1
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 23, 2001
REGISTRATION STATEMENT NO. 333-
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
ARCH TRANSITION CORP.
ARCH WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
ARCH WIRELESS HOLDINGS, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF CO-REGISTRANTS AS SPECIFIED IN THEIR CHARTERS)
DELAWARE 4812 31-1358569
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL 04-3561695
INCORPORATION CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER OF EACH 31-1236804
OR ORGANIZATION OF EACH) CO-REGISTRANT) 22-3317420
1800 WEST PARK DRIVE, SUITE 250 (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NOS.)
WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS 01581
(508) 870-6700
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF EACH
CO-REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
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C. EDWARD BAKER, JR.
CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
1800 WEST PARK DRIVE, SUITE 250
WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS 01581
(508) 870-6700
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
OF AGENT FOR SERVICE OF EACH CO-REGISTRANT)
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COPY TO:
DAVID A. WESTENBERG, ESQ., JAY E. BOTHWICK, ESQ. AND EDWARD YOUNG, ESQ.
HALE AND DORR LLP
60 STATE STREET
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02109
(617) 526-6000
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APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO PUBLIC: From time to
time after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
If the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. [ ]
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]
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CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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PROPOSED
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF MAXIMUM AGGREGATE
NAME OF ISSUER SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED(1) OFFERING PRICE(2)
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Arch Wireless, Inc.
Common Stock, $.01 per value per share................. (5)
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Arch Wireless, Inc.
Series A Junior Voting Preferred Stock, $.01 par value
per share.............................................. (5)
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Arch Transition Corp.
Series A Exchangeable Preferred Stock, $.01 par value
per share.............................................. (5)
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Arch Transition Corp.
12% Senior Notes due 2007.............................. (5)
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Arch Wireless Holdings, Inc.
Variable Rate Secured Senior Notes due 2006............ (5)
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Arch Wireless, Inc.
10 7/8% Senior Discount Notes due 2008................. (6)
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Arch Wireless Communications, Inc.
9 1/2% Senior Notes due 2004........................... (6)
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Arch Wireless Communications, Inc.
14% Senior Notes due 2004.............................. (6)
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Arch Wireless Communications, Inc.
12 3/4% Senior Notes due 2007.......................... (6)
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Arch Wireless Communications, Inc.
13 3/4% Senior Notes due 2008.......................... (6)
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Total...................................................................................... $152,591,839
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AMOUNT OF
NAME OF ISSUER REGISTRATION FEE(3)(4)
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Arch Wireless, Inc.
(5)
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Arch Wireless, Inc.
(5)
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Arch Transition Corp.
(5)
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Arch Transition Corp.
(5)
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Arch Wireless Holdings, Inc.
(5)
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Arch Wireless, Inc.
(6)
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Arch Wireless Communications, Inc.
(6)
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Arch Wireless Communications, Inc.
(6)
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Arch Wireless Communications, Inc.
(6)
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Arch Wireless Communications, Inc.
(6)
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Total............................. $38,148
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(1) There are being registered hereunder such indeterminate number of shares of
common and preferred stock and such indeterminate principal amount of debt
securities as shall have an aggregate initial offering price not to exceed
$152,591,839. If any debt securities are issued at an original issue
discount, then the offering price of such debt securities shall be in such
greater principal amount as shall result in an aggregate initial offering
price not to exceed $152,591,839, less the aggregate dollar amount of all
securities previously issued hereunder. The securities registered also
include such indeterminate amounts and numbers of common stock, preferred
stock and debt securities as may be issued upon conversion of or exchange
for preferred stock or debt securities that provide for conversion or
exchange, upon exercise of warrants or pursuant to the antidilution
provisions of any such securities.
(2) The proposed maximum per unit and aggregate offering prices per class of
security will be determined from time to time by the co-registrants in
connection with the issuance by the co-registrants of the securities
registered hereunder.
(3) Estimated solely for purposes of determining the registration fee pursuant
to Rule 457(f) and Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Pursuant to Rule 457(f), the aggregate registration fee for the securities
to be offering in exchange for outstanding debt securities is based upon the
market value of such outstanding securities. Pursuant to Rule 457(o), the
number of shares of preferred stock or principal amount or accreted value of
debt securities have not been included in the table.
(4) Pursuant to Rule 457(p), the full amount of the filing fee due with respect
to this registration statement is being paid by applying a portion of the
$125,000 filing fee paid in connection with the Registration Statement on
Form S-3 of Arch Wireless, Inc., filed on February 9, 2001 (File Number
333-55372), which was subsequently withdrawn.
(5) Pursuant to Rule 457(o), not required to be included.
(6) Reflects the amendment to these outstanding securities as described in the
prospectus which forms part of this registration statement. To the extent
such securities, as so amended, are deemed to be new securities requiring
registration, they are registered hereby. The Registrants hereby amend this
Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay
its effective date until the Registrants shall file a further amendment
which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter
become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of
1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date
as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), shall determine.
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THE REGISTRANTS HEREBY AMEND THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANTS
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
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THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED.
WE MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED
WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS
PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT
SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER
OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
Subject to Completion, dated May 22, 2001
PROSPECTUS/DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
[ARCH LOGO]
OFFER TO EXCHANGE UP TO:
- $60.0 million principal amount of variable rate secured senior notes due
2006 of Arch Wireless Holdings, Inc.
- $204.6 million principal amount of 12% senior notes due 2007 of Arch
Transition Corp. (to be renamed Arch Wireless Communications, Inc.).
- 818,228 units, each unit consisting of one share of Series A exchangeable
preferred stock of Arch Transition Corp. and one share of Series A junior
voting preferred stock of Arch Wireless, Inc., which are together
exchangeable for 205.56 shares of common stock of Arch Wireless, Inc.
- 16,634,483 shares of common stock of Arch Wireless, Inc.
We are offering to exchange new 12% senior notes, variable rate secured
senior notes and preferred and common stock for all of the outstanding notes
described below at the following exchange ratios:
NEW SECURITIES OFFERED:
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PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
OF ARCH WIRELESS LIQUIDATION VALUE
HOLDINGS, INC. PRINCIPAL OF UNITS OF SHARES OF
VARIABLE RATE AMOUNT OF EXCHANGEABLE ARCH WIRELESS, IN EXCHANGE FOR EACH $1,000 OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
SECURED SENIOR ARCH TRANSITION CORP. AND JUNIOR VOTING INC. OR ACCRETED VALUE AND ACCRUED INTEREST
NOTES 12% SENIOR NOTES PREFERRED STOCK COMMON STOCK AT JUNE 30, 2001 OF:
---------------- --------------------- ----------------- -------------- -----------------------------------------------
$258.31 $333.76 $407.93 --
Arch Wireless Communications, Inc. 9 1/2%
senior notes due 2004
$258.31 $333.76 $407.93 --
Arch Wireless Communications, Inc. 14% senior
notes due 2004
-- $450.00 $550.00 --
Arch Wireless Communications, Inc. 12 3/4%
senior notes due 2007
-- $450.00 $550.00 --
Arch Wireless Communications, Inc. 13 3/4%
senior notes due 2008
-- -- $717.20 142.50
Arch Wireless, Inc. 10 7/8% senior discount
notes due 2008
THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON
[ ], 2001 UNLESS EXTENDED.
At a minimum, a majority in principal amount or accreted value of each of
the five series of outstanding notes, and at least 85% in principal amount or
accreted value of all five series combined, must be tendered. The exchange offer
is also conditioned on approval by the holders of a majority of each series to
amend the terms of any notes which remain outstanding after the exchange offer.
We are registering all of the untendered and amended notes with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
We are also asking noteholders and lenders under the secured credit facility
to approve a consensual, or prepackaged, bankruptcy plan for the Arch group of
companies as an alternative means to implement the exchange of new notes and
stock for outstanding notes with substantially the same economic consequences to
holders of outstanding notes as in the exchange offer.
We do not expect to list the new senior notes and new preferred stock on any
organized exchange. The common stock of Arch Wireless, Inc. is traded on the OTC
Bulletin Board under the symbol "ARCH.OB".
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR WE URGE YOU TO CAREFULLY READ THE "RISK FACTORS"
ANY STATE SECURITIES REGULATORS HAVE APPROVED OR SECTION BEGINNING ON PAGE 18 BEFORE YOU MAKE ANY
DISAPPROVED THE NOTES, THE SHARES OR THE EXCHANGE DECISION TO TENDER YOUR OUTSTANDING NOTES.
OFFER OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS/DISCLOSURE
STATEMENT IS ACCURATE OR ADEQUATE. ANYONE WHO TELLS
YOU OTHERWISE IS COMMITTING A CRIME.
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The joint lead dealer managers and solicitation agents for the exchange offer
and the consent solicitation are:
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TD SECURITIES BEAR, STEARNS & CO. INC.
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS/DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IS [ ], 2001
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q. WHAT ARE YOU ASKING HOLDERS OF OUTSTANDING NOTES TO DO?
A. We are requesting that holders:
- accept the exchange offer described in this prospectus/disclosure
statement and exchange their outstanding notes for new 12% senior notes,
variable rate secured senior notes, exchangeable preferred stock, junior
voting preferred stock and common stock;
- consent to amendments to the terms of the outstanding notes that will
eliminate substantially all of the rights of the holders of those notes
that are not tendered in the exchange offer except the right to receive
scheduled payments of principal and interest; and
- consent to the prepackaged bankruptcy plan providing for the exchange of
new senior notes, new preferred stock and common stock for outstanding
notes on terms that will result in substantially the same economic
consequences to holders of outstanding notes as in the exchange offer.
Q. WHY ARE YOU OFFERING TO EXCHANGE NEW SENIOR NOTES, NEW PREFERRED STOCK AND
COMMON STOCK FOR OUTSTANDING NOTES IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER?
A. The exchange offer is part of a larger restructuring through which we intend
to reduce our outstanding debt and improve the liquidity of the Arch group of
companies. The exchange offer and the proposed concurrent restructuring of
our secured credit facility will reduce by $546.5 million the amount of cash
required to service our outstanding debt over the next three years from the
amount required under the current secured credit facility and the outstanding
notes. If the restructuring is not implemented, we will not be able to make
required principal and interest payments that will come due under the secured
credit facility and the outstanding notes starting in March 2002, and we may
be in default under the secured credit facility in September 2001.
Q. WHY ARE YOU SEEKING CONSENTS TO AMEND THE NOTES?
A. We are requesting that tendering noteholders agree to amendments to remove
all covenants that restrict our operations. This will permit us to conduct
our business without having to seek consents from the remaining noteholders
before we take actions that we believe are in our best interests. The
amendments will eliminate the restrictive covenants but will not remove our
obligation to make required payments of principal and interest on any
remaining notes that are not tendered for exchange and that remain
outstanding.
Q. WHAT APPROVALS ARE REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND AMEND THE
NOTES?
A. The holders of a majority in principal amount or accreted value of each
series of outstanding notes and 85% in principal amount or accreted value of
all five series combined must tender their notes and agree to amend the
notes. In addition, all of the lenders under the secured credit facility must
separately agree to modify the secured credit facility agreement.
Q. WHAT IS A PREPACKAGED BANKRUPTCY PLAN?
A. A bankruptcy plan is known as prepackaged when the terms of the plan are
negotiated in advance and consented to by each class of creditors whose
consent is required. Using a prepackaged bankruptcy plan permits a debtor to
move more rapidly through the plan approval process and out of chapter 11 of
the Federal Bankruptcy Code because the solicitation of acceptances of the
plan occurs prior to filing under chapter 11.
Q. WHY ARE YOU ASKING NOTEHOLDERS TO TENDER THEIR OUTSTANDING NOTES AND TO
CONSENT TO THE PREPACKAGED BANKRUPTCY PLAN?
A. We have prepared the prepackaged bankruptcy plan as an alternative means to
restructure our outstanding debt on terms that will result in substantially
the same economic consequences to holders of outstanding notes as in the
exchange offer. If we do not satisfy the conditions to implement the
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exchange offer, but we obtain the required consents to the prepackaged
bankruptcy plan, we intend to file the prepackaged bankruptcy plan under
chapter 11.
Q. WHAT VOTES ARE NEEDED TO APPROVE THE PREPACKAGED BANKRUPTCY PLAN?
A. The prepackaged bankruptcy plan requires separate approval by each of the
following classes of creditors:
- the holders of the 9 1/2% senior notes and 14% senior notes of Arch
Wireless Communications, Inc., voting together as a single class;
- the holders of the 12 3/4% senior notes and 13 3/4% senior notes of Arch
Wireless Communications, Inc., voting together as a single class;
- the holders of the 10 7/8% senior discount notes of Arch Wireless, Inc.,
voting as a separate class; and
- the lenders under the secured credit facility, voting as a separate class.
The prepackaged bankruptcy plan must be approved by holders of at least two
thirds in principal amount or accreted value of each class that vote on the
prepackaged bankruptcy plan, and by a majority in number of those holders of
each class who vote on the prepackaged bankruptcy plan.
Q. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND THE PREPACKAGED
BANKRUPTCY PLAN?
A. The principal differences between the exchange offer and the prepackaged
bankruptcy plan are as follows:
- In the exchange offer, any currently outstanding notes that are not
tendered will become obligations of the parent company, Arch Wireless,
Inc., through a merger of the current intermediate holding company, Arch
Wireless Communications, Inc., into the parent company. As a result, the
untendered notes assumed by the parent company will be structurally
subordinated to the new senior notes and exchangeable preferred stock.
Structural subordination means that the operating assets of the Arch group
of companies would not be available to satisfy claims of the untendered
notes until all of the obligations of the operating company and its
subsidiaries and the intermediate holding company have been paid in full.
- In the exchange offer, the new intermediate holding company, currently
known as Arch Transition Corp., will issue the new 12% senior notes and
exchangeable preferred stock. By contrast, under the prepackaged
bankruptcy plan, the old intermediate holding company, Arch Wireless
Communications, Inc., will issue the new 12% senior notes and exchangeable
preferred stock. In both the exchange offer and the prepackaged bankruptcy
plan, the operating company, Arch Wireless Holdings, Inc., will issue the
new variable rate secured senior notes and the parent company, Arch
Wireless, Inc., will issue its common stock and the new voting preferred
stock.
- The prepackaged bankruptcy plan, if confirmed, will be binding upon all
noteholders and secured credit facility lenders regardless of whether they
vote for the prepackaged bankruptcy plan or whether the noteholders tender
their notes in the exchange. Accordingly, none of the currently
outstanding notes will remain outstanding. See the diagrams on pages [14]
and [15].
Q. THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT ARCH COMPANIES; WHICH ARE THE IMPORTANT ONES, AND
WHY?
A. Arch Wireless, Inc. is the parent company of the Arch companies. It conducts
substantially all of its business through its subsidiaries and its assets
consist primarily of the stock of its subsidiaries. The parent company is the
issuer of the outstanding 10 7/8% senior discount notes. It will issue common
stock and new voting preferred stock in both the exchange offer and the
prepackaged bankruptcy plan. See the diagrams on pages [12] through [15].
Arch Wireless Holdings, Inc. is the subsidiary which, together with its own
subsidiaries, conducts substantially all of the business operations of the
Arch group of companies. It is also the borrower under Arch's secured credit
facility and its subsidiaries are guarantors of that facility. In both the
exchange offer and the prepackaged bankruptcy plan, Arch Wireless Holdings,
Inc. will issue the new variable rate secured senior notes.
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Arch Wireless Communications, Inc. is an intermediate holding company between
the parent company, Arch Wireless, Inc., and the operating company, Arch
Wireless Holdings, Inc., as illustrated in the diagrams on pages [12] through
[15]. This intermediate holding company is the issuer of four series of
outstanding notes. It will issue the new 12% senior notes and exchangeable
preferred stock if the prepackaged bankruptcy plan is implemented.
In the exchange offer, Arch Transition Corp., a newly formed subsidiary of
Arch Wireless Communications, Inc., will take the place of the old
intermediate holding company and will issue the new 12% senior notes and
exchangeable preferred stock. In the prepackaged bankruptcy plan, however,
Arch Transition Corp. will have no role.
The parent company, the operating company and its subsidiaries, the old
intermediate holding company and the new intermediate holding company are the
principal members of the Arch group of companies. Other subsidiaries of the
parent company, which are not involved in the exchange offer, conduct
activities in foreign countries. References in this prospectus/disclosure
statement to "Arch," "we" or "us" refer to the entire Arch group of companies
unless the context otherwise requires.
Q. WILL THE NEWLY ISSUED PREFERRED STOCK BE EXCHANGEABLE?
A. Yes, the voting preferred stock issued by the parent company and the
exchangeable preferred stock issued by the intermediate holding company will
together be exchangeable, at the option of the holder, into shares of the
common stock of the parent company. Under some circumstances, these shares of
preferred stock may be required to be exchanged into shares of common stock
of the parent company. In both cases, these shares of common stock are being
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Q. CAN THE VOTING PREFERRED STOCK AND EXCHANGEABLE PREFERRED STOCK BE
TRANSFERRED SEPARATELY?
A. No, the voting preferred stock and exchangeable preferred stock will be
issued as a unit and must be transferred as a unit.
Q. WHAT DOCUMENTS SHOULD I SUBMIT IF I AM A NOTEHOLDER?
A. You should either:
- follow the procedures of the Automated Tender Offer Program, if your notes
are held through The Depository Trust Company;
- submit the attached color-coded letter of transmittal/consent for each
series of outstanding notes that you wish to exchange:
BLUE for the 9 1/2% senior notes due 2004
GREEN for the 14% senior notes due 2004
PINK for the 12 3/4% senior notes due 2007
GRAY for the 13 3/4% senior notes due 2008
YELLOW for the 10 7/8% senior notes due 2008
together with the other documents described under "Summary -- What You
Need to Submit;" or
- follow the guaranteed delivery procedures described under "Summary -- What
You Need to Submit."
You should also:
- vote on the prepackaged bankruptcy plan by submitting the attached
color-coded ballot for each series of notes that you hold. Delivery
instructions are set forth on the back page of this prospectus/disclosure
statement and in voting instructions that will be sent to you.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
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Questions and Answers................. i
Summary............................... 1
Overall Restructuring............... 1
The Exchange Offer.................. 1
The New Senior Notes and Preferred
Stock............................ 3
The Prepackaged Bankruptcy Plan..... 8
Arch................................ 9
Capitalization...................... 10
Illustrative Diagrams............... 11
What You Need to Submit............. 16
Risk Factors.......................... 18
Risks Related to the Exchange Offer
and an Investment in the New
Senior Notes, Preferred Stock and
Common Stock..................... 18
Financial Risks..................... 21
Business Risks...................... 23
Risks Related to the Possible
Prepackaged Bankruptcy Filing.... 25
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking
Information......................... 26
The Exchange Offer.................... 27
Proposed Amendments................... 41
The Prepackaged Bankruptcy Plan....... 43
Selected Historical Financial and
Operating Data...................... 58
Arch Wireless, Inc.................. 58
Arch Wireless Communications,
Inc.............................. 61
Arch Wireless Holdings, Inc......... 63
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
Preferred Charges................... 64
Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations....................... 65
Consolidated..................... 65
The Subsidiaries................. 75
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated
Condensed Financial Statements...... 76
Market Price Information and Dividend
Policy.............................. 88
Industry Overview..................... 90
Business.............................. 95
PAGE
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Management............................ 102
Principal Stockholders................ 111
Description of Notes Being Offered.... 115
Description of Stock Being Offered.... 165
Description of Outstanding Equity
Securities.......................... 168
Description of Notes to be Tendered... 175
Description of Other Indebtedness..... 179
Material Federal Income Tax
Considerations...................... 183
Legal Matters......................... 202
Experts............................... 202
Where You Can Find More Information... 202
Index to Financial Statements......... F-1
Annex A -- The Prepackaged Plan of
Reorganization...................... A-1
Annex B -- Terms of the Voting
Preferred Stock and Exchangeable
Preferred Stock..................... B-1
Annex C -- Form of Letter of
Transmittal and Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery............................ C-1
Annex D -- Financial Projections...... D-1
Annex E -- Summary of Terms of
Proposed Amendment to Secured Credit
Facility............................ E-1
Annex F -- Terms of the 9 1/2% Senior
Notes............................... F-1
Annex G -- Terms of the 14% Senior
Notes............................... G-1
Annex H -- Terms of the 12 3/4% Senior
Notes............................... H-1
Annex I -- Terms of the 13 3/4% Senior
Notes............................... I-1
Annex J -- Terms of the 10 7/8% Senior
Discount Notes...................... J-1
Annex K -- Chart of Covenants to be
Eliminated.......................... K-1
Annex L -- Hypothetical Chapter 7
Liquidation Analysis................ L-1
Annex M -- Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations of Arch
Wireless Communications, Inc. ...... M-1
Annex N -- Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations of Arch
Wireless Holdings, Inc. ............ N-1
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SUMMARY
This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this
prospectus/disclosure statement. We urge you to read the entire
prospectus/disclosure statement, including "Risk Factors," and the information
contained in the public documents that we have filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
OVERALL RESTRUCTURING
The exchange offer and prepackaged bankruptcy plan described in this
prospectus/disclosure statement are part of an overall restructuring through
which we intend to reduce our outstanding debt and improve our liquidity. In the
exchange offer, we are offering to exchange new 12% senior notes, new variable
rate secured senior notes, new preferred stock and common stock for the
outstanding notes described in this prospectus/disclosure statement. As part of
this restructuring, we are also negotiating amendments to our secured credit
facility including reductions in interest rates and deferrals of some required
payments.
We are also asking holders of the outstanding notes and the lenders under
the secured credit facility to approve a consensual, or prepackaged, bankruptcy
plan for substantially all of our companies. The prepackaged bankruptcy plan
provides an alternative means for us to accomplish our restructuring on
substantially similar terms that will result in the same economic consequences
to holders of outstanding notes and to lenders under the secured credit facility
as if the holders had exchanged their notes in the exchange offer and the
lenders had modified the secured credit facility.
We will not have sufficient cash to pay the principal and interest payments
due under the secured credit facility and the outstanding notes beginning in
March 2002, and we may also be in default under the secured credit facility in
September 2001 if neither the exchange offer nor the prepackaged bankruptcy plan
is implemented by then. We are currently highly leveraged with approximately
$1.1 billion outstanding under our secured credit facility and $607.8 million in
principal amount or accreted value of the outstanding notes which are the
subject of this exchange offer. The exchange offer and proposed modifications to
the secured credit facility will reduce by $546.5 million the amount of cash
required to service our outstanding debt over the next three years from the
amount required under the current secured credit facility and the outstanding
notes.
We are offering the holders of four of the five series of the outstanding
notes a package of new senior notes and preferred stock having a combined
principal amount and liquidation value equal to the total principal amount or
accreted value and accrued interest through June 30, 2001 of their outstanding
notes. The preferred and common stock that we are offering to holders of all
five series of outstanding notes will have combined voting power equal to 50% of
the combined voting power of all our outstanding shares assuming the exercise of
all options having an exercise price of less than $1.00 per share, of stock of
all classes, assuming all outstanding notes are exchanged.
THE EXCHANGE OFFER (PAGE [27])
The Exchange Offer............ We are offering to exchange new senior notes
and exchangeable preferred stock of the new
intermediate holding company, new variable rate
secured senior notes of the operating company
and new voting preferred stock and common stock
of the parent company for all outstanding notes
that are properly tendered and accepted. A
total of approximately $607.8 million in
principal amount or accreted value of the five
outstanding series of notes were outstanding at
May 1, 2001. The accreted value of the
outstanding 12 3/4% senior notes and
outstanding 13 3/4% senior notes per $1,000 of
face amount as of June 30, 2001 will be $987
and $963, respectively.
Exchange Ratios............... The exchange ratios for each $1,000 in
principal amount or accreted value and accrued
interest through June 30, 2001 of the
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five series of outstanding notes are listed on
the cover page of this prospectus/disclosure
statement.
Accrued Interest and Accretion
on Outstanding Notes.......... The exchange ratios for the outstanding 12 3/4%
senior notes and 13 3/4% senior notes are based
solely upon accreted value and accrued interest
through June 30, 2001. The exchange ratios for
the other senior notes are based solely upon
principal and accrued interest through June 30,
2001. No additional notes, stock or other
consideration will be paid on account of
interest that accrues or value that accretes on
the outstanding notes after June 30, 2001.
Comparative Market Prices..... This prospectus/disclosure statement provides
information about recent indicative prices for
each series of outstanding notes, based on
available market maker information, and for the
common stock of the parent company for which
the new preferred stock will be immediately
exchangeable.
The new senior notes and new preferred stock
have not been traded in any market and we
cannot forecast at what price levels they may
trade. We do not expect to list the new senior
notes and new preferred stock on any organized
exchange.
Expiration Date............... The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m.,
New York City time, on [ ], 2001,
unless we extend the expiration date in our
sole discretion.
Required Minimum
Participation................. A majority in principal amount or accreted
value of each of the five series of outstanding
notes, and at least 85% in principal amount or
accreted value of all five series of
outstanding notes combined, must be tendered as
a condition to the exchange offer. We may waive
the 85% acceptance condition in our sole
discretion, with the consent of the lenders
under the secured credit facility.
Amendments to Outstanding
Notes......................... A tender of outstanding notes in the exchange
offer must be accompanied by the holder's
approval of amendments to the indentures
governing the outstanding notes. These
amendments will eliminate substantially all of
the rights of the holders of those notes that
are not tendered other than the right to
receive scheduled payments of principal and
interest.
Modifications to Secured
Credit Facility............... On or before the closing date for the exchange
offer, the secured credit facility must be
modified as described in Annex E. Our
obligation to consummate the exchange offer is
contingent upon the approval and implementation
of these modifications. We are separately
seeking consents to these modifications
pursuant to the provisions of the secured
credit facility. We are also separately
soliciting acceptance of the prepackaged
bankruptcy plan from the lenders.
Material Federal Income Tax
Considerations.............. The federal income tax consequences of the
exchange offer and prepackaged bankruptcy plan
to an exchanging holder will depend upon a
number of factors, including what outstanding
notes the holder exchanges and what new senior
notes and stock
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the holder receives. Depending upon these
factors, the exchange offer and prepackaged
bankruptcy plan may be taxable, in whole or
part, to an exchanging holder. Since the new
senior notes will be issued at a discount from
their stated redemption price at maturity, a
holder of a new senior note will be required to
include original issue discount in gross
income, as ordinary interest income,
periodically over the term of the new senior
note before receipt of the cash or other
payment attributable to such income, regardless
of such holder's method of tax accounting. For
a more complete discussion of the tax
consequences of the exchange offer and
prepackaged bankruptcy plan, see "Material
Federal Income Tax Considerations."
Withdrawal Rights............. You may withdraw your tender of outstanding
notes at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York
City time, on the expiration date. To withdraw
your tender, you must deliver to the exchange
agent, Computershare Trust Company of New York,
a signed written or facsimile transmission
notice of withdrawal specifying the name of the
holder of the notes to be withdrawn and the
identity of the notes to be withdrawn. Any
notice of withdrawal of notes tendered by
book-entry transfer must also include the name
and number of the account at The Depository
Trust Company to be credited with the withdrawn
notes.
Any withdrawn notes will not be deemed to be
validly tendered for purposes of the exchange
offer and no new senior notes or preferred or
common stock will be exchanged for them unless
they are again validly tendered at a later date
prior to the deadline for the exchange offer.
Dealer Managers and
Solicitation Agents........... We have retained TD Securities and Bear,
Stearns & Co. Inc. to act as joint lead dealer
managers and solicitation agents in the
exchange offer and the consent solicitation.
Exchange Agent................ We have retained Computershare Trust Company of
New York to act as the exchange agent in the
exchange offer.
Information Agent............. We have retained MacKenzie Partners, Inc. to
act as the information agent in the exchange
offer.
THE NEW SENIOR NOTES AND NEW PREFERRED STOCK (PAGES [115] AND [165])
In place of the five series of outstanding notes, we propose to issue in
the exchange offer or pursuant to the prepackaged bankruptcy plan:
- 12% senior notes issued by the old or new intermediate holding company;
- variable rate secured senior notes issued by the operating company;
- units, each unit consisting of one share of exchangeable preferred stock
of the old or new intermediate holding company and one share of junior
voting preferred stock of the parent company, which are together
exchangeable for common stock of the parent company; and
- common stock of the parent company.
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12% SENIOR NOTES
Securities: 12% Senior Notes.
Issue Size: $204.6 million principal amount, assuming 100%
of the outstanding notes are exchanged.
Ranking: The 12% senior notes will be unsecured senior
obligations and will rank equal in right of
payment to all existing and future senior
indebtedness of the intermediate holding
company and senior in right of payment to all
subordinated indebtedness of the intermediate
holding company. The 12% senior notes will be
structurally subordinated in right of payment
to the restated secured credit facility, the
variable rate secured senior notes and trade
payables of the operating company.
Maturity: [September 30], 2007.
Optional Redemption: The intermediate holding company may redeem the
12% senior notes at any time at a redemption
price equal to the following percentages of the
principal amount plus accrued interest:
[October 1], 2001 -- [September 30],
2003 102%
[October 1], 2003 -- [September 30],
2005 101%
[October 1], 2005 -- maturity 100%
Change of Control: Upon a change of control, the intermediate
holding company will be required to make an
offer to repurchase the 12% senior notes at
101% of the principal amount plus accrued
interest to the date of repurchase.
Interest: Interest will accrue on the 12% senior notes at
a rate of 12% per annum and will be payable
semi-annually in arrears on [June 30] and
[December 31] of each year. Interest will be
payable in cash commencing [December 31], 2004.
Through [June 30], 2004, interest will be
payable in the form of additional 12% senior
notes having a principal amount equal to the
accrued interest then due.
Summary of Covenants: Covenants will restrict the intermediate
holding company and its subsidiaries from:
- making restricted payments;
- incurring indebtedness;
- creating liens on their assets;
- paying dividends or payments affecting
their subsidiaries;
- effecting a consolidation, merger or
sale of their assets;
- effecting transactions with their
affiliates;
- issuing or selling the capital stock of
their subsidiaries;
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- having their subsidiaries guarantee
obligations of third parties; and
- designating unrestricted subsidiaries;
and will obligate it to provide periodic
reports to holders of the 12% senior notes.
The dates set forth in brackets above are subject to change depending upon
the issuance date of the notes.
The terms of the 12% senior notes are summarized in greater detail under
"Description of Notes Being Offered."
VARIABLE RATE SECURED SENIOR NOTES
Securities: Variable Rate Secured Senior Notes.
Issue Size: $60.0 million principal amount, assuming 100%
of the 9 1/2% and 14% senior notes are
exchanged.
Ranking: The variable rate secured senior notes will be
secured obligations and will rank equal in
right of payment with the secured credit
facility. The variable rate secured senior
notes will be guaranteed by the parent company,
the intermediate holding company and all of the
operating company's material subsidiaries. They
will not be structurally subordinated to any
obligations of the Arch group of companies.
Collateral: Substantially all of the assets of each of the
Arch group of companies.
Maturity: December 31, 2006.
Optional Redemption: The operating company may redeem the variable
rate secured senior notes at any time without
premium plus accrued interest, provided that
the total amount of such redemption must be
allocated ratably between the term loans under
the secured credit facility and the variable
rate secured senior notes.
Mandatory Redemption: The operating company must redeem $600,000 of
the variable rate secured senior notes on
December 31 of each of 2002, 2003, 2004 and
2005, together with the loans outstanding under
the secured credit facility, out of excess cash
flow, asset sales, insurance and condemnation
awards and proceeds from the sale of specified
Canadian subsidiaries.
Change of Control: Upon a change of control, the variable rate
secured senior notes will be due and payable
without premium.
Interest: Interest will accrue on the variable rate
secured senior notes at a rate of LIBOR plus
4.25% per annum. The LIBOR rate will be re-set
semi-annually. Cash interest will be payable in
arrears on each June 30 and December 31
following the issuance of the variable rate
secured senior notes.
Summary of Covenants: The covenants will be the same as the covenants
in the secured credit facility.
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The terms of the variable rate secured senior notes are summarized in
greater detail under "Description of Notes Being Offered."
UNITS OF PREFERRED STOCK
Securities: Each unit will consist of one share of Series A
junior voting preferred stock issued by the
parent company and one share of Series A
exchangeable preferred stock issued by the
intermediate holding company.
Issue Size: 818,228 units, representing $333.78 million
liquidation value, or $407.93 per unit,
assuming 100% of the outstanding notes are
exchanged.
Transferability: Each share of voting preferred stock and
exchangeable preferred stock will be
transferable solely as a unit.
Ranking: The exchangeable preferred stock will, with
respect to the payment of dividends and
distributions upon a liquidation, winding-up or
dissolution of the intermediate holding
company, rank senior to common stock and all
other classes or series of preferred stock of
the intermediate holding company except as
approved in advance by the holders of a
majority of the outstanding shares of the
exchangeable preferred stock. The voting
preferred stock will, with respect to the
payment of dividends, and distributions upon a
liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the
parent company, rank senior to the common stock
and junior to all other classes or series of
preferred stock.
Dividends: Dividends will not be payable on the
exchangeable preferred stock unless otherwise
declared by the board of directors of the
intermediate holding company. Dividends will
not be payable on the voting preferred stock
unless otherwise declared by the board of
directors of the parent company.
Liquidation Rights: The holders of exchangeable preferred stock
will be entitled to be paid $407.93 per share
out of the assets of the intermediate holding
company available for distribution to its
stockholders before any payment or declaration
and setting apart for payment of any amount may
be made in respect of any shares of common
stock or any other classes or series of
preferred stock of the intermediate holding
company, except any other series approved in
advance by the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of exchangeable preferred
stock. The holders of voting preferred stock
will be entitled to be paid $.001 per share out
of the assets of the parent company available
for distribution to its stockholders after
payment or declaration and setting apart for
payment all required amounts in respect of any
other series of preferred stock.
Voting Rights: Each share of exchangeable preferred stock will
be entitled to one vote on all matters voted on
by stockholders of the intermediate holding
company. The exchangeable preferred stock will
vote together with the common stock of the
intermediate holding company as a single class,
except as otherwise required by law. Each share
of voting preferred stock will be entitled to
205.56 votes on all matters voted on by
stockholders of the parent company. The voting
preferred stock will vote together
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with the common stock of the parent company as
a single class, except as otherwise required by
law.
Change of Control: Upon a change of control of the parent company
or the intermediate holding company, the
intermediate holding company will offer to
repurchase all outstanding shares of
exchangeable preferred stock at $412.01 per
share and the parent company will offer to
repurchase all outstanding shares of voting
preferred stock at $.001 per share. At the
election of the intermediate holding company
and the parent company, the repurchase could be
effected by a cash payment or by an exchange of
shares of the parent company's common stock.
The repurchase price may not be paid in cash
unless all outstanding indebtedness for money
borrowed required to be paid by the
intermediate holding company, whether directly
or indirectly as a guarantor, as a result of
the change of control or otherwise then due and
payable has been paid in full. The definition
of change of control is the same as for the 12%
senior notes, described on pages 117 and 118.
Mandatory Repurchase: At any time after the ninth anniversary of the
closing of the exchange offer, the holders may
require the intermediate holding company to
repurchase all of the outstanding shares of
exchangeable preferred stock at $407.93 per
share and the parent company to redeem all
outstanding shares of voting preferred stock at
$.001 per share. At the election of the
intermediate holding company and the parent
company, the repurchase could be effected by a
cash payment or by an exchange of shares of the
parent company's common stock, with the shares
of parent common stock being valued as follows:
- If on the date of repurchase the average
closing sale price of the parent
company's common stock for the 30
trading days immediately preceding the
date of repurchase is equal to or
greater than $1.98, the shares of parent
company common stock will be valued at
the average closing sale price for that
30 trading day period; or
- If on the date of repurchase the closing
sale price of the parent company's
common stock for the 30 trading days
immediately preceding the date of
repurchase is less than $1.98, the
shares of parent company common stock
will be valued at 95% of the average
closing sale price for that 30 trading
day period.
Optional Exchange: Each unit will be exchangeable for 205.56
shares of the parent company's common stock at
the holder's option. This exchange ratio will
be adjusted to reflect any stock splits or
dividends affecting the parent company's common
stock.
Mandatory Exchange: Each unit will be required to be exchanged for
205.56 shares of the parent company's common
stock if the market price of the parent
company's common stock equals or exceeds $3.97
per share for at least 60 consecutive trading
days. The exchange ratio will be
proportionately adjusted to reflect any stock
splits or dividends affecting the parent
company's common stock.
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The terms of the new voting preferred stock and exchangeable preferred
stock are summarized in greater detail under "Description of Stock Being
Offered" and are contained in full in Annex B.
COMMON STOCK
The terms of the parent company's common stock are summarized under
"Description of Outstanding Equity Securities -- Parent Company -- Common
Stock."
THE PREPACKAGED BANKRUPTCY PLAN (PAGE [43])
We are soliciting the consents of holders of the outstanding notes and the
lenders under our secured credit facility to a prepackaged bankruptcy plan as an
alternative means to restructure the Arch group of companies if less than a
majority in principal amount or accreted value of each series of the outstanding
notes, and less than 85% in principal amount or accreted value of all five
series combined, are tendered in the exchange offer or if all of the lenders
under the secured credit facility do not approve the modifications to the
secured credit facility. If these conditions are not met, but we obtain the
required consents to the prepackaged bankruptcy plan as described below, we
intend to file the prepackaged bankruptcy plan. A copy of the prepackaged
bankruptcy plan is attached as Annex A.
The prepackaged bankruptcy plan must be approved by holders of at least two
thirds in principal amount or accreted value of the notes and loans of each of
the following classes that are voted on the prepackaged bankruptcy plan, and by
a majority by class of all the voting noteholders and lenders of each of these
classes:
- the holders of Arch Wireless Communications, Inc. 9 1/2% senior notes and
14% senior notes, voting together as a single class;
- the holders of Arch Wireless Communications, Inc. 12 3/4% senior notes
and 13 3/4% senior notes, voting together as a single class;
- the holders of Arch Wireless, Inc. 10 7/8% senior discount notes, voting
as a separate class; and
- the lenders under the secured credit facility, voting as a separate
class. This class includes lenders and their affiliates that entered into
interest rate hedge agreements with the operating company.
The principal differences between the exchange offer and the prepackaged
bankruptcy plan are as follows:
- In the exchange offer, any currently outstanding notes which are not
tendered will become obligations of the parent company, Arch Wireless,
Inc., through a merger of the current intermediate holding company, Arch
Wireless Communications, Inc., into the parent company. As a result, the
untendered notes assumed by the parent company will be structurally
subordinated to the new senior notes and exchangeable preferred stock.
Structural subordination means that the operating assets of the Arch
group of companies would not be available to satisfy claims of the
untendered notes until all of the obligations of the operating company
and its subsidiaries and the intermediate holding company have been paid
in full.
- In the exchange offer, the new intermediate holding company, currently
known as Arch Transition Corp., will issue the new 12% senior notes and
exchangeable preferred stock. By contrast, under the prepackaged
bankruptcy plan, the old intermediate holding company, Arch Wireless
Communications, Inc., would issue the new 12% senior notes and
exchangeable preferred stock. In both the exchange offer and the
prepackaged bankruptcy plan, the operating company, Arch Wireless
Holdings, Inc., would issue the new variable rate secured senior notes
and the parent company, Arch Wireless, Inc., would issue its common stock
and voting preferred stock.
- The prepackaged bankruptcy plan, if confirmed, will be binding upon all
noteholders and secured credit facility lenders regardless of whether
they vote for the prepackaged bankruptcy plan or whether the noteholders
tender their notes in the exchange. Accordingly, under the prepackaged
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bankruptcy plan, none of the currently outstanding notes will remain
outstanding. See the diagrams on pages [14] and [15].
The new senior notes and new preferred stock to be issued under the
prepackaged bankruptcy plan would be identical to the new senior notes and new
preferred stock that would be issued in the exchange offer.
Any holder who has delivered a valid ballot or master ballot may withdraw
its vote by delivering a written notice of withdrawal to the information agent
before the voting deadline. All votes cast will be irrevocable upon the voting
deadline. To be valid, the notice of withdrawal must:
- describe the notes or secured credit facility claims to which it relates,
- be signed by the party who signed the ballot or master ballot to be
revoked, and
- be received by the information agent before the voting deadline.
Any holder who delivers a valid ballot or master ballot may change its vote
by delivering to the information agent a properly completed subsequent ballot or
master ballot so as to be received before the voting deadline. In the case where
more than one timely, properly completed ballot or master ballot is received
prior to the voting deadline, only the ballot or master ballot that bears the
latest date will be counted. After the chapter 11 case is commenced, a vote of a
holder may only be changed or withdrawn with the permission of the bankruptcy
court upon a showing of "cause" pursuant to bankruptcy rule 3018(a).
ARCH (PAGE [95])
Arch is a leading provider of wireless messaging and information services
in the United States. Currently, Arch primarily provides traditional paging
services, which enables subscribers to receive messages on their pagers composed
entirely of numbers, such as a phone number, or on some pagers, numbers and
letters, which enables the subscriber to receive text messages. Arch also
markets and sells advanced wireless messaging services which enable subscribers
to respond to messages or create and send wireless email messages to other
wireless messaging devices, including pagers and personal digital assistants, or
PDAs, and to personal computers. Arch also offers wireless information services,
such as stock quotes and news, voice mail, personalized greeting, message
storage and retrieval, equipment loss protection and equipment maintenance for
both traditional and advanced customers. Our services are commonly referred to
as wireless messaging and information services.
The principal office of Arch Wireless, Inc. is located at 1800 West Park
Drive, Suite 250, Westborough, Massachusetts 01581, and its telephone number is
(508) 870-6700. Each of Arch Wireless Communications, Inc., Arch Wireless
Holdings, Inc. and Arch Transition Corp. has the same address and telephone
number. Arch's address on the world wide web is www.arch.com. The information on
Arch's web site is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus/disclosure
statement and should not be considered a part of this prospectus/disclosure
statement.
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CAPITALIZATION (PAGE 76)
The following table sets forth the consolidated capitalization of the Arch
group of companies as of March 31, 2001 and our consolidated capitalization as
adjusted to give effect to:
- the exchange offer and the proposed modifications to the secured credit
facility, assuming 100% of the currently outstanding notes of all five
series are exchanged for new 12% senior notes and variable rate secured
senior notes and preferred and common stock; or
- the prepackaged bankruptcy plan.
You should read this table together with the other financial information
appearing elsewhere in this prospectus/disclosure statement. The diagrams on
pages [12] through [15] provide important information about which companies will
issue the new senior notes and new preferred and common stock in the exchange
offer or the prepackaged bankruptcy plan and how the new senior notes will rank
in comparison with other outstanding indebtedness of the Arch group of
companies.
AS OF MARCH 31, 2001
-------------------------------------
HISTORICAL AS ADJUSTED(1)
----------- ----------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
CURRENT MATURITIES OF LONG-TERM DEBT........................ $ 37,640 $ 22,295
LONG-TERM DEBT, LESS CURRENT MATURITIES:
Secured bank debt(2)...................................... 930,515 1,097,314
Canadian bank debt........................................ 61,238 61,238
Variable rate secured senior notes due 2006............... -- 60,000
12% senior notes due 2007................................. -- 204,596
9 1/2% senior notes due 2004.............................. 125,000 --
14% senior notes due 2004................................. 100,000 --
12 3/4% senior notes due 2007............................. 128,239 --
13 3/4% senior notes due 2008............................. 141,367 --
10 7/8% senior discount notes due 2008.................... 137,641 --
6 3/4% convertible subordinated debentures due 2003....... 939 939
----------- -----------
Total long-term debt, less current maturities..... 1,624,939 1,424,087
----------- -----------
Redeemable preferred stock.................................. 31,107 364,887
----------- -----------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common Stock -- $.01 par value, authorized 300,000,000
shares (500,000,000 as adjusted), issued and outstanding
172,322,090............................................... 1,723 1,990
Additional paid-in capital.................................. 1,103,044 1,133,099
Accumulated other comprehensive income...................... 265 265
Accumulated deficit......................................... (1,378,219) (1,555,112)
----------- -----------
Total stockholders' equity (deficit).............. (273,187) (419,758)
----------- -----------
Total capitalization.............................. $ 1,420,499 $ 1,391,511
=========== ===========
---------------
(1) If the minimum required amount of 85% of the currently outstanding notes of
all series are exchanged, total long-term debt, less current maturities
would be $1.48 billion, total stockholders' deficit would be $346.4 million
and total capitalization would be $1.47 billion, assuming that the same
portion of each of the five series of outstanding notes is tendered.
(2) Historical bank debt is reflected net of a $151.5 million discount to face
value recorded on bank debt assumed in the acquisition of PageNet.
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ILLUSTRATIVE DIAGRAMS
The following diagrams illustrate in general terms:
- the corporate structure and outstanding indebtedness of the parent
company and its principal subsidiaries prior to the announcement of the
exchange offer and following the exchange offer, assuming that 100% of
the five series of outstanding notes are exchanged and the proposed
modifications to the secured credit facility are made; and
- the structure and outstanding indebtedness of the parent company and its
principal subsidiaries prior to the filing of the prepackaged bankruptcy
plan and following the confirmation of the prepackaged bankruptcy plan.
Notes, stock and secured credit facility obligations that are involved in
the restructuring are indicated in boldface.
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PRIOR TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
(parent company)
10 7/8% SENIOR DISCOUNT NOTES DUE 2008(1)
6 3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2003
Guarantee of Secured Credit Facility(2)
Series C Preferred Stock and Series F Preferred Stock
Common Stock (traded on OTC Bulletin Board)
ARCH WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(old intermediate holding company)
9 1/2% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2004(1)(3)
14% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2004(1)(3)
12 3/4% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2007(1)(3)
13 3/4% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2008(1)(3)
Guarantee of Secured Credit Facility
ARCH TRANSITION CORP.
(new intermediate holding company)
ARCH WIRELESS HOLDINGS, INC.
(operating company)
SECURED CREDIT FACILITY(4)
Security interest in certain assets in favor of
9 1/2% Senior Notes and 14% Senior Notes(4)
VARIOUS OPERATING SUBSIDIARIES
Secured Guarantees of
Secured Credit Facility(4)
Security interest in certain assets in favor of
9 1/2% Senior Notes and 14% Senior Notes(4)
---------------
(1) The exchange offer covers these notes.
(2) The guarantee of the secured credit facility is secured by a pledge of the
capital stock and intercompany notes of the old intermediate holding
company, Arch Wireless Communications, Inc.
(3) These notes rank equally in right of payment, except that the 9 1/2% senior
notes and the 14% senior notes are secured by some of the assets of the
operating company, Arch Wireless Holdings, Inc., and some of its
subsidiaries.
(4) The five series of notes covered by the exchange offer are structurally
subordinated in right of payment to the secured credit facility, except that
the 9 1/2% senior notes and the 14% senior notes are secured on an equal
basis with the secured credit facility by some of the assets of the
operating company and some of its subsidiaries. The operating company's
obligations under the secured credit facility are secured by a pledge of the
capital stock of the operating company and various operating subsidiaries
and substantially all of the assets of the operating company and its
subsidiaries.
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AFTER THE EXCHANGE OFFER
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
(parent company after the old intermediate holding company
has been merged into it)
Untendered Senior Notes of old intermediate holding company(1)
Untendered 10 7/8% Senior Discount Notes of parent company(1)
6 3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2003
Guarantee of Secured Credit Facility(2)
GUARANTEE OF VARIABLE RATE SECURED SENIOR NOTES(2)
Series C Preferred Stock and Series F Preferred Stock
COMMON STOCK (TRADED ON OTC BULLETIN BOARD)(3)
SERIES A JUNIOR VOTING PREFERRED STOCK(3)(5)
Arch Transition Corp., to be renamed
ARCH WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(new intermediate holding company)
12% SENIOR NOTES(4)
SERIES A EXCHANGEABLE PREFERRED STOCK(5)
GUARANTEE OF SECURED CREDIT FACILITY(2)
GUARANTEE OF VARIABLE RATE SECURED SENIOR NOTES(2)
ARCH WIRELESS HOLDINGS, INC.
(operating company)
VARIABLE RATE SECURED SENIOR NOTES(4)
SECURED CREDIT FACILITY, REFLECTING THE
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS(4)
VARIOUS OPERATING SUBSIDIARIES
Secured Guarantees of
Secured Credit Facility(4)
SECURED GUARANTEES OF
VARIABLE RATE SECURED
SENIOR NOTES(4)
---------------
(1) If less than 100% of the five series of outstanding notes are tendered in
the exchange offer, the untendered notes will be obligations of the parent
company, Arch Wireless, Inc., and will have none of their current rights
except the right to receive payments of principal and interest when due. Any
untendered notes will be structurally subordinated to the new 12% senior
notes of the new intermediate holding company and variable rate secured
senior notes of the operating company issued in the exchange offer.
(2) The guarantee of the secured credit facility and variable rate secured
senior notes will be secured by a security interest in substantially all of
the assets of Arch Wireless Communications, Inc.
(3) Includes common stock reserved for issuance upon exchange of the junior
voting preferred stock of the parent company and the new exchangeable
preferred stock of the new intermediate holding company, Arch Wireless
Communications, Inc.
(4) The new 12% senior notes will be unsecured obligations of the new
intermediate holding company and will be structurally subordinated in right
of payment to the secured credit facility as amended, and the new variable
rate secured senior notes. Payment of the variable rate secured senior notes
will be guaranteed by the operating company's subsidiaries. The secured
credit facility, as amended, and the variable rate secured senior notes will
be secured by a security interest in substantially all of the assets, other
than cash, of the new intermediate holding company, the operating company
and, except for limited exceptions, their subsidiaries.
(5) This new preferred stock will be exchangeable for shares of common stock of
Arch Wireless, Inc.
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PRIOR TO THE PREPACKAGED BANKRUPTCY PLAN
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
(parent company)
10 7/8% SENIOR DISCOUNT NOTES DUE 2008(1)
6 3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2003
Guarantee of Secured Credit Facility(2)
Series C Preferred Stock and Series F Preferred Stock
Common Stock (traded on OTC Bulletin Board)
ARCH WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(old intermediate holding company)
9 1/2% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2004(1)(3)
14% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2004(1)(3)
12 3/4% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2007(1)(3)
13 3/4% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2008(1)(3)
Guarantee of Secured Credit Facility
ARCH WIRELESS HOLDINGS, INC.
(operating company)
SECURED CREDIT FACILITY(4)
Security interest in certain assets in favor of
9 1/2% Senior Notes and 14% Senior Notes(4)
VARIOUS OPERATING SUBSIDIARIES
Secured Guarantees of
Secured Credit Facility(4)
Security interest in certain assets in favor of
9 1/2% Senior Notes and 14% Senior Notes(4)
---------------
(1) The prepackaged bankruptcy plan covers these notes.
(2) The guarantee of the secured credit facility is secured by a pledge of the
capital stock and intercompany notes of the old intermediate holding
company, Arch Wireless Communications, Inc.
(3) These notes rank equally in right of payment, except that the 9 1/2% senior
notes and the 14% senior notes are secured by some of the assets of the
operating company, Arch Wireless Holdings, Inc., and some of its
subsidiaries.
(4) The five series of notes covered by the exchange offer are structurally
subordinated in right of payment to the secured credit facility, except that
the 9 1/2% senior notes and the 14% senior notes are secured on an equal
basis with the secured credit facility by some of the assets of the
operating company and some of its subsidiaries. The operating company's
obligations under the secured credit facility are secured by a pledge of the
capital stock of the operating company and various operating subsidiaries
and substantially all of the assets of the operating company and its
subsidiaries.
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AFTER THE PREPACKAGED BANKRUPTCY PLAN
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
(parent company)
6 3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2003
Guarantee of Secured Credit Facility(1)
GUARANTEE OF VARIABLE RATE SECURED SENIOR NOTES(1)
Series C Preferred Stock and Series F Preferred Stock
COMMON STOCK (TRADED ON OTC BULLETIN BOARD)(2)
SERIES A JUNIOR VOTING PREFERRED STOCK(4)
ARCH WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(old intermediate holding company)
12% SENIOR NOTES(3)
SERIES A EXCHANGEABLE PREFERRED STOCK(4)
GUARANTEE OF SECURED CREDIT FACILITY(1)
GUARANTEE OF VARIABLE RATE SECURED
SENIOR NOTES(1)
ARCH WIRELESS HOLDINGS, INC.
(operating company)
VARIABLE RATE SECURED SENIOR NOTES(3)
SECURED CREDIT FACILITY, REFLECTING THE
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS(3)
VARIOUS OPERATING SUBSIDIARIES
Secured Guarantees of
Secured Credit Facility (3)
Secured Guarantees of Variable Rate
Secured Senior Notes (3)
---------------
(1) The guarantee of the secured credit facility and variable rate secured
senior notes will be secured by a security interest in substantially all of
the assets of Arch Wireless Communications, Inc.
(2) Includes common stock reserved for issuance upon exchange of the junior
voting preferred stock of the parent company and the new preferred stock of
the old intermediate holding company, Arch Wireless Communications, Inc.
(3) The new 12% senior notes will be unsecured obligations of the old
intermediate holding company and will be structurally subordinated in right
of payment to the secured credit facility as amended, and the new variable
rate secured senior notes. Payment of the variable rate secured senior notes
will be guaranteed by the operating company's subsidiaries. The secured
credit facility, as amended, and the variable rate secured senior notes will
be secured by a security interest in substantially all of the assets, other
than cash, of the old intermediate holding company, the operating company
and, except for limited exceptions, their subsidiaries.
(4) This new preferred stock will be exchangeable for shares of common stock of
Arch Wireless, Inc.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO SUBMIT (PAGES [31] AND [37])
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING OUTSTANDING NOTES AND DELIVERING CONSENTS
You will receive a letter of transmittal and other materials and
instructions for tendering your notes. A form of letter of transmittal is
attached as Annex C. If you hold more than one series of notes, you will receive
separate materials for each series. The letters of transmittal and other
materials are color-coded as follows:
- 9 1/2% senior notes due 2004 in BLUE;
- 14% senior notes due 2004 in GREEN;
- 12 3/4% senior notes due 2007 in PINK;
- 13 3/4% senior notes due 2008 in GRAY; and
- 10 7/8% senior discount notes due 2008 in YELLOW.
A tender of notes in the exchange offer must also contain the holder's
approval of amendments to the indentures governing such tendered notes. These
amendments will eliminate substantially all of the rights of the holders of
those notes that are not tendered other than the right to receive scheduled
payments of principal and interest.
If you are a registered holder of outstanding notes, you can tender those
notes on or prior to the expiration date in one of three ways:
- Automated Tender Offer Program. To effectively tender notes that are
held through The Depository Trust Company, participants in The Depository
Trust Company should transmit their acceptance through The Depository
Trust Company's Automated Tender Offer Program. The Depository Trust
Company will then verify the acceptance and send an agent's message to
the exchange agent for its acceptance. Delivery of tendered notes held
through The Depository Trust Company must be made to the exchange agent
pursuant to the book-entry delivery procedures described below under "The
Exchange Offer-Book Entry Transfers."
- Physical Tenders. You can also tender by:
- delivering a properly completed and duly executed letter of
transmittal or an agent's message in connection with a book-entry
transfer and any other documents required by the letter of
transmittal, to the exchange agent at the address set forth on the
back cover page of this prospectus/disclosure statement; and
- either delivering original certificates representing your notes to
the exchange agent or complying with the book-entry transfer
procedures.
- Guaranteed Delivery Procedures. If you cannot comply with these
procedures on a timely basis or if the original certificates evidencing
your notes are not immediately available, you may tender pursuant to the
guaranteed delivery procedures described under "The Exchange Offer -
Guaranteed Delivery Procedures."
If your certificates for notes are registered in the name of a person other
than the signer of a letter of transmittal, the certificate must be endorsed or
accompanied by appropriate bond powers, signed exactly as the name or names of
the holder or holders appear on the certificates, with the signatures on the
certificates or bond powers guaranteed. In the event these procedures are
followed by a beneficial owner tendering notes, the registered holder or holders
of the notes must sign a valid consent pursuant to the letter of transmittal,
because notes may not be tendered without also consenting to the proposed
amendments to the indenture, and only registered holders are entitled to deliver
consents.
If your notes are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial
bank, trust company or other nominee, or held through a book-entry transfer
facility, and you wish to tender your notes and deliver a consent to the
proposed amendments, you should contact the registered holder promptly and
instruct such registered holder to tender the original certificates evidencing
your notes on your behalf. If you wish to tender your notes yourself, you must
either make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of your
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notes in your name prior to completing and executing the letter of transmittal
and, where applicable, to deliver original certificates evidencing such notes or
follow the procedures described in the immediately preceding paragraph.
VOTING PROCEDURES WITH RESPECT TO THE PREPACKAGED BANKRUPTCY PLAN
THE VALID TENDER OF NOTES PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE A VOTE TO ACCEPT THE PREPACKAGED BANKRUPTCY PLAN. YOU MUST VOTE ON
THE PLAN SEPARATELY BY VOTING ON A SEPARATE BALLOT.
For the prepackaged bankruptcy plan to be approved by the bankruptcy court,
the bankruptcy code requires, among other things, that the prepackaged
bankruptcy plan be approved by holders of at least two thirds in principal
amount or accreted value of the notes and loans under the secured credit
facility of each of the following classes that are voted on the prepackaged
bankruptcy plan, and by a majority of all the voting noteholders, and lenders
under the secured credit facility of each of these classes:
- the holders of Arch Wireless Communications, Inc. 9 1/2% senior notes and
14% senior notes, voting together as a single class;
- the holders of Arch Wireless Communications, Inc. 12 3/4% senior notes
and 13 3/4% senior notes, voting together as a single class;
- the holders of Arch Wireless, Inc. 10 7/8% senior discount notes, voting
as a separate class; and
- the lenders under the secured credit facility, voting as a separate
class. This class includes lenders and their affiliates that entered into
interest hedging agreements with the operating company.
Because only votes cast for or against the prepackaged bankruptcy plan are
counted, a failure to vote will not be counted, and it is therefore possible
that we may obtain the necessary acceptances of the prepackaged bankruptcy plan
by the votes of substantially less than two thirds in amount of and one half in
number of each class of the outstanding notes and loans.
It is important that each holder of outstanding notes and loans exercise
its right to vote to accept or reject our prepackaged bankruptcy plan. To vote
to accept or reject our prepackaged bankruptcy plan, each noteholder and lender
must execute and deliver a ballot.
For noteholders that hold their notes in street name, you will receive from
your broker, bank, proxy intermediary or other nominee, together with this
prospectus/disclosure statement, a ballot and related materials and instructions
to be used to vote on the prepackaged bankruptcy plan. You will receive a
separate ballot and related voting materials and instructions for each series of
outstanding notes that you own in your own name. These ballots and related
materials will be color-coded as follows:
- 9 1/2% senior notes due 2004 and 14% senior notes due 2004 in BLUE;
- 12 3/4% senior notes due 2007 and 13 3/4% senior notes due 2008 in GRAY;
and
- 10 7/8% senior discount notes due 2008 in YELLOW.
