Asset Purchase Agreement - New York Times Co., Family Circle Inc., Retail Magazines Marketing Co. Inc. and Gruner + Jahr Printing and Publishing Co.
ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
AMONG
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY, THE FAMILY CIRCLE, INC.,
RETAIL MAGAZINES MARKETING COMPANY, INC.
AND
GRUNER + JAHR PRINTING AND PUBLISHING CO.
FOR THE PURCHASE OF
THE NEW YORK TIMES WOMEN'S MAGAZINES GROUP
DATED: June 17, 1994
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 "ABC" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 "Affiliate" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.3 "Agreement" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.4 "Agreement for Computer Support Services" . . . . . . . 2
1.5 "Ancillary Agreements" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.6 "Arrears" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.7 "Assets" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.8 "Barter" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.9 "BPA" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.10 "Business" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.11 "Buyer" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.12 "Closing" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.13 "Closing Date" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.14 "COBRA" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.15 "Code" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.16 "Contracts" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.17 "Copyrights" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.18 "Credit-Cancelled Copy" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.19 "Credit-Suspended Copy" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.20 "Employee" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.21 "Employee Plans" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.22 "ERISA" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.23 "Escrow Agent" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.24 "Escrow Agreement" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.25 "Escrow Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.26 "Excluded Assets" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.27 "FCI" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.28 "Financial Statements" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.29 "Fulfillment Agreement" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.30 "H-S-R Act" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.31 "Indemnified Party" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.32 "Indemnifying Party" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.33 "Inventory" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.34 "June 30 Balance Sheet" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.35 "June 30 Financials" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.36 "Laws" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.37 "Lease Agreement" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.38 "Net Current Assets" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.39 "Net Current Assets Statement" . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.40 "Non-Competition Agreement" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.41 "NYTCo." . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.42 "Permitted Encumbrances" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.43 "Pending Work" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.44 "PI Advertisement" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.45 "Publication Rights" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
- i -
<PAGE>
1.46 "RMMCo." . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.47 "Savings Plan of Buyer" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.48 "Savings Plan of Seller" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.49 "Seller" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.50 "Subscriber List" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.51 "Trademarks" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.52 "TDS" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.53 "Transferred Employee" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.54 "Women's Magazines" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
ARTICLE 2
PURCHASE AND SALE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.1 Purchase and Sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.2 Excluded Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.3 Execution of Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.4 Consents to Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.5 Books and Records Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
ARTICLE 3
CONSIDERATION, ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES, ALLOCATIONS,
APPORTIONMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.1 Consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.2 No Assumption of Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.3 Allocations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.4 Closing, Effective Date of Transactions,
Apportionments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
ARTICLE 4
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.1 Corporate Power and Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.2 Authorization of Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.3 Consents of Third Parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.4 Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.5 Operation Since December 31, 1993 . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.6 The Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.7 Litigation and Compliance with Law . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.8 Subscriber List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.9 Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.10 Employment and Labor Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.11 Employee Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.12 Intellectual Property and Publication Rights . . . . . 17
4.13 Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.14 Advertising Commitments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.15 Subscription Commitments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.16 No Finder or Broker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.17 No Misleading Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.18 Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.19 Related-Party Transactions, Conflicts . . . . . . . . . 18
4.20 Transfer of Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
ii
<PAGE>
4.21 Accounts Receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.22 Pending Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.23 Representations Exclusive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
ARTICLE 5
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BUYER . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.1 Power and Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.2 Authorization of Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.3 Consents of Third Parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.4 No Finder or Broker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
ARTICLE 6
FURTHER AGREEMENTS OF SELLER AND BUYER . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
6.1 Access, Confidentiality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
6.2 Operation in Ordinary Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
6.3 Taxes on Bulk Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
6.4 Other Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
6.5 Regulatory and Other Authorizations . . . . . . . . . . 21
6.6 Publicity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
6.7 Further Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6.8 Employment Matters, Employee Plans . . . . . . . . . . 22
ARTICLE 7
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CLOSING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
7.1 Conditions Precedent to Buyer's Obligation to Close . . 24
7.2 Conditions Precedent to Seller's Obligation to Close . 26
ARTICLE 8
TERMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
8.1 Termination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
8.2 Effect of Termination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
8.3 Further Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
ARTICLE 9
JUNE 30 BALANCE SHEET, NET CURRENT ASSETS
STATEMENT AND ADJUSTMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
9.1 June 30 Balance Sheet, Net Current Assets Statement . . 29
9.2 Adjustments to Consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
9.3 Post Closing Collection of Receivables . . . . . . . . 30
ARTICLE 10
ESCROW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
iii
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 11
ADDITIONAL COVENANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
11.1 Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
11.2 Certain Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
11.3 Names and Logos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
11.4 Subscribers and Subscriber List . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
11.5 Computer Support Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
11.6 Bulk Sales Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
11.7 Payments from Third Parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
11.8 No Solicitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
11.9 Fulfillment of Current Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . 33
11.10 Change of FCI's Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
11.11 Telemarketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
11.12 Agreements With Respect To TDS . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
ARTICLE 12
INDEMNIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
12.1 Indemnification by Seller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
12.2 Indemnification by Buyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
12.3 Indemnification Claims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
12.4 Claims for Reimbursement and Survival . . . . . . . . . 36
12.5 Remedies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
ARTICLE 13
GENERAL PROVISIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
13.1 Severability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
13.2 Amendment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
13.3 No Implied Waiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
13.4 Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
13.5 Captions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
13.6 Choice of Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
13.7 Binding Effect and Assignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
13.8 Gender and Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
13.9 Entire Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
13.10 Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
13.11 Third Party Beneficiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
13.12 Counterparts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
13.13 Survival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
iv
<PAGE>
ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
------------------------
This ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (hereinafter referred to as
this "Agreement"), executed on and effective as of the 17th day of
June, 1994, by and among THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY, a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York
("NYTCo."), THE FAMILY CIRCLE, INC., a corporation organized and
existing under the laws of the State of Iowa ("FCI"), RETAIL
MAGAZINES MARKETING COMPANY, INC., a corporation organized and
existing under the laws of the State of New York ("RMMCo.")
(NYTCo., FCI and RMMCo. hereinafter collectively referred to as
"Seller"), and GRUNER + JAHR PRINTING AND PUBLISHING CO., a general
partnership organized and existing under the laws of the State of
Delaware, acting through its publishing division, Gruner + Jahr USA
Publishing (hereinafter referred to as "Buyer"),
W I T N E S S E T H:
- - - - - - - - - -
WHEREAS, Seller is the owner of certain assets with
regard to the publication of certain magazines commonly referred to
as the New York Times Women's Magazine Group (hereinafter referred
to as the "Women's Magazines"); and
WHEREAS, Seller is willing to sell such assets and the
right to publish the Women's Magazines, and Buyer desires to
purchase the same, upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set
forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual represen-
tations, warranties, covenants and agreements hereinafter set
forth, Seller and Buyer do hereby mutually covenant and agree as
follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
The following terms shall, unless the context clearly requires
otherwise, have the respective meanings set forth in this
Article 1:
1.1 "ABC". The Audit Bureau of Circulations.
---
1.2 "Affiliate". Any entity (whether or not incorporated) which
---------
is an affiliate of Seller within the meaning of the rules and
regulations promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.
1.3 "Agreement". This Asset Purchase Agreement between Seller and
---------
Buyer, as the same may be amended from time to time.
<PAGE>
1.4 "Agreement for Computer Support Services". That certain
---------------------------------------
Agreement for Computer Services, referred to in Section 11.5, in
form and substance as set forth in Exhibit 11.5 hereto.
------------
1.5 "Ancillary Agreements". Collectively, the Agreement for
--------------------
Computer Support Services, the Escrow Agreement, the Fulfillment
Agreement, the Lease and the Non-Competition Agreement.
1.6 "Arrears". Any copy of an issue of any of the Women's
-------
Magazines delivered to a subscriber beyond the subscription term
(or renewal thereof) originally ordered and paid for. The term
"Arrears" shall be construed without limitation to include all
copies of issues of the Women's Magazines which are "post-expira-
tion copies" of such issues.
1.7 "Assets". The assets of Seller, other than the Excluded
------
Assets, used in connection with the publication of the Women's
Magazines, and which are more fully described in Section 2.1.
1.8 "Barter". A contract for a trade of one product or service
------
for either (a) another product or service, or (b) a credit toward
the purchase of another product or service.
1.9 "BPA". The Business Publications Association.
---
1.10 "Business". The business (as currently conducted), Assets and
--------
goodwill of Seller in connection with the preparation, publication,
selling and distribution of the Women's Magazines.
1.11 "Buyer". Gruner + Jahr Printing and Publishing Co., acting
-----
through its publishing division, Gruner + Jahr USA Publishing.
1.12 "Closing". The consummation of the transactions contemplated
-------
by this Agreement.
1.13 "Closing Date". The later of July 11, 1994, or three (3)
------------
days after the expiration of the waiting period imposed by the
H-S-R Act.
1.14 "COBRA". The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
-----
of 1985, as amended.
1.15 "Code". The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
----
1.16 "Contracts". All the following contracts, agreements, under-
---------
takings and understandings relating to the Women's Magazines to
which Seller is a party or by which it is bound: (a) all commit-
ments and agreements for the purchase of paper or ink; (b) all real
estate leases, and all other rental agreements under which Seller
is either lessor or lessee that involve annual payments or receipts
of Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) or more; (c) all loan and
financing agreements (whether cast in such form, in the form of
- 2 -
<PAGE>
leases, or otherwise) under which Seller is obligated to make
annual payments of Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) or more;
(d) all other orders, leases, commitments and agreements (including
without limitation employment, consulting, retainer, agency and
representation agreements of any nature or description) which
involve payments by Seller in excess of Twenty-Five Thousand
Dollars ($25,000) in any year (including upon exercise by Seller of
any rights to terminate such agreement other than for cause) or
which bind Seller for more than one (1) year; (e) all license
agreements with third parties under which Seller is either licensor
or licensee relating to the Women's Magazines which are either
exclusive license arrangements or have a term of one (1) year or
more; (f) all printing, distribution, subscription fulfillment,
subscriber or name list rental and publishing agreements with third
parties; (g) all joint venture, partnership and similar arrange-
ments or agreements; and (h) the existing group sales and Barter
arrangements involving the Women's Magazines. All Contracts are
listed in Exhibit 1.16 attached hereto. Seller will update said
------------
Exhibit 1.16 at the Closing.
------------
1.17 "Copyrights". The copyrights and other rights more fully
----------
described in Section 2.1(e).
1.18 "Credit-Cancelled Copy". Any copy of an issue of any of the
---------------------
Women's Magazines with respect to which a subscription is or has
been in effect, if either (a) the subscriber thereunder has
requested that the subscription or billing be cancelled, or (b)
Seller or Seller's agent has cancelled such subscription, for non-
payment of the subscription price.
1.19 "Credit-Suspended Copy". Any copy of an issue of any of the
---------------------
Women's Magazines for which (a) a subscription is in effect, (b)
the subscriber has been billed, and (c) delivery has been suspended
by Seller because the subscriber's payment therefor has not yet
been received.
1.20 "Employee". As of the relevant date referred to in Section
--------
4.10, 4.11 or 6.8, as the case may be, and subject to the provi-
sions thereof, any employee of Seller who is actively employed by
Seller in the Business, including any such employee who is on leave
of absence (including disability) or who is on layoff. Employee
shall not include any employee of Seller identified on Exhibit
-------
1.20.
