
provided by other state agencies (Intersputnik), and provides transit services
to various electrosviazs, on a traffic overflow basis.
GTS believes that it enjoys a number of competitive advantages in the
Russian domestic long distance market, the most important being the maturity of
its international and data service businesses in Russia. This provides GTS with
access to the services, customers, products, licenses and facilities of its
other businesses. The Company also believes that it has more experienced
management, a more comprehensive strategy to build out a nationwide long
distance network and stronger relationships with many regional telephone
companies and with satellite capacity providers, such as Intersputnik, than most
of its competitors. In addition, the Company believes that it does not have any
significant competitor in the regional inter-city market (i.e., calls between
Russian cities other than Moscow or St. Petersburg).
Data Services. Sovam has several primary competitors in the market for data
services: Global One, which began packet-switched service in Moscow and St.
Petersburg in June 1992, under the Sprint Networks venture; Demos, an Internet
service provider; and Relcom, a cooperative affiliation of computer users that
relies on an older generation of technology that supplies slower and lower-cost
messaging facilities to customers (primarily domestic commodities traders) that
do not require higher levels of service. In addition MCI and Rostelecom have
recently announced their agreement to create a national Internet access network
utilizing Rostelecom's domestic network and MCI's international infrastructure.
Rostelecom has also announced the formation of a new Internet services company
called RTK Internet, with Relcom as its partner. Although Sovam's business has
grown quickly, the Company believes that Global One is the market leader. GTS
believes that other potential competitors, including foreign PSTNs, Infotel,
Infocom and Glasnet, are also active in this market.
Although the Company faces significant competition in this market, it
believes that it enjoys certain competitive advantages, including the ability to
reach a wide area throughout Russia through TeleRoss, innovative service
offerings such as Russia On Line, the maturity of its business in the key
banking services segment, high levels of customer service and support, and high
speed digital channels through TeleRoss.
Local Access Services. The Company believes that its major competition in
the Moscow local access market consists of a number of ventures with Western
partners, including Telmos (which includes AT&T), Comstar (which includes GPT
Plessey), and Combelga. However, since TCM has obtained an allocation of
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up to 100,000 numbers, the Company believes that TCM will account for a
substantial proportion of the new capacity to come onto the market within the
next five years.
Cellular Services. Most Russian cellular markets have the potential for
three licensed operators, including one operator for each of the GSM and NMT-450
cellular standards, which Russia has adopted as national standards, and one
operator using the AMPS cellular standard, which has been set as a regional
standard. Many large Western telecommunications operators, including U S WEST,
Deutsche Telekom, STET, Midcom and Millicom, have participated in auctions for
licenses to provide GSM and NMT-450 cellular service to certain significant
Russian urban centers. In addition, a CDMA auction is likely to occur in the
future which could result in one or more CDMA operators entering the market. In
Ukraine, Bancomsvyaz competes primarily with an NMT operator and a GSM operator
in Kiev. Additional GSM licenses were auctioned off in early 1997 and other GSM
operators may enter other markets in 1998.
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WESTERN EUROPE
OVERVIEW
GTS seeks to position itself as the leading independent carriers' carrier
within Western Europe through the development of two ventures, HER and
GTS-Monaco Access. HER's objective is to become the leading pan-European
carriers' carrier by providing centrally managed cross-border telecommunications
transmission capacity to telecommunications companies including traditional PTOs
and New Entrants on an approximately 18,000 kilometer high capacity fiber optic
network designed to interconnect a majority of the largest Western and Central
European cities. HER is currently operating over an approximately
1,700-kilometer portion of the network linking Brussels, Antwerp, Rotterdam,
Amsterdam, London and Paris. HER expects the initial five country network to be
placed in operation in the second quarter of 1998. This segment of the network
is expected to deliver managed transport services over approximately 2,900
kilometers of fiber optic cable linking the cities of London, Rotterdam,
Amsterdam, Antwerp, Brussels, Paris, Dusseldorf and Frankfurt. The full 18,000
kilometer network is expected to become fully operational during the year 2000.
HER also plans to lease capacity on a transatlantic cable linking the European
network with North America and is exploring various interconnectivity options to
Russia and Asia. Such intercontinental interconnectivity will help HER satisfy
the needs of its European customers with respect to outgoing traffic and attract
additional non-European customers with traffic terminating in Europe. HER
commenced commercial service over the Brussels-Amsterdam portion of the network
in late 1996, and the London-Paris portion in November 1997. GTS-Monaco Access
operates an international gateway in Monaco in partnership with, and utilizing
the existing gateway infrastructure of, the Principality of Monaco and provides
transit and routing of international calls to other telecommunications
operators. Through its HER and GTS-Monaco Access ventures, GTS is building a new
network for transporting voice, data and multimedia/image traffic for other
carriers throughout Western and Central Europe and for worldwide international
voice, data and multimedia/image traffic that either originates or terminates
in, or transits through, Western and Central Europe.
The Company believes that the international segment of the Western and
Central European telecommunications market will be an attractive market for new
telecommunications entrants because of its large size, the high operating costs
and low productivity of current providers, and the barriers to entry created by
the need to control a network and its rights-of-way.
The European telecommunications market has historically been dominated by
monopoly PTOs. This system has ensured the development of broad access to
telecommunications services in Europe, but it has also restricted the growth of
high quality and competitively priced pan-European voice and data services. The
current liberalization occurring in Europe is intended to address these
structural deficiencies by breaking down PTO monopolies, allowing new
telecommunications operators to enter the market and increasing the competition
within the European telecommunications market. In March 1996, the European
Commission adopted a directive (the "Full Competition Directive") requiring the
full liberalization of all telecommunications services in most EU member states
by January 1, 1998. The Company expects that full liberalization in these
European countries will lead to the emergence of New Entrants with new and
competitive service offerings. HER expects this increase in competition will
result in lower prices and a substantial increase in the volume of traffic and
range of telecommunication services provided. HER believes that as a result of
the increased call volume and growth in value added services, participants in
these markets will require significant amounts of new cross-border
telecommunications transport capacity to provide their services.
The Hermes network will offer PTOs and New Entrants an attractive
alternative for the transport of cross-border European telecommunications
traffic. In the traditional system, PTOs own and control circuits only within
their national borders, and as a result, cross-border traffic must be passed
from one PTO to another PTO at the national boundary. No single PTO therefore
owns or controls end-to-end circuits for cross-border calls. The alternative for
carriers of this traffic will be to build their own transport capacity or use
International Private Leased Circuits ("IPLCs") which are provisioned by
combining half-circuits on the networks of two or more PTOs. The Company
believes that there are a number of problems with these options that result in
HER being well-positioned to become the leading independent carriers' carrier in
Western and Central Europe. In particular, building their own transport capacity
is unlikely to be an attractive option for most
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carriers because of the high traffic volumes required to justify the expense,
the need to focus resources on marketing and customer service, the time
commitment and the regulatory and administrative complexities involved,
particularly in obtaining the rights of way across national borders. Likewise,
IPLCs provided by the PTOs also have a number of disadvantages, including high
prices, lack of end-to-end quality control, lack of redundancy, low quality due
to diversity of network systems and equipment, limited availability of bandwidth
and long lead times for provisioning.
HER
HER's objective is to become the leading pan-European carriers' carrier by
providing centrally managed cross-border telecommunications transmission
capacity to telecommunications companies including PTOs and New Entrants. HER
intends to offer these target customers a better transport system than is
currently available in Europe with a higher and more consistent level of
transmission quality, redundancy, network functionality and service across
Europe at lower prices. Development of the HER network is dependent upon, among
other things, HER's continuing ability to obtain the necessary financing,
rights-of-way, licenses and other regulatory approvals in a timely and
cost-effective manner. See "Risk Factors -- HER Network Roll-out."
HER is developing an approximately 18,000 kilometer, pan-European high
capacity fiber optic network designed to interconnect a majority of the largest
Western and Central European cities. Each access point of the network will be
placed in operation as it is linked to the network. HER intends to build the
network using the most accessible and cost-efficient infrastructure base in each
of the regions served, including using rights-of-way and existing infrastructure
of railways, motorways, pipeline companies, waterways and power companies. HER
plans a flexible approach to the network build-out plan and intends to fine-tune
the scope, route and design of the network based upon the evaluation of customer
demand.
HER began initial trials of the Brussels-Amsterdam portion of the network
in the third quarter of 1996 and commenced commercial service in November 1996.
Commercial service connecting Paris to Amsterdam, Brussels and London started in
November 1997.
HER expects to continue to roll-out full telecommunications transport
service on the initial network in the first five countries linking the
additional cities of Dusseldorf and Frankfurt in the second quarter of 1998.
This initial network in the first five countries is expected to consist of 2,900
kilometers of fiber optic cable covering countries which, in 1995, originated
over 60% of all outgoing calls and terminated over 60% of all incoming calls in
the countries to be served by the full network. Network coverage is planned to
be expanded to include Munich, Berlin, Geneva, Zurich, Stockholm, Copenhagen,
and Milan in the third quarter of 1998. By the year 2000, the 18,000 kilometer
HER network is expected to have points of presence in at least 32 cities in 15
European countries, including Southern and Central Europe. HER also plans to
lease capacity on a transatlantic cable linking the European network with North
America and is exploring various interconnectivity options to Russia and Asia.
HER has entered into agreements for the construction and/or lease of fiber
optic routes for the initial network in the first five countries. Contracts have
been concluded with respect to the portion of the network connecting Germany
with each of France, the Netherlands and Switzerland and HER continues to
negotiate rights-of-way and other infrastructure arrangements in five other
Western European countries representing the remainder of the Western European
portion of the rollout. HER will need to negotiate similar agreements to
complete the network in four Central European countries. Buildout of the HER
network is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could delay
deployment or increase the costs of the network, or make the network
commercially unfeasible. See "Risk Factors -- HER Network Roll-out."
HER was formed on July 6, 1993 by HIT Rail. HIT Rail was incorporated in
1990 by eleven national railways to carry out telecommunications engineering
activities in order to construct and exploit a data communications network for
railway traffic. GTS-Hermes purchased a 34.4% interest in HER in 1994 and has
increased its interest to 50% in 1995 and to 79% in 1997. GTS-Hermes is a wholly
owned subsidiary of GTS.
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Business and Marketing Strategy
The overall strategy of HER is to offer PTOs and New Entrants pan-European
cross-border telecommunications transport services to help them, in turn, more
successfully meet the needs of their end-user customers. The HER network also
provides a vehicle through which a carrier can compete in markets where it does
not own infrastructure. HER expects to enter the market ahead of similar
competition and encourage a wide variety of carriers to use its network with
service offerings that meet their needs. HER's primary service offerings are
large-capacity circuits for "wholesale" customers such as PTOs and New Entrants.
HER's focus on carriers is designed to complement and not compete with carriers'
own business objectives in providing services to end-users.
To establish HER as the leading carriers' carrier for international
telecommunications within Europe, HER intends to offer its customers
significantly higher quality transmission and extended/advanced network
capabilities at a competitive price by focusing on the following:
High Capacity International Network Facilities. The HER network is
designed to offer its customers access to high capacity network facilities
outside their domestic markets, providing cross-border capabilities without
requiring customers to invest in network infrastructure or being
constrained by a narrow range of capacity offerings. With STM-64 technology
and Wavelength Division Multiplexing ("WDM") upgrades, HER's fiber
deployment plan provides for the equivalent of 128 fiber pairs of capacity
across Europe.
Uniform Network Architecture. The HER network is designed to offer
managed transport services from country to country and across multiple
countries utilizing a single uniform network, in contrast to services
currently available that use multiple providers over several networks with
varying technologies and each under the control of separate, not
necessarily compatible, network control systems. The HER network's uniform
technology enhances service by providing quality and reliability as well as
uniformity of features throughout the network.
Diverse Routing. The HER network architecture includes diverse,
redundant routes that are designed to provide high levels of reliability.
The network is designed to provide availability of over 99.98% for most
routes and to provide customers with a wide range of telecommunications
transmission capacity. To achieve this level of reliability without the use
of a network similar to the HER network, HER believes that carrier
customers would need to purchase additional dedicated circuits to provide
for redundancy.
Rapid Provisioning. HER services provide access to the network, such
that additional capacity can be provided to customers on the HER network on
a rapid basis. This access provides a level of capabilities that HER
believes is unavailable in Europe today. This ability to rapidly provide
service is largely due to HER's development of capacity substantially in
excess of HER's forecasted requirements.
- Flexibility. HER services are focused on providing customers flexibility
across the network through which the customer may minimize risk by
enabling network rerouting, eventually even under customer direct
control.
- Advanced Technology. HER is deploying SDH technology which, by using WDM
techniques and hardware, is upgradeable and will permit significant
expansion of transmission capacity without increasing the number of fiber
pairs in the network. This technology also provides the basis for
structuring advanced operating features, such as virtual private network
service and ATM-based services. Additionally, the SDH technology deployed
by HER may be upgraded.
- Innovative Pricing. Currently the price of E1 equivalent circuits on
transborder European routes is artificially high and not necessarily
related to the cost of such circuits. HER intends to offer competitive
pricing. HER will also offer highly tailored contract terms and volume
discounts, which allow carrier customers to plan more efficiently the
fixed costs of their service portfolio. Customers can select varying
capacity, access, guaranteed availability and contract terms at
competitive prices. Customers sourcing from PTOs are generally limited to
order from a very narrow set of capabilities offered under inflexible
pricing plans.
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Although HER and GTS have relationships with certain PTOs or other access
providers for specific projects, they do not have wide-ranging alliances with
any of the major consortia or large Western telecommunications companies.
Additionally, HER's strategy calls for it to focus on carriers' carrier
services, so that it will limit overlap of target markets with its carrier
customers in end user markets. HER believes that this independence will make it
an attractive service provider for carriers who may otherwise be reluctant to
obtain services from other providers of intra-European transport that also may
be their competitors in the retail market.
SERVICES
HER's primary service is large capacity cross-border European circuits
provided to carriers and service providers over an integrated, managed
pan-European network structure thus providing a service for wholesale customers
such as PTOs and New Entrants. The HER network will be based on SDH technology,
which provides for digital transmission capability upon which a broad range of
advanced functionality may be built and which offers network availability,
flexibility, bandwidth speeds and error performance not otherwise available to
carriers for transport of telecommunications traffic across national borders in
Western and Central Europe. The network is designed to provide customers with a
wide variety of bandwidth speeds, ranging from VC12/E1 Standard (equivalent to
2.048 Mbps) to STM-1/E4 Standard (equivalent to 155 Mbps) and beyond.
HER will provide high quality cross-border transmission services for
licensed or otherwise authorized telecommunications providers. Services are
based on the principle of adding greater value than currently available in the
market while retaining competitive prices.
Point-to-Point Transport Service. The current market for cross-border
transport is served by IPLCs provided by PTOs. IPLCs are formed by combining
half-circuits from two PTOs between customer locations, often with additional
PTOs providing transit segments. Under the IPLC service, overall service quality
guarantees generally are not provided and only a limited range of bandwidth is
available, usually only E1 and in certain instances, E3. The Company believes
that HER's Point-to-Point Transport Service will be a major improvement to the
PTO-based approach because it provides a greater range of bandwidths (from 2
Mbps (E1 or VC-12) to 140/155 Mbps (E4 or VC-4)) and allows customers to choose
a service level agreement with guarantees appropriate for their applications,
including guarantees for on-time service delivery and service availability.
Point-to-Point Transport Service consists of two services, "Integrated" and
"Node-to-Node." The HER "Integrated" service provides an end-to-end service
between customer-specified locations where the customer can request for HER to
arrange for "last mile" services from the HER node location to the customer's
location. The HER "Node-to-Node" service can be selected when the customer
prefers to provides its own services to reach the local HER node location. In
Node-to-Node Service, HER guarantees service only on its portion of the network
between HER nodes. Both services are competitively priced relative to current
service offerings. A premium is charged for the highest guaranteed level of
service which incorporates an end-to-end, fully diverse, protected, "Integrated"
service. The customer can choose flexible contract terms from one to five or
more years' duration, with volume discount schemes designed to ensure that HER
remains a cost-effective solution.
Virtual Infrastructure Service. Carriers and operators that plan to expand
their operations to become pan-European service providers as the European
marketplace is liberalized require a flexible and cost-effective means of
telecommunications transport. To date such service providers obtain
international transport service by leasing IPLCs. Leasing IPLCs requires a
carrier to lease channels on a segment-by-segment basis from multiple PTOs,
linking the target cities under arrangements having fixed capacity and pricing
structure for each segment of the carrier's network. Leasing IPLCs has several
disadvantages, including (i) difficulty in obtaining discount/volume pricing
schemes since there is no single provider of pan-European coverage, (ii) delays
in implementation due to numerous contractual negotiations and having to
interconnect numerous IPLCs, (iii) limited availability of pan-European leased
capacity at high bandwidth and (iv) variability of quality due to multiple
operators and the absence of a single uniform network. Operators could also
construct
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their own network, which is expensive, time-consuming and complex and which may
not be justified by such operators' traffic volume.
HER's Virtual Infrastructure Service will offer a new solution and an
attractive alternative to leasing IPLCs or building infrastructure. This service
will enable HER's customers to obtain a uniform pan-European or cross-border
network under one service agreement by allowing the customer to select any
number of cities along the HER network at a pricing structure based on the
overall amount of leased capacity for the customer's entire network. The key
feature behind Virtual Infrastructure Service is that it gives the customer the
ability to add or reconfigure capacity in 24 hours between locations connected
in the Virtual Infrastructure Service, thereby enabling the customers to respond
almost immediately to changes in traffic. By being able to transfer capacity
among the network routes, HER's customers are able to avoid over- and
under-utilization of leased channels. This service offering provides a customer
with the benefits of ownership (rapid provisioning, freedom to rearrange and
control) with a "pay-as-you-go" managed service offering, without the burdens of
up-front investment and costs required to build a network, and without having to
manage the on-going maintenance and operation of the network.
The service would be delivered through pre-installed physical facilities at
each of the customer locations. These facilities are designed to ensure that
most growth or changes in customer requirements can be addressed purely by
remote logical reconfiguration from the HER Network Operations Center. This
remote network management ability is inherent in SDH technology and allows rapid
provisioning and high quality of service.
Ring Service. Most medium to large carriers and operators purchase network
capacity in excess of actual requirements, and prefer to have physical
configuration control over their networks. The HER Ring Service connects
multiple customer locations with multiple VC-4 paths in a ring configuration.
The customer has direct control over the configuration of the VC-3 and VC-12
paths within the ring, and has exclusive control over the routing. Additional
ring capacity can be added with no service interruption and additional customer
locations may be added to the ring with minimal service interruption. Because
HER is not required to configure 'idle' bandwidth or to manage the 'SDH subnet'
this service can be provided at a very competitive rate vis-a-vis other
point-to-point services.
Sales and marketing of HER's services are conducted through its sales and
marketing department, which includes a director and senior sales managers
responsible for various regions and customer segments. Additionally, HER expects
that its railway shareholders that develop domestic telecommunications
businesses, or other local network access providers, can provide an effective
distribution channel to smaller carrier customers.
PRICING
Currently the price of cross-border pan-European calls are often
significantly higher than the underlying cost of transport and terminating such
calls and higher than the price of intra-country calls or transborder calls to
and from liberalized markets. The low cost of operating the network enables HER
to attractively and competitively price services in the face of declining
overall tariffs for telecommunication services. HER's low-cost basis is due to,
among other things, its use of up-to-date technology without the burden of
legacy networks, which requires fewer employees to operate.
The term of a typical customer agreement currently ranges from 1 to 3
years. The customer agrees to purchase, and HER agrees to provide, cross-border
transmission services. In general the customer agrees to pay certain
non-recurring charges and recurring charges on an annual basis, payable in
twelve monthly installments. If the customer terminates the service order prior
to the end of the contract term, it is generally required to pay HER a
cancellation charge equal to three months service for each of the twelve months
remaining in the contract term. HER guarantees transmission services to a
certain service level. If such levels are not met or HER fails to deliver
service by the committed delivery date, the customer is eligible for a credit
against charges otherwise payable in respect of the relevant link.
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CUSTOMERS
HER's high capacity, SDH-based fiber optic network is designed to enable
PTOs and New Entrants to integrate high quality, cross-border capacity into
their end user offerings. As of November 30, 1997, fifteen customers were under
contract for service on the HER network, including PTOs, a global consortium of
PTOs, Internet service providers, an international carrier, VANs and resellers.
HER provided capacity of approximately 110 E1 equivalent circuits as of November
30, 1997. The type and quality of HER's customers validates the concept of the
HER network, and illustrates the type of customers who will be attracted to the
full network. The success of this limited network also demonstrates the demand
for cross-border transport services. In total, HER is targeting seven major
market segments or customer groups which can be characterized as follows:
- Existing PTOs. This customer segment consists of the traditional
European PTOs that generally participate in the standard bilateral
agreements for cross-border connectivity. Hermes provides a vehicle
for PTOs to compete in non-domestic markets both before and after
January 1, 1998. As of January 1, 1998, both reserved and
non-reserved traffic can be transported by alternative infrastructure
providers, thus vastly expanding the available PTO market for HER.
- Global Consortia of Telecommunications Operators. Many of the
largest PTOs and international carriers have pooled resources and
formed consortia in order to compete more effectively in important
telecommunications markets such as those in Western Europe
particularly outside their home markets. Prior to liberalization of
the provision of switched voice services in Western European markets,
one of the primary objectives of these consortia is to provide
non-reserved pan-European services to multinational business
customers, including X.25/frame relay (high speed data network)
service and closed-user group voice services. Under the current
regulatory framework, consortia would otherwise be required to
purchase leased lines at negotiated retail rates, even within their
home countries. HER believes that it provides an attractive
alternative at better pricing in those environments where such a
consortium does not already own its infrastructure. Furthermore, HER
believes that it is well positioned to provide cross-border
connectivity between different domestic infrastructures of these
alliances.
- International Carriers. This customer segment consists of
non-European carriers with traffic between European and other
international gateways. Such carriers include Teleglobe, GTS-Monaco
Access and eventually the U.S. Regional Bell Operating Companies. HER
can provide these customers a pan-European distribution network to
gather and deliver traffic to and from their own and other hubs.
- Alternative Carriers. This segment consists of second carriers,
cable TV and mobile carriers and competitive access providers. These
new carriers have chosen to compete with the incumbent PTOs in their
respective countries, and the Company believes that they would look
favorably to an alternative such as HER. HER believes that this
segment will sustain the largest growth as competition emerges in
Europe. HER also believes that non-PTO competitors in Europe will
prefer to use a non-PTO alternative like HER to meet their
cross-border telecommunication transport needs.
- Internet Backbone Networks. Internet backbone networks are a fast
emerging segment and are expected to generate significant
requirements for the services HER offers. These require large
capacity international connectivity services between Internet nodes
(point of interconnection between local Internet service providers)
in all local European markets. The Internet segment is experiencing
significant growth in demand for transmission capacity.
- Resellers. Resellers are carriers that do not own transmission
facilities, but obtain communications services from another carrier
for resale to the public. Resellers are also a growing segment of the
market and are expected to increase in conjunction with the
liberalization of the European telecommunications market. In the
U.S., for example, resellers were a significant factor in the
expansion of competition.
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- Value Added Networks ("VANs") and other Service Providers. VANs are
data communications systems in which special service features enhance
the basic data transmission facilities offered to customers. Many of
these networks are targeted to the data transfer requirements of
specific international customer segments such as airlines and
financial institutions. VANs' basic network transmission requirement
is to connect data switches or processors. VANs currently purchase
their own international circuits and build additional resiliency into
their network infrastructure. HER will allow them to meet these needs
cost-effectively, and to extend their services to new markets or
customers without substantial capital investment.
HER expects that additional demand for alternative service providers will
come from increased usage of dedicated circuits for Internet access, private
lines for the deployment of wide-area networks by large corporations, "single
source" local and long distance services by small and medium-sized businesses
and emerging broad band applications such as cable TV programming distribution
(other than broadcast) to the end user.
CURRENT OPERATIONS
HER currently operates an approximately 1,700 kilometer network connecting
the cities of Brussels, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, London and Paris. HER
began initial trials of a 244 kilometer portion of the network between Brussels
and Amsterdam in the third quarter of 1996 and commenced commercial service in
November 1996. Commercial service connecting Paris to Amsterdam, Brussels and
London started in November 1997. HER's Network Operations Center located in
Brussels, Belgium and its backup center located in Antwerp, Belgium are fully
operational and house network management and customer support services which
operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Billing and customer service
functions are also operational.
NETWORK DESIGN
Network Architecture. The network architecture is based on a highly meshed
flat topology which covers a wide geographical area with large distances between
individual network nodes. This architecture allows rerouting of traffic at
electronic speeds in the event of a network failure. This approach also lowers
network cost by allowing each node to be sized to match anticipated traffic
volumes rather than to a standard capacity. Individual nodes can be configured
to connect any trunk to any other in the nodes, thus allowing efficient
transmission of traffic. Each node will be connected to at least two other nodes
allowing rerouting of traffic in the event of a network failure. HER believes
that its network will be the first cross border pan-European network with such
redundancy.
The HER network has been designed to be controlled by a single network
management center and supported by advanced operational support systems. A
centralized network center can pinpoint overloaded pathways or malfunctioning
circuitry and reroute traffic much more quickly than networks controlled by
separate network centers operated by PTOs in different countries. HER primarily
uses Alcatel for the supply of transmission equipment and network management
systems. HER's advanced operational support systems allow it to correct network
failures and isolate equipment faults with greater speed and at a lower cost
than is the case with heterogeneous multi-operator networks. Critical elements
of the network, including network maintenance and control systems, are designed
with redundancy in order to ensure a high quality of service. The network design
has several important resilience features including: multiple paths to each
node, built-in hardware redundancy and redundant power supplies. For all network
routings, there will be at least two paths. Should service failure occur on one
route, the network is designed to automatically re-route traffic to another
route. HER believes that these techniques will result in performance of 99.98
percent or better for premium service customers for most routes.
HER expects to operate the entire network and to own substantially all of
the network equipment as well as some segments of the fiber optic cable. A
substantial part of the fiber is leased on a long-term basis. Long-term leases
for fiber are advantageous to HER because they reduce the capital expense burden
of building large quantities of capacity before they can be used. Where HER
leases dark fiber, the infrastructure provider
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will generally be responsible for maintaining such fiber optic cable. HER will
enter into agreements with Alcatel and infrastructure providers and other third
parties to supply and/or maintain the equipment for the HER network. See "Risk
Factors -- HER Network Roll-out."
Network Capacity. The network will consist of Synchronous Digital
Hierarchy ("SDH") STM-16 links managed by equipment and operating centers owned
by HER and running on dark fiber leased from infrastructure providers or built
by HER on leased rights of way. Each line system and multiplexer works initially
at the 2.5 Gbps (STM-16) level. The most important types of equipment used or to
be used in this network are Add-Drop Multiplexors ("ADMs") and regulators and a
variety of optical amplifiers for boosting optical signals. The STM-16 links are
expected, where needed, to be upgraded to STM-64. Furthermore, fibers will be
multiplexed using WDM, also as required. Additional capacity can be achieved by
adding new fiber accesses to a given city over alternative routes, thereby
achieving more meshing and the resulting improved network availability.
Network Agreements. HER has entered into agreements and letters of intent
with various infrastructure providers for construction and/or dark fiber lease
of portions of the HER network. HER's agreements for leases of portions of the
network typically required the infrastructure provider to provide a certain
number of pairs of dark fiber and node and/or regenerator sites along the
network route commencing on certain dates provided by HER. The term of a lease
agreement typically ranges from 10 to 18 years. An agreement typically contains
optical specification standards for the fiber and methods of testing. HER is
allowed to use the cable for the transmission of messages and in other ways,
including increasing capacity. The infrastructure provider also provides space
for the location of equipment and spare parts and guarantees the provision of
power and other utilities together with environmental controls and security to
ensure the proper functioning of the equipment. The infrastructure provider is
typically responsible for maintenance of the cable and the provision of first
line maintenance to equipment and permits HER access to such facilities. Access
arrangements to the nodes are also provided so that connection may be made to
HER customers or to the rest of the network. An agreement also provides for an
annual price for the provision of fiber and for the facilities and maintenance.
The agreements typically provide for termination by the parties only for
material breach, with a 90 day minimum cure period. The agreements typically
contain a transition period after termination of the agreement to allow HER to
continue to serve its customers until it can reach agreement with an alternative
infrastructure provider.
Local Access. Access to the HER network will be provided to clients
through SDH access lines including at the STM-1 or STM-4 level. However,
customers who continue to use the older PDH technology may also access the HER
network. In each city, as a HER point of presence is deployed, HER may contract
with a local access network supplier for "last mile" services to customer
locations. HER will not invest in building local access infrastructure but such
connectivity can be supplied on a case-by-case basis via preferred local access
partner arrangements. Currently Telfort in the Netherlands and Belgacom in
Belgium are providing local access to the operating Amsterdam-Brussels route. In
London and Paris, HER has contracted with local access providers to connect the
HER network to intra-city networks in those cities. Pursuant to this agreement,
HER can offer its carrier customers local connectivity in those cities. Various
Local Access Network Suppliers may also be interested in HER for the purpose of
linking the business centers in which they are active. Therefore, the
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Company believes that the relationships between HER and local access network
suppliers can benefit both parties. Set forth below is an illustration of the
connection between the HER network and local access providers.
[SDH/WDM NETWORK CHART]
Network Routes. The table below sets forth the current planning dates of
the development of routes in the initial network in the first five countries.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ESTIMATED
COMMERCIAL
SERVICE TOTAL ROUTE
AVAILABILITY KILOMETERS OF
FROM TO DATE FIBER
- ------------ ---------- ------------ --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Amsterdam Brussels Operational 244
Amsterdam London Operational 458
Brussels London Operational 474
Paris Brussels Operational 514
Dusseldorf Amsterdam April 1998 246
Paris Frankfurt June 1998 764
Frankfurt Dusseldorf June 1998 236
</TABLE>
HER is currently operating on an approximately 1,700 kilometer portion of
the network. Under HER's current plan, HER expects to have an aggregate of
approximately 3,200 kilometers completed in the first half of 1998,
approximately 10,200 kilometers completed at the end of 1998 and the entire
18,000 kilometer network completed by the year 2000. Hermes also plans to lease
capacity on a transatlantic cable linking the European network with North
America in 1999.
The Dusseldorf-Amsterdam, Frankfurt-Dusseldorf and Paris-Frankfurt fiber
optic routes are currently under construction. "Under construction" means that
with respect to each of the segments that make up each of these routes, one of
the following is occurring: (i) HER has contracted to build or is contracting to
build the
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fiber optic cable segment, and (ii) HER has leased or will lease such segment of
dark fiber optic cable from a third party who has built or is currently building
such segment. The dates set forth above may be subject to delays due to a
variety of factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. See
"Risk Factors -- HER Network Roll-Out."
HER is deploying the network along the rights-of-way of several
shareholders as well as the rights-of-way of a variety of alternative sources,
including motorways, waterways, pipelines and utilities. The rights-of-way of
HER-built portions of the network will be provided pursuant to long-term leases
or other arrangements entered into with railroads, highway commissions, pipeline
owners, utilities or others. HER generally prefers to use the infrastructure of
its rail-based shareholders when such infrastructure is available on a timely
and commercially reasonable basis. In certain cases, however, HER has not been
able to reach agreement with such shareholders for the provision of
rights-of-way along their railways, which has resulted in significant delays to
the network buildout. In all cases, it is the policy of HER to evaluate multiple
alternative infrastructure suppliers in order to maximize flexibility. As a
result of its network development activities to date, HER has gained access to
infrastructure for its network routes which, in certain cases, HER believes will
be difficult for its competitors to duplicate.
Competition
The European and international telecommunications industries are
competitive. HER's success depends upon its ability to compete with a variety of
other telecommunications providers offering or seeking to offer cross-border
services, including (i) the respective PTO in each country in which HER operates
and (ii) global alliances among some of the world's largest telecommunications
carriers. HER expects that some of these potential competitors may also become
its customers. HER believes that the ongoing liberalization of the European
telecommunications market will attract New Entrants to the market and increase
the intensity of competition. Competitors in the market compete primarily on the
basis of price and quality. HER intends to focus on these factors and on service
innovation as well. HER business plan anticipates substantial head-to-head
competition as well as indirect competition.
WorldCom recently announced plans to construct a pan-European fiber
network, the first phase of which is expected to connect London, Amsterdam,
Frankfurt, Brussels and Paris by early 1998. Although the Company believes that
the proposed WorldCom pan-European network is primarily intended to carry
WorldCom traffic, WorldCom has stated that any excess capacity on such network
will be used to provide a competitive carrier's carrier service.
HER also competes with respect to its "point-to-point" transborder service
offering against circuits currently provided by PTOs through International
Private Leased Circuits. In addition, the liberalization of the European
telecommunications market is likely to attract additional entrants to both the
"point-to-point" and other telecommunications markets.
If HER's competitors, many of whom possess greater technical, financial and
other resources than HER, devote significant resources to the provision of
pan-European, cross-border telecommunications transport services to carriers,
such action could have a material adverse effect on HER's business, financial
condition and results of operations. There can be no assurance that HER will be
able to compete successfully against such new or existing competitors. See "Risk
Factors -- Competition."
HER RECAPITALIZATION
HER has completed a recapitalization (the "HER Recapitalization"), wherein
HER extended rights to subscribe to additional shares of HER to GTS-Hermes, HIT
Rail and the eleven railways comprising the HIT Rail consortium. Pursuant
thereto, GTS-Hermes and two of the eleven railways that comprise the HIT Rail
consortium have exercised their subscription rights, while HIT Rail and the
other nine railways have declined to exercise their subscription rights. HER has
issued (i) 150,592 shares to GTS-Hermes in exchange for the conversion of loans
and additional consideration, (ii) 24,007 shares to HIT Rail in exchange for the
conversion of loans, (iii) 11,424 shares to Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer
Belges S.A. de Droit Public/Nationale Maatschappij der Belgische Spoorwegen N.V.
Van Publiek Recht (the Belgian national railway)
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("SNCB/NMBS") and (iv) 4,365 shares to AB Swed Carrier (a wholly owned
subsidiary of SJ, the Swedish national railway). As a result, GTS-Hermes owns
79.08%, HIT Rail owns approximately 12.63%, SNCB/NMBS owns 6% and AB Swed
Carrier owns 2.29% of the issued HER shares. Pursuant to the HER
Recapitalization, HER, GTS-Hermes, HIT Rail, SNCB/NMBS and AB Swed Carrier have
executed a new Shareholders Agreement, the principal terms of which are set
forth below.
Under the new Shareholders Agreement, actions to be taken by shareholders
will be adopted by a simple majority vote with the exception of certain actions
which will require at least 85% of the votes cast: (i) purchase by HER of its
own shares and any redemption thereof, (ii) exclusion of preemptive rights in
the case of the issuance of new shares and the transfer of shares held by HER,
except in the event of a public listing of the shares or of new shares or of an
offering of shares or options on new shares (warrants) to professional investors
in order to obtain further funding, (iii) winding up or dissolution of HER, (iv)
any amendment to the articles of association other than those pertaining to
increases in the authorized capital of HER or to convert HER into an N.V.
("Naamloze Vennootschap") to enable a public listing of shares or new shares,
(v) any amendment to the scope of HER's business, (vi) the declaration of
dividends and (vii) the admission of new shareholders to the Shareholders
Agreement. In addition, the Shareholders Agreement provides that (a) if
GTS-Hermes is the owner of at least 50% of the issued shares, then it will have
the right to make a binding nomination for the appointment of half of the
members of the Board of Supervisory Directors or (b) if GTS-Hermes is the owner
of at least two-thirds of the issued shares, then it will have the right to make
a binding nomination for the appointment of half of the members of the Board of
Supervisory Directors plus one member more, appointed pursuant to nominations by
all other shareholders. As long as HIT Rail is the owner of at least one share,
HIT Rail will be entitled to make a binding nomination for the appointment of at
least one member of the Supervisory Board. The Shareholders Agreement also
provides that shareholders who participated in the capital restructuring other
than GTS-Hermes and HIT Rail with a shareholding of at least 6.8% subject to
adjustment in the discretion of the other shareholders will be entitled to make
a binding nomination for the appointment of one member of the Board of
Supervisory Directors. Shareholders who participated in the capital
restructuring other than GTS-Hermes and HIT Rail who hold fewer than 6.8% of the
issued share capital of HER will be entitled on a rotating basis to make one
binding nomination for the appointment of a member of the Board of Supervisory
Directors for two-year periods.
Articles of Association and Shareholders Agreement
Under the Articles of Association and the Shareholders Agreement, both
GTS-Hermes and HIT Rail have preemptive rights in connection with issuances of
ordinary shares and options on shares to be issued in proportion to the total
nominal value of the shares held by each of them. Preemptive rights can be
exercised for four weeks after the date the notice of the offer is received by
the shareholders.
The Shareholders Agreement provides that HER or its designated vendor will
provide fiber capacity in its network for use by the shareholders of HER on fair
commercial terms, use, quantity and price to be negotiated on a bilateral basis.
In the Shareholders Agreement, HIT Rail has covenanted to (i) use its best
efforts to establish such commercial agreements between individual HIT Rail
shareholders and HER, to obtain rights of way from individual HIT Rail
shareholders and to cooperate in obtaining such licenses as may advance the
business of HER, (ii) use its best efforts to ensure that the HIT Rail
shareholders cooperate in obtaining such license in accordance with the business
plan of HER and as may be necessary or advisable in furtherance of HER's
business, (iii) will not, so long as both HIT Rail and GTS-Hermes are
shareholders of HER and for one year after HIT Rail ceases to be a shareholder,
agree with any entity other than GTS-Hermes or HER to assist or cooperate in the
development of any pan-European telecommunications operator and (iv) use its
best efforts to obtain on HER's behalf such materials as may be required and
arrange inspection visits of selected rights of way for the purpose of making
initial cost estimates.
The foregoing summary of the Shareholders Agreement does not purport to be
complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Shareholders
Agreement.
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LICENSES AND REGULATORY ISSUES
A summary discussion of the regulatory framework in the countries of the
network in the first five countries and the next five countries into which HER
expects to develop the network is set forth below. This discussion is intended
to provide a general outline, rather than a comprehensive discussion, of the
more relevant regulations and current regulatory posture of the various
jurisdictions.
National authorities in individual member states of the EU are responsible
for regulating the operation (and in some cases the construction) of
telecommunications infrastructure. HER believes that the adoption of the Full
Competition Directive and the various related Directives adopted by the European
Parliament and the Council of the EU have resulted in the removal of most
regulatory barriers to the operation of telecommunications infrastructure in the
countries of the initial network in the first five countries.
HER requires licenses, authorizations or registrations in all countries to
operate the network. There can be no assurance that HER will be able to obtain
such licenses, authorizations or registrations or that HER's operations will not
become subject to other regulatory, authorization or registration requirements
in the countries in which it plans to operate. Licenses, authorizations or
registrations have been obtained in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands,
Belgium, France and Germany and a trial concession has been granted in
Switzerland. HER intends to file applications in other countries in anticipation
of service launch in accordance with the network roll-out plan.
On June 28, 1990, the European Commission, in an effort to promote
competition and efficiency in the European Union, issued a directive (the "1990
Directive") requiring EU member states to immediately liberalize all
telecommunication services with the exception of voice telephony to the general
public (basic voice services provided over the public switched voice network).
This step liberalized value added services and voice services over corporate
networks and/or "closed user groups," although the exact definitions of the
terms used in the 1990 Directive were not altogether clear.
On July 22, 1993, the Council of EU agreed that all voice telephony
services in EU member states should be liberalized by January 1, 1998 subject to
additional transitional periods of up to five years to allow member states with
less developed networks to achieve the necessary adjustments. It was agreed that
such exemptions would be granted to Spain, Ireland, Greece and Portugal, subject
to formal application and satisfaction of certain requirements. Luxembourg,
because of the small size of its market, would be eligible for a special
transitional period of up to two years.
In April 1995, a communication from the European Commission sought to
clarify the types of services that were liberalized by the 1990 Directive,
stating that the burden of proof as to why a service should be considered
"reserved" and therefore not open to competition should be upon the PTOs and the
regulatory authorities of member states. Along with this statement came the
threat of formal procedures under the Treaty of Rome against member states that
do not implement the 1990 Directive "within a reasonable time." Procedures have
been brought so far against Italy, Greece, Germany and Spain for failing to
apply the requirements of the 1990 Directive.
On March 13, 1996, the European Commission adopted the Full Competition
Directive extending the 1990 Directive to all services, requiring that licensing
procedures for these services be transparent and non-discriminatory, requiring
member states to fully liberalize alternative infrastructure to allow a
competitive market for "non-reserved" services such as data, value added
services and non-public (closed-user group) switched voice services by July 1,
1996 and mandating open competition in all public telecommunications services,
including voice telephony to the general public, by January 1, 1998 (except for
countries to which grace periods were granted in accordance with the 1993
Council Resolution).
On April 10, 1997, the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers
adopted a Directive on a common framework for general authorizations and
individual licenses in the field of telecommunications services, including
networks. Licenses must be awarded through open, non-discriminatory and
transparent procedures and applications will be required to be dealt with in a
timely fashion. The number of licenses may only be restricted to the extent
required to ensure the efficient use of radio frequencies or for the time
necessary to make available sufficient numbers in accordance with EC law.
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HER believes that many European countries have revised telecommunications
regulations to comply with the 1990 Directive and the Full Competition Directive
and that such changes will enhance HER's ability to obtain other necessary
regulatory approvals for its operations.
As a multinational telecommunications company, HER is subject to varying
degrees of regulation in each of the jurisdictions in which it provides its
services. Local laws and regulations and the interpretation of such laws and
regulations, differ significantly among the jurisdictions in which HER operates.
There can be no assurance that future regulatory, judicial and legislative
changes will not have a material adverse effect on HER, that domestic or
international regulators or third parties will not raise material issues with
regard to HER's compliance or noncompliance with applicable regulations or that
regulatory activities will not have a material adverse effect on HER. See "Risk
Factors -- Government Regulation." The regulatory framework in certain
jurisdictions in which HER provides its services is briefly described below.
United Kingdom
Since the elimination in 1991 of the United Kingdom telecommunications
duopoly consisting of British Telecommunications and Mercury, it has been the
stated goal of Oftel, the United Kingdom telecommunications regulatory
authority, to create a competitive marketplace from which detailed regulation
could eventually be withdrawn. The United Kingdom has already liberalized its
market beyond the requirements of the Full Competition Directive, and most
restrictions on competition have been removed in practice as well as in law. HER
has received a license from the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which
grants it the right to run a telecommunications system or systems in the United
Kingdom connected to an overseas telecommunications system and to provide
international services over such systems. Like the licenses granted to other
providers of international facilities-based services, the license granted to HER
on December 18, 1996 was for an initial six months' duration and thereafter is
subject to revocation on one month's notice in writing. The short duration of
these initial licenses was adopted for administrative convenience on the
opening-up of the United Kingdom market for international facilities-based
services. The Department of Trade and Industry ("DTI") has confirmed that it
intends to replace the initial licenses with new licenses and that it would not
normally expect to revoke an initial license without replacing it with another
license giving an equivalent authorization. The DTI is currently discussing with
license holders the arrangements to put these new licenses into effect and
although the DTI has indicated that the new licenses are expected to be of 25
years duration, there can be no certainty that this will be the case or that the
new licenses will not contain terms or conditions unfavorable to HER.
The Netherlands
On July 1, 1997 the Dutch government abolished the prohibition on the use
of fixed infrastructure for the provision of public voice telephony, thereby
complying with the requirements of the Full Competition Directive six months
ahead of schedule. On August 1, 1996, HER was granted a license for the
installation, maintenance and use of a fixed telecommunications infrastructure.
An entirely new Telecommunications Bill was introduced to the Second
Chamber (the House of Representatives) of the Parliament on September 15, 1997.
The new Telecommunications Act is intended to confirm the full liberalization of
the telecommunications market according to European Community standards. It is
not expected that the new Telecommunications Act will detrimentally affect the
conduct of business by HER.
Belgium
Belgium has implemented the "alternative infrastructure" provider provision
of the Full Competition Directive. Full liberalization of competition, including
the provision of voice telephony, requires further legislation which is expected
to be introduced to the legislature in the near future. HER has obtained,
through a wholly-owned subsidiary, a license from the Belgian regulatory
authority to provide liberalized services using alternative infrastructure and
is currently operating under its license in Belgium on the Brussels-Amsterdam
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route. HER also has authorization to build infrastructure between major Belgian
population centers and the relevant border crossings.