To vote on the prepackaged bankruptcy plan, you must complete the enclosed
ballot and deliver it to your broker, bank, proxy intermediary or other nominee,
or to the information agent, as indicated on the enclosed return envelope,
before the [ ], 2001 voting deadline.
If you have been instructed to return your ballot to your bank, broker,
proxy intermediary or other nominee, or to their agent, you must return your
ballot to them in sufficient time for them to process it and return it to the
information agent before the voting deadline.
For purposes of voting to accept or reject the prepackaged bankruptcy plan,
the beneficial owners of the outstanding notes will be deemed to be the
"holders" of the claims represented by such notes. Outstanding notes that are
voted by a beneficial owner must be voted in their entirety either to accept or
reject the prepackaged bankruptcy plan and may not be split by the beneficial
owner. For a detailed description of voting procedures applicable to the
prepackaged bankruptcy plan, see "The Prepackaged Bankruptcy Plan -- Voting
Instructions and Procedures for the Prepackaged Bankruptcy Plan" and the
enclosed ballot(s).
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RISK FACTORS
RISKS RELATED TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND AN INVESTMENT IN THE NEW SENIOR NOTES,
NEW PREFERRED STOCK AND COMMON STOCK
If you tender your notes, you will lose all of your current contractual rights
as a creditor of the parent company or the old intermediate holding company. As
a holder of new senior notes, you will have different contractual rights. As a
stockholder of the old or new intermediate holding company and/or the parent
company, you will not have your current priority in bankruptcy or liquidation
proceedings and you will be more vulnerable than a creditor would be to
decreases in the value of your investment if future adverse developments in our
business occur.
If you exchange your outstanding notes for new senior notes, preferred
stock and/or common stock, you will lose the specific rights that you currently
have as a noteholder of the parent company or as a noteholder of the old
intermediate holding company. Instead, you will have different rights under your
new senior notes and stock. For example, the new 12% senior notes of the old or
new intermediate holding company and the variable rate secured senior notes of
the operating company will have lower interest rates and later maturity dates
than some of the notes you tender.
Holders of new preferred stock of the old or new intermediate holding
company and common stock and preferred stock of the parent company will not have
the more senior position that a creditor of the same company would have in
bankruptcy or liquidation proceedings. In a liquidation, holders of stock are
paid, if at all, only after claims of debtholders are satisfied. As a
consequence, you will suffer more from future adverse developments relating to
our financial condition, results of operations or prospects than you would as a
holder of debt securities.
An active trading market for the new senior notes and new preferred stock may
never develop, and it may prove difficult for you to resell them. Recently, the
parent company's common stock was delisted from the Nasdaq National Market and
no prediction can be made as to whether it will trade actively on the OTC
Bulletin Board.
The new senior notes and new preferred stock have not been traded in any
market and we cannot forecast whether or at what price levels they may trade in
any market. We do not expect to list the new senior notes and new preferred
stock on any organized exchange. The new preferred stock will be exchangeable
for common stock of the parent company. Recently, the parent company's common
stock was delisted from the Nasdaq National Market and no prediction can be made
as to whether it will trade actively on the OTC Bulletin Board. The preferred
stock, to the extent it trades, may trade at prices that are different from its
liquidation value.
Trading prices of the parent company's common stock have fluctuated
significantly in the past and may continue to be volatile so that we cannot
predict whether or when holders of common stock or exchangeable preferred stock
can resell their stock at a profit.
The market price of the parent company's common stock has fluctuated
substantially since 1998. Between January 1, 1998 and April 30, 2001, the
reported sale price of such common stock on the Nasdaq National Market ranged
from a high of $20.8125 per share in April 1998 to a low of $0.31 per share in
April 2001. On April 30, 2001, the common stock was removed from the Nasdaq
National Market and now trades on the OTC Bulletin Board. On May 10, 2001, the
price of the common stock was $0.35 per share. See "Market Price Information and
Dividend Policy."
The trading price of such common stock following the closing of the
exchange offer will be affected by the risk factors referred to in this
prospectus/disclosure statement, as well as prevailing economic and financial
trends and conditions in the public securities markets. Share prices of wireless
messaging companies such as ours have exhibited a high degree of volatility
during recent periods. Shortfalls in revenues or in earnings before interest,
income taxes, depreciation and amortization from the levels anticipated by the
public markets could have an immediate and significant adverse effect on the
trading
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price of the parent company's common stock in any given period. The trading
price of this stock may also be affected by developments which may not have any
direct relationship with our business or long-term prospects. These include
reported financial results and fluctuations in the trading prices of the shares
of other publicly held companies in the wireless messaging industry.
The exchange ratios used in the exchange offer were not negotiated by the
noteholders, may not currently be favorable to you, and may never prove to be
favorable to you. The exchange ratios are fixed, and will not be adjusted to
reflect changes in the market price of the outstanding notes or the parent
company's common stock. The market value of the new senior notes and new
preferred and common stock received may be less than the market value of the
outstanding notes exchanged for those securities at the time of the exchange.
The exchange ratios for outstanding notes in the exchange offer were
determined by us on the basis that we should use an exchange ratio reasonably
expected to result in acceptance by a sufficient number of noteholders in light
of secured or unsecured status, relative priority and other characteristics that
are unique to each series of outstanding notes. No negotiations took place
between us and representatives of any series of outstanding notes. The exchange
ratios are not necessarily related to trading prices for outstanding notes or
the parent company's common stock, assets, net worth or results of operations.
Because the new senior notes and new preferred stock are not currently
traded, it is not possible to compare market values of the new securities to be
received in the exchange offer with the market value of the outstanding notes.
The exchange ratios will not be adjusted if the market price of our
outstanding notes increases or the market price of the parent company's common
stock declines. The value of the new senior notes and new preferred stock issued
in the exchange offer may fall below the valuation that may be implied for them
by the exchange ratios. Values may fall during the period between the time you
tender outstanding notes and the time you take delivery of the new senior notes
and new preferred stock. Values may also fall at any time afterwards.
Approximately 54.5 million shares of the parent company's common stock may be
issued in the future, not counting the 168.2 million shares reserved for
issuance in exchange for the preferred stock you will receive. This could cause
the market price of the common stock to drop significantly, even if our
business does well.
At March 31, 2001, without giving effect to the 16,634,483 shares of the
parent company's common stock to be issued in connection with the exchange offer
or the prepackaged bankruptcy plan, 172.3 million shares of the parent company's
common stock were issued and outstanding. In addition, 26.3 million shares of
common stock were issuable upon conversion of convertible securities and
exercise of warrants and stock options and 28.2 million shares were reserved for
award and issuance pursuant to various employee equity plans. Up to 168.2
million shares of common stock will be reserved for issuance upon the exchange
of the new preferred stock to be issued in the exchange offer. The issuance of
any of these shares will substantially dilute the proportionate equity interests
of the holders of this stock. Having these shares available for resale in the
public securities markets, and particularly the perception that substantial
numbers of shares might be resold, could depress prevailing market prices of the
common stock and, therefore, the exchange value of the preferred stock.
The financial projections in Annex D are based upon a number of assumptions and
estimates. These assumptions and estimates may be incorrect and as a result, we
may not achieve the financial results, including the level of cash flow, that
management projects.
Our management has prepared the financial projections contained in Annex D
as required in connection with the filing of a prepackaged bankruptcy plan.
These projections assume that the exchange offer and related transactions will
be implemented in accordance with their current terms and present the projected
effects of the prepackaged bankruptcy plan on future operations if the exchange
offer and related
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transactions are consummated. These projections are based upon a number of other
assumptions and estimates. For example, these projections assume that 100% of
the outstanding notes of all five series will be tendered and accepted in the
exchange offer. However, the exchange offer may still take place if a smaller
amount of notes are tendered. If some of the notes remain outstanding, we will
be more leveraged and will have higher interest payments than indicated in the
projections. The assumptions and estimates underlying the projections are
inherently uncertain and are subject to significant business, economic and
competitive risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, our future financial condition
and results of operations following the exchange offer may vary significantly
from those set forth in the projections. Consequently, the projections should
not be regarded as a representation by us, our advisors or any other person that
the projections will be achieved. See "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements." If the projected results are not achieved, our operating losses may
be larger and the trading price of the parent company's common stock and our
other securities may suffer.
The pro forma financial statements are also based upon a number of assumptions
and estimates that may be incorrect and as a result may not be a good
indication of our future financial results.
The pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements included in this
prospectus are based on certain assumptions and estimates. For example, the pro
forma financial statements assume that 100% of the outstanding notes of all five
series will be tendered and accepted in the exchange offer. However, the
exchange offer may still take place if a smaller amount of notes are tendered.
If some of the notes remain outstanding, we will be more leveraged and will have
higher interest payments than indicated in the pro forma financial statements.
As a result, the pro forma financial results may not be a good indication of the
financial condition or the results of operations that will be recorded in the
future.
Holders of 12% senior notes may be required to recognize taxable income even in
years when they are not receiving cash interest payments.
The new secured and 12% senior notes will be issued at a discount from
their stated redemption price at maturity. Consequently, a holder of a new
secured and unsecured senior note will be required to include original issue
discount in gross income, as ordinary interest income, periodically over the
term of the new senior note, regardless of such holder's method of accounting.
See "Material Federal Income Tax Considerations." For this reason, a holder of
new senior notes may be required to recognize taxable income before that holder
receives any cash interest payments.
If you do not tender your outstanding notes, the notes that you retain may have
substantially fewer rights than they have now and will be structurally
subordinated in right of payment to the new senior notes and new preferred
stock. This may leave you unprotected in the future.
The tender of notes in the exchange offer must be accompanied by your
approval of amendments to the indentures governing such tendered notes. These
amendments will eliminate substantially all of the rights of the holders of
those notes that are not tendered other than the right to receive scheduled
payments of principal and interest. If you decide not to tender your notes in
the exchange offer, the notes that you retain will no longer have any of these
additional rights if we implement the exchange offer. Your position as a
noteholder may suffer if any developments occur which these additional rights
were designed to protect you against, such as distributions to stockholders,
incurrence of additional indebtedness, or unfavorable business combinations or
changes in control. Furthermore, you will be structurally subordinated to the
new senior notes and exchangeable preferred stock.
Since tenders are revocable, you will not know at any time before the
expiration date how many other notes are being tendered or whether the
amendments are likely to be approved.
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Guarantees of the new variable rate secured senior notes by some of the Arch
subsidiaries may be voided under some legal circumstances.
The new variable rate secured senior notes will be guaranteed by most of
the subsidiaries of the operating company, by the intermediate holding company
and by the parent company. These guarantees may be subject to review under U.S.
federal bankruptcy law and comparable provisions of state fraudulent conveyance
laws if a bankruptcy or reorganization case or lawsuit is commenced. Under these
laws, if a court were to find that, at the time any guarantor issued its
guarantee of the notes:
- it issued the guarantee to delay, hinder or defraud present or future
creditors; or
- it received less than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration
for issuing the guarantee at the time it issued the guarantee and
-- it was insolvent or rendered insolvent by reason of issuing the
guarantee, and the application of the proceeds of the notes or the
guarantee; or
-- it was engaged, or about to engage, in a business or transaction for
which its remaining unencumbered assets constituted unreasonably
small capital to carry on its business; or
-- it intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts beyond
its ability to pay as they mature; or
-- it was a defendant in an action for money damages, or had a judgment
for money damages docketed against it if, in either case, after final
judgment, the judgment is unsatisfied;
then the court could void the obligations under the guarantee, subordinate the
guarantee to that guarantor's other debt or take other action detrimental to
holders of the notes.
The guarantee could be subject to the claim that, because the guarantee was
incurred for the benefit of the issuer of the new variable rate secured senior
notes, and only indirectly for the benefit of the guarantor, the obligations of
the applicable guarantor were incurred for less than fair consideration.
The measures of insolvency for purposes of fraudulent transfer laws vary
depending upon the law of the jurisdiction that is being applied in any
proceedings to determine whether a fraudulent transfer has occurred. Generally,
however, a person would be considered insolvent if, at the time it incurred the
debt:
- the present fair saleable value of its assets was less than the amount
that would be required to pay its probable liability on its existing
debts, including contingent liabilities, as they become absolute and
mature; or
- it could not pay its debts as they become due.
We cannot be sure as to the standard that a court would use to determine
whether or not the guarantors were solvent at the relevant time, or, regardless
of the standard that the court uses, that the issuance of the guarantees would
not be voided or the guarantees would not be subordinated to the guarantors'
other debt.
FINANCIAL RISKS
Several unpredictable factors may cause our adjusted earnings before interest,
income taxes, depreciation and amortization to be insufficient to meet debt
service requirements or satisfy financial covenants. Continued net losses are
likely and we cannot predict whether we will ever be profitable.
Many of the factors that will determine whether or not we generate
sufficient earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization
to meet current or future debt service requirement and satisfy financial
covenants are inherently difficult to predict. These include the decreased
demand for traditional messaging services and the uncertain market for advanced
messaging services which compete against services offered by telephone, cellular
and PCS providers, new service developments and technological change. This
decreased demand led to a net reduction of 888,000 units in service in 2000 and
a further
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784,000 units in service in the three months ended March 31, 2001. These
developments have led to our inability to pay required principal and interest
payments beginning in March 2002, the possibility that we will be in default
under the secured credit facility in September 2001 and our receipt of an
opinion from our independent public accountants which includes an explanatory
paragraph with respect to the uncertainty regarding Arch's ability to continue
as a going concern.
As a holder of exchangeable preferred stock as well as a creditor of the
old or new intermediate holding company or the operating company, the value of
your investment may depend on our profitability as well as the availability of
cash flow to service debt. We have reported net losses in the past. We expect
that we will continue to report net losses and cannot give any assurance about
when, if ever, we are likely to attain profitability, due to the factors
mentioned above.
Revenues and operating results may fluctuate, leading to fluctuations in
available cash flow, trading prices and possible liquidity problems.
We believe that future fluctuations in our revenues and operating results
may occur due to many factors, particularly the decreased demand for traditional
messaging services and the uncertain market for advanced messaging services. Our
current and planned expenses and debt repayment levels are and will be to a
large extent fixed in the short term, and are based in part on past expectations
as to future revenues and cash flows. We may be unable to adjust spending in a
timely manner to compensate for any past or future revenue or cash flow
shortfall. It is possible that, due to these fluctuations, our revenue, cash
flow or operating results may not meet the expectations of securities analysts
or investors, or even to cause us not to meet the debt repayment schedules or
financial covenants contained in our debt instruments.
Even if the exchange offer is successful, our leverage will still be
significant and may continue to burden our operations, impair our ability to
obtain additional financing, reduce the amount of cash available for our
operations and required debt payments and make us more vulnerable to financial
downturns.
We have been highly leveraged, and will remain leveraged to a substantial
degree even if the exchange offer or the prepackaged bankruptcy plan is
implemented and our secured credit facility is modified. Our ratio of total debt
to our latest three month annualized adjusted earnings before interest, income
taxes, depreciation and amortization was 4.6 to 1 as of March 31, 2001. On a pro
forma basis, after giving effect to the exchange of all outstanding notes in the
exchange offer and the modification to our secured credit facility, as if they
had occurred on March 31, 2001, this ratio would have been 4.0 to 1.
Adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and
amortization is not a measure defined by generally accepted accounting
principles and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for
measures of performance prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles. Adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes,
depreciation and amortization, as determined by us, may not necessarily be
comparable to similarly titled data of other wireless messaging companies.
Leverage may:
- require a substantial portion of our cash flow to be used to pay interest
expense; for example, if only the minimum amounts of outstanding notes
are exchanged, interest payments on the remaining notes will require
interest payments of $11.4 million during 2002;
- impair our ability to obtain additional financing that might prove to be
necessary for working capital, capital expenditures or other purposes on
acceptable terms, if at all; and
- limit our ability to further refinance or amend the terms of our existing
debt obligations, if necessary or advisable.
We may not be able to reduce our financial leverage as we intend, and we
may not be able to achieve an appropriate balance between growth which we
consider acceptable and future reductions in financial leverage. If we are not
able to achieve continued growth in adjusted earnings before interest, income
taxes, depreciation and amortization, we may not be able to amend or refinance
our existing debt obligations and
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we may be precluded from incurring additional indebtedness due to cash flow
coverage requirements under existing or future debt instruments. The successful
completion of the exchange offer does not mean that we will not have to file a
bankruptcy plan under chapter 11 in the future.
Restrictions under debt instruments may prevent us from declaring dividends,
incurring or repaying debt, making acquisitions, altering lines of business or
taking actions that our management considers beneficial.
Various debt instruments will impose operating and financial restrictions
on us, both now and in the future. Our secured credit facility requires various
operating subsidiaries to maintain specified revenue levels and meet specified
financial ratios, including maximum leverage ratios, a minimum interest coverage
ratio, a minimum pro forma debt service coverage ratio and a minimum fixed
charge coverage ratio. It also limits or restricts, among other things, our
operating subsidiaries' ability to:
- declare dividends or repurchase capital stock;
- incur or pay back indebtedness;
- engage in mergers, consolidations, acquisitions and asset sales; or
- alter their lines of business or accounting methods, even though these
actions would otherwise benefit us.
We might be prevented from taking some of these actions because we could
not obtain the necessary consents even though we believed that taking the
actions would be beneficial. A breach of any of these covenants could result in
a default under the secured credit facility and/or other debt instruments.
BUSINESS RISKS
Recent declines in our units in service may continue or even accelerate; this
trend may impair our financial results.
In 2000, we experienced a decrease of 2,073,000 units in service; 888,000
due to subscriber cancellations and 1,185,000 due to definitional changes made
after the MobileMedia and PageNet acquisitions to reflect a common definition of
units in service. In the three months ended March 31, 2001, we experienced a
further decrease of 784,000 units in service. We believe demand for traditional
messaging services declined in 1999 and 2000 and will continue to decline and
that future growth in the wireless messaging industry will be attributable to
advanced messaging and information services. As a result, we expect to continue
to experience significant declines of units in service for the foreseeable
future as our addition of advanced messaging subscribers will likely be exceeded
by our loss of traditional messaging subscribers.
Cancellation of units in service can significantly affect the results of
operations of wireless messaging service providers. The sale and marketing costs
associated with attracting new subscribers are substantial compared to the costs
of providing service to existing customers. Because the wireless messaging
business is characterized by high fixed costs, cancellations directly and
adversely affect earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and
amortization.
Competition from larger telephone, cellular and PCS companies is intensifying
and may reduce our revenues and adjusted earnings before interest, income
taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Wireless messaging companies like us, whose units in service have been
declining, increasingly compete for market share against large telephone,
cellular and PCS providers like AT&T Wireless, Cingular, MCI/WorldCom, Sprint
PCS, Verizon and Nextel. We will also compete with other messaging companies
that continue to offer traditional and advanced messaging services. Some
competitors possess greater financial, technical and other resources than those
available to us. If any of these competitors were to devote additional resources
to their wireless messaging business or focus on our historical business
segments, they could secure our customers and reduce demand for our products.
This could materially
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reduce our revenues and earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and
amortization and have a material adverse effect on earnings before interest,
income taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Mobile, cellular and PCS telephone companies have introduced phones and
services with substantially the same features and functions as the advanced
messaging products and services provided by us, and have priced such devices
and services competitively. Our future growth and profitability depends on the
success of our advanced messaging services.
Our advanced messaging services will compete with other available mobile
wireless services, which have already demonstrated high levels of market
acceptance, including cellular, PCS and other mobile phone services. Many of
these other mobile wireless phone services now include wireless messaging as an
adjunct service or to replace send-and-receive messaging services entirely. It
is less expensive for an end user to enhance a cellular, PCS or other mobile
phone with modest data capability than to use both a mobile phone and a pager.
This is because the nationwide cellular, PCS and other mobile phone carriers
have subsidized the purchase of mobile phones more heavily and because prices
for mobile wireless services have been declining rapidly. In addition, the
availability of coverage for these services has increased, making the two types
of service and product offerings more comparable. Thus, companies other than us
seeking to provide wireless messaging services may be able to bring their
products to market faster or in packages of products that consumers and
businesses find more valuable than those to be provided by us. If this occurs,
our market share will erode and financial operations will be impaired.
We may need additional capital to expand our business and to refinance existing
debt, which could be difficult to obtain. Failure to obtain additional capital
may preclude us from developing or enhancing our products, taking advantage of
future opportunities, growing our business or responding to competitive
pressures.
Our business strategy requires substantial funds to be available to finance
the continued development and future growth and expansion of its operations,
including the development and implementation of advanced messaging services. Our
future capital requirements will depend on factors that include:
- subscriber growth;
- the type of wireless messaging devices and services demanded by
customers;
- technological developments;
- competitive conditions;
- the nature and timing of our strategy for developing technical resources
to provide advanced messaging services; and
- acquisition strategies and opportunities.
Obsolescence in company-owned wireless units may impose additional costs on us.
Technological change may also adversely affect the value of the units we
own and lease to our subscribers. If our current subscribers request more
technologically advanced wireless units, including advanced messaging devices,
we could incur additional inventory costs and capital expenditures if we are
required to replace these units within a short period of time. Such additional
costs or capital expenditures could have a material adverse effect on our
results of operations.
Because we depend on Motorola for devices and on Glenayre for other equipment,
our operations may be disrupted if we are unable to obtain equipment from them
in the future.
We do not manufacture any of the equipment customers need to take advantage
of our services. We are dependent primarily on Motorola, Inc. to obtain
sufficient equipment inventory for new subscribers and replacement needs and on
Glenayre Electronics, Inc. for sufficient terminals and transmitters to meet our
expansion and replacement requirements. Significant delays in obtaining any of
this equipment could lead
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to disruptions in operations and adverse financial consequences. Our purchase
agreement with Motorola for messaging devices expires on October 1, 2001. There
can be no assurance that this agreement will be renewed or, if renewed, that the
renewed agreement will be on terms and conditions as favorable to us as those
under the current agreement.
We rely on third parties to provide satellite transmission for some aspects
of our wireless messaging services. To the extent there are satellite outages or
if satellite coverage is impaired in other ways, we may experience a loss of
service until such time as satellite coverage is restored, which could have a
material adverse effect on us due to customer complaints.
Challenges involved in integrating PageNet's operations with our operations may
strain our capacities and may prevent the combined company from achieving
intended synergies.
We may not be able to successfully finish integrating the operations of
Paging Network, Inc., known as PageNet, into our own. The combination of the two
companies requires, among other things, coordination of administrative, sales
and marketing, customer billing and services distribution, accounting and
finance functions and conversion of information and management systems. The
difficulties of such integration will initially be increased by the need to
coordinate geographically separate organizations and to integrate personnel with
disparate business backgrounds and corporate cultures and by the fact that
PageNet had suspended a significant restructuring of its own operations prior to
the merger of the two companies.
The integration process could cause the disruption of the activities of the
two businesses that are being combined. We may not be able to retain key
employees of PageNet. The process of integrating PageNet's business into ours
may require a disproportionate amount of time and attention of our management
and financial and other resources. Even if integrated in a timely manner, there
is no assurance that we will operate smoothly or that we will fulfill our
objective of achieving cost reductions and synergies.
RISKS RELATING TO THE POSSIBLE PREPACKAGED BANKRUPTCY PLAN
The prepackaged bankruptcy plan may be confirmed even if the noteholders do not
vote to accept it.
If our noteholders do not accept the prepackaged bankruptcy plan, we
nevertheless could seek to confirm the prepackaged bankruptcy plan pursuant to
the "cramdown" provisions of the bankruptcy code. The bankruptcy court may
confirm a plan that is rejected by an impaired class of unsecured creditors if
the rejecting class receives property of a value equal to the amount of the
class's claims or if the plan provides that no claims junior in right of payment
to the rejecting class will receive or retain any property of value under the
plan on account of such claim or equity interest and the bankruptcy court makes
other necessary findings. The bankruptcy court may confirm a plan that is
rejected by an impaired class of secured creditors if the rejecting class
retains its security interest in the same collateral and receives deferred cash
payments having a present value at least equal to the value of the class'
collateral and the bankruptcy court makes other necessary findings.
See "The Prepackaged Bankruptcy Plan -- Confirmation of the Prepackaged
Bankruptcy Plan Without Acceptance by All Classes of Impaired Claims." There can
be no assurance that the bankruptcy court will make the factual findings and
reach the legal conclusions required to permit confirmation of the prepackaged
bankruptcy plan through a cramdown.
If the prepackaged bankruptcy plan is not confirmed, the ultimate recovery by
noteholders and lenders under the secured credit facility could be adversely
affected.
If the prepackaged bankruptcy plan is not confirmed in a timely manner, we
will have to pursue other alternatives which would likely consist of filing of
an alternative plan of reorganization under chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code or
a liquidation of our businesses under chapter 7 or chapter 11 of the bankruptcy
code.
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Our ability to propose and confirm an alternative plan of reorganization is
uncertain and in any event would likely take significantly more time and result
in delays in the ultimate distributions to noteholders.
If confirmation of an alternative plan of reorganization is unsuccessful,
we would likely be liquidated. Based upon our analysis, liquidation under
chapter 7 would result in no distributions to the noteholders on account of the
unsecured portions of their claims and with respect to the portions of the
9 1/2% senior notes due 2004 and 14% senior notes due 2004 that are secured by
some of our assets and the claims of the lenders under the secured credit
facility, the distribution would be less in a liquidation than the amount to be
distributed under the prepackaged bankruptcy plan. See "The Prepackaged
Bankruptcy Plan -- Best Interests Test/The Liquidation Analysis." In a
liquidation under chapter 11, our assets could be sold in an orderly fashion
over a more extended period of time than in a liquidation under chapter 7.
However, no liquidation would realize the full going concern value of our
businesses. Consequently, we believe that a liquidation under chapter 11 would
also result in smaller distributions to noteholders and lenders than those
provided for in the prepackaged bankruptcy plan.
Confirmation of the prepackaged bankruptcy plan could be delayed.
The bankruptcy code provides that votes by creditors to accept or reject a
plan of reorganization obtained before the filing of a chapter 11 case are
binding so long as the solicitation of such votes complied with applicable
nonbankruptcy law governing the adequacy of disclosure in connection with such
solicitations. The bankruptcy court could conclude that this
prospectus/disclosure statement does not meet the disclosure requirements of the
bankruptcy code and require us to resolicit acceptances of the prepackaged
bankruptcy plan from noteholders and lenders. In such event, confirmation of the
prepackaged bankruptcy plan, and the receipt by noteholders and lenders of the
distributions to be made to them under the prepackaged bankruptcy plan, would be
delayed.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This prospectus/disclosure statement contains forward-looking statements
that are made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should consider any statements that are not
statements of historical fact to be forward-looking statements. These include
statements to the effect that Arch or any of its affiliates, management or
directors "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "plan" and similar expressions. A
number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from
those expressed in any forward-looking statements. See "Risk Factors" and
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations - Factors Affecting Future Operating Results." If new information
becomes available or other events occur in the future, Arch will update any
forward-looking statements to the extent required by the securities laws, but
not otherwise.
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THE EXCHANGE OFFER
BACKGROUND
The exchange offer and prepackaged bankruptcy plan described in this
prospectus/disclosure statement are part of an overall restructuring through
which we intend to reduce our outstanding debt and improve our liquidity. In the
exchange offer, we are offering to exchange new 12% senior notes, variable rate
secured senior notes and shares of preferred and common stock for the notes
described in this prospectus/disclosure statement. As part of this
restructuring, we are also negotiating modifications to our secured credit
facility.
We are also asking holders of the outstanding notes and the lenders under
the secured credit facility to approve a consensual, or prepackaged, bankruptcy
plan for substantially all of our companies. The prepackaged bankruptcy plan
provides an alternative means for us to accomplish our restructuring on
substantially similar terms that will result in the same economic consequences
to holders of outstanding notes and lenders under the secured credit facility as
if the holders had exchanged their notes in the exchange offer and the lenders
had modified the secured credit facility.
We will not have sufficient cash to pay the principal and interest payments
due under the secured credit facility and the outstanding notes beginning in
March 2002. Furthermore, if the assumptions used in one of the two sets of
projections contained in Annex D prove to be correct, we will be in default
under the secured credit facility in September 2001 if neither the exchange
offer nor the prepackaged bankruptcy plan is implemented by then. We need to
restructure because our traditional paging business declined significantly in
2000 and the first quarter of 2001. We believe that it will continue to decline.
While demand for advanced wireless messaging services is growing and we believe
that it will continue to grow, it has not grown sufficiently to offset the loss
of revenue from traditional paging. We are currently highly leveraged with
approximately $1.1 billion outstanding under our secured credit facility and
$607.8 million in principal amount or accreted value of the outstanding five
series of notes which are the subject of this exchange offer. The exchange offer
and proposed modifications to the secured credit facility will reduce by $546.5
million the amount of cash required to service our outstanding debt over the
next three years from the amount required under the current secured credit
facility and the outstanding notes.
The proposed modifications to our secured credit facility will defer
principal payments in the amount of $314 million which are now scheduled to be
paid in 2002 through 2005 and reduce the interest rates due on the secured
credit facility loans on a weighted average basis by approximately 130 basis
points. This reduction in interest rates will reduce our annual cash interest
expense on the secured credit facility by approximately $47 million over the
next three years. The modifications will also change the financial covenants to
reflect our anticipated operating results, consent to the various transactions
necessary to implement the exchange, including the issuance by the operating
company of the variable rate secured senior notes and share all of the
collateral for the secured credit facility loans and the variable rate secured
senior notes.
If all holders of each series of outstanding notes exchange all of their
outstanding notes into new senior notes and new preferred and common stock, or
if the prepackaged plan is confirmed, our cash requirement to service interest
and principal expense for the new senior notes over the next three years will be
$469.3 million less than the interest expense and principal for the outstanding
five series of notes for the same period.
We are offering the holders of four of the five series of the outstanding
notes a package of new senior notes and preferred stock having a combined
principal amount and liquidation value equal to the total principal amount or
accreted value plus accrued interest through June 30, 2001 of their outstanding
notes. The preferred and common stock that we are offering to the noteholders
will have combined voting power equal to 50% of the combined voting power of all
our outstanding shares of stock of all classes, assuming all outstanding notes
are exchanged.
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We have structured the exchange offer and the prepackaged plan to maintain
substantially the same priorities in our capital structure which the secured
credit facility and the five series of notes currently have. The secured credit
facility is secured by a security interest in substantially all of our assets. A
portion of the old intermediate holding company's 9 1/2% and 14% senior notes
are secured by a security interest in certain of our operating assets. This
restructuring provides that $60 million principal amount of the 9 1/2% and 14%
senior notes are secured. The unsecured balance of the old intermediate holding
company's 9 1/2% and 14% senior notes, like all of the other series of
outstanding notes, are unsecured obligations of their own issuer. The new 12%
senior notes, new exchangeable preferred stock and common stock have the same
relative priority in our capital structure as the notes for which they are to be
exchanged, except for the parent company's 10 7/8% senior discount notes. We are
proposing to exchange the 10 7/8% senior discount notes for new exchangeable
preferred stock and parent company common stock. The exchangeable preferred
stock for which the 10 7/8% senior discount notes will be exchanged elevates the
priority of the 10 7/8% noteholders to that of the four series of intermediate
holding company noteholders, to the extent the parent company noteholders also
receive exchangeable preferred stock. However, the parent company voting
preferred stock and common stock that they will receive will be junior in
priority to the parent company's other series of preferred stock.
We believe that this restructuring treats all holders of notes and secured
credit facility lenders fairly. We urge all holders to exchange their notes and
urge all noteholders and secured credit facility lenders to vote in favor of the
prepackaged bankruptcy plan. If this restructuring or prepackaged bankruptcy
plan is not accepted by the necessary majorities, we will need to review our
other options which include an alternative restructuring plan or bankruptcy plan
or the filing of a bankruptcy petition. We believe that all noteholders and
secured credit facility lenders will receive securities having more value under
this proposal than is available under any other alternative.
On April 26, 2001, the boards of directors of the parent company and its
subsidiaries unanimously approved the terms of the restructuring contemplated by
the exchange offer and the prepackaged bankruptcy plan.
TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
We are offering to exchange new 12% senior notes, variable rate secured
senior notes and preferred and common stock for all of the outstanding notes
described below at the following exchange ratios:
NEW SECURITIES OFFERED:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT OF LIQUIDATION
ARCH WIRELESS VALUE OF
HOLDINGS, INC. UNITS OF SHARES OF
VARIABLE RATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF EXCHANGEABLE ARCH WIRELESS,
SECURED SENIOR ARCH TRANSITION CORP. AND JUNIOR VOTING INC. COMMON
NOTES 12% SENIOR NOTES PREFERRED STOCK STOCK
-------------- --------------------- ----------------- --------------
$258.31 $333.76 $407.93 --
$258.31 $333.76 $407.93 --
-- $450.00 $550.00 --
-- $450.00 $550.00 --
-- -- $717.20 142.50
--------------
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT OF
ARCH WIRELESS
HOLDINGS, INC.
VARIABLE RATE
SECURED SENIOR IN EXCHANGE FOR EACH $1,000 OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OR
NOTES ACCRETED VALUE AND ACCRUED INTEREST AT JUNE 30, 2001 OF:
-------------- --------------------------------------------------------
$258.31 Arch Wireless Communications, Inc. 9 1/2% senior notes
due 2004
$258.31 Arch Wireless Communications, Inc. 14% senior notes due
2004
-- Arch Wireless Communications, Inc. 12 3/4% senior notes
due 2007
-- Arch Wireless Communications, Inc. 13 3/4% senior notes
due 2008
-- Arch Wireless, Inc. 10 7/8% senior discount notes due
2008
We will accept all notes validly tendered and not withdrawn before the
expiration date, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this
prospectus/disclosure statement and in the letter of transmittal which
accompanies this prospectus/disclosure statement. You will receive new 12%
senior
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notes, variable rate secured senior notes, preferred stock and/or common stock,
depending upon which series of outstanding notes you own, for all tendered
notes, in accordance with the exchange ratios set forth on the cover page of
this prospectus/disclosure statement. As of May 1, 2001, $607.8 million in
aggregate principal amount or accreted value of notes of all five series was
outstanding.
The exchange ratios for the outstanding 12 3/4% senior notes and 13 3/4%
senior notes are based solely upon accreted value and accrued interest through
June 30, 2001. The exchange ratios for the other series of outstanding notes are
based solely upon principal and accrued interest through June 30, 2001. There
will be no adjustment to the exchange ratios to account for interest that
accrues or value that accretes on the outstanding notes if the closing of the
restructuring occurs after June 30, 2001. Calculations of share amounts with
respect to preferred and common stock will be rounded up or down to the nearest
whole share and no fractional shares of preferred and common stock will be
issued.
Only a registered holder of notes, or a registered holder's legal
representative or attorney-in-fact, as reflected on the records of the trustee
under the respective indenture, may participate in the exchange offer. There
will be no fixed record date for determining the registered holders of the notes
entitled to participate in the exchange offer.
Holders of notes do not have any appraisal or dissenters' rights under the
indentures governing such notes or otherwise in connection with the exchange
offer. We intend to conduct the exchange offer in accordance with the applicable
requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Holders who tender notes in the exchange offer will not be required to pay
brokerage commissions or fees with respect to the exchange of such notes in the
exchange offer and will be required to pay transfer taxes only as provided in
the instructions of the letter of transmittal. We will pay all charges and
expenses in connection with the exchange offer.
EXPIRATION DATE; EXTENSIONS
The expiration date will be 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on [ ],
2001, the 20th business day after the commencement of the exchange offer, or at
such later date as we may determine in our sole discretion.
CONDITIONS
Consummation of the exchange offer is subject to the following conditions:
Minimum Tender of Notes. Our obligation to consummate the exchange offer
is conditioned on the valid tender of the following minimum amounts of notes:
Arch Wireless Communications, Inc.:
a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the 9 1/2% senior
notes due 2004.
a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the 14% senior notes
due 2004.
a majority of the outstanding accreted value of the 12 3/4% senior
notes due 2007.
a majority of the outstanding accreted value of the 13 3/4% senior
notes due 2008.
Arch Wireless, Inc.:
a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the 10 7/8% senior
discount notes due 2008.
Combined:
85% of the principal amount or accreted value of all five outstanding
series of notes combined.
These tenders must be valid and not withdrawn prior to the expiration date
of the exchange offer. We will be deemed to have accepted validly tendered notes
only when, and if, we give oral or written notice of
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acceptance to the exchange agent. The exchange agent will act as agent for the
tendering holders of notes for the purposes of receiving the new senior notes,
new preferred stock and common stock.
Modifications to Secured Credit Facility. On or before the closing date
for the exchange offer, the secured credit facility must be modified to provide
for the terms described in Annex E. Our obligation to consummate the exchange
offer is contingent upon the completion and implementation of these
modifications. Implementation of these modifications requires agreement from
100% of the lenders under the secured credit facility.
Amendments to the Indentures. Holders of outstanding notes who tender in
connection with the exchange offer must also consent to:
- amend the indentures to eliminate:
- any covenants which may be modified or eliminated by a vote of the
holders of a majority in outstanding principal amount of the old
notes;
- all events of default except those that relate to the non-payment of
principal or interest due on the notes;
- any provisions which condition a merger on compliance with any
financial criteria; and
- any provisions which require the issuer to repurchase securities upon
a change of control or sale of assets.
In addition, the amendments to the indentures for the 9 1/2% senior notes
due 2004 and the 14% senior notes due 2004 will eliminate the requirement that
these notes be ratably secured and will require the trustee under each indenture
to release its existing security interest.
These amendments will remove substantially all of the rights of those notes
that are not tendered, other than their right to receive scheduled payments of
principal and interest. See "Proposed Amendments."
You must indicate your consent to the amendments by checking the applicable
box on your letter of transmittal. Your tender will not be accepted unless you
consent to the amendments.
Regardless of any other term of the exchange offer, we will not be required
to accept any notes for exchange which we reasonably believe violates applicable
laws, rules or regulations or an applicable interpretation of the staff of the
Securities and Exchange Commission. In that case, we may:
- refuse to accept any notes and return all tendered notes to their
holders; or
- extend the exchange offer and retain all notes tendered before the
expiration of the exchange offer, subject however, to the rights of
holders to withdraw those notes described under -- "Withdrawal."
We may waive the required amounts of tendered notes or any of the other
conditions of the exchange offer, except for the modifications to the secured
credit facility, if, in our judgment, such waiver is appropriate under the
circumstances.
INFORMATION AGENT
MacKenzie Partners, Inc. will act as the information agent for the exchange
offer. All inquiries in connection with the exchange offer should be addressed
to the information agent at the address and telephone number set forth on the
back cover page of this prospectus/disclosure statement.
EXCHANGE AGENT
Computershare Trust Company of New York will act as exchange agent for the
exchange offer. All correspondence in connection with the exchange offer and the
letter of transmittal should be addressed to the exchange agent as set forth on
the back cover page of this prospectus/disclosure statement and the letters of
transmittal.
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PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING NOTES AND DELIVERY OF CONSENTS
The following summarizes the procedures to be followed by holders who wish
to tender their outstanding notes and to consent to the proposed amendments to
the indentures governing such notes. Each holder will receive a letter of
transmittal and other materials and instructions for tendering each series of
notes. Holders who tender notes in the exchange offer in accordance with the
procedures described below are also consenting to the proposed amendments to the
indenture.
Tender of Notes; Delivery of Consents
A registered holder can tender notes by:
- delivering a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal
for each series of notes owned by such holder, or manually signed
facsimile or an agent's message in connection with a book-entry transfer,
and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal, to the
exchange agent at the address set forth below and on the back cover page
of this prospectus/disclosure statement; and
- either delivering certificates representing the notes to the exchange
agent or complying with the book-entry transfer procedures described
under -- "Book-Entry Transfers" below,
on or prior to the expiration date. A registered holder who cannot comply with
these procedures on a timely basis or whose certificates evidencing its notes
are not immediately available may tender its notes pursuant to the guaranteed
delivery procedures under "Guaranteed Delivery Procedures" described below.
LETTERS OF TRANSMITTAL AND CERTIFICATES REPRESENTING NOTES SHOULD BE
TENDERED ONLY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT AND NOT TO US, TO THE INFORMATION AGENT OR
TO THE TRUSTEE. The following is the address for hand deliveries and delivery by
overnight courier to the exchange agent:
By Mail: By Hand and Overnight Courier:
Computershare Trust Company of New York Computershare Trust Company of New York
Wall Street Station 88 Pine Street
P.O. Box 1010 19th Floor
New York, New York 10268-1010 New York, New York 10005
By Facsimile Transmission: (212) 701-7636
(For Eligible Institutions Only)
Confirm Facsimile by Telephone: (212) 701-7624
For Information Call: (212) 701-7624
If the certificates for notes are registered in the name of a person other
than the signer of a letter of transmittal, the certificates must be endorsed or
accompanied by appropriate bond powers, signed exactly as the name or names of
the holder or holders appear on the certificates, with the signatures on the
certificates or bond powers guaranteed as provided below. In the event these
procedures are followed by a beneficial owner tendering its notes, the
registered holder or holders must sign a valid consent pursuant to the letter of
transmittal, because notes may not be tendered without also consenting to the
proposed amendments to the indentures governing such notes, and only registered
holders are entitled to deliver those consents.
Any beneficial owner whose notes are registered in the name of a broker,
dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominees or held through a
book-entry transfer facility, and who wishes to tender its notes and deliver a
consent to the proposed amendments to the indentures should contact the
registered holder promptly and instruct the registered holder to tender the
certificates evidencing its notes and consent to the proposed amendments to the
indentures on the beneficial owner's behalf. If the beneficial owner wishes to
tender its notes itself, the beneficial owner must either make appropriate
arrangements to register ownership of the certificates evidencing its notes in
the beneficial owner's name prior to completing and executing the letter of
transmittal and, where applicable, delivering such certificates, or follow the
procedures described in the immediately preceding paragraph.
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To effectively tender notes that are held through The Depository Trust
Company and to consent to the amendments to the indentures governing the notes,
participants in The Depository Trust Company should transmit their acceptance
through The Depository Trust Company's Automated Tender Offer Program, for which
the transaction will be eligible and The Depository Trust Company will then edit
and verify the acceptance and send an agent's message to the exchange agent for
its acceptance. Delivery of tendered notes held through The Depository Trust
Company must be made to the exchange agent pursuant to the book-entry delivery
procedures set forth below or the tendering Depository Trust Company participant
must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth below.
THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF NOTES AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO THE
EXCHANGE AGENT IS AT THE ELECTION AND RISK OF THE TENDERING HOLDER. INSTEAD OF
DELIVERY BY MAIL, WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU USE AN OVERNIGHT OR HAND DELIVERY
SERVICE. IF DELIVERY IS BY MAIL, WE SUGGEST THAT YOU USE PROPERLY INSURED,
REGISTERED MAIL WITH RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, AND THAT THE MAILING BE MADE
SUFFICIENTLY IN ADVANCE OF THE EXPIRATION DATE OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER TO PERMIT
DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT PRIOR TO SUCH DATE.
A valid tender of your notes will constitute an agreement with us in
accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this prospectus/disclosure
statement and in the letter of transmittal. You should read the letter of
transmittal carefully.
The entire principal amount or accreted value of notes deposited with the
exchange agent will be deemed to have been tendered unless otherwise indicated.
If less than the entire principal amount or accreted value of any notes
evidenced by a submitted certificate is tendered, the tendering holder should
fill in the principal amount or accreted value tendered in the appropriate box
on the letter of transmittal with respect to the deposit being made. The tender
will also constitute a consent to the proposed amendments to the indenture, but
only to the extent of the principal amount or accreted value of notes being
tendered. Upon completion of the exchange offer, unless otherwise required under
Special Delivery Instructions in the letter of transmittal, the exchange agent
will then return to the tendering holder as promptly as practicable following
the expiration date of the exchange offer, notes in principal amount or accreted
value equal to the portion of the delivered notes not tendered.
Signature Guarantees
All signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal must be
guaranteed by an institution that is eligible to make signature guarantees.
These eligible institutions include a member firm of a registered national
securities exchange, a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc., or a commercial bank or trust company having an office in the United
States. Signature guarantees are not required if notes are tendered:
- by a registered holder of notes or by a participant in The Depository
Trust Company whose name appears on a security position listing the
participant as the owner of such notes, who has not completed the box
entitled "Special Issuance Instructions" or "Special Delivery
Instructions" on the letter of transmittal; or
- for the account of an eligible institution.
Book-Entry Transfers
The exchange agent will establish an account with respect to the tendered
notes at The Depository Trust Company promptly after the date of this
prospectus/disclosure statement. A financial institution that is a participant
in The Depository Trust Company's system may make book-entry delivery of
tendered notes by causing The Depository Trust Company to transfer such tendered
notes into the exchange agent's account at The Depository Trust Company in
accordance with its procedure for the transfer. Although
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delivery of the tendered notes may be effected through book-entry delivery at
The Depository Trust Company, in any case either:
- the letter of transmittal, with any required signature guarantees, or an
agent's message, together with any other required documents, must be
transmitted to and received by the exchange agent on or prior to the
expiration date of the exchange offer, or
- the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth below must be followed.
Delivery of documents to The Depository Trust Company in accordance with its
procedure does not constitute delivery to the exchange agent.
The term "agent's message" means a message transmitted by The Depository
Trust Company to, and received by, the exchange agent and forming a part of a
book-entry confirmation, which states that The Depository Trust Company has
received an express acknowledgment from the participant in The Depository Trust
Company tendering notes stating:
- the aggregate principal amount or accreted value of notes which have been
tendered by the participant and for which consents to the proposed
amendments to the indentures governing such notes have been delivered;
- that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms of
the exchange offer; and
- that we may enforce such agreement against the participant.
Guaranteed Delivery Procedures
If you wish to tender your notes and the certificates evidencing your notes
are not lost but are not immediately available, time will not permit the
certificates evidencing your notes or other required documents to reach the
exchange agent before the expiration date of the exchange offer or you cannot
complete the procedures for book-entry transfer on a timely basis, you may
tender if:
- your tender is made through an eligible institution; and
- prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer, the exchange agent
receives from the eligible institution a properly completed Notice of
Guaranteed Delivery by telegram, telex, facsimile transmission, mail or
hand delivery substantially in the form we provide which states the name
and address of the holder and the amount of notes tendered; and
- within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the date of
execution of the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, the exchange agent
receives:
- a letter of transmittal, properly completed and validly executed with
any required signature guarantees, or, in the case of a book-entry
transfer, an agent's message, together with
- original certificates for all notes in proper form for transfer or a
book-entry confirmation in with respect to all tendered notes, and
- any other required documents.
TRANSFERS OF OWNERSHIP OF TENDERED NOTES
Holders may not transfer record ownership of any notes validly tendered
into the exchange offer and not validly withdrawn. The holder may transfer
beneficial ownership in tendered notes by:
- delivering to the exchange agent, at one of its addresses set forth on
the back cover of this prospectus/disclosure statement, an executed
letter of transmittal identifying the name or the person who deposited
the notes to be transferred, and
- completing the special issuance instructions box with the name of the
transferee or, if tendered by book-entry transfer, the name of the
participant in The Depository Trust Company whose name
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appears on the security position listing as the transferee of the notes and the
principal amount or accreted value of the notes to be transferred.
If certificates have been delivered or otherwise identified through a book-entry
confirmation with respect to the notes to the exchange agent, the name of the
holder who deposited the notes, the name of the transferee and the certificate
numbers relating to the notes should also be provided in the letter of
transmittal. A person who succeeds to the beneficial ownership of tendered notes
pursuant to the procedures set forth in this section will be entitled to
receive:
- the exchange consideration if the notes are accepted for exchange, or
- the tendered notes if the exchange offer is terminated.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING TAX
Each tendering holder must complete and deliver the Substitute Form W-9
provided in the letter of transmittal to us or the exchange agent and either:
- provide his correct social security number or other taxpayer
identification number and certify that the number provided is correct or
that such holder is awaiting a taxpayer identification number and that
either:
- the holder has not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service that
he is subject to backup withholding as a result of failure to report
all interest or dividends;
- the Internal Revenue Service has notified the holder that he is no
longer subject to backup withholding; or
- otherwise provide an adequate basis for exemption from backup
withholding.
Holders who do not satisfy these conditions may be subject to a $50 or
greater penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service and may be subject to
backup withholding as discussed below. Exempt holders such as corporations and
some foreign individuals are not subject to these requirements if they
satisfactorily establish their status as such. Some foreign holders may be
required to provide a Form W-8 or successor form in order to avoid or reduce
withholding tax.
Pursuant to the backup withholding provisions of federal income tax law,
unless the conditions described above are satisfied, a tendering holder may be
subject to back up withholding at a 31% rate when the holder receives interest
and dividends with respect to the new senior notes, preferred stock or common
stock, or when the holder receives proceeds upon the sale, exchange, redemption,
retirement or other disposition of the new senior notes or stock. Amounts
withheld generally do not constitute an additional tax and may be credited
against the holder's federal income tax liabilities. Different withholding rates
and rules may apply in the case of foreign holders.
ACCEPTANCE OF NOTES, DELIVERY OF NEW SENIOR NOTES AND PREFERRED AND COMMON STOCK
AND PAYMENT
The acceptance for exchange and payment of notes validly tendered and not
withdrawn and delivery of new senior notes and new preferred and common stock in
exchange for the tendered notes will be made as promptly as practicable after
the expiration date of the exchange offer. We, however, expressly reserve the
right to delay acceptance of any of the notes or terminate the exchange offer
and not accept for exchange any notes not accepted if any of the conditions set
forth under "The Exchange Offer -- Conditions" are not satisfied or waived by
us. For purposes of the exchange offer, we will be deemed to have accepted for
exchange validly tendered notes if, as and when we give oral or written notice
of acceptance to the exchange agent. Subject to the following paragraph and the
other terms and conditions of the exchange offer, delivery of new senior notes
and stock for notes accepted pursuant to the exchange offer will be made by the
exchange agent as soon as practicable after receipt of such notice. The exchange
agent will act as agent for tendering holders for the purposes of transmitting
to them new senior notes and stock. We will return any tendered notes not
accepted for exchange without expense to the tendering holder as promptly as
practicable following the expiration date of the exchange offer.
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Notwithstanding any other provision described in this prospectus/disclosure
statement, delivery of exchange consideration for notes accepted for exchange
pursuant to the exchange offer will in all cases be made only after timely
receipt by the exchange agent of:
- certificates for, or a timely book-entry confirmation with respect to,
the notes;
- a letter of transmittal, properly completed and validly executed, with
any required signature guarantees, or, in the case of a book-entry
transfer, an agent's message; and
- any other documents required by the letter of transmittal and the
instructions to the letter of transmittal.
Holders tendering pursuant to the procedures for guaranteed delivery
discussed under the caption -- "Guaranteed Delivery Procedures" whose
certificates for notes or book-entry confirmation with respect to notes are
actually received by the exchange agent after the expiration date may be paid
later than other tendering holders.
All tendering holders, by execution of the letter of transmittal, waive any
right to receive notice of acceptance of their notes for exchange.
WITHDRAWAL
You may withdraw any tender of your notes at any time before 5:00 p.m., on
the expiration date, except as otherwise provided below.
To withdraw a tender of notes, you must deliver a written or facsimile
transmission notice of withdrawal to the exchange agent at its address as set
forth in this prospectus/disclosure statement before 5:00 p.m., New York City
time, on the expiration date. Any such notice of withdrawal must:
- specify the name of the holder who deposited the notes to be withdrawn;
- identify the notes to be withdrawn, including the certificate number(s)
and principal amount or accreted value of such notes; and
- be signed by such holder in the same manner as the original signature on
the letter of transmittal by which the notes were tendered, including any
required signature guarantees.
If you have tendered your notes pursuant to the procedures for book-entry
transfer discussed under the caption -- "Book-Entry Transfers," your notice of
withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at The Depository
Trust Company to be credited with the withdrawn notes and must otherwise comply
with The Depository Trust Company's procedures.
We will determine, in our sole discretion, all questions as to validity,
form and eligibility of withdrawal notices including the time of receipt. Our
determination will be final and binding on all parties. Any withdrawn notes will
not be deemed to be validly tendered for purposes of the exchange offer and no
new senior notes or stock will be issued in exchange for them unless the
withdrawn notes are later validly re-tendered. Properly withdrawn notes may be
re-tendered by following one of the procedures described above under "Procedures
for Tendering Notes and Delivery of Consents" at any time before the expiration
date.
IF YOU WITHDRAW YOUR TENDER OF NOTES, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE ANY
CONSIDERATION IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND YOUR CONSENT TO THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS
TO THE INDENTURES GOVERNING SUCH WITHDRAWN NOTES WILL ALSO BE REVOKED.
REVOCATION OF CONSENTS
Any holder who has delivered a consent, or who succeeds to ownership of
notes in respect of which a consent has previously been delivered, may validly
revoke such consent prior to the expiration of the
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exchange offer by delivering a written notice of revocation in accordance with
the following procedures. In order to be valid, a notice of revocation of a
consent must:
- contain the following:
- the name of the person who delivered the consent;
- the description of the notes to which it relates;
- the certificate number or numbers of the notes, unless the notes were
tendered by book-entry transfer; and
- the aggregate principal amount or accreted value represented by the
notes;
- be signed by the holder of the notes in the same manner as the original
signature on the applicable letter of transmittal, including the required
signature guarantees, or be accompanied by evidence satisfactory to us
that the person revoking the consent has succeeded to the beneficial
ownership of the notes; and
- be received by the exchange agent at one of its addresses set forth on
the back cover of this prospectus/disclosure statement prior to the
expiration of the exchange offer.
A purported notice of revocation that lacks any of the required information
or is dispatched to an improper address will not validly revoke a consent
previously given.
THE VALID REVOCATION OF A HOLDER'S CONSENT WILL CONSTITUTE THE CONCURRENT
VALID WITHDRAWAL OF THE TENDERED NOTES TO WHICH THE CONSENT WAS DELIVERED. AS A
RESULT, A HOLDER WHO VALIDLY REVOKES A PREVIOUSLY DELIVERED CONSENT WILL NOT
RECEIVE ANY CONSIDERATION IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER.
INTERPRETATION
We, in our sole discretion, will determine all questions as to the form of
all documents, time of receipt, and the validity, eligibility, acceptance and
withdrawal of tendered notes. Our determination shall be final and binding. We
reserve the absolute right to reject any and all tenders not in proper form or
the acceptance of which would be unlawful, in the opinion of our legal counsel.
Neither we, the exchange agent nor any other person will be under any duty to
give notification of any defects or irregularities in tenders or withdrawals or
will incur any liability for failure to give any such notification. The exchange
agent will return any notes it receives that are not properly tendered and as to
which irregularities have not been cured or waived. Our interpretation of the
terms and conditions of the exchange offer, including the letter of transmittal
and its instructions, will be final and binding on all parties.
RELEASE OF CLAIMS BY TENDERING HOLDERS OF NOTES
A holder whose notes are exchanged will release all claims, rights or
causes of action against us relating to the notes, the exchange offer or any
other dealings with us up to and including the date of the exchange. The holder
will be releasing all claims on behalf of itself, its affiliates, successors or
assigns against us, as well as all of our subsidiaries, affiliates, officers,
employees and all others acting on our behalf. However, this release does not
apply to:
- claims relating to our obligation to deliver the securities offered
pursuant to the exchange offer in accordance with the terms thereof; or
- claims, if any, against us or any of our subsidiaries under federal or
state securities laws that the prospectus includes any untrue statement
of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading.
CONSEQUENCE OF FAILURE TO EXCHANGE
Participation in the exchange offer is voluntary. Holders of notes are
urged to consult their financial and tax advisors in making their own decisions
on what action to take. See "Risk Factors."
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We are also soliciting the approval of the holders of notes to amendments
that include the elimination of substantially all rights other than the right to
receive scheduled payments of principal and interest. If the exchange offer is
successful and holders decide not to tender all or some of their notes, holders
of any retained notes will not have any of these additional rights if the
holders of a majority of that series of notes tender their notes and do not
withdraw their tenders before the appropriate date. Holders of any retained
notes may suffer if any developments occur which these additional rights were
designed to protect against, such as distributions to stockholders or
unfavorable business combinations.
VOTING INSTRUCTIONS AND PROCEDURES FOR THE PREPACKAGED BANKRUPTCY PLAN
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT HOLDERS OF THE NOTES AND LENDERS UNDER THE SECURED
CREDIT FACILITY EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE TO ACCEPT OR REJECT THE PREPACKAGED
BANKRUPTCY PLAN BY USING ONE OR MORE OF THE COLOR-CODED BALLOTS ACCOMPANYING
THIS PROSPECTUS/DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. Such holders should read the appropriate
ballots carefully and follow the instructions contained in the ballots. Please
use only the ballots that accompany this prospectus/disclosure statement.
THE SUBMISSION OF A PROPERLY EXECUTED BALLOT TO ACCEPT THE PREPACKAGED
BANKRUPTCY PLAN DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A TENDER OF THE HOLDER'S NOTES PURSUANT TO
THE EXCHANGE OFFER. For a description of the procedures for tendering notes in
the exchange offer and delivering consents to the proposed amendments to the
indentures governing any notes that are not tendered, see "Summary -- What You
Need to Submit -- Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes and Delivering
Consents."
The voting deadline for the prepackaged bankruptcy plan is [ ],
2001. Ballots that are received after the voting deadline will not be accepted
or used in connection with the confirmation of the plan except as otherwise
determined by us in our sole discretion or as otherwise ordered by the
bankruptcy court.
The date for the determination of holders of record of notes and claims
under the secured credit facility who are entitled to vote on the prepackaged
bankruptcy plan has been set as the close of business, New York City time, on
[ ], 2001. If you acquired beneficial ownership of your notes or
secured credit facility claims after the [ ], 2001 record date,
you may vote on the plan only if you submit with your ballot a proxy from the
beneficial owner as of the record date in which such beneficial owner certifies
that he, she, or it was the beneficial owner of the notes or the secured credit
facility claim on the record date, that such beneficial owner has not already
voted on the plan and that such beneficial owner authorizes you to vote on the
plan.
We have engaged MacKenzie Partners, Inc. as our information agent to assist
in the transmission of voting materials and in the tabulation of votes with
respect to the prepackaged bankruptcy plan. We have also engaged Computershare
Trust Company of New York as our exchange agent. The exchange agent, or any
other entity we may select, shall act as the disbursing agent with respect to
distributions to be made to holders under the plan.
