AMC Networks Announces Details of Planned Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer

Rhea-AI Summary

AMC Networks announces a modified Dutch auction tender offer to buy back up to $250 million in Class A common stock, ranging from $22.50 to $26.50 per share. The current share price is $20.77. This offer commences on September 16, 2020 and runs until October 14, 2020. Additionally, Charles F. Dolan will transition to Chairman Emeritus, with James L. Dolan stepping in as Non-Executive Chairman.

Positive

• Announcement of a $250 million tender offer reflects strong financial health.
• Tender offer allows shareholders to liquidate shares at a premium over the current market price.

Negative

• Shareholder dilution risk if tender offer is undersubscribed.
• Market conditions may affect the uptake of the tender offer.

Charles F. Dolan Stepping Down as Executive Chairman, Will Become Chairman Emeritus

James L. Dolan Has Been Elected Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors

NEW YORK, Sept. 15, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AMC Networks Inc. (NASDAQ: AMCX) today announced that on September 16, 2020 it plans to commence a “modified Dutch auction” tender offer to purchase up to $250 million in value of its outstanding Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Class A Shares”), at a price per Class A Share of not less than $22.50 and not greater than $26.50. The Company also announced that its Executive Chairman, Charles F. Dolan, is stepping down from that position to become Chairman Emeritus and that James L. Dolan has been elected as the Non-Executive Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors.

“AMC Networks has a strong financial position and the proposed tender offer is a significant expression of strength and the Board’s confidence in our company’s future,” said Josh Sapan, president and chief executive officer. “The Dolans have led this company from its inception, and both Charles and Jim have provided vision, guidance and support through its long history of growth and evolution. We look forward to their continued leadership as AMC Networks continues to stand out in a crowded environment through the strength and quality of our content and ability to forge strong and lasting relationships with viewers and fans.”

Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer Details

AMC Networks Inc. plans to commence an offer to purchase up to $250 million in value of Class A Shares at a price per Class A Share of not less than $22.50 and not greater than $26.50. The closing price of the Class A Shares on the Nasdaq Stock Market today was $20.77 per Class A Share. The “modified Dutch auction” tender offer is expected to commence on September 16, 2020, and is intended to expire at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, at the end of Wednesday, October 14, 2020, unless the offer is extended. Tenders of Class A Shares must be made prior to the expiration of the tender offer and may be withdrawn at any time prior to the expiration time, in each case, in accordance with the procedures described in the tender offer materials. The Company intends to pay for the shares repurchased in the tender offer with available cash.

A “modified Dutch auction” tender offer allows stockholders to indicate how much stock and at what price within the specified offer range they wish to tender their stock. Based on the number of Class A Shares tendered and the prices specified by the tendering stockholders, AMC Networks will determine the lowest price per Class A Share within the specified range that will enable it to purchase $250 million of Class A Shares at such price, or such lesser number of Class A Shares that are tendered and not withdrawn (the “Final Purchase Price”), subject to the terms of the tender offer. All Class A Shares purchased by AMC Networks in the tender offer will be purchased at the same price.

If, based on the Final Purchase Price, more than $250 million in value of Class A Shares (or such greater number of Class A Shares as AMC Networks may choose to purchase without amending or extending the tender offer) are properly tendered and not properly withdrawn, AMC Networks will purchase shares tendered at or below the Final Purchase Price on a pro rata basis, subject to certain “odd lot” priority and conditional tender provisions.

Stockholders whose Class A Shares are purchased in the tender offer will be paid the determined purchase price in cash, less any applicable withholding taxes and without interest, after the expiration of the tender offer. The Company believes that the “modified Dutch auction” tender offer provides its stockholders with the opportunity to tender all or a portion of their Class A Shares, and thereby receive a return of some or all of their investment in the Company, if they so elect.

The tender offer will not be contingent upon the receipt of financing or any minimum number of Class A Shares being tendered. However, the tender offer is subject to a number of other terms and conditions, which will be described in detail in the offer to purchase for the tender offer. Specific instructions and a complete explanation of the terms and conditions of the tender offer will be contained in the offer to purchase, the related letter of transmittal and other related materials, which will be mailed to stockholders of record promptly after commencement of the tender offer.