Germany
Germany has approved legislation to implement the Full Competition
Directive and remove all remaining restrictions on competition from January
1998. HER was granted a license by the German regulatory authorities on July 18,
1997. The license permits HER to operate the portions of the network in Germany
connecting Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and Stuttgart; Dusseldorf to the Dutch border;
and Stuttgart to the French and Swiss borders. HER expects to extend its license
in Germany as appropriate in order to enable it to operate the remaining
portions of the network in Germany.
France
A new regulatory agency, the Autorite de Regulation des Telecommunications
("ART"), was established in France effective January 1, 1997. In 1996, France
approved legislation to implement the Full Competition Directive and to remove
all remaining restrictions on competition from January 1998. HER applied for an
authorization to operate its network in specific regions of France, which was
approved on October 22, 1997.
Switzerland
The Swiss Parliament has recently passed a new Telecommunications Law which
will enter into force on January 1, 1998. Although Switzerland is not a Member
State of the EU, the effect of the law is largely to mirror the EC
telecommunications liberalization Directives and therefore from that date
existing voice telephony monopoly will be abolished and such services will be
fully liberalized. An independent national regulatory authority has previously
been established. HER obtained a trial concession on October 30, 1997, in order
to roll out its network and to provide its services in advance of the full
liberalization coming into effect on January 1, 1998.
Italy
Although in the past Italy has been dilatory in implementing EC
liberalization measures, Italy enacted legislation on July 31, 1997 which
substantially completes the liberalization of services in accordance with the
Full Competition Directive. The Parliament has also approved the creation of an
independent national regulatory authority for the telecommunications and
audiovisual sectors. The most recent EC liberalization Directives relating to
licensing and interconnection remain to be implemented. HER intends to apply for
a license to provide its services in due course.
Spain
Under the Full Competition Directive Spain was granted the right to request
a delay of up to five years in liberalizing fully its telecommunications market.
However, the Spanish government and the European Commission have agreed that
full liberalization should take place on December 1, 1998. In order to ensure
effective liberalization from that date, the Commission Decision granting the
eleven month extension sets out a timetable of interim measures leading up to
full liberalization. These measures include the passing of legislation
authorizing regional cable operators to provide telecommunications services and
the adoption of a new General Telecommunications Bill effectively transposing EC
Directives into Spanish law. Further RETEVISION, S.A. has been granted a second
national operator's license to compete with the national PTO and Spain has
agreed to grant a third national operator license in early 1998. HER intends to
apply for a license to provide its services in due course.
Sweden
Full liberalization of the Swedish telecommunications market occurred in
1993. A new Telecommunications Act was passed this year to reinforce the powers
of the national regulatory authority, to ensure
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conformity with EC Directives and to supplement the pre-existing licensing
regime with a general authorization regime for services other than telephony
services, mobile services and leased lines. HER intends to register to provide
its services in due course.
Denmark
With the liberalization of infrastructure from July 1, 1997 Denmark has
fully liberalized its telecommunications markets in accordance with the
requirements of the relevant EC Directives. An independent national regulatory
authority has been established. According to the Danish rules, HER will not
require any regulatory approval in order to install or operate the network in
Denmark.
GTS-MONACO ACCESS
GTS owns a 50% interest in and manages GTS-Monaco Access, a joint venture
with the Principality of Monaco created to develop Monaco's existing
international telecommunications infrastructure into a leading international
gateway hub for transport of international traffic to European and overseas
destinations. The Principality has constructed and operates a sophisticated
international gateway infrastructure that includes an international digital
switching center and a satellite earth station to support significant amounts of
carriers' carrier traffic. Through Monaco's network, GTS-Monaco Access is linked
to approximately 170 countries worldwide. GTS believes that this partnership
provides it with the opportunity to build a strong international gateway
operator in lucrative Western European markets.
GTS-Monaco Access offers competitively priced international switching and
transit services, primarily to the "wholesale" international gateway and
carrier-to-carrier portion of the international calling market, as distinguished
from "retail" services offered to end users. Basic service offerings include (i)
international switched traffic; (ii) international private lines; (iii)
facilities management, including billing, customer management and fault
reduction systems; (iv) resale distribution for Internet service providers; and
(v) prepaid calling card platform services.
With the cooperation of Monaco Telecom ("MT"), GTS-Monaco Access is
entitled to exercise the privileges of signatories to international treaties
such as the ITU, and to international satellite agreements, such as Intelsat,
Inmarsat and Eutelsat. Other signatories are generally PTOs and other
quasi-governmental telecommunications entities. GTS-Monaco Access purchases
capacity on international fiber routes at rates available only to recognized
operators which are substantially below the rates charged to other service
providers. These fiber-based facilities are an important element for GTS-Monaco
Access's core network and provide it with capacity that may be leased or resold
to customers. Monaco inaugurated its independent country code, 377, on June 21,
1996, which made it eligible for certain privileges, including special terms
(generally reserved for PTOs) in connection with transmission agreements,
transit agreements, settlements and low-cost accounting rates with select
carriers.
GTS's partner in GTS-Monaco Access is an investment fund designated by the
Principality of Monaco to represent its interests. GTS-Monaco Access functions
in cooperation with MT under a commercial agreement governing, among other
things, the terms of use of existing facilities, access to and acquisition of
new international infrastructure, and sales and marketing. GTS exercises
operational control of the joint venture, and provides managerial and financial
support, international telecommunications expertise and strategic planning.
Neither GTS nor its partner is obligated to fund operations or capital
expenditures of GTS-Monaco Access. Losses and profits of GTS-Monaco Access are
allocated to the partners in accordance with their ownership percentages, in
consideration of funds at risk. As of September 30, 1997, GTS and its partner
had each made equity contributions of $1.7 million to GTS-Monaco Access. In
addition, GTS-Monaco Access had outstanding loans of $2.9 million to GTS as of
September 30, 1997. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis -- Accounting
Methodology -- Profit and Loss Accounting." The agreement between GTS-Monaco
Access and MT, by its terms, continues in operation until 2020.
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BUSINESS AND MARKETING STRATEGY
GTS's objective is to develop GTS-Monaco Access into a leading
international gateway hub. The Company's strategy to achieve this objective
includes the following:
- Develop Advanced Carrier Services Offerings. GTS-Monaco Access intends to
develop its "advanced carrier services" offerings to include global 0800
services and international free phone services, which GTS believes will
broaden customer relationships, enhance revenues and help to protect it
from price-based competition.
- Develop Relationships to Broaden Service Offerings. GTS-Monaco Access has
begun to develop relationships to broaden its service offerings.
GTS-Monaco Access has entered into agreements with UUNET, one of its
gateway customers, to provide wholesale Internet access to GTS-Monaco
Access's carrier customers in a number of Western European countries. The
agreement allows these services to be "cobranded" with GTS's affiliates.
- Pricing. Price is a critical factor in the market for international
switching as competition increases due to expanding international
capacity, advances in technology and falling regulatory barriers. GTS-
Monaco Access intends to price its services competitively with the
prevailing price for comparable inter-PTO transit and gateway services.
GTS-Monaco Access is not bound by legacy systems, infrastructure and
personnel levels and can, therefore, manage lower cost operations.
- Leverage Non-Aligned Position. Because GTS's Western European activities
are not allied with any of the major consortia or large Western European
telecommunications companies, and generally focus on carriers' carrier
services, GTS-Monaco Access will not compete with its carrier customers
in retail markets. This independence should make GTS-Monaco Access an
attractive service provider for Western European carriers who may
otherwise be reluctant to obtain services from the larger operators of
international gateways that are often their competitors in the retail
market.
- Exploit GTS Synergies. GTS intends to support GTS-Monaco Access by
allying it with other GTS companies in Europe and the CIS. GTS-Monaco
Access is expected to realize significant reductions in its cost
structure through access to low-cost pan-European transmission capacity
through alternative infrastructure providers such as HER, Sovintel and
C-Datacom International, Inc., GTS's Indian venture, already route
international traffic through GTS-Monaco Access's gateway.
- Local Points of Presence. Beginning in the first quarter of 1998,
GTS-Monaco Access intends to establish points of presence in the United
Kingdom, France and Germany in order to take advantage of the HER network
rollout and negotiate arrangements with local customers and suppliers for
the pick up and delivery of international traffic.
CUSTOMERS
Targeted customers for GTS-Monaco Access include:
- Non-Aligned PTOs. GTS believes that various large American and Western
European PTOs that lack adequate international switching and transport
facilities of their own can be persuaded to purchase international
services from GTS-Monaco Access, rather than from competing PTOs or
consortia.
- Mobile Carriers. GTS believes that some of the non-PTO mobile carriers,
which currently provide only a small percentage of Western European
mobile telecommunications traffic, will prefer the "independent"
international gateway service offerings of GTS-Monaco Access to those of
their PTO competitors.
- Internet Service Providers. Growth in Internet usage creates a
significant opportunity for a nonaligned Internet access provider such as
GTS-Monaco Access, since many Internet service providers will be in
direct competition with PTO-owned services in large European markets.
- Second Carriers/Resellers. GTS believes that many second carriers will
seek to enter new markets quickly without investing in international
switching capacity.
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- Established ("Aligned") PTOs. This customer segment will be a niche
market for GTS-Monaco Access. As markets are deregulated and carriers
become increasingly competitive, traditional friendly correspondent
relations may become strained, and opportunities may emerge to leverage
GTS's non-aligned status to route traffic between rivals or to displace
incumbents for transit relationships.
- Other GTS Companies. GTS-Monaco Access currently provides gateway
services to Sovintel, CDI and other GTS companies that aggregate traffic
or provide international long distance services. It may also provide
these services to HER.
NETWORK
GTS has enhanced MT's existing technology platform of digital switching,
fiber optic transmission, satellite and submarine cable facilities by
interconnecting this existing network infrastructure to multiple terrestrial
routes covering Europe and to undersea fiber optic cables connecting the
GTS-Monaco Access network to Asia and the Americas.
The network infrastructure of GTS-Monaco Access is complementary with that
of HER, with each serving the carriers' carrier market from different
perspectives; HER for bandwidth services and GTS-Monaco Access for switched call
terminations and other carrier services. Beginning in the first quarter of 1998,
GTS-Monaco Access intends to establish points of presence in Europe by
co-locating in certain cities served by HER, which will allow GTS-Monaco Access
to terminate traffic through HER and reduce GTS-Monaco Access's transmission
costs.
LICENSES AND REGULATORY ISSUES
Because it operates in coordination with MT, the licensed operator of the
Monaco public network, and in indirect partnership with the government,
GTS-Monaco Access's telecommunications activities in Monaco require no
telecommunications license.
Because the Principality of Monaco is not an EU member state, GTS-Monaco
Access's telecommunications activities in the Principality are not subject to
European law. However, GTS-Monaco Access will have to comply with EU regulation
to the extent it does business in EU member states. The regulatory requirements
established by the EU create general guidelines under which the national
agencies of EU member states regulate. Accordingly, local laws and regulations
may differ significantly among these jurisdictions, and the interpretation and
enforcement of such laws and regulations may vary. Local rules are sometimes
based on the informal views of the local ministries which, in some cases, are
subject to influence by the local PTOs. In certain of the Company's existing and
target markets, there are laws and regulations which affect the number and types
of customers which the Company can address. For instance, certain countries may
and do require licenses for communication companies to interconnect to the
public network to originate traffic.
In addition, one of the services provided by GTS-Monaco Access is a form of
transit service, known in the industry as "re-filing." Re-filing is the practice
of routing traffic through a third country in order to take advantage of
disparities in settlement rates between different countries, allowing traffic to
a potential country to be treated as if it originated in the third country that
enjoys lower settlement rates with the destination country, thereby resulting in
lower overall costs on an end-to-end basis. Re-filing is prevalent in the
industry even though the practice is technically in contravention of ITU
regulations. In practice, because of the widespread non-observance of these
regulations, such a contravention normally does not give rise to specific legal
problems. However, their enforceability essentially depends on the status given
to ITU obligations by Member countries' domestic laws. Accordingly, there can be
no assurance that GTS-Monaco Access's re-filing services might not be disrupted
or be the subject of legal process at some time in the future. In such event,
within the EU a defense may be available that the ITU regulations are
anti-competitive and contravene the Treaty of Rome, although there can be no
certainty that such a defense would succeed.
COMPETITION
GTS-Monaco Access faces competition from consortia of telecommunications
operators, large PTOs and other international telephone operators with advanced
network infrastructures, access to large quantities of
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long-haul capacity and established customer bases. PTOs currently providing
large amounts of international traffic have already established direct routes,
transit arrangements and correspondent relations and many have excess capacity
that they resell in competition with GTS-Monaco Access.
GTS expects that GTS-Monaco Access will be able to compete effectively in
certain identified market segments because most of its targeted customers are in
new and fast growing markets and have not established long-term relationships
with international gateway providers, and because it has equal access to
advanced infrastructure and international fiber routes, potential access to low
cost transport from HER and an "independent" status that allows it to service a
worldwide range of potential customers.
CENTRAL EUROPE
In Central Europe, GTS's objective is to become one of the leading
alternative telecommunications providers in the region. GTS currently provides
private data communications services to government and commercial customers in
Hungary and the Czech Republic. In the Czech Republic, the Company provides
outgoing voice services and operates an international gateway and a data
services network. In Hungary, GTS operates a VSAT network which GTS believes is
the largest VSAT network in Central Europe as measured by number of VSAT sites.
The Company has also signed an agreement to provide international data services
in Poland, subject to receipt of necessary governmental approvals. GTS's
strategy is to expand its service offerings as the regulatory environment
permits, leveraging its existing VSAT and international gateway infrastructure
where possible and providing a broad range of services to its target markets.
Hungary
GTS-Hungary. GTS-Hungary, a 99% owned subsidiary of GTS, is a leading
provider of customized data services offering high quality, reliable virtual
private network services to customers throughout Hungary and, through other GTS
affiliates, other countries in Central Europe. GTS-Hungary provides these
services through VSATs installed at customer sites throughout the country and a
microwave-based high speed overlay network for points in the Budapest
metropolitan area. Along with these data transmission services, GTS-Hungary
provides high quality customer service including (i) significant system
integration support in the initial implementation of the customers' networks and
in on-going expansion and improvements and (ii) a unique maintenance and
technical support service, which include "rapid response" service calls and
24-hour hub service operations support, which can be backed by financial
guarantees when required.
As of September 30, 1997, GTS-Hungary's VSAT network consisted of
approximately 935 owned and operated VSAT sites which the Company believes makes
it the largest VSAT-based network in Central Europe. GTS believes that its
choice of VSAT technology as a way of quickly deploying a full range of business
services nationwide will allow it to capture key customers and market segments.
Such positioning, the Company believes, will enable GTS-Hungary to expand its
service offerings as the Central European market matures and as regulatory
authorities further privatize and deregulate the telecommunications industry.
GTS-Hungary is undertaking a nationwide expansion of its microwave-based
Budapest overlay network. The expansion will increase GTS-Hungary's revenue base
in the region and provide opportunities to leverage further its other service
offerings. There can be no assurance, however, that the expansion will be
completed on a timely and commercially feasible basis.
The Hungarian state lottery is GTS-Hungary's largest customer, accounting
for more than 54% of GTS-Hungary's VSAT revenue for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997. GTS-Hungary has also targeted its VSAT network services to
business customers in the domestic service industry and other government
organizations. Although GTS-Hungary continues to diversify its revenue and
customer base, the loss of the Hungarian state lottery as a customer would have
a material adverse effect on GTS-Hungary's business.
GTS-Hungary generally charges its data services customers a flat monthly
fee for a fixed amount of usage and usage-based fees for use above the
contractual amount. Customers are billed in Hungarian forints (indexed to US
dollars) on a monthly basis. Pricing is generally determined for an individual
client based
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upon the size of traffic requirements. In general, GTS-Hungary's strategy is to
minimize the initial customer investment in order to lower the barriers to
purchase, while committing customers to long-term contracts.
GTS-Hungary's major competitors include BankNet, Hungaro-DigiTel and MATAV,
the Hungarian PTO, each of which operates a network with at least 200 VSAT
sites. MATAV offers a broad range of services and has recently targeted the
business sector that GTS serves. GTS believes that, while some of its
competitors have stronger financial resources, GTS-Hungary remains the leading
VSAT service provider in Hungary in terms of number of VSAT sites, the size and
quality of its infrastructure and the quality of its service. GTS also believes
it has distinguished itself from its competition by its superior customer
service.
Currently, all VSAT licenses in Hungary have been granted under temporary
telecommunications regulations. The temporary licenses prohibit connection to
public telecommunications networks or other international or domestic
data-transmitting systems. In December 1993, GTS received a temporary service
permit to provide data-transfer services utilizing a VSAT-based wireless
communications system throughout Hungary. In March 1997 the government issued
new telecommunications regulations which require all operations with temporary
licenses to apply for permanent licenses by the end of April 1997. GTS-Hungary
has submitted applications for the conversion of its temporary licenses to
permanent ones. While no assurances can be given, GTS expects permanent licenses
to be issued in due course. The failure to receive such licenses would have a
material adverse effect on the business of GTS-Hungary.
Neither GTS nor its partner in GTS-Hungary are obligated to fund operations
or capital expenditures of GTS-Hungary. Losses and profits of GTS-Hungary are
allocated to the partners in accordance with their ownership percentages, in
consideration of funds at risk. As of September 30, 1997, GTS had made equity
contributions of $9.5 million to GTS-Hungary, GTS' partner has not made any
equity contributions as of September 30, 1997. In addition, GTS-Hungary had
outstanding loans of $3.4 million to GTS as of September 30, 1997. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis -- Accounting Methodology -- Profit and
Loss Accounting. Further, the joint venture does not have an expiration date.
EuroHivo. In addition to its network and data services, GTS also provides
nationwide paging services primarily to the retail consumer market through its
70% owned joint venture, EuroHivo. GTS has concluded that EuroHivo is not a core
business and is currently assessing offers to sell its interests in EuroHivo. In
connection with this anticipated divestiture, the Company wrote-off its
investment in EuroHivo in the third quarter of 1997. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis -- Results of Operations -- Consolidated Ventures."
Czech Republic
The Czech Companies. The Czech Companies, which consist of two wholly owned
subsidiaries of GTS, offer the only alternative international telephony service
in the Czech Republic, as well as a full range of private data services,
delivered through a combination of a fully digital microwave overlay network and
an international satellite gateway in Prague and GTS-Hungary's VSAT network.
Through an intercompany arrangement with GTS-Hungary, the Czech Companies
provide all of the same VSAT services offered by GTS-Hungary. In addition, the
Czech Companies offer high-speed Internet access service and are among the
leading Internet access providers in the Czech Republic. The Czech Companies
seek to become the second carrier in the Czech Republic and are also targeting
opportunities in Slovakia, based upon the historic relationship between the
Czech and Slovak markets.
The Czech Companies network consist of an earth station linked to
GTS-Monaco Access and to British Telecom, a series of point-to-point and
point-to-multipoint microwave connections providing dedicated access to the
buildings served by the Czech Companies and individual VSATs based on, and
controlled by, GTS-Hungary's hub in Budapest.
The Czech Companies target customers include real estate developers, hotels
and multinational companies which require international voice or data services
or Internet connectivity, where both GTS's own services and the services of GTS
partners are sold. The Czech Companies provide outgoing international voice
services and high-speed Internet access to large commercial buildings in Prague.
As of September 30, 1997,
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the Czech Companies had concluded agreements with building owners to convert
PABXs in 23 buildings in Prague. International voice services are offered at
prices similar to those of the Czech PTO. The Czech market for VSAT services is
extremely competitive, with prices at approximately 50% of those in Hungary for
basic services. The Czech Companies plan to pursue customers who require
value-added services which may be offered at higher prices and better margins.
The Czech Companies are licensed to provide international satellite and
domestic private voice and data services. They received their operating licenses
in 1994 and 1995 and began offering services in 1995. The licenses grant
permission to install and operate up to 150 earth stations and, upon
application, an additional 150 earth stations. The licenses currently prohibit
the provision of switched voice services and the interconnection to public
voice, telex and data networks and telecommunications networks of other
providers.
The Czech Companies are the only alternative international telephony
provider licensed in the Czech Republic. As such, their only competitor is SPT
Telecom, the Czech PTO. Should SPT decide to compete aggressively with the Czech
Companies, it has the ability to discount prices below those which could be
easily sustained by the Czech Companies. In data services, Telenor, GITY and
Nextel (a subsidiary of SPT Telecom) are the Czech Companies' three major
competitors for data services in the Czech Republic. GTS believes that its
experience in establishing VSAT services in the region and its emphasis on
integrated voice and data services provides the Czech Companies with a
competitive advantage. Additionally, GTS's transmission facilities and
infrastructure in Hungary and Monaco provide them with a relatively low cost
infrastructure and, as a consequence, greater pricing flexibility than their
competitors. With respect to Internet services, GTS believes that, although this
market consists of a large number of small providers and that SPT Telecom will
seek to enter this market, the dedicated, high-speed infrastructure that the
Czech Companies are installing will provide superior services to its customers.
ASIA
Chinese law generally prohibits foreign investment or participation in the
operation of telecommunications services, while Indian law requires foreign
telecommunications operators to conduct certain telecommunications businesses,
including basic switched telephony and cellular services, through joint ventures
that are at least 51% owned by Indian partners. GTS believes that these
restrictive regulations will eventually be liberalized and that its early entry
into these markets and its strong relationships with influential commercial
firms and with local, regional and national-level government entities will
provide it with a strong competitive advantage over competitors that await more
explicit regulatory regimes authorizing direct telecommunications investments.
China
GTS participates in the nationwide tourist industry VSAT network through
GTS China Investments LLC, a company in which GTS holds a 75% interest and an
affiliate of the Soros Foundations owns a 25% interest. See "Certain Related
Party Transactions." GTS China Investments LLC holds an indirect 63% interest in
Beijing Tianmu Satellite Communications Technology Co. Ltd. ("Beijing Tianmu"),
which provides technical, operational and financial support for the VSAT
network. In addition, through Shanghai V-Tech Telecommunications Systems Co.,
Ltd. ("V-Tech"), a venture in which GTS holds a 75% interest, the Company
provides financing, operational consulting, technical and engineering services
to a Shanghai-based VSAT network operator.
With respect to V-Tech, in addition to the Company's initial equity
contribution of $3.75 million, GTS committed to fund up to an additional $3.0
million (all of which has been funded as of September 30, 1997). The joint
venture expires in April 2015, and profits and losses are allocated according to
ownership interests in consideration of funds at risk. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis -- Accounting Methodology -- Profit and Loss
Accounting."
With respect to Beijing Tianmu, in addition to the Company's initial equity
contribution of $8.75 million, GTS is responsible for arranging additional
financing of up to $14.4 million, subject to the approval of the venture's Board
of Directors, the majority of members of which are elected by GTS. The joint
venture expires
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in March 2021, and profits and losses are allocated according to ownership
interests, in consideration of funds at risk. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis -- Accounting Methodology -- Profit and Loss Accounting."
India
In India, GTS is following the strategy it implemented in Moscow and is
currently pursuing in Central Europe, in which it initially penetrates the
telecommunications market by developing satellite-based international gateway
networks to provide telecommunications services to targeted business customers.
GTS's operations in India are conducted through C-Datacom International, Inc.
("CDI"), a wholly owned subsidiary which provides digital international private
line communications to and from India for multiple applications, including data
and voice. While not permitted to provide telephony services, CDI is currently
in the process of installing an international gateway switch adjacent to
GTS-Monaco Access's international gateway for the purpose of handling
international traffic.
EMPLOYEES
On September 30, 1997, GTS employed a total of 166 persons. On September
30, 1997, the joint ventures in which GTS participates employed approximately
1,400 persons. The Company believes its future success will depend on its
continued ability to attract and retain highly skilled and qualified employees.
The Company believes that its relations with its employees are good.
Although GTS's employees are not unionized, unions represent employees of
the Company's railroad partners in HER. Under the agreements contemplated
between HER and its railroad partners, some of these employees will be required
to construct and maintain certain portions of the HER network. There can be no
assurances that unionized employees of HER's partners will not experience labor
unrest.
PROPERTIES
The Company's physical properties include owned and leased space for
offices, storage and equipment rooms and collocation sites. Additional equipment
rooms will be leased as networks are expanded. GTS maintains regional
headquarters offices in Moscow and Budapest, as well as facilities in McLean,
Virginia and London. Hermes is headquartered just outside of Brussels, Belgium.
LITIGATION
In addition to routine legal proceedings incidental to the conduct of its
business, the Company, GTS-Hungaro and GTS-Hungary are named as defendants in an
action captioned USH Ventures and USH Telecom, L.L.C. v. Global TeleSystems
Group, Inc. and GTS-Hungaro, Inc., Civil Action No. 97C-08-86, commenced in
August 1997, which is currently pending in the Superior Court of the State of
Delaware in and for New Castle County. The complaint alleges breach of contract
and interference with a business relationship. While it is not possible at this
time to make a meaningful assessment of the outcome of this litigation, based
upon information currently available and upon consultation with counsel, the
Company does not believe that the outcome of this litigation will have a
material adverse effect upon the financial condition of the Company.
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MANAGEMENT
The directors, executive officers and key employees of the Company, their
positions and their ages are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Age Positions
---- --- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Alan B. Slifka(1)(3)(4)................. 67 Chairman of the Board of Directors
Gerald W. Thames(1)..................... 50 President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Bruno d'Avanzo.......................... 56 Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer
William H. Seippel...................... 41 Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief
Financial Officer
Jan Loeber.............................. 53 Senior Vice President -- HER
Raymond I. Marks........................ 50 Senior Vice President -- Asia
Stewart P. Reich........................ 53 Senior Vice President -- Russia
Louis T. Toth........................... 54 Senior Vice President -- Central Europe
Grier C. Raclin......................... 45 Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary
N.S. Molberger.......................... 42 Senior Vice President -- Law and Development
Eileen K. Sweeney....................... 46 Senior Vice President -- Human Resources
Kevin Power............................. 43 Managing Director -- GTS-Monaco Access
Gary Gladstein(2)....................... 52 Director
Michael A. Greeley(4)................... 34 Director
Bernard McFadden(3)..................... 64 Director
Stewart J. Paperin(2)(3)................ 49 Director
W. James Peet(1)(4)..................... 42 Director
Jean Salmona(3)......................... 61 Director
Morris A. Sandler(2)(4)................. 51 Director
Joel Schatz(2).......................... 60 Director
Adam Solomon(2)(4)...................... 44 Director
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Member of Executive Committee
(2) Member of Audit Committee
(3) Member of Compensation Committee
(4) Member of Finance Committee
Biographical information on each of the foregoing officers follows:
Alan B. Slifka, Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Slifka has served
as a director of GTS since 1990. Mr. Slifka is a New York investment banker and
the Managing Principal of Halcyon/Alan B. Slifka and Company LLC, an equity
asset management firm specializing in nontraditional investments, specifically
corporate event investing. Previously, Mr. Slifka was a partner of L.F.
Rothschild, Unterberg, Towbin from 1961 to 1982. He is a director of Pall
Corporation and is active in other business, civic and philanthropic affairs as
founder, director or officer of numerous for-profit and not-for-profit
corporations and foundations. Mr. Slifka served as acting Chief Executive
Officer of GTS during most of 1993.
Gerald W. Thames, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director. Mr.
Thames joined GTS as Chief Executive Officer in February 1994, and has served as
a director of GTS since February 1994. From 1990 to 1994, Mr. Thames was
President and Chief Executive Officer for British Telecom North America and
Syncordia, a joint venture company focused on the international outsourcing
market. Mr. Thames has spent over 18 years in senior positions with
telecommunications companies, where he was responsible for developing start-up
telecommunications companies, including 15 years with AT&T, where he rose to the
position of General Manager of Network Services for the Northeast Region of AT&T
Communications.
Bruno d'Avanzo, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr.
d'Avanzo joined GTS as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in
August 1996. From 1994 to 1996, Mr. d'Avanzo was
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Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Intelsat, the largest
telecommunications satellite operator in the world. From 1992 to 1994, Mr.
d'Avanzo was a senior executive with Olivetti Corporation, serving as Vice
President and General Manager -- Europe and as Vice President -- U.S., Canada
and South America. Mr. d'Avanzo also spent 15 years with Digital Equipment
Corporation, a diversified computer manufacturer where his last position was
Vice President -- European Sales and Marketing.
William H. Seippel, Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial
Officer. Mr. Seippel joined GTS as Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief
Financial Officer in October 1996. From July 1992 to October 1996, Mr. Seippel
was Vice President -- Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Landmark Graphics.
From August 1990 to July 1992, Mr. Seippel was Director of Finance for Covia,
Inc., an affiliate of United Airlines. From April 1984 to August 1990, Mr.
Seippel held the positions of Group Business Controller (1989 to 1990), Group
Controller Sales/Marketing (1986 to 1989), and Product Line Controller (1984 to
1986) with Digital Equipment Corporation, a diversified computer manufacturer.
Jan Loeber, Senior Vice President -- HER. Mr. Loeber joined GTS in January
1995. From October 1992 to December 1994, Mr. Loeber was a Managing Director of
BT Securities Corporation. From April 1990 to September 1992, Mr. Loeber held
positions as Managing Director of Unitel Ltd. (now One 2 One) in the United
Kingdom, Group President of Nokia North America Inc., Vice President of ITT
Corporation, and Marketing and Product Management Director of ITT Europe. Mr.
Loeber also spent almost 10 years with AT&T, where his last position was
Executive Director, Bell Laboratories. Mr. Loeber has over 22 years of
experience in the telecommunications industry and an additional 9 years of
experience in information technology with the Pentagon, IBM and Chemical Bank of
New York.
Raymond I. Marks, Senior Vice President -- Asia. Mr. Marks joined GTS as
Senior Vice President -- Asia in July 1994. From October 1986 to June 1994, Mr.
Marks served as Vice President and General Manager of GTE Spacenet Corporation,
where he had overall responsibility for strategic planning, domestic and
international business development, creation of joint ventures and international
alliances, as well as the worldwide management of the marketing, sales and
technical support organizations. Mr. Marks has also served as Vice President for
the Digital Information Group for MCI Communications Corporation. Mr. Marks has
28 years of experience in the telecommunications and computer industries.
Stewart P. Reich, Senior Vice President -- Russia. Mr. Reich joined GTS as
President -- GTS Russia in September 1997. Since September 1992, Mr. Reich was
President of UTEL, a joint venture of AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, PTT Telecom
(Netherlands), and Ukrtelecom (a Ukrainian telecommunications company) which
provides international and interregional telecommunications services in Ukraine.
From 1982 to 1992, Mr. Reich held various positions at AT&T where his last
position was Financial Manager, AT&T International Communications Switched
Services. Mr. Reich was also employed for 20 years with Western Electric Company
from 1961 to 1981.
Louis T. Toth, Senior Vice President -- Central Europe. Mr. Toth joined GTS
as Senior Vice President -- Central Europe in July 1993. From February 1987 to
July 1991, Mr. Toth served as President of Dynaforce Corporation and as Partner
and General Manager for the pan-European expansion of Andlinger & Company. Mr.
Toth, who is currently based in London, has 23 years of telecommunications
experience with ITT Corporation in Europe, Latin America and Asia.
Grier C. Raclin, Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Mr. Raclin
joined GTS as its Senior Vice President and General Counsel in September, 1997,
and was elected Secretary of the Company in December 1997. Prior to joining GTS,
Mr. Raclin served as Vice-Chairman and a Managing Partner of the Washington,
D.C. office of Gardner, Carton & Douglas, a 250-attorney, corporate law firm
based in Chicago, Illinois, where his practice was concentrated in the area of
international telecommunications. Mr. Raclin received his undergraduate and law
degrees from Northwestern University and attended the University of Chicago
School of Business Executive Program.
N.S. Molberger, Senior Vice President -- Law and Development. Mr. Molberger
joined GTS as General Counsel in July 1993 and served as Vice President and
General Counsel from April 1994 to January 1997. Prior to that, Mr. Molberger
was in private law practice.
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Eileen K. Sweeney, Senior Vice President -- Human Resources. Ms. Sweeney
joined GTS as Senior Vice President -- Human Resources in November, 1997. Prior
to joining GTS, Ms. Sweeney was President of Global Resource Associates, a
consulting company specializing in international human resource issues. Prior to
that time, Ms. Sweeney spent 10 years with ITT Corporation in a variety of human
resource management positions, including eight years based in Europe and in the
Middle East. Ms. Sweeney holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration from
Simmons Graduate School of Management in Boston.
Kevin Power, Managing Director -- GTS Monaco Access. Prior to joining GTS
Monaco Access in October 1995, Mr. Power was Vice President, Carrier Relations
for the Company beginning in November 1994, where he was responsible for
assisting and coordinating the carrier activities of the GTS group of companies.
In 1988, Mr. Power was one of a group of five people who started the commercial
operations of Orion Network Systems and he stayed with the company until the
launch of its first satellite in 1994. His last position there was Vice
President of Carrier Services. Prior to that, he held positions with INTELSAT,
National Economic Research Associates (NERA) and the U.S. Department of
Commerce.
Biographical data on each of the directors, other than Mr. Thames, are as
follows:
Gary Gladstein, Director. Mr. Gladstein has served as a director of GTS
since December 1990. Mr. Gladstein is a Managing Director of Soros Fund
Management, an investment advisory firm with which he has been associated since
1985. Mr. Gladstein is also a director of Crystal Oil, Jos. A. Bank Clothier,
Inversiones y Representaciones S.A., Cresud S.A., Emerging Dolphin Fund and
Argentina High Yield and Capital Appreciation Fund Ltd.
Michael A. Greeley, Director. Mr. Greeley has served as a director of GTS
since September 1996. Mr. Greeley is the Senior Vice President of GCC
Investments, Inc., the investment group of GC Companies, Inc. From June 1989 to
July 1994, Mr. Greeley was a Vice President at Wasserstein Perella & Co., Inc.,
an international investment bank, specializing in mergers and acquisitions and
corporate finance transactions. Mr. Greeley is also a director of Teletrac,
Inc., Crescent Communications and American Capital Access Holdings, LLC. By
contractual arrangement, GCC Investments, Inc. has the right to designate one
person for nomination to the Board of Directors as long as it holds not less
than two and one-half percent of the issued and outstanding shares of the Common
Stock on a fully diluted basis. Mr. Greeley is the designee of GCC Investments,
Inc. to the Board of Directors.
Bernard McFadden, Director. Mr. McFadden has served as a director of GTS
since February 1994. Mr. McFadden currently serves as an independent consultant
for GTS and is a GTS representative on the supervisory board of HER. Mr.
McFadden's career in international telecommunications includes 32 years with ITT
Corporation, where he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of ITT's
Telecom International Group, and a four and one-half year assignment as
President and Chief Operating Officer of Alcatel Trade International, S.A.
Stewart J. Paperin, Director. Mr. Paperin has served as a director of GTS
since March 1997. Mr. Paperin serves as Executive Vice President of The Open
Society Institute, a charitable foundation associated with George Soros. In
addition, he has served as the President of Capital Resource East since October
1993. Prior to that, Mr. Paperin was President of Brooke Group International,
from 1990 to 1993 where he was responsible for investments in the former Soviet
Union. Mr. Paperin also served as Chief Financial Officer of Western Union
Corporation from 1989 to 1990. Mr. Paperin serves as a director of the Board of
Penn Octane Corporation.
W. James Peet, Director. Mr. Peet has served as a director of GTS since
January 1996. Mr. Peet has been affiliated with The Chatterjee Group, an
investment firm, since 1991. Mr. Peet is a director of three public companies:
Viatel Global Communications, Phoenix Information Systems, and Primus
Telecommunications, Inc. and several private companies. Immediately prior to
joining The Chatterjee Group, Mr. Peet spent six years with McKinsey & Company.
By contractual arrangement, The Chatterjee Group has the right to designate one
person for nomination to the Board of Directors to serve a term of five years.
Mr. Peet is the designee of The Chatterjee Group to the Board of Directors.
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Jean Salmona, Director. Mr. Salmona has served as a director of GTS since
March 1996. Since 1989, Mr. Salmona has been Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of CESIA Consulting Group ("CESIA"), a consulting concern based in
France that specializes in information and communications systems and
technologies. Mr. Salmona is also Chairman and Director General, Data for
Development International Association, a nongovernmental organization with
consultative status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council; and a
member of the board of directors of CESYS, a joint venture between CESIA and
COGEMA, the French State company which processes nuclear waste.
Morris A. Sandler, Director. Mr. Sandler has served as a director of GTS
since 1990. Mr. Sandler has been a consultant to GTS since November 1995. Prior
to that, Mr. Sandler was Executive Vice President of GTS from February 1994 to
November 1995, and acting Chief Operating Officer from April 1993 to February
1994. From August 1990 to April, 1993, Mr. Sandler was an employee of Alan B.
Slifka and Company. Since November 1995, Mr. Sandler has been a principal of
Pennwood Capital Corporation, a venture capital investment and management firm.
He has served as director of Baltic International USA, Inc. since 1995.
Joel Schatz, Director. Mr. Schatz has served as a director of GTS since the
inception of the Company. Mr. Schatz was a founder of the Company and served as
its President from 1985 to 1991. Mr. Schatz is presently the Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Datafusion, Inc., a company developing software to
accelerate knowledge synthesis.
Adam Solomon, Director. Mr. Solomon has served as a director of the Company
since June 1995. Mr. Solomon is also Chairman of Shaker Investments, Inc., a
growth equity investment firm and Chairman of Signature International, L.P., a
venture/development firm whose initial focus is redeveloping existing
residential/golf communities, and a member of the board of directors of MetaSolv
Software, Inc. Prior to that, Mr. Solomon spent eleven years with E.M. Warburg,
Pincus & Co., Inc., where he was Managing Director from 1988 to 1992. While at
E.M. Warburg, Pincus & Co., Inc., Mr. Solomon served as a member of the board of
directors of LCI International, Inc., a regional long-distance carrier.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Prior to the completion of the Offerings, each director of GTS received an
annual director's fee of $10,000. In addition, each director of GTS who attended
any meetings of the Board of Directors was entitled to receive a director's fee
of $1,000 for each such meeting, and each director of GTS who attended a
committee meeting was entitled to a directors' fee of $750 for each such
committee meeting.
Upon completion of the Offerings, each director of GTS will receive an
annual directors' fee of $15,000. In addition, the fee for attending any meeting
of the Board of Directors will increase to $1,500 per meeting, except for
telephonic Board of Directors meetings of two hours or less, where the fee will
be decreased to $750 for each such meeting. Similarly, upon the completion of
the Offerings, each director who attends a committee meeting will be entitled to
a directors' fee of $1,000 per meeting, except for telephonic committee meetings
of a duration of two hours or less, for which a fee of $500 will be paid.
For the year ended December 31, 1996, the aggregate compensation paid by
the Company to its directors and executive officers for services in all
capacities was approximately $3.1 million.
GTS maintains the Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. Non-Employee Directors'
Stock Option Plan that permits directors to share in the growth of the value of
GTS through the grant and exercise of nonqualified stock options. See "-- Global
TeleSystems Group, Inc. Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan."
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GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC. NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN
The purpose of the Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. Non-Employee Directors'
Stock Option Plan (the "Directors' Plan") is to permit eligible non-employee
directors of GTS (each a "Non-Employee Director") to share in the growth of the
value of GTS through the grant and exercise of nonqualified stock options.
The total number of shares of Common Stock presently reserved and available
for delivery under the Directors' Plan is 375,000, subject to adjustment upon
certain changes in capitalization. Upon completion of the Offerings, an
additional 900,000 shares of Common Stock, totalling 1,275,000 shares, will be
reserved and available under the Directors' Plan. The Directors' Plan is
administered by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors (the
"Committee"). Only directors of GTS who are not employees of GTS or any
subsidiary of GTS on the date on which an option is to be granted are eligible
to participate in the Directors' Plan on such date.
An option (a "Directors' Option") to purchase shares of Common Stock was
granted to each Non-Employee Director on the effective date of the Directors'
Plan and a Director's Option is granted to each new Non-Employee Director when
he or she is first elected or appointed to serve as a director of GTS. One-half
of the Directors' Options vests six months after the date of grant. An
additional one quarter become exercisable on the date six months following the
first annual meeting of GTS's shareholders to occur after such date of grant,
and the remaining one quarter shares become exercisable on the date six months
following the second annual meeting of GTS's shareholders to occur after such
date of grant. Prior to the completion of the Offerings, initial Directors'
Options represented 18,000 shares of Common Stock. After the completion of the
Offerings, an initial Directors' Option will represent 22,250 shares of Common
Stock. On the date of the third annual meeting of GTS's shareholders following
the grant of the initial Directors' Options to any Non-Employee Director,
provided that such Non-Employee Director remains an incumbent on such date, an
additional Directors' Option to purchase 13,500 shares of Common Stock is
granted to such Non-Employee Director. The second Directors' Options become
exercisable with respect to 4,500 shares on the date six months after the date
of grant, with respect to an additional 4,500 shares on the date six months
following the first annual meeting of GTS's shareholders to occur after such
date of grant, and with respect to the final 4,500 shares on the date six months
following the second annual meeting of GTS's shareholders to occur after such
date of grant. After the completion of the Offerings, on the date of each annual
meeting of GTS's shareholders, an additional Directors' Option to purchase 9,000
shares will be granted each year on the date of the Company's annual meeting to
the individuals who will serve as elected Non-employee Directors of the Company
during the next year.
Directors' Options are nonqualified stock options which are subject to
certain terms and conditions including those summarized below. The exercise
price per share of Common Stock purchasable under a Directors' Option will be
equal to 100% of the fair market value of Common Stock on the date of grant.
Each Directors' Option will expire upon the earliest of (a) the tenth
anniversary of the date of grant, (b) one year after the Non-Employee Director
ceases to serve as a director of GTS due to death or disability, (except that,
in the case of disability, if the Non-Employee Director dies within that
one-year period, the Directors' Option is exercisable for a period of one year
from the date of death), (c) three months after the Non-Employee Director ceases
to serve as a director of GTS for any reason other than death or disability,
(except that, if the Non-Employee Director dies within that three-month period,
his or her Directors' Options are exercisable for a period of one year from the
date of such death), and (d) three months after the Non-Employee Director ceases
to be employed by GTS if such Non-Employee Director had become an employee of
GTS (except that, if the Non-Employee Director dies within that three-month
period, his or her Directors' Options are exercisable for a period of one year
from the date of such death). Each Directors' Option may be exercised in whole
or in part by giving written notice of exercise to GTS specifying the Directors'
Option to be exercised and the number of shares to be purchased. Such notice
must be accompanied by payment in full of the exercise price in cash or by
surrender of shares of Common Stock or a combination thereof. Directors' Options
granted under the Directors' Plan may not be sold, pledged, assigned or
otherwise disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent
and distribution.
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<PAGE> 99
At the time of grant, the Board of Directors may provide in connection with
any grant made under the Directors' Plan that the shares of Common Stock
received as a result of such grant are subject to a right of first refusal by
GTS.
The Board of Directors may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate
the Directors' Plan at any time, except that any such action will be subject to
the approval of GTS shareholders at the next annual meeting following such Board
of Directors' action if such shareholder approval is required by any federal or
state law or regulation or the rules of any stock exchange or automated
quotation system on which Common Stock may then be listed or quoted, or if the
Board of Directors determines in its discretion to seek such shareholder
approval.
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<PAGE> 100
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth each component of compensation paid or
awarded to, or earned by, the chief executive officer and the four most highly
compensated executive officers other than the chief executive officer serving as
of December 31, 1996 (collectively, the "Named Executive Officers") for the year
ended December 31, 1996.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
-----------------------
ANNUAL COMPENSATION AWARDS
----------------------- -----------------------
RESTRICTED SECURITIES
PAID OTHER ANNUAL STOCK UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION AWARD(S) OPTIONS COMPENSATION
POSITION ($) ($) ($) ($) (#) ($)(7)
------------------ -------- -------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Gerald W. Thames,.......... $325,000 $113,750 (1) -0- 37,500(5) 9,954
President and Chief
Executive Officer
Jan Loeber,................ 235,000 78,608 74,642(4) 20,000(5) 3.5(6) 12,986
Senior Vice President --
HER
Raymond I. Marks,.......... 230,091 46,200 (1) -0- 55,500(5) 13,788
Senior Vice President --
Asia
Henry A. Radzikowski,...... 208,750 42,000 226,060(2) -0- 55,500(5) 12,986
Senior Vice President and
Chief Executive
Officer -- CIS Operations
Louis T. Toth,............. 203,937 40,950 33,602(3) -0- 43,500(5) 13,004
Senior Vice President --
Central Europe
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Perquisites and other personal benefits paid to the Named Executive Officer
during fiscal year 1996 were less than the lesser of $50,000 and 10 percent
of the total of annual salary and bonus reported for the Named Executive
Officer.