FOR YOUR VOTE TO COUNT, IT MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE INFORMATION AGENT BEFORE
THE VOTING DEADLINE. IF YOU HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED TO RETURN YOUR BALLOT TO YOUR
BANK, BROKER, PROXY INTERMEDIARY OR OTHER NOMINEE, OR TO THEIR AGENT, YOU MUST
RETURN YOUR BALLOT TO THEM IN SUFFICIENT TIME FOR THEM TO PROCESS IT AND RETURN
IT TO THE INFORMATION AGENT BEFORE THE VOTING DEADLINE. IF A RETURN ENVELOPE HAS
BEEN PROVIDED WITH A "PREVALIDATED" BALLOT AS DESCRIBED BELOW, RETURN SUCH
PREVALIDATED BALLOT IN THE ENCLOSED RETURN ENVELOPE SO THAT IT WILL BE RECEIVED
BY THE INFORMATION AGENT BEFORE THE VOTING DEADLINE.
If a ballot is damaged or lost, or for additional copies of this
prospectus/disclosure statement, you may contact the information agent. ANY
BALLOT WHICH IS EXECUTED AND RETURNED BUT WHICH DOES NOT INDICATE AN ACCEPTANCE
OR REJECTION OF THE PREPACKAGED BANKRUPTCY PLAN WILL NOT BE COUNTED. If you have
any questions concerning voting procedures, you may contact the information
agent at the address or telephone number listed on the back cover page of this
document.
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Voting Procedures
MacKenzie Partners, Inc., as information agent, is providing copies of this
prospectus/disclosure statement, ballots, and where appropriate, master ballots
to all registered holders of each series of notes and secured credit facility
claims and to the extent the notes are held of record by The Depository Trust
Company, to the entities shown on The Depository Trust Company's records as the
owners of the notes as of the record date. Registered holders may include
brokers, banks, proxy intermediaries and other nominees. If such registered
holders do not hold for their own accounts, they or their agents should provide
copies of this prospectus/disclosure statement and appropriate ballots to their
customers and to beneficial owners. Any beneficial owner who has not received a
ballot should contact his, her or its nominee, or the information agent.
Beneficial Owners
Any beneficial owner as of the record date of the notes that is also the
record holder of such notes can vote its claim by completing and signing the
enclosed ballot and returning it directly to the information agent, as
instructed in the ballot, using the enclosed pre-addressed postage-paid envelope
so as to be received by the information agent before the voting deadline. If no
envelope is enclosed, contact the information agent for instructions.
Any beneficial owner holding, as of the record date, notes in "street name"
through a nominee can vote by completing and signing the ballot, unless the
ballot has already been signed, or "prevalidated," by the nominee, and returning
it to the nominee in sufficient time for the nominee to then forward the vote as
to be received by the information agent before the voting deadline. Any ballot
submitted to a nominee will not be counted until such nominee properly completes
and timely delivers a corresponding master ballot to the information agent. IF
YOUR BALLOT HAS ALREADY BEEN SIGNED -- OR "PREVALIDATED" -- BY YOUR NOMINEE, YOU
MUST COMPLETE THE BALLOT AND RETURN IT DIRECTLY TO THE INFORMATION AGENT SO THAT
IT IS RECEIVED BY THE INFORMATION AGENT BEFORE THE VOTING DEADLINE.
Nominees
A nominee which is the registered holder for a beneficial owner, as of the
record date, of notes can obtain the votes of the beneficial owners of such
securities, consistent with customary practices for obtaining the votes of
securities held in "street name," in one of the following two ways:
The nominee may "prevalidate" a ballot by:
- signing the ballot;
- indicating on the ballot the name of the nominee or the registered
holder, the amount of securities held by the nominee for the beneficial
owner, and the account numbers for the accounts in which such securities
are held by the nominee; and
- forwarding such ballot, together with the prospectus, return envelope,
and other materials requested to be forwarded, to the beneficial owner
for voting. The beneficial owner must then indicate his, her or its vote
to accept or to reject the prepackaged bankruptcy plan in the ballot,
review the certifications contained in the ballot, and return the ballot
directly to the information agent in the pre-addressed, postage-paid
envelope, so that it is received by the information agent before the
voting deadline. A list of the beneficial owners to whom "prevalidated"
ballots were delivered should be maintained by nominees for inspection
for at least one year from the voting deadline.
If the nominee elects not to "prevalidate" ballots, the nominee may obtain
the votes of beneficial owners by forwarding to the beneficial owners the
unsigned ballots, together with the prospectus, a return envelope provided by,
and addressed to, the nominee, and other materials requested to be forwarded.
Each such beneficial owner must then indicate his, her or its vote to accept or
to reject the prepackaged bankruptcy plan in the ballot, review the
certifications contained in the ballot, execute the ballot, and return the
ballot to the nominee. After collecting the ballots, the nominee should, in
turn, complete a
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master ballot for each series of notes compiling the votes and other information
from the ballots received from the beneficial owners of such securities, execute
the master ballots, and deliver the master ballots to the information agent so
that it is received by the information agent before the voting deadline. All
ballots returned by beneficial owners should be retained by nominees for
inspection for at least one year from the voting deadline. Please note: if this
option is selected, the nominee should advise the beneficial owners to return
their ballots to the nominee by a date calculated by the nominee to allow it to
prepare and return the master ballots to the information agent so that the
master ballots are received by the information agent before the voting deadline.
Securities Clearing Agencies
We expect that The Depository Trust Company, as the record holder of all
notes, will arrange for its respective participants to vote by executing an
omnibus proxy, assignment letter form or similar document in favor of such
participants. As a result of the omnibus proxy, each participant will be
authorized to vote its record date positions held in the name of such securities
clearing agencies.
Other
If a ballot is signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians,
attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations, or others acting in a fiduciary or
representative capacity, such persons should indicate such capacity when
signing, and unless otherwise determined by us, must submit proper evidence
satisfactory to us of their authority to so act.
Miscellaneous Procedures
For purposes of voting to accept or reject the prepackaged bankruptcy plan,
the beneficial owners of notes and secured credit facility claims will be deemed
to be the "holders" of the claims represented by the notes or the promissory
notes issued under the secured credit facility claims.
Claims within a particular series of notes or secured credit facility
claims that are voted by a beneficial owner must be voted either to accept or
reject the prepackaged bankruptcy plan and may not be split by the beneficial
owner within such series or secured credit facility claims. Unless otherwise
ordered by the bankruptcy court, ballots or master ballots which are signed,
dated, and timely received, but on which a vote to accept or reject the plan has
not been indicated, will not be counted. We, in our sole discretion, may request
that the information agent attempt to contact such voters to cure any such
defects in the ballots or master ballots.
Except as provided below, unless the ballot or master ballot is timely
submitted to the information agent before the voting deadline together with any
other documents required by such ballot or master ballot, we may, in our sole
discretion, reject such ballot or master ballot as invalid, and therefore,
decline to utilize it in connection with seeking confirmation of the plan by the
bankruptcy court.
Defects, Irregularities, Etc.
Unless otherwise directed by the bankruptcy court, all questions as to the
validity, form, eligibility, acceptance, and revocation or withdrawal of ballots
will be determined by us in our sole discretion, which determination will be
final and binding. Unless the ballot being furnished is timely submitted to the
information agent on or prior to the voting deadline, together with any other
documents required by such ballot, we may, in our sole discretion, reject such
ballot as invalid and, therefore, decline to use it in connection with seeking
confirmation of the prepackaged bankruptcy plan by the bankruptcy court. In the
event of a dispute with respect to a claim or interest, any vote to accept or
reject the plan cast with respect to such claim or interest will not be counted
for purposes of determining whether the plan has been accepted or rejected,
unless the bankruptcy court orders otherwise. We reserve the right to reject any
and all ballots not in proper form. We further reserve the right to waive any
defects or irregularities or conditions of delivery as to any particular ballot.
The interpretation by us of all votes, including the review of ballots and the
their conformance to voting instructions, unless otherwise directed by the
bankruptcy
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court, will be final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects or
irregularities in connection with delivery of a ballot must be cured within such
time as we or the bankruptcy court determines. Neither Arch nor any other person
will be under any duty to provide notification of defects or irregularities with
respect to deliveries of ballots nor will any of them incur any liabilities for
failure to provide such notification. Unless otherwise directed by the
bankruptcy court, delivery of such ballots will not be deemed to have been made
until such irregularities have been cured or waived.
Withdrawal of Ballot or Master Ballot
Any holder who has delivered a valid ballot or master ballot may withdraw
its vote by delivering a written notice of withdrawal to the information agent
before the voting deadline. All votes cast will be irrevocable upon the voting
deadline. To be valid, the notice of withdrawal must:
- describe the notes or secured credit facility claims to which it relates,
- be signed by the party who signed the ballot or master ballot to be
revoked, and
- be received by the information agent before the voting deadline.
Any holder who delivers a valid ballot or master ballot may change its vote
by delivering to the information agent a properly completed subsequent ballot or
master ballot so as to be received before the voting deadline. In the case where
more than one timely, properly completed ballot or master ballot is received
prior to the voting deadline, only the ballot or master ballot that bears the
latest date will be counted.
After the chapter 11 case is commenced, a vote of a holder may only be
changed or withdrawn with the permission of the bankruptcy court upon a showing
of "cause" pursuant to bankruptcy rule 3018(a).
FEES AND EXPENSES
Dealer Manager, Solicitation Agent and Financial Advisory Fees
We have retained TD Securities and Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. as joint lead
dealer managers, solicitation agents and financial advisors in connection with
the exchange offer and the consent solicitation. TD Securities and Bear Stearns
will receive customary fees for their services and be reimbursed for their
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and will be indemnified together with certain
related persons against certain liabilities and expenses, including certain
liabilities under the federal securities laws, in connection with the exchange
offer. At any given time, either of TD Securities and Bear Stearns may trade the
existing notes for its own accounts or for the accounts of its customers, and
accordingly, may hold long or short positions in the existing notes. Each of TD
Securities and Bear Stearns has provided, and expects to provide in the future,
investment banking services to us and our affiliates for which it has received
and expects to receive customary fees and commissions.
Additional Advisors' Fees
We have retained Computershare Trust Company of New York, as the exchange
agent, and MacKenzie Partners, Inc., as the information agent, in connection
with the exchange offer. The exchange agent and the information agent will
receive reasonable and customary compensation for their services and will also
be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. Neither the exchange agent
nor the information agent has been retained to make solicitations or
recommendations in connection with the exchange offer.
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PROPOSED AMENDMENTS
A tender of notes in the exchange offer must be accompanied by your
approval of amendments to the indentures governing such tendered notes. Your
consent to these proposed amendments will be given on the same letter of
transmittal that is used for tendering your notes.
The proposed amendments for each series of notes constitute a single
proposal and you must consent to the proposal in its entirety, and may not
consent selectively with respect to some of the proposed amendments. The
proposed amendments for each series will be included in supplements to the
indentures that will be signed by us and the indenture trustee immediately
following the expiration of the exchange offer and our acceptance of tendered
notes.
Upon acceptance for exchange of the required amounts of tendered notes, the
supplemental indentures implementing the proposed amendments described above
will become effective in the following order:
- supplemental indenture for the 10 7/8% senior discount notes;
- supplemental indenture for the 13 3/4% senior notes;
- supplemental indenture for the 9 1/2% senior notes;
- supplemental indenture for the 14% senior notes; and
- supplemental indenture for the 12 3/4% senior notes.
WHAT IS PROPOSED TO BE ELIMINATED
The proposed amendments to the indentures governing the outstanding notes
would delete rights and provisions including limitations and restrictions on:
- mergers or sales of assets;
- incurrence of debt;
- payments to affiliates;
- payments of dividends by our subsidiaries;
- transactions with our affiliates;
- issuances of capital stock of our subsidiaries;
- limitation on dividends and other payment restrictions;
- incurrence of liens; and
- issuances of guarantees by our subsidiaries.
We also propose to eliminate the right to declare a default if:
- we declare bankruptcy or are insolvent;
- we fail to timely pay principal, premium or interest on any other
indebtedness of $5.0 million or more;
- we fail to observe or perform any covenants or agreements in the
indentures;
- we fail to perform our obligations under any other indenture or
instrument where such failure results in the acceleration of at least
$5.0 million of our indebtedness;
- one or more judgments, orders or decrees for the payment of more than a
total of $5.0 million is entered against us; or
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- a holder of at least $5.0 million of our secured indebtedness seeks
foreclosure, set-off or other recourse against assets of ours which have
an aggregate fair market value of more than $5.0 million.
In addition, the supplemental indentures with respect to the 9 1/2% senior
notes and the 14% senior notes will direct the trustees under those indentures
to release the security interests previously granted to them.
For summaries of these rights and provisions, see "Description of Notes to
be Tendered" and Annexes F, G, H, I and J and the chart listing all covenants to
be eliminated which is attached as Annex K. Those summaries are qualified in
their entirety by reference to the full terms of the indentures as well as the
proposed supplemental indentures, copies of which can be obtained from us
without charge. See "Where You Can Find More Information."
The proposed amendments would also eliminate any references in the
indenture and the notes to the sections specified in the charts below, including
any sentences or provisions that refer or give effect exclusively to those
sections. The proposed amendments would also eliminate any defined terms in the
indenture that are used solely in those deleted sentences, provisions, sections
and subsections.
These proposed amendments may have adverse consequences for you if you do
not participate in the exchange offer. See "Risk Factors -- If you do not tender
your notes, the notes that you retain will have substantially fewer rights than
they currently have and this may leave you unprotected in the future."
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THE PREPACKAGED BANKRUPTCY PLAN
If less than a majority of the outstanding principal amount or accreted
value of each series of notes and less than 85% of the principal amount or
accreted value of all series of notes in the aggregate are tendered in the
exchange offer or less than 100% of the lenders agree to the proposed
modifications of the secured credit facility, but holders constituting at least
a majority in number of all holders of each class of notes and lenders under the
secured credit facility that vote to accept or reject the prepackaged bankruptcy
plan and at least two thirds in amount of each class of notes and lenders under
the secured credit facility that vote to accept or reject the plan accept the
plan, the company, the intermediate holding company and the operating company
and its principal operating subsidiaries intend to file voluntary chapter 11
petitions with the United States bankruptcy court for the District of Delaware
and seek to confirm the plan.
GENERAL
Chapter 11 is the principal business reorganization chapter of the
bankruptcy code. Under chapter 11, a debtor seeks to reorganize its business for
the benefit of its creditors and stockholders by obtaining approval of a plan of
reorganization. A plan of reorganization provides for treatment of claims
against and equity interests in a debtor. If approved by the bankruptcy court,
the plan binds all creditors and equity security holders of the debtor
regardless of whether any particular creditor or equity holder votes to accept
the plan. A debtor is discharged from any debts that arose prior to the date of
confirmation of the plan and substitutes for them the obligations provided for
in the plan.
A plan of reorganization divides creditors and equity holders into classes
based upon their relative rights against or interests in a debtor. Only impaired
classes are entitled to vote to accept or reject the plan. As a general matter,
a class of claims or equity interests is considered to be "impaired" only if the
plan alters the legal, equitable or contractual rights of the holders of claims
or equity interests. Under the bankruptcy code, classes of claims or equity
interests that are not impaired are conclusively presumed to have accepted the
plan.
A company may solicit acceptances for a plan of reorganization prior to the
commencement of its bankruptcy case. Such pre-filing acceptances are binding in
a bankruptcy case if the pre-filing solicitation was made in accordance with
applicable non-bankruptcy law and the solicitation of acceptances satisfies
bankruptcy requirements. Even if all impaired classes of creditors and equity
security holders vote to accept a plan, the bankruptcy court must find that a
number of statutory tests are met before it may confirm the plan.
Our prepackaged bankruptcy plan is an alternative means to restructure Arch
on terms similar to those of the exchange offer with substantially similar
economic consequences to you. The terms of the plan were not negotiated with
representatives of any class of creditors or holders of equity interests. The
plan treats the various classes of claims of our creditors and equity interests
consistently with the treatment such creditors and equity security holders would
receive if the exchange offer were consummated outside of a bankruptcy case.
A copy of the prepackaged bankruptcy plan is attached as Annex A. All
holders are urged to review the plan carefully. The plan, if confirmed, will be
binding upon all creditors and stockholders.
Under the plan, holders of notes and lenders under the secured credit
facility will not be required to file proofs of claim with the bankruptcy court
for the principal, interest, fees and other amounts owed on such notes and loans
or rights under an interest rate hedge agreement between the operating company
and a lender or an affiliate of a lender or take any other action to receive
distributions on their claims other than tendering their notes to the exchange
agent, except that default interest that accrues for up to 60 days during the
pendency of our chapter 11 cases will not be allowed as a claim and will not be
paid as part of the prepackaged bankruptcy plan.
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CLASSIFICATION OF CLAIMS
The prepackaged bankruptcy plan classifies claims according to their rights
against the various Arch companies which are party to the plan. Each company has
its own classification scheme. As a result, if a particular class of claims has
rights against more than one Arch company, that class of claims will constitute
a separate class in each such company's classification scheme. For example, the
claims arising under the Arch Wireless Communications, Inc. 9 1/2% senior notes
and 14% senior notes are claims against each of Arch Wireless Communications,
Inc., Arch Wireless Holdings, Inc., Paging Network, Inc., PageNet, Inc., Paging
Network Finance Corp., Paging Network of America, Inc., Paging Network of
Colorado, Inc., Paging Network of Michigan, Inc., Paging Network of Northern
California, Inc., Paging Network of San Francisco, Inc., Paging Network
International, Inc., Arch Communications Enterprises LLC, Arch Connecticut
Valley, Inc., MobileMedia Communications, Inc., Mobile Communications
Corporation of America and MobileMedia License Co. LLC. Accordingly, they are
classified as a class in each company's classification scheme. Although these
claims are in multiple classes, they will receive the single treatment described
below.
The prepackaged bankruptcy plan implements the exchange offer. The only
classes of claims or interests that are impaired under the plan, other than
intercompany claims, and therefore entitled to vote to accept or reject the plan
are the following classes of note claims and the secured credit facility claims:
- the claims under or related to the Arch Wireless Communications, Inc.
9 1/2% senior notes and 14% senior notes, voting together as a single
class;
- the claims under or related to the Arch Wireless Communications, Inc.
12 3/4% senior notes and 13 3/4% senior notes, voting together as a
single class;
- the claims under or related to the Arch Wireless, Inc. 10 7/8% senior
discount notes, voting as a separate class; and
- the claims under or related to the secured credit facility claims,
including claims of lenders or their affiliates in their capacities as
counterparties to hedge agreements with us, voting as a separate class.
All other unimpaired classes of claims or interests, other than
intercompany claims, are not entitled to vote and are presumed to have accepted
the prepackaged bankruptcy plan. The unimpaired classes consist of:
- claims under the parent company's convertible subordinated debentures;
- general unsecured claims;
- secured claims other than the secured credit facility claims and the
secured portion of the claims under the 9 1/2% senior notes and the 14%
senior notes;
- unsecured claims entitled to priority under the bankruptcy code;
- Arch Wireless, Inc. Series F preferred stock;
- Arch Wireless, Inc. Series C preferred stock;
- Arch Wireless, Inc. common stock; and
- equity interests owned by the parent company or one of its subsidiaries
in another direct or indirect subsidiary of the parent company.
None of the legal, equitable and contractual rights of the claims and equity
interests in the unimpaired classes are effected by the prepackaged bankruptcy
plan.
The claims under or related to the 9 1/2% senior notes due 2004 and 14%
senior notes due 2004 are partially secured by a security interest in some of
the assets of the operating company, Arch Wireless Holdings, Inc., and each of
its subsidiaries that is party to the prepackaged plan of reorganization. The
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claims under these notes are general obligations of the old intermediate holding
company, Arch Wireless Communications, Inc., and are claims in the bankruptcy
cases of each of the subsidiaries only to the extent of the value of the assets
of the subsidiaries that are collateral securing such claims.
The claims under or related to the 12 3/4% senior notes due 2007 and
13 3/4% senior notes due 2008 are general unsecured claims against the old
intermediate holding company and are not claims against any other Arch entity
that is party to the prepackaged bankruptcy plan. These notes were originally
issued at a discount. As of May 1, 2001, the accreted value of these notes was
$128.3 million and $141.4 million, respectively.
The claims under or related to the 10 7/8% senior discount notes due 2008
are general unsecured claims of the parent company and are not claims against
any other Arch entity that is party to the prepackaged bankruptcy plan.
The claims under or related to the secured credit facility are the primary
obligation of the operating company, are guaranteed by the parent company and
some of its subsidiaries, the intermediate holding company and each of the
operating company's subsidiaries that is a party to the prepackaged bankruptcy
plan and are secured by a lien on substantially all of the assets of each of the
companies that is liable for payment of the claims. In addition to claims for
loans made pursuant to the secured credit facility, some of the lenders have
entered into interest rate hedge agreements with us. Our obligations under these
agreements are secured by the same collateral as the loans and are included in
the class of secured credit facility claims.
We have classified general unsecured claims against each entity separately
from claims arising under each series of notes. The classes of general unsecured
claims are comprised largely of trade creditors, many of whom are key suppliers
of products and services used by us. Accordingly, any failure by us to pay these
trade creditors in accordance with the terms agreed upon could be detrimental to
our ability to obtain essential trade credit and could substantially impair our
ability to do business with trade creditors whose goods and services are
essential. Claims arising under each series of notes are general unsecured
claims against the parent company or the old intermediate holding company, as
the case may be. They do not constitute a general unsecured claim against any
other direct or indirect subsidiary of the parent company. Other than the claims
arising under the notes, the unsecured claims owed by the parent company and the
old intermediate holding company are negligible. We believe that the separate
classification of general unsecured claims and claims under the notes is
appropriate.
Under the prepackaged bankruptcy plan, the claims of holders of notes for
principal and accrued and unpaid interest due thereon through the date the
prepackaged chapter 11 cases are filed are deemed to be "allowed" claims for
purposes of distributions under the plan. However, the variable rate secured
senior notes are allocated between the 9 1/2% senior notes and the 14% senior
notes based on the amount of principal and interest owed on each series as of
June 30, 2001. The amount of 12% senior notes issuable to noteholders and the
liquidation value of units of preferred stock are also calculated based on the
amount of principal or accreted value and interest accrued on the outstanding
notes through June 30, 2001.
SUMMARY OF TREATMENT OF IMPAIRED CLASSES UNDER THE PREPACKAGED BANKRUPTCY PLAN
Note Claims
Under the prepackaged bankruptcy plan, holders will receive for each $1,000
of allowed note claims of principal or accreted value and interest accrued
through June 30, 2001 under the notes, the new 12% senior notes, variable rate
secured senior notes and preferred and common stock in the following amounts:
- for each $1,000 of 10 7/8% senior discount note claims with accrued
interest only through June 30, 2001, 142.5 shares of parent company
common stock and $717.2 of liquidation value of units comprised of
intermediate holding company and parent company preferred stock;
- for each $1,000 of 9 1/2% senior note claims and 14% senior note claims
with accrued interest only through June 30, 2001, $258.31 of variable
rate secured senior notes, $333.76 of senior notes and
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$407.93 of liquidation value of units comprised of intermediate holding company
and parent company preferred stock; and/or
- for each $1,000 of 12 3/4% senior note claims and 13 3/4% senior note
claims with accrued interest only through June 30, 2001, $450 of senior
notes and $550 of liquidation value of units comprised of intermediate
holding company and parent company preferred stock.
The following table sets forth the principal or accreted value and accrued
and unpaid interest on each series of notes as of June 30, 2001.
14% Senior Notes Due 2004................................... $102,333,333
9 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2004................................ $129,947,917
12 3/4% Senior Notes Due 2007............................... $136,596,633
13 3/4% Senior Notes Due 2008............................... $145,778,940
10 7/8% Senior Discount Note Due 2008....................... $116,729,774
Total............................................. $631,386,597
For a description of the variable rate secured senior notes, the new 12%
senior notes and the new preferred and common stock, see "Description of Notes
Being Offered" and "Description of Stock Being Offered."
Secured Credit Facility Claims
Our secured credit facility will be modified to extend the maturity dates
of the loans and reduce the interest rates. Under the restated secured credit
facility, the loans will be reconstituted into two term loans: A term loans in
the principal amount of $849,342,074; and B term loans in the principal amount
of $270,266,676. The interest rate on A term loans will be either LIBOR plus
2.50% per year or the base rate plus 1.25% per year, at our election, and the
interest rate on B term loans will be either LIBOR plus 4.25% per year or the
base rate plus 3.0% per year, at our election. Holders of loans will be allowed
to select A term loans or B term loans in exchange for their existing loans,
provided, however, if a term loan is over-subscribed, each subscribing lender
will have its subscription reduced proportionately and the oversubscribed amount
will be allocated to the under-subscribed term loan. The A term loans will
amortize 10.5% in 2002, 12% in 2003, 13.5% in 2004, 15% in 2005, 24.5% on March
31, 2006 and the balance on June 30, 2006. The B term loans will amortize 1% in
each of 2002 through 2005 with the balance due on December 31, 2006.
The restated secured credit facility also provides that lenders may, in
their discretion, elect to convert up to $100 million of A term loans into a
$100 million revolving line of credit. If lenders holding less than $100 million
of A term loans elect not to convert into a revolving line of credit, we may, in
our sole discretion, elect to accept a smaller revolving line of credit or to
reject the amount of revolving line of credit offered. Revolving line of credit
loans will bear interest at the same rates as the A term loans and have the same
amortization schedule as the A term loans.
The restated secured credit facility also provides that after closing and
before March 1, 2002, if the revolving line of credit is less than $100 million,
lenders may, in their discretion, elect to convert their A term loans to loans
and a commitment under the revolving line of credit in an amount not in excess
of the difference between $100 million and the then amount of the revolving line
of credit.
The interest rate hedge agreements will remain in effect in accordance with
their terms except that any default resulting solely from the commencement of
the chapter 11 cases will be disregarded.
The restated secured credit facility will continue to be secured by a lien
on substantially all of our assets. The variable rate secured senior notes, in
the principal amount of $60 million, will be secured by a security interest in
the same assets that will secure the restated secured credit facility and will
have the same priority as the security interest of the restated secured credit
facility.
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Default interest under the secured credit facility that accrues during the
pendency of our chapter 11 cases for up to 60 days will not be allowed as a
claim and will neither be paid nor be payable to lenders under the secured
credit facility on account of an event or circumstance prior to the consummation
of the prepackaged bankruptcy plan. If the prepackaged bankruptcy plan is not
consummated within 60 days of the commencement of the chapter 11 cases, the
lenders under the secured credit facility reserve the right to charge and
require payment of default interest.
For a more detailed description of the restated secured credit facility,
see "Description of Other Indebtedness" and Annex E.
Other Impaired Claims
In addition to the note claims, intercompany claims are impaired. Holders
of the intercompany claims are entities that are either party to the prepackaged
bankruptcy plan or are other direct or indirect subsidiaries of the parent
company. Each holder of an intercompany claim will receive one unit comprised of
parent company and intermediate holding company preferred stock. Holders of
Intercompany Claims will be entitled to vote to accept or reject the plan by
submitting a written ballot to the information agent prior to the voting
deadline. We will and will cause each holder of an intercompany loan to vote to
accept the prepackaged plan.
Unimpaired Claims and Equity Interests
All other claims against us and all equity interests are unimpaired under
the terms of the prepackaged bankruptcy plan. The holders of all such claims
will be paid in full on the later of the effective date of the plan or, if
permitted by the bankruptcy court, when such claims become due in our ordinary
course of business or on such other terms as to which we may agree with the
holder of such claims. The holders of equity interests will retain all of their
current equity interests.
SUMMARY OF OTHER PROVISIONS OF THE PREPACKAGED BANKRUPTCY PLAN
Releases
The prepackaged bankruptcy plan provides for us to release claims against
the following entities and individuals in consideration of the contributions of
such parties to the chapter 11 case:
- those holders of our secured bank claims who consent to the modification
to the secured credit facility; and
- our officers and directors who serve in such capacity after the
commencement of the exchange offer.
The prepackaged bankruptcy plan provides an injunction barring the
commencement or continuation of any claims against those entities and
individuals on account of claims held by us or our bankruptcy estates which are
released pursuant to the plan's terms; provided, however, that the injunction
does not preclude police or regulatory agencies from fulfilling their statutory
duties.
Our release does not affect any liability of any person or entity for:
- any direct claim held by any creditor, interest holder or other person
against any released person that does not constitute a claim held by us
or our bankruptcy estates;
- any fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct;
- loans by us; or
- contractual obligations owed to us.
No known claims are being released as a result of the release provision of
the prepackaged bankruptcy plan.
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The prepackaged bankruptcy plan also provides that we and the persons and
entities receiving releases under the plan will be exculpated from any liability
to any person or entity for any act or omission in connection with or related to
the negotiation, formulation, preparation and confirmation of the plan, the
consummation and administration of the plan, the prospectus or disclosure
statement, the chapter 11 case, or the property distributed under the plan. This
exculpation does not affect any liability of any person or entity for any fraud,
gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases
Under the bankruptcy code, we may assume or reject executory contracts and
unexpired leases. As a general matter, an "executory contract" is a contract
under which material performance, other than solely the payment of money,
remains to be made by each party to the contract. On or before the effective
date of the prepackaged bankruptcy plan, we will assume all of our executory
contracts and unexpired leases, including all of our license agreements, real
property leases and severance and related employee benefit agreements.
Indemnification of Directors, Officers and Employees
The prepackaged bankruptcy plan provides that our obligations to indemnify
any person serving at any time on or prior to the effective date as one of our
directors, officers, or employees by reason of such person's service in such
capacity will survive unimpaired and unaffected by entry of the confirmation
order, irrespective of whether such indemnification becomes owing on account of
an act or event occurring before or after the commencement of the chapter 11
cases.
Continued Corporate Existence and Vesting of Assets in Reorganized Arch
Each Arch entity that commences a chapter 11 case will continue to exist
after the effective date as a separate reorganized corporate entity, with all
the powers of a corporation under Delaware or other applicable law. On and after
the effective date, each reorganized entity may operate its business and may
use, acquire or sell property and compromise or settle any claims or equity
interests, without supervision or approval by the bankruptcy court and free of
any restrictions of the bankruptcy code, other than those restrictions expressly
imposed by the prepackaged bankruptcy plan and the order of the bankruptcy court
confirming the plan. The plan provides that, except as otherwise provided
therein, each reorganized entity will retain the exclusive right in its
discretion to pursue certain causes of action against third parties.
Amendments to Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws
Except as described below, the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of
the parent company and each of its subsidiaries in effect immediately prior to
the effective date will be the certificate of incorporation of the reorganized
parent company and each of its subsidiaries, respectively.
The bankruptcy code requires that upon the confirmation of a plan of
reorganization a debtor's charter documents must contain certain provisions,
including a provision prohibiting the issuance of non-voting equity securities.
To comply with this requirement, the prepackaged bankruptcy plan provides that
each reorganized entity will file an amended certificate of incorporation with
the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or other appropriate
jurisdiction in accordance with law. The amended certificates of incorporation
will prohibit the issuance of nonvoting equity securities to the extent required
by the bankruptcy code. After the effective date, each reorganized entity
reserves the right to amend and restate its certificate of incorporation and
other constituent documents as permitted by law. At present, no entity
contemplates any such amendments.
Retention of Jurisdiction by the Bankruptcy Court
Under the terms of the prepackaged bankruptcy plan, after the effective
date the bankruptcy court will retain exclusive jurisdiction over our chapter 11
cases to the extent provided in the plan.
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Cancellation of Instruments and Securities
On the effective date, except as otherwise provided in the prepackaged
bankruptcy plan, each series of notes will be deemed canceled. In addition, the
note indentures will be canceled and will have no further force or effect except
to the limited extent required to allow for the distributions to be made in
accordance with the mechanics set out in the plan. The notes outstanding under
the secured credit facility will not be canceled but rather will be amended and
restated.
Issuance of New Securities; Execution of Related Documents
On the effective date of the prepackaged bankruptcy plan, the intermediate
holding company, the operating company and those of its subsidiaries which are
liable for the new variable rate secured senior notes will issue all securities,
notes, instruments, certificates, and other documents required to be issued
pursuant to the plan including, without limitation, the new variable rate
secured senior notes, the new 12% senior notes, the new preferred and common
stock and the modified secured credit facility, all of which shall be
distributed as provided in the plan.
The new variable rate secured senior notes, new 12% senior notes and new
preferred and common stock to be issued to noteholders pursuant to the
prepackaged bankruptcy plan are exempt from registration under section 1145 of
the bankruptcy code. As such, they will be freely tradable when issued except
that securities issued to a creditor who is an underwriter within the meaning of
section 1145(b) of the bankruptcy code will not be freely tradeable. Generally a
person is an underwriter under section 1145(b) if that person purchases claims
against a debtor with a view to distributing securities received in exchange for
such claims, offers to sell securities offered under a plan, offers to buy
securities offered under a plan with a view to distribution of such securities
or is an issuer as used in section 2(11) of the Securities Act of 1933. Any
creditor entitled to receive 10% or more of any series of securities to be
issued under the plan will be deemed to be an underwriter and will receive
restricted securities. The indentures under which the new variable rate secured
senior notes and 12% senior notes will be issued will be qualified under the
Trust Indenture Act of 1939.
Management
The prepackaged bankruptcy plan provides that the directors of the parent
company, the intermediate holding company, the operating company and its
subsidiaries immediately prior to the effective date shall be the initial
directors of the reorganized parent company, reorganized intermediate holding
company, reorganized operating company and its reorganized subsidiaries,
respectively. The plan also provides that the officers of the parent company and
the other Arch entities immediately prior to the effective date shall be the
initial officers of the reorganized Arch entities. To the extent any and all
persons proposed to serve as an officer or director of any reorganized entity
are insiders, as defined in the bankruptcy code, the nature of any compensation
for such persons will be disclosed to the bankruptcy court on or prior to the
hearing for confirmation of the plan.
Distributions with Respect to the Note Claims
All distributions provided for in the prepackaged bankruptcy plan on
account of note claims will be made by us to an exchange agent for delivery by
the exchange agent to the holders of such claims. The provisions of the note
indentures shall continue in effect only to the extent necessary to allow the
exchange agent to make distributions to holders of allowed note claims.
As soon as practicable after the effective date, the exchange agent will
send a transmittal letter to each noteholder of a note claim advising such
holder of the effectiveness of the prepackaged bankruptcy plan and the
instructions for delivering any notes in exchange for the securities
distributable pursuant to the prepackaged bankruptcy plan.
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In the event any notes shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, then upon
the delivery to the exchange agent of an appropriate affidavit and bond, the
exchange agent will issue the securities to which such claimant is entitled.
Any holder that fails to surrender the applicable note or file a loss
affidavit and bond within 180 days after the effective date, will be entitled to
look only to the reorganized entities for its distributions under the
prepackaged bankruptcy plan. Any holder who fails to surrender the note or file
a loss affidavit and bond, within one year after the effective date, will have
its claim discharged and shall be forever barred from asserting any such claim.
As of the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the
effective date, the applicable transfer books for the notes will be closed and
any further transfers will be prohibited. In the event of a transfer of
ownership of a note that is not registered in the applicable transfer books,
distributions under the prepackaged bankruptcy plan shall be delivered to the
holder of record as indicated by the applicable transfer books unless the
transferee of such holder delivers an appropriate letter of transmittal to the
exchange agent and appropriate documentation to evidence that such transfer was
in fact made and that all applicable transfer taxes have been paid. If any of
the securities are to be issued in a name other than that in which the note
surrendered in exchange therefor is registered, the note so surrendered shall be
transferable to the person designated by the registered holder upon presentation
of the note, properly assigned and endorsed, and an affidavit that the transfer
is otherwise proper and the person requesting the transfer has paid all
applicable taxes.
If a dividend or other distribution is declared by the intermediate holding
company with respect to the new preferred stock, the record date for which is on
or after the effective date, that declaration shall include dividends or other
distributions with respect to all shares of the new preferred stock
distributable pursuant to the prepackaged bankruptcy plan. Dividends and other
distributions will not be paid to any holder of any unsurrendered note until the
note is surrendered in accordance with the provisions of the plan. Subject to
the provisions of the plan, at any meeting of stockholders of the intermediate
holding company with a record date on or after the effective date, registered
holders of unsurrendered notes shall be entitled to vote the number of shares of
the new preferred stock represented by such notes, regardless of whether such
holders have surrendered their notes. However, any such vote shall be at the
times, upon the conditions, and in the manner prescribed by the certificate of
incorporation and bylaws of the new intermediate holding company.
The new preferred and common stock will only be issued in whole shares. Any
holder of a note claim who would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a share
greater than one half will have its distribution rounded up to the next higher
whole number of shares. Fractions of a share of one half or less will be rounded
down to the next lower number of shares.
DISTRIBUTIONS WITH RESPECT TO SECURED CREDIT FACILITY
All distributions due under the prepackaged bankruptcy plan to secured
credit facility lenders will be made by the operating company and its
subsidiaries to the administrative agent appointed under the secured credit
facility for distribution to the lenders.
CONDITIONS TO CONFIRMATION AND CONSUMMATION
It is a condition to confirmation of the prepackaged bankruptcy plan that
the secured credit facility lenders have accepted the plan by the necessary
majorities for the class of bank secured claims to be an accepting class. It is
also a condition that the conditions to confirmation provided for in the summary
of terms of the modified secured credit facility which is attached as Annex E to
this prospectus/disclosure statement have been satisfied or waived.
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It is a condition to consummation of the prepackaged bankruptcy plan that
the following conditions be satisfied or waived:
- the confirmation order has been signed by the bankruptcy court and duly
entered on the docket for the chapter 11 case by the clerk of the
bankruptcy court on or before December 31, 2001 in form and substance
acceptable to us and to the representatives of the lenders under the
secured credit facility;
- At least 10 days have elapsed since the confirmation order was entered on
the docket of the bankruptcy court and the confirmation order has not
been amended, modified, supplemented, reversed or stayed;
- all regulatory approvals authorizations and other necessary consents have
been obtained;
- all conditions precedent to the effectiveness of the modified secured
credit facility have been satisfied or waived;
- all actions, documents and agreements necessary to implement the
prepackaged bankruptcy plan have been effected or executed; and
- the prepackaged bankruptcy plan is consummated on or before January 15,
2002.
The conditions relating to the confirmation order may not be waived. We may
waive any other conditions without leave or order of the bankruptcy court, and
without any formal action other than proceeding to consummate the prepackaged
bankruptcy plan.
EFFECT OF CONSUMMATION OF THE PREPACKAGED BANKRUPTCY PLAN
Vesting of Rights
On and after the effective date, all our property will be owned by us as
reorganized under the prepackaged bankruptcy plan, free and clear of all claims,
liens, charges, or other encumbrances and equity interests except as otherwise
provided for in the plan and the confirmation order.
Discharge
Except as provided in the prepackaged bankruptcy plan or the confirmation
order:
- the rights afforded in the plan and the treatment of all impaired claims,
shall be in exchange for and in complete satisfaction, discharge and
release of claims of any nature whatsoever against us, or any of our
assets or properties, including any interest accrued on such claims from
and after the date we file our chapter 11 cases with the bankruptcy
court; and
- on the effective date, all such impaired claims against us shall be
satisfied, discharged and released in full.
As provided in the prepackaged bankruptcy plan, the liens securing the
secured credit facility and the extent, validity and priority of these liens
will not be discharged or affected in any manner by the prepackaged bankruptcy
plan or by confirmation but rather will continue in effect under the modified
secured credit facility and will secure the obligations of the reorganized
debtors to (1) the agent banks, letter of credit issuers and lenders under the
modified secured credit facility, (2) counterparties to hedging agreements who
were lenders or their affiliates at the time the applicable hedging agreement
was entered and (3) holders of variable rate secured senior notes.
Binding Effect
The provisions of the prepackaged bankruptcy plan, if confirmed, will bind
all holders of claims and equity interests regardless of whether they accept the
plan or are entitled to vote with respect to the plan. The distributions
provided for in the plan, if any, will be in exchange for and in complete
satisfaction, discharge and release of all impaired claims against us or any of
our assets or properties, including any
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impaired claim accruing after the date of the commencement of the chapter 11
case and prior to the confirmation date. All holders of impaired claims will be
precluded from asserting any claim against us or our assets or properties based
on any transaction or other activity of any kind that occurred prior to the
confirmation date.
MODIFICATION OF THE PREPACKAGED BANKRUPTCY PLAN
We may amend any material provisions of the prepackaged bankruptcy plan in
our discretion; provided, however, that any material amendment may only be made
if it is consented to by the representatives of the secured credit facility
lenders. We have agreed that any amendment that affects the treatment of claims
under the secured credit facility is a material amendment. Any amendments or
modifications to the plan made after the date the chapter 11 case is filed and
before or after the confirmation date may be made only in accordance with the
provisions of the bankruptcy code and the bankruptcy rules.
We reserve the right to use acceptances obtained with respect to the
prepackaged bankruptcy plan to confirm any amendments to the plan to the extent
permitted by law.
We will resolicit acceptances of the prepackaged bankruptcy plan only if a
modification to the plan adversely changes the treatment of the claim of any
holder who has not accepted the modification in writing. By voting to accept the
plan, the holders of outstanding notes or secured credit facility claims may be
deemed to have accepted a modified plan to the extent the bankruptcy court
determines that the modification does not adversely affect the rights, under the
plan, of such accepting holders.
At all times we reserve the right, in our sole discretion, not to file the
prepackaged bankruptcy plan or, if we file the plan, to withdraw the plan at any
time prior to confirmation, in which case the plan will be deemed to be null and
void. In such an event, nothing contained in the plan or this
prospectus/disclosure statement will be deemed to constitute a waiver or release
of any claims by or against us or any other person, nor shall the plan or this
prospectus/disclosure statement prejudice in any manner our rights or constitute
an admission, acknowledgment, offer or undertaking by us in any respect.
INTENDED ACTIONS DURING THE CHAPTER 11 CASE
In addition to seeking confirmation of the prepackaged bankruptcy plan,
during the pendency of the chapter 11 case, we intend to seek relief from the
bankruptcy court as to various matters which are intended to enable us to
preserve our business during the chapter 11 cases and to enhance our ability to
confirm the plan in an expeditious manner. While we believe that each of the
requests, if granted, would facilitate the chapter 11 case, there can be no
assurance that the bankruptcy court will grant any such relief or that
circumstances will not change in a manner that causes us to elect not to request
such relief.
Payment of Prepetition General Unsecured Claims
During the pendency of the chapter 11 case, we intend to operate our
business in the ordinary course and to make payment in full on a timely basis
for all goods and services provided after the commencement of the chapter 11
case. We also will seek approval immediately upon the filing of our petitions to
pay in full in the ordinary course of business the pre-petition claims owing to
general unsecured creditors that were incurred in the ordinary course of our
business, other than claims under the notes.
Provisions for Employees; Retention Programs
We intend to request authority from the bankruptcy court to pay salaries,
wages, accrued and unpaid vacation, health benefits, severance benefits and
similar employee benefits in the ordinary course without regard to whether such
amounts were earned prior to the filing of the chapter 11 cases consistent with
our policies and practices. These programs will also be assumed under the
prepackaged bankruptcy plan. There can be no assurance, however, that all or
part of such approval will be obtained. Employee claims and benefits not paid or
honored, as the case may be, prior to the consummation of the plan, will be paid
or
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honored upon consummation or as soon thereafter as such payment or other
obligation becomes due or payable. Employee benefit claims that accrue prior to
the date of the commencement of the chapter 11 case are unimpaired under the
terms of the plan.
Retention of Professionals
We intend to seek authority to employ:
- TD Securities and Bear Stearns as our financial advisors and investment
bankers in connection with the exchange offer;
- Hale and Dorr LLP, as our general counsel;
- Young, Conaway, Stargatt & Taylor, as our Delaware bankruptcy counsel;
- Arthur Andersen LLP as our independent auditors;
- MacKenzie Partners, Inc. as our information agent;
- Computershare Trust Company of New York as our exchange agent; and
- BSMG Worldwide, Inc. as our public relations advisor.
CONFIRMATION STANDARDS
The prepackaged bankruptcy plan must satisfy the following requirement to
be approved:
Good Faith and Compliance with Law
A plan of reorganization must be proposed in good faith and disclose
certain relevant information regarding payments due and the nature of
compensation to insiders. We believe that we have satisfied these requirements,
or will satisfy them prior to the date the prepackaged bankruptcy plan is
approved, and will seek a ruling to that effect from the bankruptcy court in
connection with confirmation of the plan.
Best Interests
With respect to each impaired class, each member of such class must either:
- accept the prepackaged bankruptcy plan; or
- receive or retain under the prepackaged bankruptcy plan on account of its
claim property of a value, as of the effective date, that is at least
equal to the value of the property that such member of the class would
receive or retain if we were liquidated under chapter 7 of the bankruptcy
code.
We believe that the prepackaged bankruptcy plan meets this test and will
seek appropriate findings from the bankruptcy court in connection with the
confirmation of the plan. See "-- Best Interests Test/ Liquidation Analysis."
Feasibility
The bankruptcy court must also determine that confirmation of the
prepackaged bankruptcy plan is not likely to be followed by our liquidation or
further reorganization. To determine whether the plan meets this requirement, we
have analyzed our ability to meet our obligations under the plan. This analysis
includes our projections of our financial performance. Such projections,
together with the underlying assumptions, are set forth in Annex D under
"Financial Projections." Based upon such projections, we believe that we will
have the financial capability to satisfy our obligations following the effective
date. Accordingly, we will seek a ruling to that effect in connection with the
confirmation of the plan.
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Prepackaged Bankruptcy Plan Acceptance
Subject to certain exceptions, the prepackaged bankruptcy plan must be
accepted by all impaired classes of claims. Classes of claims that are not
"impaired" under a plan are deemed to have accepted the plan and are not
entitled to vote. A class of claims accepts a plan if the holders of at least
two thirds in dollar amount and more than 50% in number of the allowed claims in
that class that actually vote on the plan, vote to accept the plan. Holders of
claims who fail to vote or who abstain will not be counted to determine the
acceptance or rejection of the prepackaged bankruptcy plan by any impaired
class.
The bankruptcy code provides that acceptances obtained prior to the filing
of a petition will be effective in a chapter 11 case only if the pre-petition
solicitation of the acceptances complied with applicable non-bankruptcy law
governing the adequacy of disclosure, such as federal securities laws and
regulations. We intend to use the ballots regarding the prepackaged bankruptcy
plan that are received pursuant to this solicitation to confirm the plan. We
believe that this solicitation complies with such applicable non-bankruptcy law
and otherwise contains "adequate information" and will seek appropriate findings
from the bankruptcy court in this regard.
The only classes that are impaired and which are entitled to vote on the
prepackaged bankruptcy plan are the classes containing claims for five
outstanding series of notes, secured credit facility claims and intercompany
claims. The other classes in the plan are unimpaired, and they are deemed to
have accepted the plan.
CONFIRMATION OF THE PREPACKAGED BANKRUPTCY PLAN WITHOUT ACCEPTANCE BY ALL
CLASSES OF IMPAIRED CLAIMS
The bankruptcy code provides an exception to the requirement that every
class must accept a plan of reorganization. This exception is commonly known as
the "cramdown" provision. This provision may allow us to confirm the prepackaged
bankruptcy plan even if one or more, but not all, of the impaired classes
rejects the prepackaged bankruptcy plan. If we can demonstrate to the bankruptcy
court that the plan satisfies the requirements of the "cramdown" provision, each
impaired class that voted to reject the plan would, nonetheless, be bound to the
treatment afforded to that class under the plan.
To obtain confirmation of the prepackaged bankruptcy plan using the
"cramdown" provision, we must demonstrate to the bankruptcy court that, as to
each impaired class that has rejected the plan, the treatment afforded to such
class under the plan "does not discriminate unfairly" and is "fair and
equitable."
In general, a plan does not discriminate unfairly if it provides a
treatment to the class that has rejected the plan that is substantially
equivalent in value to the treatment that is provided to other classes
consisting of claims that have equal rank. In determining whether a plan
discriminates unfairly, courts will take into account a number of factors,
including the differences between obligations for money borrowed and trade
credit. Accordingly, two classes of unsecured creditors could be treated
differently without unfairly discriminating against either class.
In general, a plan of reorganization is "fair and equitable" to unsecured
creditors if the plan provides that the holder will retain property having a
value equal to the amount of its claim or if no class of claims or interests
junior in right to the rejecting unsecured creditors class will receive or
retain any property under the plan. A plan is "fair and equitable" to secured
creditors if the plan provides that the holder will retain its security interest
and be paid the value of its collateral or otherwise receive the indubitable
equivalent of its claim. Therefore, to confirm the prepackaged bankruptcy plan
over the dissent of the any class of noteholders, we must show that the
rejecting class of noteholders will receive full payment of their claims under
the plan. Similarly, to confirm the prepackaged bankruptcy plan over the
objection of a class of secured creditors, we must show that the present value
of the deferred payments to be made to secured credit facility lenders will not
be less than the amount of the secured credit facility loan claims. We cannot
provide any assurance that the value of the securities to be issued in
satisfaction of the notes or the
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present value of the deferred payments to the secured lenders will have a value
of not less than the amount of the note or secured credit facility claims, as
applicable.
If any impaired class of noteholders fails to accept the prepackaged
bankruptcy plan, we reserve the right under the plan to request that the
bankruptcy court confirm the plan in accordance with the "cramdown" provision
under the bankruptcy code. In addition, or as an alternative, we also reserve
the right to modify the plan to the extent required to conform to the "cramdown"
provisions. Any such confirmation would be subject to judicial approval of this
solicitation and the plan, including any approval required under the "cramdown"
provision of the bankruptcy code.
CONSEQUENCES OF INSUFFICIENT VOTES IN FAVOR OF THE PREPACKAGED BANKRUPTCY PLAN
If the requisite acceptances to the exchange offer or prepackaged
bankruptcy plan are not received by the expiration date of the solicitation
period, we will be forced to evaluate our options. Options available to us could
include:
- extending the solicitation period;
- seeking non-consensual confirmation of the prepackaged bankruptcy plan on
the basis described above or on some other basis;
- submission of a revised plan of reorganization to its noteholders,
debentureholders, secured credit facility creditors, general unsecured
creditors and stockholders; and
- filing for protection under the bankruptcy code without a pre-approved
plan of reorganization or pursuing a non-bankruptcy restructuring.
There can be no assurance that we would be able to successfully propose and
confirm a different plan of reorganization in which case we might be forced into
a liquidation proceeding under chapter 7 of the bankruptcy code if another
alternative plan is not successfully proposed.
BEST INTERESTS TEST/LIQUIDATION ANALYSIS
General
The bankruptcy code requires that each holder of an allowed claim or
interest in an impaired class either accept the prepackaged bankruptcy plan, or
receive or retain under the plan on account of the allowed claim or interest
property of a value that is not less than the amount that such holder would
receive or retain if we were liquidated under chapter 7 of the bankruptcy code.
This is the "best interests test". The test considers, hypothetically, the fair
salable value of a debtor's assets through liquidation in a chapter 7 bankruptcy
proceeding and the value of distributions to creditors and holders of equity
interests that would be distributed as a result of such liquidation, often
taking into account the costs that would be incurred and the additional
liabilities that would arise as a result of the liquidation in such a
proceeding.
If the prepackaged bankruptcy plan is not confirmed, and the chapter 11
case is converted to a case under chapter 7 of the bankruptcy code, a trustee
would be elected to liquidate our assets. The proceeds of the liquidation would
be distributed to the respective holders of allowed claims and equity interests
in the Arch entities in accordance with the priorities established by the
bankruptcy code. The chapter 7 trustee would be entitled to a percentage fee for
the trustee's services which is based upon the total amount of funds disbursed
to parties in interest. Pursuant to the bankruptcy code, the trustee would be
entitled to up to a 25% fee of the first $5,000 disbursed, up to a 10% fee of
the amounts disbursed between $5,000 and $50,000, up to a 5% fee of the amount
between $50,000 and $1.0 million, and reasonable compensation not to exceed 3%
of the amount disbursed in excess of $1.0 million. The trustee is also
authorized to retain professionals, including accountants and attorneys, to
liquidate the chapter 7 estates.
Under chapter 7, a secured creditor whose claim is fully secured would be
entitled to full payment, including, without limitation, interest from the
proceeds of the sale of its collateral. Unless its claim is nonrecourse, a
secured creditor whose collateral is insufficient to pay its claim in full would
be entitled to
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assert an unsecured claim for its deficiency. Claims entitled to priority under
the bankruptcy code would be paid in full before any distribution to general
unsecured creditors, including, without limitation, the chapter 7 trustee's fee
and the amounts due to the professionals retained by the chapter 7 trustee.
Funds, if any, remaining after payment of secured claims, the costs of
administering the chapter 7 case and liquidation, and priority claims would be
distributed pro rata to general unsecured creditors, and, to the extent of any
remaining funds, to stockholders.
We believe that liquidation under chapter 7 would result in a substantial
diminution of the value of the estate because of:
- failure to realize the greater going-concern value of our assets;
- the erosion in value of our assets in the context of expeditious
liquidation required under chapter 7 and the "forced sale" atmosphere
that would prevail;
- additional administrative expenses that would be incurred by a chapter 7
trustee and its attorneys, accountants and other professionals to assist
such trustees;
- additional expenses and claims, some of which would be entitled to
priority, that would arise by reason of the liquidation and from the
rejection of leases and other executory contracts in connection with a
cessation of our operations; and
- the costs attributable to the time value of money resulting from what is
likely to be a more protracted proceeding than if the prepackaged
bankruptcy plan is confirmed (because of the time required to liquidate
our assets, resolve claims and related litigation and prepare for
distributions).
The Liquidation Analysis
Our management, with the assistance of a valuation advisor retained by us,
has prepared a hypothetical chapter 7 liquidation analysis to assist holders of
impaired claims to reach a determination as to whether to accept or reject the
prepackaged bankruptcy plan. The liquidation analysis estimates the amounts that
are likely to be realized and allocates those amounts to creditors and
equityholders in accordance with the priorities provided for in a chapter 7
case. The liquidation analysis is provided solely to disclose the effects of a
hypothetical liquidation of us under chapter 7 of the bankruptcy code, subject
to the assumptions set forth below.
We believe, based on the assumptions set forth in the liquidation analysis,
that none of our noteholders or debentureholders, other than the secured portion
of the 9 1/2% senior notes and the 14% senior notes, would receive any
distribution on account of their claims in the event of a liquidation of our
assets. The holders of 9 1/2% senior notes and 14% senior notes and the holders
of secured credit facility claims would receive substantially less in a
liquidation than they will receive under the prepackaged bankruptcy plan.
Therefore, the value of the distributions offered to the members of each class
of impaired claims under the prepackaged bankruptcy plan will be substantially
greater than the distribution such creditors would receive in a liquidation
under chapter 7.
Underlying the liquidation analysis are a number of estimates and
assumptions that, although developed and considered reasonable by our
management, are inherently subject to economic and competitive uncertainties and
contingencies that are beyond our control. Accordingly, there can be no
assurance that the values assumed in the liquidation analysis would be realized
if our business was in fact liquidated. In addition, any liquidation that would
be undertaken would necessarily take place in future circumstances which cannot
currently be predicted. Accordingly, while the liquidation analysis is
necessarily presented with numerical specificity, the actual liquidation
proceeds would likely vary from the amounts set forth in Annex L. Such actual
liquidation proceeds could be materially lower, or higher, than the amounts set
forth in Annex L and no representation or warranty can be or is being made with
respect to the actual proceeds that could be received in a chapter 7
liquidation. The liquidation analysis has been prepared solely for purposes of
estimating the proceeds available to creditors and equity interests and does
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not represent values that may be appropriate for any other purpose. Nothing
contained in the liquidation analysis is intended or may constitute a concession
or admission for any other purpose.
We have approached this liquidation analysis on an asset liquidation basis
because there can be no assurance that our Federal Communications Commission
licenses would not be revoked by the Federal Communications Commission upon a
conversion of the chapter 11 case to a chapter 7 case, thereby eliminating the
possibility that we could continue operating or be sold as a "going concern" or
"going concerns".
The liquidation analysis assumes that our assets would be broken up and
sold by a chapter 7 trustee irrespective of their current use. Some of our
assets when broken up may not be able to be sold or may realize minimal
proceeds.
A copy of the liquidation analysis prepared by our management, including
the assumptions used with respect thereto, is attached as Annex L.
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SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
The following table sets forth selected historical consolidated financial
and operating data of Arch for each of the five years ended December 31, 2000
and the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 2001. The selected financial and
operating data as of December 31, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 and for each
of the five years ended December 31, 2000 have been derived from Arch Wireless
Inc.'s audited consolidated financial statements and notes. The selected
financial and operating data as of March 31, 2001 and for the three months ended
March 31, 2000 and 2001 have been derived from Arch Wireless Inc.'s unaudited
consolidated condensed financial statements and notes. You should read the
following consolidated financial information in conjunction with "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
the consolidated financial statements and notes set forth below.
The extraordinary item is an extraordinary gain or loss resulting from
prepayment of indebtedness. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
Adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and
amortization, as determined by Arch, does not reflect interest, income taxes,
depreciation and amortization, restructuring charges, equity in loss of
affiliate and extraordinary items; consequently, adjusted earnings before
interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization may not necessarily be
comparable to similarly titled data of other wireless messaging companies.
Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization is
commonly used by analysts and investors as a principal measure of financial
performance in the wireless messaging industry. Adjusted earnings before
interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization is also one of the primary
financial measures used to calculate whether Arch and its subsidiaries are in
compliance with financial covenants under their debt agreements. These
covenants, among other things, limit the ability of Arch and its subsidiaries
to: incur additional indebtedness, make investments, pay dividends, grant liens
on its assets, merge, sell or acquire assets, repurchase or redeem capital
stock, incur capital expenditures and prepay certain indebtedness. Earnings
before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization is also one of the
financial measures used by analysts to value Arch. Therefore Arch management
believes that the presentation of earnings before interest, income taxes,
depreciation and amortization provides relevant information to investors.
Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization should not
be construed as an alternative to operating income or cash flows from operating
activities as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles or as a measure of liquidity. Amounts reflected as earnings before
interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization or adjusted earnings
before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization are not necessarily
available for discretionary use as a result of restrictions imposed by the terms
of existing indebtedness or limitations imposed by applicable law upon the
payment of dividends or distributions among other things. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
Adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and
amortization margin is calculated by dividing Arch's adjusted earnings before
interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization by total revenues less
cost of products sold. Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and
amortization margin is a measure commonly used in the wireless messaging
industry to evaluate a company's earnings before interest, income taxes,
depreciation and amortization relative to total revenues less cost of products
sold as an indicator of the efficiency of a company's operating structure.