----
1.21 "Employee Plans". Each plan, contract, payroll practice and
--------------
other arrangement which Seller sponsors, contributes to, partici-
pates in on the date hereof, or has or may have any liability or
obligation under, with respect to current or former employees of
the Business (or their dependents or beneficiaries) and which (a)
is an employee benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA),
(b) provides stock-based compensation, (c) provides any bonus,
commission, profit sharing, workers' compensation, change in
- 3 -
<PAGE>
control, severance or termination benefit, or that is a payroll
policy, fringe benefit, deferred compensation or similar arrange-
ment, or (d) is a collective bargaining or other labor agreement.
1.22 "ERISA". The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
-----
as amended.
1.23 "Escrow Agent". The United States Trust Company of New York.
------------
1.24 "Escrow Agreement". That certain Escrow Agreement, referred
----------------
to in Section 3.1(c), in form and substance as set forth in Exhibit
-------
3.1(c) hereto.
------
1.25 "Escrow Balance". The amount held by the Escrow Agent from
--------------
time to time under the Escrow Agreement and not yet disbursed to
Seller.
1.26 "Excluded Assets". The assets described in Section 2.2, which
---------------
are not part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
1.27 "FCI". The Family Circle, Inc.
---
1.28 "Financial Statements". The balance sheet prepared by Seller,
--------------------
as it relates to the Business, as at December 31, 1993, and the
income statements with respect to each of the Women's Magazines as
well as the Business for the period then ending. The Financial
Statements are attached hereto as Exhibit 1.28.
------------
1.29 "Fulfillment Agreement". That certain Fulfillment Agreement,
---------------------
referred to in Section 11.9, in form and substance as set forth in
Exhibit 11.9 hereto.
------------
1.30 "H-S-R Act". The Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act
---------
of 1976, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
1.31 "Indemnified Party". The party claiming indemnification in
-----------------
accordance with Section 12.3.
1.32 "Indemnifying Party". Any party from whom indemnification may
------------------
be sought in accordance with Section 12.3.
1.33 "Inventory". The assets more fully described in Section
---------
2.1(f)(i).
1.34 "June 30 Balance Sheet". The balance sheet prepared by
---------------------
Seller, in accordance with Section 9.1 and relating to the
Business, as at June 30, 1994.
1.35 "June 30 Financials". The June 30 Balance Sheet and the
------------------
income statements with respect to each of the Women's Magazines as
- 4 -
<PAGE>
well as the Business for the period from January 1, 1994, through
and including June 30, 1994. The June 30 Financials will be deli-
vered to Buyer on or before August 1, 1994.
1.36 "Laws". All laws, rules, regulations, rulings, orders, judg-
----
ments, awards, injunctions, decrees, determinations and other
requirements of any court, administrative tribunal or governmental
authority, whether federal, state, local or foreign.
1.37 "Lease Agreement". Collectively, that certain Lease Agreement
---------------
with respect to the premises at 110 Fifth Avenue and that certain
Occupancy Agreement with respect to the premises at 11766 Wilshire
Boulevard, Los Angeles, referred to in Section 2.2(c), both in form
and substance as set forth in Exhibit 2.2(c)-A and Exhibit 2.2(c)-B
---------------- ----------------
hereto.
1.38 "Net Current Assets". The difference of the current assets
------------------
("Accounts Receivable-Trade & Others", "Accounts Receivable-Allow-
ances", "Inventories", "Other Current Assets") and the current
liabilities ("Accounts Payable", "Accrued Payroll", "Other Accrued
Expenses") of the Business, in accordance with the format set forth
in Exhibit 1.38.
------------
1.39 "Net Current Assets Statement". A statement, prepared by
----------------------------
Seller, of the Net Current Assets, setting forth the amounts for
each of the categories described in Section 1.38, as at June 30,
1994, and to be derived from the June 30 Balance Sheet, in accor-
dance with Section 9.1.
1.40 "Non-Competition Agreement". The Non-Competition Agreement of
-------------------------
Seller referred to in Section 3.1(b)(ii), in form and substance as
set forth in Exhibit 3.1(b)(ii) hereto.
------------------
1.41 "NYTCo.". The New York Times Company.
------
1.42 "Permitted Encumbrances". Liens for the payment of taxes
----------------------
which are not yet delinquent or the validity of which is being
contested in good faith by appropriate actions and statutory liens
respecting payments which are not yet delinquent or which are being
contested in good faith by appropriate actions.
1.43 "Pending Work". All rights of Seller in or to any article,
------------
manuscript, illustration, photograph or other material already
commissioned or received from the creator or owner thereof as of
the Closing Date, but not yet accepted or rejected by Seller as of
the Closing Date.
1.44 "PI Advertisement". An advertisement placed or committed for
----------------
placement in an issue of any of the Women's Magazines, for which
Seller will receive payment at a fixed or pre-arranged rate multi-
plied by the number of responses or inquiries relating to the
advertisement.
- 5 -
<PAGE>
1.45 "Publication Rights". All rights of Seller to the prepara-
------------------
tion, editing, publication and sale of any article, manuscript,
illustration, photograph or other editorial and non-editorial
material in any issue of the Women's Magazines, whether included in
any issue of the Women's Magazines published heretofore or being
prepared for publication as of the Closing Date, or subject to
contracts with authors, illustrators, artists, photographers or
other similar persons and accepted and available for publication in
the future issues of the Women's Magazines.
1.46 "RMMCo.". Retail Magazines Marketing Company, Inc.
------
1.47 "Savings Plan of Buyer". A defined contribution Code Section
---------------------
401(k) savings plan similar to the defined contribution 401(k)
savings plan maintained by Buyer immediately prior to the Closing.
1.48 "Savings Plan of Seller". The NYTCo. Supplemental Retirement
----------------------
and Investment Plan, a defined contribution Code Section 401(k)
savings plan.
1.49 "Seller". Collectively, NYTCo., FCI and RMMCo.
------
1.50 "Subscriber List". The database of subscribers to the Women's
---------------
Magazines who are active subscribers as of the date hereof, or
former subscribers who were active subscribers at any time after
January 1, 1989, which Subscriber List sets forth (i) all subscrip-
tions to the Women's Magazines which are active at the Closing Date
and the number of all Credit-Suspended Copies, Credit-Cancelled
Copies and Arrears attributable to each such subscription, (ii) the
expiration dates, by subscriber and on an annual basis, relating to
all of such subscriptions, and (iii) the source of business.
1.51 "Trademarks". The trademarks and other rights more fully
----------
described in Section 2.1(k).
1.52 "TDS". Time Distribution Services, a general partnership, as
---
more fully described in Section 2.1(o).
1.53 "Transferred Employee". Any Employee who accepts Buyer's
--------------------
offer of employment and otherwise satisfies the conditions of
Section 6.8(a) hereof, thereby becoming an employee of Buyer.
1.54 "Women's Magazines". The magazines and ancillary businesses
-----------------
as more fully described in Exhibit 1.54.
------------
ARTICLE 2
PURCHASE AND SALE
2.1 Purchase and Sale. Upon the terms and subject to the provi-
-----------------
sions of this Agreement, at the Closing, Seller will sell, assign,
transfer and deliver to Buyer, and Buyer will purchase and acquire
- 6 -
<PAGE>
from Seller all of the assets, except the Excluded Assets, relating
to the Women's Magazines as more fully described in the following
(the "Assets"):
(a) All trade and other accounts, notes and drafts receivable
of Seller, net of reserves for bad debts, including receivables
attributable to advertising, list rentals and relating to subscrip-
tions (net of commissions).
(b) All advertising relationships.
(c) All orders, contracts, commitments and schedules relating
to all advertising committed to run in issues of the Women's
Magazines for which production is scheduled to close after June 30,
1994. Exhibit 2.1(c) hereto sets forth a list of all such adver-
--------------
tising orders as of June 9, 1994. Seller will update said Exhibit
-------
2.1(c) prior to the Closing Date.
------
(d) All of Seller's rights, privileges and options under any
contracts, including the Contracts, contract rights, leases,
licenses, orders, bids, commitments or other agreements, under-
takings or understandings to the extent relating to the Women's
Magazines, including without limitation all agency contracts,
commitments to authors, illustrators, photographers, publishers and
other creators or owners of works which are copyrighted or copy-
rightable, and all rights and permissions inuring to the benefit of
Seller with respect to any such works (including without limitation
standard author's contracts, standard artist's contracts, and forms
for licensing such rights to third parties), to the extent that
such rights accrued to Seller in the ordinary course of its opera-
tions and have not been fully satisfied on, or continue in effect
or to accrue after, the Closing Date, as well as all tickets or
rights to tickets for sports and entertainment events.
(e) All of Seller's rights, privileges and options under any
United States and foreign copyrights and literary rights (including
without limitation in each case all rights to license and distri-
bute the same) (the "Copyrights") owned or used by Seller relating
to Inventory or to materials of whatever nature or description
appearing in any issue of the Women's Magazines (whether or not
evidenced by certificates of registration), and all of Seller's
right, title and interest with regard to the ownership, renewal,
protection, use and exploitation of the same. All certificates of
registration will be delivered to Buyer at Closing.
(f) All of Seller's rights, privileges and options under any
manuscripts, photographs, editorial materials, art work, files,
illustrations, computer files, compact discs and properties of
Seller (including without limitation paper, ink and other printing
or publishing supplies) which are (i) properly characterized on the
Financial Statements or the June 30 Financials as raw materials,
work-in-progress or finished inventory of Seller (the "Inventory"),
- 7 -
<PAGE>
(ii) owned by or in the possession of Seller on the Closing Date,
and (iii) properly attributable to the publication of the Women's
Magazines and the sale of issues of the Women's Magazines. In
addition, the inventory shall include transparencies, slides,
paintings, standing type, cuts, plates, engravings, stencils,
forms, labels, promotional materials and similar supplies used by
Seller in connection with the publication of the Women's Magazines
and the sale of issues of the Women's Magazines, as well as all but
two (2) copies of each back issue of the Women's Magazines pub-
lished after January 1, 1988.
(g) All orders for new or renewal subscriptions to the
Women's Magazines processed by Seller or its fulfillment house on
or after the Closing Date, and all revenues related to such orders.
(h) The Pending Work.
(i) The Publication Rights.
(j) The records of Seller with regard to the Assets and the
Business, including without limitation (i) mailing lists and infor-
mation held for use by Seller for development and maintenance of
such mailing lists and of the Subscriber List and for promotion of
the Business and the fulfillment of Seller's obligations with
respect to the Business, (ii) advertising space reservations,
advertising insertion orders, records of current and former adver-
tisers for issues of the Women's Magazines closed after January 1,
1989 and prospect lists for advertising in the Women's Magazines,
(iii) list rental files, list rental orders, records of current and
previous rentals and prospect lists for list rentals, (iv) all
schedules, surveys, exhibits, files, records and data in Seller's
possession or control associated with audits, examinations or
surveys conducted by or for ABC and by or for BPA, and (v) all
other records, files, data or information (including marketing
information and market research data) held for use by Seller in
connection with the publication of the Women's Magazines and the
sale of issues of the Women's Magazines, past, current or pros-
pective subscribers to and advertisers in the Women's Magazines,
and the operation of the Business.
(k) Copies of all financial and tax books and records of
Seller and of any other books and records that Seller is required
by law to maintain, with regard to the Assets and the Business.
(l) All of Seller's rights in federal, state and foreign
trademarks, trade names and logos (including all completed or
pending registrations, renewals or applications for registration or
renewal of any of them) now or previously owned, used or licensed
by Seller in connection with the Women's Magazines, including
without limitation the registered trademarks listed on Exhibit
-------
2.1(l) hereto (the "Trademarks"), together with the goodwill of the
------
Business associated with the publication of the Women's Magazines
- 8 -
<PAGE>
and with any such trademarks, trade names or logos. All Trademark
registrations and applications therefor will be delivered to Buyer
at Closing.