(2) Mr. Radzikowski received a cost of living allowance totalling $96,000 during
fiscal year 1996. In addition, GTS paid approximately $122,376 in housing
expenses on behalf of Mr. Radzikowski. Mr. Radzikowski's successor as Chief
Executive Officer -- CIS and Eastern Europe Operations was Mr. Reich. Mr.
Radzikowski resigned in the second quarter of 1997.
(3) These amounts represent a cost of living allowance of $27,500 and paid home
leave of $6,102 paid to Mr. Toth during fiscal year 1996.
(4) Mr. Loeber received a cost of living allowance and paid home leave during
fiscal year 1996. HER provided Mr. Loeber with a tax equalization that
compensates him for the higher taxes he pays because he resides in Belgium
instead of the United States. Furthermore, HER provided Mr. Loeber with a
housing allowance equal to $31,836 per year (converted from Belgian Francs
to U.S. Dollars at an exchange rate of BF32.0392 = $1.00). In addition, HER
provides Mr. Loeber with the use of a company car.
(5) Stock options awarded under the 1992 Stock Option Plan.
(6) Stock options awarded under the GTS-Hermes Plan.
(7) Amounts hereunder represent premiums paid by GTS for $1,000,000 in term life
insurance for each Named Executive Officer and contributions by GTS under
the 401(k) Plan to each Named Executive Officer's account.
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<PAGE> 101
THE GTS 401(k) PLAN
The GTS 401(k) Plan (the "401(k) Plan") is a defined contribution
retirement benefit plan that is qualified for favorable tax treatment under
Section 401 of the Code. All employees of GTS, including the Named Executive
Officers, who are at least 21 years of age and have completed the minimum
service requirement are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan. The 401(k)
Plan participants may defer pre-tax income by contributing to the plan up to the
maximum amount permitted by law. After-tax contributions are also permitted
under the 401(k) Plan. GTS matches 50% of each participant's pre-tax
contribution to the 401(k) Plan up to 5% of the participant's total
compensation. In addition, GTS may, in its sole discretion and in a
nondiscriminatory manner, contribute additional amounts as profit sharing to
each participant's account. The amounts that are deposited into each
participant's account are invested among various investment options according to
the direction of the participant. Each participant's pre-tax and after-tax
contributions are immediately vested and nonforfeitable. GTS's matching
contribution and profit sharing allocations to each participant's account do not
vest until the participant has completed three years of service with GTS, at
which time the matching contribution and profit sharing allocations become 100%
vested. Each participant is eligible to begin receiving benefits under the
401(k) Plan on the first day of the month coincident with or following the
attainment of normal retirement age. There is no provision for early retirement
benefits under the 401(k) Plan.
THE SFMT, INC. EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN
The purpose of the SFMT, Inc. Equity Compensation Plan (the "Equity
Compensation Plan") is to attract, retain and motivate key employees, officers
and eligible independent contractors of GTS and to enable such individuals to
own Common Stock and to have a mutuality of interest with other shareholders of
GTS through the grant of restricted stock and other equity-based awards.
The total number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued or
transferred under the Equity Compensation Plan is four percent of the total
number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at the beginning of the calendar
year, subject to certain adjustments, which are described below. This threshold
number may be increased by the number of shares (a) that were issued under the
Equity Compensation Plan with respect to which no dividends were paid and (b)
that were subsequently forfeited, in accordance with the terms of the Equity
Compensation Plan.
The Equity Compensation Plan is administered by the Committee. The chief
executive officer of GTS has the authority to recommend the individuals to whom
awards will be granted, subject to approval by the Committee. The Committee has
full and binding authority to determine the fair market value of the Common
Stock and the number of shares included in any awards, to establish terms and
conditions of any award, to interpret the Equity Compensation Plan, to prescribe
rules relating to the Equity Compensation Plan and to make all other
determinations necessary to administer the Equity Compensation Plan. The
Committee may condition the vesting of restricted stock upon the attainment of
specified performance goals or such other factors as the Committee may determine
in its sole discretion. In the event that the Committee determines, in its sole
discretion, that an award of restricted stock would not be appropriate with
respect to any individual who has been recommended for an award by the chief
executive officer, the Committee has the authority to grant to any such
individual any other variety of equity-based compensation award, including, but
not limited to, phantom stock, phantom units, stock appreciation rights,
performance shares and performance units. The Committee does not, however, have
the authority to grant stock options pursuant to the Equity Compensation Plan.
Grants under the Equity Compensation Plan are determined by the Committee
in its sole discretion. For this reason, it is not possible to determine the
benefits or amounts that will be received by any individual employee or group of
employees in the future. The Equity Compensation Plan will remain effective
until November 14, 2004, unless earlier terminated by GTS. No restricted stock
may be granted under the Equity Compensation Plan on or after November 14, 2000.
During a specified period set by the Committee commencing with the date of
any restricted stock award, the participant is not permitted to sell, transfer,
pledge or otherwise encumber shares of restricted stock.
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<PAGE> 102
Within these limits, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may provide for the
lapse of such restrictions or may accelerate or waive such restrictions in whole
or in part, based on service, performance and such other factors. Unless the
Committee specifically determines otherwise, a restricted stock award granted
under the Equity Compensation Plan vests one-third on the second anniversary of
the date of grant, one-third on the third anniversary of the date of grant and
one-third on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant.
The Committee may impose such other restrictions on shares of Common Stock
issued under the Equity Compensation Plan, including a right of first refusal by
GTS that requires the participant to offer GTS any shares that the participant
wishes to sell.
The Equity Compensation Plan provides that, in the event of a change to the
Common Stock (whether by reason of merger, consolidation, reorganization,
recapitalization, stock dividend, stock split, combination or exchange of
shares, or other change in the capital structure made without receipt of
consideration), the Board of Directors will preserve the value of outstanding
awards by making certain equitable adjustments in its discretion.
The Board of Directors may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate
the Equity Compensation Plan at any time, except that any such action will be
subject to the approval of GTS shareholders at the first annual meeting
following such action if such shareholder approval is required by any federal or
state law or regulation or the rules of any stock exchange or automated
quotation system on which Common Stock may then be listed or quoted, or if the
Board of Directors determines in its discretion to seek such shareholder
approval.
THE AMENDED AND RESTATED 1992 STOCK OPTION PLAN OF GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP,
INC.
In 1992, the Board of Directors approved the adoption of the 1992 Stock
Option Plan of Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. (the "1992 Option Plan") for key
employees of GTS. The purpose of the 1992 Option Plan is to enable GTS to
attract and retain the best personnel for positions of substantial
responsibility, to provide additional incentives to employees of GTS and its
subsidiaries and to promote the success of the business of GTS and its
subsidiaries by providing certain employees with an ownership interest in the
Company.
The total number of shares of Common Stock that may be subject to options
granted under the 1992 Option Plan (the "1992 Options") is generally 18.5% of
the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at the beginning of the
calendar year.
The 1992 Option Plan is administered by the Committee, which must be
composed of not less than two members of the Board of Directors who are
"non-employee directors" within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act.
The Committee has full and binding authority to determine the fair market value
of the Common Stock, the exercise price of options to be granted, the persons to
whom and the times at which options will be granted and the number of shares to
be represented by each option. The Committee also has full and binding authority
to interpret the 1992 Option Plan, to prescribe rules relating to the 1992
Option Plan, to establish terms and conditions of each 1992 Option and to make
all other determinations necessary to administer the 1992 Option Plan.
The 1992 Option Plan will remain effective until November 14, 2004, unless
earlier terminated by GTS. Grants under the 1992 Option Plan are determined by
the Committee in its sole discretion. For this reason, it is not possible to
determine the benefits or amounts that will be received by any individual
employee or group of employees in the future.
The 1992 Option Plan authorizes the grant of both nonqualified options,
which are not qualified for special tax treatment, and incentive stock options
("ISOs"), which qualify for special federal income tax treatment under Section
422 of the Code. The exercise price per share of Common Stock issuable pursuant
to an ISO may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of Common Stock on
the date of grant. Unless otherwise specified in any respective option
agreement, a nonqualified 1992 Option will expire ten years and one day after
the date of grant and an ISO will expire ten years from the date of grant. Each
person granted 1992 Options shall be provided with an option agreement setting
forth the terms of each grant pursuant to the
97
<PAGE> 103
1992 Option Plan. Unless the Committee specifically determines otherwise, each
1992 Option vests one-third on each of the first three anniversaries of the date
of grant. The full purchase price of the shares must be paid, either in cash, by
delivery of previously owned shares, or by withholding of shares having a fair
market value equal to the 1992 Option exercise price or by such other method
approved by the Committee. Each 1992 Option expires (a) 30 days after the option
holder ceases to be an employee of GTS for any reason other than death,
disability or retirement, (b) one year from the date of death or disability of
an employee, or (c) 90 days following retirement of the employee. 1992 Options
may not be sold, pledged, assigned or otherwise disposed of in any manner other
than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.
The Committee may impose such other restrictions on shares of Common Stock
issued under the 1992 Option Plan, including a right of first refusal by GTS. In
addition, if the amount of any payment under the 1992 Option Plan, either
separately or in combination with any other payment by GTS, would constitute an
excess parachute payment within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, the
total payments payable under the 1992 Option Plan will be reduced in order to
maximize the amount received by the participant under the 1992 Option Plan in
combination with other payments by GTS.
The 1992 Option Plan provides that, in the event of a change to the Common
Stock (whether by reason of merger, consolidation, reorganization,
recapitalization, stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares or exchange
of shares, or other change in the capital structure made without receipt of
consideration), the Board of Directors will, in its discretion, preserve the
value of outstanding 1992 Option Plan awards by making certain equitable
adjustments.
The Board of Directors may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue, or terminate
the 1992 Option Plan at any time, except that any such action will be subject to
the approval of GTS shareholders at the first annual meeting following such
Board of Directors action if such shareholder approval is required by any
federal or state law or regulation or the rules of any stock exchange or
automated quotation system on which Common Stock may then be listed or quoted,
or if the Board of Directors determines in its discretion to seek such
shareholder approval.
THE GTS 1996 TOP TALENT RETENTION PROGRAM
GTS implemented the GTS 1996 Top Talent Retention Program (the "Program")
which, for 1996 only, alters the terms offered to certain employees under the
1992 Option Plan. Employees who are offered participation in the Program must
sign a "retention agreement," the terms of which are described below, in order
to receive any 1992 Options during 1996. The Program has been offered to
approximately 28 employees, and it provides that any 1992 Options granted to
such participants will vest as follows: (i) one-half of any 1992 Option granted
under the Program will vest at a rate of 25% per year beginning on the first
anniversary of the initial date of grant and (ii) the remaining portion of any
1992 Option granted under the Program will vest one-quarter according to the
achievement of performance revenue levels, and one-quarter according to the
achievement of price levels of Common Stock, provided that all options will vest
on the fifth anniversary of the date of grant regardless of whether such
performance revenue and pricing levels are attained.
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<PAGE> 104
OPTION GRANTS IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR -- 1992 STOCK OPTION PLAN
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF % OF TOTAL
SECURITIES OPTIONS
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO EXERCISE OR GRANT DATE
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN BASE EXPIRATION PRESENT
NAME GRANTED(#) FISCAL YEAR PRICE($/SH.) DATE VALUE($)
---- ---------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Gerald W. Thames........................ 112,500(1) 7.3 $10.27 3-30-06 $1,155,000
Henry A. Radzikowski.................... 55,500(1) 3.6 10.27 3-30-06 569,800
Louis T. Toth........................... 43,500(1) 2.8 10.27 3-30-06 446,400
Raymond I. Marks........................ 55,500(1) 3.6 10.27 3-30-06 569,800
Jan Loeber.............................. -- -- -- -- --
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Stock options were awarded under the 1992 Stock Option Plan. Each option
vests one-third on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of
grant.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR AND
FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES -- 1992 STOCK OPTION PLAN
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
OPTIONS AT FY-END(#)(1) AT FY-END($)(2)
----------------------- ---------------------
EXERCISABLE/ EXERCISABLE/
NAME UNEXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
---- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Gerald W. Thames........................ 575,000/287,501 $5,538,540/$1,103,336
Henry A. Radzikowski.................... 89,801/310,100 857,883/ 2,679,717
Louis T. Toth........................... 186,549/122,601 1,883,386/ 788,677
Raymond I. Marks........................ 144,996/195,504 1,301,667/ 1,186,033
Jan Loeber.............................. -- --
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) No options were exercised during the year ended December 31, 1996.
(2) Based on $13.33 per share value of Common Stock as of December 31, 1996 less
the exercise price.
GTS-HERMES, INC. 1994 STOCK OPTION PLAN
The GTS-Hermes, Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan (the "GTS Hermes Plan") was
adopted by the board of directors of GTS-Hermes, Inc. ("GTS-Hermes") in 1994 to
enable employees of GTS-Hermes and its subsidiaries, including HER, and
affiliates to participate in ownership of GTS-Hermes and to attract and retain
key employees of particular merit. The GTS-Hermes Plan provides for the award of
incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options and stock appreciation
rights. All employees of GTS-Hermes and its subsidiaries, including HER, and
affiliates are eligible to participate in the GTS-Hermes Plan.
The maximum number of shares authorized with respect to grants of awards
under the GTS-Hermes Plan in each calendar year is 6.5% of the shares of common
stock, par value $0.01 per share, of GTS-Hermes issued and outstanding, and the
aggregate number of shares of stock subject to the GTS-Hermes Plan is 13% of the
total shares of stock issued and outstanding. The GTS-Hermes Plan is
administered by a committee appointed by the board of directors of GTS-Hermes,
which has broad discretion to determine who shall receive awards under the
GTS-Hermes Plan and the characteristics of any award thereunder, including the
price, term and vesting of such award, and to interpret the terms of the
GTS-Hermes Plan and awards granted under the GTS-Hermes Plan. Stock appreciation
rights may not be awarded alone and may only be awarded in tandem with an option
grant.
The GTS-Hermes Plan provides that in the event of a change in control, as
defined under the GTS-Hermes Plan, any stock appreciation rights outstanding for
at least six months and any stock options awarded under the GTS-Hermes Plan not
previously exercisable and vested which have been held for at least six months
from the date of grant will become fully vested and exercisable at an adjusted
price to be determined
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<PAGE> 105
according to the highest sales price per share paid in any transaction reported
or offer made at any time during the preceding 60 days as determined by the
committee.
The board of directors of GTS-Hermes may amend, alter or discontinue the
GTS-Hermes Plan at any time, provided that the rights of participants are not
impaired, except that shareholder approval is necessary for certain material
modifications.
HER intends to establish a stock option plan to replace the GTS-Hermes Plan
for the purpose of incentivizing HER key employees, in substantially similar
form to the GTS-Hermes Plan. The aggregate number of shares of HER stock subject
to the proposed plan would be approximately 13% of the total shares of HER stock
issued and outstanding including options. Grants under the GTS-Hermes Plan would
be converted into grants under the proposed HER plan. Upon establishment of such
plan, the GTS-Hermes Plan would be terminated.
OPTION GRANTS IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR -- GTS-HERMES PLAN(1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL
REALIZABLE VALUE AT
ASSUMED ANNUAL
NUMBER OF % OF TOTAL RATES OF STOCK
SECURITIES OPTIONS PRICE APPRECIATION
UNDERLYING GRANTED IN EXERCISE OR FOR OPTION TERM(2)
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN BASE EXPIRATION -------------------
NAME GRANTED(#) FISCAL YEAR PRICE($/SH.) DATE 5% ($) 10% ($)
---- ---------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ------ -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Jan Loeber(3)........................... 3.5 53.8 $57,142.86 2007 N/A N/A
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Stock options are for GTS-Hermes stock pursuant to the GTS-Hermes Plan. Each
stock option vests one-third on each of the first three anniversaries of the
date of grant. HER intends to establish a new stock option plan to replace
the GTS-Hermes Plan during the fourth quarter of 1997. The new plan, the Key
Employee Stock Option Plan of Hermes Europe Railtel B.V. (the "New Plan"),
and the stock option agreements that will be issued pursuant thereto have
been drafted and are pending final approval and execution. The options
outstanding under the GTS-Hermes Plan will be converted into options under
the New Plan as soon as practicable after such plan becomes effective.
(2) Due to the high exercise price of the options granted under the GTS-Hermes
Plan and the relatively low value of GTS-Hermes shares, GTS and GTS-Hermes
have agreed that it is reasonable to set the potential realizable value of
the options at zero with respect to the assumed annual rates of stock price
appreciation of 5% and 10% for the term of the options.
(3) In 1995, Jan Loeber was granted 3.5 shares.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR AND
FISCAL YEAR-ENDED OPTION VALUES -- GTS-HERMES PLAN
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
OPTIONS AT FY-END(#) AT FY-END($)(1)
------------------------- -------------------------
NAME EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE
---- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Jan Loeber.............................. 1.167/5.833 N/A
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Due to the high exercise price of the options granted under the GTS-Hermes
Plan and the relatively low value of GTS-Hermes shares, GTS and GTS-Hermes
have agreed that it is reasonable to set the potential realizable value of
the options at zero with respect to the assumed annual rates of stock price
appreciation of 5% and 10% for the term of the options.
100
<PAGE> 106
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
GTS has executed employment agreements (together, the "Employment
Agreements") with all the Named Executive Officers. The agreements with Messrs.
Thames, Radzikowski and Marks include a three-year term of employment commencing
on April 1, 1996. Mr. Radzikowski resigned from the Company in the second
quarter of 1997. The agreements with Mr. Toth and Mr. Loeber include a two-year
term of employment commencing on April 1, 1996 and January 3, 1995,
respectively. All the Employment Agreements provide for the automatic renewal of
the term for additional one-year periods after the initial term unless written
notice of intent to terminate is provided by either party within a stated period
of between 120 days and six months prior to the renewal date. The salary of each
Named Executive Officer is reviewed yearly and may be increased at the sole
discretion of the Board of Directors. In addition to salary, each Named
Executive Officer is eligible for a performance-based annual bonus, to
participate in the GTS 1992 Stock Option Plan (with the exception of Mr. Loeber
whose employment agreement provides him with an option grant under the
GTS-Hermes Plan), to receive standard health and insurance benefits that are
provided to executives of GTS, to receive certain other fringe benefits and to
be reimbursed for all reasonable expenditures incurred in the execution of each
Named Executive Officer's respective duties. In addition, Mr. Loeber's
employment agreement provides him with 20,000 shares of restricted stock that
vest in an amount of one-third each year for three years beginning on January 2,
1997.
The performance-related bonuses are discretionary annual bonuses. Mr.
Loeber's bonus is based on a comparison of the projected to the actual
performance of HER during any given fiscal year. The maximum amount of Mr.
Loeber's bonus is a percentage of his salary that is determined by the Board of
Directors in its sole discretion. The bonus awards for Messrs. Thames, Marks and
Toth are based on the achievement of performance goals by a combination of both
GTS and the pertinent named Executive Officer and are determined each year by
the compensation committee. The amount of the performance-based bonuses awarded
to Messrs. Marks and Toth may equal up to 30% of the executive's salary for the
year. Mr. Thames may receive a performance-based bonus of up to 100% of his
salary for the year.
Each Employment Agreement may be terminated by GTS by giving notice of
intent to not extend the term of employment, for cause or as a result of the
Named Executive Officer's permanent disability. In the event that the employment
relationship is terminated due to the employee's disability or death or if GTS
provides notice of its intent not to renew the term of employment, GTS shall pay
to the Named Executive Officer or to the Named Executive Officer's estate, as
the case may be, the salary and bonus for the remaining portion of the fiscal
year in which the termination of employment occurs. In addition, if the Company
provides notice of its intent not to extend the term of employment, each Named
Executive Officer will receive assurances in an amount equal to his salary for
the greater of (a) the number of months or days in the notice period and (b) the
period during which the Named Executive Officer remains subject to the
restrictive covenants described below. If the Named Executive Officer is
terminated for cause or if he quits other than for the reasons stated above, he
shall not be entitled to any salary bonus or severance (other than accrued
salary).
Each Employment Agreement includes noncompetition and nonsolicitation
clauses that are effective during the term of employment and for a period of
from four months to one year thereafter. In addition, the Employment Agreements
include an unlimited covenant of confidentiality and nondisclosure. Any dispute
arising under an employment agreement must be resolved through arbitration,
except that each agreement also provides for specific performance and for a
court injunction in the event of a breach by the Named Executive Officer.
101
<PAGE> 107
CERTAIN RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Alan B. Slifka, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, owns an interest in
an office building in New York in which GTS leased office space until the
corporate headquarters were moved to McLean, Virginia on March 1, 1995. GTS
retains a small office space in New York City that is leased from Mr. Slifka on
a monthly basis, and the annual expense for 1996 was $40,600. Mr. Slifka also
has a consulting agreement with GTS pursuant to which he is paid consulting fees
of $100,000 per year.
Bernard McFadden, Director, has a consulting agreement with GTS pursuant to
which he is paid $100,000 in consulting fees each year.
In August and September 1997, affiliates of George Soros and Mr. Slifka
purchased 319,149 and 57,015 shares of Common Stock, respectively, at a price of
$15.67 per share in the Company's private stock offering. In addition,
affiliates of Mr. Slifka purchased $2.9 million of Convertible Bonds in
September 1997. Pursuant to the terms of the indenture related to the
Convertible Bonds, the Convertible Bonds will be convertible into such shares of
Common Stock as is equal to the principal amount of such Convertible Bonds
divided by the applicable conversion price, which conversion price shall be
equal to the public offering price of the Common Stock in the Offerings. See
"Description of Certain Indebtedness."
Affiliates of Soros Fund Management purchased $40 million of notes from GTS
in 1996, which notes bear interest at 10% per annum, in partial consideration of
which (i) W. James Peet was appointed to the Board of Directors and (ii) the
affiliates received warrants to purchase 4,444,443 shares of Common Stock.
Together with their prior equity interests in GTS, these affiliates currently
hold, on a fully diluted basis (excluding shares underlying stock options), in
excess of 26.6% of the Company's Common Stock. In accordance with the terms of
the warrant agreement, the exercise price of the warrants was reduced from
$10.27 per share to $9.33 per share as the outstanding debt had not been repaid
prior to December 31, 1996. In addition, these affiliates collect a monitoring
fee of $40,000 per month, which they will continue to collect until the
consummation of the Offerings, at which point it will be reduced to $25,000.
Under certain agreements, these affiliates have the right to co-invest with GTS
in all of its new ventures throughout Asia, excluding countries in the former
Soviet Union, and pursuant to this right, one of these affiliates holds a 25%
interest in GTS China Investments LLC. See "Business -- Asia."
Affiliates of Capital Research International purchased $30 million of notes
from GTS in 1996, which notes bear interest at 10% per annum, in partial
consideration of which it received warrants to purchase 3,333,333 shares of
Common Stock. In accordance with the terms of the warrant agreement, the
exercise price of the warrants was reduced from $10.27 per share to $9.33 per
share as the outstanding debt had not been repaid prior to December 31, 1996.
Jean Salmona, a director of GTS, is the Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of CESIA. CESIA also provides consultancy services for CDI and for HER.
The Company paid $123,685 in 1996 and $0 in both 1995 and 1994 to CESIA for
consulting services related to CDI. In addition, HER paid $84,270 in 1996 and $0
in both 1995 and 1994 to CESIA for consulting services. Further, the Company
paid $2,314 and $5,443 to CESIA in 1996 and 1997, respectively, pursuant to the
purchase agreement with CESIA related to the CDI business.
Pursuant to a 1995 purchase agreement, the Company received its interest in
GTS-Vox Limited, the intermediate holding company of TCM, in exchange for a note
in the principal amount of $693,380 issued to the sellers and certain additional
consideration to its partners payable in the form of either cash or Common Stock
based upon its financial performance. The Company paid the note in 1996. On
January 17, 1997, the agreement was amended such that the consideration would
only be in the form of the issuance of Common Stock and as such, GTS is
obligated under these arrangements to issue up to a maximum of 1,121,640 shares
of Common Stock. In the first quarter of 1997, pursuant to this agreement the
Company issued 504,600 common shares, which was valued at the Company's current
fair market value of $13.33 per share. Common Stock issued pursuant to the
agreement must be held for a minimum holding period. In certain circumstances,
if GTS's partners are unable to sell their shares of Common Stock, GTS is
obligated to assist in locating a purchaser for the Common Stock, and, if unable
to do so, to repurchase these shares. GTS's repurchase
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obligations are at the following prices: (i) if shares of Common Stock are then
being publicly traded, at the average trading price of such shares for the 10
trading days preceding such repurchase or (ii) if shares of Common Stock are not
then publicly traded, at the price shares of Common Stock were most recently
offered to individual investors in a private placement, or, if no such private
placement has occurred within the three months preceding the repurchase of such
shares, at a price determined by an independent financial institution to be
agreed upon by GTS and the seller. As a result of their receipt of shares of
Common Stock in 1997, the sellers became shareholders of GTS.
GTS purchased its interest in PrimTelefone, the Company's cellular
operations in the Primorsky region of Russia, from Commstruct International,
B.V. ("CIBV") for $500,000 cash and 400,000 shares of Common Stock of the
Company, as a result of which CIBV became a stockholder of the Company. Pursuant
to the asset purchase agreement relating to the purchase by GTS of its interest
in PrimTelefone, CIBV has the right to have some or all of its shares of Common
Stock repurchased, which right will terminate on the date when the Company first
sells shares of Common Stock to the public pursuant to an effective registration
statement under the Securities Act, by GTS over a five-year period at the
current fair market value of such shares at the time of such repurchase.
Affiliates of Baring International Investment Management Limited
("Barings"), which affiliates consist primarily of investment funds and trusts,
are shareholders of the Company and Barings may designate a non-voting observer
to attend meetings of the Board of Directors of the Company. Barings' observer
status terminates upon the consummation of an initial public offering of the
Company's Common Stock. In April 1996, GTS entered into an agreement with First
NIS Regional Fund SICAF, an affiliate of Barings, to organize GTS Ukrainian
TeleSystems, L.L.C. (the "LLC"), a Delaware limited liability company 60% owned
by GTS, which in turn entered into a stock purchase agreement to acquire 49% of
all the ownership interests in Bancomsvyaz, a Ukrainian limited liability
company. See "Business -- Russia and the CIS." Such acquisition closed in May
1996. By contractual arrangement, Barings designates one member of the board of
directors of Bancomsvyaz. Barings funded $4.5 million to be applied towards the
LLC's purchase of the interest in Bancomsvyaz and for the LLC's $1.5 million
contribution to the registered capital of Bancomsvyaz. Prior to March 1, 1999,
Barings may put its initial investment to GTS for $4.5 million, plus accrued
interest at 13.5% per annum, or, if GTS has consummated an initial public
offering of its Common Stock, may exercise an option to convert such investment
into 438,311 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $10.27. In June 1997
the agreement was amended, such that Barings funded an additional $4.1 million
to be applied toward Bancomsvyaz's capital expenditure and operating capital
requirements. On September 30, 2000, Barings may put that portion of its LLC
interest represented by the additional Barings investment to GTS for $4.1
million, or if GTS has consummated an initial public offering of its Common
Stock, may exercise an option to convert such additional investment into 275,000
Shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $15.00.
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PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding ownership of
the Common Stock and rights to acquire Common Stock by (i) stockholders that
manage or own, either beneficially or of record, five percent or more of the
Common Stock of the Company, (ii) each of the Company's directors, (ii) each of
the Named Officers and (iv) all directors and executive officers of the Company
as a group as of September 30, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30, 1997
----------------------------
Number of
Shares Percentage
Beneficially Beneficially
Name of Beneficial Owner Owned(1)(2) Owned(1)
------------------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
George Soros affiliates..................................... 10,837,791(3) 25.8%
Alan B. Slifka and affiliates............................... 5,248,325(4) 14.0%
Emerging Markets Management................................. 2,842,046(5) 7.6%
Morgan Asset Management..................................... 2,243,316(6) 6.0%
Capital Research International.............................. 5,347,620(7) 13.1%
Gary Gladstein.............................................. 22,500(8) *
Bernard McFadden............................................ 22,500 *
Michael A. Greeley.......................................... 9,000(9) *
Stewart J. Paperin.......................................... 9,000(8) *
W. James Peet............................................... 13,500(8) *
Jean Salmona................................................ 13,500 *
Morris A. Sandler........................................... 13,500 *
Joel Schatz................................................. 22,500 *
Adam Solomon................................................ 22,500 *
Gerald W. Thames............................................ 676,562 1.5%
Jan Loeber.................................................. 10,000 *
Raymond I. Marks............................................ 231,941 *
Henry A. Radzikowski........................................ 186,539 *
Louis T. Toth............................................... 256,538 *
All Directors and Executive Officers as a group (21
persons)............................................... 1,815,757 4.0%
Total of above.............................................. 28,334,855
Total shares on a fully diluted basis:...................... 45,384,590
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Less than 1%
(1) The percentage of ownership is based upon 45,384,590 shares, comprised of
37,606,814 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding, and warrants to
purchase 7,777,776 of Common Stock. Excluded from the calculation are:
195,528 treasury shares; 5,556,282 shares of Common Stock issued to
employees under the Company's 1992 Option Plan, of which 2,594,906 are
vested at September 30, 1997; 772,500 options to purchase shares of Common
Stock issued to employees prior to the adoption of the Company's 1992 Option
Plan and options issued pursuant to the Directors' Plan and Equity
Compensation Plan; and an option to convert a debt put right to 713,310
shares of Common Stock.
(2) Includes shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options
and stock warrants within 60 days of September 30, 1997.
(3) Comprised of 3,074,199 shares of Common Stock held by the Soros
Foundation-Hungary; 1,125,000 shares of Common Stock held by the Soros
Charitable Foundation; 1,125,000 shares and warrants to purchase 3,333,333
shares of Common Stock held by The Open Society Institute; 500,000 and
250,000 shares of Common Stock held by Winston Partners II LDC and Winston
Partners II LLC, respectively; warrants to purchase 370,371, 185,184 and
555,555 shares of Common Stock held by Winston Partners II LDC, Winston
Partners II LLC and Chatterjee Fund Management, respectively, all of which
are affiliates of George Soros. The George Soros affiliates disclaim
ownership of the 22,500, 9,000 and 13,500 shares of Common Stock held by
Gary Gladstein, Stewart J. Paperin and W. James Peet, respectively.
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(4) Included 2,563,784 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Slifka and shares of
Common Stock held in trust for a minor child; 2,513,041 shares of Common
Stock owned by various Halcyon Partnerships which are managed by
Halcyon/Alan B. Slifka Management Company LLC, of which Mr. Slifka is the
Managing Principal and over which Mr. Slifka disclaims beneficial ownership;
67,500 shares of Common Stock held by GTS 1995 Partners, LP; 4,500 shares of
Common Stock held by Kevah Konner; and 49,500 shares of Common Stock owned
by Randolf Slifka, Mr. Slifka's son and a principal of Halcyon/ Alan B.
Slifka Management Company LLC, over which Mr. Slifka disclaims beneficial
ownership.
(5) Shares of Common Stock held by funds managed by Emerging Markets Management.
(6) Shares of Common Stock held by funds managed by Morgan Stanley Asset
Management.
(7) Includes 2,014,287 shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase 3,333,333
shares of Common Stock held by funds managed by affiliates of Capital
Research International.
(8) Gary Gladskin, Stewart J. Paperin and W. James Pect disclaim ownership of
shares of Common Stock held by the George Soros affiliates.
(9) Michael A. Greeley disclaims ownership of the 769,149 shares of Common Stock
owned by Chestnut Hill Telecom Inc., an affiliate of Mr. Greeley.
DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS
In 1996, the Company issued $40 million of notes (the "Chatterjee Notes")
to the Chatterjee Group, an affiliate of George Soros. In connection with the
issuance of the Chatterjee Notes, the Chatterjee Group received warrants (the
"Chatterjee Warrants") to purchase 4,444,443 shares of Common Stock. The
Chatterjee Warrants were initially issued with an exercise price of $10.27 per
share, which exercise price was subsequently reduced to $9.33 per share in
accordance with the terms of the warrant agreement. In addition, The Chatterjee
Group was granted the right to appoint, and has appointed, one member to the
Board of Directors and collects a monitoring fee of $40,000 per month, which it
will continue to collect until the Company completes the Offering. The
Chatterjee Group also has the right to co-invest with GTS in all of its new
ventures throughout Asia, excluding countries in the former Soviet Union, and
pursuant to this right has invested and holds a 25% interest in GTS China
Investments LLC. See "Business -- Asia -- Operations." The Chatterjee Notes bear
interest at 10% per annum and the principal is payable in 12 quarterly
installments commencing April 1, 1998.
In 1996, the Company also issued $30 million of notes (the "Capital
Research Notes") to affiliates of Capital Research International. In connection
with the issuance of the Capital Research Notes, Capital Research International
received warrants (the "Capital Research Warrants") to purchase 3,333,333 shares
of Common Stock. The Capital Research Warrants were initially issued with an
exercise price of $10.27 per share, which exercise price was subsequently
reduced to $9.33 per share in accordance with of the warrant agreement. The
Capital Research Notes bear interest at 10% per annum and the principal is
payable in 12 quarterly installments commencing April 1, 1998.
Both the Chatterjee Notes and the Capital Research Notes impose significant
covenants on the Company which covenants, among other things, limit the ability
of the Company and its subsidiaries to incur debt and pay dividends and require
the Company to maintain certain financial ratios.
The Company sold approximately $144.8 million bonds ("Convertible Bonds")
in the Convertible Bond Offering. The Convertible Bonds have a three year
maturity and are unsecured, senior subordinated obligations of the Company. The
Convertible Bonds are issued pursuant to an indenture containing certain
covenants for the benefit of the holders of the Convertible Bonds, including,
among other things, covenants limiting the incurrence of indebtedness,
restricted payments, liens, payment restrictions affecting certain subsidiaries
and joint ventures, transactions with affiliates, asset sales and mergers and
combinations. In the event of a change of control of the Company, holders of the
Convertible Bonds have the right to require GTS to purchase such holder's
Convertible Bonds at prices ranging from 106.5 percent of the principal amount
if the date of redemption occurs on or before June 30, 1998 to 121.0 percent of
the principal amount if the date of redemption occurs after June 30, 1999. The
Convertible Bonds bear interest at the rate of 8.75% per annum
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until maturity on June 30, 2000. The Company has granted to the holders of the
Convertible Bonds certain rights with respect to the registration of the shares
of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Bonds.
Each Convertible Bond is convertible into such number of shares of Common
Stock as is equal to the principal amount of such Convertible Bond divided by
the applicable Conversion Price. The applicable Conversion Prices shall be
determined as follows: (i) where a Complying Public Equity Offering (as defined
herein) has not been preceded since the issuance of the Convertible Bonds by a
Non-Complying Equity Offering (as defined herein), the Conversion Price shall
equal the per share price to the public in the Complying Public Equity Offering,
provided, however, that a 7% or 15% discount will be given to Convertible Bond
holders from the per share price to the public if the Complying Public Equity
Offering occurs during the second or third year, respectively, from the date of
issuance of the Bonds; (ii) where a Complying Public Equity Offering has been
preceded by one or more Non-Complying Equity Offerings since the issuance of the
Convertible Bonds, the Conversion Price shall equal the lower of (a) the
dollar-weighted average conversion price for all of such Non-Complying Equity
Offerings and the Complying Public Equity Offering (as calculated for each such
offering at the gross per share offering price for the applicable offering,
provided, however, that a 7% or 15% discount will be included in the calculation
if the closing dates of such offerings occur during the second or third year,
respectively from the date of issuance of the Convertible Bonds) and (b) the
conversion price for the Complying Public Equity Offering (as calculated in (i)
above); (iii) where a Non-Complying Public Equity Offering of at least $50
million, which is not a Complying Public Equity Offering solely by reason of the
offering's failure to satisfy the $100,000,000 offering size condition for a
Complying Public Equity Offering, has not been preceded by a Complying Public
Equity Offering since the issuance of the Bonds and has been preceded by one or
more Non-Complying Equity Offerings, the Conversion Price shall equal the lower
of (a) the dollar-weighted average conversion price for all of such Non-
Complying Equity Offerings and the Non-Complying Public Equity Offering (as
calculated for each Non-Complying Public Equity Offering at the per share
offering price for the applicable offering, provided, however, that a 7% or 15%
discount will be included in the calculation if the closing dates of such
offerings occur during the second or third year, respectively from the date of
issuance of the Convertible Bonds) and (b) the conversion price for the
Non-Complying Public Equity Offering alone or (iv) in the case of any other
Non-Complying Equity Offering not provided for in clause (iii) above, where no
Complying Public Equity Offering has occurred since the issuance of the
Convertible Bonds, the Conversion Price shall equal the lowest conversion price
calculated for each Non-Complying Equity Offering (as calculated for each such
offering at the gross per share offering price provided, however, that a 7% or
15% discount will be included in the calculation if the closing dates of such
offerings occur during the second or third year from the date of issuance of the
Convertible Bonds).
There shall be excluded from the calculation of the applicable Conversion
Price any private equity offerings of Common Stock (made pursuant to an
exemption from registration under the Securities Act) aggregating no more than
$100 million in gross proceeds if such offering or offerings are consummated on
or prior to December 31, 1997 and certain private sales of the Common Stock to a
strategic purchaser so long as there has occurred a Complying Public Equity
Offering or a Non-Complying Equity Offering.
Outstanding Convertible Bonds are, subject to certain conditions,
redeemable at the option of the Company on or after the second anniversary of a
Complying Public Equity Offering, at the principal amount thereof plus accrued
interest, if any. At maturity the Convertible Bonds will be redeemed at their
principal amount plus accrued interest; however, in the event that a Complying
Public Equity Offering has not occurred, outstanding Convertible Bonds will be
redeemed at 121% of their principal amount, plus accrued interest, if any.
A "Complying Public Equity Offering" means a public offering of Common
Stock where, immediately following completion thereof, (a) the following
conditions are met: (i) the Company has made public offerings of Common Stock
with a cumulative public offering price of at least $100,000,000 to an aggregate
of not less than 50 purchasers; (ii) the Common Stock has been listed or shall
be listed in connection with the offering on either the New York Stock Exchange,
the London Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq National
Market; and (iii) the Company shall have registered additional shares of
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Common Stock from private offerings of Common Stock (made pursuant to an
exemption from registration under the Securities Act) with a market value of at
least $100,000,000 calculated using the offering price in the Complying Public
Equity Offering and (b) the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock sold
thereby, together with any Common Stock sold in any prior public offerings plus
the number of shares of Common Stock into which the Convertible Bonds may be
converted (calculated as if such conversion were to be effected on the date of
determination) does not exceed 50 percent of the total number of shares of
Common Stock outstanding on a fully diluted basis. A "Non-Complying Public
Equity Offering" means a public equity offering of Common Stock which satisfies
all of the conditions specified in (a) above, except that the cumulative public
offering price is less than $100,000,000. A "Non-Complying Equity Offering"
means (i) a private offering of Common Stock or (ii) a public offering of Common
Stock that is not a Complying Public Equity Offering.
HER sold $265 million aggregate principal amount of 11 1/2% Senior Notes
due 2007 ("HER Notes") in August, 1997. The HER Notes have a ten year maturity
and are unsecured, senior obligations of HER. HER placed approximately $56.5
million of the net proceeds in escrow for the first two years' interest payments
on the HER Notes. The HER Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture containing
certain covenants for the benefit of the holders of HER Notes, including, among
other things, covenants limiting the incurrence of indebtedness, restricted
payments, liens, payment restrictions affecting certain subsidiaries and joint
ventures, transactions with affiliates, assets sales and mergers. The HER Notes
are redeemable in whole or part, at the option of HER at any time on or after
August 15, 2002 at a price ranging from 105.75 percent to 100.0 percent of the
principal amount.
A portion of the HER Notes are also redeemable at any time or from time to
time prior to August 15, 2000 at a redemption price equal to 111.5% of the
principal amount of the HER Notes so redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest
thereon, if any, to the date of redemption with the net cash proceeds of one or
more public equity offerings or strategic equity investments resulting in
aggregate gross cash proceeds to HER of at least $75 million. In the event of a
change of control of HER, holders of the HER Notes have the right to require HER
to purchase such holder's HER Notes at a price equal to 101% of the aggregate
principal amount.
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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
The Company's authorized capital stock consists of 135,000,000 shares of
Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share, of which 37,606,814 shares were issued
and outstanding as of September 30, 1997, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred
stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the "Preferred Stock"), none of which is
outstanding. The following summary of the rights, privileges, restrictions and
conditions of each of the classes of shares issued by the Company does not
purport to be complete and is subject to the detailed provisions of, and
qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Certificate of Incorporation and
By-laws, and to the applicable provisions of the General Corporation Law of the
State of Delaware (the "DGCL").
COMMON STOCK
Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for one share held of
record on all matters upon which shareholders have the right to vote. There are
no cumulative voting rights. All issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock
are, and the Offered Shares, when issued and paid for, will be, validly issued,
fully paid and non-assessable. Holders of Common Stock are entitled to such
dividends as may be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors out of
funds legally available for that purpose. See "Dividend Policy." Upon
dissolution, holders of Common Stock are entitled to share pro rata in the
assets of the Company remaining after payment in full of all of its liabilities
and obligations, including payment of the liquidation preference, if any, of any
Preferred Stock then outstanding.
PREFERRED STOCK
The Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of one or more series of
Preferred Stock having such rights, including voting, conversion and redemption
rights, and such preferences, including dividend and liquidation preferences, as
the Board may determine, without further action by the stockholders of the
Company.
The issuance of Preferred Stock by the Board of Directors could adversely
affect the rights of holders of Common Stock. For example, the issuance of
Preferred Stock could result in a series of securities outstanding that would
have preferences over the Common Stock with respect to dividends and in
liquidation and that could, upon conversion or otherwise, enjoy all the rights
appurtenant to the Common Stock. As of the date of the Offerings, there are no
issued and outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock (as defined below) and
no such shares are being offered hereby. A Right (as defined below) to purchase
shares of Series A Preferred Stock, however, is attached to each share of Common
Stock pursuant to the Rights Agreement discussed below. The Company has
authorized [ ] shares of Series A Preferred Stock initially for issuance
upon exercise of such Rights.
The Units (as defined herein) of Series A Preferred Stock that may be
acquired upon exercise of the Rights will be nonredeemable and subordinate to
any other shares of preferred stock that may be issued by the Company. Each Unit
of Series A Preferred Stock will have a minimum preferential quarterly dividend
of $[ ] per Unit or any higher per share dividend declared on the Common
Stock. In the event of liquidation, the holder of a Unit of Series A Preferred
Stock will receive a preferred liquidation payment equal to the greater of
$[ ] per Unit and the per share amount paid in respect of a share of Common
Stock.
Each Unit of Series A Preferred Stock will have one vote, voting together
with the Common Stock. The holders of Units of Series A Preferred Stock, voting
as a separate class, shall be entitled to elect two directors if dividends on
the Series A Preferred Stock are in arrears for six fiscal quarters.
In the event of any merger, consolidation or other transaction in which
shares of Common Stock are exchanged, each Unit of Series A Preferred Stock will
be entitled to receive the per share amount paid in respect of each share of
Common Stock. The rights of holders of the Series A Preferred Stock to
dividends, liquidation and voting, and in the event of mergers and
consolidations, are protected by customary antidilution provisions. Because of
the nature of the Series A Preferred Stock's dividend, liquidation and voting
rights, the economic value of one Unit of Series A Preferred Stock that may be
acquired upon the exercise of each Right is expected to approximate the economic
value of one share of Common Stock.
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PRIOR PURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Company and certain investors ("Prior Shareholders") have previously
entered into stock purchase agreements on (i) April 23, 1993 (the "1993 Stock
Purchase Agreement"), (ii) April 22, 1994 and June 17, 1994 (collectively, the
"1994 Stock Purchase Agreements"), (iii) a series of dates in 1995 (the "1995
Stock Purchase Agreements"), (iv) a series of dates in 1996 (the "1996 Stock
Purchase Agreements"), (v) a series of dates in 1997 (the "1997 Stock Purchase
Agreements" and, together with the 1993 Stock Purchase Agreement, the 1994 Stock
Purchase Agreements, the 1995 Stock Purchase Agreements and the 1996 Stock
Purchase Agreements, the "Prior Purchase Agreements"). The Prior Purchase
Agreements contain, among other things, certain registration and other rights
granted by the Company with respect to such Common Stock described below.