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THREE MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2000 2001
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
DATA:
Total revenues............. $ 331,370 $ 396,841 $ 413,635 $ 641,824 $ 851,082 $ 189,995 $ 327,429
Cost of products sold...... (27,469) (29,158) (29,953) (34,954) (35,861) (8,880) (11,511)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- -----------
303,901 367,683 383,682 606,870 815,221 181,115 315,918
Operating expenses:
Service, rental and
maintenance............ 64,957 79,836 80,782 132,400 182,993 39,115 81,043
Selling.................. 46,962 51,474 49,132 84,249 107,208 25,045 36,656
General and
administrative......... 86,181 106,041 112,181 180,726 263,901 53,934 108,677
Depreciation and
amortization........... 191,871 232,347 221,316 309,434 500,831 90,707 247,088
Restructuring charge..... -- -- 14,700 (2,200) 5,425 -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- -----------
Operating income (loss).... (86,070) (102,015) (94,429) (97,739) (245,137) (27,686) (157,546)
Interest and non-operating
expenses, net............ (75,927) (97,159) (104,213) (188,249) (169,252) (42,506) (72,137)
Equity in loss of
affiliate................ (1,968) (3,872) (5,689) (3,200) -- -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- -----------
Income (loss) before income
tax benefit,
extraordinary item and
accounting change........ (163,965) (203,046) (204,331) (289,188) (414,389) (70,192) (229,683)
Income tax benefit......... 51,207 21,172 -- -- 46,006 -- 35,500
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- -----------
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item and
accounting change........ (112,758) (181,874) (204,331) (289,188) (368,383) (70,192) (194,183)
Extraordinary item......... (1,904) -- (1,720) 6,963 58,603 7,615 14,956
Cumulative effect of
accounting change........ -- -- -- (3,361) -- -- (6,794)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- -----------
Net income (loss).......... $ (114,662) $ (181,874) $ (206,051) $ (285,586) $ (309,780) $ (62,577) $ (186,021)
========== ========== ========== ========== =========== ========== ===========
Basic/diluted income (loss)
per common share before
extraordinary item and
accounting change........ $ (16.59) $ (26.31) $ (29.34) $ (9.21) $ (4.86) $ (1.28) $ (1.17)
Extraordinary item per
basic/diluted common
share.................... (0.27) -- (0.25) 0.22 0.76 0.14 0.09
Cumulative effect of
accounting change per
basic/diluted common
share.................... -- -- -- (0.11) -- -- (0.04)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- -----------
Basic/diluted net income
per common share......... $ (16.86) $ (26.31) $ (29.59) $ (9.10) $ (4.10) $ (1.14) $ (1.12)
========== ========== ========== ========== =========== ========== ===========
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THREE MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2000 2001
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
OTHER OPERATING DATA:
Capital expenditures,
excluding acquisitions... $ 165,206 $ 102,769 $ 113,184 $ 113,651 $ 140,285 $ 32,854 $ 28,507
Cash flows provided by
(used in) operating
activities............... $ 37,802 $ 63,590 $ 83,380 $ 99,536 $ 32,325 $ 31,915 $ (9,581)
Cash flows used in
investing activities..... $ (490,626) $ (102,769) $ (82,868) $ (627,166) $ (92,500) $ (32,854) $ (28,333)
Cash flows provided by
(used in) financing
activities............... $ 452,678 $ 39,010 $ (2,207) $ 529,158 $ 111,996 $ 2,000 $ 75,209
Adjusted earnings before
interest, income taxes,
depreciation and
amortization............. $ 105,801 $ 130,332 $ 141,587 $ 209,495 $ 261,119 $ 63,021 $ 89,542
Adjusted earnings before
interest, income taxes,
depreciation and
amortization margin...... 35% 35% 37% 35% 32% 35% 28%
Units in service at end of
period................... 3,295,000 3,890,000 4,276,000 6,949,000 11,894,000 6,869,000 11,110,000
AS OF DECEMBER 31, AS OF
------------------------------------------------------------------ MARCH 31,
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Current assets................ $ 43,611 $ 51,025 $ 50,712 $ 85,303 $ 211,443 $ 241,295
Total assets.................. 1,146,756 1,020,720 904,285 1,353,045 2,309,609 2,118,630
Long-term debt, less current
maturities.................. 918,150 968,896 1,001,224 1,322,508 1,679,219 1,624,939
Redeemable preferred stock.... 3,712 -- 26,030 28,176 30,505 31,107
Stockholders' equity
(deficit)................... 147,851 (33,255) (239,493) (245,735) (94,264) (273,187)
The following table reconciles net income to the presentation of adjusted
earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization:
THREE MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31,
------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2000 2001
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Net income (loss)...... $(114,662) $(181,874) $(206,051) $(285,586) $(309,780) $(62,577) $(186,021)
Interest and
non-operating
expenses, net........ 75,927 97,159 104,213 188,249 169,252 42,506 72,137
Income tax benefit..... (51,207) (21,172) -- -- (46,006) -- (35,500)
Depreciation and
amortization......... 191,871 232,347 221,316 309,434 500,831 90,707 247,088
Restructuring charge... -- -- 14,700 (2,200) 5,425 -- --
Equity in loss of
affiliate............ 1,968 3,872 5,689 3,200 -- -- --
Extraordinary item..... 1,904 -- 1,720 (6,963) (58,603) (7,615) (14,956)
Cumulative effect of
accounting change.... -- -- -- 3,361 -- -- 6,794
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- ---------
Adjusted earnings
before interest,
income taxes,
depreciation and
amortization......... $ 105,801 $ 130,332 $ 141,587 $ 209,495 $ 261,119 $ 63,021 $ 89,542
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ======== =========
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ARCH WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
The following table sets forth selected historical consolidated financial
and operating data of the intermediate holding company for each of the five
years ended December 31, 2000 and the three months ended March 31, 2000 and
2001. The selected financial and operating data as of December 31, 1996, 1997,
1998, 1999 and 2000 and for each of the five years ended December 31, 2000 have
been derived from Arch Wireless Communications, Inc.'s audited consolidated
financial statements and notes. The selected financial and operating data as of
March 31, 2001 and for the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 2001 have been
derived from Arch Wireless Communications, Inc.'s unaudited consolidated
condensed financial statements and notes. You should read the following
consolidated financial information in conjunction with "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the
consolidated financial statements and notes set forth below.
The extraordinary item is an extraordinary gain or loss resulting from
prepayment of indebtedness. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
THREE MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2000 2001
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
DATA:
Total revenues............. $ 331,370 $ 396,841 $ 413,635 $ 641,824 $ 847,586 $ 189,995 $ 322,223
Cost of products sold...... (27,469) (29,158) (29,953) (34,954) (35,585) (8,880) (11,180)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- -----------
303,901 367,683 383,682 606,870 812,001 181,115 311,043
Operating expenses:
Service, rental and
maintenance............ 64,957 79,836 80,782 132,400 182,201 39,115 79,790
Selling.................. 46,962 51,474 49,132 84,249 106,797 25,045 35,926
General and
administrative......... 86,181 106,041 112,181 180,726 262,577 53,934 106,784
Depreciation and
amortization........... 191,101 231,376 220,172 308,464 496,873 90,638 241,981
Restructuring charge..... -- -- 14,700 (2,200) 5,425 -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- -----------
Operating income (loss).... (85,300) (101,044) (93,285) (96,769) (241,872) (27,617) (153,438)
Interest and non-operating
expenses, net............ (49,060) (62,884) (66,409) (143,722) (144,170) (30,961) (63,423)
Equity in loss of
affiliate................ (1,968) (3,872) (5,689) (3,200) -- -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- -----------
Income (loss) before income
tax benefit,
extraordinary item and
accounting change........ (136,328) (167,800) (165,383) (243,691) (386,042) (58,578) (216,861)
Income tax benefit......... 51,207 21,172 -- -- 46,006 -- 35,500
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- -----------
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item and
accounting change........ (85,121) (146,628) (165,383) (243,691) (340,036) (58,578) (181,361)
Extraordinary item......... (1,904) -- (1,720) -- -- -- --
Cumulative effect of
accounting change........ -- -- -- (3,361) -- -- (6,794)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- -----------
Net income (loss).......... $ (87,025) $ (146,628) $ (167,103) $ (247,052) $ (340,036) $ (58,578) $ (188,155)
========== ========== ========== ========== =========== ========== ===========
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THREE MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2000 2001
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
OTHER OPERATING DATA:
Capital expenditures,
excluding acquisitions... $ 155,575 $ 102,767 $ 113,184 $ 113,651 $ 139,162 $ 32,854 $ 25,458
Cash flows provided by
(used in) operating
activities............... $ 40,476 $ 64,606 $ 84,210 $ 100,505 $ 33,162 $ 31,966 $ (5,964)
Cash flows used in
investing activities..... $ (480,995) $ (102,767) $ (82,868) $ (627,166) $ (95,620) $ (32,854) $ (25,284)
Cash flows provided by
(used in) financing
activities............... $ 438,163 $ 38,777 $ (3,207) $ 529,020 $ 110,036 $ 2,000 $ 60,778
Adjusted earnings before
interest, income taxes,
depreciation and
amortization............. $ 105,801 $ 130,332 $ 141,587 $ 209,495 $ 260,426 $ 63,021 $ 88,543
Adjusted earnings before
interest, income taxes,
depreciation and
amortization margin...... 35% 35% 37% 35% 32% 35% 28%
Units in service at end of
period................... 3,295,000 3,890,000 4,276,000 6,949,000 11,589,000 6,869,000 10,803,000
AS OF DECEMBER 31, AS OF
--------------------------------------------------------------- MARCH 31,
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
---------- ---------- ------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Current assets.................. $ 41,385 $ 49,584 $49,101 $ 84,523 $ 202,967 $ 227,213
Total assets.................... 1,134,328 1,010,046 894,585 1,345,146 2,029,370 1,836,825
Long-term debt, less current
maturities.................... 605,513 623,000 620,629 924,132 1,454,646 1,425,121
Redeemable preferred stock...... -- -- -- -- -- --
Stockholders' equity
(deficit)..................... 451,847 302,042 159,782 172,945 (115,829) (67,984)
The following table reconciles net income to the presentation of adjusted
earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization:
THREE MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31,
-------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2000 2001
-------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Net income (loss)............. $(87,025) $(146,628) $(167,103) $(247,052) $(340,036) $(58,578) $(188,155)
Interest and non-operating
expenses, net............... 49,060 62,884 66,409 143,722 144,170 30,961 63,423
Income tax benefit............ (51,207) (21,172) -- -- (46,006) -- (35,500)
Depreciation and
amortization................ 191,101 231,376 220,172 308,464 496,873 90,638 241,981
Restructuring charge.......... -- -- 14,700 (2,200) 5,425 -- --
Equity in loss of affiliate... 1,968 3,872 5,689 3,200 -- -- --
Extraordinary item............ 1,904 -- 1,720 -- -- -- --
Cumulative effect of
accounting change........... -- -- -- 3,361 -- -- 6,794
-------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- ---------
Adjusted earnings before
interest, income taxes,
depreciation and
amortization................ $105,801 $ 130,332 $ 141,587 $ 209,495 $ 260,426 $ 63,021 $ 88,543
======== ========= ========= ========= ========= ======== =========
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ARCH WIRELESS HOLDINGS, INC.
The following table sets forth selected historical consolidated financial
and operating data of the operating company for each of the five years ended
December 31, 2000 and the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 2001. The
selected financial and operating data as of December 31, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
and 2000 and for each of the five years ended December 31, 2000 have been
derived from Arch Wireless Holdings, Inc.'s audited consolidated financial
statements and notes. The selected financial and operating data as of March 31,
2001 and for the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 2001 have been derived
from Arch Wireless Holdings, Inc.'s unaudited consolidated condensed financial
statements and notes. You should read the following consolidated financial
information in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the consolidated financial
statements and notes set forth below.
The extraordinary item is an extraordinary gain or loss resulting from
prepayment of indebtedness. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
THREE MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31,
---------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2000 2001
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Total revenues........................ $ 331,370 $ 396,841 $ 413,635 $ 641,824 $ 847,586 $ 189,995 $ 322,223
Cost of products sold................. (27,469) (29,158) (29,953) (34,954) (35,585) (8,880) (11,180)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- ----------
303,901 367,683 383,682 606,870 812,001 181,115 311,043
Operating expenses:
Service, rental and maintenance..... 64,957 79,836 80,782 132,400 182,201 39,115 79,790
Selling............................. 46,962 51,474 49,132 84,249 106,797 25,045 35,926
General and administrative.......... 86,181 106,041 112,181 180,726 262,577 53,934 106,784
Depreciation and amortization....... 191,101 231,376 219,895 307,561 495,727 90,357 241,658
Restructuring charge................ -- -- 14,700 (2,200) 5,425 -- --
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- ----------
Operating income (loss)............... (85,300) (101,044) (93,008) (95,866) (240,726) (27,336) (153,115)
Interest and non-operating expenses,
net................................. (23,185) (37,009) (32,106) (86,554) (80,424) (15,025) (47,486)
Equity in loss of affiliate........... (1,968) (3,872) (5,689) (3,200) -- -- --
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- ----------
Income (loss) before income tax
benefit, extraordinary item and
accounting change................... (110,453) (141,925) (130,803) (185,620) (321,150) (42,361) (200,601)
Income tax benefit.................... 51,207 21,172 -- -- 46,006 -- 35,500
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- ----------
Income (loss) before extraordinary
item and accounting change.......... (59,246) (120,753) (130,803) (185,620) (275,144) (42,361) (165,101)
Extraordinary item.................... (1,904) -- (1,720) -- -- -- --
Cumulative effect of accounting
change.............................. -- -- -- (3,361) -- -- (6,794)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- ----------
Net income (loss)..................... $ (61,150) $(120,753) $(132,523) $(188,981) $ (275,144) $ (42,361) $ (171,895)
========= ========= ========= ========= ========== ========= ==========
OTHER OPERATING DATA:
Capital expenditures, excluding
acquisitions........................ $ 155,575 $ 102,767 $ 108,130 $ 108,637 $ 139,144 $ 32,854 $ 25,323
Cash flows provided by (used in)
operating activities................ $ 66,351 $ 90,481 $ 107,809 $ 148,048 $ 97,441 $ 46,634 $ 8,261
Cash flows used in investing
activities.......................... $(480,995) $(102,767) $ (77,814) $(622,152) $ (95,602) $ (32,854) $ (25,149)
Cash flows provided by (used in)
financing activities................ $ 412,288 $ 12,902 $ (31,860) $ 476,463 $ 45,739 $ (12,668) $ 46,418
Adjusted earnings before interest,
income taxes, depreciation and
amortization........................ $ 105,801 $ 130,332 $ 141,587 $ 209,495 $ 260,426 $ 63,021 $ 88,543
Adjusted earnings before interest,
income taxes, depreciation and
amortization margin................. 35% 35% 37% 35% 32% 35% 28%
Units in service at end of period..... 3,295,000 3,890,000 4,276,000 6,949,000 11,589,000 6,869,000 10,803,000
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AS OF DECEMBER 31, AS OF
------------------------------------------------------------ MARCH 31,
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
---------- ---------- -------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Current assets.................................. $ 41,385 $ 49,584 $ 49,101 $ 84,523 $ 202,967 $ 227,213
Total assets.................................... 1,134,328 1,010,046 889,808 1,336,258 2,021,610 1,829,253
Long-term debt, less current maturities......... 380,513 398,000 265,749 430,880 960,311 930,515
Redeemable preferred stock...................... -- -- -- -- -- --
Stockholders' equity (deficit).................. 680,951 534,323 525,454 683,914 395,735 440,271
The following table reconciles net income to the presentation of adjusted
earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization:
THREE MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31,
-------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2000 2001
-------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Net income (loss)............. $(61,150) $(120,753) $(132,523) $(188,981) $(275,144) $(42,361) $(171,895)
Interest and non-operating
expenses, net............... 23,185 37,009 32,106 86,554 80,424 15,025 47,486
Income tax benefit............ (51,207) (21,172) -- -- (46,006) -- (35,500)
Depreciation and
amortization................ 191,101 231,376 219,895 307,561 495,727 90,357 241,658
Restructuring charge.......... -- -- 14,700 (2,200) 5,425 -- --
Equity in loss of affiliate... 1,968 3,872 5,689 3,200 -- -- --
Extraordinary item............ 1,904 -- 1,720 -- -- -- --
Cumulative effect of
accounting change........... -- -- -- 3,361 -- -- 6,794
-------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- ---------
Adjusted earnings before
interest, income taxes,
depreciation and
amortization................ $105,801 $ 130,332 $ 141,587 $ 209,495 $ 260,426 $ 63,021 $ 88,543
======== ========= ========= ========= ========= ======== =========
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED DIVIDENDS
Arch Wireless, Inc.
For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 and the
three months ended March 31, 2001, the parent company's earnings from continuing
operations were insufficient to cover fixed charges by approximately $164.0
million, $203.0 million, $204.3 million, $289.2 million, $414.4 million and
$229.7 million, respectively.
For the same periods, the parent company's earnings from continuing
operations were insufficient to cover fixed charges, preferred stock accretion
and preferred stock dividends by approximately $164.3 million, $203.1 million,
$205.4 million, $291.3 million, $420.9 million and $230.3 million, respectively.
Arch Wireless Communications, Inc.
For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 and the
three months ended March 31, 2001, the old intermediate holding company's
earnings from continuing operations were insufficient to cover fixed charges by
approximately $136.3 million, $167.8 million, $165.4 million, $243.7 million,
$386.0 million and $216.9 million, respectively.
Arch Wireless Holdings, Inc.
For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 and the
three months ended March 31, 2001, the operating company's earnings from
continuing operations were insufficient to cover fixed charges by approximately
$110.5 million, $141.9 million, $130.8 million, $185.6 million, $321.2 million
and $200.6 million, respectively.
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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
CONSOLIDATED
OVERVIEW
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with
Arch's consolidated financial statements and notes.
Arch derives the majority of its revenues from fixed monthly or other
periodic fees charged to subscribers for wireless messaging services. Such fees
are not generally dependent on usage. As long as a subscriber remains on
service, operating results benefit from the recurring payments of the fixed
periodic fees without incurrence of additional selling expenses. Arch's service,
rental and maintenance revenues and the related expenses exhibit substantially
similar growth trends. Excluding the effect of definitional changes, Arch's
average revenue per unit in service has declined over the last three years for
two principal reasons:
- primarily due to an increase in competition in certain of the markets in
which Arch operates, particularly competition from telephone, cellular
and PCS providers; and
- to a lesser extent, an increase in the number of reseller customers whose
airtime is purchased at wholesale rates.
The reduction in average revenue per unit in service resulting from these
trends has been offset by the reduction of expenses so that margins had been
improving until Arch's merger in June 1999 with MobileMedia which resulted in
redundant management and administrative headcount. While the integration of Arch
and MobileMedia's operations are substantially complete, the consummation of the
PageNet merger in November 2000 also resulted in redundant management and
administrative headcount. Arch expects margins to improve following completion
of the integration of PageNet.
During the 1990s, Arch achieved significant growth in units in service and
adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization
through acquisitions and, prior to 1999, internal growth. During 1999, units in
service decreased by 89,000 units, excluding the addition of subscribers from
the MobileMedia acquisition. As a result of the MobileMedia and PageNet
acquisitions units in service were adjusted to eliminate intercompany accounts
and to reflect a common definition of units in service. During 2000, units in
service decreased by a further 2,073,000 units, 888,000 due to subscriber
cancellations and 1,185,000 due to definitional changes, excluding the addition
of subscribers from the PageNet acquisition. In the three months ended March 31,
2001, units in service decreased by 784,000 units. Arch believes it will
experience a substantial net decline in the number of units in service during
2001 as Arch's addition of advanced messaging subscribers is likely to be
exceeded by its loss of traditional messaging subscribers. Arch's ability to
compete against telephone, cellular and PCS providers providing advanced
messaging services is as yet unproven. From January 1, 1998 through December 31,
2000, Arch's total number of units in service grew from 3.9 million to 11.9
million units. Arch's total revenues have increased from $413.6 million in the
year ended December 31, 1998 to $641.8 million in the year ended December 31,
1999 and to $851.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2000. Arch had net
losses of $206.1 million, $285.6 million and $309.8 million in the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000, respectively, as a result of significant
depreciation and amortization expenses related to acquired and developed assets
and interest charges associated with indebtedness. Arch's net loss increased to
$186.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2001 from $62.6 million for
the corresponding 2000 period, as a result of significant depreciation and
amortization expenses related to assets acquired in the PageNet merger and
interest charges associated with indebtedness. As its subscriber base has grown,
Arch's adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and
amortization has increased from $141.6 million in the year ended December 31,
1998 to $209.5 million in the year ended December 31, 1999 and to $261.1 million
in the year ended December 31, 2000. Arch's adjusted earnings before interest,
income
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taxes, depreciation and amortization increased to $89.5 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2001 from $63.0 million for the corresponding 2000
period, as a result of the PageNet merger.
Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization is a
commonly used measure of financial performance in the wireless messaging
industry. Adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and
amortization is one of the financial measures used to calculate whether Arch and
its subsidiaries are in compliance with the covenants under their respective
debt agreements. Adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation
and amortization should not be construed as an alternative to operating income
or cash flows from operating activities as determined in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. One of Arch's financial objectives is
to increase its adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation
and amortization, since this is a significant source of funds for servicing
indebtedness and for investment in continued growth, including purchase of
messaging units, messaging system equipment, construction and expansion of
messaging systems and possible acquisitions. Adjusted earnings before interest,
income taxes, depreciation and amortization, as determined by Arch, may not
necessarily be comparable to similarly titled data of other wireless messaging
companies. Amounts reflected as adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes,
depreciation and amortization are not necessarily available for discretionary
use as a result of restrictions imposed by the terms of existing or future
indebtedness, including the repayment of such indebtedness or the payment of
associated interest, limitations imposed by applicable law upon the payment of
dividends or distributions or capital expenditure requirements.
PAGENET MERGER
On November 10, 2000, Arch completed its acquisition of PageNet for $1.35
billion consisting of 89,896,907 shares of Arch common stock valued at $263.4
million, the assumption of liabilities of $1.06 billion and $27.6 million of
transaction costs. In the merger, each outstanding share of PageNet's common
stock was exchanged for 0.04796505 shares of Arch's common stock. In connection
with the merger, 80.5% of the total equity of PageNet's subsidiary, Vast
Solutions, Inc. was issued to PageNet's current stockholders and noteholders and
Arch holds the remaining 19.5% of Vast's equity.
During the fourth quarter of 2000, Arch management commenced the
development of plans to integrate PageNet operations, including the elimination
of redundant headcount and facilities. It is expected that integration will be
completed by December 31, 2001. Since Arch currently anticipates a net reduction
of approximately 50% of PageNet's workforce and the closing of certain
facilities, it established a $76.0 million acquisition reserve which is included
as part of the purchase price of PageNet. The initial acquisition reserve
consisted of approximately:
- $66.1 million for employee severance;
- $9.4 million for lease obligations and terminations; and
- $0.5 million of other costs.
Cash payments of $29.3 million for employee severance were made in the
fourth quarter of 2000, and the remaining severance costs will be paid during
2001. Cash payments on the leases and lease terminations will occur over the
remaining lease terms, the majority of which expire prior to 2005. There can be
no assurance that the desired cost savings will be achieved or that the
integration of the two companies will be accomplished smoothly, expeditiously or
successfully. For additional information, see Note 10 to the consolidated
financial statements.
MOBILEMEDIA MERGER
In June 1999, Arch acquired MobileMedia Communications, Inc. Arch acquired
MobileMedia for a combination of cash and Arch securities, as follows:
- Arch paid approximately $479.0 million in cash to secured creditors of
MobileMedia;
- Arch paid a total of $37.6 million of fees, expenses and other debts;
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- Arch issued 4,781,656 shares of its common stock to unsecured creditors
of MobileMedia;
- Arch issued 36,207,265 additional shares of its common stock to unsecured
creditors of MobileMedia and Arch stockholders for a total purchase price
of $217.2 million; and
- Arch issued to four unsecured creditors, who had agreed to purchase
shares not purchased by other unsecured creditors, warrants to acquire
1,225,219 shares of its common stock on or before September 1, 2001 for
$9.03 per share.
Arch also issued to those holders who held its common stock and Series C
preferred stock on January 27, 1999 102,964 shares of common stock and warrants
to purchase 14,861,424 shares of its common stock on or before September 1, 2001
for $9.03 per share.
Subsidiaries of Arch also borrowed a total of $320.8 million to help fund
the MobileMedia acquisition.
During the third quarter of 1999, Arch's board of directors approved plans
covering the elimination of redundant headcount and facilities in connection
with the overall integration of operations. The integration was substantially
complete at December 31, 2000. Arch established a $14.5 million acquisition
reserve which is included as part of the purchase price of MobileMedia. The
initial acquisition reserve consisted of approximately:
- $6.1 million for employee severance;
- $7.9 million for lease obligations and terminations; and
- $0.5 million of other costs.
For additional information, see Note 10 to the consolidated financial
statements.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table presents certain items from Arch's consolidated
statements of operations as a percentage of net revenues and certain other
information for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
THREE MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31,
--------------------------------- ------------------------------
1998 1999 2000 2000 2001
-------- --------- -------- ------------ --------------
Total revenues............... 107.8% 105.8% 104.4% 104.9% 103.6%
Cost of products sold........ (7.8) (5.8) (4.4) (4.9) (3.6)
-------- --------- -------- -------- --------
Net revenues................. 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Operating expenses:
Service, rental and
maintenance............. 21.1 21.8 22.4 21.6 25.7
Selling.................... 12.8 13.9 13.1 13.8 11.6
General and
administrative.......... 29.2 29.8 32.4 29.8 34.4
Depreciation and
amortization............ 57.7 51.0 61.4 50.1 78.2
Restructuring charge....... 3.8 (0.4) 0.7 -- --
-------- --------- -------- -------- --------
Operating income (loss)...... (24.6)% (16.1)% (30.0)% (15.3)% (49.9)%
======== ========= ======== ======== ========
Net income (loss)............ (53.7)% (47.1)% (38.0)% (34.6)% (58.9)%
======== ========= ======== ======== ========
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THREE MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31,
--------------------------------- ------------------------------
1998 1999 2000 2000 2001
-------- --------- -------- ------------ --------------
Cash flows provided by (used
in) operating activities... $ 83,380 $ 99,536 $ 32,325 $ 31,915 $ (9,581)
Cash flows used in investing
activities................. $(82,868) $(627,166) $(92,500) $(32,854) $(28,333)
Cash flows (used in) provided
by financing activities.... $ (2,207) $ 529,158 $111,996 $ 2,000 $ 75,209
Adjusted earnings before
interest, income taxes,
depreciation and
amortization............... 36.9% 34.5% 32.0% 34.8% 28.3%
======== ========= ======== ======== ========
Adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and
amortization, as determined by Arch does not reflect restructuring charge,
equity in loss of affiliate and extraordinary items; consequently adjusted
earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization may not
necessarily be comparable to similarly titled data of other wireless messaging
companies. Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization
is commonly used by analysts and investors as a principal measure of financial
performance in the wireless messaging industry. Adjusted earnings before
interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization is one of the primary
financial measures used to calculate whether Arch and its subsidiaries are in
compliance with financial covenants under their debt agreements. These
covenants, among other things, limit the ability of Arch and its subsidiaries
to:
- incur additional indebtedness;
- make investments;
- pay dividends;
- grant liens on its assets;
- merge, sell or acquire assets;
- repurchase or redeem capital stock;
- incur capital expenditures; and
- prepay certain indebtedness.
Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization is
also one of the financial measures used by analysts to value Arch. Therefore
Arch management believes that the presentation of earnings before interest,
income taxes, depreciation and amortization provides relevant information to
investors. Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization
should not be construed as an alternative to operating income or cash flows from
operating activities as determined by generally accepted accounting principles
or as a measure of liquidity. Amounts reflected as earnings before interest,
income taxes, depreciation and amortization or adjusted earnings before
interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization are not necessarily
available for discretionary use as a result of restrictions imposed by the terms
of existing indebtedness and limitations imposed by applicable law upon the
payment of dividends or distributions, among other things.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2001 Compared with Three Months Ended March 31,
2000
Revenues increased to $327.4 million, a 72.3% increase, for the three
months ended March 31, 2001 from $190.0 million for the three months ended March
31, 2000 as the number of units in service increased from 6.9 million at March
31, 2000 to 11.1 million at March 31, 2001 due to the PageNet acquisition in
November 2000. Net revenues (revenues less cost of products sold) increased to
$315.9 million, a 74.4% increase, for the three months ended March 31, 2001 from
$181.1 million for the corresponding 2000 period. Revenues and net revenues in
the periods ended March 31, 2000 and 2001 were adversely affected by (1) the
declining demand for traditional paging services and (2) subscriber
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cancellations which led to a decrease of 784,000 units in service for the
quarter ended March 31, 2001. For the three months ended March 31, 2001 advanced
messaging revenues and net revenues were $17.2 million and $14.5 million,
respectively, or approximately 5.3% of revenues and 4.6% of net revenues. Arch
did not begin to sell its advanced messaging products on a commercial scale
until August 2000.
Revenues consist primarily of recurring revenues associated with the
provision of messaging services, rental of leased units and product sales.
Product sales represented less than 10% of total revenues for the three months
ended March 31, 2001 and 2000. Arch does not differentiate between service and
rental revenues.
Arch believes the demand for traditional messaging services declined in
1999 and 2000 and in the first three months of 2001, and will continue to
decline in the following years and that future growth in the wireless messaging
industry will be attributable to advanced messaging and information services. As
a result, Arch expects to continue to experience significant declines of units
in service during 2001 as Arch's addition of advanced messaging subscribers will
likely be exceeded by its loss of traditional messaging subscribers.
Service, rental and maintenance expenses, which consist primarily of
telephone, third party carrier fees, site rental expenses and repairs and
maintenance expenses, increased to $81.0 million, or 25.7% of net revenues, in
2001 from $39.1 million, or 21.6% of net revenues, in 2000. The increase was due
to the acquisition of PageNet in November 2000. For the three months ended March
31, 2001 and 2000, there was $11.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively, of
service, rental and maintenance expenses associated with the provision of
advanced messaging and information services.
Selling expenses increased to $36.7 million, or 11.6% of net revenues, for
the three months ended March 31, 2001 from $25.0 million, or 13.8% of net
revenues, for the corresponding 2000 period. The increase in dollar amount was
due to the acquisition of PageNet. Selling expenses related to advanced
messaging and information services were $7.2 million and $0.1 million for the
three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
General and administrative expenses increased to $108.7 million, or 34.4%
of net revenues, for the three months ended March 31, 2001 from $53.9 million,
or 29.8% of net revenues, in 2000. The increase was due to increased headcount,
administrative and facility costs associated with PageNet. General and
administrative expenses associated with the provision of advanced messaging and
information services were $3.9 million in the 2001 period and $1.3 million in
the 2000 period.
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased to $247.1 million in 2001
from $90.7 million in 2000. The increase in these expenses principally reflect
the acquisition of PageNet as well as incremental depreciation and amortization
expense as a result of reducing the remaining lives on messaging equipment and
certain intangible assets in the fourth quarter of 2000.
Operating losses were $157.5 million for the three months ended March 31,
2001 compared to $27.7 million in 2000, as a result of the factors outlined
above.
Net interest expense increased to $63.9 million for the three months ended
2001 from $41.3 million for the corresponding 2000 period. The increase was
principally attributable to an increase in Arch's outstanding debt due to the
PageNet acquisition. Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2000
and 2001 included approximately $9.4 million and $12.2 million, respectively, of
accretion on assumed bank debt and Arch's senior debt, the payment of which was
deferred.
Other expense increased to $8.2 million for the three months ended March
31, 2001 from $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2000. In 2001,
other expense includes a $5.9 million charge resulting from the application of
SFAS No. 133. See note (h) to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
For the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000, Arch recognized
extraordinary gains of $15.0 million and $7.6 million, respectively, on the
retirement of debt exchanged for Arch stock.
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Arch recognized an income tax benefit of $35.5 million for the three months
ended March 31, 2001. The benefit represented the tax benefit of operating
losses incurred subsequent to the acquisition of PageNet which were available to
offset deferred tax liabilities arising from the PageNet acquisition.
On January 1, 2001, Arch adopted SFAS No. 133 "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities". SFAS No. 133 requires that every derivative
instrument be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability
measured at its fair value and that changes in the derivative's fair value be
recognized in earnings. Initial application of SFAS No. 133 resulted in a $6.8
million charge in the quarter ended March 31, 2001, which was reported as the
cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. This charge represents
the impact of initially recording the derivatives at fair value as of January 1,
2001.
Net loss increased to $186.6 million for the three months ended March 31,
2001 from $62.6 million for the corresponding 2000 period, as a result of the
factors outlined above.
Year Ended December 31, 2000 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 1999
Total revenues increased to $851.1 million, a 32.6% increase, in 2000 from
$641.8 million in 1999 as the number of units in service increased from 6.9
million at December 31, 1999 to 11.9 million at December 31, 2000 due to the
PageNet acquisition in November 2000. Net revenues increased to $815.2 million,
a 34.3% increase, at December 31, 2000 from $606.9 million at December 31 1999.
Total revenues and net revenues in 1999 and 2000 were adversely affected by (1)
the declining demand for traditional messaging services and (2) subscriber
cancellations which led to a decrease of 888,000 units in service for the year
ended December 31, 2000. Advanced messaging revenues of $9.4 million represented
approximately 1.1% of revenues in 2000. Arch did not begin to sell its advanced
messaging products on a commercial scale until August 2000. Product sales
represented less than 10% of total revenues for the years ended December 31,
2000 and 1999.
Service, rental and maintenance expenses increased to $183.0 million, or
22.4% of net revenues, in 2000 from $132.4 million, or 21.8% of net revenues, in
1999. Approximately half of this increase was due to the acquisition of PageNet
in November 2000. The remaining increase was primarily due to a full year of
expenses for the provision of alphanumeric and nationwide messaging services to
a higher percentage of customers which resulted from the MobileMedia acquisition
in June 1999. In 2000, there was $12.3 million of service, rental and
maintenance expenses associated with the provision of advanced messaging and
information services.
Selling expenses increased to $107.2 million, or 13.2% of net revenues, in
2000 from $84.2 million, or 13.9% of net revenues, in 1999. Approximately
one-third of this increase in dollar amount was due to the acquisition of
PageNet. The remaining increase in dollar amount was primarily due to a full
year of increased headcount associated with the MobileMedia acquisition. Selling
expenses related to advanced messaging and information services were $6.5
million in 2000.
General and administrative expenses increased to $263.9 million, or 32.4%
of net revenues, in 2000 from $180.7 million, or 29.8% of net revenues, in 1999.
Approximately one-third of the increase was due to increased headcount,
administrative and facility costs associated with PageNet. The remaining
increase was primarily due to a full year of increased headcount, administrative
and facility costs associated with MobileMedia. General and administrative
expenses associated with the provision of advanced messaging and information
services were $6.9 million in 2000.
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased to $500.8 million in 2000
from $309.4 million in 1999. The increase in these expenses principally
reflected the acquisition of PageNet and a full year of depreciation and
amortization of the assets purchased in the MobileMedia acquisition. This
increase also included $19.3 and $103.5 million of incremental depreciation and
amortization expense, respectively, as a result of reducing the remaining lives
on messaging equipment and certain intangible assets.
Operating losses were $245.1 million in 2000 compared to $97.7 million in
1999, as a result of the factors outlined above.
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Net interest expense increased to $166.2 million in 2000 from $143.0
million in 1999. The increase was principally attributable to an increase in
Arch's outstanding debt due to the MobileMedia and PageNet acquisitions.
Interest expense for 1999 and 2000 included approximately $41.6 million and
$28.3 million, respectively, of accreted interest on Arch's senior debt, the
payment of which was deferred.
In 2000 and 1999, Arch recognized extraordinary gains of $58.6 million and
$7.0 million, respectively, on the retirement of debt exchanged for Arch stock.
Arch recognized an income tax benefit of $46.0 million in 2000. The benefit
represented the tax benefit of operating losses incurred subsequent to the
acquisition of PageNet which were available to offset deferred tax liabilities
arising from the PageNet acquisition.
Net loss increased to $309.8 million in 2000 from $285.6 million in 1999,
as a result of the factors outlined above.
Year Ended December 31, 1999 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 1998
Total revenues increased to $641.8 million, a 55.2% increase, in 1999 from
$413.6 million in 1998 as the number of units in service increased from 4.3
million at December 31, 1998 to 6.9 million at December 31, 1999 due to the
MobileMedia acquisition in June 1999. Net revenues increased to $606.9 million,
a 58.2% increase, in 1999 from $383.7 million in 1998. Total revenues and net
revenues in 1999 were adversely affected by (1) the declining demand for
traditional messaging services and (2) Arch subscriber cancellations which led
to a decrease of 89,000 units in service, excluding the addition of subscribers
from the MobileMedia acquisition. Product sales represented less than 10% of
total revenues in 1999 and 1998.
Service, rental and maintenance expenses increased to $132.4 million or
21.8% of net revenues, in 1999 from $80.8 million or 21.1% of net revenues, in
1998. The increase was due primarily to increased expenses associated with the
provision of wireless messaging services to a greater number of units due to the
MobileMedia acquisition.
Selling expenses increased to $84.2 million or 13.9% of net revenues, in
1999 from $49.1 million or 12.8% of net revenues, in 1998. The increase in
absolute dollars was primarily due to increased headcount and the increase as a
percentage of net revenues was primarily due to redundant headcount as a result
of the MobileMedia merger.
General and administrative expenses increased to $180.7 million or 29.8% of
net revenues, in 1999 from $112.2 million or 29.2% of net revenues, in 1998. The
increase in absolute dollars was due primarily to increased headcount,
administrative and facility costs and the increase as a percentage of net
revenues was primarily due to the redundant headcount, administrative and
facility costs associated with MobileMedia.
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased to $309.4 million in 1999
from $221.3 million in 1998. The increase in these expenses principally
reflected the acquisition of MobileMedia. Additionally, depreciation expense in
1999 included the write-off of approximately $7.1 million of costs associated
with the development of an integrated billing and management system. Arch
decided to discontinue further development of that system due to the
capabilities of the system acquired through the MobileMedia merger.
Operating loss was $97.7 million in 1999 compared to $94.4 million in 1998,
as a result of the factors outlined above.
Net interest expense increased to $143.0 million in 1999 from $102.3
million in 1998. The increase was principally attributable to an increase in
Arch's outstanding debt due to the MobileMedia acquisition. Interest expense for
1999 included approximately $41.6 million of accreted interest on Arch's senior
discount notes, the payment of which is deferred. Interest expense for 1998
included approximately $37.1 million of accretion on these notes.
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Other expense increased to $45.2 million in 1999 from $2.0 million in 1998.
Other expense in 1999 included:
- $6.5 million for a write-off of Arch's entire investment in CONXUS
Communications, Inc., a holder of narrowband PCS licenses. CONXUS filed
for bankruptcy protection in May 1999.
- a $35.8 million write-off of Arch's investment in Benbow PCS Ventures,
Inc. another holder of narrowband PCS licenses. In June 1999, Arch,
Benbow and Benbow's controlling shareholder agreed to terminate their
business relationship and wind-up Benbow's business.
In October 1999, Arch recognized an extraordinary gain of $7.0 million on
the retirement of debt exchanged for Arch common stock. In June 1998, Arch
recognized an extraordinary charge of $1.7 million representing the write-off of
unamortized deferred financing costs associated with the prepayment of
indebtedness under prior credit facilities.
On January 1, 1999, Arch adopted the Accounting Standards Executive
Committee of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of
Position 98-5 (SOP 98-5). SOP 98-5 requires costs of start-up activities and
organization costs to be expensed as incurred. Initial application of SOP 98-5
resulted in a $3.4 million charge in the quarter ended March 31, 1999, which was
reported as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. This
charge represents the unamortized portion of start-up and organization costs,
which had been deferred in prior years.
Net loss increased to $285.6 million in 1999 from $206.1 million in 1998,
as a result of the factors outlined above.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Arch is proposing to restructure its debt because of its inability to make
required principal and interest payments under its secured credit facility and
outstanding notes that will become due in 2002. This inability to pay arises
primarily from the lack of sufficient cash flow from operations. Furthermore, if
the assumptions used in one of the two sets of projections contained in Annex D
prove to be correct, we will be in default under the secured credit facility in
September 2001 if neither the exchange offer nor the prepackaged bankruptcy plan
is implemented by then.
Cash Flow
Arch's business strategy requires the availability of substantial funds to
finance capital expenditures for subscriber equipment and network system
equipment and to service debt. Arch's net cash flows from operating, investing
and financing activities for the periods indicated in the table below are as
follows:
THREE
MONTHS
ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31,
--------------------------- ---------
1998 1999 2000 2001
------ ------- ------ ---------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities......................................... $ 83.4 $ 99.5 $ 32.3 $ (9.6)
Net cash used for investing activities............... $(82.9) $(627.2) $(92.5) $(28.3)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing
activities......................................... $ (2.2) $ 529.2 $112.0 $ 75.2
Investing activities in 1999 and 2000 included a cash outflow of $516.6
million and a cash inflow of $47.8 million for the acquisitions of MobileMedia
and PageNet, respectively. Financing activities in 2001 included an advance of
$250.0 million from Nextel offset by cash repayments of debt of $175.8 million.
Financing activities in 2000 included borrowings of $175.0 million offset by
cash repayments of debt of $63.6 million. Financing activities in 1999 included
$217.2 million from the sale of common stock to unsecured creditors of
MobileMedia and borrowings of $320.8 million in connection with the acquisition
of MobileMedia as described above.
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Arch expects that its traditional paging business will continue to decline
as a generator of cash flow, while the prospects for its advanced messaging
services are as yet unproven.
Capital Expenditures and Commitments
Excluding acquisitions of wireless messaging businesses, Arch's capital
expenditures were $113.2 million in 1998, $113.7 million in 1999, $140.3 million
in 2000 and $28.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2001. To date,
Arch generally has funded its capital expenditures with net cash provided by
operating activities and the incurrence of debt.
Arch's capital expenditures primarily involved the purchase of wireless
messaging units, system and transmission equipment, information systems and
capitalized financing costs.
Arch estimates that capital expenditures for 2001-2003 will be
approximately $130 million per year. Such expenditures will be used primarily
for subscriber equipment, network infrastructure, information systems and
expansion of Arch's advanced messaging network. However, the actual amount of
capital to be required by Arch will depend on a number of factors, including;
subscriber growth, the type of products and services demanded by customers,
service revenues, and the nature and timing of Arch's strategy to enhance its
advanced messaging networks.
Other Commitments and Contingencies
Arch's long term liabilities increased by approximately $320.8 million as a
result of the MobileMedia acquisition and approximately $642.3 million, net of a
$164.2 million discount to face value recorded on assumed bank debt, as a result
of the PageNet acquisition.
Interest payments commence September 15, 2001 on Arch's 10 7/8% senior
discount notes. Through April 30, 2001 a total of $354.3 million principal
amount at maturity of the discount notes has been exchanged for Arch common
stock. Based on the principal amount outstanding at April 30, 2001 ($113.1
million), such interest payments will equal $6.1 million on March 15 and
September 15 of each year, beginning September 15, 2001, until scheduled
maturity on March 15, 2008.
The exchange offer and the prepackaged bankruptcy plan are intended to
change Arch's short-term debt service requirements over the next five years as
follows (in millions):
ESTIMATED DEBT SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
-----------------------------------------------
AFTER EXCHANGE AFTER PREPACKAGED
AT PRESENT OFFER BANKRUPTCY PLAN
---------- -------------- -----------------
2002........................................... $321.8 $180.3 $180.3
2003........................................... 344.3 185.4 185.4
2004........................................... 566.1 189.6 189.6
2005........................................... 292.4 227.6 227.6
2006........................................... 426.5 809.1 809.1
Sources of Funds
Sale of Specialized Mobile Radio Licenses
In January 2001, Arch announced an agreement with Nextel Communications,
Inc. to sell its specialized mobile radio licenses to Nextel for an aggregate
purchase price of $175 million. Concurrently with this transaction, Nextel
agreed to invest $75 million in Series F preferred stock.
Pursuant to these transactions, in February 2001, Nextel advanced $250
million to Arch in the form of a $175 million loan secured by a pledge of the
shares of the Arch subsidiary which owns the specialized mobile radio licenses,
and a $75 million unsecured loan. Upon receipt of regulatory approvals, the
specialized mobile radio licenses will be transferred to Nextel and the
principal amount of the $175 million loan will be satisfied in consideration for
such transfer, and the principal amount of the $75 million
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unsecured loan will be exchanged for shares of Arch Series F preferred stock.
Interest payments on such loans will be made in shares of Series F preferred
stock.
Arch used $175.2 million of the proceeds from these transactions to prepay
all required 2001 amortization payments under its senior credit facility. The
remaining $75 million of proceeds, with the exception of $5 million of escrowed
cash, is available for working capital purposes. Following the completion of
these transactions, including the prepayment of the secured credit facility,
Arch had approximately $100 million of cash on hand, and no additional borrowing
capacity under its senior credit facility.
Credit Facility
At December 31, 2000, an Arch subsidiary had a senior credit facility in
the amount of $1,298.8 million. After consideration of the $175.2 million
prepayment that occurred in February 2001 in connection with the pending sale of
specialized mobile radio licenses to Nextel, the senior credit facility was
reduced to $1,119.6 million consisting of (1) a $122.5 million Tranche A
reducing revolving facility, (2) a $64.1 million Tranche B term loan, (3) a
$662.7 million Tranche B-1 term loan and (4) a $270.3 million Tranche C term
loan.
The February 2001 prepayment of $175.2 million satisfied all required 2001
amortization payments under the senior credit facility. The Tranche A facility
will reduce on a quarterly basis commencing March 31, 2002 and will mature on
June 30, 2005. The Tranche B term loan will amortize in quarterly installments
commencing March 31, 2002, with an ultimate maturity date of June 30, 2005. The
Tranche B-1 term loan will amortize in quarterly installments commencing March
31, 2002, with an ultimate maturity date of June 30, 2006. The Tranche C term
loan will amortize in annual installments commencing December 31, 2002, with an
ultimate maturity date of June 30, 2006.
Arch believes that based on its current cash position and projected
requirements, it will have sufficient cash to fund operations through December
31, 2001. However, if the assumptions used in one of the two sets of projections
contained in Annex D prove to be correct, Arch will be in default under the
secured credit facility in September 2001 if neither the exchange offer nor the
prepackaged bankruptcy plan is implemented by then. For additional information,
see Note 4 to Arch's consolidated financial statements. Arch's ability to borrow
in the future will depend, in part, on its ability to continue to increase its
adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Equity Issued in Exchange for Debt
In 2000, Arch issued 285,973 shares of the parent company's common stock in
exchange for $3.5 million principal amount of Arch convertible debentures. Arch
also issued 12,182,659 shares of its common stock in exchange for $165.3 million
accreted value ($184.2 million maturity value) of 10 7/8% senior discount notes.
In May 2000, Arch completed a transaction with Resurgence Asset Management
L.L.C. for the exchange of $91.1 million accreted value ($100.0 million maturity
value) of 10 7/8% senior discount notes held by various Resurgence entities for
1,000,000 shares of Series D preferred stock. Upon completion of the PageNet
acquisition in November 2000 the Series D preferred stock was converted into a
total of 6,613,180 shares of the parent company's common stock.
In the first quarter of 2001, Arch issued 8,793,350 shares of the parent
company's common stock in exchange for $26.3 million accreted value ($26.5
million maturity value) of 10 7/8% senior discount notes.
In April 2001, Arch issued 10,112,500 shares of the parent company's common
stock in exchange for $24.5 million of maturity value of 10 7/8% senior discount
notes.
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INFLATION
Inflation has not had a material effect on Arch's operations to date.
Systems equipment and operating costs have not increased in price and wireless
messaging units have tended to decline in recent years. This reduction in costs
has generally been reflected in lower prices charged to subscribers who purchase
their wireless messaging units. Arch's general operating expenses, such as
salaries, employee benefits and occupancy costs, are subject to normal
inflationary pressures.
THE SUBSIDIARIES
Results of Operations. Substantially all of Arch's business operations are
carried on by the operating company, Arch Wireless Holdings, Inc., and its
subsidiaries, and are therefore recorded in the consolidated results of
operations of the operating company, the old intermediate holding company and
the parent company. The consolidated results of operations of the parent company
and old intermediate holding company differ from results of operations of the
operating company only because the parent company, the intermediate holding
company and certain of their other subsidiaries have some assets and
indebtedness that are unique to them, apart from the assets and indebtedness of
the operating company. These unique assets and indebtedness include:
- special mobile radio licenses with a book value of approximately $177.1
million which appear only on the consolidated balance sheet of the parent
company;
- assets with a book value of approximately $55.5 million and indebtedness
of $61.2 million of the parent company's Canadian subsidiary which only
appear on the consolidated balance sheet of the parent company;
- indebtedness of $199.8 million, including indebtedness of $61.2 million
of the parent company's Canadian subsidiary, which appears only on the
consolidated balance sheet of the parent company; and
- indebtedness of $494.6 million which appears only on the consolidated
balance sheets of the parent company and the old intermediate holding
company.
These unique assets and indebtedness resulted in unique amounts of interest
expense, amortization expense, net loss and earnings before interest, income
taxes, depreciation and amortization for the parent company and the old
intermediate holding company, as described under "Selected Historical Financial
and Operating Data -- The Subsidiaries."
Liquidity and Capital Resources
On a consolidated basis, the parent company and the old intermediate
holding company are more leveraged than the operating company. The old
intermediate holding company has substantially less indebtedness than the parent
company, and the operating company has substantially less indebtedness than the
old intermediate holding company. However, the parent company, the old
intermediate holding company and the operating company have substantially the
same consolidated assets and revenues as one another.
Annexes M and N contain detailed management's discussion and analysis of
the financial condition and results of operations of the old intermediate
holding company and the operating company, respectively.
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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following unaudited pro forma financial statements of Arch give effect
to the following transactions as if they were consummated as of March 31, 2001
with respect to the unaudited pro forma balance sheet and on January 1, 2000
with respect to the unaudited pro forma statements of operations:
- The exchange of 100% of the principal amount and accreted value plus
accrued interest as of June 30, 2001, the date utilized to determine the
consideration exchanged, of the following series of outstanding notes:
- 10 7/8% senior discount notes of the parent company exchanged for
16,634,483 of Arch common stock and 205,228 units of new preferred
stock,
- 9 1/2% senior notes of the old intermediate holding company exchanged
for $33.6 million principal amount of the variable rate secured senior
notes, $43.4 million principal amount of the new 12% senior notes and
129,948 units of new preferred stock,
- 14% senior notes of the old intermediate holding company exchanged for
$26.4 million principal amount of the variable rate secured notes,
$34.2 million principal amount of the new 12% senior notes and 102,334
units of new preferred stock,
- 12 3/4% senior notes of the old intermediate holding company exchanged
for $61.5 million principal amount of the new 12% senior notes and
184,169 units of new preferred stock, and
- 13 3/4% senior notes of old intermediate holding company exchanged for
$65.6 million principal amount of the new 12% senior notes and 196,549
units of new preferred stock
- Arch's acquisition of PageNet, which closed on November 10, 2000.
The pro forma financial statements were prepared assuming that the exchange
transactions contemplated in this registration statement are consummated without
a voluntary chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. If Arch files the pre-packaged
bankruptcy plan, the financial statements would be required to be stated on the
fresh start basis of accounting which requires the assets and liabilities to be
recorded at fair value.
The pro forma financial statements utilize the purchase method of
accounting for the merger of Arch and PageNet. Arch is the acquiring company for
accounting purposes. Under the purchase method of accounting, the purchase price
has been allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their
estimated fair value at the time of the merger. Income of the combined company
does not include income or loss of PageNet prior to the merger. The pro forma
condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the pro forma adjustments
made to combine Arch with PageNet using the purchase method of accounting.
The pro forma condensed consolidated financial data is for information
purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of future
operations of the combined company or the actual results that would have been
achieved had the transactions listed above and the merger of Arch and PageNet
been consummated during the periods indicated. You should read the unaudited pro
forma financial data in conjunction with the consolidated historical financial
statements of Arch and PageNet, including the notes to both sets of financial
statements.
The pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements include the
balance sheet and results of operations of Arch's consolidated subsidiaries,
including the Canadian operations. The Canadian operations are managed
independently of our domestic operations and are separately financed through a
Canadian credit facility. Since the Canadian credit facility will limit the
ability of the Canadian operations to distribute assets to Arch, the cash flow
generated by such subsidiaries will not be available to service the new notes.
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ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
MARCH 31, 2001
(IN THOUSANDS)
PRO FORMA
ADJUSTMENTS FOR
EXCHANGE
ARCH --------------------- PRO FORMA
HISTORICAL DEBIT CREDIT CONSOLIDATED
---------- ------- ------- ------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents..................... $ 92,268 17,106(3) $ 60,162
15,000(2)
Accounts receivable, net...................... 117,815 117,815
Inventories................................... 2,696 2,696
Prepaid expenses and other.................... 28,516 28,516
---------- ----------
Total current assets..................... 241,295 209,189
---------- ----------
Property and equipment, net....................... 940,974 940,974
Intangible and other assets, net.................. 936,361 11,196(4) 917,594
7,571(4)
---------- ----------
$2,118,630 $2,067,757
========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt.......... $ 37,640 15,345(5) $ 22,295
Accounts payable.............................. 64,607 64,607
Accrued restructuring......................... 38,079 38,079
Accrued expenses.............................. 74,500 74,500
Accrued interest.............................. 39,294 21,220(3) 17,409
665(3)
Customer deposits............................. 15,001 15,001
Deferred revenue.............................. 45,042 45,042
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities................ 314,163 276,933
---------- ----------
Long-term debt, less current maturities........... 1,624,939 17,106(3) 3,589(3) 1,424,087
116,730(2) 37,157(3)
24,500(3) 151,454(5)
250,061(2) 15,345(5)
60,000(1) 60,000(1)
Other long-term liabilities....................... 335,114 335,114
---------- ----------
Deferred income taxes............................. 86,494 86,494
---------- ----------
Redeemable preferred stock........................ 31,107 250,061(2) 364,887
---------- ----------
83,719(2)
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock.................................... 1,723 101(3) 1,990
166(2)
Additional paid-in capital...................... 1,103,044 24,399(3) 1,133,099
5,656(2)
Accumulated other comprehensive income.......... 265 265
Accumulated deficit............................. (1,378,219) 271(3) 12,189(2) (1,555,112)
15,666(3)
2,924(3)
11,196(4)
7,571(4)
151,454(5)
---------- ----------
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)..... (273,187) (419,758)
---------- ----------
$2,118,630 $2,067,757
========== ==========
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ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001
(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
PRO FORMA
ARCH ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA
HISTORICAL FOR EXCHANGE OFFER CONSOLIDATED
------------ ------------------ ------------
Total revenues................................ $ 327,429 $ 327,429
Cost of products sold......................... (11,511) (11,511)
------------ ------------
$ 315,918 $ 315,918
------------ ------------
Operating expenses:
Service, rental & maintenance............... 81,043 81,043
Selling..................................... 36,656 36,656
General and administrative.................. 108,677 108,677
Depreciation and amortization............... 247,088 247,088
------------ ------------
Total operating expenses................. 473,464 473,464
------------ ------------
Operating income (loss)....................... $ (157,546) $ (157,546)
Interest expense, net......................... (63,927) (1,350)(6A) (32,464)
15,937(6B)
(6,138)(6C)
4,317(6D)
39,867(6E)
(21,170)(6F)
Other income (expense)........................ (8,210) (8,210)
------------ ------------
Income (loss) before income taxes,
extraordinary items and accounting change... (229,683) (198,220)
Benefit from income taxes..................... 35,500 35,500
------------ ------------
Income (loss) before extraordinary items and
accounting change........................... $ (194,183) $ (162,720)
============ ============
Income (loss) per common share before
extraordinary item and accounting change.... $ (1.17) $ (0.84)
============ ============
Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding................................. 10,112,500(3)
167,193,881 16,634,483(2) 193,940,864
============ ============
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ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000
(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
PRO FORMA ADJUSTED PRO FORMA
ARCH PAGENET ADJUSTMENTS ARCH ADJUSTMENTS
HISTORICAL HISTORICAL FOR MERGER PRO FORMA FOR EXCHANGE OFFER
----------- ------------ -------------------- ------------ ---------------------
Total revenues.................... $ 851,082 $ 628,623 $ (3,877) (7A) $ 1,475,828
Cost of products sold............. (35,861) (36,382) 3,058 (7A) (69,185)
----------- ------------ ------------
815,221 592,241 1,406,643
----------- ------------ ------------
Operating expenses:
Service, rental & maintenance... 182,993 185,040 126 (7A) 368,159
Selling......................... 107,208 50,239 (1,480) (7A) 155,967
General and administrative...... 263,901 240,607 (14,856) (7A) 489,652
Depreciation and amortization... 500,831 174,576 (918) (7A) 729,838
55,349 (7B)
Restructuring charge............ 5,425 -- 5,425
----------- ------------ ------------
Total operating expenses...... 1,060,358 650,462 1,749,041
----------- ------------ ------------
Operating income (loss)........... (245,137) (58,221) (342,398)
Interest expense, net............. (166,170) (117,578) 2,059 (7A) (234,654) 135,228 (6E)
91,138 (7C) (84,680) (6F)
(12,948) (7D) (5,400) (6A)
(31,155) (7E) 63,746 (6B)
(24,552) (6C)
25,033 (6D)
Other income (expense)............ (3,082) (72) (3,154)
----------- ------------ ------------
Income (loss) before income taxes,
extraordinary items and
accounting change............... (414,389) (175,871) (580,206)
Benefit from income taxes......... 46,006 -- 35,194 (7H) 81,200
----------- ------------ ------------
Income (loss) before extraordinary
items and accounting change..... $ (368,383) $ (175,871) $ (499,006)
=========== ============ ============
Income (loss) per common share
before extraordinary item and
accounting change............... $ (4.86) $ (1.69) $ (3.24)
=========== ============ ============
Weighted average number of common
shares outstanding.............. (104,242,567) (7F) 10,112,500 (3)
77,122,659 104,242,567 77,124,415 (7F) 154,247,074 16,634,483 (2)
=========== ============ ============
PRO FORMA
CONSOLIDATED
------------
Total revenues.................... $ 1,475,828
Cost of products sold............. (69,185)
------------
1,406,643
------------
Operating expenses:
Service, rental & maintenance... 368,159
Selling......................... 155,967
General and administrative...... 489,652
Depreciation and amortization... 729,838
Restructuring charge............ 5,425
------------
Total operating expenses...... 1,749,041
------------
Operating income (loss)........... (342,398)
Interest expense, net............. (125,279)
Other income (expense)............ (3,154)
------------
Income (loss) before income taxes,
extraordinary items and
accounting change............... (470,831)
Benefit from income taxes......... 81,200
------------
Income (loss) before extraordinary
items and accounting change..... $ (389,631)
============
Income (loss) per common share
before extraordinary item and
accounting change............... $ (2.15)
============
Weighted average number of common
shares outstanding..............