(m) All of Seller's rights, privileges and options with
respect to all software (including spreadsheets), software systems,
databases and database systems, whether owned or licensed, which
are used in connection with the Business and which reside on those
personal computers, networks and desktop publishing computers
described in Section 2.1(q), except for software developed by
Seller, as to which Seller grants to Buyer a perpetual, non-
exclusive license to use such software in connection with the
Business. All software is listed on Exhibit 2.1(m).
--------------
(n) The Subscriber List.
(o) All of Seller's rights, privileges and options under that
certain Joint Venture Agreement dated as of October 15, 1987, as
amended, by and between RMMCo. and TDS Ventures, Inc., including,
without limitation, all of RMMCo.'s rights, privileges and options
in connection with Time Distribution Services, the general partner-
ship created by said agreement ("TDS"), including contract rights,
leases, licenses, orders, bids, commitments or other agreements,
undertakings or understandings relating to TDS, including without
limitation all commitments to and from distributors, and printers,
and all rights and permissions inuring to the benefit of RMMCo.
and/or Seller with respect to any such products and services, to
the extent that such rights accrued to RMMCo. and/or Seller in the
ordinary course of their operations and have not been fully satis-
fied on, or continue in effect or to accrue after, the Closing
Date.
(p) All office equipment and furnishings of the Business
located at Seller's offices in San Francisco, California, Chicago,
Illinois, Portland, Maine and Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
(q) All personal computers, computer networks, desktop
publishing computers, and file servers located at Seller's offices
at 110 Fifth Avenue, New York or at any of Seller's offices set
forth in Section 2.1(p), except for the personal computers located
at 110 Fifth Avenue, New York, used by Employees listed in Exhibit
-------
1.20 whom Seller will continue to employ.
----
(r) Any and all other assets necessary to enable Buyer to
continue the Business substantially as conducted by Seller imme-
diately before the date hereof.
2.2 Excluded Assets. The following assets relating to the
---------------
Business are excluded from the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement (the "Excluded Assets"):
- 9 -
<PAGE>
(a) All cash, cash equivalents, securities, bank accounts,
and insurance policies and rights thereunder.
(b) All assets disposed of by Seller since January 1, 1994 in
the ordinary course of the Business through the Closing Date.
(c) All interests in real estate and all office equipment and
furnishings of Seller located at any office or other facility of
Seller, except at those offices identified in Section 2.1(p);
provided, however, that Seller will lease to Buyer the offices,
-------- -------
office equipment and furnishings located at 110 Fifth Avenue, New
York, and 11766 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, in accordance with
the Lease Agreement and the Occupancy Agreement, both in form and
substance as set forth in Exhibit 2.2(c)-A and Exhibit 2.2(c)-B
---------------- ----------------
hereto (collectively, the "Lease Agreement").
(d) All insurance policies, insurance contracts, and per-
formance and surety bonds of or on behalf of Seller (but not
performance and surety bonds provided by third parties with respect
to contracts assumed by Buyer as part of the Assets), whether or
not with private insurance carriers or state governments or
agencies thereof, and the premiums, reserves, and deposits attri-
butable thereto.
(e) Any rights in and to the assets of any pension, profit
sharing, bonus or employee benefit plan maintained by Seller or any
Affiliate thereof in which any Employee is eligible to participate,
except to the extent specifically provided in Section 6.8.
(f) All rights of Seller to any Federal, state or local tax
benefit, claim or refund, except to the extent attributable to the
Assets.
(g) All corporate books and records of Seller and its subsi-
diaries, and the financial and tax books of Seller and its subsi-
diaries, any other books and records that Seller is required by law
to maintain, except to the extent specifically provided in Section
2.1(j) and (k).
(h) Any names and logos which include "The New York Times" or
"NYT" in the name and/or logo.
(i) Any proceeds of pending litigation or counterclaims in
litigation in which Seller is the Indemnifying Party, arising from
activities of Seller on or before the Closing Date.
2.3 Execution of Instruments. Seller will deliver to Buyer at the
------------------------
Closing such bills of sale, assignments and other instruments of
assignment and transfer consistent with the terms hereof, in such
reasonable and appropriate forms as Buyer shall present to effec-
tively convey and transfer, free and clear of all liens,
- 10 -
<PAGE>
restrictions, mortgages, pledges, security interests or
encumbrances of any nature, any of the Assets to be sold, assigned,
transferred, or delivered hereunder.
2.4 Consents to Assignments. Subject to Section 7.1(c)(v), if any
-----------------------
consent to the assignment of any contract or other agreement shall
not have been obtained at or prior to the Closing, Seller will
cooperate with Buyer, in any reasonable arrangement designed to
provide for Buyer the benefits thereunder, including enforcing for
the benefit of Buyer any or all rights of Seller against any such
third party arising out of the breach thereof by any such third
party.
2.5 Books and Records Assistance. Each party shall, on the
----------------------------
request of the other party, make available to such other party from
time to time on a reasonable basis records and other documents
relating to the Assets and to periods prior to the Closing Date.
Such records and other documents shall be held by the party in
possession of such documents for seven (7) years after the Closing
Date and copies shall be delivered to the other party upon such
other party's request at any time and at such other party's out-of-
pocket expenses. In addition, after the Closing Date, each party
shall, at the other party's request, make any of its employees
available to the requesting party in connection with any litiga-
tion, tax audit, governmental investigation or like matters relat-
ing to the Assets or the Business, provided that the requesting
party shall pay all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by
the other party in making such employees available.
ARTICLE 3
CONSIDERATION,
ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES, ALLOCATIONS, APPORTIONMENTS
3.1 Consideration.
-------------
(a) At the execution of this Agreement, Buyer shall pay to
Seller a deposit, by wire transfer in immediately available funds,
equal to Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000), which shall be refund-
able to Buyer only under the circumstances set forth in Section
8.2(c).
(b) At Closing, Buyer shall pay to Seller, by wire transfer
in immediately available funds:
(i) In consideration for the purchase of the
Assets, Two Hundred Forty-Six Million Four
Hundred Twenty-Six Thousand Dollars
($246,426,000); plus
----
- 11 -
<PAGE>
(ii) In consideration of Seller's covenant not to
compete pursuant to that certain Non-Competi-
tion Agreement in form and substance as set
forth in Exhibit 3.1(b)(ii) hereto (the "Non-
------------------
Competition Agreement"), Forty Million Dollars
($40,000,000).
(c) At Closing, Buyer shall pay to the Escrow Agent Twenty-
Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($27,500,000), to be
held in accordance with the Escrow Agreement in form and substance
as set forth in Exhibit 3.1(c) hereto (the "Escrow Agreement").
--------------
(d) Any payment to be made by Buyer to Seller at Closing
shall be subject to any withholding requirements under applicable
Law (for example, for purposes of sales taxes).
3.2 No Assumption of Liabilities. Except (a) for the current
----------------------------
liabilities to the extent underlying the categories "Allowances"
(for returns), "Accounts Payable", "Accrued Payroll" and "Other
Accrued Expenses" on the June 30 Balance Sheet, (b) for the obli-
gations and liabilities of the contracts assumed by Buyer as part
of the Assets and (c) as otherwise expressly provided in this
Agreement, Buyer shall not assume, pay, perform, discharge or bear
any responsibility whatsoever for any cost, expense, obligation or
liability (whether or not in any way related to the publication of
the Women's Magazines or the sale of issues of the Women's Maga-
zines) arising out of the properties, operations, activities or
Employee Plans of the Seller prior to the Closing Date, and Seller
shall retain, pay, perform, discharge and continue to bear all
responsibility for all such obligations and liabilities.
3.3 Allocations. The consideration for the Assets provided herein
-----------
(as finally determined pursuant to Article 9) shall be allocated
among categories of the assets in accordance with fair market
value. The parties shall use their best efforts prior to Closing
to reach agreement on a reasonable allocation of the consideration
to such categories of assets. Such agreement shall not be a condi-
tion of the Closing. If no agreement is reached within thirty (30)
days after the Closing Date, Buyer shall have the right to refer
such matter to a nationally recognized firm of independent public
accountants agreed upon by Buyer and Seller. The determination
made by such firm shall be conclusive, binding on, and non-appeal-
able by, the parties hereto. The fees and disbursements of such
firm of independent public accountants shall be divided and borne
equally by Seller and Buyer. Seller and Buyer shall each timely
file a Form 8594 with the Internal Revenue Service in connection
therewith. For purposes of complying with Section 1060 of the
Code, as amended, Seller and Buyer agree to report the transaction
contemplated by this Agreement in a manner consistent with such
allocation.
- 12 -
<PAGE>
3.4 Closing, Effective Date of Transactions, Apportionments.
-------------------------------------------------------
(a) The Closing shall take place at the offices of Walter,
Conston, Alexander & Green, P.C., located at 90 Park Avenue, New
York, New York 10016, on the Closing Date, or such other location,
date and time as Buyer and Seller shall designate in writing. At
Closing, all deliveries and other actions shall occur simultane-
ously and as part of a single transaction; none of the deliveries
and other actions shall be deemed to have occurred until the
completion of the entire Closing.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all
transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be deemed and
treated consummated and shall be given effect as though consummated
and occurred on and as of July 1, 1994, and, as of and from July 1,
1994, through the Closing Date, the Business shall have been deemed
conducted by Seller on behalf of and for the account of Buyer, and
all benefits of the Business shall inure to the Buyer as of and
from July 1, 1994.
(c) From July 1, 1994, through and including the Closing
Date, Seller shall continue to record all cash receipts relating to
the Business and all cash disbursements directly benefiting the
Business, in the normal manner as such cash receipts and cash
disbursements have previously been booked and accounted for. No
later than two (2) weeks after the Closing Date, Seller shall
deliver to Buyer a statement thereof, accompanied by appropriate
supporting documentation. Promptly thereafter, Seller shall pay to
Buyer any amount by which the cash receipts for said period are
greater than the cash disbursements for said period, or Buyer shall
pay to Seller the amount by which the cash disbursements for said
period are greater than the cash receipts for said period, as the
case may be. If, at any time after payment is made pursuant to
Seller's determinations, either Seller or Buyer determines that any
item included in said statement is inaccurate or that an additional
item should be included therein, Buyer and Seller shall thereupon
negotiate in good faith to resolve the matter, and an appropriate
adjustment and payment shall be made. If either party determines
that no resolution can be reached, the matter shall be resolved by
a nationally recognized public accounting firm (other than Price
Waterhouse and Deloitte & Touche) agreed upon by Buyer and Seller.
The determination made by said firm shall be conclusive, binding
on, and non-appealable by, the parties hereto. The fees and
disbursements of said firm shall be borne one half by Seller and
one half by Buyer.
- 13 -
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 4
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER
Seller hereby warrants and represents that:
4.1 Corporate Power and Authority. NYTCo. and RMMCo. are cor-
-----------------------------
porations duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of the State of New York, and FCI is a corporation
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the State of Iowa. NYTCo., FCI and RMMCo. are duly
qualified to transact business as a foreign corporation in the
jurisdictions set forth in Exhibit 4.1 hereto. Seller has full,
-----------
complete, and unencumbered capacity, power and authority to carry
on its business as it now is being conducted, to own and transfer
the Assets, and to execute, deliver and perform its obligations
under this Agreement and under all instruments and documents con-
templated hereby. This Agreement has been duly authorized by all
necessary corporate action on the part of Seller and has been duly
executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer thereof.