Registration Rights. Pursuant to the terms of the Prior Purchase
Agreements, Prior Shareholders holding an aggregate of 19,593,901 shares of
Common Stock are entitled to certain demand registration rights with respect to
the Common Stock held by them ("Demand Registration Rights") following the
consummation of the Offerings. In addition to the Demand Registration Rights,
Prior Shareholders are, subject to certain limitations, entitled to register
shares of Common Stock in connection with a registration statement prepared by
the Company to register its equity securities. Holders who purchased pursuant to
the 1993 Stock Purchase Agreement may also register their shares of Common Stock
in connection with a registered sale of Common Stock by a Major Shareholder (as
that term is defined in the 1993 Stock Purchase Agreement). All of the
registration rights of the Prior Shareholders are subject to certain conditions
and limitations described in the Prior Purchase Agreements.
Rights of First Refusal and Tag-Along Rights. Under the Prior Purchase
Agreements, Prior Shareholders have certain rights of first refusal to purchase
pro rata any issue of New Securities (as that term is defined in the Prior
Purchase Agreements) which the Company thereafter may from time to time propose
to issue and sell, other than in connection with certain types of transactions
and to certain types of excluded purchasers. Termination of such rights will
occur upon the earlier of the closing of an initial public offering pursuant to
an effective registration statement under the Act or, as to any Prior
Shareholder, when such Prior Shareholder no longer owns all the shares it
originally purchased.
The Prior Purchase Agreements further provide that, in the case of a sale
by the Major Shareholders as a group of all their Major Shareholders' Shares (as
those terms are defined in the Prior Purchase Agreements), holders under the
Prior Purchase Agreements may elect to participate in that sale as well.
SECTION 145 OF DGCL AND CERTAIN CHARTER PROVISIONS
Section 145 of the DGCL provides that a corporation may indemnify any
person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding whether civil,
criminal or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the
corporation) by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer,
employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the
corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses
(including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement
actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or
proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to
be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect
to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his
conduct was unlawful. Section 145 further provides that a corporation similarly
may indemnify any such person serving in any such capacity who was or is a party
or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed
action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in
its favor, against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably
incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if
he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of the corporation and except that no
indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to
which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation
unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or such other
court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application
that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all
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the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to
indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court
shall deem proper.
Section 102(b)(7) or the DGCL permits a corporation to include in its
certificate of incorporation a provision eliminating or limiting the personal
liability of a director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary
damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, provided that such provision
shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any breach of
the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for
acts or omission not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL (relating to
unlawful payment of dividends and unlawful stock purchase and redemption) or
(iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal
benefit.
The Company's Certificate of Incorporation provides that the Company's
Directors shall not be liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary
damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director provided, however, that such
exculpation from liabilities is not permitted with respect to liability arising
from items described in clauses (i) through (iv) in the preceding paragraph. The
Certificate and the Company's By-Laws further provide that the Company shall
indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the
DGCL.
The directors and officers of the Company are covered under directors' and
officers' liability insurance policies maintained by the Company.
CERTAIN CHARTER AND BY-LAW PROVISIONS
Shareholders' rights and related matters are governed by the DGCL, the
Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws. Certain provisions of the Certificate
of Incorporation and the By-laws, which are summarized below, may discourage or
make more difficult a takeover attempt that a shareholder might consider in its
best interest, although certain of such provisions in the Certificate of
Incorporation are subject to shareholder approval. Such provisions may also
adversely affect prevailing market prices for the Common Stock. See "Certain
Risk Factors -- Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of the Restated Certificate
of Incorporation and By-laws."
Classified Board of Directors and Related Provisions. The Certificate of
Incorporation provides that the Board of Directors of the Company be divided
into three classes of directors serving staggered three-year terms. The classes
of directors (designated Class I, Class II and Class III) shall be, as nearly as
possible, equal in number. Accordingly, one-third of the Company's Board of
Directors will be elected each year. The terms of the Initial Class I directors
shall terminate on the date of the 1998 annual meeting of stockholders; the term
of the initial Class II directors shall terminate on the date of the 1999 annual
meeting of stockholders; and the term of the initial Class III directors shall
terminate on the date of the 2000 annual meeting of stockholders. At each annual
meeting of stockholders beginning in 1998, successors to the class of directors
whose term expires at that annual meeting shall be elected for a three-year
term. The classified board provision will prevent a party who acquires control
of a majority of the outstanding voting stock of the Company from obtaining
control of the Board of Directors until the second annual shareholders meeting
following the date such party obtains the controlling interest.
Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock or
any other class of capital stock of the Company (other than the common Stock)
then outstanding, directors may only be removed for cause by a majority vote of
the holders of capital stock of the Company issued and outstanding and entitled
to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single
class.
No Shareholder Action by Written Consent; Special Meetings. The Certificate
of Incorporation prohibits shareholders from taking action by written consent in
lieu of an annual or special meeting, and thus shareholders may take action at
an annual or special meeting called in accordance with the By-laws. The
Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws provide that special meetings of
shareholders may only be called only by the Chairman of the Board of Directors,
the Chief Executive Officer or a majority of the Board of
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Directors. Special meetings may not be called by the shareholders, except
pursuant to the Shareholder Rights By-law described below.
Amendments to the Certificate of Incorporation. The provisions of the
Certificate of Incorporation described above may not be amended, altered,
changed or repealed without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75%
of the share of capital stock of the Company issued and outstanding and entitled
to vote.
SECTION 203 OF DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW AND CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
Section 203 of the DGCL prohibits certain transactions between a Delaware
corporation and an "interested stockholder", which is defined as a person who,
together with any affiliates or associates of such person, beneficially owns,
directly or indirectly, 15% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a
Delaware corporation. This provision prohibits certain business combinations
(defined broadly to include mergers, consolidations, sales or other dispositions
of assets having an aggregate value in excess of 10% of the consolidated assets
of the corporation, and certain transactions that would increase the interested
stockholder's proportionate share ownership in the corporation) between an
interested stockholder and a corporation for a period of three years after the
date the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, unless (i)
the business combination is approved by the corporation's board of directors
prior to the date the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder,
(ii) the interested stockholder acquired at least 85% of the voting stock of the
corporation (other than stock held by directors who are also officers or by
certain employee stock plans) in the transaction in which it becomes an
interested stockholder or (iii) the business combination is approved by a
majority of the board of directors and by the affirmative vote of 66 2/3% of the
outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.
In addition, the Company's Certificate of Incorporation grants the Board of
Directors of the Company the authority to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of
preferred stock in one or more series and to determine the rights, voting
powers, dividend rate, conversion rights, redemption price, liquidation
preference and other terms of such preferred stock without any further vote or
action by the stockholders. The foregoing provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL
and the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, and any issuance of preferred
stock with voting or conversion rights, may adversely affect the voting power of
the holders of Common Stock and may have the effect of delaying or preventing a
change of control of the Company or adversely affect the market price of the
Company's Common Stock.
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS AGREEMENT AND SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS BY-LAW
Shareholder Rights Plan. On [ ], 1997, the Company entered into a
Rights Agreement (the "Rights Agreement") by and between the Company and
[ ] as rights agent. In connection with the Rights Agreement, the Board
of Directors of the Company declared a distribution of one right (a "Right") for
each outstanding share of Common Stock and for each share of Common Stock issued
(including shares distributed from treasury) by the Company thereafter and prior
to the Distribution Date (as defined below). Each Right entitles the registered
holder, subject to the terms of the Rights Agreement, to purchase from the
Company one one-thousandth of a share (a "Unit") of Series A Junior
Participating Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Series A
Preferred Stock"), at a purchase price of $[ ] per Unit, subject to
adjustment.
Initially, the Rights will attach to all certificates representing shares
of outstanding Common Stock, and no separate Rights Certificates will be
distributed. The Rights will separate from the Common Stock and the
"Distribution Date" will occur upon the earlier of (i) 10 days following a
public announcement (the date of such announcement being the "Stock Acquisition
Date") that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons (other than
the Company, any subsidiary of the Company or any employee benefit plan of the
Company or such subsidiary) (an "Acquiring Person") has acquired, obtained the
right to acquire, or otherwise obtained beneficial ownership of 15% or more of
the then outstanding shares of Common Stock and (ii) 10 business days (or such
later date as may be determined by action of the Board of Directors prior to
such time as any person becomes an Acquiring Person) following the commencement
of a tender offer or exchange offer that would result in a person or group
beneficially owning 15% or more of the then outstanding
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shares of Common Stock. Until the Distribution Date, (i) the Rights will be
evidenced by Common Stock certificates and will be transferred with and only
with such Common Stock certificates, (ii) new Common Stock certificates issued
after date of consummation of the Offerings (also including shares distributed
from treasury) will contain a notation incorporating the Rights Agreement by
reference and (iii) the surrender for transfer of any certificates representing
outstanding Common Stock will also constitute the transfer of the Rights
associated with the Common Stock represented by such certificates. George Soros
and his affiliates and Alan B. Slifka and his affiliates are excluded from the
definition of "Acquiring Person" under the Rights Agreement unless such persons
increase the aggregate percentage of their ownership interest in the Company to
20%.
The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date and will expire
at the close of business on the tenth anniversary of the Rights Agreement unless
earlier redeemed by the Company as described below.
In the event that (i) the Company is the surviving corporation in a merger
with an Acquiring Person and shares of Common Stock shall remain outstanding,
(ii) a Person becomes an Acquiring Persons, (iii) an Acquiring Person engages in
one or more "self-dealing" transactions as set forth in the Rights Agreement or
(iv) during such time as there is an Acquiring Person, an event occurs which
results in such Acquiring Person's ownership interest being increased by more
than 1% (e.g., by means of a recapitalization), then, in each such case, each
holder of a right (other than such Acquiring Person) will thereafter have the
right to receive, upon exercise, Units of Series A Preferred Stock (or, in
certain circumstances, Common Stock, cash, property or other securities of the
Company) having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the Right. The
exercise price is the Purchase Price multiplied by the number of Units of Series
A Preferred Stock issuable upon exercise of a Right prior to the events
described in this paragraph.
In the event that, at any time following the Stock Acquisition Date, (i)
the Company is acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction
and the Company is not the surviving corporation (other than a merger described
in the preceding paragraph), (ii) any Person consolidates or merges with the
Company and all or part of the Common Stock is converted or exchanged for
securities, cash or property of any other Person or (iii) 50% or more of the
Company's assets or earning power is sold or transferred, each holder of a Right
(other than an Acquiring Person) shall thereafter have the right to receive,
upon exercise, common stock of the ultimate parent of the Acquiring Person
having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the Right.
The Purchase Price payable, and the number of Units of Series A Preferred
Stock issuable, upon exercise of the Rights are subject to adjustment from time
to time to prevent dilution (i) in the event of a stock dividend on, or a
subdivision, combination or reclassification of, the Series A Preferred Stock,
(ii) if holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are granted certain rights or
warrants to subscribe for Series A Preferred Stock or convertible securities at
less than the current market price of the Series A Preferred Stock or (iii) upon
the distribution to the holder of the Series A Preferred Stock of evidences of
indebtedness, cash or assets (excluding regular quarterly cash dividends) or of
subscription rights or warrants (other than those referred to above).
At any time until ten business days following the Stock Acquisition Date,
either (i) 75% of the Company's Board of Directors or (ii) a majority of the
Company's Board of Directors and a majority of the Continuing Directors (as
defined below), may redeem the Rights in whole, but not in part, at a nominal
price. Immediately upon the action of a majority of the Company's Board of
Directors ordering the redemption of the Rights, the Rights will terminate and
the only right of the holders of Rights will be to receive such redemption
price. As used in the Rights Agreement, a Continuing Director means any person
(other than an Acquiring Person or an affiliate or associate of an Acquiring
Person or a representative of an Acquiring Person or of any such affiliate or
associate) who was a director prior to the date of the Rights Agreement and any
person (other than an Acquiring Person or an affiliate or associate of an
Acquiring Person or a representative of an Acquiring Person or of any such
affiliate or associate) nominated for selection or elected to the Board of
Directors pursuant to the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors.
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The Board of Directors, at its option, may exchange each Right for (i) one
Unit of Series A Preferred Stock or (ii) such number of Units of Series A
Preferred Stock as will equal the spread between the market price of each Unit
to be issued and the purchase price of such Unit set forth in the Rights
Agreement.
Any of the provisions of the Rights Agreement may be amended without the
approval of the holders of Common Stock at any time prior to the Distribution
Date. After the Distribution Date, the provisions of the Rights Agreement may be
amended in order to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, to make changes
which do not adversely affect the interests of holders of Rights (excluding the
interests of any Acquiring Person), or to shorten or lengthen any time period
under the Rights Agreement; provided, however, that no amendment to adjust the
time period governing redemption shall be made at such time as the Rights are
not redeemable.
Shareholder Rights By-Law. If a fully financed tender offer is made
publicly to purchase all the Company's outstanding shares of Common Stock for
cash or Marketable Securities (as defined below) at a price that is at least 40
percent greater than the average closing price of such shares on the principal
exchange on which such shares are listed during the 30 days prior to the date on
which such offer is first published or sent to security holders (the "Offer
Date") and the Board of Directors opposes such offer, the holders of more than
50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock may, at any time subsequent to the
date that is nine calendar months after the Offer Date, call a special meeting
of the stockholders, notwithstanding the provisions described in "-- Certain
Certificate and By-Law Provisions -- No Shareholder Action by Written Consent;
Special Meetings," at which meeting stockholders may be asked to vote upon a
proposal to request that the Board of Directors amend the Rights Agreement to
exempt such offer from the terms of the Rights Agreement; provided, however, if
prior to the expiration of such nine-month period, the Board of Directors
determines that it is in the best interests of the shareholders to undertake
efforts to sell the Company, such period shall be extended as long as the Board
of Directors continues its efforts to solicit, evaluate and negotiate
alternative bids to acquire the Company. If the proposal to amend the Rights
Agreement is approved by a vote of 70% of the votes cast for or against such
proposal at such meeting of stockholders at which a quorum is present, the Board
of Directors shall amend the Rights Agreement to exempt such offer from its
terms no later than 60 days after the date of such stockholders' meeting. This
foregoing provisions of the By-Laws have been approved in principle by the Board
of Directors and, once formally adopted, may only be amended or repealed by a
stockholder vote.
"Marketable Securities" means any securities that are traded on a
nationally recognized exchange and, in the opinion of an independent investment
bank, provide sufficient value and liquidity so that they would be treated as
substantially equivalent to cash consideration.
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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Upon the completion of the Offerings, there will be shares of
Common Stock outstanding, assuming no exercise of the Underwriters'
over-allotment option and excluding 9,896,019 shares covered by vested options
and warrants outstanding at June 30, 1997. Of the outstanding shares, the
shares registered in the Offerings and 13,582,764 additional shares
will be freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act, except
that any shares purchased in the Offerings by "affiliates" of the Company may
generally only be resold in compliance with applicable provisions of Rule 144.
Beginning 90 days after the date of this Prospectus, an additional 23,361,744
shares will be eligible for sale in the public market, subject to compliance
with applicable provisions of Rule 144.
The Company and its directors, executive officers and certain stockholders
have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to (i) grant any option to
purchase or otherwise transfer or dispose of any Common Stock or securities
convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock or (ii) enter
into any swap or other agreement or transaction that transfers, in whole or in
part, the economic consequences of ownership of the Common Stock without the
prior written consent of Merrill Lynch, on behalf of the Underwriters, for a
period of 180 days after the date of this Prospectus. See "Underwriting." The
shares covered by the lock-up agreements include approximately shares of
Common Stock that would otherwise have become immediately eligible for resale in
the public market upon completion of the Offerings and approximately
shares of Common Stock that would otherwise have become eligible for resale in
the public market beginning 90 days after the date of this Prospectus, subject
to the requirements of Rule 144.
In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, beginning 25 days after
the date of this Prospectus, a person (or persons whose shares of the Company
are required to be aggregated) who has been deemed to have owned shares of an
issuer for at least one year, including an "affiliate," is entitled to sell,
within any three-month period, a number of shares that does not exceed the
greater of 1% of the then outstanding number of shares of such class or the
average weekly trading volume in composite trading in all national securities
exchanges during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of the required
notice of such sale. A person (or persons whose shares of the Company are
required to be aggregated) who is not deemed an affiliate of an issuer at the
time of the sale and for at least three months prior to the sale and who has
owned shares for at least two years is entitled to sell such shares under Rule
144 without regard to the volume limitations described above. Affiliates
continue to be subject to such limitations. As defined in Rule 144, an
"affiliate" of an issuer is a person that directly or indirectly, through one or
more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control
with, such issuer.
The Offerings will constitute a Complying Public Equity Offering under the
terms of the Convertible Bonds. As a result, the Convertible Bonds will be
convertible into Common Stock at any time and from time to time following the
completion of the Offerings. Assuming a public offering price of , the
Convertible Bonds initially will be convertible into shares of Common
Stock. See "Description of Certain Indebtedness."
The holders of approximately 31,224,790 shares of Common Stock, warrants to
purchase 7,777,776 shares of Common Stock and shares of Common Stock received by
holders of Convertible Bonds upon conversion are entitled to certain demand and
piggy-back registration rights in respect of their shares. If such holders, by
exercising their registration rights, cause a large number of shares to be
registered and sold in the public market, such sales could have an adverse
effect on the market price for the Common Stock. See "Description of Capital
Stock -- Prior Purchase Agreements -- Registration Rights."
Prior to the Offerings, there has been no established market for the Common
Stock and no predictions can be made about the effect, if any, that future sales
of Common Stock or the availability of the Common Stock for sale would have on
the market price prevailing from time to time. Sales of substantial amounts of
Common Stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales could
occur, may have an adverse impact on the market price for the Common Stock.
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<PAGE> 120
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX CONSEQUENCES
TO NON-U.S. STOCKHOLDERS
The following is a summary of the principal United States federal income
and estate tax considerations with respect to the ownership and disposition of
shares of Common Stock by "Non-U.S. Holders." This summary is based on the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), existing and proposed
Treasury regulations thereunder and administrative and judicial interpretations
thereof (all as currently in effect and all of which are subject to change,
possibly with retroactive effect). This summary does not address all United
States federal income and estate tax consequences that may be relevant to a
non-U.S. Holder in light of its particular circumstances or to certain Non-U.S.
Holders that may be subject to special treatment under United States federal
income tax laws, such as banks, insurance companies, tax-exempt entities and
certain United States expatriates. Furthermore, the following discussion does
not discuss any aspects of foreign, state or local taxation. As used herein, the
term "Non-U.S. Holder" means a holder of Common Stock that for U.S. federal
income tax purposes is not (i) a citizen or individual resident of the United
States; (ii) a corporation or partnership created or organized in or under the
laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof; (iii) an estate
the income of which is subject to United States federal income tax regardless of
its source; or (iv) a trust if both: (A) a court within the United States is
able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and
(B) one or more United States persons have the authority to control all
substantial decisions of the trust. EACH PROSPECTIVE NON-U.S. HOLDER IS URGED TO
CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISER WITH RESPECT TO THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME AND
ESTATE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF OWNING AND DISPOSING OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, AS
WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR OTHER
TAXING JURISDICTION.
DIVIDENDS
Dividends that are paid by a U.S. corporation to a Non-U.S. Holder and that
are not effectively connected with a trade or business carried on by such
Non-U.S. Holder in the United States (or, if certain tax treaties apply,
attributable to a permanent establishment therein maintained by the Non-U.S.
Holder) generally are subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax. Relief from such
withholding exists with respect to dividends paid to Non-U.S. Holders by a U.S.
corporation (an "80/20 company") if at least 80% of the gross income derived by
such corporation (either directly or through certain of its subsidiaries) during
the applicable testing period is "active foreign business income," as defined in
section 861 of the Code. Under the provisions of the Code applicable to 80/20
companies, the proportion of an 80/20 company's dividends equal to such
company's total gross income from foreign sources over its total gross income is
exempt from U.S. withholding tax. At present, the Company believes that it
qualifies as an 80/20 company. However, the 80% active foreign business income
test is applied on a periodic basis, and operations and business plans of the
Company may change in subsequent taxable years. Therefore, no assurances can be
made regarding the Company's future status as an 80/20 company. If, for any
period or periods, the Company fails to satisfy the requirements applicable to
an 80/20 company, the withholding agent generally would be required to withhold
tax from all distributions paid on the Common Stock regardless of the Company's
earnings and profits. Holders could, however, apply for refunds if such Common
Stock's share of the Company's earnings and profits is less than the amount of
the distributions. Additionally, the rate of withholding may be reduced to the
extent provided by a tax treaty between the United States and the country of
which the Non-U.S. Holder is a resident for tax purposes.
Dividends effectively connected with a trade or business carried out in the
United States by such Non-U.S. Holders or attributable to a permanent
establishment in the United States of such Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be
subject to U.S. withholding tax and generally will be subject to United States
federal income tax on a net income basis in the same manner as if the Non-U.S.
Holder were a resident of the United States. A Non-U.S. Holder that is a
corporation may be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a rate of 30%
(or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable treaty). A Non-U.S.
Holder of Common Stock may be required to comply with certain certification and
disclosure requirements in order to claim an exemption from or a reduction of
withholding under the rules described herein.
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GAIN ON DISPOSITION
A Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to United States federal
income tax (and no tax will generally be withheld) on any gain recognized upon
the disposition of Common Stock unless (i) the gain is effectively connected
with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States of the Non-U.S.
Holder and, if certain tax treaties apply, attributable to a permanent
establishment maintained within the United States by the Non-U.S. Holder; (ii)in
the case of a Non-U.S. Holder who is a nonresident alien individual and who
holds shares as capital assets, such individual is present in the United States
for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the disposition and certain other
conditions are satisfied; or (iii) the Company is or has been a "U.S. real
property holding corporation" for United States federal income tax purposes
(which the Company does not believe that it has been, or is likely to become).
BACKUP WITHHOLDING
Payments in respect of Common Stock may be subject to a 31% U.S. backup
withholding tax. Backup withholding will not apply, however, to a holder who
furnishes a correct taxpayer identification number or certificate of foreign
status and makes any other required certification or who is otherwise exempt
from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and may be
claimed as a credit against the U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, of a
Non-U.S. Holder, provided that the required information is furnished to the U.S.
Internal Revenue Service.
FEDERAL ESTATE TAX
Shares of Common Stock owned or treated as owned by an individual who is
not a citizen or resident (as defined for United States federal estate tax
purposes) of the United States at the time of death will be includable in the
individual's gross estate for United States federal estate tax purposes unless
an applicable estate tax treaty provides otherwise and, therefore, may be
subject to United States federal estate tax.
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UNDERWRITING
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in a U.S. purchase agreement
(the "U.S. Purchase Agreement") among the Company and each of the underwriters
named below (the "U.S. Underwriters") and concurrently with the sale of
shares of Common Stock to the International Managers (as defined
below), the Company has agreed to sell to each of the U.S. Underwriters, and
each of the U.S. Underwriters for whom Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch"), Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
Corporation, UBS Securities LLC, Lehman Brothers Inc. and Furman Selz LLC are
acting as representatives (the "U.S. Representatives"), has severally agreed to
purchase from the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock set forth
opposite its name below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER
U.S. UNDERWRITERS OF SHARES
----------------- ---------
<S> <C>
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated...................................
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation.........
UBS Securities LLC..........................................
Lehman Brothers Inc.........................................
Furman Selz LLC.............................................
Total.........................................
</TABLE>
The Company has also entered into an international purchase agreement (the
"International Purchase Agreement" and, together with the U.S. Purchase
Agreement, the "Purchase Agreements") with certain underwriters outside the
United States and Canada (the "International Managers" and, together with the
U.S. Underwriters, the "Underwriters") for whom Merrill Lynch International, UBS
Limited, Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation, Lehman Brothers
and ING Bank N.V. are acting as representatives (the "International
Representatives"). Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the
International Purchase Agreement, and concurrently with the sale of
shares of Common Stock to the U.S. Underwriters pursuant to the U.S. Purchase
Agreement, the Company has agreed to sell to the International Managers, and the
International Managers severally have agreed to purchase, an aggregate of
shares of Common Stock. The initial public offering price per share and
the underwriting discount per share of Common Stock are identical under the U.S.
Purchase Agreement and the International Purchase Agreement.
In each Purchase Agreement, the several U.S. Underwriters and the several
International Managers, respectively have agreed, subject to the terms and
conditions set forth in such Purchase Agreement, to purchase all the shares of
Common Stock offered hereby, if any are purchased. In the event of default by an
Underwriter, the Purchase Agreement provides that, in certain circumstances,
purchase commitments of the nondefaulting Underwriters may be increased or the
Purchase Agreement may be terminated. The sale of Common Stock to the U.S.
Underwriters is conditioned upon the sale of shares of Common Stock to the
International Managers, and vice versa.
The Company has appointed Merrill Lynch & Co. as Global Coordinator and UBS
Securities LLC as Co-Global Coordinator of the Offerings. Merrill Lynch & Co. is
the bookrunner of the Offerings.
The U.S. Underwriters and the International Managers have entered into an
Intersyndicate agreement (the "Intersyndicate Agreement") that provides for the
coordination of their activities. Pursuant to the Intersyndicate Agreement, the
U.S. Underwriters and the International Managers are permitted to sell shares of
Common Stock to each other for purposes of resale at the initial public offering
price set forth on the cover
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page of this Prospectus, less an amount not greater than the selling concession.
Under the terms of the Intersyndicate Agreement, the U.S. Underwriters and any
dealer to whom they sell shares of Common Stock will not offer to sell or sell
shares of Common Stock to persons who are non-U.S. or non-Canadian persons or to
persons they believe intend to resell to persons who are non-U.S. or
non-Canadian persons, and the International Managers and any dealer to whom they
sell shares of Common Stock will not offer to sell or sell shares of Common
Stock to U.S. persons or Canadian persons or to persons they believe intend to
resell to U.S. persons or Canadian persons, except, in each case, for
transactions pursuant to the Intersyndicate Agreement.
The U.S. Representatives have advised the Company that the U.S.
Underwriters propose initially to offer the shares of Common Stock to the public
at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of this
Prospectus, and to certain dealers at such price less a concession not in excess
of $ per share of Common Stock. The U.S. Underwriters may allow, and
such dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess of $ per share of
Common Stock on sales to certain other dealers. After the initial public
offering, the public offering price, concession and discount may be changed.
The Company, its directors, executive officers and certain stockholders
have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to directly or indirectly (i)
offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase,
purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant for
the sale of, or otherwise dispose of or transfer any Common Stock or any
securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of
Common Stock or request the filing of any registration statement under the
Securities Act, with respect to any of the foregoing or (ii) enter into any swap
or any other agreement or any transaction that transfers, in whole or in part,
directly or indirectly, the economic consequence of ownership of Common Stock,
whether any such swap transaction is to be settled by delivery of the Common
Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise without the prior written
consent of Merrill Lynch, on behalf of the Underwriters, for a period of 180
days after the date of this Prospectus. In addition, all existing stockholders
have agreed not to make any demand for or exercise any rights with respect to
the registration of Common Stock and have waived all rights (including demand
and "piggyback" registration rights) to register securities owned by them for
such 180 day period and rights to purchase additional shares of Common Stock in
connection with the Offerings. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
The Company has granted an option to the U.S. Underwriters, exercisable for
30 days after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to an aggregate of
additional shares of Common Stock at the initial public offering price
set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus, less the underwriting discount.
The U.S. Underwriters may exercise this option only to cover over-allotments, if
any, made on the sale of the Common Stock offered hereby. To the extent that the
U.S. Underwriters exercise this option, each U.S. Underwriter will be obligated,
subject to certain conditions, to purchase a number of additional shares of
Common Stock proportionate to such U.S. Underwriter's initial amount reflected
in the foregoing table. The Company has also granted an option to the
International Managers, exercisable for 30 days after the date of this
Prospectus, to purchase up to an additional shares of Common Stock to
cover over-allotments, if any, on terms similar to those granted to U.S.
Underwriters.
Prior to the Offerings, there has been no public market for the Common
Stock. The initial public offering price for the Common Stock has been
determined through negotiations between the Company and the U.S.
Representatives. Among the factors considered in determining the initial public
offering price, in addition to prevailing market conditions, are the financial
and operating history and condition of the Company, an assessment of the
Company's business and financial prospects, the Company's management, the
prospects for the industry in which the Company operates and the recent market
prices of securities of companies in industries similar to that of the Company.
The initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus
should not, however, be considered an indication of the actual value of the
Common Stock. Such price is subject to change as a result of market conditions
and other factors. There can be no assurance that an active trading market will
develop for the Common Stock or that the Common Stock will trade in the public
market subsequent to the offering made hereby at or above the initial public
offering price.
118
<PAGE> 124
The Company has agreed to indemnify the several U.S. Underwriters and the
International Managers against certain liabilities, including liabilities under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or to contribute to payments the
Underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.
The Underwriters do not intend to confirm sales of Common Stock offered
hereby to any accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority.
Until the distribution of the Common Stock is completed, rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission may limit the ability of the U.S.
Underwriters and certain selling group members to bid for and purchase the
Common Stock. As an exception to these rules, the Representatives are permitted
to engage in certain transactions that stabilize the price of the Common Stock.
Such transactions consist of bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging,
fixing or maintaining the price of the Common Stock.
If the Underwriters create a short position in the Common Stock in
connection with the Offerings, (i.e., if they sell more shares of Common Stock
than are set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus), the U.S.
Representatives may reduce that short position by purchasing Common Stock in the
open market. The U.S. Representatives may also elect to reduce any short
position by exercising all or part of the over-allotment option described above.
The U.S. Representatives may also impose a penalty bid on certain
Underwriters and selling group members. This means that if the U.S.
Representatives purchase shares of Common Stock in the open market to reduce the
Underwriters' short position or to stabilize the price of the Common Stock, they
may reclaim the amount of the selling concession from the Underwriters and
selling group members who sold those shares as part of the Offering.
In general, purchases of a security for the purpose of stabilization or to
reduce a short position could cause the price of the security to be higher than
it might be in the absence of such purchases. The imposition of a penalty bid
might also have an effect on the price of a security to the extent that it were
to discourage resales of the security before the distribution is completed.
Neither the Company nor any of the Underwriters makes any representation or
prediction, however, as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the
transactions described above may have on the price of the Common Stock. In
addition, neither the Company nor any of the Underwriters makes any
representation that the U.S. Representatives will engage in such transaction or
that such transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
The Common Stock has been approved for quotation on the Nasdaq National
Market, subject to official notice of issuance, under the symbol "GTSG."
Application will be made for listing on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.
Certain of the Underwriters have been engaged from time to time, and may in
the future be engaged, to perform financial advisory and other investment
banking services to the Company and its affiliates. In connection with rendering
such services in the past, such Underwriters have received customary
compensation, including reimbursement of related expenses.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby will be passed
upon for the Company by Shearman & Sterling, New York, New York. Certain legal
matters will be passed upon for the Underwriters by Cahill Gordon & Reindel (a
partnership including a professional corporation), New York, New York.
119
<PAGE> 125
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. as
of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1996, included in this Prospectus appearing in this
Prospectus and Registration Statement, have been audited by Ernst & Young, LLP,
independent auditors, as set forth in their report appearing elsewhere herein
and are included in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such
firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of EDN Sovintel as of December 31,
1996 and 1995, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1996, included in this Prospectus appearing in this Prospectus and Registration
Statement, have been audited by Ernst & Young (CIS) Ltd., independent auditors
as set forth in their report appearing elsewhere herein and are included in
reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of Hermes Europe Railtel B.V. as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and for each of the two years in the period ended
December 31, 1996, included in this Prospectus appearing in this Prospectus and
Registration Statement, have been audited by Ernst & Young Reviseurs
d'Entreprises S.C.C., independent auditors, as set forth in their report
appearing elsewhere herein and are included in reliance upon such report given
upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
120
<PAGE> 126
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
YEAR END FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors........... F-3
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and
1996...................................................... F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
December 31, 1994, 1995, and 1996......................... F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 31, 1994, 1995, and 1996......................... F-6
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the
years ended December 31, 1994, 1995, and 1996............. F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................. F-8
THIRD QUARTER FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31,
1996 and September 30, 1997............................... F-26
Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1997............. F-27
Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1997............. F-28
Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements....... F-29
</TABLE>
EDN SOVINTEL
YEAR END FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Ernst & Young (CIS) Limited, Independent
Auditors.................................................. F-34
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1995............. F-35
Statements of Income and Retained Earnings for the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994................... F-36
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,
1996, 1995, and 1994...................................... F-37
Notes to Financial Statements............................... F-38
THIRD QUARTER FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Condensed Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and
September 30, 1997........................................ F-47
Condensed Statements of Operations for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996 and 1997............................... F-48
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996 and 1997............................... F-49
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements..................... F-50
F-1
<PAGE> 127
HERMES EUROPE RAILTEL B.V.
YEAR END FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Ernst & Young Reviseurs d'Entreprises S.C.C.,
Independent Auditors...................................... F-53
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and
1996...................................................... F-54
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and from inception (July
6, 1993) to December 31, 1996............................. F-55
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and from inception (July
6, 1993) to December 31, 1996............................. F-56
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity from
inception (July 6, 1993) to December 31, 1993 and for the
years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996.............. F-57
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................. F-58
THIRD QUARTER FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31,
1996 and September 30, 1997............................... F-67
Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1997............. F-68
Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1997............. F-69
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.... F-70
F-2
<PAGE> 128
REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors
Global TeleSystems Group, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Global
TeleSystems Group, Inc. as of December 31, 1995 and 1996, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, cash flows, and shareholders' equity for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Global
TeleSystems Group, Inc. at December 31, 1995 and 1996, and the consolidated
results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Washington, D.C.
March 31, 1997
F-3
<PAGE> 129
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
---------------------
1995 1996
-------- ---------
(IN THOUSANDS,
EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C>
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 9,044 $ 57,874
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts
of $30 and $782 at December 31, 1995 and 1996.......... 2,972 8,920
Restricted cash........................................... -- 13,627
Prepaid expenses.......................................... 1,932 2,537
Other assets.............................................. 4,189 2,187
-------- ---------
Total current assets.............................. 18,137 85,145
Notes receivable............................................ 84 209
Property and equipment, net................................. 29,523 35,463
Investments in and advances to ventures..................... 56,153 104,459
Goodwill and intangible assets, net of accumulated
amortization of $1,983 and $3,916 at December 31, 1995 and
1996...................................................... 8,681 9,548
Restricted cash............................................. 3,043 2,554
-------- ---------
TOTAL ASSETS...................................... $115,621 $ 237,378
======== =========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable.......................................... $ 8,705 $ 6,761
Accrued compensation...................................... 2,339 3,151
Other accrued expenses.................................... 6,029 5,299
Debt maturing within one year............................. 14,580 27,437
Other current liabilities................................. 957 2,040
-------- ---------
Total current liabilities......................... 32,610 44,688
Long-term debt, less current portion (principally related
party debt)............................................... 12,874 58,110
Taxes and other non-current liabilities..................... 9,542 14,664
-------- ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES................................. 55,026 117,462
Commitments and contingencies
Minority interest........................................... 1,936 1,915
Common stock, subject to repurchase (216,667 shares
outstanding).............................................. 3,337 4,333
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value (10,000,000 shares
authorized; none issued and outstanding).................. -- --
Common stock, $0.0001 par value (40,000,000 and 60,000,000
shares authorized; 17,469,839 and 23,059,404 shares issued
and outstanding, net of 50,000 and 77,759 shares of
treasury stock at December 31, 1995 and 1996)............. 2 2
Additional paid-in capital.................................. 114,762 241,725
Cumulative translation adjustment........................... (1,535) (2,161)
Accumulated deficit......................................... (57,907) (125,898)
-------- ---------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY........................ 55,322 113,668
-------- ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY........ $115,621 $ 237,378
======== =========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE> 130
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
-------- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues, net:
Telecommunication and other services..................... $ 1,295 $ 5,979 $ 19,210
Equipment sales.......................................... 1,173 2,433 4,907
-------- -------- --------
2,468 8,412 24,117
-------- -------- --------
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues:
Telecommunication and other services.................. 1,474 8,150 14,741
Equipment sales....................................... 971 246 4,200
Selling, general and administrative...................... 12,863 41,014 52,928
Equity in losses of ventures............................. 135 7,871 10,150
-------- -------- --------
15,443 57,281 82,019
-------- -------- --------
Loss from operations....................................... (12,975) (48,869) (57,902)
Other income/(expense):
Other non-operating income............................... -- 10,270 --
Interest income.......................................... 1,189 2,177 3,569
Interest expense......................................... (100) (728) (11,122)
Foreign currency losses.................................. (99) (685) (1,176)
-------- -------- --------
990 11,034 (8,729)
-------- -------- --------
Net loss before income taxes............................... (11,985) (37,835) (66,631)
Income taxes............................................... -- 2,565 1,360
-------- -------- --------
Net loss................................................... $(11,985) $(40,400) $(67,991)
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE> 131
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
-------- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss................................................... $(11,985) $(40,400) $(67,991)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization............................ 576 3,721 7,444
Amortization of discount on note payable................. -- -- 3,598
Equity in losses of ventures, net of dividends
received.............................................. 135 7,871 11,123
Other non-operating income............................... -- (10,270) --
Deferred interest........................................ -- -- 6,583
Other.................................................... 8 1,960 729
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding effects of
acquisitions and ventures:
Accounts receivable................................... (15) (1,396) (6,698)
Prepaid expenses...................................... -- (438) (605)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses................. 4,184 12,647 (1,862)
Other changes in assets and liabilities............... (7,615) 19,744 8,207
-------- -------- --------
Net cash used in operating activities...................... (14,712) (6,561) (39,472)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investments in and advances to ventures.................. (14,213) (45,102) (54,932)
Purchases of property and equipment...................... (6,375) (23,084) (10,987)
Restricted cash.......................................... (500) (2,543) (13,138)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired....................... -- (1,871) --
Goodwill and other intangibles........................... -- (6,960) (3,264)
Other investing activities............................... -- 2,069 (125)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities...................... (21,088) (77,491) (82,446)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from debt....................................... -- 23,325 63,599
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock............... 62,108 42,175 107,775
Other financing activities............................... (190) (750) --
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities.................. 61,918 64,750 171,374
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash
equivalents.............................................. (124) (1,289) (626)
-------- -------- --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents....... 25,994 (20,591) 48,830
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year............. 3,641 29,635 9,044
-------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year................... $ 29,635 $ 9,044 $ 57,874
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-6
<PAGE> 132
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMON STOCK ADDITIONAL CUMULATIVE TOTAL
--------------- PAID-IN TRANSLATION ACCUMULATED SHAREHOLDERS'
SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL ADJUSTMENT DEFICIT EQUITY
------ ------ ---------- ----------- ----------- -------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at December 31, 1993.......... 6,153 $ 1 $ 10,328 $ (122) $ (5,522) $ 4,685
Proceeds from the sale of common
stock, net of expense of
$3,649........................... 7,667 -- 62,082 -- -- 62,082
Other............................... 34 -- 26 -- -- 26
Translation adjustment.............. -- -- -- (124) -- (124)
Net loss............................ -- -- -- -- (11,985) (11,985)
------ ---- -------- ------- --------- --------
Balance at December 31, 1994.......... 13,854 1 72,436 (246) (17,507) 54,684
Proceeds from the sale of common
stock, net of expenses of
$3,680........................... 3,394 1 42,137 -- -- 42,138
Issuance of 370 warrants in
connection with debt financing... -- -- 564 -- -- 564
Issuance of common stock, subject to
repurchase....................... 267 -- -- -- -- --
Accretion of common stock, subject
to repurchase.................... -- -- (412) -- -- (412)
Other............................... (45) -- 37 -- -- 37
Translation adjustment.............. -- -- -- (1,289) -- (1,289)
Net loss............................ -- -- -- -- (40,400) (40,400)
------ ---- -------- ------- --------- --------
Balance at December 31, 1995.......... 17,470 2 114,762 (1,535) (57,907) 55,322
Proceeds from the sale of common
stock, net of expenses of
$3,567........................... 5,566 -- 107,744 -- -- 107,744
Net issuance of 4,815 warrants in
connection with debt financing... -- -- 20,184 -- -- 20,184
Accretion of common stock, subject
to repurchase.................... -- -- (996) -- -- (996)
Other............................... 23 -- 31 -- -- 31
Translation adjustment.............. -- -- -- (626) -- (626)
Net loss............................ -- -- -- -- (67,991) (67,991)
------ ---- -------- ------- --------- --------
Balance at December 31, 1996.......... 23,059 $ 2 $241,725 $(2,161) $(125,898) $113,668
====== ==== ======== ======= ========= ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-7
<PAGE> 133
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1: NATURE OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. ("GTS" or the "Company"), is a provider of a
broad range of telecommunications services to businesses, other
telecommunications service providers and consumers through its operation of
voice and data networks, international gateways, local access and cellular
networks and the provision of various value-added services in the Commonwealth
of Independent States ("CIS"), primarily Russia, Central Europe, and India and
China ("Asia"). The Company, through two of its ventures, is also building a new
infrastructure for transporting international voice, data and video traffic for
other carriers throughout Western Europe and for worldwide international voice,
data and video traffic that either originates or terminates in, or transits
through, Western Europe. See further discussion of the Company's business
operations within Note 3, "Investments In and Advances to Ventures," and Note
13, "Segment Information and Certain Geographical Data."
Certain of the Company's ventures are in the early stages of operations in
the telecommunications industry. The Company's businesses are developing
rapidly; some in countries with an emerging economy which by nature have an
uncertain economic, political and regulatory environment. The general risks of
operating businesses in the CIS and other developing countries include the
possibility for rapid change in government policies, economic conditions, the
tax regime and foreign currency regulations.
The ultimate recoverability of the Company's investments in and advances to
ventures is dependent on many factors including, but not limited to, the
economies of the countries in which it does business; the ability of the Company
to maintain the necessary telecommunications licenses; and the ability of the
Company to obtain sufficient financing to continue to meet its capital and
operational commitments.
The Company had a working deficit of approximately $14.5 million and
working capital of approximately $40.5 million as of December 31, 1995 and 1996,
respectively. The Company has an accumulated deficit of $125.9 million as of
December 31, 1996, including a net loss of approximately $68.0 million for the
year then ended. During 1997, the Company expects to incur substantial
expenditures to fund the working capital requirements of its ventures, to
provide for capital equipment for certain of its ventures, and to engage in new
development and acquisitions. The Company's working capital at December 31,
1996, plus its anticipated cash flows from operations for 1997, will not be
sufficient to meet such objectives as presently planned.
Management recognizes that the Company must generate additional capital
resources in order to continue its operations and meet its new development
initiatives. The Company is pursuing other equity and debt financing sources and
has entered into substantive negotiations with various financial institutions in
order to obtain further debt and/or equity financing. The Company has also
retained independent consultants to assist it in identifying other entities
interested in entering into strategic partnerships relative to its
telecommunications properties and new development initiatives. If the Company is
not successful in closing debt or equity financing, the Company will be required
to curtail new development initiatives, sell certain assets or a combination of
these actions.
The financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting
principles applicable to a going concern which assumes that the Company will
continue operations in the foreseeable future and will be able to realize its
assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of operations. If the
going concern assumptions were not appropriate for these financial statements,
then adjustments would have been necessary in the carrying value of assets and
liabilities and the reported revenues and expenses.
NOTE 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation
Wholly-owned subsidiaries and majority owned ventures where the Company has
unilateral operating and financial control are consolidated. Those ventures
where the Company exercises significant influence, but does
F-8
<PAGE> 134
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
not exercise unilateral operating and financial control are accounted for by the
equity method. The Company has certain majority-owned ventures that are
accounted for by the equity method as a result of super majority voting
conditions or other governmentally imposed uncertainties so severe that they
prevent the Company from obtaining unilateral control of the venture. If the
Company has little ability to exercise significant influence over a venture, the
venture is accounted for by the cost method. All significant intercompany
accounts and transactions are eliminated upon consolidation.
The Company recognizes profits and losses in accordance with its underlying
ownership percentage or allocation percentage as specified in the agreements
with its partners; however, the Company recognizes 100% of the losses in
ventures where the Company bears all of the financial risk. When such ventures
become profitable, the Company recognizes 100% of the profits until such time as
the excess losses previously recognized have been recovered.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1994 and 1995 consolidated
financial statements in order to conform to the 1996 presentation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of
three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. The Company
had $3.0 million and $16.2 million of restricted cash at December 31, 1995 and
1996, respectively. The restricted cash is primarily related to required
collateral on debt obligations for equipment purchases (see Note 5, "Debt
Obligations").