180,994,057
============
79
86
ARCH WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
MARCH 31, 2001
(IN THOUSANDS)
PRO FORMA
ADJUSTMENTS FOR
EXCHANGE
ARCH -------------------- PRO FORMA
HISTORICAL DEBIT CREDIT CONSOLIDATED
----------- ------- ------- ------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents............................... $ 79,489 17,106(3) $ 47,383
15,000(2)
Accounts receivable, net................................ 116,030 116,030
Inventories............................................. 2,326 2,326
Prepaid expenses and other.............................. 29,368 29,368
----------- -----------
Total current assets............................... 227,213 195,107
----------- -----------
Property and equipment, net................................. 926,609 926,609
Intangible and other assets, net............................ 683,003 11,196(4) 664,236
7,571(4)
----------- -----------
$ 1,836,825 $ 1,785,952
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt.................... $ 37,640 15,345(5) $ 22,295
Accounts payable........................................ 64,602 64,602
Accrued restructuring................................... 38,079 38,079
Accrued expenses........................................ 72,574 72,574
Accrued interest........................................ 35,951 21,220(3) 14,731
Customer deposits....................................... 14,796 14,796
Deferred revenue........................................ 44,231 44,231
----------- -----------
Total current liabilities.......................... 307,873 271,308
----------- -----------
Long-term debt, less current maturities..................... 1,425,121 17,106(3) 37,157(3) 1,361,910
60,000(1) 60,000(1)
250,061(2) 151,454(5)
15,345(5)
Other long-term liabilities................................. 85,321 85,321
----------- -----------
Deferred income taxes....................................... 86,494 86,494
----------- -----------
Redeemable preferred stock.................................. -- 83,719(2) 333,780
250,061(2)
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock -- --
Additional paid-in capital................................ 1,189,883 83,719(2) 1,106,164
Accumulated deficit....................................... (1,257,867) 271(3) (1,459,025)
15,000(2)
15,666(3)
11,196(4)
7,571(4)
151,454(5)
----------- -----------
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)............... (67,984) (352,861)
----------- -----------
$ 1,836,825 $ 1,785,952
=========== ===========
80
87
ARCH WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001
(IN THOUSANDS)
PRO FORMA
ADJUSTMENTS
ARCH FOR EXCHANGE PRO FORMA
HISTORICAL OFFER CONSOLIDATED
---------- --------------- ------------
Total revenues.............................................. $ 322,223 $ 322,223
Cost of products sold....................................... (11,180) (11,180)
--------- ---------
311,043 311,043
--------- ---------
Operating expenses:
Service, rental & maintenance............................. 79,790 79,790
Selling................................................... 35,926 35,926
General and administrative................................ 106,784 106,784
Depreciation and amortization............................. 241,981 241,981
--------- ---------
Total operating expenses............................... 464,481 464,481
--------- ---------
Operating income (loss)..................................... (153,438) (153,438)
Interest expense, net....................................... (56,256) (1,350) (6A) (29,110)
15,937 (6B)
(6,138) (6C)
39,867 (6E)
(21,170) (6F)
Other income (expense)...................................... (7,167) (7,167)
--------- ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes, extraordinary items and
accounting change......................................... (216,861) (189,715)
Benefit from income taxes................................... 35,500 35,500
--------- ---------
Income (loss) before extraordinary items and accounting
change.................................................... $(181,361) $(154,215)
========= =========
81
88
ARCH WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000
(IN THOUSANDS)
PRO FORMA ADJUSTED PRO FORMA
ARCH PAGENET ADJUSTMENTS ARCH ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA
HISTORICAL HISTORICAL FOR MERGER PRO FORMA FOR EXCHANGE OFFER CONSOLIDATED
---------- ---------- --------------- ---------- ------------------ ------------
Total revenues................. $ 847,586 $ 628,623 $(18,557) (7G) $1,457,652 $1,457,652
Cost of products sold.......... (35,585) (36,382) 4,902 (7G) (67,065) (67,065)
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
812,001 592,241 1,390,587 1,390,587
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Operating expenses:
Service, rental &
maintenance................ 182,201 185,040 (3,501) (7G) 363,740 363,740
Selling...................... 106,797 50,239 (3,732) (7G) 153,304 153,304
General and administrative... 262,577 240,607 (20,518) (7G) 482,666 482,666
Depreciation and
amortization............... 496,873 174,576 (4,578) (7G) 722,220 722,220
55,349 (7B)
Restructuring charge......... 5,425 -- 5,425 5,425
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Total operating expenses... 1,053,873 650,462 1,727,355 1,727,355
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Operating income (loss)........ (241,872) (58,221) (336,768) (336,768)
Interest expense, net.......... (140,624) (117,578) 5,143 (7G) (206,024) 135,228 (6E) (121,682)
91,138 (7C) (84,680) (6F)
(12,948) (7D) (5,400) (6A)
(31,155) (7E) 63,746 (6B)
(24,552) (6C)
Other income (expense)......... (3,546) (72) 72 (7G) (3,546) (3,546)
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before income
taxes, extraordinary items
and accounting change........ (386,042) (175,871) (546,338) (461,996)
Benefit from income taxes...... 46,006 -- 35,194 (7H) 81,200 81,200
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before
extraordinary items and
accounting change............ $ (340,036) $(175,871) $ (465,138) $ (380,796)
========== ========= ========== ==========
82
89
ARCH WIRELESS HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
MARCH 31, 2001
(IN THOUSANDS)
PRO FORMA
ADJUSTMENTS FOR EXCHANGE
ARCH ------------------------ PRO FORMA
HISTORICAL DEBIT CREDIT CONSOLIDATED
----------- --------- --------- ------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents........... $ 79,489 15,000(2) $ 64,489
Accounts receivable, net............ 116,030 116,030
Inventories......................... 2,326 2,326
Prepaid expenses and other.......... 29,368 29,368
----------- -----------
Total current assets........... 227,213 212,213
----------- -----------
Property and equipment, net.............. 926,609 926,609
Intangible and other assets, net......... 675,431 11,196(4) 664,235
----------- -----------
$ 1,829,253 $ 1,803,057
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term
debt.............................. $ 37,640 15,345(5) $ 22,295
Accounts payable.................... 64,602 64,602
Accrued restructuring............... 38,079 38,079
Accrued expenses.................... 72,574 72,574
Accrued interest.................... 14,730 14,730
Customer deposits................... 14,796 14,796
Deferred revenue.................... 44,231 44,231
----------- -----------
Total current liabilities...... 286,652 271,307
----------- -----------
Long-term debt, less current
maturities............................. 930,515 60,000(1) 1,157,314
151,454(5)
15,345(5)
Other long-term liabilities.............. 85,321 85,321
----------- -----------
Deferred income taxes.................... 86,494 86,494
----------- -----------
Stockholder's equity (deficit):
Common stock........................... 4 4
Additional paid-in capital............. 1,464,460 60,000(1) 1,404,460
Accumulated deficit.................... (1,024,193) 11,196(4) (1,201,843)
151,454(5)
15,000(2)
----------- -----------
Total stockholders' equity
(deficit).................... 440,271 202,621
----------- -----------
$ 1,829,253 $ 1,803,057
=========== ===========
83
90
ARCH WIRELESS HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001
(IN THOUSANDS)
PRO FORMA
ARCH ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA
HISTORICAL FOR EXCHANGE OFFER CONSOLIDATED
---------- ------------------ ------------
Total revenues................................... $ 322,223 $ 322,223
Cost of products sold............................ (11,180) (11,180)
--------- ---------
311,043 311,043
--------- ---------
Operating expenses:
Service, rental & maintenance.................. 79,790 79,790
Selling........................................ 35,926 35,926
General and administrative..................... 106,784 106,784
Depreciation and amortization.................. 241,658 241,658
--------- ---------
Total operating expenses.................... 464,158 464,158
--------- ---------
Operating income (loss).......................... (153,115) (153,115)
Interest expense, net............................ (40,319) 39,867(6E) (22,972)
(21,170)(6F)
(1,350)(6A)
Other income (expense)........................... (7,167) (7,167)
--------- ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes, extraordinary
items and accounting change.................... (200,601) (183,254)
Benefit from income taxes........................ 35,500 35,500
--------- ---------
Income (loss) before extraordinary items and
accounting change.............................. $(165,101) $(147,754)
========= =========
84
91
ARCH WIRELESS HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000
(IN THOUSANDS)
PRO FORMA
PRO FORMA ADJUSTED ADJUSTMENTS
ARCH PAGENET ADJUSTMENTS ARCH FOR PRO FORMA
HISTORICAL HISTORICAL FOR MERGER PRO FORMA EXCHANGE OFFER CONSOLIDATED
---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- -------------- ------------
Total revenues................ $ 847,586 $ 628,623 $(18,557)(7G) $1,457,652 $1,457,652
Cost of products sold......... (35,585) (36,382) 4,902(7G) (67,065) (67,065)
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
812,001 592,241 1,390,587 1,390,587
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Operating expenses:
Service, rental &
maintenance............... 182,201 185,040 (3,501)(7G) 363,740 363,740
Selling..................... 106,797 50,239 (3,732)(7G) 153,304 153,304
General and
administrative............ 262,577 240,607 (20,518)(7G) 482,666 482,666
Depreciation and
amortization.............. 495,727 174,576 (4,578)(7G) 721,074 721,074
55,349(7B)
Restructuring charge........ 5,425 -- 5,425 5,425
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Total operating
expenses................ 1,052,727 650,462 1,726,209 1,726,209
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Operating income (loss)....... (240,726) (58,221) (335,622) (335,622)
Interest expense, net......... (76,878) (117,578) 5,143(7G) (142,278) 135,228(6E) (97,130)
91,138(7C) (84,680)(6F)
(12,948)(7D) (5,400)(6A)
(31,155)(7E)
Other income (expense)........ (3,546) (72) 72(7G) (3,546) (3,546)
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before income
taxes, extraordinary items
and accounting change....... (321,150) (175,871) (481,446) (436,298)
Benefit from income taxes..... 46,006 -- 35,194(7H) 81,200 81,200
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before
extraordinary items and
accounting change........... $ (275,144) $(175,871) $ (400,246) $ (355,098)
========== ========= ========== ==========
85
92
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED
CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1) To record the issuance of $60 million principal amount of the variable
rate secured senior notes in exchange for $60 million principal amount of the
9 1/2% and 14% senior notes of the old intermediate holding company.
2) To record the issuance of the new intermediate holding company preferred
stock with a stated value of $333.8 million and 16,634,483 shares of parent
company common stock valued at $5.8 million, based on trading prices on May 11,
2001. This was exchanged for $250.1 million principal amount or accreted value
and accrued interest of the four series of old intermediate holding company
senior notes and $116.7 million principal amount and accrued interest of 10 7/8%
senior discount notes resulting in an extraordinary gain of $12.2 million, net
of estimated transaction costs of $15.0 million.
3) In order to state the various debt balances as of June 30, 2001, the
assumed date of the exchange transaction to determine the consideration
exchanged, the following entries were made:
- Interest paid of $17.1 million
- The exchange of $24.5 million 10 7/8% senior discount notes for parent
company common stock
- Additional interest accruals of $15.7 million and $2.9 million
- Accretion of discount on the old intermediate holding company senior
notes of $271,000
This entry also reclassifies $21.2 million and $665,000 of accrued interest at
March 31, 2001 to long-term debt since accrued interest is included as a
component of the exchange transaction.
4) To reflect the write-off of $11.2 million of unamortized deferred
financing costs of the operating company associated with the secured credit
facility and to reflect the write-off of $7.6 million of unamortized deferred
financing costs associated with the various old intermediate holding company
senior notes.
5) To record the extraordinary loss of $151.5 million resulting from the
modification of the secured credit facility. Since the modified secured credit
facility will bear interest at market rates, the parent company recorded the
modified secured credit facility at its principal amount, which approximates its
fair value. Additionally, the current portion of the modified secured credit
facility has been adjusted to reflect the amended terms.
6) To record the following adjustments to interest expense associated with
the exchange of the various senior notes involved in this transaction and the
anticipated modification of certain aspects of the bank credit facility:
A. Interest expense associated with the new variable rate secured
senior notes at an assumed rate of 9%
B. Elimination of the interest expense associated with the various
outstanding senior notes of the old intermediate holding company
C. Interest expense associated with the new 12% senior notes
D. Elimination of interest expense associated with the outstanding
10 7/8% senior discount notes
E. Elimination of the interest expense on the secured credit facility
prior to the proposed amendment
F. Interest expense on the modified secured credit facility
86
93
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED
CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
7) The following adjustments record various aspects of the PageNet
acquisition and only relate to the pro forma income statement for the year ended
December 31, 2000:
A. To remove the operating results of Vast Solutions, a wholly owned
subsidiary of PageNet, whose shares were distributed as part of the
acquisition. This adjustment removes only direct expenses as
no expenses
allocated to
Vast by
PageNet were
eliminated as
a result of
the
distribution.
B. To adjust the historical amortization expense to reflect the
intangibles recorded in connection with the PageNet acquisition
consisting primarily of purchased subscriber list.
C. To remove the interest expenses associated with PageNet's senior
subordinated notes which were converted into common stock as well
as the amortization of PageNet's deferred financing costs which
were included in interest expense.
D. To record additional interest expense on pro forma consolidated
bank debt. Interest was calculated assuming a 10% interest rate on
the average bank debt outstanding.
E. To record accretion of discount related to the PageNet bank debt
which was recorded at fair value.
F. To record the issuance of 89,896,907 shares of Arch Wireless, Inc.
common stock as partial consideration for $1.2 billion principal
amount of PageNet senior subordinated notes plus accrued interest
and the outstanding common stock of PageNet.
G. To remove the operating results of Vast, whose shares were
distributed as part of the overall transaction involving Arch and
PageNet and to remove the operating results of PageNet's Canadian
subsidiary which is now a wholly owned subsidiary of the parent
company. This adjustment removes only the direct expenses of Vast,
as no expenses allocated to Vast by PageNet were eliminated as a
result of the distribution.
H. To record additional tax benefit related to net operating losses.
8) As discussed earlier, these pro forma financial statements assume the
exchange of 100% of the various outstanding notes. The following table
illustrates the impact on the pro forma financial statements as of December 31,
2000 and March 31, 2001 in the event only the minimum exchange threshold of 85%
is met:
INTERMEDIATE
PARENT HOLDING OPERATING
COMPANY COMPANY COMPANY
---------- ------------ ----------
Long-term debt, less current maturities................ $1,479,106 $1,322,220 $1,148,314
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)................... $ (346,375) $ (261,968) $ 211,621
Interest expense, net
For the Year Ended December 31, 2000................. $ 134,102 $ 117,188 $ 96,320
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2001............ $ 34,380 $ 27,987 $ 22,770
Income (loss) before extraordinary item and cumulative
effect of accounting change
For the Year Ended December 31, 2000................. $ (398,454) $ (376,302) $ (354,288)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2001............ $ (164,636) $ (153,092) $ (147,552)
Basic/diluted income (loss) per common share before
extraordinary item cumulative effect of accounting
change
For the Year Ended December 31, 2000................. $ (2.23) N/A N/A
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2001............ $ (0.86) N/A N/A
87
94
MARKET PRICE INFORMATION AND DIVIDEND POLICY
The outstanding 10 7/8% senior discount notes of Arch Wireless, Inc. are
traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol "ARD10C08" and are quoted
on the Fixed Income Pricing System maintained by the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. under the symbol "APGR.GA". The other outstanding notes
are not traded on any organized exchange. The outstanding senior notes of Arch
Wireless Communications, Inc. are quoted on the Fixed Income Pricing System
maintained by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. under the
symbols "USMC.GB" for the 9 1/2% senior notes; "USMC.GA" for the 14% senior
notes; "APGR.GB" for the 12 3/4% senior notes; and "ARWC.GA" for the 13 3/4%
senior notes.
The parent company's common stock was traded on the Nasdaq National Market
until April 30, 2001 and has traded since then on the OTC Bulletin Board under
the symbol "ARCH.OB".
The following table sets forth the high and low closing prices per $1,000
principal amount or accreted value of each of the five series of notes and per
share of the parent company's common stock for the quarterly periods indicated,
which correspond to our quarterly fiscal periods for financial reporting
purposes. Prices for the notes are not based upon actual transactions, but are
indicative prices based on available market maker information. Prices for the
common stock are closing prices on the Nasdaq National Market through April 30,
2001 and closing bid prices on the OTC Bulletin Board after that date.
9 1/2% SENIOR
NOTES 14% SENIOR NOTES 12 3/4% SENIOR NOTES
------------- ----------------- ---------------------
HIGH LOW HIGH LOW HIGH LOW
----- ----- -------- ------ --------- ---------
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1999:
First Quarter............................. $900 $845 $1,040 $990 $ 1,000 $ 930
Second Quarter............................ $850 $700 $1,030 $840 $ 930 $ 780
Third Quarter............................. $840 $720 $ 970 $820 $ 920 $ 700
Fourth Quarter............................ $770 $700 $ 850 $800 $ 820 $ 640
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2000:
First Quarter............................. $840 $760 $ 950 $830 $ 880 $ 790
Second Quarter............................ $840 $765 $ 950 $835 $ 860 $ 765
Third Quarter............................. $765 $765 $ 835 $835 $ 765 $ 765
Fourth Quarter............................ $765 $680 $ 835 $750 $ 765 $ 360
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2001:
First Quarter............................. $680 $350 $ 750 $350 $ 360 $ 320
Second Quarter (through May 17, 2001)..... $350 $230 $ 350 $260 $ 340 $ 180
13 3/4% SENIOR 10 7/8% DISCOUNT
NOTES NOTES COMMON STOCK
--------------- ----------------- ------------------
HIGH LOW HIGH LOW HIGH LOW
------ ------ -------- ------ -------- -------
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1999:
First Quarter............................ (1) (1) $ 600 $460 $ 7.500 $ 3.188
Second Quarter........................... $978 $840 $ 510 $320 $11.625 $ 3.375
Third Quarter............................ $950 $720 $ 465 $345 $ 8.875 $ 4.000
Fourth Quarter........................... $840 $700 $ 470 $340 $ 7.750 $ 3.500
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2000:
First Quarter............................ $900 $810 $ 840 $438 $16.250 $ 5.561
Second Quarter........................... $880 $805 $ 640 $553 $ 8.500 $ 4.000
Third Quarter............................ $805 $790 $ 590 $520 $ 7.500 $ 4.500
Fourth Quarter........................... $790 $360 $ 490 $250 $ 4.938 $ 0.469
Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2001:
First Quarter............................ $380 $330 $ 320 $230 $ 1.625 $ 0.5625
Second Quarter (through May 17, 2001).... $350 $180 $ 300 $180 $ 0.5312 $ 0.31
---------------
(1) The 13 3/4 senior notes were not outstanding during this time period.
88
95
DIVIDEND POLICY
The parent company has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its
common stock. The parent company anticipates that substantially all of its
earnings in the foreseeable future will be used to finance the continued growth
and development of its business and has no current intention to pay cash
dividends. Our future dividend policy will depend on our earnings, capital
requirements and financial condition, as well as requirements of our financing
agreements and other factors that our board of directors considers relevant. Our
secured credit facility currently prohibits, and will continue to prohibit,
declaration or payment of cash dividends to parent company stockholders without
the written consent of a majority of the lenders. The terms of other outstanding
indebtedness only permit the declaration or payment of cash dividends if
specified leverage and cash flow requirements are met. We do not currently meet
these requirements. Although the restrictions on dividends contained in the
other indebtedness will be deleted if the offer is consummated or the
prepackaged bankruptcy plan is confirmed, the deletion of these restrictions is
not expected to change our dividend policy. See "Description of Equity
Securities" and "Description of Other Indebtedness."
Each subsidiary will be permitted to make dividends or loans to its
stockholder to provide funds to pay principal and interest on the 12% senior
notes unless an event of default has occurred under the secured credit facility.
No dividends or loans will be permitted following an uncured event of default.
89
96
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
The mobile wireless telecommunications industry currently consists of
multiple voice and data providers which compete among one another, both directly
and indirectly, for subscribers. Traditional paging carriers provide customers
with services such as numeric and alphanumeric paging. Customers receive these
paging services through a small, handheld device known as a pager. A pager
signals a customer when a message is received through a tone and/or vibration
and displays the incoming message on a small screen. With numeric paging
services the pager displays numeric messages, such as a telephone number. With
alphanumeric paging services, the pager is capable of displaying numeric
messages and text messages. These two types of paging services are commonly
referred to as messaging services.
Some traditional paging carriers also provide advanced messaging services
using new models of pagers. Advanced messaging services enable subscribers to
respond to messages or create and send wireless email messages to other wireless
messaging devices, including pagers and personal digital assistants, or PDAs,
and to personal computers. Pagers are also used to provide wireless information
services such as voice mail, wireless information delivery services,
personalized greetings, message storage and retrieval, device loss protection
and device maintenance services. Voice mail allows a caller to leave a recorded
message that is stored in the carrier's computerized message retrieval center.
When a message is left, the subscriber can be automatically alerted through the
subscriber's messaging device and can retrieve the stored message by calling a
designated telephone number. Personalized greetings allow the subscriber to
record a message to greet callers who reach the subscriber's messaging device or
voice mail box. Message storage and retrieval allows a subscriber who leaves
Arch's service area to retrieve calls that arrived during the subscriber's
absence from the service area. Loss protection allows subscribers who lease
devices to limit their costs of replacement upon loss or destruction of a
messaging device. Maintenance services are offered to subscribers who own their
own equipment. Wireless information services allow subscribers to receive stock
quotes, news and weather through their carrier's service.
Mobile telephone service providers such as cellular and broadband PCS
carriers provide telephone voice services as well as services that are
functionally identical to the messaging and advanced messaging services provided
by wireless messaging carriers such as Arch. Customers subscribing to cellular,
broadband PCS or other mobile phone services utilize a wireless handset through
which they can make and receive voice telephone calls. These handsets are
commonly referred to as cellular or PCS phones. These handsets are also capable
of receiving numeric and alphanumeric messages as well as information services,
such as stock quotes, news, voice mail, personalized greeting and message
storage and retrieval. Messaging services offered by cellular, PCS and other
mobile phone providers are substantially similar to the numeric and alphanumeric
messaging services offered by Arch and are now available in conjunction with
most mobile phone services.
Technological improvements have generally contributed to strong growth in
the market for mobile wireless services and the provision of better quality
services at lower prices to subscribers. Companies providing traditional
messaging services have benefited from technological advances resulting from
research and development conducted by vendors of messaging equipment. These
advances include microcircuitry, liquid crystal display technology and standard
digital encoding formats. These advances have enhanced the capability and
capacity of mobile wireless messaging services while lowering equipment and air
time costs. These technological improvements, and the degree of similarity in
messaging devices, coverage and battery life have resulted in messaging services
becoming commodity products with price likely to be the most significant factor
in a subscriber's decision making.
The number of new subscribers to cellular, PCS and other mobile phone
services continues to increase each year. At the end of 2000, one analyst
estimated there were a total of over 97 million such subscribers in the United
States. This estimate reflects an increase of approximately 13% over the
approximately 86 million subscribers estimated at the end of 1999. This trend is
expected to continue. Up to 90% of all PCS and other mobile phone devices sold
in the United States today are capable of sending and receiving data messages
according to estimates cited by another analyst.
91
97
One analyst report estimates that approximately 42 million subscribers
subscribed to basic numeric and alphanumeric paging services in the United
States as of the end of 2000. Arch believes that demand for traditional paging
services declined in 1999 and 2000 and will continue to decline in 2001, and
that future growth, if any, in the wireless messaging industry will be
attributable to advanced messaging services. The decline in traditional paging
services was attributable to traditional paging customers discontinuing their
use of messaging services in favor of using their mobile phones for combined
voice and messaging services.
Traditional messaging subscribers such as those served by Arch typically
pay a flat monthly service fee for service, unlike subscribers to cellular
telephone or PCS services, whose bills historically have had a significant
variable usage component. However, cellular, PCS and other mobile phone
companies now offer bundled service plans which include both local and long
distance minutes with caller ID, voicemail and numeric paging for use at no
additional charge. These and other plans have lowered the price point so that
these services compete directly with the traditional and advanced messaging
services Arch offers. Arch is sensitive to these technological and availability
changes and has attempted to expand its service offerings, especially its
advanced messaging services, to ensure that its services remain competitive
under rapidly changing market conditions. There can be no assurance it will be
successful in these attempts.
The wireless messaging industry originally distributed its services through
direct marketing and sales activities. Additional channels of distribution have
evolved. These channels include:
- resellers, who purchase services on a wholesale basis from the companies
and resell those services on a retail basis to their own customers;
- retail outlets that often sell a variety of merchandise, including pagers
and other telecommunications equipment;
- most recently, the Internet; and
- to a lesser extent, through company-operated stores.
REGULATION
Federal Regulation -- Overview
Arch's wireless messaging operations are subject to regulation by the
Federal Communications Commission under federal communication laws and
regulations. The Federal Communications Commission has granted Arch licenses to
use the radio frequencies necessary to conduct its business. Licenses issued by
the Federal Communications Commission to Arch set forth the technical
parameters, such as power strength and tower height, under which Arch is
authorized to use those frequencies. Each Federal Communications Commission
license held by Arch has construction and operational requirements that must be
satisfied within set time frames. The Federal Communications Commission has the
authority to auction most new licenses over which wireless mobile services are
traditionally offered but does not have the authority to use auctions for
license renewals or license modifications.
The Federal Communications Commission licenses granted to Arch have varying
terms of up to 10 years, at which time the Federal Communications Commission
must approve renewal applications. In the past, Federal Communications
Commission renewal applications have been routinely granted, in most cases upon
a demonstration of compliance with Federal Communications Commission regulations
and adequate service to the public. The Federal Communications Commission has
granted each renewal license Arch has filed, other than those which are pending.
Although Arch is unaware of any circumstances which would prevent the grant of
any pending or future renewal applications, no assurance can be given that the
Federal Communications Commission will renew any of Arch's licenses.
Furthermore, although revocation and involuntary modification of licenses are
extraordinary regulatory measures, the Federal Communications Commission has the
authority to restrict the operation of licensed facilities or revoke or modify
licenses. No license of Arch has ever been revoked or modified involuntarily.
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The Federal Communications Commission's review and revision of rules
affecting companies such as Arch is ongoing. The regulatory requirements to
which Arch is subject may change significantly over time. For example, the
Federal Communications Commission has adopted rules for licensing particular
messaging channels throughout a broad geographic area. These licenses are being
awarded through an auction. Incumbent messaging carriers that are already
licensed by the Federal Communications Commission in these broad geographic
areas are entitled to continue to operate without interference from the auction
winners.
In some instances, Arch still requires the prior approval of the Federal
Communications Commission before it can implement significant changes to its
messaging networks. Once the Federal Communications Commission's geographic
licensing rules are fully implemented, however, most of these licensing
obligations will be eliminated.
Federal communication laws and regulations require licensees like Arch to
obtain prior approval from the Federal Communications Commission to transfer a
controlling interest in any construction permit or station license. These
regulations also require prior approval by the Federal Communications Commission
of acquisitions of other messaging companies by Arch. The Federal Communications
Commission has approved each acquisition and transfer of control for which Arch
has sought approval. Arch also regularly applies for Federal Communications
Commission authority to use additional frequencies, modify the technical
parameters of existing licenses, expand its service territory, provide new
services and modify the conditions under which it provides service. Although
there can be no assurance that any requests for approval of applications filed
by Arch will be approved or acted upon in a timely manner by the Federal
Communications Commission, or that the Federal Communications Commission will
grant the relief requested, Arch knows of no reason to believe any such
requests, applications, or relief will not be approved or granted. Arch makes no
representations about the continued availability of additional frequencies used
to provide its services.
Foreign Ownership Restrictions
Foreign ownership of entities that directly or indirectly hold certain
licenses from the Federal Communications Commission is limited. Because Arch
holds licenses from the Federal Communications Commission only through
subsidiaries, up to 25% of the parent company's capital stock can be owned or
voted by aliens or their representatives, a foreign government or its
representatives, or a foreign corporation, without restriction. However, if more
than 25% of the parent company's capital stock is owned or voted by aliens or
their representatives, a foreign corporation, or a foreign government or its
representatives, the Federal Communications Commission has the right to revoke
or refuse to grant licenses if it finds that such revocation or refusal serves
the public interest. The Federal Communications Commission has indicated that,
pursuant to the World Trade Organization Telecommunications Agreement, it would
waive the 25% limitation in appropriate circumstances. Based upon information
obtained by Arch, Arch believes that substantially less than 25% of the parent
company's issued and outstanding capital stock is owned by aliens or their
representatives, foreign governments or their representatives, or foreign
corporations. Arch subsidiaries that are radio common carrier licensees are
subject to more stringent requirements and may have only up to 20% of their
stock owned or voted by aliens or their representatives, a foreign government or
their representatives or a foreign corporation. This ownership restriction is
not subject to waiver.
Limitations on Allocation of Numbers
Increased demand for telephone numbers, particularly in metropolitan areas,
is causing depletion of numbers in some of the more popular area codes. Recent
plans to address this increased demand have included elements that could impact
Arch's operations, including the take-back of numbers already assigned for use
and service-specific plans whereby only some services, such as messaging and
voice services, would be assigned numbers using a new area code, or plans which
require the pooling of blocks of numbers for use by multiple carriers. Arch
cannot provide any assurance that such plans will not be adopted by the Federal
Communications Commission or a state commission, or that such plans will not
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require Arch to incur further, substantial expenses in order to continue to
obtain telephone numbers for its customers.
Interconnection
All telecommunications carriers have the duty to interconnect with the
facilities and equipment of other telecommunications carriers. The Federal
Communications Commission, and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, among others,
have interpreted this duty as requiring certain local telephone companies to
compensate mobile wireless companies for calls originated by customers of the
local telephone companies which terminate on a mobile wireless company's
network. The Federal Communications Commission has also found unlawful such
charges to messaging companies for the use of interconnection facilities,
including telephone numbers. These findings by the Federal Communications
Commission have been challenged at the Federal Communications Commission and in
the courts. Further, the Federal Communications Commission has recently
commenced a broad ranging proceeding seeking to revise all forms of intercarrier
compensation, including payments to and received by carriers like Arch. Arch
cannot predict with certainty the ultimate outcome of these proceedings.
Compensation amounts may be determined in subsequent proceedings either at the
federal or state level, or may be determined based on negotiations between the
local telephone companies and the messaging companies. Any agreements reached
between the local telephone companies and the messaging companies may be
required to be submitted to state regulatory commission for approval. Arch is in
negotiations with local telephone companies, but it may or may not be successful
in securing refunds, future relief, or both, with respect to charges for calls
originated by customers of the local telephone companies which terminate on
Arch's network. If these issues are ultimately decided in favor of the local
telephone companies, Arch may be required to pay past due contested charges and
may also be assessed interest and late charges for amounts withheld.
Additional Regulatory Obligations
The Federal Communications Commission has determined that companies such as
Arch are required to contribute to a "Universal Service" fund to assure the
continued availability of local phone service to high cost areas, as well as to
contribute to other funds to cover other designated costs or societal goals. The
Federal Communications Commission has just instituted a proceeding in which it
proposes to limit the amount of the "Universal Service" fund contributions
companies like Arch can pass on to their customers. Further, providers of
payphones must be compensated for all calls placed from pay telephones to
toll-free numbers. This latter requirement increases Arch's costs of providing
toll-free number service, and there are no assurances that Arch will be able to
continue to pass on to their customers these, or other increased costs imposed
by federal or state telecommunication regulators. Beneficially, the laws now
limit the circumstances under which states and local governments may deny a
request by most messaging and voice companies to place transmission facilities
in residential communities and business districts, and give the Federal
Communications Commission the authority to preempt the states in some
circumstances.
Federal laws also require some telecommunications companies, including
Arch, to modify the design of their equipment or services to ensure that
electronic surveillance or interceptions can be performed. Technical parameters
applicable to the messaging industry have been established but not acknowledged
by all governmental bodies to date. Therefore, Arch cannot determine at this
time what compliance measures will be required or the costs thereof. In
addition, the Federal Communications Commission has an ongoing proceeding
addressing the manner in which telecommunications carriers are permitted to
market certain types of services. Depending on the outcome of this proceeding,
Arch, like other telecommunications carriers could incur higher administration
and other costs in order to comply.
State Regulation
In addition to potential regulation by the Federal Communications
Commission, some states have the authority to regulate messaging services,
except where such regulation affects or relates to the rates charged to
customers and/or the ability of companies like Arch to enter a market. The
federal
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communication laws have preempted such regulations. If certain conditions are
met, states may petition the Federal Communications Commission for authority to
continue to regulate rates for commercial mobile radio services. State filings
seeking rate authority have all been denied by the Federal Communications
Commission, although new petitions seeking such authority may be filed in the
future.
Furthermore, some states and localities continue to exert jurisdiction over
(1) approval of acquisitions of assets and transfers of licenses of mobile
wireless systems and (2) resolution of consumer complaints. Arch believes that
to date all required filings for their respective messaging operations have been
made. All state approvals of acquisitions or transfers made by Arch have been
received, and Arch does not know of any reason to believe such approvals will
not continue to be granted in connection with any future requests, even if
states exercise that review.
The laws do not preempt state regulatory authority over other aspects of
Arch's operations, and some states may choose to exercise such authority. Some
state and local governments have imposed additional taxes or fees upon some of
the activities in which Arch is engaged. In addition, the construction and
operation of radio transmitters may be subject to zoning, land use, public
health and safety, consumer protection and other state and local taxes, levies
and ordinances. The Federal Communications Commission may delegate to the state
authority over telephone number allocation and assignment.
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BUSINESS
Arch is a leading provider of wireless messaging and information services
in the United States. Currently, Arch primarily provides traditional messaging
services consisting of numeric and alphanumeric paging services. Numeric
messaging services enable subscribers to receive messages that are composed
entirely of numbers, such as a phone number, while alphanumeric messages may
include numbers and letters, which enable the subscriber to receive text
messages. Arch also markets and sells advanced wireless messaging services which
enable subscribers to send and receive messages to and from another device
activated on Arch's network. Arch also offers wireless information services,
such as stock quotes and news, voice mail, personalized greeting, message
storage and retrieval, equipment loss protection and equipment maintenance for
both traditional and advanced customers. Our services are commonly referred to
as wireless messaging and information services.
Arch has offered advanced messaging services on a commercial scale only
since August 2000 and advanced messaging services accounted for less than 6% of
Arch's revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2001.
WIRELESS MESSAGING SERVICES, PRODUCTS AND OPERATIONS
Arch provides traditional paging services, advanced messaging services and
wireless information services throughout the United States and in the U.S.
Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada. Arch operates in all 50 states and the
District of Columbia and in each of the 100 largest markets in the United
States. Arch offers these services on a local, regional and nationwide basis
employing digital networks covering more than 90% of the United States
population.
The following table sets forth information about the approximate number of
units in service with Arch subscribers and net changes in number of units
through internal operations and acquisitions since 1996:
NET INCREASE
UNITS IN SERVICE AT (DECREASE) IN UNITS INCREASE IN UNITS IN
BEGINNING OF THROUGH INTERNAL UNITS THROUGH SERVICE AT END
PERIOD OPERATIONS ACQUISITIONS OF PERIOD
------------------- ------------------- ------------- --------------
YEAR ENDED 12/31:
1996........................... 2,006,000 815,000 474,000 3,295,000
1997........................... 3,295,000 595,000 -- 3,890,000
1998........................... 3,890,000 386,000 -- 4,276,000
1999........................... 4,276,000 (89,000) 2,762,000 6,949,000
2000........................... 6,949,000 (2,073,000) 7,018,000 11,894,000
THREE MONTHS ENDED 3/31:
2001........................... 11,894,000 (784,000) -- 11,110,000
Net increase (decrease) in units through internal operations includes
definitional changes made after the MobileMedia and PageNet acquisitions to
reflect a common definition of units in service and is net of subscriber
cancellations during each applicable period. Increase in units through
acquisitions is based on units in service of acquired paging businesses at the
time of their acquisition by Arch.
Numeric messaging services, which were introduced nearly 20 years ago,
currently represent a majority of all units in service. The growth of
alphanumeric messaging, which was introduced in the mid-1980s, has been
constrained by its difficulties, such as inputting data, specialized equipment
requirements and its relatively high use of system capacity during transmission,
which has, to some extent, been relieved by deploying alternate communications
pathways, such as the Internet.
Arch launched advanced messaging services, incorporating send and receive
data messaging with wireless email and instant messaging applications, and other
interactive features, in August 2000. Advanced messaging services accounted for
less than 6% of Arch's revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2001. Prior
to August 2000, Arch offered limited advanced messaging services in the form of
guaranteed receipt messaging, providing the sender with a receipt acknowledgment
once the message had
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been received, as well as send and receive messaging, enabling multiple
subscribers to send messages to each other on the device alone. Arch previously
reported data for these limited advanced messaging services as part of Arch's
alphanumeric messaging unit information. Due to Arch's current focus on advanced
messaging services with expanded interactive applications, advanced messaging is
now reported as a separate service.
The following table summarizes the types of Arch's units in service at
specified dates:
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31,
1998 1999 2000 2001
--------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
UNITS % UNITS % UNITS % UNITS %
Local Numeric........................... 3,586,000 84 5,299,000 76 8,804,000 74 8,129,000 73
Local Alphanumeric...................... 621,000 14 1,215,000 18 2,210,000 20 2,121,000 19
Tone-only............................... 69,000 2 48,000 1 41,000 -- 29,000 --
Nationwide Numeric...................... -- -- 219,000 3 413,000 3 380,000 4
Nationwide Alphanumeric................. -- -- 168,000 2 268,000 2 230,000 2
Advanced Messaging...................... -- -- -- -- 158,000 1 221,000 2
--------- --- --------- --- ---------- --- ---------- ---
Total................................... 4,276,000 100 6,949,000 100 11,894,000 100 11,110,000 100
========= === ========= === ========== === ========== ===
Arch's interactive advanced wireless messaging services include the Arch
Webster(TM) series of products and services. The Webster(TM) 100 service,
initiated in August 2000, enables users to send, receive and forward data
messages and email wirelessly. It also enables users to access various other
interactive services, such as retrieving stock quotes, travel information,
weather, entertainment, or other data on command, through added software
applications. To enhance the operability of its send and receive messaging
services, Arch announced the Arch Message Center in October 2000. The Message
Center consolidates office and Internet email accounts into a single Web-based
address, accessible through advanced messaging devices as well as through a
personal computer with Internet access. Arch also recently announced the
introduction of its Webster(TM) 200 services. These services enable a subscriber
to combine Arch Webster 100 personal digital assistant features, so that a
subscriber can also maintain his or her contact and calendar data as well as
beam business card and event information to other units through infrared data. A
recently introduced service, operating through an advanced wireless messaging
module that plugs into the back of a personal digital assistant, enables a
subscriber to be constantly connected with the Arch network, so that the
subscriber can send messages from the personal digital assistant to email
accounts as well as other devices, and can access information such as stock
quotes, weather and travel updates from the Internet. Other planned advanced
messaging services have applications to telemetry. These include vehicle
location services that report the location of vehicles at predetermined
intervals to a Web-based map and a sales force automation product that allows
sales personnel to input and process sales orders and submit information
regarding product exchanges, new accounts or address changes to its billing
system, using wireless technology.
Arch provides wireless messaging services to subscribers for a monthly fee.
Subscribers either lease the unit from Arch for an additional fixed monthly fee
or they own the unit, having purchased it either from Arch or from another
vendor. Units leased to subscribers require capital investment by Arch, while
customer-owned units and those owned by resellers do not. The monthly service
fee is generally based upon the type of service provided, the geographic area
covered, the number of units provided to the customer and the period of the
subscriber's commitment. Subscriber-owned units provide a more rapid recovery of
Arch's capital investment than if Arch owned such units, but may generate less
recurring revenue because the customer does not pay a rental fee for the unit.
Arch also sells units to third-party resellers who lease or resell units to
their own subscribers and resell Arch's wireless messaging services under
marketing agreements. Resellers are responsible for sales, billing, collection
and equipment maintenance costs. Arch sells other products and services,
including units and accessories and unit
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replacement and maintenance contracts. The following table summarizes the number
of Arch-owned and leased, subscriber-owned and reseller-owned units in service
at specified dates:
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31,
1998 1999 2000 2001
---------------- ---------------- ----------------- -----------------
UNITS % UNITS % UNITS % UNITS %
Arch-owned and leased..... 1,857,000 43 3,605,000 52 6,318,000 53 5,884,000 53
Subscriber-owned.......... 1,135,000 27 1,518,000 22 1,051,000 9 1,115,000 10
Reseller-owned............ 1,284,000 30 1,826,000 26 4,525,000 38 4,110,000 37
--------- --- --------- --- ---------- --- ---------- ---
Total..................... 4,276,000 100 6,949,000 100 11,894,000 100 11,110,000 100
========= === ========= === ========== === ========== ===
NETWORKS AND LICENSES
Arch operates local, regional and national networks, which enable its
customers to receive messages over a broad geographical area. Many of these
networks were acquired through Arch's acquisitions of Paging Network, Inc.,
known as PageNet, and MobileMedia Communications, Inc. Arch's extensive
geographic coverage may be attractive to large corporate clients and retail
chains, which frequently demand national network coverage from their service
provider.
Arch's networks provide local, regional and national coverage and its
networks operate over numerous frequencies. Although the capacity of Arch's
networks varies significantly market by market, Arch believes it has an adequate
amount of licensed spectrum to meet capacity demands projected for the next
several years.
Arch is seeking to improve overall network efficiency by deploying paging
terminals, consolidating subscribers on fewer, higher capacity networks and
increasing the transmission speed, or baud rate, of certain of its existing
networks. Arch believes its investments in its network infrastructure will
facilitate and improve the delivery of high quality communication services while
at the same time reducing associated costs of such services.
NATIONWIDE WIRELESS NETWORKS
Arch operates four nationwide 900 MHz networks. As part of its acquisition
of PageNet, Arch acquired two fully operational nationwide wireless networks in
addition to the two networks Arch was already operating. These networks all use
high-speed FLEX(TM) technology developed by Motorola. These four networks
provide significant capacity for nationwide wireless messaging subscribers.
NARROWBAND PCS NETWORKS AND LICENSES
The Federal Communications Commission has allocated a set of radio
frequencies, called narrowband PCS frequencies, that enable wireless messaging
companies such as Arch to offer advanced messaging services and to make more
efficient use of radio spectrum than do traditional paging networks. Arch was
able to accelerate its deployment of infrastructure for advanced messaging
services by integrating PageNet's nationwide advanced wireless messaging network
into Arch's existing infrastructure. Arch's network uses ReFLEX 25(TM)
technology developed by Motorola as its messaging protocol. Arch believes that
ReFLEX 25 offers superior performance than other messaging technologies because
it provides improved radio coverage and reception. This improved wireless
performance reduces infrastructure deployment costs of cellular-based networks
because fewer base stations are needed to achieve the same coverage and
reliability. ReFLEX promotes spectrum efficiency and high network capacity
through frequency reuse by dividing coverage areas into zones and sub-zones.
Messages are directed to the zone or sub-zone where the subscriber is located
allowing the same frequency to be reused to carry different traffic in other
zones or sub-zones.
Arch's Narrowband PCS Licenses. Prior to the PageNet acquisition, Arch
held one nationwide narrowband PCS license and five regional narrowband PCS
licenses, each with 50 kHz outbound and 12.5 kHz inbound bandwidth. The five
regional licenses provide the equivalent of one nationwide channel.
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When Arch acquired PageNet, it obtained three more narrowband PCS nationwide
licenses, two with 50 kHz inbound and outbound bandwidth and one with 50 kHz
outbound bandwidth. In total, Arch now holds 250 kHz outbound and 125 kHz
inbound spectrum nationwide. All of these licenses were initially acquired at
Federal Communications Commission spectrum auctions.
In order to retain these narrowband PCS licenses, Arch must comply with
specified minimum build-out requirements. With respect to each of the regional
narrowband PCS licenses, Arch has built out the related narrowband PCS system to
cover 150,000 square kilometers or 37.5% of each of the five regional
populations in compliance with Federal Communications Commission's applicable
build out requirements. Arch is still required to build-out this system to cover
300,000 square kilometers or 75% of each of the five regional populations by
April 27, 2005. With respect to the nationwide narrowband PCS licenses, Arch has
built out the related narrowband systems to cover 750,000 square kilometers or
37.5% of the U.S. population. Arch is still required to extend the build-out of
these systems to cover 1,500,000 square kilometers or 75% of the U.S. population
by separate construction deadlines for each license, which occur between
September 29, 2004 and January 25, 2005. In each instance, the population
percentage will be determined by reference to population figures at the time of
the applicable deadline. Arch estimates that the costs of these minimum
build-outs would be approximately $9.0 million. Arch plans to exceed these
minimum build-out requirements in order to meet the capacity requirements of its
advanced messaging services, which it estimates will require up to approximately
an additional $20.0 million in capital expenditures.
Arch's Specialized Mobile Radio Spectrum. As part of its acquisition of
PageNet, Arch also acquired 900 MHz specialized mobile radio spectrum. In
January 2001, Arch agreed to sell the authorizations issued by the Federal
Communications Commission for this spectrum to Nextel Communications, Inc. for
$175.0 million and Nextel agreed to invest $75.0 million in Arch concurrently.
These authorizations will be transferred to Nextel upon receipt of approval from
the Federal Communications Commission and satisfaction of other closing
conditions.
SUBSCRIBERS AND MARKETING
Arch's customers with wireless messaging accounts are either businesses
with employees who travel frequently but must be immediately accessible to their
offices or customers or individuals who wish to be accessible to friends or
family members. Arch's customers include proprietors of small businesses,
professionals, management personnel, field sales personnel and service forces,
members of the construction industry and construction trades, real estate
brokers and developers, medical personnel, sales and service organizations,
specialty trade organizations, manufacturing organizations and government
agencies.
Arch markets its services through three primary sales channels: direct,
reseller and retail.
Direct
In the direct channel, Arch leases or sells equipment directly to its
customers through a direct marketing and sales organization. Arch's direct
customers range from individuals and small-and medium-sized businesses to
Fortune 500 accounts and government agencies. Business and government accounts
typically experience less turnover than consumer accounts. The direct channel
will continue to have the highest priority among Arch's marketing and sales
efforts, because of its critical contribution to recurring revenue. Arch has
been engaged in efforts to improve sales productivity and strengthen its direct
channel sales force, segments of which had previously suffered from high
turnover rates and high numbers of open positions. As of December 31, 2000, the
direct channel accounted for approximately 85% of Arch's recurring revenue.
Reseller
In the reseller channel, Arch sells access to its transmission networks in
bulk to third parties, who then resell such services to consumers or small
businesses or other end users. Arch offers access to its network to resellers at
bulk discounted rates. The third party resellers provide customer service, are
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responsible for message unit maintenance and repair costs, invoice the end user
and retain the credit risk of the end user, although Arch retains the credit
risk of the third party reseller. Because these resellers are responsible for
customer equipment, the capital costs that would otherwise be borne by Arch are
reduced.
Arch's resellers generally are not exclusive distributors of Arch's
services and often have access to networks of more than one provider.
Competition among service providers to attract and maintain reseller
distribution is based primarily upon price, including the sale of equipment to
resellers at discounted rates. Arch intends to continue to be an active
participant in the reseller channel and to concentrate on accounts that are
profitable and where longer term partnerships can be established with selected
resellers. As of December 31, 2000, the reseller channel accounted for
approximately 13% of Arch's recurring revenue.
RETAIL
In the retail channel, Arch sells equipment to retailers and, after the
consumer purchases the pager from the retailer, the consumer contacts Arch to
activate service. The retail channel is targeted at the consumer market and
consists primarily of national retail chains. Consumers served by the retail
channel typically purchase, rather than lease, their equipment. This reduces
Arch's capital investment costs. Subscribers obtained through retailers are
billed and serviced directly by Arch. Retail distribution permits Arch to
penetrate the consumer market by supplementing direct sales efforts. As of
December 31, 2000, the retail channel accounted for approximately 2% of Arch's
recurring revenue.
COMPETITION
The wireless messaging industry is highly competitive. Companies in this
industry compete on the basis of price, coverage area, services offered,
transmission quality, system reliability and customer service.
Arch competes by maintaining competitive pricing of its products and
services, by providing broad coverage options through high-quality, reliable
transmission networks and by providing quality customer service. Arch's primary
competitors in the traditional messaging market include Metrocall, Verizon
Wireless, Weblink Wireless, Skytel (a division of WorldCom, Inc.) and a variety
of other regional and local providers of similar services. Other principal
competitors in the advanced messaging market include Bell South Wireless Data,
Skytel and Motient, Inc. The products and services Arch offers also compete with
a broad array of wireless messaging services provided by cellular and PCS phone
companies. This competition has intensified as prices for these services have
declined rapidly, and these providers have incorporated messaging capability
into their handsets. Many of these companies possess financial, technical and
other resources greater than those of Arch. Such providers currently competing
with Arch in one or more markets include AT&T Wireless, Cingular, WorldCom,
Sprint PCS, Verizon and Nextel.
Insofar as cellular, PCS and other mobile phone service providers provide
subscribers with both messaging and voice service using the same hand-held
device, services like cellular and PCS are more sophisticated than basic
messaging services and command a greater price. The price of cellular and PCS
and other mobile phone services, however, has fallen dramatically. Moreover,
today many cellular and PCS providers offer basic service packages for less than
$20.00 per month. By contrast, Arch believes that currently the average revenue
per month per unit in service from the direct channel of distribution is
approximately $12.00.
While cellular, PCS and other mobile phone services are more expensive than
traditional messaging services, such mobile telephone service providers
typically provide traditional messaging service as an element of their basic
service package without additional charges. It is estimated that as much as 90%
of all PCS and other mobile phone devices sold in the United States in early
2001 are capable of sending and receiving data messages, according to one
analyst report. Subscribers that purchase these combined services no longer need
to subscribe to a separate messaging service as well. As a result, a large
number of traditional messaging customers can readily switch to cellular, PCS
and other mobile telephone services. The decrease in prices for cellular, PCS
and other mobile telephone services has led many customers to select combined
voice and messaging services as an alternative to stand alone messaging
services. Indeed, survey data indicates that roughly 20% of paging customers
that drop their service do so in favor of
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cellular, PCS and other mobile phone services. Arch is sensitive to these
technological and availability changes and is working to design competitively
attractive values for the customer even in the midst of these changes by
cellular, PCS and other mobile phone service providers.
SOURCES OF EQUIPMENT
Arch does not manufacture any of the messaging equipment or other equipment
used in operations. The equipment used in Arch's operations is generally
available for purchase from only a few sources. Arch centralizes price and
quantity negotiations for all of its operating subsidiaries to achieve cost
savings from volume purchases. Arch buys customer equipment primarily from
Motorola and purchases terminals and transmitters primarily from Glenayre.
Arch routinely evaluates new developments in technology in connection with
the design and enhancement of its messaging systems and selection of products to
be offered to subscribers. Arch has entered into development agreements with
certain other vendors to obtain alternative sources of network equipment. Arch
anticipates that equipment will continue to be available in the foreseeable
future, consistent with normal manufacturing and delivery lead times. Arch
believes that its system equipment is among the most technologically
sophisticated in the data messaging industry.
TRADEMARKS
On September 25, 2000, the parent company changed its name from Arch
Communications Group, Inc. to Arch Wireless, Inc. in order to reposition it from
a traditional paging company to a provider of advanced wireless messaging and
wireless information products and services. Arch also introduced a new company
logo and brand identification tagline, Net@Hand. Arch believes the new tagline
conveys its ability to offer subscribers the convenience of Internet
functionality through portable handheld devices, anytime across the United
States.
Arch owns the service marks "Arch", "Arch Paging", "Arch Communications"
and "Arch Wireless", and holds federal registrations for the service marks
"MobileComm", "MobileMedia" and "PageNet" as well as various other trademarks.
EMPLOYEES
At March 31, 2001, Arch employed approximately 7,560 persons. None of
Arch's employees is represented by a labor union. Arch believes that its
employee relations are good.
PROPERTIES
At March 31, 2001, Arch owned eight office buildings and leased office
space, including its executive offices, in approximately 375 locations in 42
states. Arch leases transmitter sites and/or owns transmitters on commercial
broadcast towers, buildings and other fixed structures in approximately 17,500
locations in all 50 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada.
Arch's leases are for various terms and provide for monthly lease payments at
various rates. Arch believes that it will be able to obtain additional space as
needed at acceptable cost. Substantially all of Arch's tower sites were sold
during 1998 and 1999 and Arch currently rents transmitter space.
LITIGATION
Arch, from time to time, is involved in lawsuits arising in the normal
course of business. Arch believes that is currently pending lawsuits will not
have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of
operations.
THE COMPANY
A predecessor to Arch, named Arch Communications Group, Inc., was
incorporated in January 1986 in Delaware and conducted its operations through
wholly owned direct and indirect subsidiaries. On
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September 7, 1995, this predecessor completed its acquisition of USA Mobile
Communications Holdings, Inc. through the merger of the predecessor with and
into USA Mobile, which simultaneously changed its name to Arch Communications
Group, Inc. and continued in existence as a Delaware corporation. On June 3,
1999, Arch acquired the business of MobileMedia Corporation, which was then
operating as a debtor-in-possession under chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code. On
November 10, 2000, Arch acquired PageNet. This acquisition added 6.0 million
units in service and made available PageNet's national networks for the combined
company's operations.
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MANAGEMENT
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
C. Edward Baker, Jr. is the sole director of the operating company, Arch
Wireless Holdings, Inc. The directors of the parent company, Arch Wireless,
Inc., and the old intermediate holding company, Arch Wireless Communications,
Inc., are:
NAME AGE
---- ---
C. Edward Baker, Jr......................................... 50
R. Schorr Berman(2)......................................... 52
Gregg R. Daugherty.......................................... 43
John H. Gutfreund(1)........................................ 71
John Kornreich.............................................. 55
H. Sean Mathis(1)........................................... 54
Allan L. Rayfield(2)........................................ 65
John B. Saynor.............................................. 60
John A. Shane(1)............................................ 68
---------------
(1) Member of the audit committees of the parent company and the old
intermediate holding company and the nominating committee of the old
intermediate holding company.
(2) Member of the compensation committee of the parent company.
The executive officers of the parent company, the operating company and the
old intermediate holding company are:
NAME AGE POSITION
---- --- --------
C. Edward Baker, Jr....................... 50 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer
Lyndon R. Daniels......................... 48 President and Chief Operating Officer
John B. Saynor............................ 60 Executive Vice President
J. Roy Pottle............................. 42 Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
Steven Gross.............................. 41 Executive Vice President, Marking and
Sales
Paul H. Kuzia............................. 58 Executive Vice President, Technology and
Regulatory Affairs
Patricia A. Gray.......................... 46 Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary
We expect that the directors and officers of the new intermediate holding
company will be the same as those of the old intermediate holding company.
C. EDWARD BAKER, JR. has served as Chief Executive Officer and a director
of the parent company since 1988 and of the old intermediate holding company and
operating company since 1995. Mr. Baker became Chairman of the Board of the
parent company in 1989 and of the old intermediate holding company and the
operating company in 1995. He also served as President of the parent company
from April 1988 to January 1998 and of the old intermediate holding company and
the operating company from 1995 to January 1998.
LYNDON R. DANIELS joined the Arch group of companies in January 1998 as
President and Chief Operating Officer of the parent company, the old
intermediate holding company and the operating company. From November 1993 to
January 1998, Mr. Daniels was the President and Chief Executive Officer of
Pacific Bell Mobile Services, a subsidiary of SBC Communications Inc.
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JOHN B. SAYNOR has served as a director of the parent company since 1986
and of the old intermediate holding company since 1995. Mr. Saynor has served as
Executive Vice President of the parent company since 1990 and of the old
intermediate holding company and the operating company since 1995. Mr. Saynor is
a founder of the parent company and served as President and Chief Executive
Officer of it from 1986 to March 1988 and as its Chairman of the Board from 1986
until May 1989.
J. ROY POTTLE joined the Arch group of companies in February 1998 as
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the parent company, the
old intermediate holding company and the operating company. From October 1994 to
February 1998, Mr. Pottle was Vice President/Treasurer of Jones Intercable,
Inc., a cable television operator.
STEVEN GROSS has been Executive Vice President, Marketing and Sales, of the
parent company since June 1999. From November 1996 to June 1999, Mr. Gross was
Executive Vice President, Marketing and Sales, of MobileMedia Corporation, which
filed for protection under the bankruptcy code in January 1997. From 1995 to
1996, he was Director of Sales Development of Pepsi-Cola.
PAUL H. KUZIA has served as Executive Vice President/Technology and
Regulatory Affairs of the parent company, the old intermediate holding company.
and the operating company since September 1996. He served as Vice
President/Engineering and Regulatory Affairs of the parent company from 1988 to
September 1996 and of the old intermediate holding company and the operating
company from 1995 to September 1996.
PATRICIA A. GRAY has been Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary of the parent company since May 2000, was Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary of the parent company from January 2000 to May 2000 and
was Vice President and General Counsel of the parent company from June 1999 to
January 2000. From May 1996 to June 1999, Ms. Gray was Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary of MobileMedia Corporation, which filed for protection
under the bankruptcy code in January 1997.
R. SCHORR BERMAN has been a director of the parent company since 1986 and
of the old intermediate holding company since 1995. Since 1987, he has been the
President and Chief Executive Officer of MDT Advisers, Inc., an investment
adviser. He is a director of Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. as well as a number
of private companies.
GREGG R. DAUGHERTY has been a director of the parent company since 2000.
Mr. Daugherty has served as a Business Development Manager at Microsoft
Corporation since 1997 and was previously self-employed.
JOHN H. GUTFREUND has been a director of the parent company since 2000. Mr.
Gutfreund has served as the President of Gutfreund & Company, Inc. since 1993,
and was Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Salomon Brothers
Inc from 1981 to 1991. Mr. Gutfreund is a director of AMBI, Inc., Ascent
Assurance, Inc., Baldwin Piano & Organ Company, Evercel, Inc., LCA-Vision, Inc.
and Maxicare Health Plans, Inc.
JOHN KORNREICH has been a director of the parent company and the old
intermediate holding company since June 1998. Mr. Kornreich has served as a
Managing Director of Sandler Capital Management Co., Inc. since 1988.
H. SEAN MATHIS has been a director of the parent company and the old
intermediate holding company since June 1999. He also has been the President of
Litchfield Asset Holdings, an investment advisory company, since 1999. Mr.
Mathis was also the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Allis
Chalmers, Inc. from January 1996 to 1999 and previously served as a Vice
President of that company since 1989. From July 1996 to September 1997, Mr.
Mathis was Chairman of the Board of Universal Gym Equipment Inc., a privately
owned company which filed for protection under the bankruptcy code in July 1997.
Mr. Mathis is a director of Kasper A.S.L. Ltd. and Thousand Trails, Inc.
ALLAN L. RAYFIELD has been a director of the parent company and the old
intermediate holding company since 1997. He has been a consultant with the
Executive Service Corps, a non-profit organization
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that provides consulting services to non-profit organizations, since 1995. Mr.
Rayfield is a director of Parker Hannifin Corporation and Acme Metals
Incorporated.