4.2 Authorization of Agreement. The execution, delivery, and
--------------------------
performance of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby by Seller constitute valid and binding obligations of Seller
enforceable against it in accordance with their terms, except as
may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting
the enforcement of creditors' rights in general and subject to
general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforce-
ability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
4.3 Consents of Third Parties. Except as identified in Exhibit
------------------------- -------
4.3, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by
---
Seller and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
do not require any notice to, or the prior or subsequent consent or
approval of any third party (other than filings required under the
H-S-R Act or under federal or state securities laws), and will not:
(a) violate any of the provisions of, or result in the acceleration
or a default under, any document, instrument or written or unwrit-
ten agreement, or any Laws; or (b) result in the termination of any
contract, agreement, license, lease, permit or other document or
instrument, creating rights of Seller or rights or duties to which
Seller is a party or by which it is bound, which relate to the
Assets; or (c) create the right in any other person to cause such
violation, acceleration, default, or termination; or (d) result in
the reversion or transfer of title in all or any of the Assets to
any person other than Buyer; or (e) create the right in any other
person to cause such reversion or transfer; or (f) result in the
creation, attachment or perfection of any lien, charge, encumbrance
or security interest upon any of the Assets other than the
Permitted Encumbrances.
- 14 -
<PAGE>
4.4 Financial Statements. The Financial Statements fully, fairly
--------------------
and accurately present the financial condition of the Business as
at December 31, 1993, and the results of operations thereof for the
year then ended, and have been prepared in accordance with gener-
ally accepted accounting principles consistently applied. The June
30 Financials shall fully, fairly and accurately present the finan-
cial condition of the Business as at June 30, 1994, and the results
of operations thereof for the period beginning on January 1, 1994,
and ending on June 30, 1994, and shall have been prepared in accor-
dance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently
applied.
4.5 Operation Since December 31, 1993. Except as disclosed in
---------------------------------
Exhibit 4.5 hereto, since December 31, 1993, Seller has: (a) ope-
-----------
rated the Business in the ordinary course consistent with past
practice; (b) not entered into any transaction that is material to
the Business, taken as a whole, except in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice; (c) not sold or trans-
ferred any assets or properties relating to the Business except in
the ordinary course of business; (d) not subjected or agreed to
subject any of the assets of the Business to any material mortgage,
pledge, lien, charge, security interest or other encumbrance other
than Permitted Encumbrances; and (e) not granted or agreed to grant
any general increase in the rate or rates of salaries, wages,
benefits, perquisites or other compensation to the employees,
independent contractors or agents of Seller engaged in the
Business, or any specific increase in such compensation to any such
person.
4.6 The Assets. Except as may be disclosed on Exhibit 4.6 or any
---------- -----------
other Exhibit hereto, Seller is the owner of the Assets, and Buyer
-------
will receive good and marketable title to the Assets, free and
clear of any lien, charge, encumbrance or security interest upon
any of the Assets. The Inventory of the Business as reflected in
the Financial Statements was valued at the lower of actual cost on
a "first in, first out" basis or market, and reserves for obsolete
and doubtful value inventory have been properly established, in
accordance with Seller's existing accounting policies and with
generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied.
4.7 Litigation and Compliance with Law. Except as may be dis-
----------------------------------
closed on Exhibit 4.7 hereto, there is no action (at law or in
-----------
equity), arbitration, suit, proceeding, claim, governmental
proceeding or investigation, or litigation of any kind now pen-
ding, existing or, to the knowledge of Seller, threatened against
Seller or the Business or other assets of Seller (whether with
respect to the validity or enforceability of this Agreement, any
action or transaction contemplated hereby, or otherwise) which
could affect the Business. The Business, Assets and business prac-
tices of Seller with respect to the Business are not in default
under or in violation of any applicable Laws (including any
interpretations of any of the Laws binding upon the Seller with
- 15 -
<PAGE>
respect to the Business) including, without limitation, Laws in
respect of taxes, the environment, securities, health and safety,
employment and labor and Employee Plans, except to the extent where
any breach or violation of any Laws would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have a material adverse effect. Seller has received
no notice (whether addressed to Seller, any of its officers or
directors, or otherwise) alleging any such default or violation.
All material permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses and
other governmental authorizations and approvals necessary for the
conduct of the Business have been duly obtained by Seller and are
in full force and effect, and there are no proceedings pending or,
to the knowledge of Seller, threatened which may result in the
revocation, cancellation or suspension, or any materially adverse
modification, of any such permits, concessions, grants, franchises,
licenses or other governmental authorizations or approvals.
4.8 Subscriber List. The Subscriber List is true and complete,
---------------
and accurately reflects the name, last known address, paid status
and applicable expiration date of each past or current subscriber
to any of the Women's Magazines. The Subscriber List also shows
the expiration dates for all active subscriptions on an annual
basis and the source of business. Seller has at all times during
its conduct of the Business followed consistent practices generally
accepted in the publishing industry as applied by ABC or by BPA, as
the case may be.
4.9 Contracts. Exhibit 1.16 lists, to the best of Seller's
--------- ------------
knowledge, after due investigation by Seller's Legal Department and
on the basis of information supplied by certain of Seller's
executives, all Contracts to which Seller is a party or by which it
is bound. True, complete and accurate copies of all Contracts
listed on Exhibit 1.16 have heretofore been delivered or made
------------
available to Buyer. Seller is not in default (and is not, as of
the Closing Date, availing itself of a specified grace period prior
to default under any of the Contracts and, to the knowledge of
Seller, none of the respective other parties to the Contracts is in
default thereunder (and is not, as of the Closing Date, availing
itself of a specified grace period prior to default).
4.10 Employment and Labor Matters. Exhibit 4.10 sets forth, as of
---------------------------- ------------
the date of this Agreement, a list of all Employees including the
name, date of birth, date of hire, total annual compensation and
employment status (active, on layoff, disabled, or on leave of
absence). Seller has not engaged in any unfair labor practice,
unjust dismissals or employment discrimination with respect to
current or former employees of the Business which could result in a
material liability to Buyer, and there are no labor disputes
existing or, to the knowledge of Seller, threatened against Seller
with respect to current or former employees of the Business which
could result in a material liability to Buyer.
- 16 -
<PAGE>
4.11 Employee Plans. Exhibit 4.11 lists all Employee Plans and
-------------- ------------
further identifies all independent contractors of the Business, if
any, participating in any Employee Plan. A true and complete copy
or a description of the material terms of all Employee Plans has
been delivered to Buyer. Except as set forth in Exhibit 4.11 or as
------------
required by COBRA, no Employee Plan provides post-employment
welfare benefits. None of the Employee Plans is a "multiemployer
plan" as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA or a plan to which the
provisions of Section 413(c) of the Code or Section 4063 or 4064 of
ERISA apply.
4.12 Intellectual Property and Publication Rights. Except as set
--------------------------------------------
forth in Exhibit 4.12, Seller has or has acquired the full and
------------
unencumbered right, title and interest or license in and to, and
the sole and exclusive right and authority to hold, use, protect
and exploit all of the Publication Rights, Trademarks and Copy-
rights and all other intellectual property necessary for the
conduct of the Business as now conducted. The use by Seller of the
Publication Rights, Trademark, Copyright or other intellectual
property does not conflict with, infringe upon or violate any
trademark, service mark, trade name, logo, copyright or other
intellectual property, or right to use the same, of any third
party, and no proceedings have been instituted or, to the knowledge
of Seller, threatened alleging any such infringement. Except as
set forth in Exhibit 4.12, to the knowledge of Seller, no third
------------
party infringes upon any of the Trademarks or Copyrights. No
interference action or other judicial or adversary proceeding
concerning any of the Trademarks or Copyrights has been initiated
and, to the knowledge of Seller, no such action or proceeding is
threatened. All copies of all issues of the Women's Magazines and
of all copyrighted or copyrightable material therein have and have
had proper copyright notices affixed thereto.
4.13 Taxes.
-----
(a) With respect to the operation of the Business, Seller has
filed or will have filed on a timely basis all required tax
returns, reports and declarations in connection with any federal,
state or local tax required to be filed, and Seller has or will
have timely paid all required taxes.
(b) Seller has paid to the proper authorities all customs,
duties and similar or related charges required to be paid by it in
connection with the Inventory resulting from any importation
thereof into the United States.
(c) None of the Assets is subject to any lien, other than
Permitted Encumbrances, in favor of the United States pursuant to
Section 6321 of the Code for nonpayment of federal taxes, or any
lien, other than Permitted Encumbrances, in favor of any state or
locality pursuant to any comparable provision of state or local
- 17 -
<PAGE>
law, under which transferee liability might be imposed upon Buyer
as a buyer of such Assets pursuant to Section 6323 of the Code or
any comparable provision of state or local law.
4.14 Advertising Commitments. Except as disclosed in Exhibit
----------------------- -------
2.1(c), Seller has not made any firm commitments for advertising in
------
the Women's Magazines at rates which are below those published in
the current rate cards for the Women's Magazines for which produc-
tion is scheduled to close after June 30, 1994. Except as dis-
closed in Exhibit 4.14, Seller has not entered into any commitments
------------
for PI Advertisements or for advertising accepted on a Barter basis
for advertising in the Women's Magazines.
4.15 Subscription Commitments. Except as disclosed in Exhibit
------------------------ -------
4.15, Seller has not made any commitments or entered into any
----
agreements, undertakings or understandings for new or renewal
subscriptions to the Women's Magazines at rates below those set
forth in Exhibit 4.15.
------------
4.16 No Finder or Broker. Seller has not employed or utilized the
-------------------
services of any broker, finder or similar agent or representative
in connection with this Agreement or any transaction contemplated
hereby.
4.17 No Misleading Statements. The representations, warranties and
------------------------
Exhibits of Seller contained in or attached to this Agreement do
--------
not contain any untrue statements of fact and do not omit the dis-
closure of any fact to Buyer, with the purpose or effect of making
any such representation, warranty or Exhibit misleading, or which
-------
might reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect the
Assets or Business or financial condition and operations of the
Business or the Buyer's enjoyment and exploitation of the same.
Copies of any documents furnished by or on behalf of Seller are
accurate and complete copies of the originals of such documents,
including any amendments or modifications thereto.
4.18 Insurance. A list of all insurance policies covering the
---------
Business, and other valid insurance policies, or binders held by
Seller on behalf of the Business policies showing the name of the
insurer, the liabilities covered and the amount of coverage there-
under, is set forth in Exhibit 4.18 hereto.
------------
4.19 Related-Party Transactions, Conflicts. Except as disclosed in
-------------------------------------
Exhibit 4.19, Seller does not owe any amount to, or have any con-
------------
tract with or commitment to, any Affiliate or any officer, direc-
tor, or consultant of Seller or any Affiliate, in any way with
respect to the Business. No Affiliate, director, officer,
employee, or shareholder of Seller has any direct or indirect
ownership, profit participation, or other interest in business
enterprises (a) with which Seller has had material purchases or
sales, or (b) with which Seller otherwise conducts business, or (c)
- 18 -
<PAGE>
with which Seller is in competition, or (d) which owns or controls
any real or personal property used by Seller, in each case with
respect to the Business.
4.20 Transfer of Assets. The Assets to be sold by Seller to Buyer
------------------
pursuant to this Agreement are currently in the possession or con-
trol of Seller, and shall, along with the Ancillary Agreements, be
sufficient to enable Buyer to continue the Business and have the
enjoyment of the same substantially as conducted and enjoyed by
Seller immediately before the Closing Date. Except as disclosed in
Exhibit 4.20, and except for the Excluded Assets, Seller shall not,
------------
after Closing, have retained any assets or properties or interests
therein relating to the Assets or the Business.