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated on a
straight-line basis over the estimated lives ranging from five to seven years
for telecommunications equipment and three to five years for furniture, fixtures
and equipment and other property. Construction in process reflects amounts
incurred for the configuration and build-out of telecommunications equipment and
telecommunications equipment not yet placed into service. Maintenance and
repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition costs over the fair market
value of the net assets of acquired businesses and is being amortized on a
straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives ranging from three to ten
years. Intangible assets, principally telecommunications service contracts,
licenses and deferred financing costs, are amortized on a straight-line basis
over the lesser of their estimated useful lives, generally three to fifteen
years or their contractual term. In accordance with APB 17, "Intangible Assets,"
the Company continues to evaluate the amortization period to determine whether
events or circumstances warrant revised amortization periods. Additionally, the
Company considers whether the carrying value of such assets should be reduced
based on the future benefits of its intangible assets.
Long-Lived Assets
Effective January 1, 1995, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." In accordance
with SFAS No. 121, long-lived assets to be held and used by the Company are
reviewed to determine whether any events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. For long-lived
assets to be held and used, the Company bases its evaluation
F-9
<PAGE> 135
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
on such impairment indicators as the nature of the assets, the future economic
benefit of the assets, any historical or future profitability measurements, as
well as other external market conditions or factors that may be present. If such
impairment indicators are present or other factors exist that indicate that the
carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable, the Company determines
whether an impairment has occurred through the use of an undiscounted cash flows
analysis of assets at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exist.
If an impairment has occurred, the Company recognizes a loss for the difference
between the carrying amount and the estimated value of the asset. The fair value
of the asset is measured using quoted market prices or, in the absence of quoted
market prices, fair value is based on an estimate of discounted cash flow
analysis. During the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996, the Company's
analyses indicated that there was not an impairment of its long-lived assets.
Income Taxes
The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes.
Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences between the tax basis of
assets and liabilities and the basis as reported in the consolidated financial
statements. The Company does not provide for deferred taxes on the undistributed
earnings of its foreign companies, as such earnings are intended to be
permanently reinvested in those operations.
Foreign Currency Translation
The Company follows a translation policy in accordance with SFAS No. 52,
"Foreign Currency Translation." In most instances, the local currency is
considered the functional currency for the Company's subsidiaries and ventures,
except for operations in the CIS where the U.S. dollar has been designated as
the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries and
ventures are translated at the rates of exchange at the balance sheet date.
Income and expense accounts are translated at average monthly rates of exchange.
The resultant translation adjustments are included in the cumulative translation
adjustment, a separate component of shareholders' equity. Gains and losses from
foreign currency transactions of these subsidiaries and ventures are included in
the operations of the subsidiary or venture.
For those ventures operating in the CIS, the temporal method for
translating assets and liabilities is used. Accordingly, monetary assets and
liabilities are translated at current exchange rates while non-monetary assets
and liabilities are translated at their historical rates. Income and expense
accounts are translated at average monthly rates of exchange. The resultant
translation adjustments are included in the operations of the subsidiaries and
ventures.
Revenue Recognition
The Company records as revenue the amount of telecommunications services
rendered, as measured primarily by the minutes of traffic processed, after
deducting an estimate of the traffic which will be neither billed nor collected.
Revenue from service or consulting contracts is accounted for when the services
are provided. Equipment sales and installation revenue is generally recognized
upon shipment and the installation of the equipment. Billings received in
advance of service being performed are deferred and recognized as revenue as the
service is performed.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company believes that the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities
reported in the balance sheets approximates their fair value.
F-10
<PAGE> 136
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Off Balance Sheet Risk and Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration
of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts and
notes receivable. The Company maintains most of its cash and cash equivalents in
one high-quality U.S. financial institution. The Company extends credit to
various customers and establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts for
specific customers that it determines to have significant credit risk. The
Company provides allowances for potential credit losses when necessary.
The Company does not now hedge against foreign currency fluctuations,
although the Company may implement such practices in the future. Under current
practices, the Company's results from operations could be adversely affected by
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
Stock Based Compensation
SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," establishes a fair
value method of accounting for employee stock options and similar equity
instruments. The fair value method requires compensation cost to be measured at
the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized over the
service period. SFAS No. 123 allows companies to either account for stock-based
compensation under the new provisions of SFAS No. 123 or under the provisions of
APB 25. The Company will continue accounting for its stock-based compensation in
accordance with the provisions of APB 25 and will present pro forma disclosures
of net loss as if the fair value method has been adopted.
Uses Of Estimates In Preparation Of Financial Statements
The preparation of these consolidated financial statements, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles, requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect amounts in the financial statements and
accompanying notes and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
NOTE 3: INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO VENTURES
The Company has various investments in ventures that are accounted for by
the equity method (see Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies").
The Company's ownership percentages in its equity method investments range from
49% to 80%. The Company has no investments in ventures that are accounted for by
the cost method.
The components of the Company's investments in and advances to ventures are
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------
1995 1996
------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Equity in net assets acquired............................... $18,664 $ 41,105
Excess of investment cost over equity in net assets
acquired, net of amortization on $1.7 million and $4.3
million at December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively....... 8,577 11,288
Accumulated losses recognized............................... (6,267) (13,840)
Dividends................................................... -- (973)
Cash advances and other..................................... 35,179 66,879
------- --------
Total investments in and advances to ventures..... $56,153 $104,459
======= ========
</TABLE>
F-11
<PAGE> 137
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 3: INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO VENTURES (CONTINUED)
In applying the equity method of accounting, the Company's policy is to
amortize the excess of investment cost over equity in net assets acquired based
upon an assignment of the excess to the fair value of the venture's identifiable
tangible and intangible assets, with any unassigned amounts designated as
goodwill. The Company then amortizes the allocated costs in accordance with its
policies defined in Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies." The
Company periodically evaluates the recoverability of their equity investments
and if a circumstance arises where a loss in value is considered to be other
than temporary, the Company will record a write-down of excess investment cost.
In addition, the Company has financed the operating and investing cash flow
requirements of several of its ventures, in the form of cash advances. The
Company anticipates that these ventures will generate sufficient cash inflows
for the repayment of the cash advances, as their businesses mature. Also, due to
the long-term nature of anticipated repayment period and the potential risk
associated with the repatriation of the cash advances, the Company has
aggregated its investments in and cash advances to the ventures.
Further, the Company's share of the venture's foreign currency translation
adjustments is reflected in the investment accounts.
Changes in the investments in and advances to ventures are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------
1995 1996
------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Balance, at beginning of year............................... $13,841 $ 56,153
------- --------
Equity in net assets acquired............................... 13,888 22,441
Excess of investment cost over equity in net assets
acquired.................................................. 5,646 5,288
Dividends................................................... (973)
Cash advances and other..................................... 30,649 31,700
------- --------
50,183 58,456
Equity ownership in losses.................................. (4,224) (3,122)
Excess losses recognized over amount attributable to
ownership interest........................................ (2,709) (4,451)
Amortization of excess of investment cost over equity in net
assets acquired........................................... (938) (2,577)
------- --------
(7,871) (10,150)
------- --------
Balance, at end of year..................................... $56,153 $104,459
======= ========
</TABLE>
Investments accounted for under the equity method and the percentage
interest owned consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OWNERSHIP
EQUITY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES %
------------------------- ---------
<S> <C>
EDN Sovintel................................................ 50%
Sovam Teleport.............................................. 67%
Bancomsvyaz................................................. 49%
GTS Ukrainian TeleSystems, L.L.C............................ 50%
GTS Vox Limited............................................. 52.64%
TeleRoss Ventures -- 13 joint ventures in various regions in
the CIS................................................... 50%
Vostok Ventures -- 11 joint ventures in various regions in
the CIS................................................... 31-43%
PrymTelefon................................................. 50%
Hermes Europe Railtel B.V................................... 50%
GTS Monaco Access S.A.M..................................... 50%
Eurohivo.................................................... 70%
Sitel-VSAT s.r.o............................................ 49%
Shanghai V-Tech Telecommunications Systems Co., Ltd......... 75%
Beijing Global Tong Da Telecommunications Co................ 55%
GTS China Investments, L.L.C................................ 75%
Beijing Tianmu Satellite Communications Tech................ 47%
Shanghai Global Intelligent TeleSystems Co., Ltd............ 80%
</TABLE>
F-12
<PAGE> 138
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 3: INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO VENTURES (CONTINUED)
Associated with the Company's investment in new business ventures during
1995, the Company is obligated to pay additional consideration, a maximum of
$6.0 million in either cash or in the Company's common stock, if the venture
achieves specific financial performance objectives subsequent to 1995. The
Company will recognize any additional consideration paid under this agreement as
goodwill, as the amount would represent incremental excess of investment cost
over equity in net assets of the underlying investment venture. As of December
31, 1996, the maximum amount of the Company's common stock that would be issued
pursuant to this agreement is 149,920 shares. This agreement was amended
subsequent to year end (see Note 5, "Debt Obligations," and Note 14, "Subsequent
Events").
Additionally, one of the venture agreements that the Company entered into
during 1995 provided that the Company's partner had a put right with regard to
its ownership interest in the investment venture. The put right becomes
effective in 1997 and stipulates a fair value amount that is determined
utilizing a formula based on the financial performance of the venture.
The following tables present condensed financial information of the
Company's ventures that are accounted for by the equity method of accounting as
of December 31, 1995 and 1996. See further financial information of the
Company's business operations within Note 13, "Segment Information and Certain
Geographical Data."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
----------------------------------------------------------
MAJORITY OWNED 50% OR LESS OWNED TOTAL EQUITY METHOD
EQUITY METHOD ENTITIES VENTURES VENTURES VENTURES
---------------------- -------------- ----------------- -------------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue.......................... $ 4,966 $49,085 $54,051
Gross margin..................... 1,096 19,944 21,040
Net loss......................... (5,156) (1,224) (6,380)
Equity in net losses............. (5,136) (1,797) (6,933)
Current assets................... 5,188 27,074 32,262
Total assets..................... 17,343 79,486 96,829
Current liabilities.............. 9,214 38,411 47,625
Total liabilities................ 14,395 54,734 69,129
Net assets....................... 2,948 24,752 27,700
Ownership interest in equity in
net assets..................... 2,595 12,511 15,106
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
----------------------------------------------------------
MAJORITY OWNED 50% OR LESS OWNED TOTAL EQUITY METHOD
EQUITY METHOD ENTITIES VENTURES VENTURES VENTURES
---------------------- -------------- ----------------- -------------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue............................ $36,202 $107,270 $143,472
Gross margin....................... 17,109 45,937 63,046
Net loss........................... (1,178) (8,460) (9,638)
Equity in net losses............... (1,091) (6,482) (7,573)
Current assets..................... 27,293 50,689 77,982
Total assets....................... 48,174 146,483 194,657
Current liabilities................ 19,416 68,474 87,890
Total liabilities.................. 24,987 102,332 127,319
Net assets......................... 23,187 44,151 67,338
Ownership interest in equity in net
assets........................... 14,912 19,513 34,425
</TABLE>
F-13
<PAGE> 139
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 4: SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
------------------
1995 1996
------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Accounts receivable consists of:
Trade accounts receivable................................. $ 1,026 $ 6,769
Value added taxes receivable.............................. 1,082 1,971
Other receivables......................................... 894 962
------- -------
3,002 9,702
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts..................... 30 782
------- -------
Total accounts receivable, net.................... $ 2,972 $ 8,920
======= =======
Property and equipment, net consists of:
Telecommunications equipment.............................. $ 9,296 $28,302
Furniture, fixtures and equipment......................... 4,111 5,877
Other property............................................ 658 837
Construction in process................................... 17,555 7,009
------- -------
31,620 42,025
Less: accumulated depreciation............................ 2,097 6,562
------- -------
Total property and equipment, net................. $29,523 $35,463
======= =======
</TABLE>
NOTE 5: DEBT OBLIGATIONS
Company debt consists of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
------------------
1995 1996
------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Debt obligations, with principal payments beginning April 1,
1998 and maturing on March 31, 2001 at 10% interest, net
of unamortized discount for 5,185 warrants issued......... $ -- $59,079
Promissory notes, due on demand at 10% interest............. 9,941 7,887
Interim financing, due June 6, 1996 at 10% interest, net of
unamortized discount for 370 warrants issued.............. 9,481 --
Notes payable, acquisition.................................. 2,406 5,201
Other financing agreements (interest at 7% to 13.5% as of
December 31, 1996)........................................ 5,626 13,380
------- -------
27,454 85,547
Less: debt maturing within one year....................... 14,580 27,437
------- -------
Total long-term debt.............................. $12,874 $58,110
======= =======
</TABLE>
In 1996, the Company entered into long-term obligations ("Debt
Obligations"), totaling $70.0 million, with lenders (the "Lenders"). The Lenders
are affiliated with and are considered related parties to the Company, as a
result of their ownership of the Company's common stock (see Note 12, "Related
Party Transactions," for further discussion). The Debt Obligations require
principal payments beginning in the third year, to maturity in the fifth year.
The Debt Obligations bear an interest rate of 10.0% and require interest
payments beginning in the first fiscal quarter subsequent to the date of
issuance. At the discretion of the Company, the interest payments can be
deferred until the time the Company is obligated to begin making the principal
payments. Further, in connection with the Debt Obligations, the Company issued
5,185,184
F-14
<PAGE> 140
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 5: DEBT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
warrants, valued at $20.7 million, to purchase the Company's common stock. In
accordance with the terms of the warrant agreement, the exercise price of the
warrants was reduced from $15.40 per share to $14.00 per share, as the
outstanding debt had not been repaid prior to December 31, 1996. The warrants
may be exercised up to six years after the date of the relevant agreements. Upon
the consummation of these Debt Obligations, the Company repaid in full the
outstanding $9.5 million interim financing ("Interim Financing") balance
outstanding at December 31, 1995, and the 370,370 warrants associated with the
interim financing were canceled. The Company entered into the $10.0 million
Interim Financing in December 1995 in order to provide the Company sufficient
working capital to meet its contractual obligations, until a larger dollar
amount and longer-term maturity debt could be finalized between the Company and
the Lenders. The Company is subject to certain restrictive covenants pursuant to
these Debt Obligations, including restrictions on the payment of dividends and
indebtedness to affiliated ventures.
In contemplation of securing more permanent financing, the Company entered
into a series of short-term promissory notes, totaling $9.9 million as of
December 31, 1995, with a network equipment provider. In 1996, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company entered into a credit agreement ("Credit Agreement")
totaling $30.7 million with a bank which will provide loans to eleven cellular
ventures within the CIS region for the purchase of certain equipment and
services. Funding under this facility is currently awaiting the finalization of
certain conditions precedent. As a result of the delays in funding under the
Credit Agreement, the Company was required to pay down $2.0 million of the $9.9
million indebtedness. In addition, the Company issued a Letter of Credit for
$12.2 million as collateral for the existing indebtedness and for future
procurements of equipment from the network equipment provider. This letter of
credit was utilized for drawdown purposes upon expiration at March 31, 1997, due
to the continued delays in finalizing the conditions precedent.
In connection with a purchase of a venture during 1995, the Company is
required to pay additional consideration through 1998, either in cash or shares
of the Company's common stock, based upon the actual earnings of the venture. As
of December 31, 1996, the Company determined that additional purchase payments
of $4.5 million would be payable in 1997 as a result of the venture's operating
results for the year ended December 31, 1996. Consequently, the total amount
outstanding is $5.2 million based on the venture's 1995 and 1996 operating
results. The purchase agreement related to acquiring this venture was amended
subsequent to year end, resulting in the note payable being replaced with shares
of the Company's common stock (see Note 14, "Subsequent Events," for further
discussion).
Certain of the Company's consolidated ventures maintain credit facilities
for their local operations. Borrowings under such credit facilities bear
interest at prevailing negotiated market rates.
During 1996, the Company entered into a financing agreement with a
shareholder of the Company for $4.5 million. The outstanding amount accrues
interest at a rate of 13.5% per annum and is payable upon demand. The
outstanding amount may be converted into 292,207 shares of the Company's common
stock upon completion of an initial public offering of the Company's common
stock. The outstanding amount has been included in "Other financing agreements."
Aggregate maturities of long-term debt, as of December 31, 1996, are as
follows: 1997 -- $27.4 million, 1998 -- $19.3 million, 1999 -- $25.0 million,
2000 -- $24.6 million and $6.4 million thereafter.
The Company paid interest of $0.1 million, $0.7 million and $0.2 million in
1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
The Company is pursuing other equity and debt financing sources to
refinance all or a portion of its indebtedness and expansion through sales of
additional debt or equity securities of the Company.
The Company's non-cash financing activities for the year ended December 31,
1996, included the following: $6.2 million of accrued interest rolled into a
note payable with principal payments beginning April 1,
F-15
<PAGE> 141
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 5: DEBT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
1998 and maturing on March 31, 2001 and $3.6 million of amortization on the
discount of a note payable with principal payments beginning April 1, 1998 and
maturing on March 31, 2001. No significant non-cash financing activities were
incurred for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995.
NOTE 6: SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common Stock
The following table summarizes the Company's equity private placements:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------
SHARES ISSUED SHARE PRICE NET PROCEEDS
------------- ----------- ------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1994......................................... 7,666,579 $7.00-10.00 $ 62,082
1995......................................... 3,393,917 13.50 42,138
1996......................................... 5,565,688 20.00 107,744
</TABLE>
During 1995, the Company issued 266,667 shares of common stock to an
independent third party in connection with the purchase of an interest in a
venture within the CIS region. At the discretion of the holder of these shares,
the Company is obligated to repurchase these shares at the prevailing fair
market value of the Company's common stock on the date of repurchase. During
1995, the Company repurchased 50,000 shares at $15.00 per share and the
repurchased shares became treasury stock. Additionally, the Company has accreted
the value of the outstanding common stock subject to repurchase (216,667 shares
on December 31, 1995 and 1996), to the fair value of the Company's common stock
as of December 31, 1995 and 1996 ($15.40 and $20.00 per share, respectively).
During 1996, the Company entered into the Debt Obligations totaling $70.0
million with the Lenders. In connection with the Debt Obligations, the Company
issued 5,185,184 warrants to purchase common stock at $15.40 per share. The
exercise price of the warrants was automatically reduced to $14.00 per share as
of December 31, 1996, because the Debt Obligations remained outstanding. The
warrants expire during the first and second quarters of 2002.
The Company does not intend to pay dividends on common stock in the
foreseeable future. In addition, certain of the Company's financing agreements
include covenant restrictions precluding the payment of dividends by the
Company.
The Company has reserved 9,049,632 shares of common stock for issuance upon
conversion of the exercise of outstanding and future stock options, warrants and
common stock put rights.
Preferred Stock
As of December 31, 1995 and 1996, there were 10,000,000 shares of $0.0001
par value preferred stock authorized, with rights and preferences to be
determined by the Board of Directors. As of December 31, 1995 and 1996, no
shares of preferred stock had been issued.
NOTE 7: STOCK OPTION PLANS
Employee Stock Options
The Company applies the provisions of APB 25 in accounting for its stock
option incentive plans. The effect of applying SFAS No. 123 on the net loss as
reported is not representative of the effects on reported net loss for future
years due to the vesting period of the stock options and the fair value of
additional stock options in future years. Had compensation expense been
determined in accordance with the methodology of SFAS
F-16
<PAGE> 142
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 7: STOCK OPTION PLANS (CONTINUED)
No. 123, the Company's net loss in 1995 and 1996 would have been approximately
$40.9 million and $69.4 million, respectively. The fair value of options granted
during 1995 and 1996 are estimated as $3.28 and $4.39 per share, respectively,
on the date of grant using the minimum value option pricing model with the
following assumptions: dividend yield 0%, risk free interest rate of 5.50% for
1995 and 6.13% for 1996, and an expected life of five years.
The Company maintains the 1992 Stock Option Plan and the Non-Employee
Directors Stock Option Plan ("the Option Plans"). As of December 31, 1996, the
maximum number of shares of common stock available for grant under the Option
Plans were 4,515,990. All options granted under the Option Plans are at exercise
prices that are at least equal to the fair market value of common stock at the
date of grant. Generally, all options granted under the Option Plans vest over a
three year period from the date of grant and expire ten years from the date of
grant.
Additional information with respect to Stock Option activity is summarized
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
--------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
WEIGHTED- WEIGHTED- WEIGHTED-
AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE
EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE
SHARES PRICE SHARES PRICE SHARES PRICE
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding at beginning
of year................. 278,000 $3.37 1,621,200 $ 5.47 2,261,600 $ 6.38
Options granted........... 1,343,200 5.91 787,200 13.63 1,070,308 16.60
Options exercised......... (18,667) 6.69 (37,665) 10.04
Options canceled or
expired................. (128,133) 5.36 (73,002) 13.09
--------- --------- ---------
Outstanding at end of
year.................... 1,621,200 5.47 2,261,600 6.38 3,221,241 10.94
========= ========= =========
Options exercisable at
year-end................ 269,684 $3.60 656,962 $ 5.02 1,292,155 $ 6.77
========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding
at December 31, 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
------------------------------------ ----------------------
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
REMAINING WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
CONTRACTUAL AVERAGE AVERAGE
NUMBER LIFE EXERCISE NUMBER EXERCISE
RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICE OUTSTANDING (IN YEARS) PRICE EXERCISABLE PRICE
----------------------- ----------- ----------- -------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$2.125 to $4.125.................... 1,085,667 7 $ 4.02 822,331 $ 3.99
$7.00 to $13.50..................... 892,966 8 11.77 412,431 11.14
$15.00 to $20.00.................... 1,242,608 9 16.39 57,393 15.07
--------- ---------
3,221,241 8 $10.94 1,292,155 $ 6.77
========= =========
</TABLE>
In addition, prior to the establishment of the Option Plans, certain
options were granted in 1991 to certain key employees and former employees to
purchase 781,500 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of
$0.80 per share. All options were granted at an exercise price equal to the fair
value of the underlying common stock at the date of grant. The options vested in
equal increments over a three year period. During 1993, 402,000 of the options
were canceled and in 1994, 33,500 options were exercised, leaving 346,000 fully
vested options outstanding at December 31, 1995 and 1996.
F-17
<PAGE> 143
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 7: STOCK OPTION PLANS (CONTINUED)
During 1996, the Company issued 5,000 options to an individual that is
neither an employee nor a director, outside of the Option Plans. The options
were granted at an exercise price equal to the fair value of the underlying
common stock at the date of grant, $15.40 per share. The options are fully
vested, and as such, can be exercised at any time subject to a four-year
expiration from the grant date.
Certain of the Company's ventures have stock option plans, or similar
agreements, in place or in the process of being implemented for key officers and
employees. No significant amounts of compensation expense have been recognized
or are contemplated under these plans, nor is the ownership dilution caused by
such plans expected to be significant.
Equity Compensation Plan
In November 1994, the GTS Equity Compensation Plan ("Equity Compensation
Plan") was approved by the Board of Directors to award officers, key employees
and eligible independent contractors of the Company, grants of restricted stock
or other equity based awards. Under the Equity Compensation Plan, up to 4.0% of
the total number of shares of the Company's common stock outstanding at the
beginning of the year are available for granting purposes. As of January 1,
1997, 698,794 represents the maximum number of Company common shares that are
available for grant under the Equity Compensation plan. A committee selected by
the Board of Directors shall establish, within the provisions of the Equity
Compensation Plan, the number of shares to be awarded, the terms and conditions
of the restricted stock, and the purchase price for the restricted stock. As of
December 31, 1996, there were options outstanding to purchase 20,000 shares of
restricted stock at $10.00 per share.
NOTE 8: EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
The Company has a 401(k) retirement savings plan (the "Savings Plan")
covering all U.S. citizen employees. The Savings Plan qualifies under section
401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code and as such, participants may defer pretax
income in accordance with federal income tax limitations. The Company provides a
50.0% matching contribution on the first 5.0% contributed by the employee. The
Company may also, at its discretion, make non-matching contributions. Both
matching and non-matching contributions by the Company vest 100% after three
years of service. The Company's expense under the Savings Plan was less than
$0.1 million, $0.1 million, and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31,
1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. The Company made no discretionary
(non-matching) contributions in 1994, 1995 or 1996.
NOTE 9: OTHER NON-OPERATING INCOME
Favorably affecting the 1995 results was the non-recurring $10.3 million
gain the Company recognized as a result of its cash settlement of certain claims
with a third party in 1995.
NOTE 10: INCOME TAXES
The components of loss before income taxes and minority interest were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
-------- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Pretax loss:
Domestic......................................... $ (8,996) $(22,398) $(41,554)
Foreign.......................................... (2,989) (15,437) (25,077)
-------- -------- --------
$(11,985) $(37,835) $(66,631)
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
F-18
<PAGE> 144
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 10: INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
In 1995 and 1996, the Company recorded $2.6 million and $1.4 million,
respectively, in income tax expense that related exclusively to its current
provision for foreign taxes. The Company did not have income tax expense for
1994.
The reconciliation of the U.S. statutory federal tax rate of 34.0% to the
Company's effective tax rate is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
1995 1996
------------------ ------------------
AMOUNT PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT
-------- ------- -------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Taxes at U.S. statutory rates................. $(12,865) 34.0% $(22,655) 34.0%
Foreign operating losses generating no tax
benefit..................................... 6,550 (17.3) 8,526 (12.8)
Domestic operating losses generating no tax
benefit..................................... 6,315 (16.7) 14,129 (21.2)
Other -- net.................................. 2,565 (6.8) 1,360 (2.1)
-------- ----- -------- -----
$ 2,565 (6.8)% $ 1,360 (2.1)%
======== ===== ======== =====
</TABLE>
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on temporary
differences between earnings as reported in the financial statements and
earnings for income tax purposes. The following table summarizes major
components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------
1995 1996
------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards.......................... $10,106 $ 20,720
Other deferred tax assets................................. 245 1,326
------- --------
Total deferred tax asset.......................... 10,351 22,046
------- --------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation.............................................. 34 358
Other deferred tax liabilities............................ 690 803
------- --------
Total deferred tax liability...................... 724 1,161
------- --------
Net deferred tax asset...................................... 9,627 20,885
Less: valuation allowance................................. (9,627) (20,885)
------- --------
Total............................................. $ -- $ --
======= ========
</TABLE>
As of December 31, 1996, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards
for U.S. federal income tax purposes of approximately $60.9 million expiring in
fiscal years 2003 through 2011. Because of the "change in ownership" provisions
of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, the utilization of the Company's net operating
loss carryforwards will be subject to an annual limitation.
The Company's investment in EDN Sovintel is treated for U.S. tax purposes
as a partnership and, therefore, the Company's share of EDN Sovintel's income or
loss flows through to the Company's consolidated federal income tax return on a
current basis. Undistributed earnings of the Company's other foreign investments
are considered to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no provision for
U.S. federal and state income taxes, or foreign withholding taxes has been made.
Upon distribution of those earnings, the Company would be subject to foreign
withholding taxes and U.S. income taxes (subject to reduction for foreign tax
credits).
F-19
<PAGE> 145
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 10: INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
Certain ventures in the CIS and Hungary are operating under tax holidays
granted by the local governments. Tax holidays are for periods ranging from up
to five years to several years after achieving profitability under local tax
regulations. In addition to these tax holidays, certain of the Company's foreign
ventures have foreign tax loss carryforwards in excess of $25.0 million. The
Company's financial statements do not reflect any provision for benefits that
might be associated with such loss carryforwards.
NOTE 11: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Operating Leases
Operating lease commitments are primarily for office space and equipment.
Rental expense aggregated $0.7 million, $2.0 million and $2.2 million for the
years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
Future minimum lease payments under these non-cancelable operating leases
with terms of one year or more, as of December 31, 1996, are as follows:
1997 -- $2.0 million, 1998 -- $1.4 million, 1999 -- $1.3 million, 2000 -- $0.3
million and $1.1 million thereafter.
Other Commitments and Contingencies
The Company has made commitments to certain of its ventures for future
contract obligations amounting to $8.8 million.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company has issued financial
guarantees on debt and equities for the benefit of certain of its
non-consolidated ventures. The total amount guaranteed at December 31, 1996 was
approximately $3.0 million. In addition, certain ventures are currently
negotiating other financing instruments in which the Company will guarantee upon
perfection of the obligations.
See Note 5, "Debt Obligations," for additional disclosures associated with
the Company's 1996 transactions with its financing activities.
Major Customers
In 1995, the Company had one major customer, a foreign governmental agency
in Central Europe, representing $2.7 million, or 32.1%, of total revenue. In
1996, the Company had two major customers, a foreign governmental agency in
Central Europe and a customer in the CIS, representing $3.8 million, or 15.8%,
of total revenue, and $2.6 million, or 10.8%, of total revenue, respectively.
There were no major customers in 1994.
Tax Matters
The taxation system in Russia ("Russian Taxes") is evolving as the central
government transforms itself from a command to a market oriented economy. The
Russian Federation has introduced and continues to introduce new tax and royalty
laws and related regulations. These laws and regulations are not always clearly
written and their interpretation is subject to the opinions of the local tax
inspectors, Central Bank officials and the Ministry of Finance. Instances of
inconsistent opinions between local, regional and federal tax authorities and
between the Central Bank and Ministry of Finance are not unusual.
The Company's policy is to accrue for contingencies in the accounting
period in which a liability is deemed probable and the amount is reasonably
determinable. In this regard, because of the uncertainties associated with the
Russian Taxes, the Company's Russian Taxes may be in excess of the estimated
amount expensed to date and accrued at December 31, 1995 and 1996. It is the
opinion of management that the ultimate resolution of the Company's Russian Tax
liability, to the extent not previously provided for, will not have a material
effect on the financial condition of the Company. However, depending on the
amount and
F-20
<PAGE> 146
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 11: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
timing of an unfavorable resolution of this contingency, it is possible that the
Company's future results of operations or cash flows could be materially
affected in a particular period.
In various foreign jurisdictions, the Company is obligated to pay value
added taxes ("VAT") on the purchase or importation of assets, and for certain
other transactions. In many instances, VAT can be offset against VAT the Company
collects and otherwise would remit to the tax authorities, or may be refundable.
Because the law in some jurisdictions is unclear, the local tax authorities
could assert that the Company is obligated to pay additional amounts of VAT. In
the opinion of management, any additional VAT the Company may be obligated to
pay would not be material.
Other Matters
In the ordinary course of business, the Company may be party to various
legal and tax proceedings, and subject to claims, certain of which relate to the
developing markets and evolving fiscal and regulatory environments in which the
Company operates. In the opinion of management, the Company's liability, if any,
in all pending litigation, other legal proceeding or other matter other than
what is discussed above, will not have a material effect upon the financial
condition, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.
NOTE 12: RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
As discussed within Note 5, "Debt Obligations," the Company entered into an
Interim Financing agreement and Debt Obligations during 1995 and 1996,
respectively, with the Lenders. The Lenders are shareholders of the Company. As
part of these transactions, the Company provided one of the Lenders with the
opportunity, at its discretion, to co-invest with the Company in all of the
Company's new ventures within the Asia region.
The Company has entered into certain consulting agreements with directors
of the Company and paid $0.1 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million in 1994,
1995 and 1996, respectively, pursuant to those agreements.
The Company had notes receivable due from employees aggregating $0.2
million and $0.1 million in 1995 and 1996, respectively, with no single amount
due from any individual in excess of $0.1 million.
The Company derived revenue from affiliates of $3.3 million in 1996. There
was no significant revenue earned from affiliate sales in 1995 and 1994.
F-21
<PAGE> 147
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 13: SEGMENT INFORMATION AND CERTAIN GEOGRAPHICAL DATA
The Company operates predominantly in a single industry segment, the
telecommunications industry. The industry consists of a wide range of
telecommunications services to international business customers, including long
distance voice and data services and electronic messaging services.
The following tables present financial information by geographic area for
1994, 1995 and 1996. Transfers between geographic areas were not considered
material for disclosure purposes.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
------------------------------------------------------------------
CORPORATE
WESTERN CENTRAL OFFICE &
EUROPE CIS EUROPE ASIA ELIMINATIONS TOTAL
-------- -------- -------- ------- ------------ --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total revenue..................... $ -- $ -- $ 1,295 $ -- $ 1,173 $ 2,468
Gross margin...................... -- -- (179) -- 202 23
Operating loss.................... (546) (1,802) (1,122) -- (9,505) (12,975)
Net loss.......................... (423) (939) (1,661) -- (8,962) (11,985)
Identifiable assets............... 2,173 15,423 9,297 -- 35,064 61,957
Liabilities....................... -- 3,921 6,501 -- (3,157) 7,265
Net assets........................ 2,173 11,502 2,796 -- 38,221 54,692
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
------------------------------------------------------------------
CORPORATE
WESTERN CENTRAL OFFICE &
EUROPE CIS EUROPE ASIA ELIMINATIONS TOTAL
-------- -------- -------- ------- ------------ --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total revenue................... $ 179 $ 3,838 $ 4,361 $ 140 $ (106) $ 8,412
Gross margin.................... (318) (949) 1,380 9 (106) 16
Operating loss.................. (5,469) (16,681) (6,312) (4,831) (15,576) (48,869)
Net loss........................ (5,452) (19,415) (7,091) (4,771) (3,671) (40,400)
Identifiable assets............. 5,898 73,816 15,639 9,167 11,101 115,621
Liabilities..................... 11,766 78,440 26,834 13,936 (75,950) 55,026
Net (liabilities)/assets........ (5,868) (4,624) (11,195) (4,769) 87,051 60,595
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
------------------------------------------------------------------
CORPORATE
WESTERN CENTRAL OFFICE &
EUROPE CIS EUROPE ASIA ELIMINATIONS TOTAL
-------- -------- -------- ------- ------------ --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total revenue................... $ -- $ 12,696 $ 9,355 $ 1,561 $ 505 $ 24,117
Gross margin.................... -- 811 3,292 652 421 5,176
Operating loss.................. (10,679) (14,608) (4,651) (5,057) (22,907) (57,902)
Net loss........................ (10,700) (15,572) (5,295) (4,951) (31,473) (67,991)
Identifiable assets............. 19,607 96,773 17,339 14,973 88,686 237,378
Liabilities..................... 35,728 116,961 33,826 24,753 (93,806) 117,462
Net (liabilities)/assets........ (16,121) (20,188) (16,487) (9,780) 182,492 119,916
</TABLE>
F-22
<PAGE> 148
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 14: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Equity Transactions
As previously discussed in Note 5, "Debt Obligations," in connection with a
purchase of a venture during 1995, the Company may be required to pay additional
consideration through 1998, either in cash or shares of the Company's common
stock, based on the actual earnings of the venture. On January 17, 1997, the
purchase agreement related to acquiring this venture was amended. As a result,
the consideration associated with the 1996 performance was modified and the
notes payable of $5.2 million was replaced and additional consideration was paid
by the issuance of 336,400 shares of the Company's common stock valued at $20.00
per share.
As previously discussed in Note 6, "Shareholders' Equity," the Company
issued, as additional consideration, 266,667 shares of the Company's common
stock to an independent third party as a result of the Company's investment in a
venture within the CIS region. On March 13, 1997, the Company repurchased 21,667
shares at $20.00 per share and these repurchased shares became treasury shares.
The Company will be required to repurchase the remaining shares on an equal
basis over the next three years which requirement will terminate on the date
when the Company first sells shares of Common Stock to the public pursuant to an
effective registration statement under the Securities Act.
As a result of a share offering of one of the Company's equity method
business ventures in early 1997, the Company's investment in the business
venture may increase from 50.0% to between 52.0% and 77.0%, depending on the
equity subscribed for by the other investors. The share offering is expected to
be completed in the second quarter of 1997. In addition, effective January 1,
1997, the Company will recognize 100% of the losses of this venture due to the
Company's becoming the financing partner. The Company would have recognized
additional losses of $3.3 million and $8.2 million in 1995 and 1996,
respectively, had the Company been considered the financing partner. There would
not have been significant additional losses in 1994.
F-23
<PAGE> 149
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1997
(UNAUDITED)
F-24
<PAGE> 150
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
1996 1997
-------------- ---------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C>
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 57,874 $ 366,841
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts
of $782 and $2,588 at December 31, 1996 and September
30, 1997............................................... 8,920 13,498
Restricted cash........................................... 13,627 30,404
Prepaid expenses and deposits............................. 2,537 9,741
Finished goods, net....................................... 949 4,671
Other assets.............................................. 1,238 1,447
--------- ---------
Total current assets.............................. 85,145 426,602
Notes receivable............................................ 209 238
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of
$6,562 and $13,051 at December 31, 1996 and September 30,
1997...................................................... 35,463 60,728
Investments in and advances to ventures..................... 104,459 84,068
Goodwill and intangible assets, net of accumulated
amortization of $3,916 and $7,755 at December 31, 1996 and
September 30, 1997........................................ 9,548 46,770
Restricted cash............................................. 2,554 29,382
--------- ---------
TOTAL ASSETS...................................... $ 237,378 $ 647,788
========= =========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable.......................................... $ 6,761 $ 10,883
Accrued expenses.......................................... 8,450 23,627
Related party debt maturing within one year............... 4,947 11,760
Debt maturing within one year............................. 16,261 14,815
Other current liabilities................................. 2,040 5,731
--------- ---------
Total current liabilities......................... 38,459 66,816
Related party debt, less current portion.................... 59,079 64,715
Long-term debt, less current portion........................ 5,260 411,192
Taxes and other non-current liabilities..................... 14,664 14,898
--------- ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES................................. 117,462 557,621
Minority interest........................................... 1,915 20,275
Common stock, subject to repurchase (325,000 and 797,100
shares outstanding at December 31, 1996 and September 30,
1997)..................................................... 4,333 12,489
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value (10,000,000 shares
authorized; none issued and outstanding).................. -- --
Common stock, $0.10 par value (135,000,000 shares
authorized; 34,589,106 and 37,606,814 issued and
outstanding, net of 116,639 and 195,528 shares of treasury
stock at December 31, 1996 and September 30, 1997)........ 3,459 3,761
Additional paid-in capital.................................. 238,268 274,433
Cumulative translation adjustment........................... (2,161) (7,021)
Accumulated deficit......................................... (125,898) (213,770)
--------- ---------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY........................ 113,668 57,403
--------- ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY........ $ 237,378 $ 647,788
========= =========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed, consolidated
financial statements.
F-25
<PAGE> 151
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
--------------------
1996 1997
-------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues, net:
Telecommunication and other services...................... $ 12,474 $ 26,547
Equipment sales........................................... 2,165 3,669
-------- --------
14,639 30,216
Cost of revenues:
Telecommunication and other services...................... 11,231 25,169
Equipment sales........................................... 1,650 3,183
-------- --------
Total cost of revenues............................ 12,881 28,352
-------- --------
Gross margin................................................ 1,758 1,864
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative....................... 29,555 46,203
Depreciation and amortization............................. 5,109 4,404
Non-income taxes.......................................... 1,061 1,452
-------- --------
Total operating expenses.......................... 35,725 52,059
Write-off of impaired assets................................ -- 1,673
Equity in losses of ventures................................ 6,999 18,234
-------- --------
Loss from operations........................................ (40,966) (70,102)
Other income/(expense):
Interest income........................................... 1,546 5,278
Interest expense.......................................... (7,262) (21,086)
Foreign currency losses................................... (819) (1,094)
-------- --------
(6,535) (16,902)
-------- --------
Net loss before taxes and minority interest................. (47,501) (87,004)
Income taxes................................................ 977 1,838
-------- --------
Net loss before minority interest........................... (48,478) (88,842)
Minority interest........................................... 5 970
-------- --------
Net loss.................................................... $(48,473) $(87,872)
======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed, consolidated
financial statements.
F-26
<PAGE> 152
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------
1996 1997
-------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss.................................................... $(48,473) $(87,872)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization............................. 6,094 9,173
Amortization of discount on note payable.................. 2,502 3,665
Equity in losses of ventures.............................. 6,999 18,234
Deferred interest......................................... 4,386 8,142
Write-off impaired assets................................. -- 1,673
Noncash compensation...................................... -- 1,465
Other..................................................... 1,047 1,355
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable.................................... (3,965) (5,723)
Prepaid expenses....................................... (960) (2,030)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses.................. (2,062) 9,311
Other changes in assets and liabilities................ 2,608 (2,743)
-------- --------
Net cash used in operating activities....................... (31,824) (45,350)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investments in and advances to ventures................... (34,187) (2,158)
Purchases of property and equipment....................... (10,088) (7,444)
Restricted cash........................................... (853) (55,813)
Cash acquired............................................. -- 1,050
Goodwill and other intangibles............................ (1,807) (2,196)
Other investing activities................................ (1,104) (29)
-------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities....................... (48,039) (66,590)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from debt........................................ 62,360 415,986
Payment of debt issue costs............................... (582) (24,178)
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock................ 95,002 36,526
Other financing activities................................ 118 (556)
-------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities................... 156,898 427,778
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash
equivalents............................................... 425 (6,871)
-------- --------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents................... 77,460 308,967
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period............ 9,044 57,874
-------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.................. $ 86,504 $366,841
======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed, consolidated
financial statements.
F-27
<PAGE> 153
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. FINANCIAL PRESENTATION AND DISCLOSURES
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed,
consolidated financial statements of Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. (the
"Company") contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring
accruals) necessary to present fairly the Company's financial position as of
December 31, 1996 and September 30, 1997 and the results of operations and cash
flows for the periods indicated.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial
statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
have been condensed or omitted. Material intercompany affiliate account
transactions have been eliminated; however, other adjustments may have been
required had an audit been performed. It is suggested that these financial
statements be read in conjunction with the Company's 1996 audited consolidated
financial statements and the notes related thereto. The results of operations
for the nine months ended September 30, 1997, may not be indicative of the
operating results for the full year.
The Company's operations are carried out through alliances with strategic
local partners in the form of venture arrangements. Wholly-owned subsidiaries
and majority-owned ventures where the Company has unilateral operating and
financial control are consolidated within the Company's financial results and
operations. Those ventures where the Company exercises significant influence,
but does not exercise unilateral operating and financial control, are accounted
for by the equity method. The Company has certain majority-owned ventures that
are accounted for by the equity method as a result of super-majority voting
conditions or other governmentally imposed uncertainties so severe that they
prevent the Company from obtaining unilateral control of the venture. If the
Company has little ability to exercise significant influence over the ventures,
those ventures are accounted for by the cost method.
The Company recognizes profits and losses in accordance with its underlying
ownership percentage or allocation percentage as specified in the agreements
with its partners; however, the Company recognizes 100% of the losses in
ventures where the Company bears all of the financial risk. When such ventures
become profitable, the Company recognizes 100% of the profits until such time as
the excess losses previously recorded have been recovered. As a result of this
policy, the Company recognized excess losses of $3.0 million and $10.9 million
in its results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and
1997, respectively. In addition, effective January 1, 1997, and through August
31, 1997, the Company recognized 100% of the losses of Hermes Europe Railtel,
B.V. ("HER") that historically has been accounted for by the equity method, due
to the Company being the financing partner for that period. As a result, the
Company recognized $5.3 million in additional losses for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997. The Company would have recognized additional losses of $5.6
million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 had the Company been
considered the financing partner at that time. During the third quarter of 1997,
HER completed its recapitalization (the "Recapitalization"), which resulted in
the Company owning 79.1% of HER's common stock. An amended shareholders'
agreement was signed on July 16, 1997, which provided the Company with
unilateral control of the venture. As a result of the Company's ownership
interest increasing to 79.1% and the amended shareholders agreement, HER was
consolidated into the Company's financial statements as of July 16, 1997 (see
Note 5, "HER Recapitalization and Other Acquisitions").
2. IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS AND INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO CERTAIN VENTURES
As of September 30, 1997, the Company determined that certain assets and
investments in certain business ventures within the Asia and Central Europe
regions were impaired. This resulted in a $1.7 million write-down of impaired
assets to their fair values and a permanent write-down of the Company's impaired
investments by $5.4 million, which is included in the equity in losses of
ventures on the income statement. Also included in the equity in losses of
ventures is the recognition of losses of $14.4 million, which represents the
Company's share of the write-downs of specifically identified impaired assets to
their respective fair values that were recognized by certain equity-method
ventures within the Asia region. Their fair value was based on
F-28
<PAGE> 154
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
the estimated future cash flows to be generated by the assets, discounted at a
market rate of interest. The write down of Central Europe's investment in
Eurohivo was a result of the Company's decision in the third quarter to
discontinue funding Eurohivo's operations and to recognize the contingent
liabilities associated with the expected liquidation and discontinuance of
Eurohivo's operations.