JOHN A. SHANE has been a director of the parent company since 1988 and of
the old intermediate holding company since 1995. He has been the President of
Palmer Service Corporation since 1972. He was a general partner of Palmer
Partners L.P., a venture capital firm, from 1981 to 1999. Mr. Shane serves as a
director of Overland Data, Inc., United Asset Management Corporation and Gensym
Corporation and as a trustee of Nvest Funds.
The certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the parent company provide
that it has a classified board of directors composed of three classes, each of
which serves for three years, with one class being elected each year. The term
of Messrs. Daugherty, Rayfield and Gutfreund will expire at the annual meeting
of stockholders to be held in 2002. The term of Messrs. Saynor, Shane and Mathis
will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2003. The term
of Messrs. Baker, Berman and Kornreich will expire at the parent company's
annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2004.
Whippoorwill Associates, Inc., has the right to designate one member for
election to the parent company's board of directors. This right of designation
will continue through 2003 so long as Whippoorwill beneficially owns at least 5%
of the combined voting power of all outstanding securities of the parent
company, and will continue after 2003 so long as Whipporwill beneficially owns
at least 10% of the combined voting power of all outstanding securities of the
parent company. Under this arrangement, Mr. Mathis has been designated by
Whippoorwill.
The holders of Series C preferred stock of the parent company have the
right, voting as a separate class, to elect one member of the parent company's
board of directors, and that director has the right to be a member of any
committee of the board. Mr. Kornreich is currently the director elected by the
holders of Series C preferred stock. This right of designation will terminate if
less than 50% of the Series C preferred stock remains outstanding.
The directors of the old intermediate holding company are elected by the
parent company, its sole stockholder. They hold office until their successors
are elected or their earlier death, resignation or removal. Currently, the
parent company and the old intermediate holding company have the same directors.
We expect that following the consummation of the exchange offer, the directors
of the new intermediate holding company will be the same directors as those of
the old intermediate operating company.
The sole director of the operating company is elected by the old
intermediate holding company, its sole stockholder. The sole director holds
office until his or her successor's election or his or her earlier death,
resignation or removal. Following the consummation of the exchange offer, the
sole director of the operating company will be elected by the new intermediate
holding company, which will then be its sole stockholder.
The executive officers of the parent company, the old intermediate holding
company and the operating company are elected by the board of directors of each
respective company and hold office until their successors are elected or until
their earlier death, resignation or removal. Executive officers of the new
intermediate holding company will be elected by its new board of directors and
will hold office until their successors are elected or until their earlier
death, resignation or removal.
Most of the executive officers have entered into non-competition agreements
with the parent company that provide that they will not compete with the parent
company or other entities in the Arch group of companies for one year following
termination, or recruit or hire any other employee of the Arch group of
companies for three years following termination. See "-- Executive Retention
Agreements."
Board Committees
The parent company's board of directors has an audit committee and a
compensation committee. The audit committee reviews the annual consolidated
financial statements of the parent company and its
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subsidiaries before their submission to the board of directors and consults with
the independent public accountants to review financial results, internal
financial controls and procedures, audit plans and recommendations. The audit
committee also recommends the selection, retention or termination of independent
public accountants and approves services provided by independent public
accountants prior to the provision of such services. The parent company's
compensation committee recommends to the board the compensation of executive
officers, key managers and directors and administers the stock option plans of
the parent company. The parent company's board of directors does not have a
standing nominating committee.
Neither the old intermediate holding company nor the operating company has
any other standing committees except for an audit committee. We do not expect
the board of directors of the new intermediate holding company to have standing
committees.
Indemnification and Director Liability
The certificates of incorporation of the parent company, the old
intermediate holding company, the new intermediate holding company and the
operating company each eliminates the liability of its directors for monetary
damages for breaches of fiduciary duties, for circumstances involving wrongful
acts, such as the breach of a director's duty of loyalty or acts or omissions
that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law. The
certificates of incorporation of each company also requires it to indemnify its
directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware
corporations statute.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The annual and long-term compensation of the parent company's Chief
Executive Officer and other executive officers named below was as follows for
the years ended December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000:
LONG-TERM
ANNUAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION
----------------------------------------------- -------------------
OTHER ANNUAL OPTIONS TO PURCHASE
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION DURING 2000 YEAR SALARY ($) BONUS ($)(1) COMPENSATION ($)(2) COMMON STOCK (#)(3)
--------------------------------------- ---- ---------- ------------ ------------------- -------------------
C. Edward Baker, Jr................. 2000 $532,200 $371,250 $ 4,990 951,000
Chairman and 1999 434,337 185,000 4,163 150,000
Chief Executive Officer 1998 373,742 135,000 600 151,554(4)
Lyndon R. Daniels................... 2000 348,200 224,130 3,500 607,000
President and 1999 313,735 203,000 23,363(5) 91,667
Chief Operating Officer 1998 295,416 -- 113,905(6) 46,666
J. Roy Pottle....................... 2000 282,200 166,290 3,191 452,000
Executive Vice President and 1999 228,896 140,000 2,317 66,666
Chief Financial Officer 1998 179,200 -- 99,304(6) 30,000
Steven Gross........................ 2000 246,000 135,000 3,743 269,500
Executive Vice President, 1999 137,596 -- -- 37,500
Marketing and Sales
(joined Arch in June 1999)
Paul H. Kuzia....................... 2000 216,000 121,485 3,509 322,300
Executive Vice President, 1999 190,163 64,480 3,378 41,666
Technology and Regulatory Affairs 1998 165,489 58,435 600 29,616(7)
---------------
(1) Represents bonus paid in such fiscal year with respect to prior year.
(2) Represents Arch's matching contributions paid under its 401(k) plan, except
as otherwise indicated.
(3) No restricted stock awards or stock appreciation rights were granted to any
of the named executive officers during 1998, 1999 or 2000.
(4) Includes options to purchase 136,563 shares of common stock granted as part
of an option repricing program in 1998.
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(5) Includes $20,055 in reimbursement for relocation costs and associated taxes,
as well as $3,308 in matching contributions paid under our 401(k) plan.
(6) Represents reimbursement for relocation costs and associated taxes.
(7) Includes options to purchase 23,229 shares of common stock granted as part
of an option repricing program in 1998.
Executive Employment Agreements and Loans
The parent company is a party to executive employment agreements with
Messrs. Baker and Pottle. Each agreement has a term of three years expiring
March 13, 2004 and will automatically renew from year to year thereafter unless
terminated by either party at least 90 days prior to any renewal date. Under
these agreements, Messrs. Baker and Pottle are entitled to receive annual base
salaries of $600,000 and $305,000, respectively, subject to review and
adjustment by the Arch Wireless, Inc. board of directors, and other bonuses and
benefits.
In the event that the employment of either Mr. Baker or Mr. Pottle, as the
case may be, is terminated by us other than for cause, disability or death, or
by him for good reason, all options held by him become immediately exercisable
in full, and he is entitled to receive:
- a lump sum cash payment of a pro rata portion of his annual bonus for the
most recently completed fiscal year, based on the portion of the current
fiscal year during which he was employed prior to termination;
- a lump sum cash payment equal to three times the sum of the executive's
annual base salary in effect at the time of the termination plus the
average bonus paid for the three calendar years immediately preceding the
calendar year during which termination of employment occurs;
- any amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided to the executive
or which the executive is eligible to receive following the executive's
termination under any plan, program, policy, practice, contract or
agreement of ours; and
- until the earlier of twelve months after termination or the executive
becomes eligible to receive substantially equivalent benefits from
another employer, life, disability, accident and health insurance
benefits similar to those previously provided by us.
In the event Mr. Baker or Mr. Pottle resigns without good reason, he is
entitled to receive a lump sum cash payment of a pro rata portion of his annual
bonus for the most recently completed fiscal year, based on the portion of the
current fiscal year during which he was employed prior to termination.
Good reason is defined to include, among other things, a material reduction
in employment responsibilities, compensation or benefits or, in the case of Mr.
Baker, the failure to become the chairman of the board or chief executive of any
entity succeeding or controlling the parent company. Following termination of
employment, the executive has agreed not to compete with Arch or solicit Arch's
employees or business for one year.
All options held by Mr. Baker and Mr. Pottle become immediately exercisable
in full upon a change in control. If the executive receives benefits upon a
change of control that subject him to excise taxes under the "golden parachute
provision" of the Internal Revenue Code, Arch will pay the excise taxes due and
any additional taxes related to that payment.
Change in control is defined to mean (1) the acquisition of 50% or more of
the outstanding common stock of the parent company or the combined voting power
of its outstanding voting securities by any entity or group or (2) a merger
involving the parent company or a sale of all or substantially all of its
assets, if the merger or asset sale results in the parent company's stockholders
prior to the transaction holding less than a majority of the voting power of the
combined or acquiring entity and the parent company's directors ceasing to
constitute a majority of the directors of the combined or acquiring entity.
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The parent company has made several loans to Mr. Baker bearing interest at
5% to 9.5% annually. As of March 31, 2001, principal and accrued interest of
$406,025 was outstanding.
Executive Retention Agreements
The parent company is a party to executive retention agreements with a
total of 15 executive officers, including Messrs. Daniels, Gross and Kuzia but
excluding Messrs. Baker and Pottle. The purpose of the executive retention
agreements is to assure the continued employment and dedication of the
executives without distraction from the possibility of a change in control of
Arch. In the event that within twelve months following a change in control the
employment of an executive is terminated by us other than for cause, disability
or death, or by the executive for good reason, the executive is entitled to
receive:
- a lump sum cash payment equal to a specified multiple of the sum of the
executive's annual base salary in effect at the time of the change in
control plus the average bonus paid for the three calendar years
immediately preceding the calendar year during which the change in
control occurs -- the multiple is three for Messrs. Daniels and Kuzia,
two for Mr. Gross, and one or two for the other executives;
- any amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided to the executive
or which the executive is eligible to receive following the executive's
termination under any plan, program, policy, practice, contract or
agreement of ours; and
- until the earlier of twelve months after termination or the executive
becomes eligible to receive substantially equivalent benefits from
another employer, life, disability, accident and health insurance
benefits similar to those previously provided by us.
Good reason is defined to include, among other things, a material reduction
in employment responsibilities, compensation or benefits.
Change in control is defined to mean (1) the acquisition of 50% or more of
the outstanding common stock of the parent company or the combined voting power
of its outstanding voting securities by any entity or group, (2) a change in a
majority of the parent company's board of directors or (3) a merger involving
the parent company or a sale of all or substantially all of its assets, if the
merger or asset sale results in the parent company's stockholders prior to the
merger holding less than a majority of the voting power of the combined or
acquiring entity or the parent company's directors ceasing to constitute a
majority of the directors of the combined or acquiring entity.
In addition, the executive retention agreements provide for the
acceleration of options held by the executive upon (1) the acquisition of 50% or
more of the outstanding common stock of the parent company or the combined
voting power of its outstanding voting securities by an entity or group or (2) a
merger involving the parent company or a sale of all or substantially all of its
assets, if the merger or asset sale results in the parent company's stockholders
prior to the transaction holding less than a majority of the voting power of the
combined or acquiring entity and the parent company's directors ceasing to
constitute a majority of the directors of the combined or acquiring entity.
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Stock Option Grants
The following table sets forth certain information regarding options to
purchase shares of common stock of the parent company granted during 2000 to the
executive officers named in the summary compensation table. No stock
appreciation rights were granted during 2000.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
-------------------------------------------- POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE AT
NUMBER OF PERCENT OF ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES OF
SECURITIES TOTAL OPTIONS STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION FOR
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO EXERCISE OR OPTION TERM(3)
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN BASE PRICE EXPIRATION ------------------------------
NAME GRANTED(#)(1) FISCAL YEAR ($/SHARE)(2) DATE 5%($) 10%($)
---- ------------- ------------- ------------ ---------- ------------- -------------
C. Edward Baker,
Jr. ............... 709,000 11.5% $6.06 5/16/10 $2,703,186 $6,850,403
242,000 3.9 0.97 12/13/10 147,444 373,652
Lyndon R. Daniels.... 481,000 7.8 6.06 5/16/10 1,833,896 4,647,453
126,000 2.0 0.97 12/13/10 76,768 194,546
J. Roy Pottle........ 350,000 5.7 6.06 5/16/10 1,334,436 3,381,722
102,000 1.7 0.97 12/13/10 62,146 157,490
Steven Gross......... 202,500 3.2 6.06 5/16/10 772,066 1,956,568
67,000 1.1 0.97 12/13/10 40,821 103,449
Paul H. Kuzia........ 263,300 4.3 6.06 5/16/10 1,003,877 2,544,021
59,000 1.0 0.97 12/13/10 35,947 91,097
---------------
(1) Options generally become exercisable at a rate of 25% of the shares subject
to the option on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant.
(2) The exercise price is equal to the fair market value of the common stock on
the date of grant.
(3) Amounts represent hypothetical gains that could be achieved for the
respective options if exercised at the end of the option term. These gains
are based on assumed rates of stock appreciation of 5% and 10% compounded
annually from the date the respective options were granted to their
expiration date, and are not intended to forecast future appreciation of the
price of the common stock. The named executive officers will realize gain
upon the exercise of these options only if an increase in the price of the
common stock which benefits all of our stockholders proportionately.
Option Exercises and Year-End Option Table
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the exercise
of options to purchase shares of the parent company's common stock during 2000
and options held as of December 31, 2000 by the named executive officers.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
NUMBER OF SECURITIES
UNDERLYING VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNEXERCISED OPTIONS AT IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
SHARES FISCAL YEAR-END (#) FISCAL YEAR-END($)
ACQUIRED ON VALUE --------------------------- ---------------------------
NAME EXERCISE (#) REALIZED ($) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
---- ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
C. Edward Baker,
Jr. ................. -- -- 133,267 1,119,287 -- --
Lyndon R. Daniels...... -- -- 44,002 701,331 -- --
J. Roy Pottle.......... -- -- 29,834 518,832 -- --
Steven Gross........... -- -- 7,500 299,500 -- --
Paul H. Kuzia.......... -- -- 28,627 364,956 -- --
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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Fees and Expenses
Arch pays its non-employee directors an annual fee of $12,000, an
additional annual fee of $1,000 for serving as chairs of board committees,
$2,000 for each meeting of the board of directors attended and $750 for each
board committee meeting attended. Arch also reimburses all directors for
customary and reasonable expenses incurred in attending board and board
committee meetings.
Each non-employee director has the right to defer his compensation as a
non-employee director and to receive the deferred amounts in cash upon a
specified future date or event, such as the date he ceases to be a non-employee
director. All deferred compensation is credited, as of the date on which the
compensation would have been paid, at the participant's election in either cash
or shares of common stock based on their market price on the date the
compensation would have been paid. On the distribution date, any deferred
compensation credited in shares of common stock is converted into cash by
valuing the credited stock at its market price on the distribution date. Mr.
Rayfield is the only current non-employee director who has ever elected to
participate in this plan. Mr. Rayfield has elected not to participate in this
plan in 2001.
Directors' Stock Option Plan
A total of 196,733 shares of common stock may be issued upon the exercise
of options granted under Arch's non-employee directors' stock option plan. Only
directors who are not employees of Arch are eligible to receive options under
the director plan. Options granted under the director plan do not qualify as
incentive stock options under section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code. Under
the director plan, non-employee directors receive annual grants, on the date of
the annual meeting of stockholders, of options to purchase 3,000 shares of
common stock. In addition, newly elected or appointed non-employee directors
receive options to purchase 3,000 shares of common stock as of the date of their
initial appointment or election. All options have an exercise price equal to the
fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant.
Each option under the director plan is fully exercisable upon grant subject
to Arch's right to repurchase, at the exercise price, all unvested shares if the
holder ceases to be a director of Arch. Shares subject to options under the
director plan generally become vested, and not subject to Arch's repurchase
option, as to 25% on the date of grant plus an additional 25% on each of the
first three anniversaries of the date of grant. In general, an optionee may
exercise his or her option only while he or she is a director of Arch and for 90
days after he or she ceases to be a director of Arch, or one year if cessation
as a director is due to death or permanent and total disability. Unexercised
options expire ten years after the date of grant. Options are not transferable
or assignable other than upon the death of the optionee or pursuant to a
qualified domestic relations order, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code.
Shares subject to options under the director plan become fully vested upon the
death of the optionee or upon a change in control of Arch, as defined in the
plan.
As of March 30, 2001, options to purchase an aggregate of 51,000 shares of
common stock were outstanding under the director plan and 2,406 shares had been
issued upon option exercises under the director plan.
ACCELERATION OF OTHER STOCK OPTIONS
Under the parent company's 2000 stock incentive plan, the parent company'
board of directors is authorized to accelerate options and other stock-based
awards granted under the plan upon a merger, liquidation or other reorganization
event or upon a change in control. A change in control is defined under the 2000
stock plan to mean (1) the acquisition of 50% or more of the parent company's
outstanding common stock or the combined voting power of the parent company's
outstanding voting securities by any entity or group or (2) a merger involving
the parent company or a sale of all or substantially all of the parent company's
assets, if the merger or asset sale results in the parent company's stockholders
prior to
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the transaction holding less than a majority of the voting power of the combined
or acquiring entity and the directors of the parent company ceasing to
constitute a majority of the directors of the combined or acquiring entity.
The parent company's 1989 stock option plan provides that all options
granted thereunder become fully exercisable and vested upon the occurrence of
any of the following events:
- the acquisition by any person of 20% or more of the parent company's
common stock if, within 24 months thereafter, a majority of the persons
elected to the parent company's board of directors is not approved by
vote of two-thirds of the directors in office at the time of the
acquisition;
- a merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of the parent
company's assets; or
- the adoption of a proposal to liquidate or dissolve the parent company.
As a result of the parent company's acquisition of USA Mobile on September
7, 1995, all options then outstanding under the 1989 option plan, covering a
total of 52,086 shares of common stock, became fully exercisable and vested,
including options to purchase 13,296 and 1,493 shares of common stock,
respectively, then held by Messrs. Baker and Kuzia. The 1989 option plan has
expired but outstanding options remain exercisable in accordance with their
terms.
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PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
PARENT COMPANY
The following table sets forth the expected combined voting power of
holders of the parent company's preferred and common stock following the
exchange offer, assuming that all of the outstanding notes are exchanged, or
following the prepackaged bankruptcy plan. The table also assumes the conversion
of all convertible preferred stock of Arch into common stock and the exercise of
all options having an exercise price of less than $1.00 per share:
COMBINED VOTING POWER
----------------------------
MARCH 31, 2001 AS ADJUSTED
-------------- -----------
Current parent company stockholders......................... 100.0% 50.3%
Current parent company and intermediate holding company
noteholders............................................... -- 49.7
----- -----
100.0% 100.0%
===== =====
The following table sets forth certain information about the beneficial
ownership of the parent company's common stock by:
- each person known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of the voting
power of the parent company's outstanding common stock, assuming the
conversion of Series C convertible preferred stock into common stock;
- each current director of the parent company;
- the parent company's chief executive officer and the other named
executive officers; and
- all current directors and executive officers of the parent company as a
group.
The table provides information at March 31, 2001 and as adjusted to give
effect to subsequent issuances of common stock in exchange for 10 7/8% senior
discount notes and either the exchange offer, assuming that all of the
outstanding notes subject to the exchange offer are tendered in the exchange
offer, or the prepackaged bankruptcy plan is confirmed.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission based upon voting or investment power over
the securities. The number of shares of common stock outstanding that is used in
calculating the percentage for each listed person includes any shares that
person has the right to acquire through exercise of warrants or options within
60 days after March 31, 2001. These shares, however, are not deemed to be
outstanding for the purpose of calculating the percentage beneficially owned by
any other person.
Unless otherwise indicated, each person or entity listed in the table has
sole voting power and investment power, or shares such power with his spouse,
with respect to all shares of capital stock listed as owned by such person or
entity. The inclusion of shares in the table does not constitute an admission
that the named stockholder is a direct or indirect beneficial owner of the
shares.
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The table assumes the conversion of the Series C preferred stock into
common stock at the March 31, 2001 conversion ratio of 7.4492 to 1.00.
SHARES
UNDERLYING
OPTIONS AND
WARRANTS PERCENTAGE
SHARES EXERCISABLE ------------------------
OUTSTANDING AT PRIOR TO TOTAL AT
MARCH 31, MAY 29, BENEFICIALLY MARCH 31, AS
NAME 2001 2001 OWNED 2001 ADJUSTED(9)
---- -------------- ----------- ------------ --------- -----------
C. Edward Baker, Jr............ 37,434 387,842 425,276 * *
Lyndon R. Daniels.............. -- 168,919 168,919 * *
J. Roy Pottle.................. -- 120,334 120,334 * *
Steven Gross................... -- 58,125 58,125 * *
Paul H. Kuzia.................. 440 99,240 99,680 * *
R. Schorr Berman(1)............ 655,671 1,143,948 1,799,619 1.0% *
Gregg R. Daugherty............. -- 3,000 3,000 * *
John H. Gutfreund.............. -- 3,000 3,000 * *
John Kornreich(2).............. 1,878,046 2,838,774 4,716,820 2.7% 1.3%
H. Sean Mathis................. -- 4,000 4,000 * *
Allan L. Rayfield.............. 334 7,576 7,910 * *
John B. Saynor................. 64,642 152,012 216,654 * *
John A. Shane(3)............... 6,856 21,519 28,375 * *
Funds affiliated with
Resurgence Asset
Management(4)................ 16,239,776 -- 16,239,776 9.3% 4.5%
Bay Harbour Management,
L.C.(5)...................... 14,207,385 -- 14,207,385 8.2% 4.0%
Credit Suisse First
Boston(6).................... 13,989,069 -- 13,989,069 8.0% 3.9%
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter &
Co.(7)....................... 9,469,872 -- 9,469,872 5.4% 2.6%
Whippoorwill Associates,
Inc.(8)...................... 8,386,535 439,904 8,826,439 5.1% 2.5%
All current directors and
executive officers as a group
(14 persons)................. 2,643,423 5,058,664 7,702,087 4.3% 2.1%
---------------
* Less than 1%
(1) Includes 649,337 shares and 1,122,334 shares issuable upon exercise of
warrants held by Memorial Drive Trust, over which Mr. Berman may be deemed
to share voting and investment power as administrator and chief executive
officer. Mr. Berman disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares held by
Memorial Drive Trust.
(2) Includes 1,796,089 shares and 2,695,895 shares issuable upon exercise of
warrants beneficially owned by Sandler Capital Management, over which Mr.
Kornreich may be deemed to have voting and investment power as managing
director, and 63,334 shares beneficially owned by two limited partnerships,
over which Mr. Kornreich may be deemed to have voting and investment power
as a general partner. Mr. Kornreich disclaims beneficial ownership of all
such shares.
(3) Includes 351 shares and 606 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants owned
by Palmer Service Corporation, over which Mr. Shane may be deemed to have
voting and investment power as president and sole stockholder of Palmer
Service Corporation, 159 shares issuable upon conversion of $8,000 principal
amount of the 6 3/4% convertible subordinated debentures due 2003 held by
Palmer Service Corporation, and 418 shares issuable upon conversion of the
6 3/4% convertible subordinated debentures held by Mr. Shane.
(4) Includes 7,213,931 shares beneficially owned by various funds for which
Resurgence Asset Management, L.L.C. acts as investment advisor and general
partner, 3,976,367 shares beneficially
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owned by various funds for which Resurgence Asset Management International,
L.L.C. acts as sole special shareholder and sole investment advisor, 4,095,269
shares beneficially owned by various funds for which Re/Enterprise Asset
Management, L.L.C. acts as investment advisor and/or general partner,
92,215 shares beneficially owned by Kingstreet Ltd., 240,784 shares held by
Resurgence Parallel Fund, L.L.C., 31,825 shares held by M.D. Sass
Associates, Inc. Employees Profit Sharing Plan, 239,976 shares held by
James B. Rubin, 154,014 shares held by Devonshire Capital Partners, L.L.C.,
1,828 shares held by J.B. Rubin & Company Profit Sharing Plan, 6,993 shares
held by Guadalupe G. Rubin IRA, 8,458 shares held by James B. Rubin, IRA,
34,494 shares beneficially owned by Resurgence Parallel Fund II, L.L.C.,
2,528 shares held by Resurgence Asset Management Employee Retirement Plan,
127,041 shares beneficially owned by J.B. Rubin & Company Defined
Contribution Plan and 14,053 shares beneficially owned by Mid Ocean
Capital. Resurgence Asset Management, L.L.C., Resurgence Asset Management
International, L.L.C. and Re/Enterprise Asset Management, L.L.C., may be
deemed to beneficially own the shares held by the funds for which each acts
as investment manager and/or general partner and each disclaims beneficial
ownership of such shares. James B. Rubin serves as chief investment officer
and is responsible for the day-to-day investment activities of each of
Resurgence Asset Management, L.L.C., Resurgence Asset Management
International, L.L.C. and Re/Enterprise Asset Management, L.L.C. This
information is based on Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13G/A filed by the
funds affiliated with Resurgence Asset Management with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on February 14, 2001.
(5) Includes 13,974,485 shares that may be deemed beneficially owned by Bay
Harbour Management, L.C. as a result of voting and dispositive power with
respect to shares held for the account of private investment funds and
managed accounts, 157,900 shares beneficially owned by Steven A. Van Dyke
and 75,000 shares beneficially owned by John D. Stout. Tower Investment
Group, Inc., as the majority stockholder of Bay Harbour Management, L.C.,
may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the 13,974,485 shares held by
Bay Harbour Management, L.C. Mr. Van Dyke, as a stockholder and President of
Tower Investment Group, Inc., and Mr. Stout, as a stockholder of Tower
Investment Group, Inc., may also be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the
13,974,485 shares deemed to be beneficially owned by Bay Harbour Management,
L.C. Douglas P. Teitelbaum, a stockholder of Tower Investment Group, Inc.,
may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the 13,974,485 shares deemed to
be beneficially owned by Bay Harbour Management, L.C. This information is
based on Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13G/A filed by Bay Harbour Management,
L.C., Tower Investment Group, Inc. and Messrs. Van Dyke, Stout and
Teitelbaum with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2001.
(6) Consists of shares held directly by Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation
in proprietary trading and investment accounts. Credit Suisse First Boston
Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Credit Suisse First Boston
(USA), Inc. Credit Suisse First Boston, Inc. owns all of the voting stock of
Credit Suisse First Boston (USA), Inc., and Credit Suisse First Boston, a
Swiss bank, owns directly a majority of the voting stock, and all of the
non-voting stock, of Credit Suisse First Boston, Inc. The ultimate parent
company of Credit Suisse First Boston and Credit Suisse First Boston, Inc.,
and the direct owner of the remainder of the voting stock of Credit Suisse
First Boston, Inc., is Credit Suisse Group, a corporation formed under the
laws of Switzerland. Credit Suisse Group may be deemed ultimately to control
Credit Suisse First Boston and its subsidiaries comprising the Credit Suisse
First Boston business unit. Credit Suisse Group, its executive officers and
directors, and its direct and indirect subsidiaries (including all of the
business units except the Credit Suisse First Boston business unit), may
beneficially own additional shares. Due to the separate management and
independent operation of its business units, Credit Suisse Group disclaims
beneficial ownership of any such additional shares beneficially owned by its
direct and indirect subsidiaries, including the Credit Suisse First Boston
business unit. The Credit Suisse First Boston business unit disclaims
beneficial ownership of any additional shares beneficially owned by Credit
Suisse Group and any of Credit Suisse Group's and Credit Suisse First
Boston's other business units. This information is based on a Schedule 13G
filed by Credit Suisse First Boston, on behalf of itself and its
subsidiaries, to the extent that they
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constitute part of the Credit Suisse First Boston business unit, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on February 15, 2001.
(7) Includes 9,469,872 shares with respect to which Morgan Stanley Dean Witter &
Co. shares voting power and 8,470,203 shares with respect to which Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter & Co. shares dispositive power. Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Investment Management, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter & Co., shares voting and dispositive power with respect
to 8,450,195 shares. This information is based on a Schedule 13G/A filed by
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors,
Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2001.
(8) Consists of shares with respect to which Whippoorwill Associates, Inc.
shares voting and dispositive power as a result of Whippoorwill's status as
agent for its clients and Whippoorwill's discretionary authority with
respect to its clients' investments. This information is based on Amendment
No. 5 to Schedule 13D filed by Whippoorwill Associates, Inc. with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on February 22, 2001.
(9) Assumes that none of these stockholders owns any of the five series of notes
subject to the exchange offer and the prepackaged bankruptcy plan.
The address of each person or entity listed in the table is: c/o Arch Wireless,
Inc., 1800 West Park Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts 01581, except for:
- Resurgence Asset Management, L.L.C., 10 New King Street, 1st Floor, White
Plains, New York 10604
- Bay Harbour Management, L.C., 777 South Harbour Island Boulevard, Suite
270, Tampa, Florida, 33602
- Credit Suisse First Boston, Uetlibergstrasse 231, P.O. Box 900, CH-8070,
Zurich, Switzerland
- Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co., 1585 Broadway, New York, New York 10036
- Whippoorwill Associates, Inc. 11 Martine Avenue, White Plains, New York
10606
SUBSIDIARIES
All of the outstanding common stock of the old intermediate holding company
is beneficially owned by the parent company. Arch expects that following the
consummation of the exchange offer or the prepackaged bankruptcy plan, all of
the outstanding common stock of the intermediate holding company will be
beneficially owned by the parent company, that the parent company will hold at
least 90% of the combined voting power of all classes of stock of the
intermediate holding company and that holders of outstanding notes who exchange
their notes will hold in the aggregate less than 10% of the combined voting
power of all classes of stock of the intermediate holding company.
All of the outstanding common stock of the operating company is
beneficially owned by the old intermediate holding company. Arch expects that
following the consummation of the exchange offer or the prepackaged bankruptcy
plan all of the outstanding common stock of the operating company will be
beneficially owned by the intermediate holding company.
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DESCRIPTION OF NOTES BEING OFFERED
INTERMEDIATE HOLDING COMPANY 12% SENIOR NOTES
The 12% senior notes will have the following rights and terms.
The issuer will issue the 12% senior notes under an indenture between it
and [ ], as trustee. The terms of the 12% senior notes will
include those stated in the 12% senior notes indenture and those made a part of
the indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. The following
description is a summary of the material provisions of the indenture. The
summary does not restate the indenture in its entirety. You should read the
indenture and the Trust Indenture Act because they, and not this description,
define your rights as holders of the 12% senior notes. To obtain copies of the
indenture, see "Where You Can Find Additional Information." The precise
definitions of some of the terms used in the following summary are set forth
below under "Important Definitions." All financial and accounting terms used in
any description of any restrictive covenant or any definition contained in the
indenture or the 12% senior notes shall exclude the effect of troubled debt
restructuring accounting. All references to the "issuer" in this description of
the 12% senior notes refer to either Arch Transition Corp., the new intermediate
holding company, if we consummate the exchange offer, or Arch Wireless
Communications, Inc., the old intermediate holding company, if we confirm the
prepackaged bankruptcy plan, and do not include the subsidiaries or parent
company of either entity.
The issuer is or will be an intermediate holding company with no material
assets except the stock of its subsidiaries. Because the operations of the
issuer are conducted entirely through its subsidiaries, the issuer's cash flow
and consequent ability to service its debt, including the 12% senior notes, will
depend upon the earnings of the subsidiaries and the distribution of those
earnings to the issuer or upon loans or other payments of funds by the
subsidiaries to the issuer. The issuer's subsidiaries and its parent company
will have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay any amounts due on the
12% senior notes or to make any funds available for that purpose, whether by
dividends, loans or other payments.
To the extent that Paging Network Canada Holdings, Inc. becomes a
subsidiary of the issuer, the Canadian subsidiaries of Paging Network Canada
Holdings, Inc. that remain party to a Canadian loan facility will be
unrestricted subsidiaries. These unrestricted subsidiaries are not limited by
any of the restrictive covenants in the indenture. The remainder of the issuer's
subsidiaries remain restricted subsidiaries, as defined in the indenture.
However, under certain circumstances, the issuer will be able to designate
current or future subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries. Unrestricted
subsidiaries will not be limited by any of the restrictive covenants contained
in the indenture.
PRINCIPAL, MATURITY AND INTEREST
The issuer will issue an aggregate amount of $204.6 million of 12% senior
notes in connection with the exchange offer or the prepackaged bankruptcy plan,
assuming 100% participation in the exchange offer or confirmation of the
prepackaged bankruptcy plan, respectively. The issuer may issue additional notes
having identical terms and conditions to the 12% senior notes issued in
connection with the exchange offer or prepackaged bankruptcy plan, subject to
compliance with the "Limitations on Debt" covenant described below, plus
additional 12% senior notes issued to make the interest payments described in
the next paragraph. Any such additional notes will be part of the same issue as
the notes being issued in connection with the exchange offer or the bankruptcy
prepackaged plan and will vote on all matters as one class, including, without
limitation, on all waivers, consents and amendments. For the purposes of this
description of the 12% senior notes, references to the 12% senior notes include
any such additional notes.
The 12% senior notes will mature on [September 30], 2007. Interest on the
12% senior notes will accrue at the rate of 12.0% per year payable semi-annually
in arrears on each [June 30] and [December 31]. Interest will be payable in cash
commencing [December 31], 2004. Through [June 30], 2004, the issuer will make
payment through the issuance of additional 12% senior notes in an aggregate
principal amount equal the amount of accrued interest through the interest
payment date. The issuer will pay interest in cash or issue additional 12%
senior notes to the persons in whose names the 12% senior
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notes are registered at the close of business on the immediately preceding
[December 15] or [June 15]. Interest will initially accrue from the date of
issuance. After interest has been paid at least once, interest will continue to
accrue from the date it was most recently paid or duly provided for, whether in
cash or in additional 12% senior notes. The issuer will compute interest on the
basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. See "Material Federal Income
Tax Considerations."
The 12% senior notes are issuable only in registered form, without coupons,
in denominations of $1,000 or any whole multiple of $1,000. Principal, interest
and premium, if any, will be payable at the office or agency of the issuer
maintained for that purpose and the 12% senior notes may be presented for
transfer or exchange there also. The issuer's office or agency for this purpose
will be the principal corporate trust office of the trustee unless the issuer
designates otherwise. At the issuer's option, the issuer may pay interest by
check mailed to registered holders of the 12% senior notes at the addresses set
forth on the registry books maintained by the trustee, which will initially act
as registrar and transfer agent for the 12% senior notes. No service charge will
be made for any exchange or registration of transfer of 12% senior notes, but
the issuer may require payment of an amount sufficient to cover any associated
tax or other governmental charge.
SENIORITY; RANKING
The 12% senior notes are senior unsecured obligations of the issuer,
ranking equally in right of payment with all unsubordinated unsecured debt of
the issuer and senior to all subordinated debt of the issuer. See "Important
Definitions". The 12% senior notes will be structurally subordinated to all
liabilities of the issuer's subsidiaries, including trade payables, capitalized
lease obligations and debt that may be incurred by the issuer's subsidiaries
under their secured credit facility, variable rate secured senior notes or other
current or future financing arrangements. Any right of the issuer to receive
assets of any subsidiary upon the subsidiary's liquidation or reorganization
will be structurally subordinated to the claims of that subsidiary's creditors.
If the issuer is itself recognized as a creditor of the subsidiary, the issuer's
claims would still be subject to any security interests in the assets of the
subsidiary and to any liabilities of the subsidiary senior to the issuer's
claims, and may otherwise be challenged in a liquidation or reorganization
proceeding. After giving effect to the exchange offer assuming participation by
100% of holders of the outstanding notes, or the prepackaged bankruptcy plan, as
the case may be, the 12% senior notes will be structurally subordinated to
approximately $1.29 billion of liabilities of the issuer's subsidiaries.
In addition, the issuer's parent will not have any obligation to pay any
amounts due on the 12% senior notes or to make any funds available for that
purpose.
The 12% senior notes are not secured by any collateral or any guaranty by
any member of the Arch group of companies.
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
The issuer may elect to redeem all or any part of the 12% senior notes at
any time, on between 30 and 60 days' prior notice. The redemption prices will
equal the following percentages of principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid
interest to the redemption date:
REDEMPTION
REDEMPTION DATE PRICE
--------------- ----------
[October 1], 2001 through [September 30], 2003.............. 102.00%
[October 1], 2003 through [September 30], 2005.............. 101.00%
[October 1], 2005 and thereafter............................ 100.00%
SELECTION AND NOTICE
If the issuer optionally redeems only part of the 12% senior notes at any
time, the trustee will select 12% senior notes for redemption on a pro rata
basis unless the 12% senior notes are listed on a national securities exchange.
In that case, the trustee will follow the requirements of the principal national
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securities exchange on which the 12% senior notes are listed. However, 12%
senior notes of $1,000 principal amount or less may be redeemed only as a whole
and not in part. The issuer must mail notices of any optional redemption by
first class mail between 30 and 60 days before the redemption date to each
holder of 12% senior notes to be redeemed at its registered address. Notices of
any optional redemption may not be made subject to conditions. If any note is to
be redeemed in part only, the notice of optional redemption that relates to that
note will state the portion of the principal amount to be redeemed. The issuer
will cancel the original note and issue a new note in a principal amount equal
to the unredeemed portion, registered in the name of the holder of the original
note. 12% senior notes called for optional redemption become due on the date
fixed for redemption. Beginning on the redemption date, interest will cease to
accrue on 12% senior notes or portions of 12% senior notes called for
redemption.
SINKING FUNDS
The 12% senior notes do not have the benefit of any sinking fund
obligations.
REPURCHASE OF 12% SENIOR NOTES AT THE OPTION OF HOLDERS
Change of Control
If a change of control occurs at any time, then each holder of 12% senior
notes will have the right to require the issuer to purchase all or any portion
of its 12% senior notes, in whole multiples of $1,000, for cash at a purchase
price equal to 101% of the principal amount of its 12% senior notes, plus
accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase, pursuant to the offer
described below and the other procedures required by the indenture.
Change of control means the occurrence of any of the following events:
- any person or group, as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)
of the Exchange Act, becomes the beneficial owner, directly or
indirectly, of more than a majority of the voting power of all classes of
voting stock of the issuer or its parent company; the term beneficial
owner is as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act,
except that a person shall be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all
securities that such person has the right to acquire, whether such right
is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time;
- the issuer or its parent consolidates with, or merges with or into,
another person or conveys, transfers, leases or otherwise disposes of all
or substantially all of its assets to any person, or any person
consolidates with, or merges with or into, the issuer or its parent, in
any such event pursuant to a transaction in which the outstanding voting
stock of the issuer or its parent is converted into or exchanged for
cash, securities or other property, except any transaction where
-- the outstanding voting stock of the issuer or its parent is not
converted or exchanged at all, except to the extent necessary to
reflect a change in the jurisdiction of incorporation, or is
converted into or exchanged for
- capital stock, other than disqualified stock, of the surviving or
transferee person or
- cash, securities or other property, other than capital stock
described in the foregoing clause of the surviving or transferee
person in an amount that could be paid as a restricted payment as
described under the "Restricted Payments" covenant and immediately
after such transaction, no person or group, as such terms are used in
Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, is the beneficial
owner, as defined above, directly or indirectly, of more than a
majority of the total outstanding voting stock of the surviving or
transferee person;
- during any consecutive two-year period, individuals who at the beginning
of such period constituted the board of directors of the issuer or its
parent, together with any new directors whose election to the board of
directors, or whose nomination for election by the stockholders of the
issuer or its parent was approved by a vote of two thirds of the
directors then still in office who were either directors at the beginning
of such period or whose election or nomination for election was
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previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority of
the board of directors of the issuer or its parent then in office; or
- the issuer or its parent is liquidated or dissolved or adopts a plan of
liquidation or dissolution other than in a transaction which complies
with the provisions described under "Restrictive Covenants -- Limitations
on Mergers or Sales of Assets" below.
Within 30 days following any change of control, the issuer will notify the
trustee and give written notice of the change of control to each holder of 12%
senior notes by first class mail, postage prepaid, at its registered address.
The notice must state, among other things:
- the change of control purchase price;
- the change of control purchase date, which will be a business day between
30 days and 60 days from the date the notice is mailed or any later date
that is necessary to comply with requirements under the Exchange Act;
- that any note not tendered will continue to accrue interest;
- that any 12% senior notes accepted for payment pursuant to the change of
control offer will cease to accrue interest after the change of control
purchase date, unless the issuer default in the payment of the change of
control purchase price; and
- other procedures that a holder of 12% senior notes must follow to accept
a change of control offer or to withdraw an acceptance once it has been
made.
If a change of control offer is made, there can be no assurance that the
issuer will have available, or be able to obtain, funds sufficient to pay the
change of control purchase price for all of the 12% senior notes that might be
tendered by holders of the 12% senior notes seeking to accept the change of
control offer. The secured credit facility and the variable rate secured senior
notes will limit any purchases of the 12% senior notes by the issuer unless the
indebtedness under the secured credit facility and the variable rate secured
senior notes is fully repaid. The issuer cannot be sure that, after a change of
control, the issuer will be able to obtain the necessary consents from the
lenders under the secured credit facility, from the holders of the variable rate
secured senior notes or from any other debt holders to consummate a change of
control offer. If the issuer fails to make or consummate the change of control
offer or pay the change of control purchase price when due, an event of default
would result under the indenture and the trustee and the holders of the 12%
senior notes would then have the rights described under "Events of Default".
In addition to our obligations under the indenture with respect to the 12%
senior notes if a change of control occurs, the secured credit facility and the
variable rate secured senior notes indenture contain provisions defining what
constitutes a change of control and designating it as an event of default which
will obligate the issuer to immediately repay amounts outstanding under the
secured credit facility and the variable rate secured senior notes.
One of the events which constitutes a change of control under the indenture
is the disposition of "all or substantially all" of our assets or the assets of
our parent company. The phrase "all or substantially all" has not been
interpreted to represent a specific quantitative test under New York law, which
governs the indenture. As a consequence, if holders of the 12% senior notes
elect to require the issuer to purchase the 12% senior notes and the issuer
chooses to contest such election, the issuer cannot be sure how a court
interpreting New York law would interpret the phrase.
The definition of change of control in the indenture is limited in scope.
The provisions of the indenture will not afford you, as noteholders, the right
to require the issuer to repurchase your 12% senior notes following a
transaction which is not defined as a change of control, even if the transaction
may adversely affect you as noteholders. Such transactions may include a highly
leveraged transaction; various transactions with our management or our
affiliates; a reorganization, restructuring, merger or similar transaction
involving our company; or an acquisition of our company by management or its
affiliates. A
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transaction involving our management or its affiliates, or a transaction
involving a recapitalization of our company, would result in a change of control
only if it is the type of transaction specified in the definition above. Any
proposed highly leveraged transaction, whether or not constituting a change of
control, would be required to comply with the other covenants in the indenture,
including those described under "Limitations on Debt" and "Limitations on
Liens".
In connection with a change of control offer, the issuer must comply with
the applicable tender offer rules under the Exchange Act, including Rule 14e-1,
and any other applicable securities laws and regulations.
Asset Sales
The issuer is required to make an offer to all holders to purchase the 12%
senior notes following the consummation of certain asset sales. See "Restrictive
Covenants -- Limitations on Asset Sales" for a description of the circumstances
under which such an offer to purchase must be made.
RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS
Limitations on Restricted Payments
The issuer will not, directly or indirectly, take any of the following
actions and will not permit any restricted subsidiary to do so:
- declare or pay any dividend on any shares of the capital stock of the
issuer or any restricted subsidiary, or make any distribution to
stockholders, other than:
-- dividends or distributions payable solely in qualified equity
interests of the issuer; and
-- dividends or distributions by a restricted subsidiary payable to the
issuer or another restricted subsidiary;
- purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value, directly or
indirectly, any shares of capital stock of the issuer, any restricted
subsidiary or any affiliate of the issuer, or any options, warrants or
other rights to acquire shares of capital stock other than:
-- disqualified stock; or
-- capital stock owned by the issuer or any of its restricted
subsidiaries;
- make any principal payment on any subordinated debt, including
disqualified stock;
- make any loan, advance, capital contribution to or other investment in
any affiliate of the issuer or guarantee any of any affiliate's
obligations, except for a permitted investment; and
- make any other investment in any person, other than a permitted
investment;
unless at the time of, and immediately after giving effect to, the proposed
action:
- no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing;
- the issuer could incur at least $1.00 of additional debt, other than
permitted debt, in accordance with the provisions described under the
"Limitations on Debt" covenant; and
- the aggregate amount of all restricted payments of the types listed
above, declared or made after the issue date of the 12% senior notes,
does not exceed the sum of:
-- the excess of 100% of the aggregate consolidated cash flow of the
issuer
- measured on a cumulative basis during the period beginning on the
date the new senior notes are issued and ending on the last day of
the issuer's most recent fiscal quarter for which internal
financial statements are available ending before the date of the
proposed restricted payment, and
- excluding from consolidated cash flow for all purposes other than
determining whether the issuer may make, or may permit a restricted
subsidiary to, make investments in any person, the net income, but
not the net loss, of any restricted subsidiary to the extent that
the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by
such restricted
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subsidiary is restricted, directly or indirectly, except to the
extent that such net income could be paid to the issuer or one of
its restricted subsidiaries by loans, advances, intercompany
transfers, principal repayments or otherwise,
-- over the product of 2.0 times consolidated interest expense accrued
on a cumulative basis during the same period; plus
-- the aggregate net proceeds received by the issuer from the issuance
or sale of qualified equity interests of the issuer,
- other than issuances or sales to a restricted subsidiary, and
- including the fair market value of property other than cash as
determined by the issuer's board of directors, whose good faith
determination will be conclusive; plus
-- the aggregate net proceeds received by the issuer from the issuance or
sale of debt securities or disqualified stock that have been converted
into or exchanged for qualified stock of the issuer,
- other than issuances or sales to a restricted subsidiary, and
- including the fair market value of property other than cash as
determined by the issuer's board of directors, whose good faith
determination will be conclusive,
- together with the aggregate net cash proceeds received by the
issuer at the time of such conversion or exchange; plus
-- without duplication, the lesser of
- the net cash proceeds received by the issuer or a wholly owned
restricted subsidiary upon the sale of any unrestricted subsidiary,
or
- the amount of the issuer's or such restricted subsidiary's
investment in the unrestricted subsidiary that is sold.
The sum of all these amounts is referred to as the permitted amount of
restricted payments.
However, the issuer and its restricted subsidiaries may take any one or
more of the following actions, whether singly or in combination:
1. the payment of any dividend within 60 days after it is declared if
on the day it is declared the payment would not have been prohibited by the
provisions described above;
2. the repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or
retirement for value of any shares of capital stock of the issuer, in
exchange for, or out of the net cash proceeds of, a substantially
concurrent issuance and sale of qualified equity interests of the issuer,
except for a sale to a restricted subsidiary;
3. the purchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or
retirement for value of subordinated debt in exchange for, or out of the
net cash proceeds of, a substantially concurrent issuance and sale of
shares of qualified stock of the issuer, except for a sale to a restricted
subsidiary;
4. the purchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or
retirement for value of subordinated debt, plus the amount of any premium
required to be paid in connection with the refinancing under the terms of
the debt being refinanced or the amount of any premium reasonably
determined by the issuer as necessary to accomplish the refinancing through
a tender offer or privately negotiated repurchase, in exchange for, or out
of the net cash proceeds of, a substantially concurrent incurrence or sale
of subordinated debt of the issuer, except for a sale to a restricted
subsidiary, so long as
- the new subordinated debt is subordinated to the 12% senior notes to
the same extent as the subordinated debt that is purchased, redeemed,
acquired or retired;
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- the new subordinated debt has an average life longer than the average
life of the 12% senior notes and a final stated maturity of principal
later than the final stated maturity of the 12% senior notes; and
5. payments, whether made in cash, property or securities, by the
issuer or any subsidiary to any employee of the issuer or any subsidiary in
connection with the issuance or redemption of stock of any such company
pursuant to any employee stock option plan or board resolution to the
extent that such payments do not exceed $500,000 in the aggregate during
any fiscal year or $2.0 million in the aggregate during the term of the 12%
senior notes;
6. the repurchase of any subordinated debt at a purchase price that
does not exceed 101% of its principal amount following a change of control
in accordance with provisions similar to the "Repurchase at the Option of
Holders--Change of Control" covenant, if before the repurchase the issuer
has made a change of control offer as provided in that covenant with
respect to the 12% senior notes and has repurchased all 12% senior notes
validly tendered for payment in connection with the change of control
offer;
7. investments in persons made with, or out of the net cash proceeds
of a substantially concurrent issuance and sale of, shares of qualified
stock of the issuer, except for a sale to a restricted subsidiary;
8. payments to the parent to enable the parent to pay when due
principal and accrued interest on the 9 1/2% Senior Notes due 2004, 14%
Senior Notes due 2004, 12 3/4% Senior Notes due 2007 and 13 3/4% Senior
Notes due 2008, 10 7/8% Senior Discount Notes due 2008 and 6 3/4%
Convertible Subordinated Debentures due December 1, 2003, to the extent
outstanding, if such amounts are promptly used to pay such principal and
interest;
9. the payment by Paging Network, Inc., also known as PageNet, to
Madison Venture Corporation, also known as Madison, of an amount in
satisfaction of PageNet's obligations resulting from Madison's put to
PageNet of its interests in the PageNet Canadian subsidiaries pursuant to
the Unanimous Shareholders' Agreement between PageNet and Madison; any
additional guaranty of the obligations of the PageNet Canadian subsidiaries
under their credit facilities and any security pledged to secure such
guaranty, all in a aggregate amount not to exceed Cdn. $8.0 million.
10. payments of management fees to the parent of the issuer in any
fiscal quarter, in an aggregate amount not exceeding 1.5% of the net
revenue of the issuer and its restricted subsidiaries for the immediately
preceding four fiscal quarters ending with the latest fiscal quarters for
which Arch Wireless, Inc. has filed a quarterly report with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on Form 10-Q or an annual report on Form 10-K, for
services rendered to the issuer or its restricted subsidiaries;
11. payments made to the parent company to enable the parent company
to pay taxes as a consolidated taxpayer; and
12. any other payment or payments of up to $25.0 million in the
aggregate which would otherwise constitute a restricted payment.
The restricted payments described in clauses 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12
above will reduce the permitted amount of restricted payments that would
otherwise be available under the provisions summarized in the first paragraph of
this section. The restricted payments described in clauses 1, 4, 10 and 11 above
will not reduce the amount that would otherwise be available for restricted
payments. The restricted payments described in clauses 5 through 9 and clause 12
may only be made if no default or event of default has occurred and is
continuing.
For the purpose of making any calculations under the indenture,
- an investment will include the fair market value of the net assets of any
restricted subsidiary at the time that the restricted subsidiary is
designated an unrestricted subsidiary and will, for the purpose
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of this covenant, exclude the fair market value of the net assets of any
unrestricted subsidiary that is designated as a restricted subsidiary;
- any property transferred to or from an unrestricted subsidiary will be
valued at fair market value at the time of such transfer; provided that,
in each case, the fair market value of an asset or property is as
determined by the board of directors of the issuer in good faith; and
- subject to the two previous clauses, the amount of any restricted payment
not made in cash will be determined by the board of directors of the
issuer, whose good faith determination will be conclusive.
If the aggregate amount of all restricted payments calculated under these
provisions includes an investment in an unrestricted subsidiary or other person
that later becomes a restricted subsidiary, the investment will no longer be
counted as a restricted payment for purposes of calculating the aggregate amount
of restricted payments.
If an investment resulted in the making of a restricted payment, the
aggregate amount of all restricted payments calculated under these provisions
will be reduced by the amount of any net reduction in that investment that
results from the payment of interest or dividends, loan repayment, transfer of
assets or otherwise, to the extent the net reduction is not included in the
issuer's consolidated adjusted net income; provided that the aggregate amount of
all restricted payments may not be reduced by more than the lesser of (1) the
cash proceeds received by the issuer and its restricted subsidiaries in
connection with the net reduction and (2) the initial amount of the investment.
In computing the issuer's consolidated cash flow under this section,
- the issuer may use audited financial statements for the portions of the
relevant period for which audited financial statements are available on
the date of determination and unaudited financial statements and other
current financial data based on the books and records of the issuer for
the remaining portion of the relevant period; and
- the issuer will be permitted to rely in good faith on the financial
statements and other financial data derived from its books and records
that are available on the date of determination. If the issuer makes a
restricted payment which, when made, would be permitted under the
requirements of the indenture, in the good faith determination of the
board of directors of the issuer that restricted payment will be deemed
to have been made in compliance with the indenture even though later
adjustments may be made in good faith to the issuer's financial
statements affecting its consolidated adjusted net income for any period.
Limitations on Debt
The issuer will incur debt, and will permit any restricted subsidiary to do
so, only if, at the time of the incurrence and after giving effect to the
incurrence, the issuer's consolidated cash flow ratio would be less than 5.5 to
1.0.
In making this calculation, there shall be excluded from debt for purposes
of calculating the consolidated cash flow ratio all debt of the issuer and its
restricted subsidiaries incurred pursuant to clause 1 of the definition of
permitted debt which appears below, and pro forma effect will be given to
- the incurrence of the debt to be incurred and the application of the net
proceeds from the debt to refinance other debt; and
- the acquisition by purchase, merger or otherwise or the disposition by
sale, merger or otherwise of any company, entity or business acquired or
disposed of by the issuer or its restricted subsidiaries since the first
day of the most recent full fiscal quarter, as if such acquisition or
disposition occurred at the beginning of the most recent full fiscal
quarter.
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Despite the limitation just described, the issuer may incur the following
additional debt, known as permitted debt, and may permit its restricted
subsidiaries to do so:
1. debt under the secured credit facility and the variable rate
secured senior notes in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100.0 million at
any one time outstanding, less any amounts by which the commitments under
those facilities are permanently reduced pursuant to the provisions of
those facilities as described under "Limitations on Asset Sales";
2. other debt of the issuer or any restricted subsidiary outstanding
on the date of the indenture including, without limitation, the variable
rate secured senior notes;
3. debt owed by the issuer to any wholly owned restricted subsidiary
or owed by any wholly owned restricted subsidiary to the issuer or any
other wholly owned restricted subsidiary, if such debt is held by the
issuer or a wholly owned restricted subsidiary and any debt owed by the
issuer is subordinated debt;
4. debt represented by the 12% senior notes;
5. debt incurred or incurable in respect of letters of credit,
bankers' acceptances or similar facilities not to exceed $15.0 million at
any one time outstanding;
6. capital lease obligations whose attributable value does not exceed
$10.0 million at any one time outstanding;
7. debt of the issuer or any restricted subsidiary consisting of
guarantees, indemnities or obligations in respect of purchase price
adjustments in connection with the acquisition or disposition of assets,
including shares of capital stock;
8. debt of the issuer or any restricted subsidiary, including trade
letters of credit, in respect of purchase money obligations not to exceed
$15.0 million at any time outstanding;
9. debt arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial
institution of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn against
insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business, if such debt is
extinguished within two business days of its incurrence; and
10. any renewals, extensions, substitutions, replacements or other
refinancings of the secured credit facility or the variable rate secured
senior notes and any renewals, extensions, substitutions or replacements of
any other outstanding debt, other than debt incurred pursuant to clauses 7
or 9 of this definition, including any successive refinancings, so long as,
in the case of debt other than debt incurred pursuant to the secured credit
facility or the variable rate secured senior notes
- the principal amount of any such new debt does not exceed the principal
amount being refinanced; or
- if the debt being refinanced provides for less than its principal amount
to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration, the principal
does not exceed
-- such lesser amount so refinanced, plus
-- the amount of any premium required to be paid in connection with such
refinancing pursuant to the terms of the debt refinanced or the
amount of any premium reasonably determined by the issuer as
necessary to accomplish such refinancing by means of a tender offer
or privately negotiated repurchase, plus
-- the amount of reasonable expenses incurred by the issuer in
connection with such refinancing;
- in the case of any refinancing of subordinated debt, such new debt is
made subordinate to the 12% senior notes at least to the same extent as
the debt being refinanced;
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- in the case of any refinancing of the 12% senior notes or any debt that
ranks equal in right of payment with the 12% senior notes, such new debt
is made equal in right of payment or subordinated to the 12% senior
notes; and
- such refinancing debt:
-- does not have an average life less than the average life of the debt
being refinanced;
-- does not have a final scheduled maturity earlier than the final
scheduled maturity of the debt being refinanced; and
-- does not permit redemption at the option of the holder earlier than
the earliest permissible date of redemption at the option of the
holder of the debt being refinanced.
Limitations on Liens
The issuer will not incur any debt, and will not permit any restricted
subsidiary to incur any debt, which is secured, directly or indirectly, with a
lien on the property, assets or any income or profits from such property or
assets of the issuer or any restricted subsidiary
- except for permitted liens; or
- unless at the same time, or earlier, the 12% senior notes, including all
payments of principal, premium and interest are secured equally and
ratably with or prior to the obligation or liability secured by the lien
for so long as the obligation or liability is secured in that manner.
Limitations on Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted
Subsidiaries
The issuer will not, and will not permit any restricted subsidiary to,
create, assume or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or to become effective any
consensual encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any restricted
subsidiary to:
- pay any dividends or make any other distributions on its capital stock;
- make payments in respect of any debt owed to the issuer or any restricted
subsidiary;
- make loans or advances to the issuer or any restricted subsidiary; or
- transfer any of its property or assets to the issuer or any restricted
subsidiary,
other than:
- those under the secured credit facility and the variable rate secured
senior notes existing as of the date of issuance of the 12% senior notes;
- those under other debt of the issuer, its parent company or any
restricted subsidiary existing as of the date of issuance of the 12%
senior notes;
- those that may be contained in future agreements if they are no more
restrictive than those referred to in the immediately preceding two
clauses;
- those required by the 12% senior notes;
- customary non-assignment or sublease provisions of any lease governing a
leasehold interest of the issuer or any restricted subsidiary;
- consensual encumbrances or restrictions binding upon any person at the
time that person becomes a subsidiary of the issuer, if the encumbrances
or restrictions were not incurred in anticipation of that person becoming
a subsidiary of the issuer;
- encumbrances and restrictions imposed by applicable law; or
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- any restrictions with respect to a restricted subsidiary imposed by an
agreement which has been entered into for the sale or disposition of all
or substantially all of the capital stock or assets of that subsidiary
pending the closing of the sale or disposition.
Nothing contained in this covenant shall prevent the issuer from entering into
any agreement permitted by the "Liens" covenant, if the encumbrance or
restriction in any such agreement is limited to the transfer of the property or
assets which is subject to the agreement.