4.21 Accounts Receivable. From and including January 1, 1994,
-------------------
through and including the Closing Date, Seller has not changed its
normal circulation, billing, collection, operating and renewal
procedures or policies, and has not collected, or entered into any
formal or informal agreement or understanding or instituted any
official or unofficial policy relating to collection of, any
receivables by any accelerated method (including without limitation
discounting or factoring thereof) or by any method which deviates
from Seller's normal collection practices employed in the normal
course of its business.
4.22 Pending Work. Buyer is acquiring all rights to accept or
------------
reject any Pending Work and, if accepted, to edit and publish the
same in issues of the Women's Magazines to be published after the
Closing Date.
4.23 Representations Exclusive. Except for the representations and
-------------------------
warranties contained in this Article 4 (including the Exhibits
--------
thereto), neither Seller nor any other person makes any represen-
tation or warranty, express or implied, and Seller hereby disclaims
any such representation or warranty, whether by Seller or by any of
its officers, directors, employees, agents or representatives or
any other person, with respect to this Agreement or the transac-
tions contemplated hereby.
ARTICLE 5
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BUYER
Buyer hereby warrants and represents that:
5.1 Power and Authority. Buyer is a general partnership duly
-------------------
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
the State of Delaware, and Buyer has full, complete, and unencum-
bered capacity, power and authority to carry on its business as it
now is being conducted, to own and have transferred to it the
Assets, to carry on the Business, and to execute, deliver and
perform its obligations under this Agreement and under all
- 19 -
<PAGE>
instruments and documents contemplated hereby. Buyer has duly and
timely taken all actions required by law or its constitutive docu-
ments in order to so execute, deliver and perform.
5.2 Authorization of Agreement. The execution, delivery and per-
--------------------------
formance of this Agreement by Buyer have been duly authorized by
all necessary partnership action of Buyer, and this Agreement
constitutes the valid and binding obligation of Buyer enforceable
against it in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited
by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement
of creditors' rights in general and subject to general principles
of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered
in a proceeding in equity or at law).
5.3 Consents of Third Parties. The execution, delivery and
-------------------------
performance of this Agreement by Buyer and the consummation by
Buyer of the transactions contemplated hereby do not require any
notice to, or the prior or subsequent consent or approval of any
third party (other than filings required under the H-S-R Act.)
5.4 No Finder or Broker. Buyer has not employed or utilized the
-------------------
services of any broker, finder or similar agent or representative
in connection with this Agreement or any transaction contemplated
hereby.
ARTICLE 6
FURTHER AGREEMENTS OF SELLER AND BUYER
6.1 Access, Confidentiality.
-----------------------
(a) From the date hereof through and including the Closing
Date, Seller shall afford to Buyer and its officers, employees,
counsel, accountants, actuaries and other representatives reason-
able access to all properties, books, records and other documents
of Seller in its possession or under its control, and shall furnish
to Buyer such information about Seller and the Assets and the
Business and copies of documents in the possession of Seller or
under its control as Buyer or its representatives reasonably may
request.
(b) Prior to the Closing Date, Buyer shall, and shall cause
its officers, employees,
- 20 -
<PAGE>
counsel, accountants, and other representatives to, keep
confidential and not divulge to third parties any such information
regarding the Business, and to use such information only for the
purpose of completing the transaction contemplated hereby. In the
event the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are not
consummated, Buyer shall return to Seller all books, records and
other documents of Seller relating to the Business, and Buyer
shall, and shall cause its officers, employees, counsel,
accountants, and other representatives to, keep confidential and
not use or divulge to third parties any such information regarding
the Business.
6.2 Operation in Ordinary Course. From the date hereof through
----------------------------
and including the Closing Date, Seller shall: (a) conduct the
Business only in the ordinary course and in substantially the same
manner as conducted at the date hereof; (b) use reasonable efforts
to preserve the Business and its organization intact, and to
preserve its favorable relations with its officers, employees,
consultants, sales agents, representatives, customers, suppliers
and others having business relations with it; (c) comply with all
applicable Laws; and (d) not enter into, amend in any material
respect, or terminate any material contract (including, without
limitation, paper contracts or contracts with a term of longer than
three (3) months), agreement, understanding, undertaking or commit-
ment relating to the Assets or the Business, through and including
June 30, 1994, without prior consultation with Buyer, and from July
1, 1994, through and including the Closing Date, without the prior
written consent of Buyer.
6.3 Taxes on Bulk Sales. Promptly following the execution and
-------------------
delivery of this Agreement, Buyer shall send a notice in the manner
required under Section 537.2(b)(1) of the regulations pertaining to
the Tax Law of the State of New York or any other applicable state
or local law. Seller shall promptly furnish Buyer with all
required information, and shall otherwise cooperate fully with
Buyer, so as to permit Buyer to duly and timely make the filings.
6.4 Other Action. Each of the parties shall use its best efforts
------------
to cause the fulfillment at the earliest practicable date of all of
the conditions to its obligations to consummate the sale and
purchase under this Agreement.
6.5 Regulatory and Other Authorizations. Seller and Buyer agree
-----------------------------------
to use their respective best efforts to obtain all authorizations,
consents, orders and approvals of federal, state, local and foreign
regulatory bodies and officials and non-governmental third parties
which may be or become necessary for its execution and delivery of,
and the performance of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement,
and will cooperate fully with each other party in promptly seeking
to obtain all such authorizations, consents, orders and approvals.
Without limitation, as soon as practicable, Seller and Buyer shall
each make an appropriate filing of a Notification and Report Form
pursuant to the H-S-R Act. Each such filing shall request early
termination of the waiting period imposed by the H-S-R Act.
6.6 Publicity. During the period from the date of this Agreement
---------
to the Closing Date, neither party hereto shall, nor shall permit
its respective subsidiaries, directors, officers, employees,
authorized agents, advisors or representatives to, issue any press
release or otherwise make any public statements or announcement
- 21 -
<PAGE>
concerning this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby
without the prior written consent of the other party. Notwith-
standing the foregoing, neither party hereto shall be prevented at
any time from furnishing any required information to any govern-
mental agency or authority or from complying with its legal obliga-
tions.
6.7 Further Action. Seller and Buyer shall execute such documents
--------------
and take such further actions as may be reasonably required or
desirable to carry out the provisions hereof and the transactions
contemplated hereby at or after the Closing to evidence the consum-
mation of the transaction contemplated pursuant to this Agreement.
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereof, Seller and
Buyer shall take, or cause to be taken, all actions and do, or
cause to be done, all other things necessary, proper or advisable
to consummate and make effective as promptly as practicable the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and to obtain in a
timely manner all necessary waivers, consents and approvals and to
effect all necessary registrations and filings.
6.8 Employment Matters, Employee Plans.
----------------------------------
(a) On the Closing Date, Seller shall deliver to Buyer
revised Exhibits 4.10 and 4.11 to reflect changes which occur after
----------------------
the date hereof, through the Closing Date. On or prior to the
Closing Date, Buyer shall offer employment to Employees on the date
of this Agreement at substantially the same rate of salary, wages
and/or commissions and, to the extent practicable, for the same job
position as each had with Seller immediately prior to the Closing;
provided, however, that Buyer may condition such offer of employ-
-------- -------
ment on (i) any such Employee continuing to be an Employee on the
Closing Date, and (ii) Seller not having given notice to any such
Employee prior to the Closing Date that such Employee's employment
shall be terminated; and, further provided, that no Employee who is
------- --------
on layoff or leave of absence (including disability) on the Closing
Date shall become a Transferred Employee, unless and until such
Employee returns to active employment with the Business. Buyer
shall not offer employment to those employees identified in Exhibit
-------
1.20 for a period of one (1) year following the Closing Date,
----
unless Buyer has been approached by any employee identified in
Exhibit 1.20 or Seller has terminated any such employee's employ-
------------
ment. Seller, at its sole expense, shall make the services of
employees so identified in Exhibit 1.20 available to Buyer as
------------
reasonably requested for a period of not less than three (3) months
following the Closing Date; provided, however, that such employees
-------- -------
continue to be employed by Seller. Buyer shall offer Transferred
Employees coverage with immediate eligibility under (i) Savings
Plan of Buyer, and (ii) a group medical plan covering claims
incurred after the Closing Date without a pre-existing condition
limitation and providing benefits and coverage to Transferred
Employees (and their eligible dependents) on terms that are sub-
stantially similar to such benefits, coverage and terms currently
- 22 -
<PAGE>
provided to employees under Buyer's current medical plan. Except
as provided in Section 6.8(c), nothing herein shall restrict Buyer
in the future in the exercise of its independent business judgment
as to the terms and conditions under which such employment shall
continue, the duration of such employment, the basis on which such
employment is terminated or the benefits provided to Transferred
Employees.
(b) At the time of the announcement that a sale of the
Business is pending, Seller shall offer all full-time employees
performing services in connection with the Business a stay-on
bonus, payable at the Closing Date, in an amount and containing
such terms and conditions as Seller reasonably believes will insure
that the headcount and composition of Employees on the Closing Date
shall materially remain the same as on the date of this Agreement.
(c) On or prior to the Closing Date, Buyer shall establish
and provide Seller a copy of a severance plan substantially iden-
tical to Seller's severance plan which is annexed hereto as Exhibit
-------
6.8(c) covering all Transferred Employees. Such severance plan
------
established by Buyer (i) shall be effective for a period of not
less than two (2) years commencing on the day following the Closing
Date, and (ii) shall credit Transferred Employees with service with
Seller credited under Seller's severance plan on the Closing Date.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Buyer's severance plan shall not
provide for the payments of severance compensation (i) to the
extent such compensation is not deductible under Section 280G of
the Code, or (ii) to Employees who do not accept Buyer's offer of
employment or who are notified of their termination of employment
by Seller on or prior to the Closing Date to be effective following
the Closing Date.
(d) Seller shall amend, if necessary, the Savings Plan of
Seller so as to provide for the availability of a lump sum
distribution of the accrued vested benefits of Transferred
Employees as a result of the sale of the Business, to the extent
permitted by and in accordance with the Code. Buyer shall adopt or
amend, at no cost to Seller, the Savings Plan of Buyer effective as
soon as administratively feasible following the Closing Date, which
shall include provisions for granting credit for service with
Seller for eligibility and vesting purposes, and to allow for the
acceptance of direct and regular rollover contributions in liquid
funds. The Savings Plan of Buyer shall not be required to include
a Seller stock fund as an investment option nor shall any contribu-
tions required to be made to Savings Plan of Buyer be invested in
Seller stock.
(e) Buyer shall not assume any Employee Plan or liability or
obligation under any Employee Plan, whether or not disclosed under
this Agreement or in any Exhibit. Buyer shall not assume and
Seller shall retain, and Seller shall indemnify and hold Buyer
harmless from and against, all liabilities and claims which may be
- 23 -
<PAGE>
brought (i) by current or former employees of the Business (or
their respective dependents and beneficiaries) in connection with
(A) their employment with Seller or (B) any Employee Plan, includ-
ing without limitation any liability for payment of any claim under
any Employee Plan or that was incurred under the terms of such
Employee Plan or that otherwise arose as a result of events or
conditions occurring on or prior to the Closing Date, or (ii) by
current or former independent contractors of the Business (or their
respective dependents and beneficiaries) in connection with (A) any
challenge to their classification as an independent contractor or
(B) any Employee Plan, including without limitation any liability
for payment of any claim under any Employee Plan that was incurred
under the terms of such Employee Plan or that otherwise arose as a
result of events or conditions occurring on or prior to the Closing
Date.