3. DEBT OBLIGATIONS
In July 1997, the Company issued aggregate principal amount $144.8 million
of senior subordinated convertible bonds (the "Bonds") due June 30, 2000. The
Bonds constitute direct, unsecured senior subordinated obligations of the
Company and rank senior in right of payment to all subordinated indebtedness
after existing debt of $84.1 million. Upon completion of a complying public
equity offering as defined in the Bond agreement (an "Offering") or in certain
other circumstances as defined in the Bond agreement, the Bonds may be converted
at the option of the holders from time to time, in whole or in part, prior to
the close of business on June 30, 2000, into shares of the Company's common
stock, par value $0.10 per share. The Bonds will be convertible into such number
of shares of common stock as is equal to the principal amount of such Bonds
divided by the applicable conversion price, which conversion price will be equal
to the public offering price of the Company's common stock in the Offering. The
Bonds bear interest payable semiannually at a rate of 8.75% for the first year,
9.25% for the second year and 9.75% for the final year. In the event of an
Offering, the interest rate will remain at the interest rate prevailing at the
time of the Offering until maturity. In the event that an Offering has not
occurred by the maturity date, the Bonds will be redeemed at 121 percent of
their principal amount.
On August 15, 1997, HER issued aggregate principal amount $265.0 million of
senior notes due August 15, 2007 (the "Senior Notes"). The Senior Notes are
general unsecured obligations of HER, with interest payable semiannually at a
rate of 11.5%. Approximately $56.6 million of the net proceeds of the offering
of the Senior Notes are being held in escrow for the first four semiannual
interest payments commencing on February 15, 1998. HER may redeem the Senior
Notes, in whole or in part, any time on or after August 15, 2002 at specific
redemption prices. HER may also redeem the Senior Notes at a price equal to
111.5% of the principal amount prior to August 15, 2000 with net cash proceeds
of a public equity offering by HER with gross proceeds of at least $75.0 million
or in certain other circumstances specified in the indenture for the Senior
Notes, provided, however, that at least two-thirds of the principal amount of
the Senior Notes originally issued remains outstanding after each such
redemption. Pursuant to the covenants in the offering, HER has filed an S-4
registration statement with the Securities Exchange Commission to exchange
registered senior notes, with the same terms and conditions as the Senior Notes,
for the Senior Notes.
During 1996, the Company entered into an arrangement with one of its
shareholders for the joint investment in a business venture within the Ukraine.
Pursuant to the Company's arrangement with its shareholder, the Company is
obligated to buy out the shareholder's interest in the joint venture, if so
required by such shareholder. The initial capital infusion by the Company and
its shareholder in 1996 was for $4.5 million each. In June 1997, an additional
$4.1 million was contributed by each partner, and the Company is obligated to
buy out the other partner's additional $4.1 million contribution by September
30, 2000. Included in the buyout agreement, the outstanding obligation of $8.6
million may be converted, at the partner's election, into 713,310 shares of the
Company's Common Stock upon completion of an initial public offering of the
Company's common stock.
In connection with a purchase of a venture during 1995, the Company is
required to pay additional consideration through 1998, either in cash or shares
of the Company's common stock, based upon the actual earnings of the venture.
During the first quarter of 1997, the purchase agreement related to acquiring
this venture was amended and notes payable of $5.2 million were replaced and
additional consideration was paid by the issuance of 504,600 shares of the
Company's common stock valued at $13.33 per share. Further, the
F-29
<PAGE> 155
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
agreement was modified such that the remaining consideration would only be in
the form of the issuance of the Company's common stock. The Company's maximum
obligation pursuant to this agreement is to issue 1,121,640 shares. Pursuant to
the purchase agreement, as amended, the Company is obligated to assist the
seller in locating a purchaser for the common stock, and, if unable to do so, to
repurchase the issued common stock.
4. EQUITY TRANSACTIONS
At December 31, 1996, the Company had 325,000 shares of common stock
subject to repurchase, valued at $13.33 per common share. These shares were
originally issued in 1995 by the Company in connection with the acquisition of
an interest in a venture. In March 1997, the Company repurchased 32,500 shares
at $13.33 per share, and these shares became treasury stock. The Company will be
required to repurchase the remaining shares on an equal basis over the next
three years at the prevailing fair value of the Company's common stock on the
date of repurchase. At September 30, 1997, the remaining 292,500 shares of
common stock subject to repurchase were valued at $15.67 per common share,
reflecting the accretion in the Company's stock value since December 31, 1996.
The Company completed a private placement offering in September 1997 and
issued approximately 2,502,000 shares of the Company's common stock at
approximately $15.67 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $39.3 million.
5. HER RECAPITALIZATION AND OTHER ACQUISITIONS
In an effort to generate sufficient capital resources to continue its
buildout of the network and sustain working capital requirements, HER undertook
the Recapitalization during the first quarter of 1997, which was completed in
the third quarter. Prior to the Recapitalization, HER was 50% owned by HIT Rail
B.V. ("HIT Rail"), a consortium of eleven European railway companies, and 50%
owned by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
Pursuant to the Recapitalization, HER offered to the Company, HIT Rail and
the eleven individual members of the HIT Rail consortium the right to subscribe
to additional common stock of HER. The Company and two of the members of HIT
Rail exercised their rights, while HIT Rail and the nine remaining members of
HIT Rail declined to participate.
As a result of the finalization of the Recapitalization, total shareholder
loans outstanding of ECU 39.4 million (approximately $48.5 million) from,
collectively, the Company (approximately $28.4 million), HIT Rail (approximately
$14.0 million) and the two participating railways (collectively, approximately
$6.1 million) were converted into equity. Additionally, the Company contributed
ECU 46.0 million (approximately $51.8 million) and one of the participating
railways contributed a ten-year fiber optic cable lease which was valued at ECU
1.8 million (approximately $2.0 million).
As a result of the Recapitalization, the Company owns 79.1% of HER and the
two exercising railways (collectively) and HIT Rail own 8.3% and 12.6% of HER,
respectively.
Accordingly, HER was consolidated into the Company's financial statements
as of July 16, 1997. The Company's statement of operations includes HER's
results for the nine months ended September 30, 1997, and due to the Company's
policy of recognizing 100% of the losses of HER through August 31, 1997, the
minority partner's share of losses through July 16, 1997 of approximately $5.0
million has not been reflected on the statement of operations as preacquisition
losses.
As of September 30, 1997, the Company purchased the remaining interest in
one of its subsidiaries within the CIS region for $5.2 million, which was paid
in October 1997. Furthermore, the Company is required to pay additional
consideration, of a minimum of $2.4 million, if certain revenue levels are met,
certain other events occur or if neither has occurred, on April 1, 1999. The
purchase price and consideration have been allocated to net assets based on the
fair value at the date of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over
F-30
<PAGE> 156
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
the fair value of the net assets acquired was $5.9 million, which has been
recorded as goodwill and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over five
years.
6. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In 1996, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company entered into a credit
agreement with a bank which will provide loans totaling up to $30.7 million to
certain cellular ventures within the CIS region for the purchase of certain
equipment and services. Subsequent to September 30, 1997, certain conditions
precedent were finalized which allowed funding under the facility. Initial loans
of $7.5 million were incurred at a floating interest rate based on the
Eurodollar rate, with principal and interest payments due semiannually beginning
June 15, 1998 through December 15, 2002. The initial interest rate was 6.04%,
which rate is reset semiannually.
Subsequent to September 30, 1997, HER entered into contractual commitments
to lease fiber pairs, including facilities and maintenance and utilizing the
partial routes for laying fiber optic cable. Based on the contract provisions,
these commitments are currently estimated to aggregate approximately $98.0
million. The commitments have expected lease terms of three to twenty years with
options for renewal rights of five additional years. As of September 30, 1997,
HER made deposits of approximately $6.8 million related to the above leases.
On November 10, 1997, the board of directors approved (subject to
shareholder approval) an increase in the authorized common shares from
60,000,000 to 135,000,000; a 3 for 2 common share stock split, 1 1/2 common
shares for every common share issued and outstanding; and an increase in the par
value of its authorized preferred and common shares from $0.0001 to $1.00 and
$0.10, respectively, on a post-split basis. Accordingly, the Company has
presented share and per share data on a restated basis to give effect to the
increase in authorized common shares, the stock split and the increase in par
value for its capital stock.
F-31
<PAGE> 157
EDN SOVINTEL
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
F-32
<PAGE> 158
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors and Owners
EDN Sovintel
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of EDN Sovintel as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related statements of income and retained
earnings, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1996. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of EDN Sovintel at December 31,
1996 and 1995, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of
the three years in period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited the financial statements of the Company at December
31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and for each of the three years ended December 31, 1996,
not presented herewith, prepared in compliance with the regulations for
bookkeeping and accounting for income tax and statutory reporting purposes in
the Russian Federation on which we expect to report separately for the 1996
audited financial statements and have reported separately for the 1995 and 1994
financial statements. The significant differences between the accounting
principles applied for preparing the statutory financial statements and
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America are
summarized in Note 2, "Basis of Presentation."
Ernst & Young (CIS) Ltd.
Moscow, Russia
February 21, 1997
F-33
<PAGE> 159
EDN SOVINTEL
BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
------------------
1996 1995
------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS OF
US DOLLARS)
<S> <C> <C>
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 3,606 $ 3,094
Cash deposit with related party........................... 476
Accounts receivable, net of allowances.................... 15,329 7,400
Due from affiliates....................................... 1,879 1,196
Inventories............................................... 1,749 938
Prepaid expenses and other assets......................... 2,328 1,540
------- -------
Total current assets.............................. 25,367 14,168
Property and equipment, net................................. 27,709 21,349
Deferred expenses........................................... 1,080 1,215
------- -------
Total assets...................................... $54,156 $36,732
======= =======
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Note due shareholder...................................... $ 5,700 $ 5,500
Trade payables............................................ 8,382 8,761
Accrued liabilities and other payables.................... 1,130 701
Taxes accrued or payable.................................. 1,086 1,019
Amounts due to shareholder and affiliates................. 5,703 2,664
Current portion of amount due to partner in commercial
venture................................................ 1,350
Current portion of long-term debt......................... 694
------- -------
Total current liabilities......................... 23,351 19,339
Amount due to partner in commercial venture................. 1,350
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Capital contributions..................................... 2,000 2,000
Retained earnings......................................... 28,805 14,043
------- -------
Total shareholders' equity........................ 30,805 16,043
------- -------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity........ $54,156 $36,732
======= =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-34
<PAGE> 160
EDN SOVINTEL
STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------
1996 1995 1994
------- ------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues, net:
Service revenues.......................................... $63,488 $29,920 $19,674
Installation revenues..................................... 9,312 12,981 0
Product sales............................................. 2,240 1,391 1,054
------- ------- -------
75,040 44,292 20,728
------- ------- -------
Cost of revenues:
Service costs............................................. 37,884 18,545 11,814
Cost of installation...................................... 4,656 6,491 0
Cost of products.......................................... 1,370 1,211 705
------- ------- -------
43,910 26,247 12,519
------- ------- -------
Gross profit................................................ 31,130 18,045 8,209
Selling, general and administrative expenses................ 10,291 7,145 4,644
Interest expense............................................ 638 703 612
Interest income............................................. (87) (59) (24)
Other loss (income)......................................... 120 (98) (113)
Foreign exchange loss on net monetary items................. 252 112 467
------- ------- -------
Income before taxes......................................... 19,916 10,242 2,623
Income taxes................................................ 5,154 2,594
------- ------- -------
Net income.................................................. 14,762 7,648 2,623
Retained earnings, beginning of year........................ 14,043 6,395 3,772
------- ------- -------
Retained earnings, end of year.............................. $28,805 $14,043 $ 6,395
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-35
<PAGE> 161
EDN SOVINTEL
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
-------- ------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Operating activities
Net income................................................ $ 14,762 $ 7,648 $ 2,623
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization.......................... 3,638 2,448 1,929
Provision for doubtful accounts........................ 678 132 303
Write-off of accounts receivable....................... (147) (492)
Write-down of network equipment and inventories........ 100 196 170
Foreign exchange loss.................................. 252 112 467
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net of allowances................. (8,460) (2,759) (358)
Due from affiliates.................................... (683) (1,011) (172)
Inventories............................................ (911) (309) 77
Advances to related party.............................. (376)
Prepaid expenses and other assets...................... (1,054) (307) (712)
Trade payables......................................... (193) 2,983 2,176
Accrued liabilities and other payables................. 429 586 (591)
Taxes accrued or payable............................... 207 876
Amounts due to shareholder and affiliates.............. 3,039 2,165 499
Other.................................................. (132)
-------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by operating activities......... 11,657 12,268 5,903
Investing activities -- Purchases of and advances for
property and equipment.................................... (9,863) (9,259) (5,729)
Financing activities
Borrowings from shareholder............................... 11,300 11,888 2,883
Repayments to shareholder................................. (11,100) (9,271)
Repayments of long-term debt.............................. (694) (3,979) (3,979)
Increase in cash deposited with related party............. (476)
-------- ------- -------
Net cash used in financing activities............. (970) (1,362) (1,096)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash
equivalents............................................... (312) (220)
-------- ------- -------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents........ 512 1,647 (1,142)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year.............. 3,094 1,447 2,589
-------- ------- -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year.................... $ 3,606 $ 3,094 $ 1,447
======== ======= =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-36
<PAGE> 162
EDN SOVINTEL
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(US DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN TABLES EXPRESSED IN THOUSANDS)
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
EDN Sovintel (the "Company") was created in August 1990 to design,
construct, and operate a telecommunications network in Moscow. This network
provides worldwide communications services, principally to major hotels,
business offices and mobile communication companies. Telecommunications services
are subject to local licensing. The Company's license for international,
intercity and local calls was most recently renewed on November 4, 1996 and is
valid until January 5, 2000. The Company received a license for leased lines on
September 20, 1996 valid for 5 years. The Company began operating in December
1991, providing services under long-term contracts payable in US dollars.
The Company initially registered as a limited liability Russian-American
joint venture. The venture re-registered as a limited liability Russian company
in October 1992. The Company is fifty-percent owned by Open Joint Stock Company
"Rostelecom", an intercity and long-distance carrier which is 51% owned by the
Russian Government, and fifty-percent owned by Sovinet, a US general
partnership, owned by two wholly-owned Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. ("GTS")
subsidiaries.
2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The Company maintains its records and prepares its financial statements in
Russian roubles in accordance with the requirements of Russian accounting and
tax legislation. The accompanying financial statements differ from the financial
statements used for statutory purposes in Russia in that they reflect certain
adjustments, not recorded on the Company's books, which are appropriate to
present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of
America ("US GAAP"). The principal adjustments are related to foreign currency
translation, and depreciation and valuation of property and equipment.
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with US GAAP,
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts
reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results
could differ from those estimates.
Foreign Currency Translation
The Company's functional currency is the US dollar because the majority of
its revenues, costs, property and equipment purchased, and debt and trade
liabilities are either priced, incurred, payable or otherwise measured in US
dollars. Accordingly, transactions and balances not already measured in US
dollars (primarily Russian roubles) have been remeasured into US dollars in
accordance with the relevant provisions of US Financial Accounting Standard
("FAS") No. 52, "Foreign Currency Translation".
Under FAS No. 52, revenues, costs, capital and non-monetary assets and
liabilities are translated at historical exchange rates prevailing on the
transaction dates. Monetary assets and liabilities are translated at exchange
rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Exchange gains and losses arising
from remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities that are not denominated
in US dollars are credited or charged to operations.
The rouble is not a convertible currency outside the territory of Russia.
Within Russia its official exchange rates were determined principally through
trading on Moscow Interbank Currency Exchange ("MICEX") until May 17, 1996.
Although MICEX rates did occasionally diverge from market rates, they were
generally considered to be a reasonable approximation. Beginning May 17, 1996,
official exchange rates
F-37
<PAGE> 163
EDN SOVINTEL
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- (CONTINUED)
were determined daily by the Central Bank of Russia ("CBR") and are generally
considered to be a reasonable approximation of market rates. The translation of
rouble denominated assets and liabilities into US dollars for the purpose of
these financial statements does not indicate that the Company could realize or
settle in US dollars the reported values of the assets and liabilities.
Likewise, it does not indicate that the Company could return or distribute the
reported US dollar values of capital and retained earnings to its shareholders.
The exchange rate used for translation purposes is the CBR rate as of
December 31, 1996 and the MICEX rate as of December 31, 1995 and 1994. The rates
at December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 for one US dollar were RUR 5,560, RUR 4,640
and RUR 3,550, respectively. At February 21, 1997, the CBR rate had changed to
RUR 5,665. The effect of this devaluation of the rouble on monetary assets and
liabilities has not been determined.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and in the bank.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are shown at their net realizable value which
approximates their fair value. Accounts receivable are shown in the balance
sheet net of an allowance for uncollectible accounts of $900,000 and $369,000 at
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
Inventories
Inventories consist of telecommunications equipment held for resale and are
stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is computed on a weighted average
basis.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at their historical cost. Depreciation
and amortization are provided on the straight-line method over the following
estimated useful lives:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Network equipment....................................... 10 years
Other property and equipment............................ 3-5 years
</TABLE>
There is no depreciation charge for construction-in-progress. Depreciation
commences upon completion of the related project.
Deferred Expenses
Deferred expenses represent the Company's interest in the historical cost
of network equipment owned by MTU Inform, a partner in a commercial venture
(Note 8). These expenses are amortized over the equipment's useful life of 10
years.
Revenue Recognition and Taxes on Revenue
Service revenues from telecommunication traffic and periodic fixed fees are
recognized in the period in which the traffic occurs or the fixed fee earned.
Installation revenues represent connection fees and are recognized in the period
of installation. Product sales are recognized in the period in which the
products are sold. Revenues are stated net of any value-added taxes ("VAT")
charged to customers. Certain other taxes on revenues were charged at rates
ranging from 1.5% to 4.0% over the three year period ending December 31, 1996
and amounted to $2,792,000, $1,166,000 and $336,000 in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively, and are charged to selling, general and administrative expenses.
F-38
<PAGE> 164
EDN SOVINTEL
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- (CONTINUED)
Advertising
The Company expenses the cost of advertising as incurred. Advertising
expenses for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $512,000,
$395,000 and $270,000, respectively, and are included in selling, general and
administrative expenses.
Investment Incentive Deductions
Russian legislation allows for certain additional tax deductions related to
new asset investments. These deductions are accounted for as a reduction to
current income taxes in the year in which they arise.
Income Taxes
The Company computes and records income taxes in accordance with FAS No.
109, "Accounting for Income Taxes".
Government Pension Funds
The Company contributes to the Russian Federation state pension fund,
social fund, medical insurance fund, unemployment charters and transport fund on
behalf of all its Russian employees. Contributions were 40.5%, 41.0% and 40.0%
for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair value of financial instruments included in current assets and
liabilities is considered to be the carrying value.
Comparative figures
Certain of the 1995 comparative figures have been reclassified to conform
to the presentation adopted in the current year.
4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consists of the following as of December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Network equipment........................................... $31,251 $20,875
Other property and equipment................................ 3,108 2,740
------- -------
34,359 23,615
Accumulated depreciation and amortization................... (9,380) (5,877)
Construction-in-progress.................................... 1,796 1,539
Network equipment and advances for network equipment not yet
in service................................................ 934 2,072
------- -------
Net book value.............................................. $27,709 $21,349
======= =======
</TABLE>
Total depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment for
1996, 1995 and 1994 was $3,503,000, $2,253,000 and $1,720,000, respectively.
F-39
<PAGE> 165
EDN SOVINTEL
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
5. INCOME TAXES
The Russian Federation was the only tax jurisdiction in which the Company's
income was taxed. The income tax expense reported in the accompanying statements
of operations for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 represents
the provision for taxes currently payable.
The following is a reconciliation of the tax basis and book basis of the
taxable income reported in the Russian statutory financial statements to the
income before taxes reported in the accompanying financial statements presented
in accordance with US GAAP for the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
------- ------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Taxable income (loss) reported for
Russian tax purposes.................. $14,726 $ 7,411 $
Investment incentive deductions....... 9,030 7,220
Tax loss carry-forwards utilized...... 113
Net permanent difference related to
revenues and expenses incurred in
the ordinary course of business
which are not assessable or
deductible for Russian tax
purposes........................... (1,174) (2,595) (948)
------- ------- ------
Russian income (loss) before taxes...... 22,695 12,036 (948)
Adjustments to present financial
statements in accordance with US GAAP:
Reversal of excess depreciation due to
statutory revaluations............. (1,497) (293) (285)
Depreciation rate differences......... (424) (236) (98)
Allowances for uncollectible
accounts........................... 369 (132) (129)
Inventory allowance................... (100) (249) (29)
Accrual of deductible expenses........ (2,437) (1,339) (659)
Accrual of revenue.................... 1,093 19
Foreign exchange differences.......... 280 1,425 5,665
Other non-deductible accruals......... (63) (989) (894)
------- ------- ------
Income before taxes under US GAAP....... $19,916 $10,242 $2,623
======= ======= ======
</TABLE>
The Company operated under a two-year income tax holiday in 1994 and 1993.
As such, no Russian tax calculations or tax filings were made or reported.
A reconciliation between the statutory rate and the effective income tax
rate is as follows for the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Income tax expense computed on financial
income taxes at statutory tax rate of
35% for 1996 and 1995 and 38% for
1994.................................. $ 6,970 $ 3,585 $ 997
Tax effect of permanent differences:
Investment incentive deductions....... (3,161) (2,594)
Tax loss carryforwards utilized....... (40)
Other permanent differences........... 411 805 360
Adjustments made to compute income
before taxes for US GAAP financial
reporting.......................... 813 555 (1,548)
Temporary differences not recognised as
measured by the change in the
valuation allowance................... 161 243 191
------- ------- -------
Income tax expense reported in the
financial statements.................. $ 5,154 $ 2,594 $
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
F-40
<PAGE> 166
EDN SOVINTEL
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
5. INCOME TAXES -- (CONTINUED)
The deferred tax balances are calculated by applying the statutory tax
rates in effect at the respective balance sheet dates to the temporary
differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the amount
reported in the accompanying financial statements, and consist of the following
at December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
------- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets (liabilities):
Depreciation............................................. $ 300 $ 151 $ 74
Inventory write-downs and allowances..................... 235 147 11
Accrual of expenses...................................... 898 469 284
Accrual of revenue....................................... (383) (7)
Allowance for uncollectible accounts..................... 129 277
------- ----- -----
Deferred tax assets........................................ 1,050 889 646
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets................ (1,050) (889) (646)
------- ----- -----
Net deferred tax assets.................................... $ -- $ -- $ --
======= ===== =====
</TABLE>
For financial reporting purposes, a valuation allowance has been recognised
to reflect management's estimate of the deferred tax assets that are less likely
than not to be realized. Management's estimate of the recoverability of the
deferred tax assets is based on the Company's limited history of profitable
operations as well as the uncertainties surrounding the tax and legal systems in
Russia (see Note 11).
Unexpired tax loss carryforwards at December 31, 1996 amount to $113,000
and is available in and expires in 1997.
The Company paid Russian profits tax of $5,849,000 and $2,660,000 in 1996
and 1995, respectively, and no taxes in 1994.
6. NOTE DUE TO SHAREHOLDER AND LONG-TERM DEBT
In October 1995, the Company entered into a $5,000,000 credit facility with
Sovinet, one of the Company's shareholders. It was subsequently increased to
$7,000,000. In January of 1997, this facility was repaid and on January 16,
1997, a new six-month facility was established with GTS Finance, Inc. for
$7,000,000. The loan bears interest at a rate equal to the then current six
month LIBOR rate (5.6% as of December 31, 1996) plus 5.0 percent per annum. As
of December 31, 1996 and 1995, the outstanding borrowings under this agreement
were $5,700,000 and $5,500,000, respectively.
In April 1991, the Company entered into a $5,300,000 credit facility with
Barclays Bank PLC and International Moscow Bank. This loan was fully repaid
during 1996.
The Company believes that the carrying value of the above loans approximate
their fair values.
The Company paid interest of $403,000, $576,000 and $472,000 in 1996, 1995
and 1994, respectively.
F-41
<PAGE> 167
EDN SOVINTEL
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
7. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
The Company's capital structure as specified in its charter capital
document as of December 31 is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Registered capital in Russian roubles:
Rostelecom............................ 600,000 600,000
Sovinet............................... 600,000 600,000
---------- ----------
1,200,000 1,200,000
========== ==========
Historical value of the Company's
capital in US dollars................. $ 2,000 $ 2,000
========== ==========
</TABLE>
As a Russian limited liability company, the Company has no capital stock;
rather, it has only contributed and locally registered capital in accordance
with its charter. As such, no earnings per share data are presented in these
financial statements.
Retained earnings available for distribution at December 31, 1996 amounted
to 84 billion roubles or approximately $15,108,000 at applicable year-end
exchange rates.
8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Transactions and balances with Rostelecom (one of the Company's
shareholders) and its affiliates were, as of and for the years ending December
31, as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
------ ------ ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sales................................... $1,525 $ 62
Telecommunication lease and traffic
costs................................. 4,586 1,506 $410
Amounts due to shareholder and
affiliates............................ 656 460
Cash deposit with related party......... 476
</TABLE>
At the request of Rostelecom, a shareholder, the Company placed a deposit
of 2.65 billion roubles in August 1996 with a Russian bank related to this
shareholder. The bank deposit agreement states a deposit term of one year. The
deposit earns interest quarterly at a rate of 15% per annum plus any devaluation
losses against the US dollar up to a maximum of 4.8% per quarter. Management is
aware that the deposited amount collateralizes certain obligations of the
shareholder.
Transactions and balances with Sovinet (one of the Company's shareholders),
GTS and affiliates were, as of and for the years ending December 31, as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sales................................... $3,115 $1,041 $ 172
Management service fees and
reimbursements of expenses of
expatriate staff...................... 927 2,062 499
Balances due under credit facility...... 5,700 5,500 2,883
Interest expense........................ 626 461 65
Amounts due from affiliates............. 1,879 1,196 185
Amounts due to shareholder and
affiliates............................ 5,047 2,204 499
</TABLE>
F-42
<PAGE> 168
EDN SOVINTEL
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS -- (CONTINUED)
Transactions and balances with MTU Inform, an entity with which the Company
entered into a commercial agreement to co-develop and operate a "258" phone
exchange were, as of and for the years ending December 31, as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
------- ------- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Telecommunication settlement and rent
expense............................... $15,889 $10,491
Balances in trade payables.............. 1,237 2,184
Balance of amount due to partner in
commercial venture.................... 1,350 1,350
Balances in prepaid expenses and other
assets................................ $376
</TABLE>
The Company also has an interest in the cost of the related network
equipment owned by MTU Inform, which is reflected in the balance sheet as
deferred expenses.
9. CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration
of credit risk consist primarily of temporary cash deposits and trade accounts
receivables. The Company deposits its available cash with several Russian
financial institutions. The Company's sales and accounts receivable are made to
and due from a variety of international and Russian business customers. As of
December 31, 1996, two customers accounted for 17% and 16% of revenues and 25%
and 10% of accounts receivable, respectively. As of December 31, 1995, these
same two customers accounted for 1% and 14% of revenues and 10% and 11% of
accounts receivable, respectively. The Company did not have significant
activities with these customers during 1994. However, during 1994, a different
customer accounted for 14% of revenues. The Company has no other significant
concentrations of credit risk.
10. COMMITMENTS
The Company has several cancelable operating leases for office and
warehouse space and telecommunications lines with terms ranging from one to five
years.
Total rent expense for 1996, 1995 and 1994 was $2,123,000, $1,068,000 and
$1,058,000, respectively.
11. CONTINGENCIES
The tax and legal systems in Russia are evolving as Russia and its central
government transform from a command to a market oriented economy. The Russian
Federation has and continues to introduce laws, decrees and related regulations.
These laws, decrees and regulations are not always clearly written and are, at
times, conflicting. In addition, their interpretation is subject to the opinions
of a variety of local, regional and federal tax inspectors, Central Bank
officials and the Ministry of Finance. Instances of inconsistent opinions among
and between these authorities are not unusual.
The Company's policy is to accrue contingencies in the accounting period in
which a loss is deemed probable and the amount is reasonably determinable. In
this regard, because of the uncertainties associated with the Russian tax and
legal systems, the ultimate taxes as well as penalties and interest, if any,
assessed may be in excess of the amount expensed to date and accrued at December
31, 1996. It is the opinion of management, that the ultimate resolution of the
Company's Russian tax liability and potential loss contingencies, to the extent
not previously provided for, will not have a material effect on the financial
condition of the Company. However, depending on the amount and timing of an
unfavorable resolution of this contingency, it is possible that the Company's
future results of operations or cash flows could be materially affected in a
particular period.
F-43
<PAGE> 169
EDN SOVINTEL
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
11. CONTINGENCIES -- (CONTINUED)
The Company's operations and financial position will continue to be
affected by Russian political developments including the application of existing
and future legislation, tax regulations, cancellations or non-renewal of license
rights, and expropriation of property. The Company does not believe that these
contingencies, as related to its operations, are any more significant than those
of similar enterprises in Russia.
F-44
<PAGE> 170
EDN SOVINTEL
CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1997
(UNAUDITED)
F-45
<PAGE> 171
EDN SOVINTEL
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS
DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
1996 1997
------------ -------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 3,606 $ 6,041
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts
of $900 and $1,477 at December 31, 1996 and September
30, 1997............................................... 15,329 14,779
Restricted cash........................................... 476 492
Due from affiliated companies............................. 1,879 2,267
Inventory................................................. 1,749 2,836
Deferred tax asset........................................ -- 665
Prepaid expenses and other assets......................... 2,328 4,544
------- -------
Total current assets.............................. 25,367 31,624
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of
$9,380 and $13,197 at December 31, 1996 and September 30,
1997...................................................... 27,709 35,344
Deferred expenses........................................... 1,080 958
------- -------
TOTAL ASSETS...................................... $54,156 $67,926
======= =======
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable.......................................... $ 8,382 $ 8,492
Accrued expenses.......................................... 2,216 4,043
Due to affiliated companies............................... 5,703 5,572
Note payable to shareholder............................... 5,700 3,449
Taxes and other liabilities............................... 1,350 1,350
------- -------
TOTAL LIABILITIES................................. 23,351 22,906
Commitments and contingencies
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Contributed capital......................................... 2,000 2,000
Retained earnings........................................... 28,805 43,020
------- -------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY........................ 30,805 45,020
------- -------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY........ $54,156 $67,926
======= =======
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-46
<PAGE> 172
EDN SOVINTEL
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------
1996 1997
------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues, net:.............................................. 51,977 82,029
Cost of revenues:........................................... 30,613 51,048
------- -------
Gross margin.............................................. 21,364 30,981
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative....................... 4,619 8,175
Depreciation and amortization............................. 320 452
Non-income taxes.......................................... 2,372 3,697
------- -------
Total operating expenses.......................... 7,311 12,324
Income from operations...................................... 14,053 18,657
Other (expense) income:
Interest income........................................... 36 176
Interest expense.......................................... (481) (447)
Foreign currency losses................................... (170) (87)
------- -------
(615) (358)
Net income before taxes..................................... 13,438 18,299
Income taxes................................................ 3,916 4,084
------- -------
Net income.................................................. $ 9,522 $14,215
======= =======
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-47
<PAGE> 173
EDN SOVINTEL
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------
1996 1997
------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income.................................................. $ 9,522 $ 14,215
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization............................. 2,397 3,817
Provision for doubtful accounts........................... (550) (577)
Income tax benefit........................................ -- (665)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable.................................... (5,991) 1,126
Inventory.............................................. (507) (1,087)
Prepaid expenses and other assets...................... (1,352) (2,216)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses.................. 3,620 1,937
------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities................... 7,139 16,550
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property and equipment....................... (6,938) (11,329)
Restricted cash........................................... (40) (16)
------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities....................... (6,978) (11,345)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowing on (repayment of) shareholder note, net......... 278 (2,251)
Repayment of debt......................................... (694) --
Due to affiliated companies, net.......................... 832 (519)
------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities......... 416 (2,770)
------- --------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents................... 577 2,435
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period............ 3,094 3,606
------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.................. $ 3,671 $ 6,041
======= ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-48
<PAGE> 174
EDN SOVINTEL
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED
1. FINANCIAL PRESENTATION AND DISCLOSURES
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed
financial statements of EDN Sovintel (the "Company") contain all adjustments
(consisting only of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the
Company's financial position as of December 31, 1996 and September 30, 1997, and
the results of operations and cash flows for the periods indicated.
The Company was established in August 1990 to design, construct and operate
a telecommunications network in Moscow. This network provides worldwide
communications services, principally to major hotels, business offices and
mobile communication companies. Telecommunications services are subject to local
licensing. The Company's license for international, intercity and local calls
was most recently renewed on November 4, 1996 and is valid until January 5,
2000. The Company began operating in December 1991, providing services under
long-term contracts payable in U.S. dollars.
The Company initially registered as a limited liability Russian-American
joint venture. The venture re-registered as a limited liability Russian company
in October 1992. The Company is 50.0% owned by Sovinet, a U.S. general
partnership that is owned by two wholly-owned subsidiaries of Global TeleSystems
Group, Inc. ("GTS"); and the Company is 50.0% owned by Open Joint Stock Company
"Rostelecom," an intercity and long-distance carrier that is 51.0% owned by the
Russian Government.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial
statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
have been condensed or omitted. Material accruals have been recorded; however,
other adjustments may have been required had an audit been performed. It is
suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the
Company's 1996 audited financial statements and the notes related thereto. The
results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 may not be
indicative of the operating results for the full year.
The Company maintains its records and prepares its financial statements in
Russian roubles in accordance with the requirements of Russian accounting and
tax legislation. The accompanying financial statements differ from the financial
statements used for statutory purposes in Russia in that they reflect certain
adjustments, not recorded on the Company's books, which are appropriate to
present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of
America. The principal adjustments are related to foreign currency translation,
and depreciation and valuation of property and equipment.
2. DEBT OBLIGATIONS
In October 1995, the Company entered into a $5.0 million credit facility
with Sovinet, one of the Company's shareholders. It was subsequently increased
to $7.0 million. In January 1997, this facility was repaid, and on January 16,
1997 a new six-month facility was established with GTS Finance, Inc., a wholly-
owned subsidiary of GTS, for $5.9 million. The new facility was subsequently
repaid in June 1997, and on June 23, 1997, a new six-month facility was
established with GTS Finance, Inc. for $5.0 million, with a remaining balance of
$3.5 million at September 30, 1997. The loan bears interest at a rate equal to
the then current six-month LIBOR rate, approximately 5.6%, plus 5.0% per annum.
3. CONTINGENCIES
The tax and legal system in Russia are evolving as Russia and its central
government transform from a command to a market-oriented economy. The Russian
Federation has and continues to introduce laws, decrees and related regulations.
These laws, decrees and regulations are not always clearly written and are, at
times, conflicting. In addition, their interpretation is subject to the opinions
of a variety of local, regional and
F-49
<PAGE> 175
EDN SOVINTEL
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
federal tax inspectors, Central Bank officials and the Ministry of Finance.
Instances of inconsistent opinions among and between these authorities are not
unusual.
The Company's policy is to accrue contingencies in the accounting period in
which a loss is deemed probable and the amount is reasonably determinable. In
this regard, because of the uncertainties associated with the Russian tax and
legal systems, the ultimate taxes as well as penalties and interest, if any,
assessed may be in excess of the amount expensed to date and accrued at
September 30, 1997. It is the opinion of management that the ultimate resolution
of the Company's Russian tax liability and potential loss contingencies, to the
extent not previously provided for, will not have a material effect on the
financial condition of the Company. However, depending on the amount and timing
of an unfavorable resolution of this contingency, it is possible that the
Company's future results of operations or cash flows could be materially
affected in a particular period.
The Company's operations and financial position will continue to be
affected by Russian political developments, including the application of
existing and future legislation, tax regulations, cancellations or non-renewal
of license rights, and expropriation of property. The Company does not believe
that these contingencies, as related to its operations, are any more significant
than those of similar enterprises in Russia.
F-50
<PAGE> 176
HERMES EUROPE RAILTEL B.V.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
F-51
<PAGE> 177
REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Board of Directors and
the Shareholders of
Hermes Europe Railtel B.V.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hermes
Europe Railtel B.V. (a development stage company) as of December 31, 1995 and
1996, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows, and
shareholders' equity for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Hermes Europe
Railtel B.V. at December 31, 1995 and 1996, and the consolidated results of its
operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with United
States generally accepted accounting principles.
Ernst & Young Reviseurs
d'Entreprises S.C.C.
Represented by
L. SWOLFS
Partner
Brussels, Belgium
June 11, 1997 except for Note 9, which
is as of July 15, 1997
F-52
<PAGE> 178
HERMES EUROPE RAILTEL B.V.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRO FORMA AT
DECEMBER 31,
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, 1996
1995 1996 (UNAUDITED)
------------ ------------ ------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents............................... $ 5,784 $ 2,013 $ 1,125
Restricted cash......................................... -- 3,840 3,840
Accounts receivable..................................... -- 84 84
Due from affiliated companies........................... 67 491 491
Other assets............................................ 579 1,100 1,100
------- -------- --------
Total current assets............................ 6,430 7,528 6,640
Property and equipment, net............................... 4,671 20,303 20,303
------- -------- --------
Total Assets.................................... $11,101 $ 27,831 $ 26,943
======= ======== ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses................... $ 4,659 $ 8,476 $ 8,476
Due to affiliated companies............................. 2,117 3,344 3,344
Debt maturing within one year........................... 9 63 63
Other current liabilities............................... -- 24 24
------- -------- --------
Total current liabilities....................... 6,785 11,907 11,907
Long-term debt, less current portion...................... 10 499 499
Pension obligation........................................ -- 8 8
------- -------- --------
Total Liabilities............................... 6,795 12,414 12,414
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' loans....................................... 8,353 34,863 --
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, 1,000 Dutch guilders par value (305 shares
authorized and 80 shares issued and outstanding at
December 31, 1995 and 1996; 297,000 shares authorized
and 174,679 shares issued and outstanding on a pro
forma basis at December 31, 1996).................... 45 45 88,829
Additional paid-in capital.............................. 2,884 2,884 6,612
Shareholder receivable.................................. -- -- (58,537)
Cumulative translation adjustment....................... (254) 316 316
Deficit accumulated during the development stage........ (6,722) (22,691) (22,691)
------- -------- --------
Total Shareholders' Equity...................... (4,047) (19,446) 14,529
------- -------- --------
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity...... $11,101 $ 27,831 $ 26,943
======= ======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-53
<PAGE> 179
HERMES EUROPE RAILTEL B.V.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACTIVITY FROM
YEAR ENDED INCEPTION
------------------------------------------ (JULY 6,
DECEMBER 31, 1993) TO
1994 DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
(UNAUDITED) 1995 1996 1996
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues...................................... $ -- $ -- $ 48 $ 48
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues............................ -- -- 4,694 4,694
Selling, general and administrative......... 183 6,637 10,552 17,372
----- -------- -------- --------
183 6,637 15,246 22,066
----- -------- -------- --------
Loss from operations.......................... (183) (6,637) (15,198) (22,018)
Other income/(expense):
Interest income............................. 18 125 508 651
Interest expense............................ -- (9) (153) (162)
Foreign currency (losses) gains............. (55) 19 (1,126) (1,162)
----- -------- -------- --------
(37) 135 (771) (673)
----- -------- -------- --------
Loss before income taxes...................... (220) $ (6,502) $(15,969) $(22,691)
Income taxes.................................. -- -- -- --
----- -------- -------- --------
Net Loss...................................... $(220) $ (6,502) $(15,969) $(22,691)
===== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-54
<PAGE> 180
HERMES EUROPE RAILTEL B.V.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED ACTIVITY FROM
------------------------------------------ INCEPTION
DECEMBER 31, (JULY 6, 1993) TO
1994 DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
(UNAUDITED) 1995 1996 1996
------------ ------------ ------------ -----------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss................................. $ (220) $ (6,502) $(15,969) $(22,691)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net
cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization......... 5 11 658 674
Deferred interest..................... -- -- 125 125
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable................. -- -- (84) (84)
Deposits............................ -- (17) (589) (606)
Accounts payable and accrued
expenses......................... 89 4,570 3,817 8,476
Other changes in assets and
liabilities...................... (41) (521) 100 (462)
------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash used in operating
activities..................... (167) (2,459) (11,942) (14,568)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property and equipment...... (52) (4,635) (16,290) (20,977)
Restricted cash.......................... -- -- (3,840) (3,840)
------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash used in investing
activities..................... (52) (4,635) (20,130) (24,817)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from debt....................... -- 19 543 562
Net proceeds from issuance of common
stock................................. 1,028 1,901 -- 2,929
Proceeds from shareholders' loans........ -- 8,353 26,385 34,738
Due to affiliated companies, net......... -- 2,050 803 2,853
------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by financing
activities..................... 1,028 12,323 27,731 41,082
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
cash equivalents......................... 58 (312) 570 316
------- -------- -------- --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents.............................. 867 4,917 (3,771) 2,013
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
period................................... -- 867 5,784 --
------- -------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
period................................... $ 867 $ 5,784 $ 2,013 $ 2,013
======= ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-55
<PAGE> 181
HERMES EUROPE RAILTEL B.V.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the period from July 6, 1993 (date of inception) to December 31, 1993
and the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DEFICIT
ACCUMULATED
COMMON STOCK ADDITIONAL CUMULATIVE DURING THE TOTAL
--------------- PAID-IN TRANSLATION DEVELOPMENT SHAREHOLDERS'
SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL ADJUSTMENT STAGE EQUITY
------ ------ ---------- ----------- ------------ -------------
(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Issuance of shares on July 6, 1993 (date of
inception)................................... 40 $21 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 21
-- --- ------ ------ -------- --------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1993................... 40 21 -- -- -- 21
Proceeds from the sale of common stock......... 21 11 996 -- -- 1,007
Translation adjustment......................... -- -- -- 58 -- 58
Net loss....................................... -- -- -- -- (220) (220)
-- --- ------ ------ -------- --------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1994................... 61 32 996 58 (220) 866
Proceeds from the sale of common stock......... 19 13 1,888 -- -- 1,901
Translation adjustment......................... -- -- -- (312) -- (312)
Net loss....................................... -- -- -- -- (6,502) (6,502)
-- --- ------ ------ -------- --------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1995................... 80 45 2,884 (254) (6,722) (4,047)
Translation adjustment......................... -- -- -- 570 -- 570
Net loss....................................... -- -- -- -- (15,969) (15,969)
-- --- ------ ------ -------- --------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1996................... 80 $45 $2,884 $ 316 $(22,691) $(19,446)
== === ====== ====== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-56
<PAGE> 182
HERMES EUROPE RAILTEL B.V.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1: NATURE OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Hermes Europe Railtel B.V. (the "Company") intends to become the leading
pan-European carriers' carrier by constructing and operating a managed,
seamless, fiber optic, pan-European network, and providing high-quality
trans-border transmission services to telecommunications carriers across Europe.
The Company is 50% owned by HIT Rail B.V.("HIT Rail"), a consortium of
eleven European railway companies and 50% owned by GTS-Hermes,
Inc.("GTS-Hermes"), a U.S. holding company that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., a provider of a broad range of
telecommunications services to businesses, other telecommunications service
providers and consumers through its operations of voice and data networks,
international gateways, local access and cellular networks and the provision of
various value added services in markets outside of the United States.
The Company is still a development stage enterprise, as currently the
telecommunications network is being configured. The buildout of the network
started in 1996; full commercial services are anticipated to commence in the
first half of 1998.
The Company had working deficits of approximately $4.4 million and $0.4
million as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The Company had an
accumulated deficit of $22.7 million as of December 31, 1996, including a net
loss of approximately $16.0 million for the year then ended. During 1997, the
Company expects to incur substantial expenditures for working capital and
capital expenditure requirements. The Company's working capital at December 31,
1996, plus its anticipated cash flows from operations for 1997, will not be
sufficient to meet such objectives as presently planned.
Management recognizes that the Company must generate additional capital
resources in order to continue its buildout of the network. The Company is
pursuing other equity and debt financing sources and has entered into
substantive negotiations with various financial institutions in order to obtain
further debt financing and is expecting to complete a recapitalization (the
"Recapitalization") by the end of August, 1997 (see Note 9, "Subsequent Events
and Pro Forma Adjustments").
The financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting
principles applicable to a going concern, which assumes that the Company will
continue in the foreseeable future and will be able to realize its assets and
discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. If the going concern
assumptions were not appropriate for these financial statements, then
adjustments would have been necessary in the carrying value of assets and
liabilities and the reported revenues and expenses.
NOTE 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The financial statements include the accounts of Hermes Europe Railtel
B.V., its Belgian branch and of Hermes Europe Railtel N.V. All significant
intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated upon consolidation.
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1995 consolidated financial
statements in order to conform to the 1996 presentation.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of
three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. The Company
had $3.8 million of restricted cash at December 31, 1996.
F-57
<PAGE> 183
HERMES EUROPE RAILTEL B.V.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
The restricted cash is primarily related to cash held in escrow in compliance
with an agreement with a major vendor.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated on a
straight-line basis over the estimated lives ranging from five to seven years
for telecommunications equipment and three to ten years for furniture, fixtures
and equipment and other property. A substantial part of the costs includes
construction in process, which is currently related to the configuration and
build-out of the network, and these costs primarily consist of labor. These
costs are transferred to telecommunications equipment in service as construction
is completed and/or equipment is placed into service. Depreciation is recorded
commencing with the first full month that the assets are in service. Maintenance
and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
The Company intends to capitalize material interest costs associated with
the construction of telecommunications equipment; however, no interest costs
have been capitalized as of December 31, 1996.
LONG-LIVED ASSETS
Effective January 1, 1995, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." In accordance
with SFAS No. 121, long-lived assets to be held and used by the Company are
reviewed to determine whether any events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. For long-lived
assets to be held and used, the Company bases its evaluation on such impairment
indicators as the nature of the assets, the future economic benefit of the
assets, any historical or future profitability measurements, as well as other
external market conditions or factors that may be present. If such impairment
indicators are present or other factors exist that indicate that the carrying
amount of the asset may not be recoverable, the Company determines whether an
impairment has occurred through the use of an undiscounted cash flow analysis of
assets at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exist. If an
impairment has occurred, the Company recognizes a loss for the difference
between the carrying amount and the estimated value of the asset. The fair value
of the asset is measured using quoted market prices or, in the absence of quoted
market prices, fair value is based on an estimate of discounted cash flow
analysis. During the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996, the Company's
analyses indicated that there was not an impairment of its long-lived assets.
INCOME TAXES
The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes.
Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences between the tax basis of
assets and liabilities and the basis as reported in the consolidated financial
statements.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
The accounting records of the Dutch B.V. company are maintained in Dutch
guilders. The accounting records of the Belgian branch and the Belgian N.V.
company are maintained in Belgian francs. The functional currency for the
Company has been determined to be the Belgian franc. Therefore, the Dutch
guilder statements have been remeasured into Belgian franc equivalents,
consolidated with the Belgian branch and Belgian N.V. statements and then
translated into U.S. dollar equivalents for the purpose of preparing the
accompanying financial statements, in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States.
F-58
<PAGE> 184
HERMES EUROPE RAILTEL B.V.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
The Company follows a translation policy in accordance with SFAS No. 52,
"Foreign Currency Translation." Assets and liabilities are translated at the
rates of exchange at the balance sheet date. Income and expense accounts are
translated at average monthly rates of exchange. The resultant translation
adjustments are included in the cumulative translation adjustment, a separate
component of shareholders' equity. Gains and losses from foreign currency
transactions are included in the operations.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company's revenue is associated with its customers right to use the
network and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the
customer contracts.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company believes that the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities
reported in the balance sheets approximates their fair value.
OFF BALANCE SHEET RISK AND CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration
of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts
receivable. The Company maintains most of its cash and cash equivalents in high
quality European financial institutions.
The Company does not now hedge against foreign currency fluctuations,
although the Company may implement such practices in the future. Under current
practices, the Company's results from operations could be adversely affected by
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
USES OF ESTIMATES IN PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The preparation of these consolidated financial statements, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles, requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect amounts in the financial statements and
accompanying notes and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
NOTE 3: SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1995 1996
------------ ------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Other assets consist of:
Deposits.................................................. $ 17 $ 606
VAT receivable............................................ 272 402
Other assets.............................................. 290 92
------ -------
Total other assets................................ $ 579 $ 1,100
====== =======
</TABLE>
F-59
<PAGE> 185
HERMES EUROPE RAILTEL B.V.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 3: SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1995 1996
------------ ------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Property and equipment, net consists of:
Construction in process................................... $3,879 $12,981
Telecommunications equipment in service................... -- 4,947
Furniture, fixtures and equipment......................... 807 2,507
Leasehold improvements.................................... 2 543
------ -------
4,688 20,978
Less: accumulated depreciation......................... 17 675
------ -------
Total property and equipment, net................. $4,671 $20,303
====== =======
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of:
Trade accounts payable.................................... 2,225 5,445
Accrued salaries and bonuses.............................. 668 1,924
Accrued vacation expense.................................. 110 774
Accrued legal expenses.................................... 522 147
Accrued expense........................................... 1,134 186
------ -------
$4,659 $ 8,476
====== =======
</TABLE>
NOTE 4: DEBT OBLIGATIONS
Company debt consists of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1995 1996
------------ ------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Debt obligation, vendor financing agreement with quarterly
principal payments and maturing on October 1, 2004 at 6.8%
interest.................................................. $-- $562
Other financing agreements with interest at 10.2%........... 19 --
--- ----
Less: debt maturing within one year......................... 9 63
--- ----
Total long-term debt........................................ $10 $499
=== ====
</TABLE>
Aggregate maturities of long-term debt, as of December 31, 1996, are as
follows: 1997 -- $0.06 million, 1998 -- $0.06 million, 1999 -- $0.06 million,
2000 -- $0.07 million, 2001 -- $0.07 million and $0.2 million thereafter.
The Company paid interest of $0.02 million and $0.01 million in 1996 and
1995, respectively. The Company did not pay interest in 1994.
NOTE 5: DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN
The Company established a defined benefit pension plan in 1995 that covers
substantially all of its employees upon twenty-five years of age and at least
one year of service. The benefits are based on years of service and the
employee's compensation. The Company has entered into an arrangement with an
insurance company for the provision of a group insurance policy (the "Policy").
Under the Policy, the insurance provider has undertaken a legal obligation to
provide specified benefits to participants in return for a fixed premium;
accordingly, the Company no longer bears significant financial risk. Premium
payments for the
F-60
<PAGE> 186
HERMES EUROPE RAILTEL B.V.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 5: DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN (CONTINUED)
Policy are partly paid by the employee; based on specified terms that consider
the employees annual salary, with the remaining premium paid by the employer.
Premiums are intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to service to
date but also for those expected to be earned in the future.
The Company's expense under the plan was $0.05 million in 1995. No
actuarial calculation was performed due to the immateriality to the financial
statements.
The following table sets forth the plan's funded status and amounts
recognized at December 31, 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C>
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
Accumulated benefit obligation............................ $(136)
-----
Projected benefit obligation for service rendered to
date................................................... $(388)
Plan assets at fair value, primarily Belgian bonds........ 338
-----
Projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets.... (50)
Unrecognized net obligation............................... 42
-----
Pension obligation........................................ $ 8
=====
Net pension cost for 1996 included the following components:
Service cost -- benefits earned during the period......... $ 365
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation............. 3
Actual return on plan assets.............................. (9)
Net amortization.......................................... 2
-----
Net periodic pension cost......................... $ 361
=====
</TABLE>
The discount rate and rate of increase in future compensation levels used
in determining the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation
was 4.5%. The expected long-term rate of return on assets was 7.0%
NOTE 6: INCOME TAXES
The components of loss before income taxes were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------
1994 1995 1996
----- ------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Pretax loss:
Domestic (the Netherlands)........................... $ (95) $ (422) $ (608)
Foreign.............................................. (125) (6,080) (15,361)
----- ------- --------
$(220) $(6,502) $(15,969)
===== ======= ========
</TABLE>
No current income taxes are due as the Company incurred losses due to the
start-up activities in the Belgian branch and the Company.
F-61
<PAGE> 187
HERMES EUROPE RAILTEL B.V.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 6: INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
A deferred tax asset is recorded based on temporary differences between
earnings as reported in the financial statements and earnings for income tax
purposes. The following table summarizes major components of the Company's
deferred tax asset:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1995 1996
------------ ------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards.......................... $ 3,919 $ 11,729
------- --------
Net deferred tax assets..................................... 3,919 11,729
Less: valuation allowance................................... (3,919) (11,729)
------- --------
Total............................................. $ -- $ --
======= ========
</TABLE>
As of December 31, 1996, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards
for Belgian and Dutch income tax purposes of approximately $29.3 million, which
are recoverable from profits for an unlimited period of time.
NOTE 7: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
OPERATING LEASES
Operating lease commitments are primarily for office space and car rental.
The office lease has a term of nine years, expiring on June 30, 2005, with an
option to cancel January 1, 2002 with a penalty of six months, rental payment as
well as the remaining principal due on the debt obligation (see Note 4, "Debt
Obligations"). In addition, the Company received a reduction in annual expense
during the first three years of the lease. This reduction is being amortized
over the first six years of the lease, using a straight-line method.
Rental expense aggregated approximately $0.5 million and $0.7 million, net
of sublease income of $0.01 million and $0.08 million for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The Company did not have rent expense
in 1994.
Future minimum lease payments under these non-cancelable operating leases
with terms of one year or more, as of December 31, 1996, are as follows:
1997 -- $1.1 million, 1998 -- $1.1 million, 1999 -- $1.2 million, 2000 -- $1.2
million, 2001 -- $1.2 million and $0.6 million thereafter.
OTHER MATTERS
In the ordinary course of business, the Company may be party to various
legal and tax proceedings, and subject to claims, certain of which relate to the
regulatory environments in which the Company currently or intends to operate. In
the opinion of management, the Company's liability, if any, in all pending
litigation, or other legal proceeding or other matter other than what is
discussed above, will not have a material effect upon the financial condition,
results of operations or liquidity of the Company.
F-62
<PAGE> 188
HERMES EUROPE RAILTEL B.V.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 8: RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company received financing through shareholders' loan transactions
provided by HIT Rail and GTS-Hermes. The components of the Company's shareholder
loans are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1995 1996
------------ ------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
HIT Rail.................................................... $6,425 $13,999
GTS-Hermes.................................................. 1,928 20,864
------ -------
Total shareholders' loans......................... $8,353 $34,863
====== =======
</TABLE>
The amount due from GTS-Hermes includes $0.1 million of accrued interest at
December 31, 1996. The loans will be converted into shares of the Company's
common stock as part of the Recapitalization which is expected to be completed
by the end of August, 1997 (see Note 9, "Subsequent Events and Pro Forma
Adjustments").
NOTE 9: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS AND PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
Subsequent to December 31, 1996, Hermes Europe Railtel N.V. began
negotiating a new lease on a second office building, which is currently being
constructed. The terms of the lease are expected to be finalized by the fourth
quarter of 1997, the expected completion date of the construction. The lease
period will be for eight years and will have an annual expense of $0.4 million
to be paid in quarterly installments.
In January and February 1997, additional loans of ECU 6.4 million
(approximately $7.5 million) were advanced to the Company by GTS-Hermes. These
loans were converted into shares of the Company's common stock ("Common Stock")
as part of the Recapitalization. In addition, loans of ECU 5.4 million
(approximately $6.1 million) were advanced to the Company in February and April
1997 by individual members of HIT Rail. These loans are expected to be converted
into Common Stock as part of the Recapitalization discussed below.
To increase the equity of the Company by means of the contribution of fiber
optic cable leases and/or cash by its current partners and individual
shareholders of HIT Rail, the Company expects to complete the Recapitalization
by the end of August, 1997.
Pursuant to the Recapitalization, the Company extended rights to subscribe
to additional Common Stock to GTS-Hermes, HIT Rail and the eleven individual
members of the HIT Rail consortium. HIT Rail and eight of the members of HIT
Rail have declined to exercise their rights, while GTS-Hermes and three of the
members of HIT Rail have indicated that they intend to exercise their rights.
The first phase of the Recapitalization was completed on July 7, 1997. As a
result, all shareholders' loans from GTS-Hermes and HIT Rail were converted into
Common Stock. In addition, GTS-Hermes exercised its right to subscribe to
additional Common Stock, resulting in a contribution of ECU 46.0 million
(approximately $51.1 million), which will be paid to the Company by September
30, 1997. The first phase of the Recapitalization resulted in the following
ownership of the Company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES CONVERSION OF EXERCISE SHARES
DECEMBER 31, 1996 SHAREHOLDERS' LOANS OF RIGHTS JULY 7, 1997
----------------- ------------------- --------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
GTS-Hermes...................... 40 50,197 100,395 150,632
HITRail......................... 40 24,007 -- 24,047
-- ------- ------- -------
80 74,204 100,395 174,679
== ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
F-63
<PAGE> 189
HERMES EUROPE RAILTEL B.V.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NOTE 9: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS AND PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS (CONTINUED)
Under Dutch law, the Company is required to pay a 1% capital duty tax on
all issuances of common stock, which will result in the Company paying a capital
duty tax of approximately $0.9 million. The pro forma balance sheet at December
31, 1996 gives effect to the first phase of the Recapitalization as discussed
above.
Additional phases of the Recapitalization are expected to include the
conversion of loans of ECU 5.4 million (approximately $6.1 million) advanced to
the Company by two of the individual members of HIT Rail, as well as the
contribution of fiber optic cable leases. If all three individual members of HIT
Rail participate in the Recapitalization as anticipated, it will result in the
following ownership of the Company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES ADDITIONAL SHARES AT COMPLETION
JULY 7, 1997 SHARES OF RECAPITALIZATION
------------ ---------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
GTS-Hermes................................... 150,632 150,632
HIT Rail..................................... 24,047 24,047
Individual members of the HIT Rail
consortium................................. -- 21,385 21,385
------- ------ -------
174,679 21,385 196,064
======= ====== =======
</TABLE>
F-64
<PAGE> 190
HERMES EUROPE RAILTEL B.V.
CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1997
(UNAUDITED)
F-65
<PAGE> 191
HERMES EUROPE RAILTEL B.V.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
1996 1997
------------- --------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 2,013 $237,541
Restricted cash........................................... 3,840 29,155
Accounts receivable....................................... 84 479
Due from affiliated companies............................. 491 672
Other assets.............................................. 1,100 8,260
-------- --------
Total current assets.............................. 7,528 276,107
Property and equipment, net................................. 20,303 28,270
Restricted cash............................................. -- 27,877
Intangible assets, net...................................... -- 14,748
-------- --------
Total assets...................................... $ 27,831 $347,002
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses..................... $ 8,476 $ 15,138
Due to affiliated companies............................... 3,344 1,251
Deferred income........................................... 24 1,577
Other current liabilities................................. -- 591
Debt maturing within one year............................. 63 52
-------- --------
Total current liabilities......................... 11,907 18,609
Long-term debt, less current portion........................ 499 265,401
Pension obligation.......................................... 8 8
-------- --------
Total liabilities................................. 12,414 284,018
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' loans......................................... 34,863 --
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, 1000 guilders par value (305 shares
authorized and 80 shares issued and outstanding at
December 31, 1996; 297,000 shares authorized and
190,468 shares issued and outstanding at September 30,
1997).................................................. 45 96,757
Additional paid-in capital................................ 2,884 8,949
Cumulative translation adjustment......................... 316 (2,920)
Accumulated deficit....................................... (22,691) (39,802)
-------- --------
Total shareholders' equity........................ (19,446) 62,984
-------- --------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity........ $ 27,831 $347,002
======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed, consolidated
financial statements.
F-66
<PAGE> 192
HERMES EUROPE RAILTEL B.V.
CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
--------------------
1996 1997
-------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues.................................................... $ -- $ 2,262
-------- --------
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues.......................................... 3,442 5,989
Selling, general and administrative....................... 7,329 11,613
-------- --------
10,771 17,602
-------- --------
Loss from operations........................................ (10,771) (15,340)
Other income/(expense):
Interest income/(expense), net............................ 423 (1,864)
Foreign currency (losses)/gains........................... (774) 93
-------- --------
(351) (1,771)
-------- --------
Loss before income taxes.................................... (11,122) (17,111)
Income taxes................................................ -- --
-------- --------
Net loss.................................................... $(11,122) $(17,111)
======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed, consolidated
financial statements.
F-67
<PAGE> 193
HERMES EUROPE RAILTEL B.V.
CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------
1996 1997
-------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
-------------------
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss.................................................. $(11,122) $(17,111)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization.......................... 387 1,862
Non-cash compensation.................................. -- 1,468
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable.................................. -- (414)
Deposits............................................. (628) (6,240)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses................ 4,625 7,871
Other changes in assets and liabilities.............. (1,705) 234
-------- --------
Net cash used in operating activities............. (8,443) (12,330)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property and equipment....................... (12,834) (12,757)
Restricted cash........................................... (6,883) (54,860)
-------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities............. (19,717) (67,617)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from debt........................................ 583 270,849
Payment of debt issue costs............................... -- (13,238)
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock................ -- 52,015
Proceeds from shareholders' loans......................... 25,305 13,311
Due to affiliated companies, net.......................... 351 (1,964)
-------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities......... 26,239 320,973
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash
equivalents............................................... (404) (5,498)
-------- --------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents........ (2,325) 235,528
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period............ 5,784 2,013
-------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.................. $ 3,459 $237,541
======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed, consolidated
financial statements.
F-68
<PAGE> 194
HERMES EUROPE RAILTEL B.V.
NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1. FINANCIAL PRESENTATION AND DISCLOSURES
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed,
consolidated financial statements of Hermes Europe Railtel B.V. (the "Company")
contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) necessary
to present fairly the Company's financial position as of December 31, 1996 and
September 30, 1997, and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods
indicated.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial
statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
have been condensed or omitted. Material intercompany affiliate account
transactions have been eliminated; however, other adjustments may have been
required had an audit been performed. It is suggested that these financial
statements be read in conjunction with the Company's 1996 audited consolidated
financial statements and the notes related thereto. The results of operations
for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 may not be indicative of the
operating results for the full year.
The Company intends to become the leading pan-European carriers' carrier by
constructing and operating a managed, seamless, fiber optic, pan-European
network, and providing high quality trans-border transmission services to
telecommunications carriers across Europe.
In an effort to generate sufficient capital resources to continue its
buildout of the network and sustain working capital requirements, the Company
undertook a recapitalization (the "Recapitalization") during the first quarter
of 1997, which was completed in September 1997. Prior to the recapitalization,
the Company was 50% owned by HIT Rail B.V. ("HIT Rail"), a consortium of eleven
European railway companies, and 50% owned by GTS-Hermes, Inc. ("GTS-Hermes"), a
U.S. holding company that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Global TeleSystems
Group, Inc. ("GTS"), a provider of a broad range of telecommunications services
to businesses, other telecommunications service providers and consumers through
its operation of voice and data networks, international gateways, local access
and cellular networks and the provision of value-added services, in markets
outside the United States.
Pursuant to the Recapitalization, the Company offered to GTS-Hermes, HIT
Rail and the eleven individual members of the HIT Rail consortium the right to
subscribe to additional common stock of the Company. GTS-Hermes and two of the
members of HIT Rail, Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer Belges S.A. de Droit
Public/Nationale Maatschappij der Belgische Spoorwegen N.V. ("NMBS") and AB Swed
Carrier ("Swed Carrier"), exercised their rights, while HIT Rail and the nine
remaining members of HIT Rail declined to participate.
As a result of the finalization of the Recapitalization, total shareholder
loans of ECU 39.4 million (approximately $48.5 million) from, collectively,
GTS-Hermes, HIT Rail, NMBS and Swed Carrier were converted into equity.
Additionally, GTS-Hermes contributed ECU 46.0 million (approximately $51.8
million) and NMBS contributed a ten-year fiber optic cable lease which was
valued at ECU 1.8 million (approximately $2.0 million).
In addition, under Dutch law, the Company is required to pay a 1% capital
duty tax on issuances of common stock, resulting in a tax of approximately $1.0
million, of which $0.6 million remains to be paid at September 30, 1997.
F-69
<PAGE> 195
HERMES EUROPE RAILTEL B.V.
NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1. FINANCIAL PRESENTATION AND DISCLOSURES -- (CONTINUED)
The ownership of the Company as a result of the Recapitalization is as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES OWNERSHIP %
------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
GTS-Hermes.................................................. 150,632 79.1%
HIT Rail.................................................... 24,047 12.6
NMBS........................................................ 11,424 6.0
Swed Carrier................................................ 4,365 2.3
------- -----
Total............................................. 190,468 100.0%
======= =====
</TABLE>
In an additional effort to obtain capital resources, the Company completed
a debt offering in August 1997 that raised $265.0 million (see Note 2, "Debt
Obligations").
The Company was a development stage enterprise through December 31, 1996.
NOTE 2. DEBT OBLIGATIONS
On August 15, 1997, the Company issued aggregate principal amount $265.0
million of senior notes due August 15, 2007 (the "Senior Notes"). The Senior
Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company, with interest payable
semiannually at a rate of 11.5%. Approximately $56.6 million of the net proceeds
of the offering of the Senior Notes is being held in escrow for the first four
semiannual interest payments commencing on February 15, 1998. The Company may
redeem the Senior Notes, in whole or in part, any time on or after August 15,
2002 at specific redemption prices. The Company may also redeem the Senior Notes
at a price equal to 111.5% of the principal amount prior to August 15, 2000 with
net cash proceeds of a public equity offering with gross proceeds of at least
$75.0 million or in certain other circumstances specified in the indenture for
the Senior Notes, provided, however, that at least two-thirds of the principal
amount of the Senior Notes originally issued remains outstanding after each such
redemption. Pursuant to the covenants in the offering, the Company has filed an
S-4 registration statement with the Securities Exchange Commission to exchange
registered senior notes, with the same terms and conditions as the Senior Notes,
for the Senior Notes.
NOTE 3. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During 1997, additional shareholder loans of $7.5 million, $3.9 million and
$2.2 million were received from GTS-Hermes, NMBS and Swed Carrier, respectively.
All shareholder loans outstanding were converted into equity prior to September
30, 1997 (See Note 1, "Financial Presentation and Disclosures").
NOTE 4. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequent to September 30, 1997, the Company entered into contractual
commitments to lease fiber pairs, including facilities and maintenance and
utilizing the partial routes for laying fiber optic cable. Based on the contract
provisions, these commitments are currently estimated to aggregate approximately
$98.0 million. The commitments have expected lease terms of three to twenty
years with options for renewal rights of five additional years. As of September
30, 1997, the Company made deposits of approximately $6.8 million related to the
above leases.
F-70
<PAGE> 196
EXHIBIT A
GLOSSARY OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY TERMS
Accounting Rate Mechanism (ARM) -- The current system of bilateral
settlement agreements between PTOs under which tariffs for cross-border
pan-European-switched voice traffic are determined.
Add-drop multiplexer (ADM) -- A multiplexer which controls cross connect
between individual circuits by software, permitting dynamic cross connect of
individual 64 kbps circuits within an E-1 line.
AMPS -- Advanced Mobile Phone System; the cellular mobile telephone system
based on analog technology that is now used in U.S. systems. Each AMPS cell can
handle 832 simultaneous conversations.
Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) -- A switching and transmission technology
that is one of general class of packet technologies that relay traffic by way of
an address contained within the first five bits of a switching and transmission
of mixed voice, data, and video at varying rates. The ATM format can be used by
many different information systems, including LANs.
Bps -- Bits per second; the basic measuring unit of speed in a digital
transmission system; the number of bits that a transmission facility can convey
between a sending location and a receiving location in one second.
Backbone -- The through-portions of a transmission network, as opposed to
spurs which branch off the through-portions.
Bandwidth -- The information-carrying capability of a transmission medium
is measured by its bandwidth, which is the relative range of frequencies that
can be passed without distortion by such medium. Bandwidth is measured in Hertz,
but may also be expressed as the number of bits that can be transmitted per
second.
Capacity -- Refers to transmission.
Carrier -- A provider of communications transmission services by fiber,
wire, or radio.
CCIT -- International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee.
Closed User Group -- A group of customers with some affiliation with one
another and which are treated for regulatory purposes as not being the public.
Competitive Local Telecommunications Provider -- A company that provides
its customers with an alternative to the local telephone company for local
transport of private line, special access and transport of switched access
telecommunications services. Competitive Local Telecommunications Providers are
also referred to in the industry as alternative local telecommunications service
providers (ALTS), Competitive Access Providers (CAPs) and Competitive Local
Exchange Carriers (CLECs).
Dark Fiber -- Fiber that lacks the requisite electronic and optronic
equipment necessary to use the fiber for transmission.
Dedicated -- Refers to telecommunications lines dedicated to or reserved
for use by particular customers along predetermined routs (in contract to
telecommunications lines within the local telephone company's public switched
network).
Digital -- Describes a method of storing, processing and transmitting
information through the use of distinct electronic or optical pulses that
represent the binary digits 0 and 1. Digital transmission/switching technologies
employ a sequence of discrete, distinct pulses to represent information, as
opposed to the continuously variable analog signal.
E1 -- Data transmission rate of approximately 2 Mbps.
E3 -- Data transmission rate of approximately 34 Mbps.
Electrosviaz -- regional telephone company.
A-1
<PAGE> 197
Enhanced Network Services -- Telecommunications services providing digital
connectivity, primarily for data applications, via frame relay, ATM, or digital
interexchange private line facilities. Enhanced network services also include
applications on such networks, including Internet access and other Internet
services.
ERMES -- A standard for a pan-European radio message system sponsored by
the EC.
Eutelsat -- European Telecommunications Satellite Organization; an
international satellite organization in which members of the European Union hold
an 88% combined investment.
Frame Relay -- A wide area transport technology that organizes data into
units called frames instead of providing fixed bandwidth as with private lines.
A high-speed, data-packet switching service used to transmit data between
computers. Frame Relay supports data units of variable lengths at access speeds
ranging from 56 kilobits per second to 1.5 megabits per second. This service is
well-suited for connecting local area networks, but is not presently well-suited
for voice and video applications due to the variable delays which can occur.
Frame Relay was designed to operate at high speeds on modern fiber optic
networks.
Gbps -- Gigabits per second, which is a measurement of speed for digital
signal transmission expressed in billions of bits per second.
Gateway -- A network element interconnecting two otherwise incompatible
networks, network nodes, subnetworks or devices; performs a protocol conversion
operation across a wide spectrum of communications functions.
GSM -- Global System for Mobile Communications, formerly known as Groupe
Speciale Mobile. GSM began as a pan-European standard for digital cellular
systems. The name was changed to reflect the fact that the standard has been
adopted by several countries in Asia.
Hertz -- The unit for measuring the frequency with which an electromagnetic
signal cycles through the zero-value state between lowest and highest states.
One Hz (Hertz) equals one cycle per second. kHz (kilohertz) stands for thousands
of Hertz; MHz (megahertz) stands for millions of Hertz.
Inmarsat -- The International Maritime Satellite service, which provides
mobile communications to ships at sea, aircraft in flight and vehicles on the
road.
Intelsat -- International Telecommunications Satellite Organization; a
worldwide consortium of national satellite communications organizations.
Interconnect -- Connection of a telecommunications device of service to the
PSTN.
Interconnection -- Connection of a piece of telephone equipment to the
telephone network, or a data terminal to a data communications network. Also
refers to the connection of one communications network to another so that users
of one network can communicate with users of another network.
International Simple Resale -- Refers to the wholesale purchase of IPLCs
from facilities-based carriers and the reselling of such capacity to customers
for switched telephone service.
IPLC -- International Private Leased Circuits.
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) -- ISDN is an internationally
agreed standard which, through special equipment, allows two-way, simultaneous
voice and data transmission in digital formats over the same transmission line.
ISDN permits video conferencing over a single line, for example, and also
supports a multitude of value-added switched service applications. ISDN's
combined voice and data networking capabilities reduce costs for end users and
result in more efficient use of available facilities. ISDN combines standards
for highly flexible customer to network signaling with both voice and data
within a common facility.
ITU -- International Telecommunications Union; a United Nations treaty
organization whose purpose is to accredit international telecommunications
standards. ITU signatories can turn ITU-approved standards into law through
international treaties such as the treaties governing use of the radio spectrum
for international satellite telecommunications and broadcasting.
A-2
<PAGE> 198
Kbps -- Kilobits per second, which is a measurement of speed for digital
signal transmission expressed in thousands of bits per second.
Local Area Network (LAN) -- The interconnection of computers for the
purpose of sharing files, programs and peripheral devices such as printers and
high-speed modems. LANs may include dedicated computers or file servers that
provide a centralized source of shared files and programs. LANs are generally
confined to a single customer's premises and may be extended or interconnected
to other locations through the use of bridges and routes.
Local Loop -- The local loop is that portion of the local telephone network
that connects the customer's premises to the local exchange provider's central
office or switching center. This includes all the facilities starting from the
customer premise interface which connects to the inside wiring and equipment at
the customer premise to a terminating point within the switching wire center.
Mbps -- Megabits per second, which is a measurement of speed for digital
signal transmission expressed in millions of bits per second.
MGTS -- Moscow city telephone network.
Multiplexing -- The use of some means to inter-leave narrow-band or
slow-speed data from multiple sources in order to make use of a wide-band or
high-speed channel.
NMT -- Acronym for Nordic Mobile Telephone System, a cellular standard
widely used in Northern Europe.
Nodes -- Locations within the network housing electronic equipment and/or
switches which serve as intermediate connection points to send and receive
transmission signals.
PBX/PABX (private branch exchange/private automatic branch exchange) -- A
customer operated switch on customer premises, typically used by large
businesses with multiple telephone lines.
Plesiochronous Digital Hierarchy (PDH) -- A method of controlling the
timing between transmission and switching systems that is not synchronized but
rather relies on highly accurate clocks to minimize the slip rates between
switching nodes.
POCSAG (Postal Office Code Standard Advisory Group) -- A lower-cost paging
technology which can be transmitted on ERMES frequency.
Points of Presence (POPs) -- Locations where a carrier has installed
transmission equipment in a service area that serves as, or relays calls to, a
network switching center of that carrier.
PSTN -- Public switched telecommunications network.
PTT/PTO -- Postal, Telegraph and Telephone agency/Public Telephony
Operators; a government authority or agency that operates the public
telecommunications network, and sets standards and policies. PTTs/PTOs are
agencies in charge of telecommunications services in many countries, under
direct supervision of the national government.
Public Telecommunications Operator (PTO) -- A licensed telecommunications
common carrier.
Redundant Electronics -- Describes a telecommunications facility using two
separate electronic devices to transmit the telecommunications signal so that if
one device malfunctions, the signal may continue without interruption.
Regeneration/amplifier -- Devices which automatically re-transmit or boost
signals on an out-bound circuit.
Route Kilometers -- The number of kilometers along which fiber optic cables
are installed.
Route Mile -- The number of miles along which fiber optic cables are
installed.
A-3
<PAGE> 199
SDH -- Synchronous Digital Hierarchy; the international standard for
ultra-high-speed broadband fiber-optic, digital transmission networks that use
equipment from many different manufacturers and carry a variety of services. The
basic communications channel of SDH is a 155.52 Mbps transmission channel that
is multiplexed upward.
STM-1 -- Data transmission rate of approximately 155 Mbps.
STM-4 -- Data transmission rate of approximately 622 Mbps.
STM-16 -- Data transmission of approximately 2,488 Mbps.
STM-64 -- Data transmission rate of approximately 9,952 Mbps.
Switch -- A mechanical or electronic device that opens or closes circuits
or selects the paths or circuits to be used for the transmission of information.
Switching is a process of linking different circuits to create a temporary
transmission path between users.
Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) -- SDH is a set of standards for
optical communications transmission systems that define optical rates and
formats, signal characteristics, performance, management and maintenance
information to be embedded within the signals and the multiplexing techniques to
be employed in optical communications transmission systems. SDH facilitates the
interoperability of dissimilar vendors' equipment and benefits customers by
minimizing the equipment necessary for telecommunications applications. SDH also
improves the reliability of the local loop connecting customers' premises to the
local exchange provider, historically one of the weakest links in the service
delivery.
TCP/IP -- Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol; an "open"
standard operating and interface protocol for federal government local area
networks that use devices from multiple vendors. TCP/IP, first developed by the
U.S. Defense Department, has been adopted by some academic and business
institutions who deal regularly with the federal government.
Trunk -- A telephone circuit with a switch at both ends. A trunk may
connect two central office switches, or two PBXs, or a PBX and a central office
switch.
VSAT -- Very Small Aperture Terminal; a satellite communications technology
that employs frequencies in the Ku band or C band and very small receiving
dishes. VSAT systems employ satellite transponders; the receiving dishes may be
leased or owned by the VSAT user.
Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) -- A multiplexing technique allowing
multiple different signals to be carried simultaneously on a fiber by allocating
resources according to frequency on non-overlapping frequency bands.
X.25 -- A CCITT standard governing the interface between data terminals and
data circuit termination equipment for terminals on packet-switched data
networks.
A-4
<PAGE> 200
===============================================================================
NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER INDIVIDUAL HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IN
CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING COVERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS. IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED
BY THE COMPANY OR THE UNDER-WRITERS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN
OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, THE COMMON STOCK IN ANY
JURISDICTION WHERE, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM, IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER
OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE
HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS
NOT BEEN ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE AFFAIRS
OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.
---------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Prospectus Summary..................... 1
Risk Factors........................... 10
Use of Proceeds........................ 25
Dividend Policy........................ 25
Dilution............................... 26
Capitalization......................... 27
Selected Historical Consolidated
Financial Data....................... 28
Supplemental Information -- Selected
Historical Financial Data............ 29
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of
Operations........................... 30
Business............................... 42
Management............................. 89
Executive Compensation and Other
Information.......................... 92
Certain Related Party Transactions..... 102
Principal Stockholders................. 104
Description of Certain Indebtedness.... 105
Description of Capital Stock........... 108
Shares Eligible for Future Sale........ 114
Certain United States Federal Tax
Consequences to Non-U.S.
Stockholders......................... 115
Underwriting........................... 117
Legal Matters.......................... 119
Experts................................ 120
Index to Financial Statements.......... F-1
Exhibit A -- Glossary of
Telecommunications Industry Terms.... A-1
</TABLE>
---------------------
UNTIL , 1998 (25 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS), ALL
DEALERS EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE COMMON STOCK, WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING
IN THIS DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS. THIS DELIVERY
REQUIREMENT IS IN ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS
WHEN ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR
SUBSCRIPTIONS.
===============================================================================
===============================================================================
SHARES
[GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC. LOGO]
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
COMMON STOCK
---------------------
PROSPECTUS
---------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
SECURITIES CORPORATION
UBS SECURITIES
LEHMAN BROTHERS
FURMAN SELZ
, 1998
===============================================================================
<PAGE> 201
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR
MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR
THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE
SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE
UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS
OF ANY SUCH STATE.
INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS -- ALTERNATE PAGE
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED DECEMBER 16, 1997
PROSPECTUS
SHARES
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
COMMON STOCK
[GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC. LOGO]
---------------------
All of the shares of Common Stock, par value $.10 per share (the "Common
Stock"), offered hereby are being offered by Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. (the
"Company"). Of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby,
shares are being offered outside the United States and Canada (the
"International Offering") and shares are being offered in the United
States and Canada (the "U.S. Offering" and, together with the International
Offering, the "Offerings"). The initial offering price per share and the
underwriting discount per share will be identical for both Offerings. See
"Underwriting."
Prior to the Offerings, there has been no public market for the Common
Stock. The Common Stock has been approved for quotation on the Nasdaq National
Market, subject to official notice of issuance, under the symbol "GTSG."
Application will be made for listing of the Common Stock on the Amsterdam Stock
Exchange.
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 10 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS
THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE COMMON STOCK OFFERED
HEREBY.
---------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=============================================================================================================
PRICE TO UNDERWRITING PROCEEDS TO
PUBLIC DISCOUNT(1) COMPANY(2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per share......................... $ $ $
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total(3).......................... $ $ $
=============================================================================================================
</TABLE>
(1) The Company has agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters (as defined
herein) against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). See
"Underwriting."
(2) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated to be
$ .
(3) The Company has granted to the International Managers (as defined herein)
and the U.S. Underwriters (as defined herein) options, exercisable within 30
days of the date hereof, to purchase up to an additional and
additional shares of Common Stock, respectively solely to cover
over-allotments, if any. See "Underwriting." If such options are exercised
in full, the total Price to Public, Underwriting Discount and Proceeds to
the Company will be $ , $ and $ , respectively.
---------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO. IS THE BOOKRUNNER OF THE OFFERINGS.
---------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
GLOBAL COORDINATOR CO-GLOBAL COORDINATOR
MERRILL LYNCH & CO. UBS SECURITIES
</TABLE>
---------------------
The shares of Common Stock are offered by the several Underwriters, subject
to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to
approval of certain legal matters by counsel for the Underwriters and certain
other conditions. The Underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or
modify such offer and to reject orders in whole or in part. It is expected that
delivery of the shares of Common Stock will be made in New York, New York on or
about , 1998.
---------------------
MERRILL LYNCH INTERNATIONAL UBS LIMITED
DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
SECURITIES CORPORATION
LEHMAN BROTHERS
ING BARINGS
---------------------
The date of this Prospectus is , 1998.
<PAGE> 202
INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS -- ALTERNATE PAGE -- (CONTINUED)
UNDERWRITING
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an international purchase
agreement (the "International Purchase Agreement") among the Company and each of
the underwriters named below (the "International Managers") and concurrently
with the sale of shares of Common Stock to the U.S. Underwriters (as
defined below), the Company has agreed to sell to each of the International
Managers, and each of the International Managers for whom Merrill Lynch
International ("Merrill Lynch"), UBS Limited, Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
Securities Corporation, Lehman Brothers Inc. and ING Bank N.V. are acting as
representatives (the "International Representatives"), has severally agreed to
purchase from the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock set forth
opposite its name below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER
OF SHARES
INTERNATIONAL MANAGERS ---------
<S> <C>
Merrill Lynch International.................................
UBS Limited.................................................
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation.........
Lehman Brothers Inc. .......................................
ING Bank N.V................................................
Total..........................................
</TABLE>
The Company has also entered into a U.S. purchase agreement (the "U.S.
purchase agreement" and, together with the International Purchase Agreement, the
"Purchase Agreements") with certain underwriters in the United States and Canada
(the "U.S. Underwriters" and, together with the International Managers, the
"Underwriters") for whom Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated,
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation, UBS Securities LLC, Lehman
Brothers Inc. and Furman Selz LLC are acting as representatives (the "U.S.
Representatives"). Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the U.S.
Purchase Agreement, and concurrently with the sale of shares of Common
Stock to the International Managers pursuant to the International Purchase
Agreement, the Company has agreed to sell to the U.S. Underwriters, and the U.S.
Underwriters severally have agreed to purchase, an aggregate of shares of
Common Stock. The initial public offering price per share and the underwriting
discount per share of Common Stock are identical under the International
Purchase Agreement and the U.S. Purchase Agreement.
In each Purchase Agreement, the several International Managers and the
several U.S. Underwriters, respectively have agreed, subject to the terms and
conditions set forth in such Purchase Agreement, to purchase all the shares of
Common Stock offered hereby, if any are purchased. In the event of default by an
Underwriter, the Purchase Agreement provides that, in certain circumstances,
purchase commitments of the nondefaulting Underwriters may be increased or the
Purchase Agreement may be terminated. The sale of Common Stock to the U.S.
Underwriters is conditioned upon the sale of shares of Common Stock to the
International Managers, and vice versa.
The Company has appointed Merrill Lynch & Co. as Global Coordinator and UBS
Securities LLC as Co-Global Coordinator of the Offerings. Merrill Lynch & Co. is
the bookrunner of the Offerings.
The International Managers and the U.S. Underwriters have entered into an
intersyndicate agreement (the "Intersyndicate Agreement") that provides for the
coordination of their activities. Pursuant to the Intersyndicate Agreement, the
International Managers and the U.S. Underwriters are permitted to sell shares of
Common Stock to each other for purposes of resale at the initial public offering
price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus, less an amount not greater
than the selling concession. Under the terms of the Intersyndicate Agreement,
the U.S. Underwriters and any dealer to whom they sell shares of Common Stock
will not offer to sell or sell shares of Common Stock to persons who are
non-U.S. or non-Canadian persons or to persons they believe intend to resell to
persons who are non-U.S. or non-Canadian persons, and the International Managers
and any dealer to whom they sell shares of Common Stock will not offer to sell
or sell shares of Common Stock to U.S. persons or Canadian persons or to persons
they believe intend to resell to U.S. persons or Canadian persons, except, in
each case, for transactions pursuant to the Intersyndicate Agreement.
<PAGE> 203
INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS -- ALTERNATE PAGE -- (CONTINUED)
The International Representatives have advised the Company that the
International Managers propose initially to offer the shares of Common Stock to
the public at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of
this Prospectus, and to certain dealers at such price less a concession not in
excess of $ per share of Common Stock. The International Managers may
allow, and such dealers may allow, a discount not in excess of $ per
share of Common Stock on sales to certain other dealers. After the initial
public offering, the public offering price, concession and discount may be
changed.
The Company, its directors, executive officers and certain stockholders
have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to directly or indirectly (i)
offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase,
purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant for
the sale of, or otherwise dispose of or transfer any Common Stock or any
securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of
Common Stock, or request the filing of any registration statement under the
Securities Act, with respect to any of the foregoing or (ii) enter into any swap
or any other agreement or any transaction that transfers, in whole or in part,
directly or indirectly, the economic consequence of ownership of Common Stock,
whether any such swap transaction is to be settled by delivery of the Common
Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise without the prior written
consent of Merrill Lynch, on behalf of the Underwriters, for a period of 180
days after the date of this Prospectus. In addition, all existing stockholders
have agreed not to make any demand for or exercise any rights with respect to
the registration of Common Stock and have waived all rights (including demand
and "piggyback" registration rights) to register securities owned by them for
such 180 day period and rights to purchase additional shares of Common Stock in
connection with the Offerings. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
The Company has granted an option to the International Managers,
exercisable for 30 days after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to an
aggregate of additional shares of Common Stock at the initial public
offering price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus, less the
underwriting discount. The International Managers may exercise this option only
to cover over-allotments, if any, made on the sale of the Common Stock offered
hereby. To the extent that the International Managers exercise this option, each
International Manager will be obligated, subject to certain conditions, to
purchase a number of additional shares of Common Stock proportionate to such
International Manager's initial amount reflected in the foregoing table. The
Company has also granted an option to the U.S. Underwriters, exercisable for 30
days after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to an additional
shares of Common Stock to cover over-allotments, if any, on terms
similar to those granted to International Managers.
Prior to the Offerings, there has been no public market for the Common
Stock. The initial public offering price for the Common Stock has been
determined through negotiations between the Company and the U.S.
Representatives. Among the factors considered in determining the initial public
offering price, in addition to prevailing market conditions, are the financial
and operating history and condition of the Company, an assessment of the
Company's business and financial prospects, the Company's management, the
prospects for the industry in which the Company operates and the recent market
prices of securities of companies in industries similar to that of the Company.
The initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus
should not, however, be considered an indication of the actual value of the
Common Stock. Such price is subject to change as a result of market conditions
and other factors. There can be no assurance that an active trading market will
develop for the Common Stock or that the Common Stock will trade in the public
market subsequent to the offering made hereby at or above the initial public
offering price.
The Company has agreed to indemnify the International Managers and the U.S.
Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or to contribute to payments the
Underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.
The Underwriters do not intend to confirm sales of Common Stock offered
hereby to any accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority.
Until the distribution of the Common Stock is completed, rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission may limit the ability of the U.S.
Underwriters and certain selling group members to bid for and purchase the
Common Stock. As an exception to these rules, the U.S. Representatives are
permitted to engage in certain transactions that stabilize the price of the
Common Stock. Such transactions consist of bids or purchases for the purpose of
pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the Common Stock.
If the Underwriters create a short position in the Common Stock in
connection with the Offerings, (i.e., if they sell more shares of Common Stock
than are set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus), the U.S.
<PAGE> 204
INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS -- ALTERNATE PAGE -- (CONTINUED)
Representatives may reduce that short position by purchasing Common Stock in the
open market. The U.S. Representatives may also elect to reduce any short
position by exercising all or part of the over-allotment option described above.
The U.S. Representatives may also impose a penalty bid on certain
Underwriters and selling group members. This means that if the Representatives
purchase shares of Common Stock in the open market to reduce the Underwriters'
short position or to stabilize the price of the Common Stock, they may reclaim
the amount of the selling concession from the Underwriters and selling group
members who sold those shares as part of the Offering.