Limitations on Asset Sales
The issuer will not engage in any asset sale and will not permit any
restricted subsidiary to do so, unless:
- the consideration received by the issuer or the restricted subsidiary
from the asset sale equals or exceeds the fair market value of the assets
sold, as determined by the board of directors of the issuer, whose good
faith determination will be conclusive;
- at least 85% of the consideration received by the issuer or the relevant
restricted subsidiary from the asset sale consists of
-- cash or cash equivalents; and/or
-- the assumption by the recipient of debt of the issuer that ranks
equal in right of payment with the 12% senior notes, or any debt of a
restricted subsidiary, and the release of the issuer or the
restricted subsidiary from all liability on the debt that is assumed.
The limitations above will not apply to any sale or disposition of the interest
of Paging Network Canada Holdings, Inc. in its Canadian subsidiaries, through a
merger, by way of a contribution to a joint venture or otherwise in the event
that Paging Network Canada Holdings, Inc. becomes a restricted subsidiary of the
issuer.
If the issuer or any restricted subsidiary engages in an asset sale, the
issuer may use the net cash proceeds of the asset sale, within 12 months after
the asset sale, to:
- make a permanent reduction of amounts outstanding under the secured
credit facility and the variable rate secured senior notes or repay or
prepay any then outstanding debt of the issuer that ranks equal in right
of payment with the 12% senior notes, or any debt of a restricted
subsidiary; or
- invest, or enter into a legally binding agreement to invest, within 90
days, in
-- properties and assets to replace the properties and assets that were
the subject of the asset sale, or
-- properties and assets that will be used in the telecommunications
businesses of the issuer or its restricted subsidiaries.
If a legally binding agreement to invest net cash proceeds is terminated, then
the issuer may, within 90 days of such termination or within 12 months of such
asset sale, whichever is later, actually invest the net cash proceeds as
provided in the first or second clause above. Before applying the net cash
proceeds of an asset sale pursuant to the first or second clause above, the
issuer may use the net cash proceeds to temporarily reduce borrowings under the
secured credit facility. We refer to the amount of any net cash proceeds not
used in the way described in this paragraph as excess proceeds.
When the aggregate amount of excess proceeds exceeds $10.0 million, the
issuer will make an offer to purchase the maximum principal amount of 12% senior
notes that may be purchased with the excess proceeds. The issuer will extend the
offer to all noteholders, on a pro rata basis, in accordance with the procedures
set forth in the indenture. The offer price for each note will be payable in
cash. The price will equal 100% of the principal amount of the note, plus
accrued and unpaid interest to the date the offer to purchase is closed. To the
extent that the aggregate principal amount of 12% senior notes tendered in
response to our offer to purchase is less than the excess proceeds, the issuer
may use the remaining excess
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proceeds for other general corporate purposes not prohibited by the indenture.
If the aggregate principal amount of 12% senior notes validly tendered and not
withdrawn by their holders exceeds the excess proceeds, 12% senior notes to be
purchased will be selected on a pro rata basis. Upon completion of our offer to
purchase, the amount of excess proceeds will be reset to zero.
Limitations on Mergers or Sales of Assets
The issuer will not:
- consolidate with or merge with or into any other person; or
- convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets as an entirety to any
person or persons; or
- permit any restricted subsidiary to enter into any such transaction or
series of transactions, if such transaction or series of transactions, in
the aggregate, would result in the conveyance, transfer or lease of all
or substantially all of the properties and assets of the issuer and its
restricted subsidiaries on a consolidated basis to any person;
unless:
- either:
- the issuer is the surviving corporation; or
- the person formed by such consolidation or into which the issuer or a
restricted subsidiary is merged or the person which acquires, by
conveyance, transfer or lease, the properties and assets of the issuer
or such restricted subsidiary substantially as an entirety:
- is a corporation, partnership or trust organized and validly
existing under the laws of the United States of America, any state
or the District of Columbia; and
- expressly assumes, by a supplemental indenture executed and
delivered to the trustee, in form satisfactory to the trustee, the
issuer's obligation for the due and punctual payment of the
principal, premium, if any, and interest on all the 12% senior
notes and the performance and observance of every covenant of the
indenture to be performed or observed on the part of the issuer;
- immediately after giving effect to such transaction or series of
transactions and treating any obligation of the issuer or a subsidiary in
connection with or as a result of such transaction as having been
incurred as of the time of such transaction, no default or event of
default has occurred and is continuing;
- immediately after giving effect to such transaction or series of
transactions on a pro forma basis, the issuer, or the surviving entity if
the issuer is not the continuing obligor under the indenture, could incur
at least $1.00 of additional debt, other than permitted debt, under the
provisions of the "Limitations on Debt" covenant
- on the assumption that the transaction or series of transactions
occurred on the first day of the last full fiscal quarter immediately
prior to the actual consummation of such transaction or series of
transactions,
- with the appropriate adjustments with respect to the transaction or
series of transactions being included in such pro forma calculation;
and
- if any of the property or assets of the issuer or any of its restricted
subsidiaries would become subject to any lien, the provisions of the
"Liens" covenant are complied with.
In connection with any such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or
lease, the issuer or the surviving entity shall deliver to the trustee, in form
and substance reasonably satisfactory to the trustee, an
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officer's certificate, attaching the computations to demonstrate compliance with
the third clause above, and an opinion of counsel, each stating that:
- the consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease complies with
the requirements of the covenant described under "Limitations on Mergers
or Sales of Assets";
- any supplemental indenture required in connection with such transaction
complies with that covenant; and
- all conditions precedent relating to such transaction provided for in
that covenant have been complied with.
Upon any transaction or series of transactions that are of the type
described in the immediately preceding paragraphs, and that are effected in
accordance with the conditions described above, the surviving entity shall
succeed to the issuer, shall be substituted for the issuer, and may exercise
every right and power of the issuer under the indenture with the same effect as
if the surviving entity had been named as the issuer in the indenture. When a
surviving entity duly assumes all of the obligations and covenants of the issuer
pursuant to the indenture and the 12% senior notes, the predecessor person shall
be relieved of all such obligations, except in the case of a lease.
Limitations on Transactions with Affiliates and Related Persons
The issuer will not, and will not permit any restricted subsidiary to,
directly or indirectly, enter into any transaction or series of transactions
with any affiliate of the issuer or any related person other than the issuer or
a wholly owned restricted subsidiary, unless:
- the transaction or series of transactions is on terms no less favorable
to the issuer or such restricted subsidiary than those that could be
obtained in a comparable arm's-length transaction with an entity that is
not an affiliate or a related person; and
- if the transaction or series of transactions involves aggregate
consideration in excess of $2.0 million, then such transaction or series
of transactions is approved by a resolution adopted by a majority of the
issuer's board of directors, including the approval of a majority of the
disinterested directors. Any such transaction or series of transactions
approved in that manner shall be conclusively deemed to be on terms no
less favorable to the issuer or such restricted subsidiary than those
that could be obtained in an arm's-length transaction.
This restriction will not apply, however, to:
- transactions between the issuer or any of its restricted subsidiaries and
any employee of the issuer or any of its restricted subsidiaries that are
entered into in the ordinary course of business;
- the payment of reasonable and customary regular fees and expenses to
directors of the issuer;
- the making of indemnification, contribution or similar payments to any
director or officer of the issuer or any restricted subsidiary under
charter or by-law provisions, whether now in effect or subsequently
amended, or any indemnification or similar agreement with any director or
officer; or
- the entering into of any such indemnification agreements with any current
or future directors or officers of the issuer or any restricted
subsidiary.
Limitation on Issuances and Sales of Capital Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries
The issuer:
- will not permit any restricted subsidiary to issue any capital stock,
except to the issuer or a restricted subsidiary; and
- will not permit any person other than the issuer or a restricted
subsidiary to own any capital stock of any restricted subsidiary;
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except that:
- the issuer or any restricted subsidiary may issue and sell all, but not
less than all, of the issued and outstanding capital stock of any
restricted subsidiary owned by it in compliance with the other provisions
of the indenture; or
- the issuer may acquire less than all of the equity ownership or voting
stock of a person that will be a subsidiary upon the consummation of the
acquisition.
Limitations on Subsidiary Guarantees
The issuer will not:
- permit any of its restricted subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, to
guarantee or secure through the granting of liens the payment of any debt
of the issuer, other than debt under or with respect to the secured
credit facility, the variable rate secured senior notes and associated
permitted liens; or
- pledge any intercompany notes representing obligations of any of its
restricted subsidiaries to secure the payment of any debt of the issuer,
other than debt under or with respect to the secured credit facility, the
variable rate secured senior notes and associated permitted liens, unless
such subsidiary
- executes a supplemental indenture evidencing its guarantee of the 12%
senior notes; or
- in the case of a grant of a security interest or the pledge of an
intercompany note, the holders of the 12% senior notes receive a
security interest in the intercompany note or in the asset to which
such security interest relates.
Unrestricted Subsidiaries
The issuer's board of directors may designate any subsidiary, including any
newly acquired or newly formed subsidiary, to be an unrestricted subsidiary so
long as:
- neither the issuer nor any restricted subsidiary is directly or
indirectly liable for any debt of such subsidiary;
- no default with respect to any debt of such subsidiary would permit, upon
notice, lapse of time or otherwise, any holder of any other debt of the
issuer or any restricted subsidiary to declare a default on such other
debt or cause the payment of such other debt to be accelerated or payable
prior to its stated maturity;
- any investment in such subsidiary made as a result of designating such
subsidiary an unrestricted subsidiary will not violate the provisions of
the "Restricted Payments" covenant;
- every contract, agreement, arrangement, understanding or obligation of
any kind, whether written or oral, between such subsidiary and the issuer
or any restricted subsidiary is on terms that might be obtained at the
time from persons who are not affiliates of the issuer; and
- neither the issuer nor any restricted subsidiary has any obligation to
subscribe for additional shares of capital stock or other equity interest
in such subsidiary, or to maintain or preserve such subsidiary's
financial condition or to cause such subsidiary to achieve certain levels
of operating results.
However, the issuer may not designate as an unrestricted subsidiary any
subsidiary which is a significant subsidiary on the date of the indenture, and
may not sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any properties or assets of any
significant subsidiary to an unrestricted subsidiary, except in the ordinary
course of business.
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The issuer's board of directors may designate any unrestricted subsidiary
as a restricted subsidiary. However, such designation will be deemed to be an
incurrence of debt by a restricted subsidiary of any outstanding debt of such
unrestricted subsidiary and such designation will only be permitted if
- such debt is permitted under the "Limitations on Debt" covenant, and
- no default or event of default would be in existence following such
designation.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
The following are events of default under the indenture:
1. default in the payment of any interest on any note when it becomes due
and payable if the default continues for 30 days;
2. default in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, on any
note at its maturity;
3. failure to perform or comply with the indenture provisions described
under "Repurchase of 12% Senior Notes at the Option of Holders -- Change of
Control" or "Restrictive Covenants -- Limitations on Mergers or Sales of
Assets";
4. default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or agreement
contained in the indenture, other than a default in the performance, or breach,
of a covenant or warranty which is specifically dealt with elsewhere in "Events
of Default", if the default or breach continues for 60 days after written notice
is given to the issuer by the trustee or to the issuer and the trustee by the
holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the 12% senior notes
then outstanding;
5. either:
- an event of default has occurred under any mortgage, bond, indenture,
loan agreement or other document evidencing an issue of debt of the
issuer or a restricted subsidiary, if
-- the other issue has an aggregate outstanding principal amount of at
least $10.0 million; and
-- the default has resulted in such debt becoming due and payable prior
to the date on which it would otherwise become due and payable,
whether by declaration or otherwise; or
- a default has occurred in any payment when due at final maturity of any
such debt;
6. any person entitled to take the actions described in this clause, after
the occurrence of any event of default under any agreement or instrument
evidencing any debt in excess of $10.0 million in the aggregate of the issuer or
any restricted subsidiary,
- notifies the trustee of the intended sale or disposition of any assets of
the issuer or any restricted subsidiary that have been pledged to or for
the benefit of the person to secure the debt, or
- commences proceedings, or takes action to retain in satisfaction of any
debt, or to collect on, seize, dispose of or apply, any assets of the
issuer or any restricted subsidiary, pursuant to the terms of any
agreement or instrument evidencing any such debt of the issuer or any
restricted subsidiary or in accordance with applicable law;
7. one or more final judgments or orders
- are rendered against the issuer or any restricted subsidiary which
require the payment of money, either individually or in an aggregate
amount, in excess of $10.0 million;
- are not discharged; and
- 60 days elapse without a stay of enforcement being in effect for such
judgment or order, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise;
8. the occurrence of specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or
reorganization with respect to the issuer or any significant subsidiary.
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If an event of default specified in clauses 1 through 7 above occurs and is
continuing, then the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate
principal amount of the 12% senior notes then outstanding may declare all
amounts payable on all of the outstanding 12% senior notes to be due and payable
immediately. This includes principal, accrued and unpaid interest and premium,
if any, as of such date of declaration. The trustee must give a notice in
writing to the issuer and the holders must give notice to the issuer and the
trustee. Upon any such declaration of acceleration all amounts payable in
respect of the 12% senior notes will become immediately due and payable. If an
event of default specified in clause 8 above occurs, then all of the outstanding
12% senior notes will automatically become and be immediately due and payable
without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or any holder of
12% senior notes.
After a declaration of acceleration under the indenture, the holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the 12% senior notes then outstanding,
by written notice to the issuer and the trustee, may rescind such declaration
and its consequences if:
- a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has not been obtained
by the trustee,
- the issuer has paid or deposited with the trustee a sum sufficient to
pay:
-- all overdue interest on all 12% senior notes,
-- any unpaid principal and premium, if any, which has become due on any
outstanding 12% senior notes independently from such declaration of
acceleration and interest on such amount at the rate borne by the 12%
senior notes,
-- interest upon overdue interest and premium, if any, and overdue
principal at the rate borne by the 12% senior notes to the extent
that payment of such interest is lawful, and
-- all sums paid or advanced by the trustee under the indenture and the
reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the
trustee, its agents and counsel; and
- all events of default, other than the non-payment of amounts of
principal, premium, or interest which became due solely because of such
declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived.
Rescinding a declaration of acceleration will not affect or impair the
rights of the holders if another default occurs later.
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the 12% senior
notes then outstanding may waive any past defaults under the indenture, on
behalf of the holders of all the 12% senior notes, except that they cannot waive
a default
- in the payment of the principal, premium, or interest on any note, or
- in respect of a covenant or provision which under the indenture requires
unanimous consent for modification or waiver.
If the trustee knows that a default or an event of default is continuing,
the trustee must mail a notice to each holder of the 12% senior notes within 30
days after it first occurs, or if the trustee only learns of it later, promptly
upon learning of it. If the default or event of default does not involve
non-payment, the trustee may withhold the notice to the holders of the 12%
senior notes if its board of directors, executive committee or a committee of
its trust officers determines in good faith that withholding the notice is in
the interest of the holders.
A noteholder may institute any proceeding with respect to the indenture or
for any remedy under the indenture only if the holder has previously given the
trustee written notice of a continuing event of default and the holders of at
least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the 12% senior notes then outstanding
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have made written request, and offered reasonable indemnity, to the trustee to
institute the proceeding as trustee, and the trustee
- has not received contrary directions from the holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the 12% senior notes then outstanding, and
- has failed to institute such proceeding within 60 days.
However, these limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a holder of a
note for enforcement of payment of any amounts then due.
The issuer must furnish to the trustee annual statements as to its
performance of its obligations under the indenture and as to any default in such
performance. The issuer must also notify the trustee within five days of
becoming aware of any default or event of default.
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER
Modifications and amendments of the indenture may be made by the issuer and
the trustee with the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the 12% senior notes then outstanding, except that the consent of the
holder of every outstanding note affected by the modification or change is
required if the modification or amendment may:
- change the stated maturity of the principal of any note, or any
installment of interest on, any note, or reduce the principal amount of
any note or the rate of interest on any note or any premium payable upon
the redemption of any note, or change the place of payment, or the coin
or currency of payment for amounts due under any note, or impair the
right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment after the
stated maturity of such payment or, in the case of redemption, on or
after the redemption date;
- reduce the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the 12% senior
notes then outstanding whose holders must consent to any such amendment
or any waiver of compliance with specified provisions of the indenture or
specified defaults and their consequences provided for under the
indenture; or
- modify any provisions relating to "Amendment, Supplement and Waiver" or
the fourth full paragraph under "Events of Default" above, except to
increase the percentage of outstanding 12% senior notes required to
consent to such actions or to provide that certain other provisions of
the indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the
holder of every outstanding note affected by the modification or waiver.
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the 12% senior
notes then outstanding may waive compliance with certain restrictive covenants
and provisions of the indenture except as set forth above.
IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS
There are certain defined terms used in the 12% senior notes indenture. You
should read the indenture for a full definition of all these terms, as well as
other terms used in this prospectus for which no definition is provided in this
prospectus:
Acquired debt means debt of a person:
- existing at the time the person is merged with or into the issuer or
becomes a subsidiary;
- assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from the person; or
- secured by a lien encumbering assets acquired from the person.
Affiliate means, with respect to any specified person, any other person
directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect
common control with the specified person. For the purposes of
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this definition, control means the power to direct the management and policies
of a person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting
securities, by contract or otherwise.
Asset sale means any kind of transfer to any person, whether through sale,
issuance, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition, including
disposition by way of merger, consolidation or sale and leaseback transaction,
directly or indirectly, in one transaction or a series of related transactions,
of:
- any capital stock of any restricted subsidiary;
- all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the issuer and
its restricted subsidiaries representing a division or line of business;
or
- any other properties or assets of the issuer or any restricted
subsidiary, other than in the ordinary course of business.
The term asset sale shall not include any transfer of properties or assets
- that is governed by the provisions of the indenture described under
"Limitations on Mergers or Sales of Assets",
- between or among the issuer and its restricted subsidiaries,
- constituting an investment in a telecommunications business, if permitted
under the "Limitations on Restricted Payments" covenant,
- representing obsolete or permanently retired equipment and facilities or
- the gross proceeds of which, exclusive of indemnities, do not exceed $2.0
million for any particular item or $5.0 million in the aggregate for any
fiscal year of the issuer.
Attributable value means, with respect to any lease, the present value of
the obligations of the lessee of the property subject to the lease for rental
payments during the shorter of
- the remaining term of the lease, including any period for which the lease
has been extended or may be extended at the option of the lessor, or
- the period during which the lessee is not entitled to terminate the lease
without penalty or upon payment of penalty if on the date of
determination it is the lessee's intention to terminate the lease when it
becomes entitled to do so. If the first event to occur is the lessee's
becoming eligible to terminate the lease upon payment of a penalty, the
rental payments shall include the penalty. In calculating the present
value of the rental payments, all amounts required to be paid on account
of maintenance and repairs, insurance, taxes, assessments, water,
utilities and similar charges shall be excluded. The present value should
be discounted at the interest rate implicit in the lease, or, if not
known, at the issuer's incremental borrowing rate.
Average life means, with respect to amounts payable under any debt or
disqualified stock,
- the sum of the products of
-- the number of years from the date of determination to the date or
dates of each principal payment, times
-- the amount of each such successive scheduled principal payment,
divided by
- the sum of all such principal payments.
Capital lease obligation means, with respect to any person, an obligation
incurred in the ordinary course of business under or in connection with any
capital lease of real or personal property which has been recorded as a
capitalized lease in accordance with GAAP.
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Capital stock of any person means:
- any and all shares, interests, partnership interests, participation,
rights in or other equivalents, however designated, of such person's
equity interest, however designated; and
- any rights, other than debt securities convertible into capital stock,
warrants or options exchangeable for or convertible into such capital
stock, whether now outstanding or issued after the date of the indenture.
Consolidated adjusted net income means, for any period, the net income or
net loss of the issuer and its restricted subsidiaries for such period as
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, adjusted to the
extent included in calculating such net income or loss by excluding:
- any net after-tax extraordinary gains or losses, less all related fees
and expenses;
- any net after-tax gains or losses, less all related fees and expenses,
attributable to asset sales;
- the portion of net income or loss of any unrestricted subsidiary or other
person except for the issuer or a restricted subsidiary, in which the
issuer or any restricted subsidiary has an ownership interest, except to
the extent of the amount of dividends or other distributions actually
paid to the issuer or any restricted subsidiary in cash dividends or
distributions by such person during such period; and
- the net income or loss of any person combined with the issuer or any
restricted subsidiary on a "pooling of interests" basis attributable to
any period prior to the date of combination.
The calculation of Consolidated adjusted net income shall exclude the effect of
troubled debt restructuring accounting.
Consolidated cash flow means consolidated adjusted net income increased,
without duplication, by
- consolidated interest expense, plus
- consolidated income tax expense, plus
- consolidated non-cash charges.
Consolidated cash flow ratio means the ratio of:
- the aggregate principal amount of debt of the issuer and its restricted
subsidiaries on a consolidated basis outstanding as of the date of
calculation; to
- consolidated cash flow for the most recently ended full four fiscal
quarters.
Consolidated income tax expense means the provision for federal, state,
local and foreign income taxes of the issuer and its restricted subsidiaries as
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
Consolidated interest expense means, without duplication, the sum of:
- the amount which would be set forth opposite the caption "interest
expense", or any like caption, on a consolidated statement of operations
of the issuer and its restricted subsidiaries, in conformity with GAAP
including,
-- amortization of debt discount,
-- the net cost of interest rate contracts including amortization of
discounts,
-- the interest portion of any deferred payment obligation,
-- amortization of debt issuance costs,
-- the interest component of capital lease obligations of the issuer and
its restricted subsidiaries, and
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-- the portion of any rental obligation of the issuer and its restricted
subsidiaries in respect of any sale and leaseback transaction
allocable during such period to interest expense, determined as if it
were treated as a capital lease obligation; plus
- all interest on any debt of any other person guaranteed and paid by the
issuer or any of its restricted subsidiaries.
Consolidated interest expense will not, however, include any gain or loss
from extinguishment of debt, including write-off of debt issuance costs, and
shall exclude the effect of troubled debt restructuring accounting.
Consolidated non-cash charges means, the aggregate depreciation,
amortization and other non-cash expenses of the issuer and its restricted
subsidiaries reducing consolidated adjusted net income, determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, excluding any non-cash charge that
requires an accrual of or reserve for cash charges for any future period.
The debt of a person means, without duplication:
- every obligation of that person for money borrowed;
- every obligation of that person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or
other similar instruments;
- every reimbursement obligation of that person with respect to letters of
credit, bankers' acceptances or similar facilities issued for the account
of that person;
- every obligation of that person issued or assumed as the deferred
purchase price of property or services;
- the attributable value of every capital lease obligation and sale and
leaseback transaction of that person;
- all disqualified stock of that person valued at its maximum fixed
repurchase price, plus accrued and unpaid dividends; and
- every guarantee by that person of an obligation of the type referred to
in the previous six clauses, of another person and dividends of another
person.
An obligation constitutes debt of a person whether recourse is to all or a
portion of that person's assets, and whether or not contingent. For purposes of
this definition, the "maximum fixed repurchase price" of any disqualified stock
that does not have a fixed repurchase price will be calculated in accordance
with the terms of such disqualified stock as if such disqualified stock were
repurchased on any date on which debt is required to be determined pursuant to
the indenture, and if the price is based upon, or measured by, the fair market
value of such disqualified stock, the fair market value will be determined in
good faith by the board of directors of the issuer of such disqualified stock.
In no case, however, will trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities arising
in the ordinary course of business and any liability for federal, state or local
taxes or other taxes owed by a person be considered debt for purposes of this
definition. The amount outstanding at any time of any debt issued with original
issue discount is the aggregate principal amount of such debt, less the
remaining unamortized portion of the original issue discount of such debt at
such time, as determined in accordance with GAAP. The calculation of debt shall
exclude the effect of troubled debt restructuring accounting.
Default means any event that is, or after notice or passage of time or both
would be, an event of default.
Disinterested director means, when the issuer's board of directors is
required to deliver a resolution under the indenture regarding any transaction
or series of transactions, a director who does not have any material direct or
indirect financial interest in or with respect to the transaction or series of
transactions, other than solely because of that director's ownership of capital
stock or other securities of the issuer or an affiliate of the issuer or any
compensation agreement entered into, in the ordinary course, with the issuer or
an affiliate of the issuer.
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Disqualified stock means any class or series of capital stock that:
- is, or upon the happening of an event or passage of time would be,
required to be redeemed before the final stated maturity of the 12%
senior notes; or
- is redeemable at the option of its holder at any time before final stated
maturity of the 12% senior notes; or
- is convertible into or exchangeable at the option of its holder for debt
securities at any time before final stated maturity of the 12% senior
notes,
either by its terms, by the terms of any security into which it is convertible
or exchangeable at the option of the holder thereof or by contract or otherwise.
Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any capital stock that would constitute
disqualified stock solely because the holders have the right to require the
issuer to repurchase such capital stock upon the occurrence of a change of
control or an asset sale shall not constitute disqualified stock if the terms of
such capital stock provide that the issuer may not repurchase or redeem any such
capital stock pursuant to such provisions unless such repurchase or redemption
complies with the covenant described above under the caption "Restrictive
Covenants -- Limitation on Restricted Payments."
Equity offering means an offering of equity securities of the issuer or its
parent company for cash to persons other than the issuer or its subsidiaries.
GAAP means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States,
consistently applied, that are in effect on the date of the indenture, provided,
however, that all financial and accounting calculations in any restrictive
covenant or any definition contained in the indenture or the 12% senior notes
shall exclude the effect of troubled debt restructuring accounting.
Government securities means direct obligations of the United States of
America, obligations fully guaranteed by the United States of America, or
participation in pools consisting solely of obligations of or obligations
guaranteed by the United States of America, if:
- the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged to
back payment of the guarantee or obligations; and
- the securities are not callable or redeemable at the option of their
issuer.
Guarantee means:
- a guarantee, direct or indirect, in any manner, of any part or all of an
obligation except by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection
in the ordinary course of business; and
- an agreement, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, whose
practical effect is to assure in any way the payment or performance of
all or any part of an obligation or payment of damages in the event of
non-performance, including the obligation to reimburse amounts drawn down
under letters of credit securing such obligations.
Incur means, to incur, create, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become
liable for or with respect to, or become responsible for, the payment of,
contingently or otherwise, a debt. However, the accrual of interest, the
issuance of additional 12% senior notes as payment of interest on the 12% senior
notes or the accretion of original issue discount shall not be considered an
incurrence of debt.
Investment means, directly or indirectly:
- any advance, loan or capital contribution to any person, the purchase of
any stock, bonds, notes, debentures or other securities of any person,
the acquisition, by purchase or otherwise, of all or substantially all of
the business or assets or stock or other evidence of beneficial ownership
of any person, the guarantee of any obligation of, any person or the
making of any investment in any person;
- the designation of any restricted subsidiary as an unrestricted
subsidiary; and
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- the transfer of any assets or properties from the issuer or a restricted
subsidiary to any unrestricted subsidiary, other than the transfer of
assets or properties in the ordinary course of business.
However, investments will not include extensions of trade credit on commercially
reasonable terms in accordance with normal trade practices.
Lien means any mortgage, charge, pledge, statutory lien, other lien,
privilege, security interest, hypothecation, assignment for security, claim,
preference, priority or other encumbrance upon or with respect to any property
of any kind, real or personal, movable or immovable, now owned or hereafter
acquired. The interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale
agreement, capital lease or other title retention agreement will be considered
to be a lien on the assets sold or leased.
Maturity means the date on which any principal of a note becomes due and
payable as provided in the note or in the indenture, whether at the stated
maturity of the principal of the note or by declaration of acceleration, call
for redemption, purchase or otherwise.
The net cash proceeds of any asset sale are the proceeds of such sale in
the form of cash or cash equivalents, including payments in respect of deferred
payment obligations when received in the form of cash or cash equivalents, or
stock or other assets when disposed for cash or cash equivalents, except to the
extent that such obligations are financed or sold by the issuer or any
restricted subsidiary with recourse to the issuer or any restricted subsidiary,
net of:
- brokerage commissions, legal and investment banking fees and expenses and
other fees and expenses related to the asset sale;
- provisions for all taxes payable as a result of the asset sale;
- payments made to retire debt that is secured by the assets that are sold;
- amounts required to be paid to any person other than the issuer or any
restricted subsidiary owning a beneficial interest in the assets that are
sold; and
- appropriate amounts to be provided by the issuer or any restricted
subsidiary as a reserve required in accordance with GAAP against any
liabilities associated with the asset sale and retained by the seller
after the asset sale, including pension and other post-employment benefit
liabilities, liabilities related to environmental matters and liabilities
under any indemnification obligations associated with the asset sale.
Permitted investments means any of the following:
- investments in any evidence of debt consisting of government securities
with a maturity of 180 days or less;
- certificates of deposit or acceptances with a maturity of 180 days or
less of any financial institution that is a member of the Federal Reserve
System having combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not
less than $500,000,000;
- commercial paper with a maturity of 180 days or less issued by a
corporation that is not an affiliate of the issuer and is organized under
the laws of any state of the United States or the District of Columbia
and having the highest rating obtainable from Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. or Standard & Poor's Rating Services;
- investments by the issuer or any restricted subsidiary in another person,
if as result of such investment the other person:
-- becomes a restricted subsidiary; or
-- is merged or consolidated with or into the issuer or a restricted
subsidiary or transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its
assets to, the issuer or a restricted subsidiary;
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- investments by the issuer or any restricted subsidiary in another person
made pursuant to the terms of a definitive merger, stock purchase or
similar agreement providing for a business combination transaction
between the issuer or a restricted subsidiary and such person if:
-- within 365 days of the date of the investment, such other person,
pursuant to the terms of such agreement, becomes a restricted
subsidiary or is merged or consolidated with or into, or transfers or
conveys all or substantially all of its assets to, the issuer or a
restricted subsidiary; or
-- if the agreement is terminated before the transactions it
contemplates are closed, the issuer or such restricted subsidiary
liquidates such Investment within 365 days of such termination.
- investments by the issuer or any of the restricted subsidiaries in one
another, provided, however, that in the event that Paging Network Canada
Holdings, Inc. becomes a restricted subsidiary of the issuer, the
investments of the issuer and any of its restricted subsidiaries in
Paging Network Canada Holdings, Inc. shall be limited to the amounts
specified in clause 9 in the description of "Limitations on Restricted
Payments";
- investments in assets owned or used in the ordinary course of business;
- investments in existence on the date the new 12% senior notes are issued;
and
- promissory notes received as a result of asset sales permitted under the
"Limitations on Asset Sales" covenant.
Permitted liens means any of the following:
- liens on property or assets of the issuer or a restricted subsidiary
securing debt under or with respect to the secured credit facility or the
variable rate secured senior notes;
- liens in existence on the issuance date of the 12% senior notes, except
for liens securing debt under the secured credit facility existing on the
issuance date of the 12% senior notes;
- liens securing the 12% senior notes;
- liens on property or assets of a restricted subsidiary securing debt of
the restricted subsidiary other than guarantees with respect to debt of
the issuer;
- any interest or title of a lessor under any capital lease obligation or
sale and leaseback transaction under which the issuer is lessee so long
as the attributable value secured by the lien does not exceed the
principal amount of debt permitted under the "Limitations on Debt"
covenant;
- liens securing acquired debt created before the incurrence of such debt
by the issuer and not in connection with or in contemplation of incurring
such debt if the lien does not extend to any property or assets of the
issuer other than the assets acquired in connection with the incurrence
of the acquired debt;
- liens arising from purchase money mortgages and purchase security
interests incurred in the ordinary course of the business of the issuer,
if:
-- the related debt is not secured by any property or assets of the
issuer other than the property and assets that are acquired; and
-- the lien securing the debt is created within 60 days of the
acquisition;
- statutory liens or landlords' and carriers', warehousemen's, mechanics',
suppliers', materialmen's, repairmen's or other similar liens arising in
the ordinary course of business and with respect to amounts not yet
delinquent or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings,
if the issuer has made whatever reserve or other appropriate provision
may be required in conformity with GAAP;
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- liens for taxes, assessments, government charges or claims that are being
contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted
and diligently conducted, if the issuer has made whatever reserve or
other appropriate provision may be required in conformity with GAAP;
- liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of business in
connection with workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and other
types of social security;
- rights of banks to set off deposits against debts owed to them;
- other liens incidental to the conduct of the business of the issuer or
any of its subsidiaries, or the ownership of their assets that do not
materially detract from the value of the property subject to the liens;
- liens incurred or deposits made to secure the performance of tenders,
bids, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, government
contracts, performance bonds and other obligations of a similar nature
incurred in the ordinary course of business, other than contracts for the
payment of money;
- easements, rights-of-way, restrictions and other similar charges or
encumbrances not interfering in any material respect with the business of
the issuer and the restricted subsidiaries, taken as a whole, incurred in
the ordinary course of business;
- liens arising by reason of any judgment, decree or order of any court so
long as such lien is adequately bonded and any appropriate legal
proceedings that may have been duly initiated for the review of the
judgment, decree or order have not been finally terminated or the period
within which such proceedings may be initiated has not expired; and
- any extension, renewal or replacement, in whole or in part, of any lien
described in the previous 15 clauses if any such extension, renewal or
replacement does not extend to any additional property or assets.
Person means any individual, corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust,
unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision
of a government.
Property of any person means all types of real, personal, tangible,
intangible or mixed property owned by that person whether or not included in the
most recent consolidated balance sheet of that person under GAAP.
Qualified equity interest means any qualified stock and all warrants,
options or other rights to acquire qualified stock but excludes any debt
security that is convertible into or exchangeable for capital stock.
Qualified stock of any person means any and all capital stock of such
person other than disqualified stock.
Related person means any beneficial owner of 10% or more of the issuer's
voting stock.
Restricted subsidiary means any subsidiary other than an unrestricted
subsidiary.
Sale and leaseback transaction means any transaction or series of related
transactions pursuant to which a person sells or transfers any property or asset
in connection with the leasing of the property or asset to the seller or
transferor or the resale of the property or asset against installment payments.
Secured credit facility means one or more credit or loan agreements or
facilities, including revolving credit facilities or working capital facilities
or term loans, whether now existing or created after the date of the indenture,
with a bank or other financial institution or group of banks or other financial
institutions, as such agreements or facilities may be amended, modified,
supplemented, increased, restated or replaced from time to time, and includes
without limitation the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of
[ ], 2001, among a subsidiary of the issuer, the lenders party
thereto, The Bank of New York, Royal Bank of Canada, Toronto Dominion (Texas),
Inc., Barclays Bank plc and Fleet
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National Bank, as managing agents, together with all associated loan documents,
as each such agreement and document may be amended, restated, supplemented,
refinanced, increased or otherwise modified from time to time.
Significant subsidiary means any restricted subsidiary that, together with
its subsidiaries:
- accounted for more than 10% of the consolidated revenues of the issuer
and its restricted subsidiaries during the issuer's most recent fiscal
year; or
- as of the end of that fiscal year, was the owner of more than 10% of the
consolidated assets of the issuer and its restricted subsidiaries, all as
set forth on the most recently available consolidated financial
statements of the issuer for that fiscal year.
Stated maturity means
- when used with respect to any note or any installment of interest on a
note, the date specified in such note as the fixed date on which the
principal of the note or such installment of interest is due and payable
and
- when used with respect to any other debt, means the date specified in the
instrument governing the debt as the fixed date on which the principal of
the debt or any installment of interest on the debt is due and payable.
Subordinated debt means debt of the issuer that is subordinated in right of
payment to the 12% senior notes.
Subsidiary means a person if a majority of the equity ownership or voting
stock of that person is owned, directly or indirectly, by the issuer and/or one
or more other subsidiaries of the issuer.
Troubled debt restructuring accounting means the accounting standards
reflected in Financial Accounting Standards Board Statements 15, 91, 114 and 121
with respect to the restructuring or modification of debt.
Unrestricted subsidiary means:
- any subsidiary that is designated by the issuer's board of directors as
an unrestricted subsidiary in accordance with the "Unrestricted
Subsidiaries" covenant; and
- any subsidiary of an unrestricted subsidiary.
Variable rate secured senior notes means the variable rate secured senior
notes issued by Arch Wireless Holdings, Inc.
Voting stock means any class or classes of capital stock whose holders have
the general voting power under ordinary circumstances to elect at least a
majority of the board of directors, managers or trustees of any person,
irrespective of whether or not, at the time, stock of any other class or classes
shall have, or might have, voting power if any contingency happens.
GOVERNING LAW
The indenture and the 12% senior notes are governed by the laws of the
State of New York, without regard to conflicts of laws principles recognized in
New York, and are to be construed in accordance with those laws.
OTHER INFORMATION
For additional information, see "-- Provisions Applicable to Both Series of
New Notes."
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OPERATING COMPANY VARIABLE RATE SECURED SENIOR NOTES
The variable rate secured senior notes will have the following rights and
terms.
The operating company will issue the variable rate secured senior notes
under an indenture between it and [ ], as trustee. The terms of
the variable rate secured senior notes will include those stated in the
indenture and those made a part of the indenture by reference to the Trust
Indenture Act of 1939. The following description is a summary of the material
provisions of the indenture for the variable rate secured senior notes. The
summary does not restate the indenture in its entirety. You should read the
indenture and the Trust Indenture Act because they, and not this description,
define your rights as holders of the variable rate secured senior notes. To
obtain copies of the indenture, see "Where You Can Find Additional Information."
The precise definitions of some of the terms used in the following summary are
set forth below under "Important Definitions." All financial and accounting
terms used in any description of any restrictive covenant or any definition
contained in the indenture or the variable rate secured senior notes shall
exclude the effect of troubled debt restructuring accounting. All references to
the "issuer" in this Description of Variable Rate Secured Senior Notes refer to
Arch Wireless Holdings, Inc. and do not include the subsidiaries or parent
company of Arch Wireless Holdings, Inc.
The variable rate secured senior notes will be secured ratably with and
contain substantially the same covenants, bear interest at the substantially
same rates and have equivalent rights of payment and prepayment as the issuer's
new B term loan under the secured credit facility.
The issuer's material assets are comprised of operating assets and the
stock of its subsidiaries, which are also operating companies. Because the
operations of the issuer are conducted in substantial part through its
subsidiaries, the issuer's cash flow and consequent ability to service its debt,
including the variable rate secured senior notes, depend to a substantial degree
upon the earnings of the subsidiaries. As described below, the issuer's
restricted subsidiaries will guarantee the variable rate secured senior notes
and the new secured credit facility.
Subject to certain conditions contained in the definition of unrestricted
subsidiary, the Canadian subsidiaries of Paging Network Canada Holdings, Inc.
will be unrestricted subsidiaries. These unrestricted subsidiaries are not
limited by any of the restrictive covenants in the indenture. The remainder of
the issuer's subsidiaries remain restricted subsidiaries, as defined in the
indenture. However, under certain circumstances, the issuer will be able to
designate current or future subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries.
Unrestricted subsidiaries will not be limited by any of the restrictive
covenants contained in the indenture.
PRINCIPAL, MATURITY AND INTEREST
The issuer will issue an aggregate amount of $60.0 million of variable rate
secured senior notes in connection with the exchange offer or the prepackaged
bankruptcy plan.
The variable rate secured senior notes will mature on December 31, 2006.
The variable rate secured senior notes will initially bear interest at a rate
per annum equal to LIBOR plus 425 basis points, which will be reset
semi-annually, based on LIBOR on the determination date as determined by the
calculation agent. Interest on the variable rate secured senior notes will be
payable semi-annually in arrears on June 30 and December 31, commencing on the
first payment date following the consummation of the exchange offer or the
effective date of the prepackaged bankruptcy plan, as applicable. The issuer
will make each interest payment to the holders of record on the immediately
preceding June 15 and December 15. Interest will be computed on the basis of a
360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.
A daily amount of interest for each day of a 30-day month that the variable
rate secured senior notes are outstanding will be calculated by dividing the
interest rate in effect for such day by 360 and multiplying the result by the
principal amount of the variable rate secured senior notes. The amount of
interest to be paid on the variable rate secured senior notes for each interest
period will be calculated by adding the daily interest amounts for each day in
the interest period.
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All percentages resulting from any of the above calculations will be
rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousand of a percentage
point, with five one-millionths of a percentage point rounded upwards (e.g.,
9.876545% being rounded to 9.87655%) and all dollar amounts used in or resulting
from such calculations will be rounded to the nearest cent (with one-half cent
being rounded upwards).
All calculations made by the calculation agent in the absence of manifest
error will be conclusive for all purposes and binding on the issuer and the
holders of the variable rate secured senior notes.
Following the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default,
the variable rate secured senior notes will accrue interest at the then
applicable interest rate plus 2.00% per annum.
Interest will initially accrue from the date of issuance. After interest
has been paid at least once, interest will continue to accrue from the date it
was most recently paid. See "Material Federal Income Tax Considerations."
The variable rate secured senior notes are issuable only in registered
form, without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 or any whole multiple of
$1,000. Principal and interest will be payable at the office or agency of the
issuer maintained for that purpose and the variable rate secured senior notes
may be presented for transfer or exchange there also. The issuer's office or
agency for this purpose will be the principal corporate trust office of the
trustee unless the issuer designates otherwise. At the issuer's option, the
issuer may pay interest by check mailed to registered holders of the variable
rate secured senior notes at the addresses set forth on the registry books
maintained by the trustee, which will initially act as registrar and transfer
agent for the variable rate secured senior notes. No service charge will be made
for any exchange or registration of transfer of variable rate secured senior
notes, but the issuer may require payment of an amount sufficient to cover any
associated tax or other governmental charge.
SENIORITY; RANKING
The variable rate secured senior notes are senior secured obligations of
the issuer, ranking equally in right of payment with all other senior debt of
the issuer and senior to all subordinated debt of the issuer. See "Important
Definitions".
GUARANTEES; SECURITY
The variable rate secured senior notes are jointly and severally
guaranteed, ratably with the issuer's obligations under the secured credit
facility, by all of the restricted domestic subsidiaries of the issuer, by any
material foreign restricted subsidiaries of the issuer, by the intermediate
holding company, by the parent and by certain subsidiaries of the parent. The
variable rate secured senior notes are secured, ratably with the issuer's
obligations under the senior credit facility, by a security interest in
substantially all of the assets of the issuer and each guarantor, including the
stock of any domestic restricted subsidiary held by the issuer or such guarantor
and 65% of the stock of any foreign restricted subsidiary held by the issuer or
such guarantor. The assets subject to the security interests will exclude
certain governmental licenses and permits, to the extent required by law, and
cash and investment securities.
The issuer, the guarantors (as applicable) and the collateral agent, as
agent for the holders of the variable rate secured senior notes and the holders
of the issuer's obligations under the secured credit facility, will enter into
certain collateral documents, including security agreements and pledge
agreements of the issuer and guarantors securing the notes and the guarantees.
These collateral documents will secure the payment and performance when due of
all of the obligations of the issuer under the indenture and the variable rate
secured senior notes, ratably with the obligations of the issuer under the
secured credit facility.
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
The issuer may elect to redeem the variable rate secured senior notes as a
whole, or from time to time in part, at any time, on between 30 and 60 days'
prior notice, without premium or penalty.
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All such redemptions shall be made ratably and contemporaneously with
prepayments of the issuer's obligations to the holders of the A term loans and
the B term loans under the secured credit facility.
SINKING FUNDS
The variable rate secured senior notes do not have the benefit of any
sinking fund obligations.
MANDATORY REDEMPTION
The issuer is required to redeem the variable rate secured senior notes as
follows:
- the issuer must redeem $600,000 of variable rate secured senior notes on
each of December 31, 2002, December 31, 2003, December 31, 2004 and
December 31, 2005.
- the issuer must redeem, together with payments made to the holders of
revolving loans, A term loans and B term loans under the secured credit
facility, the variable rate secured senior noteholders' ratable portion
of:
-- for each fiscal year and effective on March 31 of each immediately
succeeding fiscal year, an amount equal to 50% of the issuer's Excess
Cash Flow.
-- 100% of (1) the net cash proceeds recovered from asset sales
(including sales, transfers and other dispositions of all or any
portion of the issuer's interest, direct or indirect, in Arch Latin
America, Ltd.) other than those in the ordinary course of business,
(2) without duplication, all repayments of the issuer's investments
in Arch Latin America, Ltd. and (3) any cash proceeds received in
connection with any disposition of all or any portion of the interest
of Paging Network Canada Holdings, Inc. in its Canadian subsidiaries.
-- 100% of all property insurance recoveries and condemnation awards in
excess of amounts used to replace or restore any properties, subject
to customary repair and replacement provisions.
Redemptions under this second clause will be applied to reduce ratably the
mandatory redemptions described in the first clause and the principal
amount due at the maturity of the variable rate secured senior notes.
SELECTION AND NOTICE
If the issuer redeems only part of the variable rate secured senior notes
at any time, the trustee will select variable rate secured senior notes for
redemption on a pro rata basis unless the variable rate secured senior notes are
listed on a national securities exchange. In that case, the trustee will follow
the requirements of the principal national securities exchange on which the
variable rate secured senior notes are listed. However, variable rate secured
senior notes of $1,000 principal amount or less may be redeemed only as a whole
and not in part. The issuer must mail notices of any optional redemption by
first class mail between 30 and 60 days before the redemption date to each
holder of variable rate secured senior notes to be redeemed at its registered
address. Notices of any redemption may not be made subject to conditions. If any
note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to
that note will state the portion of the principal amount to be redeemed. The
issuer will cancel the original note and issue a new note in a principal amount
equal to the unredeemed portion, registered in the name of the holder of the
original note. Variable rate secured senior notes called for redemption become
due on the date fixed for redemption. Beginning on the redemption date, interest
will cease to accrue on variable rate secured senior notes or portions of
variable rate secured senior notes called for redemption.
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RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS
Limitations on Restricted Payments
The issuer will not, directly or indirectly, take any of the following
actions and will not permit any restricted subsidiary to do so:
- declare or pay any dividend on any shares of the capital stock of the
issuer or any restricted subsidiary, or make any distribution to
stockholders, other than:
-- dividends or distributions payable solely in qualified equity
interests of the issuer; and
-- dividends or distributions by a restricted subsidiary payable to the
issuer or another restricted subsidiary;
- purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value, directly or
indirectly, any shares of capital stock of the issuer, any restricted
subsidiary or any affiliate of the issuer, or any options, warrants or
other rights to acquire shares of capital stock other than capital stock
owned by the issuer or any of its restricted subsidiaries; and
- make any principal payment on any subordinated debt.
each of the above actions to be called a "restricted payment," provided,
however, that the issuer and its restricted subsidiaries may take the following
actions:
- any subsidiary of the issuer may make a restricted payment to its
corporate parent;
- the issuer and its subsidiaries may make restricted payments to the
intermediate holding company, which will, in turn, be permitted to make a
restricted payment in the amount received to the parent, for purposes of
enabling the parent as a consolidated taxpayer to pay taxes;
- provided that no default or event of default shall exist both before and
after giving effect thereto, the issuer may make a restricted payment to
the intermediate holding company on a day on which the intermediate
holding company is obligated to make a cash principal or interest payment
in respect of 12% senior notes so long as the amount thereof does not
exceed the amount of the principal and cash interest payable on such
date; and
- provided that no default or event of default shall exist both before and
after giving effect thereto and subject to any applicable subordination
terms, the issuer may make a restricted payment to the intermediate
holding company which will, in turn, be permitted to make a restricted
payment in the amount received to the parent, on a day on which the
parent is obligated to make a payment of principal or interest in respect
of the convertible subordinated debentures so long as the amount thereof
does not exceed the amount of such principal and interest payable by the
parent on such date;
- provided that no default or event of default shall exist both before and
after giving effect thereto, the issuer may make a restricted payment to
the intermediate holding company, which will be permitted to make a
restricted payment in the amount received to the parent on a day on which
the parent is obligated to make a cash principal or interest payment in
respect of any remaining existing notes so long as the amount thereof
does not exceed the amount of such principal and cash interest payable on
such date; and
- the issuer and its restricted subsidiaries may pay management fees to the
parent company in any fiscal quarter (in an aggregate amount not
exceeding 1.5% of the net revenue of the issuer and its restricted
subsidiaries for the immediately preceding four fiscal quarters ending
with the latest fiscal quarter for which the parent has filed a quarterly
report with the Securities and Exchange Commission on form 10-Q or an
annual report on form 10-K) for services rendered to the issuer or its
restricted subsidiaries, provided that (i) no default or event of default
has occurred and is continuing (provided that during the continuance of a
default or an event of default, the management fee may be accrued, but
not paid) and (ii) any such management fee accrued or paid
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shall be treated as an operating expense and deducted from the
calculation of operating cash flow of the issuer.
Limitations on Indebtedness
The issuer will not create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any
indebtedness, and will not permit any restricted subsidiary to do so, except:
- indebtedness arising under the secured credit facility, including
indebtedness under any additional facilities or an increase in the amount
of the secured credit facility incurred in connection with any
acquisition or merger approved by the majority creditors;
- existing indebtedness as set forth on a schedule to the indenture;
- unsecured indebtedness between the issuer and any subsidiary guarantor
and between any subsidiary guarantor and any other subsidiary guarantor;
- guarantees by the issuer of indebtedness of any subsidiary guarantor, by
any subsidiary guarantor of indebtedness of the issuer and by any
subsidiary guarantor of indebtedness of any other subsidiary guarantor,
provided that the indebtedness would be permitted under the provisions
described in "Limitation on Indebtedness" if it was directly incurred;
- guarantees by Paging Network Canada Holdings, Inc. of the borrowing of
its Canadian subsidiaries and any increase (not in excess of Cdn.$3.5
million) in connection with any put by Madison Venture Corporation to
Paging Network Canada Holdings, Inc. or Paging Network, Inc.
- indebtedness in respect of the variable rate secured senior notes; and
- other indebtedness of the issuer and the subsidiary guarantors (including
purchase money and capitalized lease obligations and indebtedness in
respect of non-competition agreements) not exceeding 2.5% of maximum
permitted indebtedness.
Limitation on Liens
The issuer will not create, incur or suffer to exist any liens, and will
not permit any restricted subsidiary to do so, except:
- existing liens securing specified indebtedness as set forth on a schedule
to the indenture (including liens on cash collateral securing Paging
Network Canada Holdings, Inc.'s guarantee of its Canadian subsidiaries'
credit facilities and any increase permitted under "Limitations on
Indebtedness");
- liens for capital leases, taxes, assessments or governmental charges,
mechanics, carriers, warehousemen or materialmen arising in the ordinary
course of business not yet delinquent or, if delinquent, being contested
in good faith and by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and for
which such reserve or other appropriate provision as shall be required by
the issuer's accountants in accordance with GAAP shall have been set;
- liens in favor of the collateral agent for the ratable benefit of the
holders of the variable rate secured senior notes, the holders of claims
under the secured credit facility and counterparties to certain interest
rate hedging agreements; and
- other liens securing indebtedness (including purchase money obligations)
of the issuer and the subsidiary guarantors not exceeding 2.5% of maximum
permitted indebtedness.
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Limitations on Investments
The issuer will not, and will not permit any restricted subsidiary to make
any investments, loans or other advances other than:
- investments in cash equivalents and investments existing at closing (as
set forth on a schedule to the indenture);
- investments consisting of intercompany loans by the issuer or any
subsidiary guarantor to the extent permitted by the provisions described
in "Limitations on Indebtedness," provided that (i) any such loan is
evidenced by a promissory note which is pledged to the collateral agent
and (ii) no default or event of default would exist before or after
giving effect thereto;
- investments in Arch Latin America Ltd. in an aggregate amount not in
excess of $200,000;
- the payment by Paging Network, Inc., also known as PageNet, to Madison
Venture Corporation, also known as Madison, of an amount in satisfaction
of PageNet's obligations resulting from Madison's put to PageNet of its
interests in the PageNet Canadian subsidiaries pursuant to the Unanimous
Shareholders' Agreement between PageNet and Madison, plus any
reimbursement obligations due to Madison from PageNet with respect to any
bank obligations of the PageNet Canadian subsidiaries; and
- other investments, provided that (i) no default or event of default shall
exist before and after giving effect thereto, and (ii) except as provided
above, no investment may be made in any PageNet Canadian subsidiary and
(iii) the aggregate amount of such investments does not exceed $100,000.
Limitations on Asset Sales
The issuer and its restricted subsidiaries may not sell, assign, exchange,
lease or otherwise dispose of any assets, except:
- sales, assignments, exchanges, leases or other dispositions of property
in the ordinary course of business;
- the sale or other disposition, through a merger, by way of a contribution
to a joint venture or otherwise, of the interest of Paging Network Canada
Holdings, Inc. in the PageNet Canadian subsidiaries; and
- other sales, assignments, exchanges, leases or other dispositions not
exceeding $25,000,000 individually or $50,000,000 collectively during any
24 month period;
provided, however, that both before and after giving effect to a transaction
described in the third clause above;
- no default or event of default shall exist;
- at least 85% of the consideration to be received is payable in cash; and
- the proceeds derived therefrom are used to prepay the variable rate
secured senior notes and the issuer's obligations under the secured
credit facility described in "Mandatory Redemption" above.
Limitations on Mergers or Fundamental Changes
Without the consent of the majority creditors, the issuer and the
restricted subsidiaries may not engage in mergers or other fundamental changes
except that the issuer or any subsidiary guarantor may merge or consolidate
with, or transfer all or substantially all of its assets to, the issuer or any
such subsidiary guarantor, so long as (1) the trustee shall have received ten
days' prior written notice thereof, (2) immediately before and after giving
effect thereto no default or event of default shall exist and (3) in any merger
involving the issuer, the issuer shall be the survivor.
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In connection with any such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or
lease, the issuer or the surviving entity shall deliver to the trustee, in form
and substance reasonably satisfactory to the trustee, an officer's certificate,
and an opinion of counsel, each stating that:
- the consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease complies with
the requirements of the covenant described under "Limitations on Mergers
or Fundamental Changes";
- any supplemental indenture required in connection with such transaction
complies with that covenant; and
- all conditions precedent relating to such transaction provided for in
that covenant have been complied with.
Upon any transaction or series of transactions that are of the type
described in the immediately preceding paragraphs, and that are effected in
accordance with the conditions described above, the surviving entity shall
succeed to the issuer, shall be substituted for the issuer, and may exercise
every right and power of the issuer under the indenture with the same effect as
if the surviving entity had been named as the issuer in the indenture. When a
surviving entity duly assumes all of the obligations and covenants of the issuer
pursuant to the indenture and the variable rate secured senior notes, the
predecessor person shall be relieved of all such obligations, except in the case
of a lease.
Prohibition on Acquisitions
Without the consent of the majority creditors, the issuer will not, and
will not permit any restricted subsidiary, directly or indirectly, to, make any
acquisitions.
Limitations on Transactions with Affiliates and Related Persons
The issuer will not, and will not permit any restricted subsidiary to,
directly or indirectly, enter into any transaction with any affiliate of the
issuer or any related person other than the issuer or a wholly owned restricted
subsidiary, unless the board of directors of the issuer shall have determined
that the transaction is on terms no less favorable to the issuer or such
restricted subsidiary than those that could be obtained in a comparable
arm's-length transaction with an entity that is not an affiliate.
Financial Covenants
The indenture will contain the following financial covenants.
- Total Leverage Ratio -- At all times during the periods set forth below
the total leverage ratio shall not exceed the following:
PERIOD RATIO
------ ---------
Issue Date through 6/30/01.................................. 5.25:1.00
7/1/01 through 3/31/02...................................... 5.00:1.00
4/1/02 through 12/31/02..................................... 4.75:1.00
1/1/03 through 12/31/03..................................... 4.50:1.00
1/1/04 through 6/30/04...................................... 4.25:1.00
7/1/04 through 12/31/04..................................... 4.00:1.00
1/1/05 through 6/30/05...................................... 3.75:1.00
7/1/05 and thereafter....................................... 3.50:1.00
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- Borrower Leverage Ratio -- At all times during the periods set forth
below, the borrower leverage ratio shall be less than or equal to:
PERIOD RATIO
------ ---------
Issue Date through 6/30/02.................................. 4.00:1.00
7/1/02 through 3/31/03...................................... 3.75:1.00
4/1/03 through 9/30/03...................................... 3.50:1.00
10/1/03 through 3/31/04..................................... 3.25:1.00
4/1/04 through 12/31/04..................................... 3.00:1.00
1/1/05 through 6/30/05...................................... 2.75:1.00
7/1/05 and thereafter....................................... 2.50:1.00
- Interest Coverage Ratio -- As of the last day of each fiscal quarter
during the periods set forth below, the interest coverage ratio shall
exceed the following:
PERIOD RATIO
------ ---------
Issue Date through 9/30/01.................................. 1.40:1.00
10/1/01 through 12/31/01.................................... 1.75:1.00
1/1/02 through 3/31/02...................................... 2.00:1.00
4/1/02 through 6/30/02...................................... 2.25:1.00
7/1/02 and thereafter....................................... 2.50:1.00
- Pro Forma Debt Service Coverage Ratio -- As of the last day of each
fiscal quarter during the periods set forth below, the pro forma debt
service coverage ratio shall exceed the following:
PERIOD RATIO
------ ---------
Issue Date through 12/31/01................................. 1.10:1.00
1/1/02 and thereafter....................................... 1.25:1.00
- Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio -- As of the last day of each fiscal quarter,
commencing with the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2002, the fixed
charge coverage ratio shall exceed 1.00:1.00.
- Minimum Net Revenues -- As of the last day of each full fiscal quarter
during the periods set forth below, net revenues of the issuer and its
restricted subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for such full fiscal
quarter shall be greater than the amount set forth opposite such period
in the following table:
QUARTER ENDING AMOUNT
-------------- ------------
6/30/01..................................................... $248,000,000
9/30/01..................................................... $235,000,000
12/31/01.................................................... $226,000,000
3/31/02..................................................... $219,000,000
6/30/02..................................................... $212,000,000
9/30/02..................................................... $208,000,000
12/31/02.................................................... $204,000,000
1/1/03 and thereafter....................................... Not tested
Unrestricted Subsidiaries
With the consent of the majority creditors, the issuer's board of directors
may designate any subsidiary, including any newly acquired or newly formed
subsidiary, to be an unrestricted subsidiary. The issuer's board of directors
may designate any unrestricted subsidiary as a restricted subsidiary.
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EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
The following are events of default under the indenture:
1. default in the payment of any interest on any note when it becomes
due and payable if the default continues for 3 business days;
2. default in the payment of the principal of any note at its
maturity;
3. default in the financial covenants or other certain affirmative and
negative covenants specified in the indenture;
4. default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or agreement
contained in the indenture, other than a default in the performance, or
breach, of a covenant or warranty which is specifically dealt with
elsewhere in "Events of Default", if the default or breach continues for 30
days after the issuer shall have obtained knowledge thereof;
5. the occurrence of an event of default under the secured credit
facility;
6. an event of default has occurred under any other mortgage, bond,
indenture, loan agreement or other document evidencing an issue of debt of
the issuer or a restricted subsidiary, if
- the other issue has an aggregate outstanding principal amount of at
least $10.0 million; and
-- the default has resulted in such debt becoming due and payable
prior to the date on which it would otherwise become due and
payable, whether by declaration or otherwise;
-- the obligation shall not be paid when due or within any grace
period; or
-- the holder of such obligation shall have the right to declare
such obligation due and payable prior to the date on which it
would otherwise become due and payable;
7. one or more final judgments or orders
- are rendered against the issuer or any restricted subsidiary which
require the payment of money, either individually or in an
aggregate amount, in excess of $1.0 million; and
- are not paid, discharged, stayed on appeal, bonded or dismissed for
a period of 30 days;
8. the occurrence of specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or
reorganization with respect to the issuer or any significant subsidiary; or
9. a change of control, as defined in the secured credit facility.