(f) Seller shall be responsible and retain all liability, if
any, for, and Buyer shall have no responsibility or liability for,
giving notification of and providing health care continuation
coverage to current or former employees of the Business and other
"qualified beneficiaries" within the meaning of and as required by
COBRA, and shall indemnify and hold Buyer harmless against any
liability arising out of Seller's failure to comply with COBRA;
provided, however, that Buyer shall be responsible and liable for
-------- -------
and Seller shall have no responsibility or liability for, giving
notification and providing COBRA continuation coverage to any
Transferred Employee in connection with any Buyer's group medical
plan as a result of events occuring after the Closing Date.
ARTICLE 7
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CLOSING
7.1 Conditions Precedent to Buyer's Obligation to Close. All of
---------------------------------------------------
the following shall be conditions precedent to Buyer's obligations
to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement:
(a) Bring Down. Each of the representations and warranties
----------
of Seller contained in this Agreement shall have been true,
accurate, complete and not misleading in all material respects on
the date hereof, and as of the Closing Date as though made on and
as of the Closing Date.
(b) No Default. Seller shall not be in default with respect
----------
to any obligation, covenant, promise, agreement or undertaking of
Seller pursuant to this Agreement to be performed prior to the
Closing Date.
(c) Deliveries. On or before the Closing Date, Seller shall
----------
have delivered to Buyer the following documents, each of which
shall be in a form reasonably satisfactory to Buyer and its counsel
and shall be dated as of the Closing Date:
- 24 -
<PAGE>
(i) Officer's Certificate. Certificates executed
---------------------
by an officer of Seller certifying as to the due authorization and
approval of this Agreement and of the transactions contemplated
hereby.
(ii) Certificate of Fulfillment of Conditions. A
----------------------------------------
certificate executed by an officer of Seller, certifying as of the
Closing Date to the fulfillment of the conditions set forth in
Section 7.1(a) and (b).
(iii) Certificate of Good Standing. With respect to
----------------------------
NYTCo. and RMMCo., a certificate of good standing of the Secretary
of State of the State of New York, and with respect to FCI, a
certificate of good standing of the Secretary of State of the State
of Iowa, in each case issued no earlier than ten (10) days prior to
the Closing Date, certifying as to the good standing of Seller and
its prior satisfaction of all tax liabilities to the States of New
York and Iowa, respectively.
(iv) Opinion of Counsel. The favorable opinion of
------------------
Seller's assistant general counsel, in the form of Exhibit
-------
7.1(c)(iv) hereto.
----------
(v) Consents of Third Parties. All required
-------------------------
consents of and filings with third parties, if any are required,
including, without limitation (A) the consent or approval of any
governmental or other regulatory agencies, domestic or foreign, and
(B) any and all other consents or approvals, which aforementioned
consents or approvals are required to be obtained and received or
made by or on the part of Seller for the execution and delivery of
this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contem-
plated hereby.
(vi) The Ancillary Agreements, duly executed by
--------------------
Seller.
(d) Government Action. The applicable waiting period under
-----------------
the H-S-R Act shall have expired or shall have been earlier termi-
nated, and no injunction or other similar order shall have been
entered prohibiting or restricting the consummation of the trans-
actions contemplated by this Agreement.
(e) Review by Counsel. All proceedings to be taken in
-----------------
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and
all documents incident to such transactions shall be reasonably
satisfactory in form and substance to Buyer's general counsel.
(f) No Casualty. Neither the Assets nor the Business, taken
-----------
as a whole, shall have suffered any material and adverse effect as
a result of fire, explosion, earthquake, flood, drought, accident,
Act of God, force majeure, riot or activity of armed forces or of
----- -------
the public enemy, requisition or taking of property, directly or
- 25 -
<PAGE>
indirectly, by any governmental authority or any other casualty or
similar event (whether or not covered by insurance).
(g) Consummation Documents. Seller shall have delivered to
----------------------
Buyer, on or before the Closing Date, such bills of sale, endorse-
ments, assignments, subleases and other good and sufficient
instruments of conveyance and transfer, satisfactory in form and
substance to Buyer and its counsel, as shall be effective to vest
in Buyer all of Seller's right, title and interest in and to the
Assets.
(h) No Litigation. There shall not be in effect any investi-
-------------
gation, suit, action or other proceeding pending or threatened
before any court of competent jurisdiction or governmental agency
or administrative tribunal which, in the reasonable opinion of
Buyer's general counsel, is likely to result in the restraint,
prohibition, or the obtaining of substantial damages or other
relief in connection with this Agreement or the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby.
(i) Supervisory Boards Consents. Buyer shall have obtained
---------------------------
the approval to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement of
the supervisory boards (Aufsichtsrate) of Gruner + Jahr AG & Co.,
Hamburg, and of Bertelsmann AG, Gutersloh.
7.2 Conditions Precedent to Seller's Obligation to Close. All of
----------------------------------------------------
the following shall be conditions precedent to Seller's obligations
to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement:
(a) Bring Down. Each of the representations and warranties
----------
of Buyer contained in this Agreement shall have been true,
accurate, complete and not misleading in all material respects on
the date hereof, and as of the Closing Date as though made on and
as of the Closing Date.
(b) No Default. Buyer shall not be in default with respect
----------
to any obligation, covenant, promise, agreement or undertaking of
Buyer pursuant to this Agreement.
(c) Deliveries. On or before the Closing Date, Buyer shall
----------
have delivered to Seller the following documents, each of which
shall be dated as of the Closing Date:
(i) Partner's Certificate. Certificates executed
---------------------
by a partner of Buyer certifying as to the due authorization and
approval of this Agreement and of the transactions contemplated
hereby.
(ii) Certificate of Fulfillment of Conditions. A
----------------------------------------
certificate executed by a partner of Buyer certifying as of the
Closing Date to the fulfillment of the conditions set forth in
Section 7.2(a) and (b).
- 26 -
<PAGE>
(iii) Opinion of Counsel. The favorable opinion
------------------
of Buyer's general counsel, in the form of Exhibit 7.2(c)(iii)
-------------------
hereto.
(iv) Consents of Third Parties. All required
-------------------------
consents of and filings with third parties, if any are required,
including, without limitation, (A) the consent or approval of any
governmental or other regulatory agencies, domestic or foreign, and
(B) any and all other consents or approvals, which aforementioned
consents or approvals are required to be obtained and received or
made by or on the part of Buyer for the execution and delivery of
this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contem-
plated hereby.
(v) The Ancillary Agreements, duly executed by
--------------------
Buyer.
(d) Government Action. The applicable waiting period under
-----------------
the H-S-R Act shall have expired or shall have been earlier termi-
nated, and no injunction or other similar order shall have been
entered prohibiting or restricting the consummation of the transac-
tions contemplated by this Agreement.
(e) Review by Counsel. All proceedings to be taken in con-
-----------------
nection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and
all documents incident to such transactions shall be reasonably
satisfactory in form and substance to Seller's general counsel.
(f) Payment. Buyer shall have made the payments in accor-
-------
dance with Section 3.1(b) and (c) hereof.
ARTICLE 8
TERMINATION
8.1 Termination.
-----------
(a) This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the
Closing by the mutual consent of Seller and Buyer.
(b) This Agreement may be terminated by Buyer: (i) at any
time prior to the Closing, if Seller shall have failed to comply in
any material respect with any of its covenants or agreements con-
tained in this Agreement and such failure or its effects shall be
continuing, or if any one or more of the representations or warran-
ties of Seller contained in this Agreement shall prove to have been
materially inaccurate when made; or (ii) at the Closing, if any of
the conditions precedent to the performance of its obligations at
the Closing shall not have been fulfilled.
- 27 -
<PAGE>
(c) This Agreement may be terminated by Seller: (i) at any
time prior to the Closing, if Buyer shall have failed to comply in
any material respect with any of its covenants or agreements con-
tained in this Agreement and such failure or its effects shall be
continuing, or if any one or more of the representations or warran-
ties of Buyer in this Agreement shall prove to have been materially
inaccurate when made; (ii) at the Closing, if any of the conditions
precedent to the performance of its obligations at the Closing
shall not have been fulfilled.
(d) This Agreement may be terminated by either party if the
Closing shall not have taken place by September 30, 1994, or such
later date as Buyer and Seller have agreed in writing.
8.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of the termination of
---------------------
this Agreement as provided in Section 8.1:
(a) This Agreement will become void and of no further force
and effect, except for the provisions of (i) Section 11.1 relating
to certain expenses, (ii) Section 6.1(b) relating to confidentia-
lity, (iii) Section 6.6 relating to publicity, and (iv) this
Section 8.2.
(b) Nothing in this Section 8.2 shall be deemed to release
either party from any liability for any breach by such party of the
terms and provisions of this Agreement or any failure by such party
to perform its obligations thereunder or hereunder. Nothing in
this Section 8.2 or elsewhere in this Agreement shall impair the
right of either party to pursue all legal remedies for breach of
contract and damages or to compel specific performance by the other
party of its obligations hereunder.
(c) The deposit pursuant to Section 3.1(a) shall be for-
feited; provided, however, that the parties hereto expressly agree
-------- -------
that in the event of termination of this Agreement (i) by mutual
consent of Seller and Buyer, (ii) by Buyer, for the grounds pro-
vided in Clause (i) of Section 8.1(b) or if the conditions pursuant
to Section 7.1(a), (b), (c), (d), (f), (g), and/or (h) shall not
have been fulfilled, or (iii) by Seller, if the conditions pursuant
to Section 7.2(c)(iv) and (v) and (d) shall not have been ful-
filled, said deposit shall be refunded by Seller to Buyer in full,
in cash, no later than eight (8) days after the date the notice of
termination shall become effective.
8.3 Further Provisions. Termination by any party in accordance
------------------
with any provision of Section 8.1 shall be effective immediately
upon the giving of written notice thereof.
- 28 -
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 9
JUNE 30 BALANCE SHEET, NET CURRENT ASSETS
STATEMENT AND ADJUSTMENTS
9.1 June 30 Balance Sheet, Net Current Assets Statement.
---------------------------------------------------
(a) As of the close of business on June 30, 1994, Seller will
take a physical count of the Inventory of Seller, wherever located,
as of the close of business on June 30, 1994. Such physical count
will be observed by Buyer or Buyer's representatives. Any remain-
ing portion of Inventory in transit or on consignment shall be
determined by confirmation methods consistent with prior practice
or as may be otherwise mutually agreed by Buyer and Seller.
(b) On or before August 1, 1994, Seller shall deliver to
Buyer (i) the June 30 Balance Sheet and (ii) the Net Current Assets
Statement, each represented on behalf of Seller by its Chief
Financial Officer to have been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied,
including without limitation the treatment of deferrals and
accruals, as well as the principles set forth in Section 9.1(c)
through (f), and reflecting the physical count pursuant to Section
9.1(a), and all workpapers relating to the June 30 Balance Sheet
and the Net Current Assets Statement.
(c) The accounts receivable of the Business reflected on the
Net Current Assets Statement will (i) represent bona fide indebted-
ness incurred by the applicable account debtors, net of reserves
for bad debt, (ii) be subject to no prior assignment, lien or
security interest and (iii) be subject to no set-off or deduction.
The accounts receivable at June 30, 1994, shall not include any
amounts attributable to Credit-Suspended Copies, Credit-Cancelled
Copies or PI Advertisements.
(d) The Inventory reflected on the Net Current Assets State-
ment will be valued at the lower of actual cost on a "first in,
first out" basis or market, and reserves for obsolete and doubtful
value inventory will be properly established, in accordance with
Seller's existing accounting policies and with generally accepted
accounting principles, applied on a basis consistent with the
principles of accounting used in connection with the Financial
Statements. Subject to said reserves, such Inventory will be in
all material respects of a quality and quantity usable in the
ordinary course of the Business.