In general, purchases of a security for the purpose of stabilization or to
reduce a short position could cause the price of the security to be higher than
it might be in the absence of such purchases. The imposition of a penalty bid
might also have an effect on the price of a security to the extent that it were
to discourage resales of the security before the distribution is completed.
Neither the Company nor any of the U.S. Underwriters makes any
representation or prediction, however, as to the direction or magnitude of any
effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the Common
Stock. In addition, neither the Company nor any of the Underwriters makes any
representation that the Representatives will engage in such transaction or that
such transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
The Common Stock has been approved for quotation on the Nasdaq National
Market, subject to official notice of issuance under the symbol "GTSG."
Application will be made for listing on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.
Certain of the Underwriters have been engaged from time to time, and may in
the future be engaged, to perform financial advisory and other investment
banking services to the Company and its affiliates. In connection with rendering
such services in the past, such Underwriters have received customary
compensation, including reimbursement of related expenses.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby will be passed
upon for the Company by Shearman & Sterling, New York, New York. Certain legal
matters will be passed upon for the Underwriters by Cahill Gordon & Reindel (a
partnership including a professional corporation), New York, New York.
EXPERTS
The financial statements of Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. as of December
31, 1996 and 1995, and for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1996, included in this Prospectus, have been audited by Ernst & Young, LLP,
independent auditors, as set forth in their report appearing elsewhere herein.
The financial statements of EDN Sovintel as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, included
in this Prospectus, have been audited by Ernst & Young (CIS) Ltd., independent
auditors as set forth in their report appearing elsewhere herein.
The financial statements of Hermes Europe Railtel B.V. as of December 31,
1996 and 1995, and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31,
1996, included in this Prospectus have been audited by Ernst & Young Reviseurs
d'Entreprises S.C.C., independent auditors as set forth in their report
appearing elsewhere herein.
<PAGE> 205
INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS -- ALTERNATE PAGE (CONTINUED)
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE COMPANY
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
1751 Pinnacle Drive
McLean, Virginia 22102
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
ERNST & YOUNG, LLP
1225 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 20036
LEGAL ADVISERS
to the Company
SHEARMAN & STERLING
599 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10022-6069
as to CIS law
COUDERT BROTHERS
1627 I Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
to the Underwriters
CAHILL GORDON & REINDEL
80 Pine Street
New York, New York 10005
REGISTRAR AND PRINCIPAL PAYING AND TRANSFER AGENT
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
One Wall Street
New York, New York 10286
<PAGE> 206
INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS -- ALTERNATE PAGE
===============================================================================
NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER INDIVIDUAL HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IN
CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING COVERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS. IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED
BY THE COMPANY OR THE UNDERWRITERS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER
TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, THE COMMON STOCK IN ANY
JURISDICTION WHERE, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM, IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER
OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE
HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS
NOT BEEN ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE AFFAIRS
OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.
---------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Prospectus Summary..................... 1
Risk Factors........................... 10
Use of Proceeds........................ 25
Dividend Policy........................ 25
Dilution............................... 26
Capitalization......................... 27
Selected Historical Consolidated
Financial Data....................... 28
Supplemental Information -- Selected
Historical Financial Data............ 29
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of
Operations........................... 30
Business............................... 42
Management............................. 89
Executive Compensation and Other
Information.......................... 92
Certain Related Party Transactions..... 102
Principal Stockholders................. 104
Description of Certain Indebtedness.... 105
Description of Capital Stock........... 108
Shares Eligible for Future Sale........ 114
Certain United States Federal Tax
Consequences to Non-U.S.
Stockholders......................... 115
Underwriting........................... 117
Legal Matters.......................... 119
Experts................................ 119
Index to Financial Statements.......... F-1
Exhibit A -- Glossary of
Telecommunications Industry Terms.... A-1
</TABLE>
---------------------
UNTIL , 1998 (25 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS), ALL
DEALERS EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE COMMON STOCK, WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING
IN THIS DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS. THIS DELIVERY
REQUIREMENT IS IN ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS
WHEN ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR
SUBSCRIPTIONS.
===============================================================================
===============================================================================
SHARES
[GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC. LOGO]
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
COMMON STOCK
---------------------
PROSPECTUS
---------------------
MERRILL LYNCH INTERNATIONAL
UBS LIMITED
DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
SECURITIES CORPORATION
LEHMAN BROTHERS
ING BARINGS
, 1998
===============================================================================
<PAGE> 207
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
The following table sets forth the estimated expenses, other than
underwriting discounts and commissions, to be borne by the Company in connection
with the offering of the securities being hereby registered.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEM
----
<S> <C>
SEC Registration Fee........................................ $69,697
NASD Filing Fee............................................. 23,500
Nasdaq National Market Listing Fee.......................... 49,000
Blue Sky Fees and Expenses.................................. *
Transfer Agent and Registrar Fees........................... *
Accounting Fees and Expenses................................ *
Legal Fees and Expenses..................................... *
Printing and Mailing Expenses............................... *
Miscellaneous............................................... *
-------
TOTAL............................................. $
=======
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* To be provided by amendment
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL") provides that
a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to
be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or
proceeding whether civil, criminal or investigative (other than an action by or
in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that he is or was a
director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at
the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise,
against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid
in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such
action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. Section 145 further
provides that a corporation similarly may indemnify any such person serving in
any such capacity who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to
any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the
corporation to procure a judgment in its favor, against expenses (including
attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense
or settlement of such action or suit if he acted in good faith and in a manner
he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any
claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be
liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court
of Chancery or such other court in which such action or suit was brought shall
determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in
view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably
entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such
other court shall deem proper.
Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL permits a corporation to include in its
certificate of incorporation a provision eliminating or limiting the personal
liability of a director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary
damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, provided that such provision
shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any breach of
the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for
acts or omission not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL (relating to
unlawful payment of dividends and unlawful stock purchase and redemption) or
(iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal
benefit.
II-1
<PAGE> 208
The Company's Certificate of Incorporation (the "Certificate") provides
that the Company's Directors shall not be liable to the Company or its
stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director
provided, however, that such exculpation from liabilities is not permitted with
respect to liability arising from items described in clauses (i) through (iv) in
the preceding paragraph. The Certificate and the Company's By-Laws further
provide that the Company shall indemnify its directors and officers to the
fullest extent permitted by the DGCL.
The directors and officers of the Company are covered under directors' and
officers' liability insurance policies maintained by the Company.
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
The foregoing reflects a 3-for-2 common stock split and an increase in the
par value per share of common stock to $0.10 effective December 1997.
Within the past three years the Company issued securities which were not
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act")
as follows:
On March 13, 1995, the Company issued 400,000 shares of common stock, par
value $0.10 per share, pursuant to a stock purchase agreement. The shares were
issued to CIBV Liquidating B.V., a closed company with limited liability
organized under the laws of the Netherlands in exchange for the Company's
interest in PrimTelefone. No underwriter or underwriting discount was involved
in the offering. Exemption from registration was claimed under Section 4(2) of
the Securities Act regarding transactions by an issuer not involving any public
offering.
On June 21, 1995, the Company issued 5,090,876 shares of common stock, par
value $0.10 per share, at a purchase price of $9.00 per share, for an aggregate
offering price of $45.8 million, pursuant to a stock purchase agreement. In
addition to (i) certain investment funds and (ii) certain individual private
investors, these shares were issued to certain members of management and various
entities affiliated with certain members of management. No underwriter or
underwriting discount was involved in the offering. Exemption from registration
was claimed under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act regarding transactions by
an issuer not involving any public offering.
On January 19, 1996, and June 6, 1996, the Company granted affiliates of
George Soros an aggregate of 4,444,443 warrants, each warrant to purchase one
share of common stock, par value $0.10 per share, at an exercise price of $10.27
per share. The exercise price of the warrants was automatically reduced to $9.33
per share as of December 31, 1996 because the debt obligations remained
outstanding. The warrants were issued in connection with the Company's issuance
for cash of $40 million of notes to affiliates of George Soros, which notes bear
interest at a rate of 10% per annum and mature on March 3, 2001. No underwriter
or underwriting discount was involved in the offering. Exemption from
registration was claimed under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act regarding
transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering.
On February 2, 1996, the Company granted affiliates of Capital Research
International an aggregate of 3,333,333 warrants, each warrant to purchase one
share of common stock, par value $0.10 per share, at an exercise price of $10.27
per share. The exercise price of the warrants was automatically reduced to $9.33
per share as of December 31, 1996 because the debt obligations remained
outstanding. The warrants were issued in connection with the Company's issuance
for cash of $30 million of notes to affiliates of Capital Research
International, which notes bear interest at a rate of 10% per annum and mature
on March 31, 2001. No underwriter or underwriting discount was involved in the
offering. Exemption from registration was claimed under Section 4(2) of the
Securities Act regarding transactions by an issuer not involving any public
offering.
On July 23, 1996, July 31, 1996, August 8, 1996, August 22, 1996 and
September 12, 1996 the Company issued an aggregate of 8,348,532 shares of common
stock, par value $0.10 per share, at a purchase price of $13.33 per share, for
an aggregate offering price of $111 million, pursuant to a stock purchase
agreement. In addition to (i) certain investment funds and (ii) certain
individual private investors, these shares were issued to certain members of
management and various entities affiliated with certain members of management.
II-2
<PAGE> 209
Exemption from registration was claimed under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act
regarding transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering.
On July 14, 1997 and July 31, 1997, the Company issued an aggregate
$141,295,000 of its Senior Subordinated Convertible Bonds due 2000, convertible
into the common stock, par value $0.10 per share, at a purchase price of 100%,
pursuant to a subscription agreement. UBS Securities LLC, Donaldson, Lufkin &
Jenrette Securities Corporation and Merrill Lynch & Co. acted as managers in the
offering and the aggregate discount was $5,651,800. The securities were sold to
a limited number of qualified institutional buyers as defined in Rule 144A under
the Securities Act and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States. Exemption
from registration was claimed under Rule 144A and Regulation S of the Securities
Act.
On August 15, 1997, August 29, 1997 and September 5, 1997, the Company
issued an aggregate 2,502,686 shares of common stock, par value $0.10 per share,
at a purchase price of $15.67 per share, for an aggregate offering price of
$39.3 million, pursuant to a stock purchase agreement. In addition to (i)
certain investment funds and (ii) certain individual private investors, these
shares were issued to certain members of management and various entities
affiliated with certain members of management. Exemption from registration was
claimed under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act regarding transactions by an
issuer not involving any public offering.
On August 29, 1997, the Company issued $2.9 million of its Senior
Subordinated Convertible Bonds due 2000, convertible into the common stock, par
value $0.10 per share, at a purchase price of 100%. In addition to (i) certain
investment funds and (ii) certain individual private investors, these shares
were issued to certain members of management and various entities affiliated
with certain members of management. Exemption from registration was claimed
under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act regarding transactions by an issuer not
involving any public offering.
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS
(a) Exhibits:
The following is a list of exhibits filed as a part of this registration
statement.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<C> <C> <S>
1.1*** -- Form of U.S. Purchase Agreement
1.2*** -- Form of International Purchase Agreement
3.1** -- Certificate of Incorporation of SFMT, Inc.
3.2** -- Certificate of Correction to the Certificate of
Incorporation of SFMT, Inc., filed with the Delaware
Secretary of State on October 8, 1993
3.3** -- Certificate of Ownership and Merger Merging San
Francisco/Moscow Teleport, Inc. into SFMT, Inc., filed with
the Delaware Secretary of State on November 3, 1993
3.4** -- Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation
of SFMT, Inc., filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on
January 12, 1995
3.5** -- Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation
of SFMT, Inc., filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on
February 22, 1995
3.6** -- Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation
of Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., filed with the Delaware
Secretary of State on October 16, 1996
3.7** -- By-laws of SFMT, Inc.
3.8* -- Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation
of Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., filed with the Delaware
Secretary of State on December 1, 1997
4.1*** -- Specimen Stock Certificate for Common Stock of the
Registrant
4.2** -- Indenture dated as of July 14, 1997 between the Company and
The Bank of New York (including the form of Senior
Subordinated Convertible Bond due 2000 as an exhibit
thereto)
4.3** -- Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 14, 1997,
between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and UBS Securities
LLC.
4.4** -- Indenture dated as of August 19, 1997 between Hermes Europe
Railtel B.V. and The Bank of New York (including the form of
11 1/2% Senior Note due 2007 as an exhibit thereto)
</TABLE>
II-3
<PAGE> 210
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<C> <C> <S>
4.5** -- Registration Rights Agreement dated as of August 19, 1997
between Hermes Europe Railtel B.V. and Donaldson, Lufkin &
Jenrette Securities Corporation, UBS Securities LLC, and
Lehman Brothers, Inc.
5.1*** -- Form of Opinion of Shearman & Sterling respecting the Common
Stock registered hereby
10.1** -- Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 19,
1996, among Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., The Open Society
Institute and Chatterjee Fund Management, L.P.
10.1(a)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement dated January
19, 1996 among Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., The Open
Society Institute and Chatterjee Fund Management, L.P.,
dated June 6, 1996
10.1(b)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement dated January
19, 1996 among Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., The Open
Society Institute and Chatterjee Fund Management, L.P.,
dated June 6, 1996
10.1(c)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement dated January
19, 1996 among Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., The Open
Society Institute and Chatterjee Fund Management, L.P.,
dated July 23, 1996
10.1(d)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement dated January
19, 1996 among Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., The Open
Society Institute and Chatterjee Fund Management, L.P.,
dated September 16, 1996
10.1(e)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement dated January
19, 1996 among Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., The Open
Society Institute and Chatterjee Fund Management, L.P.,
dated July 11, 1997
10.1(f)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement dated January
19, 1996 among Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., The Open
Society Institute and Chatterjee Fund Management, L.P.,
dated July 29, 1997
10.1(g)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement dated January
19, 1996 among Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., The Open
Society Institute and Chatterjee Fund Management, L.P.,
dated September 29, 1997
10.2** -- Registration Rights Letter Agreement, dated as of January
19, 1996, among Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., The Open
Society Institute and Chatterjee Fund Management, L.P.
10.3** -- Warrant Agreement, dated as of January 19, 1996, among
Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., The Open Society Institute
and Chatterjee Fund Management, L.P.
10.4** -- Joint Venture Letter Agreement, dated January 19, 1996,
among Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., The Open Society
Institute and Chatterjee Fund Management, L.P.
10.5*** -- Intentionally Omitted
10.6** -- Registration Rights Letter Agreement, dated June 6, 1996,
among the Company, The Open Society Institute, Winston
Partners II LDC and Winston Partners II LLC
10.7** -- Warrant Agreement, dated as of June 6, 1996, between Global
TeleSystems Group, Inc., The Open Society Institute, Winston
Partners II LDC and Winston Partners II LLC
10.8** -- Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 2,
1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and Emerging
Markets Growth Fund, Inc.
10.8(a)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of
February 2, 1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., dated June 6, 1996 (see
Exhibit No. 10.1(b))
10.8(b)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of
February 2, 1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., dated June 6, 1996
10.8(c)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of
February 2, 1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., dated July 25, 1996
10.8(d)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of
February 2, 1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., dated September 10, 1996
</TABLE>
II-4
<PAGE> 211
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<C> <C> <S>
10.8(e)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of
February 2, 1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., dated September 16, 1996
10.8(f)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of
February 2, 1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., dated December 30, 1996
10.8(g)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of
February 2, 1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., dated May 13, 1997
10.8(h)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of
February 2, 1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., dated June 20, 1997
10.8(i)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of
February 2, 1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., dated July 11, 1997
10.8(j)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of
February 2, 1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., dated July 21, 1997
10.8(k)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of
February 2, 1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., dated August 14, 1997
10.8(l)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of
February 2, 1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., dated September 29, 1997
10.9** -- Registration Rights Letter Agreement, dated as February 2,
1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and Emerging
Markets Growth Fund, Inc.
10.10** -- Warrant Agreement, dated as of February 2, 1996, between
Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and Emerging Markets Growth
Fund, Inc.
10.11*** -- Intentionally Omitted
10.12** -- Registration Rights Letter Agreement, dated as February 2,
1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and Capital
International Emerging Markets Funds
10.13** -- Warrant Agreement, dated as of February 2, 1996, between
Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and Capital International
Emerging Markets Funds
10.14** -- Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. Non-Employee Directors' Stock
Option Plan
10.15** -- GTS-Hermes, Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan
10.16** -- Restricted Stock Grant letter, dated as of January 1, 1995
10.17** -- Employment Agreement dated as of January 1995 between SFMT,
Inc. and Jan Loeber
10.18** -- Employment Agreement dated as of April 1996 between GTS
Group, Inc. and Louis Toth
10.19** -- Employment Agreement dated as of April 1996 between GTS
Group, Inc. and Gerald W. Thames
10.20** -- Employment Agreement dated as of April 1996 between GTS
Group, Inc. and Raymond J. Marks
10.21** -- Employment Agreement dated as of April 1996 between GTS
Group, Inc. and Henry Radzikowski
10.22** -- SFMT, Inc. Equity Compensation Plan
10.23** -- Form of Non-Statutory Stock Option Agreement
10.24** -- Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Option Plan of Global
TeleSystems Group Inc. dated as of January 16, 1997
10.25** -- GTS-Hermes 1994 Stock Option Grant, Non-Qualified Stock
Option Grant
10.26** -- Agreement on the Creation and Functions of the Joint Venture
of EDN Sovintel, dated June 18, 1990
10.27** -- Stock Purchase Agreement among Global Telesystems Group,
Inc, Kompaniya "Invest-Project," Swinton Limited, GTS-Vox
Limited, and MTU-Inform, dated September 6, 1995
</TABLE>
II-5
<PAGE> 212
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
10.28** -- Certificate of Registration of Revised and Amended
Foundation Document in the State Registration of Commercial
Organizations, dated May 30, 1996
10.29** -- Agreement on the Creation and Functions of the Joint Venture
Sovam Teleport, dated May 26, 1992
10.30** -- Amended and Restated Joint Venture Agreement between GTS
Cellular, Tricor B.V., Gerard Essing, Ivan Laska, and Erik
Jennes, dated July 6, 1995
10.31** -- Amended and Restated Shareholders' Agreement between HIT
Rail B.V., GTS-Hermes, Inc., Nationale Maatschappu Der
Belgische Spoorwegen, Teleport B.V., AB Swed Carrier, and
Hermes Europe Railtel B.V., dated July, 1997
10.31(a)** -- Shareholders' Agreement among the Hermes Europe Railtel
B.V., GTS-Hermes Inc., HIT Rail B.V., SNCB/NMBS and AB Swed
Carrier (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Hermes Europe Railtel B.V.'s Registration Statement on Form
S-4 (File No. 333-37719) filed on December 11, 1997)
(supersedes the Amended and Restated Shareholders' Agreement
filed as Exhibit 10.31 to this Registration Statement)
10.32** -- Company Agreement between The Societe National de
Financement, GTS S.A.M. and The Principality of Monaco,
dated September 27, 1995
10.33** -- Joint Venture Agreement between SFMT-Hungaro Inc. and
Montana Holding Vagyonkezelo Kft., dated December 23, 1993
10.34** -- Joint Venture and Shareholders' Agreement among Gerard
Aircraft Sales and Leasing Company, SFMT-Hungaro Inc., and
Microsystem Telecom Rt., dated August 5, 1994
10.35** -- Agreement on the Establishment of Limited Liability Company
between SFMT-Czech, Inc. and B&H s.r.o., dated July 12, 1994
10.36** -- Formation of the Equity Joint Venture between GTS and SSTIC,
dated April 12, 1995
10.37** -- Contract to Establish the Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint
Venture Beijing Tianmu Satellite Communications Technology
Co., Ltd, amended, by and between China International Travel
Service Telecom Co., Ltd. and American China Investment
Corporation, dated March 27, 1996
10.38** -- Joint Venture Contract between GTS TransPacific Ventures
Limited and Shanghai Intelligence Engineering, Inc., dated
March 28, 1996
10.39** -- Agreement between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and Cesia
S.A., dated June 21, 1997
10.40** -- Consulting Agreement between SFMT, Inc. and Alan B. Slifka,
dated March 1, 1994
10.41** -- Consulting Agreement between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc.
and Bernard J. McFadden, dated August 15, 1996
10.42* -- Consulting Agreement between CESIA S.A. and Hermes Europe
Railtel B.V., dated June 20, 1997
11.1*** -- Statement regarding computation of per share earnings
21.1** -- List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.1*** -- Consent of Shearman & Sterling (included in its opinion
delivered under Exhibit No. 5.1)
23.2* -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Ernst & Young (CIS) Ltd., and
Ernst & Young Reviseurs d'Entreprises S.C.C.
24.1** -- Powers of Attorney (included on signature page to this
registration statement)
27.1** -- Financial Data Schedule extracted from 12/31/96 audited
financial statements
27.2* -- Financial Data Schedule extracted from 9/30/97 unaudited
financial statements
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Filed herewith.
** Previously filed.
*** To be filed by amendment.
II-6
<PAGE> 213
(b) Financial Statements and Schedules:
(1) Financial Statements
The financial statements filed as part of this Registration Statement are
listed in the Index to Financial Statements on page F-1.
(2) Schedules
The Company has furnished Schedule II -- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
on page S-1 of our Prospectus, the other financial statement schedules of the
Company have been omitted because the information required to be set forth
therein is not applicable or is shown in the Financial Statements or Notes
thereto.
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the provisions described under "Item
14 -- Indemnification of Directors and Officers" hereof, or otherwise, the
registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act
of 1933, the information omitted from the forms of prospectus filed as part
of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in
forms of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or
(4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of
prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to
the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
II-7
<PAGE> 214
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
registrant certifies that it has duly caused this Amendment to the Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of McLean, Commonwealth of Virginia, on this 16th day of
December, 1997.
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
By: /s/ GRIER C. RACLIN
----------------------------------
Name: Grier C. Raclin
Title: Senior Vice President and
General Counsel
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment
to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in
the capacities indicated on the 16th day of December, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<C> <S> <C>
/s/ GERALD W. THAMES* President, Chief Executive December 16, 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------- Officer and Director
Gerald W. Thames (principal executive
officer)
/s/ WILLIAM H. SEIPPEL Executive Vice President of December 16, 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------- Finance and Chief
William H. Seippel Financial Officer
(principal financial and
accounting officer)
/s/ ALAN B. SLIFKA* Chairman of the Board of December 16, 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------- Directors
Alan B. Slifka
/s/ GARY GLADSTEIN* Director December 16, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
Gary Gladstein
/s/ MICHAEL GREELEY* Director December 16, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
Michael Greeley
/s/ BERNARD MCFADDEN* Director December 16, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
Bernard McFadden
</TABLE>
II-8
<PAGE> 215
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C>
/s/ STEWART J. PAPERIN* Director December 16, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
Stewart J. Paperin
/s/ W. JAMES PEET* Director December 16, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
W. James Peet
/s/ JEAN SALMONA* Director December 16, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
Jean Salmona
/s/ MORRIS A. SANDLER* Director December 16, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
Morris A. Sandler
/s/ JOEL SCHATZ* Director December 16, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
Joel Schatz
/s/ ADAM SOLOMON* Director December 16, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
Adam Solomon
*By: /s/ WILLIAM H. SEIPPEL
------------------------------------------------
Name: William H. Seippel
Attorney-in-fact
</TABLE>
II-9
<PAGE> 216
SCHEDULE II -- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
========================================================================================================
COL. A COL. B COL. C COL. D COL. E
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONS
-----------------------
BALANCE AT CHARGED TO CHARGED TO BALANCE AT
BEGINNING COSTS AND OTHER END
DESCRIPTION OF PERIOD EXPENSES ACCOUNTS DEDUCTIONS OF PERIOD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Allowance for doubtful accounts at
12/31/94.............................. 0 0
Allowance for doubtful accounts at
12/31/95.............................. 0 30 30
Allowance for doubtful accounts at
12/31/96.............................. 30 752 782
</TABLE>
S-1
<PAGE> 217
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1.1*** -- Form of U.S. Purchase Agreement.............................
1.2*** -- Form of International Purchase Agreement....................
3.1** -- Certificate of Incorporation of SFMT, Inc. .................
3.2** -- Certificate of Correction to the Certificate of
Incorporation of SFMT, Inc., filed with the Delaware
Secretary of State on October 8, 1993.......................
3.3** -- Certificate of Ownership and Merger Merging San
Francisco/Moscow Teleport, Inc. into SFMT, Inc., filed with
the Delaware Secretary of State on November 3, 1993.........
3.4** -- Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation
of SFMT, Inc., filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on
January 12, 1995 ...........................................
3.5** -- Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation
of SFMT, Inc., filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on
February 22, 1995 ..........................................
3.6** -- Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation
of Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., filed with the Delaware
Secretary of State on October 16, 1996......................
3.7** -- By-laws of SFMT, Inc. ......................................
3.8* -- Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation
of Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., filed with the Delaware
Secretary of State on December 1, 1997......................
4.1*** -- Specimen Stock Certificate for Common Stock of the
Registrant .................................................
4.2** -- Indenture dated as of July 14, 1997 between the Company and
The Bank of New York (including the form of Senior
Subordinated Convertible Bond due 2000 as an exhibit
thereto) ...................................................
4.3** -- Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 14, 1997,
between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and UBS Securities
LLC. .......................................................
4.4** -- Indenture dated as of August 19, 1997 between Hermes Europe
Railtel B.V. and The Bank of New York (including the form of
11 1/2% Senior Note due 2007 as an exhibit thereto) ........
4.5** -- Registration Rights Agreement dated as of August 19, 1997
between Hermes Europe Railtel B.V. and Donaldson, Lufkin &
Jenrette Securities Corporation, UBS Securities LLC, and
Lehman Brothers, Inc. ......................................
5.1*** -- Form of Opinion of Shearman & Sterling respecting the Common
Stock registered hereby.....................................
10.1** -- Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 19,
1996, among Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., The Open Society
Institute and Chatterjee Fund Management, L.P. .............
10.1(a)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement dated January
19, 1996 among Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., The Open
Society Institute and Chatterjee Fund Management, L.P.,
dated June 6, 1996..........................................
10.1(b)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement dated January
19, 1996 among Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., The Open
Society Institute and Chatterjee Fund Management, L.P.,
dated June 6, 1996..........................................
10.1(c)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement dated January
19, 1996 among Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., The Open
Society Institute and Chatterjee Fund Management, L.P.,
dated July 23, 1996.........................................
10.1(d)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement dated January
19, 1996 among Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., The Open
Society Institute and Chatterjee Fund Management, L.P.,
dated September 16, 1996 ...................................
10.1(e)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement dated January
19, 1996 among Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., The Open
Society Institute and Chatterjee Fund Management, L.P.,
dated July 11, 1997.........................................
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 218
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
10.1(f)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement dated January
19, 1996 among Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., The Open
Society Institute and Chatterjee Fund Management, L.P.,
dated July 29, 1997.........................................
10.1(g)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement dated January
19, 1996 among Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., The Open
Society Institute and Chatterjee Fund Management, L.P.,
dated September 29, 1997....................................
10.2** -- Registration Rights Letter Agreement, dated as of January
19, 1996, among Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., The Open
Society Institute and Chatterjee Fund Management, L.P. .....
10.3** -- Warrant Agreement, dated as of January 19, 1996, among
Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., The Open Society Institute
and Chatterjee Fund Management, L.P. .......................
10.4** -- Joint Venture Letter Agreement, dated January 19, 1996,
among Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., The Open Society
Institute and Chatterjee Fund Management, L.P. .............
10.5 -- Intentionally Omitted
10.6** -- Registration Rights Letter Agreement, dated June 6, 1996,
among the Company, The Open Society Institute, Winston
Partners II LDC and Winston Partners II LLC.................
10.7** -- Warrant Agreement, dated as of June 6, 1996, between Global
TeleSystems Group, Inc., The Open Society Institute, Winston
Partners II LDC and Winston Partners II LLC.................
10.8** -- Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 2,
1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and Emerging
Markets Growth Fund, Inc. ..................................
10.8(a)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of
February 2, 1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., dated June 6, 1996 (see
Exhibit No. 10.1(b))........................................
10.8(b)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of
February 2, 1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., dated June 6, 1996......
10.8(c)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of
February 2, 1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., dated July 25, 1996.....
10.8(d)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of
February 2, 1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., dated September 10,
1996........................................................
10.8(e)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of
February 2, 1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., dated September 16,
1996........................................................
10.8(f)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of
February 2, 1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., dated December 30,
1996........................................................
10.8(g)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of
February 2, 1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., dated May 13, 1997......
10.8(h)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of
February 2, 1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., dated June 20, 1997.....
10.8(i)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of
February 2, 1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., dated July 11, 1997.....
10.8(j)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of
February 2, 1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., dated July 21, 1997.....
10.8(k)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of
February 2, 1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., dated August 14, 1997...
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 219
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
10.8(l)** -- Amendment to Senior Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 2, 1996, between
Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., dated September
29, 1997...............................................................................
10.9** -- Registration Rights Letter Agreement, dated as February 2, 1996, between Global
TeleSystems Group, Inc. and Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc. ........................
10.10** -- Warrant Agreement, dated as of February 2, 1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc.
and Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc. ................................................
10.11 -- Intentionally Omitted
10.12** -- Registration Rights Letter Agreement, dated as February 2, 1996, between Global
TeleSystems Group, Inc. and Capital International Emerging Markets Funds...............
10.13** -- Warrant Agreement, dated as of February 2, 1996, between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc.
and Capital International Emerging Markets Funds.......................................
10.14** -- Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan...............
10.15** -- GTS-Hermes, Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan................................................
10.16** -- Restricted Stock Grant letter, dated as of January 1, 1995.............................
10.17** -- Employment Agreement dated as of January 1995 between SFMT, Inc. and Jan Loeber........
10.18** -- Employment Agreement dated as of April 1996 between GTS Group, Inc. and Louis Toth.....
10.19** -- Employment Agreement dated as of April 1996 between GTS Group, Inc. and Gerald W.
Thames.................................................................................
10.20** -- Employment Agreement dated as of April 1996 between GTS Group, Inc. and Raymond J.
Marks..................................................................................
10.21** -- Employment Agreement dated as of April 1996 between GTS Group, Inc. and Henry
Radzikowski............................................................................
10.22** -- SFMT, Inc. Equity Compensation Plan....................................................
10.23** -- Form of Non-Statutory Stock Option Agreement...........................................
10.24** -- Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Option Plan of Global TeleSystems Group Inc. dated as
of January 16, 1997....................................................................
10.25** -- GTS-Hermes 1994 Stock Option Grant, Non-Qualified Stock Option Grant...................
10.26** -- Agreement on the Creation and Functions of the Joint Venture of EDN Sovintel, dated
June 18, 1990..........................................................................
10.27** -- Stock Purchase Agreement among Global Telesystems Group, Inc, Kompaniya
"Invest-Project," Swinton Limited, GTS-Vox Limited, and MTU-Inform, dated September 6,
1995...................................................................................
10.28** -- Certificate of Registration of Revised and Amended Foundation Document in the State
Registration of Commercial Organizations, dated May 30, 1996...........................
10.29** -- Agreement on the Creation and Functions of the Joint Venture Sovam Teleport, dated May
26, 1992...............................................................................
10.30** -- Amended and Restated Joint Venture Agreement between GTS Cellular, Tricor B.V., Gerard
Essing, Ivan Laska, and Erik Jennes, dated July 6, 1995................................
10.31** -- Amended and Restated Shareholders' Agreement between HIT Rail B.V., GTS-Hermes, Inc.,
Nationale Maatschappu Der Belgische Spoorwegen, Teleport B.V., AB Swed Carrier, and
Hermes Europe Railtel B.V., dated July, 1997...........................................
10.31(a)** -- Shareholders' Agreement among the Hermes Europe Railtel, B.V., GTS-Hermes Inc., HIT
Rail B.V., SNCB/NMBS and AB Swed Carrier (incorporated by refererce to Exhibit 10.1 to
the Hermes Europe Railtel B.V.'s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
333-37719) filed on December 11, 1997) (supersedes the Amended and Restated
Shareholders' Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.31 to this Registration Statement).........
10.32** -- Company Agreement between The Societe National de Financement, GTS S.A.M. and The
Principality of Monaco, dated September 27, 1995.......................................
10.33** -- Joint Venture Agreement between SFMT-Hungaro Inc. and Montana Holding Vagyonkezelo
Kft., dated December 23, 1993..........................................................
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 220
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
10.34** -- Joint Venture and Shareholders' Agreement among Gerard Aircraft Sales and Leasing
Company, SFMT-Hungaro Inc., and Microsystem Telecom Rt., dated August 5, 1994..........
10.35** -- Agreement on the Establishment of Limited Liability Company between SFMT-Czech, Inc.
and B&H s.r.o., dated July 12, 1994....................................................
10.36** -- Formation of the Equity Joint Venture between GTS and SSTIC, dated April 12, 1995......
10.37** -- Contract to Establish the Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint Venture Beijing Tianmu
Satellite Communications Technology Co., Ltd, amended, by and between China
International Travel Service Telecom Co., Ltd. and American China Investment
Corporation, dated March 27, 1996......................................................
10.38** -- Joint Venture Contract between GTS TransPacific Ventures Limited and Shanghai
Intelligence Engineering, Inc., dated March 28, 1996...................................
10.39** -- Agreement between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and Cesia S.A., dated June 21, 1997...
10.40** -- Consulting Agreement between SFMT, Inc. and Alan B. Slifka, dated March 1, 1994........
10.41** -- Consulting Agreement between Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. and Bernard J. McFadden,
dated August 15, 1996..................................................................
10.42* -- Consulting Agreement between CESIA S.A. and Hermes Europe Railtel B.V., dated June 20,
1997...................................................................................
11.1*** -- Statement regarding computation of per share earnings..................................
21.1** -- List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant ................................................
23.1*** -- Consent of Shearman & Sterling (included in its opinion delivered under Exhibit No.
5.1) ..................................................................................
23.2* -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Ernst & Young (CIS) Ltd., and Ernst & Young Reviseurs
d'Entreprises S.C.C. ..................................................................
24.1** -- Powers of Attorney (included on signature page to this registration statement).........
27.1** -- Financial Data Schedule extracted from 12/31/96 audited financial statements...........
27.2* -- Financial Data Schedule extracted from 9/30/97 unaudited financial statements..........
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Filed herewith.
** Previously filed.
*** To be filed by amendment.
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 3.8
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
TO THE
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation, HEREBY
CERTIFIES AS FOLLOWS:
1. The name of the Corporation is Global TeleSystems
Group, Inc. The date of filing of its Certificate of Incorporation
with the Secretary of State of Delaware was September 30, 1993.
2. This Certificate of Amendment sets forth amendments
to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation that were duly
adopted by the written consent of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon in
accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. Written notice of the
taking of corporate action shall be given promptly in accordance with
the provisions of Section 228 of the General Corporation Law of the
State of Delaware.
3. The first paragraph of Article FOURTH of the
Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation is hereby amended to
read as follows:
"FOURTH: The total number of shares of capital stock
which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is
145,000,000 (one hundred forty-five million) shares, of which
there shall be 135,000,000 (one hundred thirty-five million)
shares of common stock, par value $0.10 per share, and
10,000,000 (ten million) shares of preferred stock, par value
$0.0001 per share.
Upon this Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate
of Incorporation becoming effective (the "Effective Time"),
each of the Corporation's common shares, par value of $0.0001
per share (the "Old Common Stock"), issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time, will be automatically
reclassified as and converted into 1 1/2 (one and one-half)
common shares, par value $0.10 per share, of the Corporation
(the "New Common Stock"), subject to the treatment of
fractional share interests as described below. Each holder of
a certificate or certificates which immediately prior to the
Effective Time
<PAGE> 2
2
represented outstanding shares of Old Common Stock (the "Old
Certificates") shall be entitled to receive upon surrender of
such Old Certificates to the Corporation or its transfer agent,
if any, for cancellation a certificate or certificates (the
"New Certificates") representing such number of whole shares of
the New Common Stock into which and for which the shares of the
Old Common Stock formerly represented by such Old Certificates
so surrendered are reclassified under the terms hereof. From
and after the Effective Time, Old Certificates shall represent
only the right to receive New Certificates pursuant to the
provisions hereof. No certificates or scrip representing
fractional share interests in New Common Stock will be issued
by the Corporation as a result of the stock split contemplated
hereby. In lieu thereof, each stockholder whose shares of Old
Common Stock are not exchangeable for whole shares to
accomplish the split contemplated herein will receive one
additional share of New Common Stock in place of the fractional
share that such stockholder would otherwise be entitled to as a
result of such stock split. If more than one Old Certificate
shall be surrendered at one time for the account of the same
stockholder, the number of full shares of New Common Stock for
which new certificates shall be issued shall be compiled on the
basis of the aggregate number of shares represented by the Old
Certificates so surrendered. In the event that the Corporation
or its transfer agent, if any, determines that a holder of Old
Certificates has not tendered all of such holder's certificates
for exchange, the Corporation or its transfer agent, if any,
shall carry forward any fractional share until all certificates
of that holder have been presented for exchange. If any new
Certificate is to be issued in a name other than that in which
the Old Certificates surrendered for exchange are issued, the
old Certificates so surrendered shall be properly endorsed and
otherwise in proper form for transfer, and the person or
persons requesting such exchange shall affix any requisite
stock transfer tax stamps to the Old Certificates surrendered,
or provide funds for their purchase, or establish to the
satisfaction of the Corporation or its transfer agent, if any,
that such taxes are not payable.
From and after the Effective Time, the amount of
capital represented by the shares of the New Common Stock into
which and for which the shares of the Old Common Stock are
reclassified under the terms hereof shall be increased to an
amount equal to such aggregate par value, until thereafter
reduced or increased in accordance with applicable law.
To the extent the Corporation has reserved shares
pursuant to any employee benefit plan or to cover outstanding
warrants, options, or securities convertible into or
exercisable or exchangeable for common stock ("Reserved
Shares"), at the Effective Time, the Corporation shall reserve
additional shares
<PAGE> 3
3
up to a number that is one and one-half times the number of
Reserved Shares ("New Reserved Shares")."
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC. has caused
this certificate to be signed by Grier C. Raclin, its Senior Vice President
and General Counsel, and attested by Arnold Y. Dean, its Assistant Secretary,
this 1st day of December, 1997.
GLOBAL TELESYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
By: /s/ Grier C. Raclin
----------------------------------
Name: Grier C. Raclin
Title: Senior Vice President and
General Counsel
ATTEST:
By: /s/ Arnold Y. Dean
---------------------------
Name: Arnold Y. Dean
Title: Assistant Secretary
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 10.42
[HERMES EUROPE RAILTEL LETTERHEAD]
Mr. Jean Salmona
Chairman and Managing Director
CESIA
6 rue General de Larminat
75015 Paris
FRANCE
Brussels, 20 June, 1997
Dear Mr. Salmona,
As agreed earlier here follows the confirmation of the Retainer Fee Arrangement
between CESIA S.A. and Hermes Europe Railtel B.V. ("HER").
Retainer Period
1 March 1997 until 31 December 1997.
Retainer Fee
Monthly fee of FF 200,000 for March to November 1997. No fee for December 1997.
Taxation. Out-of pocket costs and international telecommunications expenses
With the exception of value-added tax, CESIA shall be responsible for any and
all taxes and social charges imposed by any jurisdiction relating to the
Retainer Fee paid to CESIA pursuant to this Retainer Fee Arrangement.
Out-of-pocket costs related to travel and business expenses in the course of
the performance of Services will be reimbursed subject to the production of
justifying documents and approval.
International telecommunications expenses related to Hermes Europe Railtel will
be reimbursed on France Telecom detailed bills.
Payment Modalities
The fee and costs shall be payable within 30 days of the date of receipt of
CESIA's invoice.
CESIA's bank details are: Banque Martin Maurel
Account No 00350 43255 T
Key: 24
Bank code: 13369
Desk code: 00001
<PAGE> 2
[HERMES EUROPE RAILTEL LOGO]
Retained Services
Attached to this letter is a statement of services and budgeted resources for
which we retain CESIA.
Reporting on Progress
CESIA will keep adequate records of the services performed and agree to provide
periodical reports and make such presentations on progress of its consultants'
activities as may be requested from time to time by HER.
Ownership of Information
In consideration of the Retainer Fee CESIA hereby transfers to HER (and its
successors assigns or nominees) the future copyright (economic rights) in any
works of authorship made or created by CESIA in carrying out the Services. This
transfer includes the right for HER to use, modify, adapt and alter the works.
Confidentiality
CESIA and the consultants, Mr. J. Salmona and Mr. L.A. de Fouquieres,
individually signed a confidentiality agreement and acknowledge the strategic
importance of the services and recognise that HER could incur loss and damage
should the confidentiality undertaking be breached.
Limitation of Liability
Neither party shall be liable to the other in respect of any loss of revenue,
business, contracts or profits or for any indirect or consequential loss
(including claims from the other parties customers) whatsoever, howsoever
arising.
In the event that a party breaches this arrangement it shall indemnify the
other party against all direct losses, costs, claims, demands and damages
arising as a result.
Termination
Either party can terminate the retainer arrangement with one months prior
written notice after the initial retainer period. On termination: HER shall pay
to CESIA any arrears of charges and expenses due in accordance with this
letter; CESIA will return to HER all information provided by, or developed for
HER; and CESIA will provide a current status of the services and suggest a best
course of action required by HER to achieve the expected results.
Independent Contractor
This Retainer Fee Arrangement and the right to compensation hereunder may not
be assigned or transferred by the Consultant. The Consultant shall perform the
Services at all times as an independent contractor and shall make no
representations to any party to the contrary. The
<PAGE> 3
[HERMES EUROPE RAILTEL LOGO]
Consultant has no authority to bind HER in any matter whatsoever, or to
represent or undertake obligations on behalf of HER. Nothing herein contained
is intended nor shall be construed from any purposes as creating the
relationship of employer and employee between the Parties or employees of the
Parties.
Could you please indicate your approval with the foregoing, by signing this
letter and returning one original copy. The terms of this letter shall become
legally binding upon our receipt of your signed acknowledgement of the
foregoing terms and a signed copy of HER's standard
Confidentiality/non-disclosure letter agreement.
Yours sincerely,
/s/ JAN LOEBER
Jan Loeber
Managing Director
Approved on 1 July, 1997
/s/ JEAN SALMONA
Jean Salmona
Chairman and Managing Director
Attachment
<PAGE> 4
[HERMES EUROPE RAILTEL LOGO]
ATTACHMENT TO THE RETAINER FEE ARRANGEMENT LETTER DATED 20 JUNE, 1997
FROM HERMES EUROPE RAILTEL B.V. TO CESIA S.A.
STATEMENT OF SERVICES
o Provide support for the negotiation of agreements for network
infrastructure (rights of way, fibre leases, facilities agreements) for the
implementation of the HER business plan in France.
o In support of the HER management team, arrange and conduct meetings with
interested parties to encourage support of the HER project in France.
o Research and advise on the regulatory and political debate on
telecommunications liberalisation and how it may influence the HER business
plan.
o Provide analysis and advice on the capabilities of telecommunications
partners in France, including assessment of their business strategy,
network infrastructure, political connections, alliances, and make
recommendations as to which might make suitable partners for HER and in
what way.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Budgeted Resources:
<S> <C>
Individual Flat time budget
Jean Salmona 5 days
Louis-Aime de Fouquieres full time
</TABLE>
Approved on 1 July, 1997
/s/ JEAN SALMONA
Jean Salmona
Chairman and Managing Director
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 23.2
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the
use of our reports dated March 31, 1997 (Global TeleSystems Group, Inc.),
February 21, 1997 (EDN Sovintel), and June 11, 1997 except for Note 9, which is
as of July 15, 1997 (Hermes Europe Railtel B.V.), in Amendment No. 2 to the
Registration Statement (Form S-1 No. 333-36555) and related Prospectus of
Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. dated on or about December 16, 1997.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Vienna, Virginia
December 12, 1997
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from 6/30/97
unaudited financial statements and is qualified in its entirety by reference to
such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1997
<CASH> 14,587
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 11,216
<ALLOWANCES> 1,366
<INVENTORY> 1,813
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 33,715
<PP&E> 44,613
<DEPRECIATION> 9,198
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 198,340
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 33,093
<BONDS> 84,090
0
0
<COMMON> 2
<OTHER-SE> 76,276
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 198,340
<SALES> 1,439
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 17,295
<CGS> 1,155
<TOTAL-COSTS> 12,963
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 38,201
<LOSS-PROVISION> 584
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 7,163
<INCOME-PRETAX> (38,870)
<INCOME-TAX> 817
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (39,687)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (39,687)
<EPS-PRIMARY> 0
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
</TABLE>