While the Company’s Board of Directors has authorized the Company to make the tender offer, neither the Company, its Board of Directors, the joint dealer managers, the information agent, nor the depositary makes any recommendation as to whether to tender or refrain from tendering Class A Shares or as to the price at which to tender them. The Company has not authorized any person to make any such recommendation. Stockholders must make their own decision as to whether to tender their Class A Shares and, if so, how many Class A Shares to tender and the purchase price or purchase prices at which they will tender them. In doing so, stockholders should consult their own financial and tax advisors and read carefully and evaluate the information in the tender offer documents, when available.

The joint dealer managers for the tender offer are BofA Securities, Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. D.F. King & Co., Inc. is serving as information agent for the tender offer and Equiniti Trust Company is serving as the depositary for the tender offer. Once commenced, for all questions relating to the tender offer, please call the information agent, D. F. King & Co., Inc. toll-free at (877) 478-5043; banks and brokers may call D.F. King at (212) 269-5550 or the joint dealer managers, BofA Securities, Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. at (888) 803-9655 and (877) 531-8365, respectively.

Additional Information Regarding the Tender Offer
The tender offer described in this communication (the “Offer”) has not yet commenced. This communication is for informational purposes only. This communication is not a recommendation to buy or sell AMC Networks Class A Shares or any other securities, and it is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell AMC Networks Class A Shares or any other securities. On the commencement date of the Offer, AMC Networks will file a tender offer statement on Schedule TO, including an offer to purchase, letter of transmittal and related materials, with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Offer will only be made pursuant to the offer to purchase, letter of transmittal and related materials filed as a part of the Schedule TO. Stockholders should read carefully the offer to purchase, letter of transmittal and related materials because they contain important information, including the various terms of, and conditions to, the Offer. Once the Offer is commenced, stockholders will be able to obtain a free copy of the tender offer statement on Schedule TO, the offer to purchase, letter of transmittal and other documents that AMC Networks will be filing with the SEC at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or from AMC Networks’ website at http://www.amcnetworks.com or from the information agent for the tender offer.

About AMC Networks Inc.
AMC Networks is a global entertainment company known for delivering high-quality content to audiences and a valuable platform to distributors and advertisers. The Company, which operates several of the most recognizable brands in entertainment, manages its business through two operating segments: (i) National Networks, which principally includes AMC, BBC AMERICA, IFC, SundanceTV and WE tv; and AMC Studios, the Company’s television production business; and (ii) International and Other, which principally includes AMC Networks International, the Company’s international programming business; AMC Networks SVOD, the Company's targeted subscription streaming services, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now and UMC (Urban Movie Channel); Levity Entertainment Group, the Company’s production services and comedy venues business; and IFC Films, the Company's independent film distribution business. For more information on AMC Networks, please visit the Company’s website at www.amcnetworks.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including financial community and rating agency perceptions of the Company and its business, operations, financial condition and the industry in which it operates and the factors described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the sections titled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained therein. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein.

Contacts:

Investor Relations Seth Zaslow (646) 273-3766 seth.zaslow@amcnetworks.com

Corporate Communications Georgia Juvelis (917) 542-6390 Georgia.juvelis@amcnetworks.com

 

FAQ

What is AMC Networks' tender offer for Class A shares?

AMC Networks plans to buy back up to $250 million in Class A shares at a price between $22.50 and $26.50, starting September 16, 2020.

When does AMC Networks' tender offer expire?

The tender offer is set to expire at 12:00 midnight NY time on October 14, 2020.

What is the current price of AMC Networks' Class A shares?

As of the press release date, the Class A shares are priced at $20.77.

Who is the new Non-Executive Chairman of AMC Networks?

James L. Dolan has been elected as the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors.

What is the purpose of AMC Networks' tender offer?

The tender offer is intended to provide shareholders with liquidity by allowing them to sell their shares back to the company at a higher price.