(e) The "Other Current Assets" of the Business reflected on
the Net Current Assets Statement shall not include items that will
not directly benefit the Business following June 30, 1994, for
example, prepaid property taxes, prepaid real estate commissions or
other real or personal property taxes. The "Accounts Payable" of
- 29 -
<PAGE>
the Business reflected on the Net Current Assets Statement shall
not have resulted from obligations that have not directly bene-
fitted the Business prior to June 30, 1994. The "Accrued Payroll"
of the Business reflected on the Net Current Assets Statement shall
be comprised of all accrued payroll and vacation pay owed by Seller
to current and former employees of the Business for all services
rendered through June 30, 1994, consistent with the treatment under
the Financial Statements.
(f) In the event that Buyer in good faith shall disagree with
the Net Current Assets Statement, Buyer shall notify Seller of all
items with which it disagrees within four (4) weeks of receipt by
Buyer of the June 30 Balance Sheet. Buyer and Seller shall there-
upon negotiate in good faith to resolve any such disagreement. If
after an additional four (4) weeks after the initial four (4) week
period no resolution is reached, such disagreement shall be
resolved by a nationally recognized public accounting firm (other
than Price Waterhouse and Deloitte & Touche) agreed upon by Buyer
and Seller. Said firm shall consider only those items as remain
unresolved between Buyer and Seller. The determination made by
said firm shall be conclusive, binding on, and non-appealable by,
the parties hereto. The fees and disbursements of said firm shall
be borne one half by Seller and one half by Buyer.
9.2 Adjustments to Consideration.
----------------------------
The consideration for the sale of the Business shall be adjus-
ted and (a) Seller shall pay to Buyer the amount, if any, by which
the Net Current Assets, as shown on the Net Current Assets State-
ment (as adjusted in accordance with Section 9.1(f)), are less than
Forty Million One Hundred and One Thousand Dollars ($40,101,000),
or (b) Buyer shall pay to Seller the amount, if any, by which the
Net Current Assets, as shown on the Net Current Assets Statement
(as adjusted in accordance with Section 9.1(f)) are greater than
Forty Million One Hundred and One Thousand Dollars ($40,101,000).
9.3 Post Closing Collection of Receivables.
--------------------------------------
(a) Following Closing, Buyer shall collect the accounts
receivable reflected on the Net Current Assets Statement (as
adjusted in accordance with Section 9.1(f)), as they become due and
payable. The collected amounts shall be applied and accounted for
by Buyer with respect to each account receivable first to interest
and then to the principal, and among several accounts receivable of
the same debtor, first to the one with the oldest due date, unless
otherwise specified by the debtor. Buyer's obligations shall be
limited to the collection efforts generally followed by it in the
collection of its own accounts receivable but need not include the
use of, or the threat to use, a collection agency or the commence-
ment of litigation. During the time this Section 9.3 remains
operative, Buyer will render to Seller reasonably detailed written
collection reports respecting the accounts receivable within three
- 30 -
<PAGE>
(3) weeks following the end of each calendar month and notify
Seller if any account receivable has been disputed by the account
debtor.
(b) At the date five (5) months after the Closing Date, Buyer
shall have the option to require Seller to purchase back from Buyer
any account receivable reflected on the Net Current Assets State-
ment (as adjusted in accordance with Section 9.1(f)) that remains
uncollected at that time, for the full face amount thereof and
Buyer shall turn over to Seller all such accounts receivable. Upon
purchase by Seller of any such uncollected accounts receivable,
Buyer shall have no further rights herein or thereto and Seller
shall thereafter be solely responsible for the collection thereof.
Seller shall only utilize ordinary collection procedures and make
best efforts to avoid unnecessary disruptions of Buyer's Business.
(c) Buyer shall not incur any liability of any kind whatso-
ever to Seller with respect to the collection of the accounts
receivable except for Buyer's willful misconduct, and Seller shall
indemnify Buyer with respect to any liability arising from such
collection activities pursuant to the provisions of Article 12.
ARTICLE 10
ESCROW
The Escrow Balance shall be held by the Escrow Agent for
purposes of claims of Buyer on the basis of Seller's obligations
under Sections 3.4(c), 9.2 and 9.3 and released by the Escrow Agent
pursuant to the Escrow Agreement. Upon exhaustion of the Escrow
Balance, Buyer may seek payments for its claims directly from
Seller. The Escrow Balance shall be in place for a period, and the
Escrow Agreement shall have a term, of the longer of five (5)
months after the Closing Date or until the date of any resolution
of any disagreement with respect to the June 30 Balance Sheet
becoming effective and binding pursuant to Section 9.1(f) and until
the adjustments to the consideration have been made pursuant to
Section 9.2.
ARTICLE 11
ADDITIONAL COVENANTS
11.1 Expenses. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all
--------
legal and accounting costs and fees of Seller in connection with
the execution and consummation of this Agreement shall be borne and
paid for by Seller, and all legal, accounting and other costs and
fees of Buyer in connection with the execution and consummation of
this Agreement shall be borne and paid for by Buyer, and neither
party hereto shall have any obligation or liability after the
- 31 -
<PAGE>
Closing Date for any such costs and fees attributable to services
rendered to the other, except as otherwise provided in this Agree-
ment.
11.2 Certain Taxes. Buyer shall be responsible for all sales,
-------------
transfer, registration, recording and similar taxes and fees
assessed or payable in connection with the transfer by Seller to
Buyer of the Assets and the Business. Seller shall be responsible
for all income and/or gains taxes assessed or payable in connection
with the transfer by Seller to Buyer of the Assets and the Busi-
ness.
11.3 Names and Logos.
---------------
(a) Seller hereby agrees that it will not use, or permit the
use by any of its Affiliates of, the names or logos of any of the
Women's Magazines, or any name or logo which may reasonably be
expected to be confused with the names or logos of the Women's
Magazines, on or in connection with any other publication, asset or
activity of Seller at any time after the Closing Date.
(b) Except for incidental use immediately following Closing,
Buyer hereby agrees that it will not use, or permit the use by any
of its Affiliates of, the names or logos of Seller, or any name or
logo which may reasonably be expected to be confused with the names
or logos of Seller, on or in connection with any other publication,
asset or activity of Buyer at any time after the Closing Date.
11.4 Subscribers and Subscriber List. Seller hereby agrees that it
-------------------------------
will not make, cause or permit to be made, acquire, retain or use
any copy of the Subscriber List, and will not utilize any infor-
mation pertaining to subscribers of any of the Women's Magazines
appearing on such list, at any time after the Closing Date.
11.5 Computer Support Services. The Business utilizes certain
-------------------------
software and operating systems, including those on Seller's
mainframe computer, which are maintained and operated by Seller
personnel. Following Closing, Seller agrees to provide to Buyer
for a period of up to twelve (12) months after the Closing Date
software maintenance and data processing services substantially
consistent in amount and quality with such services now utilized by
and provided to the Business, at a lump-sum charge to Buyer of One
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) per month, in accordance with
the agreement in form and substance as set forth in Exhibit 11.5
------------
hereto (the "Agreement for Computer Support Services").
11.6 Bulk Sales Laws. Buyer hereby waives compliance by Seller
---------------
with the terms and conditions of any applicable bulk sales law or
any other law which might on failure of compliance therewith impose
on a purchaser any liability for debts or obligations of Seller.
Seller shall indemnify and hold harmless Buyer against any and all
liabilities of Seller which may be asserted by third parties,
- 32 -
<PAGE>
including any federal, state or local taxing authority, against
Buyer as a result of such noncompliance to the extent that such
liabilities are not assumed by Buyer pursuant to this Agreement.
11.7 Payments from Third Parties. In the event that, on or after
---------------------------
the Closing Date, Seller shall receive any payments or other funds
due Buyer under any of the accounts receivable included in the
Assets, or Buyer shall receive any payments or other funds due
Seller under any other receivables, then the party receiving such
funds shall promptly forward such funds to the proper party in such
manner as the receiving party shall reasonably request from time to
time.
11.8 No Solicitation. Seller agrees that neither it nor any of its
---------------
Affiliates, officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents
or stockholders shall, directly or indirectly, solicit or initiate
discussions or negotiations with any third party other than Buyer
concerning the sale of the Assets or any similar transaction
involving the Business or accept any offer or proposal with respect
thereto. Seller will immediately cease and cause to be terminated
any existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any
parties conducted heretofore with respect to any of the foregoing.
Seller will immediately communicate to Buyer the terms of any
proposal, discussion, negotiation or inquiry and the identity of
the party making such proposal or inquiry which it may receive in
respect of any such transactions. In the event of any breach by
Seller of its obligations under this Section 11.8, in addition to
any remedies Buyer may have against Seller under this Agreement or
under applicable Laws, Seller shall immediately refund to Buyer the
deposit pursuant to Section 3.1(a).
11.9 Fulfillment of Current Subscriptions. Buyer agrees, as a
------------------------------------
representative of Seller, to discharge all of Seller's obligations
and liabilities for the fulfillment of current subscriptions to the
Women's Magazines, to the extent such obligations and liabilities
remain unperformed or unfulfilled on, or by their terms continue in
effect after the Closing Date, substantially consistent with
Seller's past practices, at the compensation and such other terms
and conditions provided in the agreement in form and substance as
set forth in Exhibit 11.9 hereto (the "Fulfillment Agreement").
------------
11.10 Change of FCI's Name. Seller shall take all action necessary
--------------------
or appropriate, as requested by Buyer, to assist Buyer in perfect-
ing its interest in and to the "Family Circle" name. Promptly
following the Closing Date, FCI will change its name in its state
of incorporation and all states in which it is authorized to
transact business on the Closing Date, to a name that does not
contain any words similar to or reasonably likely to be confused
with any words in the "Family Circle" name or any use by Buyer
thereof. Seller agrees for an unlimited period not to use, and to
- 33 -
<PAGE>
cause each of its Affiliates not to use, the name "Family Circle"
or any other name reasonably likely to be confused with any words
in such name.
11.11 Telemarketing. Seller agrees, for a period of one (1) year
-------------
after the Closing Date, to continue to order from Buyer services
for subscription solicitation by telephone, commonly referred to as
"telemarketing", for its and its Affiliates' media properties, at
the same levels and for the same compensation as heretofore main-
tained and expended by Seller.
11.12 Agreements With Respect To TDS.
------------------------------
(a) As soon as practicable following the execution and
delivery of this Agreement, Seller shall use its best efforts to
obtain the consent of Time Incorporated and TDS Ventures, Inc. to
the assignment by Seller, and assumption by Buyer, of Seller's
rights, privileges and options under the Joint Venture Agreement
for TDS, as more fully described in Section 2.1(o).
(b) Following the Closing Date and in the event that Time
Incorporated and TDS Ventures, Inc. shall have consented to the
assignment and assumption provided in Section 11.12(a), Seller
shall continue to offer to TDS the distribution of the magazines
identified on Exhibit 11.12(b) for a period of one (1) year after
----------------
the Closing Date, in the same manner and upon the same terms and
conditions as heretofore distributed by TDS, and at a price to be
determined in accordance with current practices.
(c) In the event that prior to the Closing Date Time
Incorporated and/or TDS Ventures, Inc. shall not have consented to
the assignment and assumption provided in Section 11.12(a) or to
the amendments to the Joint Venture Agreement for TDS necessitated
by the agreements set forth in Section 11.12(b), Seller and Buyer
shall cooperate and agree to establish alternative distribution
channels for all of the magazines of Seller currently distributed
by TDS.
ARTICLE 12
INDEMNIFICATION
12.1 Indemnification by Seller. Seller shall indemnify and hold
-------------------------
harmless Buyer against and from any and all losses, liabilities,
damages and deficiencies which Buyer may incur or suffer which
arise out of or are based upon (a) the inaccuracy of any represen-
tation or the breach of any warranty or covenant made by Seller
pursuant to any provision of this Agreement, or (b) any and all
liabilities and obligations of, or claims against, Buyer of any
nature, whether accrued, absolute, contingent, or otherwise to the
extent not expressly assumed by Buyer pursuant to this Agreement,
or (c) any and all actions, suits, proceedings, demands,
- 34 -
<PAGE>
assessments, judgments, reasonable costs and legal and other
expenses incident to any of the foregoing or incident to any issue
of the Women's Magazines whose editorial close is prior to the
Closing Date.
12.2 Indemnification by Buyer. Buyer shall indemnify and hold
------------------------
harmless Seller against and from any and all losses, liabilities,
damages and deficiencies which Seller may incur or suffer which
arise out of or are based upon (a) the inaccuracy of any represen-
tation or the breach of any warranty or covenant made by the Buyer
pursuant to any provision of this Agreement, or (b) any and all
liabilities and obligations of, or claims against, Seller of any
nature, whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise to the
extent expressly assumed by Buyer pursuant to this Agreement, or
(c) any and all actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments,
judgments, reasonable costs and legal and other expenses incident
to any of the foregoing or incident to any issue of the Women's
Magazines whose editorial close is after the Closing Date.
12.3 Indemnification Claims.
----------------------
(a) Any party from whom indemnification hereunder may be
sought under Sections 12.1 and 12.2 ("Indemnifying Party") shall
promptly on demand, in cash, pay the party claiming indemnification
hereunder ("Indemnified Party") the amount so claimed; provided,
--------
however, that the Indemnified Party shall have first given prompt
-------
notice of such claim to the Indemnifying Party and have given the
Indemnifying Party the right to defend, contest or otherwise deal
with the cause or basis of such claim, at the expense of the
Indemnifying Party.
(b) To the extent claims of third parties are concerned, the
Indemnifying Party shall have the right to control the defense,
settlement and prosecution of any litigation. The Indemnified
Party shall have the right to monitor, at its own expense and
through counsel selected by it, the defense of any claim. The
Indemnifying Party shall have the right, without the consent of the
Indemnified Party, to settle or compromise any claim or consent to
the entry of any judgment provided that such settlement, compromise
or consent involves a monetary payment only and includes as an
unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant to the
Indemnified Party a release from all liability in respect of such
claim. If the Indemnifying Party fails to defend such claim, the
Indemnified Party will (upon further notice to the Indemnifying
Party) have the right to undertake the defense, compromise or
settlement of such claim on behalf of and for the account and rise
of the Indemnifying Party, subject to the right of the Indemnifying
Party to assume the defense of such claim at any time prior to
settlement, compromise or final determination thereof. All parties
agree to cooperate fully as necessary in the defense of such
matters.
- 35 -
<PAGE>
(c) The Indemnified Party's failure to notify the Indemnify-
ing Party of a claim in the time required above shall not waive any
right to indemnification, except to the extent of any damage or
loss suffered by the Indemnifying Party by reason of the delay in
receiving such notice.
(d) Indemnification under this Article 12 based upon the
inaccuracy of any representation or the breach of any warranty in
Article 4 and Article 5 may only be sought if the aggregate amount
of payments otherwise due the Indemnified Party for all claims for
such indemnification exceeds One Million Dollars ($1,000,000), and
then indemnification shall be available to the Indemnified Party
for all amounts claimed.
12.4 Claims for Reimbursement and Survival. Indemnification under
-------------------------------------
this Article 12 shall not be barred on the basis that the amount of
the claim for which indemnification is sought has not been ascer-
tained, liquidated or reduced to final judgment on or before the
date on which such claim is made, as long as the claim has been
identified and asserted in writing by notice to the other party on
or before such date. All representations and warranties in Article
4 and Article 5 shall survive the Closing until the date eighteen
(18) months after the Closing Date, and shall then expire and be of
no force and effect, unless notice has been given in accordance
with the preceding sentence prior to such date.
12.5 Remedies. The remedies provided herein shall be exclusive and
--------
shall preclude the assertion by any party hereto of any other
rights or the seeking of any remedies against the other party
hereto. Each of the rights and remedies of the parties hereto set
forth in this Agreement shall be cumulative, independent of each
other, and severally enforceable.
ARTICLE 13
GENERAL PROVISIONS
13.1 Severability. Each and every provision of this Agreement is
------------
intended to be severable. If any provision of this Agreement shall
be declared invalid or unenforceable by a decision or judgment of
any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision or judgment
shall not affect (a) the validity or enforceability of the other
provisions of this Agreement in that or any other jurisdiction, or
(b) the validity or enforceability of such provision, or of any
other provision of this Agreement, in any other jurisdiction. The
parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to replace the invalid
or unenforceable provision with a provision which shall be valid
and enforceable under such decision or judgment and which, insofar
as possible, will achieve the economic results sought to be
achieved by the invalid or unenforceable provision; however, if
such replacement provision cannot be agreed upon or enforced, then
- 36 -
<PAGE>
this Agreement shall be interpreted and construed in all respects
as if such invalid or unenforceable provision had never been a part
of this Agreement.
13.2 Amendment. This Agreement may not be changed, modified,
---------
altered, amended, supplemented, cancelled, superseded, rescinded or
terminated except by and in accordance with the terms of, a writing
signed by both parties hereto and delivered to each of them in
duplicate original counterparts.
13.3 No Implied Waiver. No consent to, or waiver, discharge or
-----------------
release of, any provision, breach, failure or default in, of or
under this Agreement shall be valid or effective unless in writing
and signed by the party giving such consent or waiver or granting
such discharge or release, and no specific consent, waiver, dis-
charge or release shall constitute or be deemed or construed as a
consent, waiver, discharge or release with respect to any other
provision, breach, failure or default, whether or not of similar
nature. Failure on the part of either party hereto to insist in
any instance upon strict, complete and timely performance by the
other party hereto of any term, provision, obligation or duty of or
under this Agreement, to exercise any of its rights or privileges
under this Agreement, to complain of any act or failure to act of
the other, or to declare such other party in breach or default
hereof or hereunder, irrespective of how long such failure
continues, shall not constitute or be deemed or construed as a
waiver by such party of any of its rights under this Agreement or
otherwise.
13.4 Notices. Any notice, request, demand or other communication
-------
required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be in
writing and shall be deemed to have been given and delivered as of
the date delivered if delivered personally, by overnight carrier or
by telefax, or three (3) business days after being mailed by regis-
tered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested)
to the respective address or addresses here following:
If to Seller:
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
229 West 43rd Street
New York, New York 10036
Attn: Laura J. Corwin, Secretary
Fax: (212) 556-1009
with a copy to:
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
229 West 43rd Street
New York, New York 10036
Attn: Kenneth A. Richieri, Assistant General Counsel
Fax: (212) 556-4634
- 37 -
<PAGE>
If to Buyer:
GRUNER + JAHR PRINTING AND PUBLISHING CO.
Publishing Division
685 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Attn.: John Heins, President
Fax: (212) 490-1214
with a copy to:
GRUNER + JAHR USA PUBLISHING
685 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Attn: Yvette Miller, General Counsel
Fax: (212) 986-2548
or to such other address as any of the foregoing may give to the
others by like notice.
13.5 Captions. The captions at the headings of each Article and
--------
Section of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only,
and are in no way intended or to be used or applied to describe,
interpret, construe, define or limit the scope, extent, intent or
operation of this Agreement or of any term or provision hereof.
13.6 Choice of Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and the
-------------
terms and provisions hereof and the rights and duties created
hereby shall be interpreted, construed and enforced in accordance
with, the Laws of the State of New York.
13.7 Binding Effect and Assignment. This Agreement and the rights
-----------------------------
and obligations of the parties hereto shall be binding upon, and
shall inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respec-
tive successors and permitted assigns, but this Agreement shall not
be assignable by either party hereto without the prior written
consent of the other party hereto; except that Buyer shall be
permitted to assign to an Affiliate of Buyer the Assets described
in Section 2.1(o).
13.8 Gender and Number. All references to, and each use of, the
-----------------
masculine gender in this Agreement shall also be deemed references
to, and a use of, the feminine and neuter genders unless the
context clearly requires otherwise. All references to, and each
use of, the singular number in this Agreement shall also be deemed
references to, and a use of, the plural number unless the context
clearly requires otherwise.
13.9 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements
----------------
constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties
- 38 -
<PAGE>
hereto with respect to the matters set forth herein and therein,
and all prior negotiations, drafts and other writings, and under-
standings relating to the subject matter of this Agreement and the
Ancillary Agreements are merged herein and are superseded, nulli-
fied and cancelled by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.
13.10 Construction. The terms and provisions of this Agreement
------------
and the wording used herein shall in all cases be interpreted and
construed simply in accordance with their fair meanings and not
strictly for or against either party hereto.
13.11 Third Party Beneficiaries. There are no third party bene-
-------------------------
ficiaries of or in this Agreement or any of the terms or provisions
hereof or any of the rights, privileges, duties, liabilities or
obligations created hereby.
13.12 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed and delivered
------------
in one or more counterparts, in the English language, each of which
shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which taken together
shall constitute one and the same instrument, and it shall not be
necessary, in proving the existence or contents of this Agreement,
to produce, refer to or account for (a) any particular counterpart
in preference to any other counterpart or counterparts, or (b) more
than one counterpart.
13.13 Survival. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement,
--------
all covenants, representations and warranties made hereunder shall
survive the Closing Date.
- 39 -
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this instrument has been duly executed by
the thereunto duly authorized representatives of the parties hereto
on the day and year first above written.
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
Seller
By: ________________________
Arthur Ochs Sulzberger
Chairman
THE FAMILY CIRCLE, INC. RETAIL MAGAZINES MARKETING COMPANY, INC.
Seller Seller
By: ____________________ By: _________________________
Laura J. Corwin Laura J. Corwin
Secretary Secretary
GRUNER + JAHR PRINTING AND PUBLISHING CO.
Buyer
By: _____________________ and ____________________
Gerd Schulte-Hillen Axel Ganz
General Partner Sole Member of the Executive
Committee of the Publishing
Division
- 40 -
<PAGE>
List of Exhibits
----------------
1.16 Contracts
1.20 Excluded Employees
1.28 Financial Statements (1993)
1.38 Format of Current Assets and Current Liabilities of the
Business
1.54 Women's Magazines
2.1(c) Advertising Orders
2.1(1) Trademarks
2.1(m) Software
2.2(c)-A Lease Agreement
2.2(c)-B Occupancy Agreement
3.1(b)(11) Non-Competition Agreement
3.1(c) Escrow Agreement
4.1 Qualifications To Do Business
4.3 Third Party Consent Requirements
4.5 Disclosures Respecting Operation Since December 31,
1993
4.6 Encumbrances on Assets
4.7 Litigation
4.10 Employees of the Business
4.11 Employees Plans
4.12 Exceptions to Intellectual Property and Publication
Rights
4.14 PI Advertisements and Barters
4.15 Subscription Rates
4.18 Insurance Policies
<PAGE>
4.19 Disclosures Respecting Related Party Transactions
4.20 Assets Retained by Seller
6.8(c) Seller's Severance Plan
7.1(c)(iv) Opinion of Seller's Counsel
7.2(c)(iii) Opinion of Buyer's Counsel
11.5 Agreement for Computer Support Services
11.9 Fulfillment Agreement
11.12(b) Magazines of Seller to be Continued to be Distributed
by TDS
-2-