All decisions regarding the declaration of an event of default, the
acceleration of the variable rate secured senior notes and the issuer's
obligations under the secured credit facility, the waiver of any defaults and
events of default, and the direction of the collateral agent and the trustee
with respect to the exercise of rights and remedies against the issuer, the
guarantors and the collateral shall be made by the majority creditors. In the
event that the issuer, the trustee or the collateral agent has received
consents, waivers or directions from lenders under the secured credit facility
constituting the majority creditors on a matter requiring the consent, waiver or
direction of the majority creditors, neither the issuer, the trustee nor the
collateral agent shall solicit consents, waivers or directions from the holders
of the variable rate secured senior notes. These limitations do not apply to a
suit instituted by a holder of a note for enforcement of payment of any amounts
then due as an unsecured claimant.
If the trustee knows that a default or an event of default is continuing,
the trustee must mail a notice to each holder of the variable rate secured
senior notes within 30 days after it first occurs, or if the trustee only learns
of it later, promptly upon learning of it. If the default or event of default
does not involve non-payment, the trustee may withhold the notice to the holders
of the variable rate secured senior notes if its
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board of directors, executive committee or a committee of its trust officers
determines in good faith that withholding the notice is in the interest of the
holders.
The issuer must furnish to the trustee annual statements as to its
performance of its obligations under the indenture and as to any default in such
performance. The issuer must also notify the trustee within five days of
becoming aware of any default or event of default.
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER
Modifications and amendments of the indenture and the secured credit
facility may be made by the issuer and the trustee, or the issuer and the
lenders under the secured credit facility, as the case may be, with the consent
of the majority creditors, except that the consent of the holder of every
outstanding variable rate secured senior note affected by the modification or
change is required if the modification or amendment may:
- change the stated maturity of the principal of any note, or any
installment of interest on, any note, or reduce the principal amount of
any note or the rate of interest on any note, or change the place of
payment, or the coin or currency of payment for amounts due under any
note, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any
payment after the stated maturity of such payment or, in the case of
redemption, on or after the redemption date;
- reduce the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the variable rate
secured senior notes and obligations under the secured credit facility
then outstanding whose holders must consent to any such amendment or any
waiver of compliance with specified provisions of the indenture or
specified defaults and their consequences provided for under the
indenture; or
- modify any provisions relating to "Amendment, Supplement and Waiver"
except to increase the percentage of outstanding variable rate secured
senior notes required to consent to such actions or to provide that
certain other provisions of the indenture cannot be modified or waived
without the consent of the holder of every outstanding note affected by
the modification or waiver.
Each of the following shall require the consent of all lenders under the
secured credit facility and all holders of variable rate secured senior notes:
(a) changing the pro rata sharing of payments, (b) changing the number of
lenders under the secured credit facility or holders of variable rate secured
senior notes necessary to act on matters requiring their consent, (c) releasing
any of the collateral (other than in connection with a permitted disposition or
as otherwise permitted in the secured credit facility), (d) adding additional
loan facilities or to increasing the amount of the secured credit facility
except in connection with (i) the division of a secured credit facility into two
or more subfacilities and (ii) any acquisition or merger approved by Majority
Creditors, provided that the aggregate amount of the increase to the secured
credit facility plus the amount of any new loan facility shall not exceed the
aggregate amount of the indebtedness of the target being assumed by the issuer
and/or the financing of such acquisition or merger), and (e) releasing any
guarantor (other than in connection with a permitted disposition thereof).
The majority creditors may modify, amend and waive compliance with certain
restrictive covenants and provisions of the indenture except as set forth above.
In the event that the issuer, the trustee or the collateral agent has received
consents, waivers or directions from lenders under the secured credit facility
constituting the majority creditors on a matter requiring the consent, waiver or
direction of the majority creditors, neither the issuer, the trustee nor the
collateral agent shall solicit consents, waivers or directions from the holders
of the variable rate secured senior notes.
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IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS
There are certain defined terms used in the indenture for the variable rate
secured senior notes. You should read the indenture for a full definition of all
these terms, as well as other terms used in this prospectus for which no
definition is provided in this prospectus:
Acquisition means a merger with another person or the purchase of all or
substantially all of the assets of another person or of a division of another
person.
Adjusted operating cash flow means, for any period, operating cash flow for
such period adjusted, on a consistent basis and in a manner satisfactory to the
lead agents under the secured credit facility, to reflect purchases,
acquisitions, sales, transfers and other dispositions made by the issuer or any
restricted subsidiary during such period as if they occurred at the beginning of
such period.
Affiliate means, with respect to any specified person, any other person
directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect
common control with the specified person. For the purposes of this definition,
control means the power to direct the management and policies of a person,
directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by
contract or otherwise.
Borrower debt means, at any date of determination, the sum of all
indebtedness of the issuer and its restricted subsidiaries, determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Borrower leverage ratio means, as of any date, the ratio of
- borrower debt; to
- adjusted operating cash flow for the period of four consecutive fiscal
quarters ending on, or most recently before, such date.
Calculation agent means [ ].
Capital expenditures means any expenditures made or costs incurred that are
required or permitted to be capitalized for financial reporting purposes in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles other than deferred
financing fees.
Capital lease obligation means, with respect to any person, an obligation
incurred in the ordinary course of business under or in connection with any
capital lease of real or personal property which has been recorded as a
capitalized lease in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Capital stock of any person means:
- any and all shares, interests, partnership interests, participation,
rights in or other equivalents, however designated, of such person's
equity interest, however designated; and
- any rights, other than debt securities convertible into capital stock,
warrants or options exchangeable for or convertible into such capital
stock, whether now outstanding or issued after the date of the indenture.
Consolidated cash interest expense means for any period, the sum of:
- cash interest expense on consolidated total debt during such period as
determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
adjusted to give effect to all interest rate protection agreements and
fees and expenses paid in connection with the same;
- commitment fees and letter of credit fees during such period; and
- without duplication, restricted payments made to the parent or the
intermediate holding company during such period to the extent made to
enable the parent or the intermediate holding company, as applicable, to
satisfy its interest obligations under any remaining existing notes, 12%
senior notes or the convertible subordinated debentures, as applicable.
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Consolidated fixed charges means for any period, the sum of:
- scheduled payments of principal on consolidated total debt made or
required to be made during such period;
- the amount, if positive, equal to:
-- the amount of the revolving loans under the secured credit facility
outstanding at the beginning of such period; minus
-- the aggregate revolving loan commitments at the end of such period
giving effect to scheduled reductions but not mandatory reductions
during such period;
- capital expenditures made by the parent and the parent restricted
subsidiaries on a consolidated basis during such period;
- payments under capital leases made or required to be made by the parent
and the parent restricted subsidiaries on a consolidated basis during
such period;
- without duplication, taxes and payments under any tax sharing agreement,
in each case paid or required to be paid in cash made by the issuer and
its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis during such period; and
- consolidated cash interest expense.
Consolidated total debt means, at any date of determination, the sum of all
indebtedness of the parent and the parent restricted subsidiaries, determined on
a consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.
Convertible subordinated debentures means the debentures issued under the
indenture, dated as of December 1, 1993, between Arch Wireless, Inc. and The
Bank of New York, as trustee.
Default means any event that is, or after notice or passage of time or both
would be, an event of default.
Determination date, with respect to an interest period, means the second
London banking day preceding the first day of the interest period.
Disqualified stock means any class or series of capital stock that:
- is, or upon the happening of an event or passage of time would be,
required to be redeemed before the final stated maturity of the variable
rate secured senior notes; or
- is redeemable at the option of its holder at any time before final stated
maturity of the variable rate secured senior notes; or
- is convertible into or exchangeable at the option of its holder for debt
securities at any time before final stated maturity of the variable rate
secured senior notes,
either by its terms, by the terms of any security into which it is convertible
or exchangeable at the option of the holder thereof or by contract or otherwise.
Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any capital stock that would constitute
disqualified stock solely because the holders have the right to require the
issuer to repurchase such capital stock upon the occurrence of a change of
control or an asset sale shall not constitute disqualified stock if the terms of
such capital stock provide that the issuer may not repurchase or redeem any such
capital stock pursuant to such provisions unless such repurchase or redemption
complies with the covenant described above under the caption "Restrictive
Covenants -- Limitation on Restricted Payments."
Excess cash flow means, for each fiscal year, operating cash flow in
respect of such fiscal year minus, without duplication, the sum of each of the
following with respect to the issuer and its restricted
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subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles:
- the amount, if positive, equal to:
-- the amount of the revolving loans outstanding under the secured credit
facility at the beginning of such fiscal year; minus
-- the aggregate revolving commitments under the secured credit facility
at the end of such fiscal year giving effect to scheduled reductions
but not mandatory reductions thereof during such period;
- all repayments permitted under the indenture by the issuer or any of its
restricted subsidiaries of indebtedness which were made during such
fiscal year including scheduled payments but not mandatory prepayments
thereof;
- capital expenditures permitted under the indenture made during such
fiscal year net of the aggregate principal amount of all indebtedness
incurred or otherwise assumed by the issuer and its restricted
subsidiaries to finance such capital expenditures;
- without duplication, taxes and payments under any tax sharing agreement
paid by the issuer and its restricted subsidiaries in cash during such
period; and
- consolidated cash interest expense for such fiscal year or any prior
period to the extent paid in cash during such fiscal year.
Existing notes means;
- the 10 7/8% senior discount notes due 2008 issued by Arch Wireless, Inc.;
- the 9 1/2% senior notes due 2004 issued by Arch Wireless Communications,
Inc.;
- the 14% senior notes due 2004 issued by Arch Wireless Communications,
Inc.;
- the 12 3/4% senior notes due 2007 issued by Arch Wireless Communications,
Inc.; and
- the 13 3/4% senior notes due 2008 issued by Arch Wireless Communications,
Inc.
Fixed charge coverage ratio means, as of the last day of any fiscal
quarter, the ratio of:
- adjusted operating cash flow; to
- consolidated fixed charges for the period of four consecutive fiscal
quarters ending thereon.
Generally accepted accounting principles means generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States, consistently applied, that are in
effect on the date of the indenture, provided, however, that all financial and
accounting calculations in any restrictive covenant or any definition contained
in the indenture or the variable rate secured senior notes shall exclude the
effect of troubled debt restructuring accounting.
A guarantee of or by any person (the "guarantor") means any obligation of
the guarantor guaranteeing or in effect guaranteeing any Indebtedness ("primary
obligations") of any other person (the "primary obligor") in any manner, whether
directly or indirectly, including any obligation of the guarantor, whether or
not contingent, (a) to purchase any such primary obligation or any property
constituting direct or indirect security therefor, (b) to advance or supply
funds (1) for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation or (2) to
maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise
to maintain net worth, solvency or other financial statement condition of the
primary obligor, (c) to purchase Property, securities or services primarily for
the purpose of assuring the beneficiary of any such primary obligation of the
ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligor or (d)
otherwise to assure, protect from loss, or hold harmless the beneficiary of such
primary obligor against loss in respect thereof; provided, however, that the
term guarantee shall not include the endorsement of instruments for deposit or
collection in the ordinary course of business. The term guarantee shall also
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include the liability of a general partner in respect of the recourse
liabilities of the partnership in which it is a general partner. The amount of
any guarantee of the guarantor shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the
stated or determinable amount of the primary obligation in respect of which such
guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably
anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by such person in good
faith. The term "guaranteed" has a meaning correlative thereto.
Incur means, to incur, create, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become
liable for or with respect to, or become responsible for, the payment of,
continently or otherwise, a debt.
Indebtedness of a person means, at a particular time, all items which
constitute, without duplication:
- indebtedness for borrowed money or the deferred purchase price of
property;
- indebtedness evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar
instruments;
- obligations with respect to any conditional sale or title retention
agreement;
- indebtedness arising under acceptance facilities and the amount available
to be drawn under all letters of credit issued for the account of such
person and, without duplication, all drafts drawn thereunder to the
extent such person shall not have reimbursed the issuer in respect of the
issuer's payment of such drafts;
- all liabilities secured by any lien on any property owned by such person
even though such person has not assumed or otherwise become liable for
the payment thereof;
- obligations under capital leases;
- all guarantees; and
- obligations under non-competition agreements.
Indebtedness shall not mean:
- trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business;
- liabilities under secured hedging agreements; or
- carriers', warehousemen's, mechanics', repairmen's or other like
non-consensual liens arising in the ordinary course of business.
Interest coverage ratio means, as of any fiscal quarter end, the ratio of:
- adjusted operating cash flow for the period of the four consecutive
fiscal quarters ending thereon; to
- consolidated cash interest expense for such period.
Investment means, directly or indirectly any advance, loan or capital
contribution to any person, the purchase of any stock, bonds, notes, debentures
or other securities of any person, the acquisition, by purchase or otherwise, of
all or substantially all of the business or assets or stock or other evidence of
beneficial ownership of any person, the guarantee of any obligation of, any
person or the making of any investment in any person. Investments will not
include extensions of trade credit on commercially reasonable terms in
accordance with normal trade practices.
Interest period means the period commencing on and including an interest
payment date and ending on and including the day immediately preceding the next
succeeding interest payment date.
LIBOR, with respect to an Interest Period, means the rate (expressed as a
percentage per annum) for deposits in United States dollars for a six-month
period beginning on the second London Banking Day after the determination date
that appears on Telerate page 3750 as of 11:00 a.m., London time, on the
determination date. If Telerate page 3750 does not include such a rate or is
unavailable on a determination date, LIBOR for the interest period shall be the
arithmetic mean of the rates (expressed as a percentage per annum) for deposits
in a representative amount in United States dollars for a six-month period
beginning on the second London banking day after the determination date that
appears on Reuters Screen
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LIBO page as of 11:00 a.m., London time, on the determination date. If Reuters
Screen LIBO page does not include two or more rates or is unavailable on a
determination date, the calculation agent shall request the principal London
office of each of four major banks in the London interbank market, as selected
by the calculation agent, to provide such bank's offered quotation (expressed as
a percentage per annum), as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on such
determination date, to prime banks in the London interbank market for deposits
in a representative amount in United States dollars for a six-month period
beginning on the second London banking day after the determination date. If at
least two such offered quotations are so provided, LIBOR for the interest period
shall be the arithmetic mean of such quotations. If fewer than two such
quotations are so provided, the calculation agent shall request each of three
major banks in New York City, as selected by the calculation agent, to provide
such bank's rate (expressed as a percentage per annum), as of approximately
11:00 a.m., New York City time, on such determination date, for loans in a
representative amount in United States dollars to leading European banks for a
six-month period beginning on the second London banking day after the
determination date. If at least two such rates are so provided, LIBOR for the
interest period will be the arithmetic mean of such rates. If fewer than two
such rates are so provided, the LIBOR for the interest period will be LIBOR in
effect with respect to the immediately preceding interest period.
Lien means any mortgage, charge, pledge, statutory lien, other lien,
privilege, security interest, hypothecation, assignment for security, claim,
preference, priority or other encumbrance upon or with respect to any property
of any kind, real or personal, movable or immovable, now owned or hereafter
acquired. The interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale
agreement, capital lease or other title retention agreement will be considered
to be a lien on the assets sold or leased.
London banking day means any day in which dealings in United States dollars
are transacted or, with respect to any future date, are expected to be
transacted in the London interbank market.
Majority creditors means, at any time, lenders under the secured credit
facility having total credit exposures and holders of variable rate secured
senior notes which are outstanding representing at least 50% of the sum of:
- the aggregate total credit exposures of such lenders; plus
- the aggregate principal amount variable rate secured senior notes which
are outstanding.
Maturity means the date on which any principal of a note becomes due and
payable as provided in the note or in the indenture, whether at the stated
maturity of the principal of the note or by declaration of acceleration, call
for redemption, purchase or otherwise.
Maximum permitted indebtedness means, on any date of determination:
- the maximum total leverage ratio permitted on such date;
- multiplied by adjusted operating cash flow for the period of four
consecutive fiscal quarters ending on, or most recently before, such
date.
Operating cash flow means, for any period:
- total revenue of the issuer and its restricted subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis for such period, determined in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, without giving effect to
extraordinary gains and losses from sales, exchanges and other
dispositions of property not in the ordinary course of business, and
non-recurring items; less
- the sum of, without duplication, the following for the issuer and its
restricted subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for such period,
determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles:
-- operating expenses exclusive of depreciation, amortization and other
non-cash items included therein; and
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-- corporate office, general and administrative expenses, including
management fees paid or accrued to the parent or intermediate holding
company, exclusive of depreciation, amortization and other non-cash
items included therein.
PageNet Canadian subsidiary means the Canadian entities in which Paging
Network Canada Holdings, Inc. directly or indirectly holds an interest.
Parent restricted subsidiary means each subsidiary of the parent other than
a parent unrestricted subsidiary.
Parent unrestricted subsidiary means an unrestricted subsidiary within the
meaning of the second clause of the definition thereof.
Person means any individual, corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust,
unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision
of a government.
Pro-forma debt service means, at any date of determination, the sum of
- consolidated cash interest expense for the period of the four fiscal
quarters immediately succeeding such date of determination;
- all current maturities of consolidated total debt for such four fiscal
quarter period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles; and
- the amount, if positive, equal to
-- the amount of the revolving loans under the secured credit facility
outstanding at the beginning of such fiscal year; minus
-- the aggregate revolving loan commitments under the secured credit
facility at the end of such fiscal year giving effect to scheduled
reductions but not mandatory reductions thereof during such period.
Where any item of interest varies or depends upon a variable rate of interest or
other rate of interest which is not fixed for such entire four fiscal quarter
period, such rate, for purposes of calculating pro-forma debt service, shall be
assumed to equal the rate for the applicable indebtedness, in effect on the date
of such calculation. Also, for purposes of calculating pro-forma debt service,
the principal amount of consolidated total debt outstanding on the date of any
calculation of pro-forma debt service shall be assumed to be outstanding during
the entire four fiscal quarter period immediately succeeding such date, except
to the extent that such indebtedness is subject to mandatory payment of
principal during such period.
Pro-forma debt service coverage ratio means, as of the last day of any
fiscal quarter, the ratio of:
- adjusted operating cash flow for the period of four consecutive fiscal
quarters ending on such date; to
- pro-forma debt service as of such date.
Property of any person means all types of real, personal, tangible,
intangible or mixed property owned by that person whether or not included in the
most recent consolidated balance sheet of that person under generally accepted
accounting principles.
Representative amount means a principal amount of not less than
U.S.$1,000,000 for a single transaction in the relevant market at the relevant
time.
Restricted payments means the transactions described as restricted payments
in "Restrictive Covenants -- Limitations on Restricted Payments."
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Revolving exposure means, with respect to any lender under the secured
credit facility, the sum of:
- the aggregate principal amount of such lender's revolving loans; and
- such lender's exposure with respect to letters of credit.
Restricted subsidiary means any subsidiary other than an unrestricted
subsidiary.
Secured credit facility means one or more credit or loan agreements or
facilities, including revolving credit facilities or working capital facilities
or term loans, whether now existing or created after the date of the indenture,
with a bank or other financial institution or group of banks or other financial
institutions, as such agreements or facilities may be amended, modified,
supplemented, increased, restated or replaced from time to time, and includes
without limitation the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of
[ ], 2001, among the issuer, the lenders party thereto, The Bank of
New York, Royal Bank of Canada, Toronto Dominion (Texas), Inc., Barclays Bank
plc and Fleet National Bank, as managing agents, together with all associated
loan documents, as each such agreement and document may be amended, restated,
supplemented, refinanced, increased or otherwise modified from time to time.
Significant subsidiary means any restricted subsidiary that, together with
its subsidiaries:
- accounted for more than 10% of the consolidated revenues of the issuer
and its restricted subsidiaries during the issuer's most recent fiscal
year; or
- as of the end of that fiscal year, was the owner of more than 10% of the
consolidated assets of the issuer and its restricted subsidiaries, all as
set forth on the most recently available consolidated financial
statements of the issuer for that fiscal year.
Stated maturity means
- when used with respect to any note or any installment of interest on a
note, the date specified in such note as the fixed date on which the
principal of the note or such installment of interest is due and payable
and
- when used with respect to any other debt, means the date specified in the
instrument governing the debt as the fixed date on which the principal of
the debt or any installment of interest on the debt is due and payable.
Subordinated debt means debt of the issuer that is subordinated in right of
payment to the variable rate secured senior notes.
Subsidiary means a person if a majority of the equity ownership or voting
stock of that person is owned, directly or indirectly, by the issuer and/or one
or more other subsidiaries of the issuer.
Super-majority creditors means, at any time, lenders under the secured
credit facility having total credit exposures and holders of variable rate
secured senior notes holding not less than 66 2/3% of each of the revolver, the
A term loans, the B term loans and the variable rate secured senior notes.
Tax sharing agreement means any agreement between the issuer, the issuer's
restricted subsidiaries, the intermediate holding company and the parent
regarding the parent's payment of taxes as a consolidated taxpayer.
Total credit exposure means, with respect to any lender under the secured
credit facility, the sum of such lender's A term loan, B term loan, revolving
exposure and unused revolving commitment.
Total leverage ratio means, as of any date, the ratio of:
- consolidated total debt; to
- adjusted operating cash flow for the period of four consecutive fiscal
quarters ending on, or most recently before, such date.
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Troubled debt restructuring accounting means the accounting standards
reflected in Financial Accounting Standards Board Statements 15, 91, 114 and 121
with respect to the restructuring or modification of debt.
Unrestricted subsidiary means each subsidiary presently identified as an
unrestricted subsidiary and;
- with respect to the issuer and if the parent has contributed its equity
interests in Paging Network Canada Holdings, Inc. to the issuer, each
PageNet Canadian subsidiary identified on a schedule to be delivered at
closing as being organized under the laws of Canada and which is a party
to one or more of the loan documents relating to the existing Canadian
credit facilities;
- with respect to the parent:
-- if the parent has not contributed its equity interests in Paging
Network Canada Holdings, Inc. to the issuer, each PageNet Canadian
subsidiary identified on a schedule to be delivered at closing as
being organized under the laws of Canada and which is a party to one
or more of the loan documents relating to the existing Canadian credit
facilities; and
-- AWI Spectrum Co., LLC and AWI Spectrum Co. Holdings, Inc., so long as
367 days have not passed since the later of:
- irrevocable payment in full of the indebtedness evidenced by the
promissory notes, dated February 14, 2001, made by AWI Spectrum Co.,
LLC to Unrestricted Subsidiary Funding Company; or
- the termination of the Asset Acquisition Agreement, dated January
24, 2001 by and among Unrestricted Subsidiary Funding Company, Arch
Wireless, Inc., PageNet SMR Sub and AWI Spectrum Co., LLC.
With respect to each PageNet Canadian subsidiary referenced above, such
subsidiary will cease to be an unrestricted subsidiary when it is no longer
obligated under any such loan documents relating to the existing Canadian credit
facilities.
Voting stock means any class or classes of capital stock whose holders have
the general voting power under ordinary circumstances to elect at least a
majority of the board of directors, managers or trustees of any person,
irrespective of whether or not, at the time, stock of any other class or classes
shall have, or might have, voting power if any contingency happens.
GOVERNING LAW
The indenture and the variable rate secured senior notes are governed by
the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflicts of laws
principles recognized in New York, and are to be construed in accordance with
those laws.
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PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO BOTH SERIES OF NEW NOTES
NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, INCORPORATORS AND
STOCKHOLDERS
No individual who is a director, officer, employee, incorporator or
stockholder of the issuer of the 12% senior notes or the issuer of the variable
rate secured senior notes or any restricted subsidiary will have any liability
in that capacity for any obligations of the issuers or such restricted
subsidiary under the two series of notes, the indentures or for any claim based
on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each
noteholder waives and releases all such liability when it accepts a note. The
waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the two series
of notes. However, this waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under
the federal securities laws and it is the view of the Securities and Exchange
Commission that a waiver of that type is against public policy.
LEGAL DEFEASANCE OR COVENANT DEFEASANCE
Subject to any limitations contained in the secured credit facility and the
variable rate secured senior notes, the issuers may terminate their obligations
with respect to the notes at their option and at any time. This is known as
defeasing the notes. Defeasance means that the issuers will be deemed to have
paid and discharged the entire debt represented by the outstanding notes, except
for
- the rights of holders of notes to receive payments due on the notes when
such payments are due, solely from the trust fund described below,
- the defeasance provisions of the indentures,
- the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the trustees and
- the issuers' obligations to issue temporary notes, register the transfer
or exchange of any notes, replace mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen
notes, maintain an office or agency for payments in respect of the notes
and segregate and hold such payments in trust.
In addition, the issuers may, at their option and at any time, elect to
terminate the obligations of the issuers with respect to particular covenants
specified in the indentures described under "--Restrictive Covenants" above.
This is referred to as covenant defeasance. Any omission to comply with
obligations that have been defeased shall not constitute a default or an event
of default.
In order to exercise either defeasance or covenant defeasance:
- the issuers must irrevocably deposit with the trustees, as trust funds in
trust, specifically pledged as security for the noteholders, and
dedicated solely to the benefit of the noteholders, an amount sufficient,
in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public
accountants, to pay and discharge all amounts due on the notes at
maturity or upon redemption; this amount may take the form of money,
government securities which through the scheduled payment of principal
and interest on such securities will provide a sufficient amount of
money, or a combination of money and government securities;
- no default or event of default is continuing when the deposit is made and
no event of bankruptcy under clause 8 of "Events of Default" above occurs
at any time within 91 days after the deposit is made;
- such defeasance or covenant defeasance does not cause the trustees to
have a conflicting interest, as defined in the indentures and for
purposes of the Trust Indenture Act, with respect to any securities of
the issuers;
- such defeasance or covenant defeasance does not breach, violate or
constitute a default under, any material agreement or instrument to which
the issuers are a party or by which they are bound or cause the trusts or
the trustees to be subject to the Investment Company Act of 1940;
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- in the case of defeasance, the issuers have delivered to the trustees
opinions of counsel
-- stating that the issuers have received a ruling from the Internal
Revenue Service stating that the holders of the outstanding notes
will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax
purposes as a result of such defeasance and will be subject to
federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the
same times as would have been the case if such defeasance had not
occurred; or
-- confirming that the tax consequences are as described above due to a
change in applicable federal income tax law since the date of the
indentures, or the publication by the Internal Revenue Service of a
document that may be used or cited as precedent to the same effect;
- in the case of covenant defeasance, the issuers have delivered to the
trustees opinions of counsel to the effect that the holders of the notes
outstanding will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income
tax purposes as a result of the covenant defeasance and will be subject
to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the
same times as would have been the case if such covenant defeasance had
not occurred; and
- the issuers have delivered to the trustees officer's certificates and
opinions of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to the
defeasance or the covenant defeasance have been complied with.
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
At the issuers' request, the indentures will cease to be of further effect,
except as to surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of the
notes, as expressly provided for in the indenture, and the trustees, at issuers'
expense, will execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and
discharge of the indentures when:
- either
-- all the notes previously authenticated and delivered have been
delivered to the trustees for cancellation, other than destroyed,
lost or stolen notes which have been replaced or paid and notes which
have been subject to defeasance as described under " -- Legal
Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance", or
-- all notes not previously delivered to the trustees for cancellation
- have become due and payable,
- will become due and payable at stated maturity within one year or
- are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements
satisfactory to the trustees for the giving of notice of redemption
by the trustees in issues' name, and at issuers' expense, and the
issuers have irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with
the trustees funds in trust for the purpose in an amount sufficient
to pay and discharge the entire debt on such notes not previously
delivered to the trustees for cancellation, for principal, premium,
if any, and interest to the date of such deposit, in the case of
notes which have come due and payable, or to the stated maturity or
redemption date, as the case may be;
- the issuers have paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable by them
under the indentures; and
- the issuers have delivered to the trustees officer's certificates and
opinions of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided
in the indentures relating to the satisfaction and discharge of the
indentures have been complied with.
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TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE
A holder may transfer or exchange notes in accordance with the indentures.
The registrars and the trustees may require a holder, among other things, to
furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the issues may
require a holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the
indentures. The issuers are not required to
- transfer or exchange any note selected for redemption. Neither the
issuers nor the registrars will be required to issue, exchange or
register the transfer of notes between the opening of business on a
business day 15 days before the day of mailing of any notice of
redemption of notes and ending at the close of business on the day of the
mailing or
- exchange or register the transfer of any notes selected for redemption in
whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any notes that are
being redeemed in part.
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEES
[ ] and [ ], the
trustees under the indentures, will be the initial paying agents and registrars
for the notes.
The indentures provide that, except while an event of default is
continuing, the trustees will perform only those duties that are specifically
set forth in the indenture. If an event of default is continuing, the trustees
will exercise such rights and powers vested in them under the indentures and use
the same degree of care and skill in their exercise as a prudent person would
exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such person's own affairs.
Subject to these provisions, the trustees will be under no obligation to
exercise any of their rights or powers under the indentures at the request of
any holder of notes, unless such holder shall have offered to the trustees
indemnity reasonably satisfactory to them against any loss, liability or
expense.
The indentures and provisions of the Trust Indenture Act incorporated by
reference into the indentures contain limitations on the rights of the trustees,
should they become creditors of the issuers, to obtain payment of claims in
various circumstances or to realize on certain property received by them in
respect of any such claims, as security or otherwise. The trustees are permitted
to engage in other transactions, except that if they acquires any conflicting
interest, as defined in the indenture, they must eliminate the conflict upon the
occurrence of an event of default or else resign.
BOOK-ENTRY, DELIVERY AND FORM
The notes under each indenture will be represented by a single, permanent
global note, which may be subdivided, in definitive, fully-registered form
without interest coupons in minimum denominations of $1,000 and whole multiples
of $1,000. The global notes will be deposited with the trustees as custodian for
The Depositary Trust Company. They will be registered in the names of nominees
of The Depositary Trust Company for credit to the separate accounts of the
purchasers at The Depositary Trust Company.
Notes will be issued in definitive, fully-registered form without interest
coupons in minimum denominations of $1,000 and whole multiples of $1,000 if they
are transferred before registration under the Securities Act in accordance with
the provisions of the indentures, or after registration.
The notes are not issuable in bearer form. The global notes may be
transferred, in whole or in part, only to other nominees of The Depositary Trust
Company.
The global notes and any certificated securities will be subject to certain
restrictions on transfer set forth in the notes and in the indentures.
The Global Notes
The Depositary Trust Company or its custodian will credit, on its internal
system, the principal amounts of the individual beneficial interests represented
by the global notes to the accounts of persons
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who have accounts with The Depositary Trust Company. Ownership of beneficial
interests in the global notes will be limited to participants in The Depositary
Trust Company's system having accounts with The Depositary Trust Company and
participants in other securities clearance organizations or persons who hold
interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global
notes by participants will be shown on records maintained by The Depositary
Trust Company or its nominee. Ownership by persons other than participants will
be shown on the records of participants. Transfer of ownership will be effected
only through these records.
So long as The Depositary Trust Company or its nominee is the registered
owner or holder of the global notes, The Depositary Trust Company or its nominee
will be considered the sole owner or holder of the notes represented by the
global notes for all purposes under the indentures and the notes. Owners of
beneficial interests in the global notes will not be considered to be the owners
or holders of any notes under the indentures. Also, any beneficial owner of an
interest in the global notes will be able to transfer that interest only in
accordance with The Depositary Trust Company's applicable procedures in addition
to the procedures under the indentures and, if applicable, those of The
Euroclear System and Clearstream Bank, S.A., Luxembourg.
Investors may hold their interests in the global notes directly through The
Depositary Trust Company if they are participants in The Depositary Trust
Company, or indirectly through organizations which are participants in The
Depositary Trust Company, including Clearstream and The Euroclear System.
Clearstream and The Euroclear System will hold interests in the global notes on
behalf of their participants through their depositaries, which in turn will hold
such interests in the global notes in customers' securities accounts in the
depositaries' names on the books of The Depositary Trust Company.
[ ], will initially act as depositary for Clearstream
and [ ], will
initially act as depositary for The Euroclear System.
Payments of principal, interest, and premium, if any, on the global notes
will be made to The Depositary Trust Company or its nominee, as the registered
owner of the global notes. The issuers, the trustees, and any paying agent will
have no responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or
payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the global notes
or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to those
beneficial ownership interests.
The issuers expect that The Depositary Trust Company or its nominee, upon
receipt of any payment of principal, interest, or premium, if any, in respect of
the global notes, will immediately credit participants' accounts with payments
in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the
principal amount of the global notes as shown on the records of The Depositary
Trust Company or its nominee. The issuers also expect that payments by
participants to owners of beneficial interests in the global notes held through
such participants, including Clearstream and The Euroclear System, will be
governed by standing instructions and customary practices and, in the case of
Clearstream and The Euroclear System, in accordance with the rules and
procedures of Clearstream and The Euroclear System. Such payments will be the
responsibility of the participants.
Transfers between participants in The Depositary Trust Company will be
effected in the ordinary way in accordance with The Depositary Trust Company
rules and will be settled in same-day funds. The laws of some states require
that certain persons take physical delivery of securities in definitive form.
Consequently, the ability to transfer beneficial interests in the global notes
to such persons may be limited. Because The Depositary Trust Company can only
act on behalf of participants, who in turn act on behalf of indirect
participants and various banks, the ability of a person having a beneficial
interest in the global notes to pledge such interest to persons or entities that
do not participate in The Depositary Trust Company system, or otherwise take
actions relating to such interest, may be affected by the lack of a physical
certificate evidencing such interest. Transfers between participants in The
Euroclear System and Clearstream will be effected in the ordinary way in
accordance with their respective rules and operating procedures.
Cross-market transfers between The Depositary Trust Company participants,
on the one hand, and directly or indirectly through The Euroclear System or
Clearstream participants, on the other, will be
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effected in The Depositary Trust Company in accordance with The Depositary Trust
Company rules on behalf of The Euroclear System or Clearstream, by the
appropriate depositary. However, such cross-market transactions will require
delivery of instructions to The Euroclear System or Clearstream, by the
counterparty in such system in accordance with its rules and procedures and
within its established deadlines [( )]. The Euroclear System or
Clearstream will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver
instructions to its respective depositary to take action to effect final
settlement on its behalf by delivery or receiving interests in the global notes
in The Depositary Trust Company, and making or receiving payment in accordance
with normal procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to The
Depositary Trust Company. Clearstream participants and The Euroclear System
participants may not deliver instructions directly to the depositaries for
Clearstream or The Euroclear System.
The issuers expect that The Depositary Trust Company will take any action
permitted to be taken by a holder of notes, including the presentation of notes
for exchange as described below, only at the direction of a participant and only
as it relates to that participant's interest in the global notes. However, if an
event of default is continuing, or in the limited circumstances described below,
The Depositary Trust Company will surrender the global notes; in that case,
certificated notes in definitive form will be distributed to The Depositary
Trust Company's participants. The giving of notices and other communications by
The Depositary Trust Company to participants in The Depositary Trust Company, by
participants in The Depositary Trust Company to persons who hold accounts with
them and by such persons to holders of beneficial interests in the global notes
will be governed by arrangements between them, subject to any statutory or
regulatory requirements as may exist from time to time.
The issuers understand that The Depositary Trust Company is a
limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a
banking organization within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of
the Federal Reserve System, a clearing corporation within the meaning of the New
York Uniform Commercial Code, and a clearing agency registered pursuant to the
provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. The Depositary Trust Company
holds securities for its participants. It facilitates the clearance and
settlement of transactions in these securities, such as transfers and pledges,
through electronic computerized book-entry changes in participants' accounts.
This eliminates the need for physical movement of securities certificates.
Participants in The Depositary Trust Company include securities brokers and
dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other organizations.
The Depositary Trust Company is owned by a number of its participants and by the
New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc., and the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to The Depositary Trust
Company system is also available to other persons such as securities brokers and
dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial
relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly. The rules
applicable to The Depositary Trust Company and its participants are on file with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Although The Depositary Trust Company, Clearstream and The Euroclear System
have agreed to procedures described above in order to facilitate transfers of
interests in the global notes among participants in The Depositary Trust
Company, Clearstream and The Euroclear System, they are under no obligation to
continue to perform those procedures. The procedures may be changed or
discontinued at any time. The issuers and the trustees will have no
responsibility for any other person's performance obligations under the rules
and procedures governing those operations. This includes the obligations of The
Depositary Trust Company, Clearstream and The Euroclear System and their
participants and indirect participants.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING EUROCLEAR AND CLEARSTREAM
The Euroclear System and Clearstream hold securities for participating
organizations. They facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions in
those securities between their participants through electronic book-entry
changes in the participants' accounts. The Euroclear System and Clearstream
provide to their participants, among other things, services for safekeeping,
administration, clearance and settlement of internationally traded securities
and securities lending and borrowing. The Euroclear System and Clearstream
interface with U.S. securities markets. The Euroclear System and Clearstream
participants are financial institutions such as underwriters, securities brokers
and dealers, banks, trust companies and other
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organizations. Indirect access to The Euroclear System and Clearstream is also
available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that
clear through or maintain a custodian relationship with a The Euroclear System
or Clearstream participant, either directly or indirectly.
[ ] serves as The
Euroclear System's depositary and [ ], serves as Clearstream's
depositary. When beneficial interests are to be transferred from the account of
a participant to the account of a The Euroclear System participant or a
Clearstream participant, the purchaser must send instructions to The Euroclear
System or Clearstream through a participant at least one business day before
settlement. The Euroclear System or Clearstream will instruct its depositary to
receive the beneficial interests against payment. Payment will include interest
attributable to the beneficial interests from and including the last payment
date to and including the day before the settlement date, on the basis of a
calendar year consisting of twelve 30-day calendar months. For transactions
settling on the 31st day of the month, payment will include interest accrued to
and excluding the first day of the following month. Payment will then be made by
the depositary to the participant's account against delivery of the beneficial
interests. After settlement has been completed, the beneficial interests will be
credited to the appropriate clearing systems and will be credited by the
clearing system, in accordance with its usual procedures, to the account of The
Euroclear System participants or Clearstream participants. Credit for the
beneficial interests will appear on the next business day [( )] and the
cash debit will be back-valued to, and interest attributable to the beneficial
interests will accrue from, the value date, which would be the preceding
business day when settlement occurs in New York. If the trade fails and
settlement is not completed on the intended value date, The Euroclear System or
Clearstream cash debit will instead be valued as of the actual settlement date.
The Euroclear System participants and Clearstream participants will need to
make available to their clearing system the funds necessary to process same-day
funds settlement. The most direct means of doing this is to preposition funds
for settlement, either from cash on hand or existing lines of credit, as the
participant would for any settlement occurring within The Euroclear System or
Clearstream. Under this approach, they may take on credit exposure to The
Euroclear System or Clearstream until the beneficial interests are credited to
their accounts one day later. Finally, day traders that use The Euroclear System
or Clearstream and that purchase beneficial interests from participants for
credit to The Euroclear System participants or Clearstream participants should
note that these trades will automatically fail on the sale side unless
affirmative action is taken to avoid these potential problems.
Due to time zone differences in their favor, The Euroclear System
participants and Clearstream participants may employ their customary procedures
for transactions in which beneficial interests are to be transferred by their
clearing system, through [ ], to another participant. The seller must
send instructions to The Euroclear System or Clearstream through a participant
at least one business day prior to settlement. In these cases, The Euroclear
System or Clearstream will instruct its depositary to credit the beneficial
interests to the participant's account against payment. Payment will include
interest attributable to the beneficial interests from and including the last
payment date to and including the day before the settlement date on the basis of
a calendar year consisting of twelve 30-day calendar months. For transactions
settling on the 31st day of the month, payment will include interest accrued to
and excluding the first day of the following month. The payment will then be
reflected in the account of The Euroclear System participant or Clearstream
participant the following business day, and receipt of the cash proceeds in The
Euroclear System or Clearstream participant's account will be back- valued to
the value date, which would be the preceding business day, when settlement
occurs in New York. If The Euroclear System participant or Clearstream
participant has a line of credit with its clearing system and elects to draw on
such line of credit in anticipation of receipt of the sale proceeds in its
account, the back-valuation may substantially reduce or offset any overdraft
charges incurred over that one-day period. If the trade fails and settlement is
not completed on the intended value date, receipt of the cash proceeds in The
Euroclear System or Clearstream participant's account will instead be valued as
of the actual settlement date.
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CERTIFICATED SECURITIES
The global notes are exchangeable for certificated securities only
- if the issuers notify the trustees that they elect to have notes issued
in definitive registered form;
- if the depositary
-- notifies the issuers that it is unwilling or unable to continue as
depositary for the global notes or
-- ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act; or
- if an event of default is continuing or any event which would be an event
of default after notice or lapse of time or both is continuing.
Such certificated securities shall be registered in the names of the owners of
the beneficial interests in the global notes as provided by the participants.
Upon issuance of notes in definitive form, the trustees are required to register
the notes in the name of the person or persons identified as the beneficial
owners, or their nominee, as the depositary shall direct, and cause the notes to
be delivered to the registered owner.
The issuers and the trustees will not be liable for any delay by the holder
of a global notes or the depositary in identifying the beneficial owners of
notes. The issuers and the trustees may conclusively rely on instructions from
the holder of a global notes or the depositary for all purposes and will be
relying on those instructions.
SAME-DAY SETTLEMENT AND PAYMENT
The indentures require that payments of principal or premium, if any on the
notes represented by the global notes be made by wire transfer of immediately
available funds to the accounts specified by the holder of a global notes. With
respect to certificated securities, The issuers will make all payments of
principal, interest and premium, if any, by wire transfer of immediately
available funds to the accounts specified by the holders of the certificated
securities. If no such account is specified, the issuers will mail a check to
the holder's registered address.
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DESCRIPTION OF STOCK BEING OFFERED
INTERMEDIATE HOLDING COMPANY EXCHANGEABLE PREFERRED STOCK
The new intermediate holding company's exchangeable preferred stock has the
rights and preferences summarized below:
Transferability. Each share of exchangeable preferred stock shall be
solely transferable as a portion of a unit, composed of one share of
exchangeable preferred stock and one share of voting preferred stock issued by
the parent company.
Optional Exchange. At the option of the holders, each unit comprised of
one share of the new intermediate holding company's exchangeable preferred stock
and one share of the parent company's voting preferred stock, is exchangeable
for stock of the parent company at an initial exchange rate of 205.56 shares of
the parent company's common stock for each unit, subject to certain adjustments.
These adjustments include stock splits and combinations, stock dividends,
reclassifications, consolidations and mergers affecting the parent company's
common stock.
Mandatory Exchange. If the market price of the parent company's common
stock equals or exceeds $3.97 per share for at least 60 consecutive trading
days, the new intermediate holding company and the parent company may require
the exchange of units for shares of the parent company's common stock.
Dividends. The new intermediate holding company's exchangeable preferred
stock will not be entitled to any required dividends. Dividends may be paid when
and if they are declared by the new intermediate holding company's board of
directors.
Voting Rights. The new intermediate holding company's exchangeable
preferred stock will be entitled to one vote per share on all matters voted on
by stockholders. The new intermediate holding company's exchangeable preferred
stock and its common stock will vote together as a single class on all matters,
except as required by Delaware law.
Liquidation Preference. Upon the new intermediate holding company's
liquidation, dissolution or winding up, it must pay to the holders of
exchangeable preferred stock $407.93 per share of exchangeable preferred stock.
This liquidation preference is senior to and must be paid before any
distribution or payment is made to holders of its common stock or any other
series of preferred stock unless otherwise approved by the holders of majority
of exchangeable preferred stock. If the assets of the new intermediate holding
company are insufficient to permit full payment of this liquidation preference
to the holders of exchangeable preferred stock, then the assets will be
distributed pro rata among the holders of the exchangeable preferred stock.
Change of Control Repurchase/Exchange. Upon a change of control of the
parent company or the new intermediate holding company, the new intermediate
holding company will offer to repurchase all outstanding shares of exchangeable
preferred stock at a price of $412.01 per share. At the election of the
intermediate holding company, the repurchase price may be paid in cash or by
exchange of shares of the parent company's common stock. The repurchase price
may not be paid in cash unless all outstanding indebtedness for money borrowed
required to be paid by the intermediate holding company, whether directly or
indirectly as a guarantor, as a result of the change of control or otherwise
then due and payable has been paid in full. The definition of change of control
is the same as for the 12% senior notes, described above on pages [117] and
[118].
Mandatory Repurchase/Exchange. The new intermediate holding company is
required to repurchase all outstanding shares of exchangeable preferred stock on
the ninth anniversary of the closing of the exchange at a repurchase price equal
to $407.93 per share. The repurchase price may be paid in cash or, at the option
of the intermediate holding company, by exchange of shares of the parent
company's
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common stock. Shares of the parent company's common stock used for this exchange
will be valued as follows:
- If on the date of exchange the average closing sale prices of the parent
company's common stock for the 30 trading days immediately preceding the
date of exchange is equal to or greater than $1.98, the shares of the
parent company's common stock will be valued at the average closing sale
prices for that 30 trading day period; or
- If on the date of exchange the closing sale price of the parent company's
common stock for the 30 trading days immediately preceding the date of
exchange is less than $1.98, the shares of the parent company's common
stock will be valued at 95% of the average closing sale prices for that
30 trading day period.
If the prepackaged bankruptcy plan is implemented, the old intermediate
holding company will issue exchangeable preferred stock having terms that are
substantially similar to those described above.
NEW PARENT COMPANY SERIES A JUNIOR VOTING PREFERRED STOCK
The parent company's voting preferred stock has the rights and preferences
summarized below:
Transferability. Each share of voting preferred stock shall be solely
transferable as a portion of a unit, comprised of one share of voting preferred
stock and one share of exchangeable preferred stock issued by the intermediate
holding company.
Optional Exchange. At the option of the holders, each unit comprised of
one share of the parent company's voting preferred stock and one share of the
new intermediate holding company's exchangeable preferred stock is exchangeable
for stock of the parent company at an initial exchange rate of 205.56 shares of
parent common stock for each unit, subject to certain adjustments. These
adjustments include stock splits and combinations, stock dividends,
reclassifications, consolidations and mergers affecting the parent company
common stock.
Mandatory Exchange. If the market price of the parent company's common
stock equals or exceeds $3.97 per share for at least 60 consecutive trading
days, the parent company and the intermediate holding company may require the
exchange of units for shares of the parent company's common stock.
Dividends. The parent company's voting preferred stock will not be
entitled to any required dividends. Dividends may be paid when and if they are
declared by the parent company's board of directors.
Voting Rights. The parent company's voting preferred stock will be
entitled to vote together as a single class with common stock on all matters
voted on by stockholders, except as required by Delaware law. Each share of
voting preferred stock will be entitled to as many votes as the number of shares
of common stock into which each unit is exchangeable, currently 205.56 votes per
share.
Liquidation Preference. Upon the parent company's liquidation, dissolution
or winding up, the parent company must pay to the holders of voting preferred
stock $.001 per share of voting preferred stock. This liquidation preference is
junior to and subject to the prior payment of any distribution or amount in
respect of any other series of preferred stock. If the assets of the parent
company are insufficient to permit full payment of this liquidation preference
to the holders of voting preferred stock, then the assets will be distributed
pro rata among the holders of the voting preferred stock.
Change of Control Repurchase/Exchange. Upon a change of control of the
parent company or the new intermediate holding company, the parent company will
offer to repurchase all outstanding shares of voting preferred stock at a price
of $.001 per share. At the election of the parent company, the repurchase price
may be paid in cash or by exchange of shares of the parent company's common
stock. The purchase price may not be paid in cash until all outstanding
indebtedness for money borrowed required to be paid by the parent company,
whether directly or indirectly as a guarantor, as a result of the change of
control or
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otherwise then due and payable has been paid in full. The definition of change
of control is the same as for the 12% senior notes described above on pages
[117] and [118].
Mandatory Repurchase/Exchange. The parent company is required to
repurchase all outstanding shares of voting preferred stock on the ninth
anniversary at the closing of the exchange at a repurchase price equal to $.001
per share. The repurchase price may be paid in cash or, at the option of the
parent company, by exchange of shares of parent common stock. Shares of parent
company common stock used for this exchange will be valued as follows:
- If on the date of exchange the average closing sale prices of the parent
company's common stock for the 30 trading days immediately preceding the
date of exchange is equal to or greater than $1.98, the shares of parent
company common stock will be valued at the average closing sale prices
for that 30 trading day period; or
- If on the date of exchange the closing sale price of the parent company's
common stock for the 30 trading days immediately preceding the date of
exchange is less than $1.98, the shares of parent company common stock
will be valued at 95% of the average closing sale prices for that 30
trading day period.
The full terms of the new preferred stock are set forth in Annex B.
PARENT COMPANY COMMON STOCK
For a description of the parent company's common stock being offered in the
exchange offer, see "Description of Outstanding Equity Securities -- Parent
Company" below.
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DESCRIPTION OF OUTSTANDING EQUITY SECURITIES
PARENT COMPANY
The parent company's authorized capital stock consists of 500,000,000
shares of common stock and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Of the
authorized shares of preferred stock, 818,228 shares have been designated Series
A junior voting preferred stock, 500,000 shares have been designated Series B
preferred stock, 250,000 shares have been designated Series C preferred stock,
1,250,000 shares have been designated Series F preferred stock and 7,181,772
shares remain undesignated. Each share of the parent company's capital stock has
a par value of $.01 per share. As of May 16, 2001, the parent company had issued
and outstanding 182,434,590 shares of common stock, 250,000 shares of Series C
preferred stock and 1,015,000 shares of Series F preferred stock.
Common Stock
Holders of the parent company's common stock are entitled to one vote per
share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. They
are entitled to receive dividends when and if declared by the parent company's
board of directors and to share, on the basis of their shareholdings, in the
parent company's assets that are available for distribution to its stockholders
in the event of liquidation. These rights of the common stock are subject to any
preferences or participating or similar rights of any series of preferred stock
that is outstanding at the time. Holders of the parent company's common stock
have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. Holders of
the parent company's common stock do not have cumulative voting rights.
Preferred Stock
The parent company's board of directors is authorized, without any further
action by its stockholders, to issue preferred stock from time to time in one or
more series and to fix the voting, dividend, conversion, redemption and
liquidation rights and preferences of any such series and whatever other
designations, preferences and special rights the board of directors may decide
upon. The parent company does not have any present plans to issue shares of its
preferred stock, other than the shares of voting preferred stock, and the Series
C preferred stock and Series F preferred stock currently outstanding.
Series C Preferred Stock
The parent company's Series C preferred stock has the rights and
preferences summarized below:
Conversion. The parent company's Series C preferred stock was convertible
into common stock of the parent company at an initial conversion rate of 6.06
shares of common stock for each share of Series C preferred stock, subject to
certain adjustments. These adjustments include the issuance by the parent
company of common stock, or rights or options for common stock, at a price less
than the market price of the common stock. The conversion of the Series C
preferred stock automatically adjusts on a quarterly basis to reflect the
accrual of dividends to the extent that dividends are not paid on a current
basis in cash or stock. Until July 1, 2001, the conversion rate will be
7.5961-to-1, so that 1,899,027 shares of common stock are issuable upon the
conversion of all shares of Series C preferred stock in the aggregate. This
aggregate number of common shares increases by approximately 37,000 shares per
quarter.
Dividends. The parent company's Series C preferred stock earns dividends
at an annual rate of 8.0% payable when declared quarterly in cash or, at the
parent company's option, through the issuance of shares of its common stock
valued at 95% of the then prevailing market price. If not paid quarterly,
dividends accumulate and become payable upon redemption or conversion of the
Series C preferred stock or upon the parent company's liquidation.
Voting Rights. So long as at least 50% of the Series C preferred stock
remains outstanding, the holders of the Series C preferred stock have the right,
voting as a separate class, to designate one member of the parent company's
board of directors and one member of the intermediate holding company's board
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of directors. The director has the right to be a member of any committee of
either board of directors. On all other matters, the parent company's Series C
preferred stock and its common stock vote together as a single class. Each share
of Series C preferred stock is entitled to as many votes as the number of shares
of common stock into which it is convertible (7.5961 prior to July 1, 2001).
Liquidation Preference. Upon the parent company's liquidation, dissolution
or winding up, before any distribution or payment is made to holders of its
common stock, the parent company must pay to the holders of Series C preferred
stock $100.00 per share of Series C preferred stock, subject to specified
adjustments, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends on such shares of Series C
preferred stock. If the assets of the parent company are insufficient to permit
full payment of this liquidation preference to the holders of Series C preferred
stock, then the assets will be distributed pro rata among the holders of the
Series C preferred stock.
Redemption. Holders of Series C preferred stock may require the parent
company to redeem the Series C preferred stock in the year 2005 for an amount
equal to the amount of the liquidation preference of the Series C preferred
stock. The parent company may elect to pay the redemption price in cash or in
common stock valued at 95% of its then prevailing market price. Series C
preferred stock is subject to redemption for cash or common stock at the parent
company's option in specified circumstances.
Series F Preferred Stock
The parent company's Series F preferred stock has the rights and
preferences summarized below:
Conversion. The Series F preferred stock is not convertible into the
parent company's common stock.
Dividends. The Series F preferred stock earns dividends at an annual rate
of 12% on the liquidation preference per share. Dividends are payable when
declared quarterly in cash or, at the parent company's option so long as shares
of the parent company's common stock remain listed on the Nasdaq National Market
or another national securities exchange, through the issuance of shares of its
common stock valued at the then prevailing market price. If not paid quarterly,
dividends are added to the liquidation preference of the share of Series F
preferred stock as of the date they were payable and remain a part of the
liquidation preference until the dividends are paid. For purposes of determining
the dollar amount of quarterly dividends, the liquidation preference in effect
on each December 31 is used for the December 31 dividend calculation and for the
calculation of the dividend for each of the next three successive quarterly
dividend payment dates. As a result, accrued and unpaid quarterly dividends on
the Series F preferred stock are added to the liquidation preference and are
compounded annually.
Voting Rights. The parent company may not, without the approval of holders
of at least a majority of the then outstanding shares of Series F preferred
stock voting together as a single class, (1) authorize, increase the authorized
number of shares of, or issue, any shares of its capital stock ranking prior to
or equal to the Series F preferred stock, (2) increase the authorized number of
shares of, or issue any shares of Series F preferred stock, or (3) authorize or
adopt any amendment to its Restated Certificate of Incorporation that would
affect adversely the preferences or rights of the Series F preferred stock.
Additionally, unless specified conditions are met, the parent company may not
participate in any merger or consolidation or sell substantially all of its
assets without the approval of holders of at least a majority of the then
outstanding shares of Series F preferred stock voting together as a single
class. Holders of Series F preferred stock are not entitled to vote on any other
matter, except as required by Delaware law.
Liquidation Preference. Upon the parent company's liquidation, dissolution
or winding up, before any distribution or payment is made to holders of common
stock but after the parent company pays the applicable liquidation preference to
holders of Series C preferred stock, the parent company must pay to the holder
of Series F preferred stock an amount equal to (1) $100.00 per share of Series F
preferred stock, subject to specified adjustments, plus (2) any accrued
dividends that have not been paid on the applicable quarterly dividend payment
date, plus (3) an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends accrued on
the share of Series F preferred stock during the period from the immediately
preceding
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dividend payment date through the date in question. If, after payment of the
applicable liquidation preference to the holders of our Series C preferred
stock, the parent company's assets are insufficient to permit full payment of
this liquidation preference to the holders of the Series F preferred stock, then
the assets will be distributed pro rata among the holders of the Series C
preferred stock.
Redemption. The parent company is required to redeem all outstanding
shares of Series F preferred stock on the tenth anniversary of the date that the
Series F preferred stock is issued at a redemption price equal to the
liquidation preference then in effect payable in cash or, at our option so long
as shares of the parent company's common stock remain listed on the Nasdaq
National Market or another national securities exchange, through the issuance of
shares of its common stock valued at the then prevailing market price.
Additionally, shares of Series F preferred stock are redeemable, in whole or in
part, at the parent company's option at any time at a redemption price equal to
the liquidation preference then in effect payable in cash or, at the parent
company's option so long as shares of its common stock remain listed on the
Nasdaq National Market or another national securities exchange, through the
issuance of shares of its common stock valued at the then prevailing market
price.
Warrants
In connection with our acquisition of MobileMedia Communications, Inc. in
1999, the parent company issued:
- warrants to acquire up to 1,225,220 shares of the parent company's common
stock to the standby purchasers, and
- warrants to acquire up to 14,890,202 shares of the parent company's
common stock to persons who were holders of record of its common stock
and its Series C preferred stock on January 27, 1999.
The warrant exercise price is $9.03 per share. This exercise price was
determined by negotiations between us and MobileMedia. These warrants will
expire on September 1, 2001.
In connection with the issuance of the parent company's common stock for
convertible subordinated debentures in October 1999, the parent company issued
warrants to purchase 540,487 shares of its common stock at $9.03 per share.
These warrants also expire on September 1, 2001.
The warrant exercise price and the number of shares purchasable upon
exercise of the warrants is subject to adjustment from time to time upon the
occurrence of stock dividends, stock splits, reclassifications, issuances of
stock or options at prices below prevailing market prices and other events
described in the warrant agreement. The parent company may irrevocably reduce
the warrant exercise price for any period of at least 20 calendar days to any
amount that exceeds the par value of common stock.
Registration Rights
Persons who purchased shares of the parent company's common stock as
standby purchasers in connection with the MobileMedia acquisition have demand
registration rights which may be exercised no more than twice. These demand
rights entitle these stockholders to require the parent company to register all
or any portion of their shares of its common stock for public resale by the
holders. The parent company has also agreed to provide the same stockholders
"piggyback" registration rights with respect to other offerings filed by it.
These piggyback rights entitle any of these stockholders to include their shares
of the parent company's common stock in a registration statement for shares that
the parent company wishes to sell, unless the underwriters for the shares
believe that the number of shares included in the registration statement should
be limited for marketing reasons. In that case, these stockholders would be
entitled to include the same percentage of the shares they own as the percentage
that any other stockholder participating in the offering is entitled to include.
The holders of the parent company's Series C preferred stock and the former
stockholders of PageCall, Inc. are also entitled to demand rights and piggyback
registration rights. The demand rights
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entitle the holders of at least 25% of the outstanding shares of Series C
preferred stock to require the parent company to register their shares of its
common stock in a public resale having an aggregate offering price exceeding
$1.0 million. The piggyback rights entitle all holders of Series C preferred
stock to include their shares of the parent company's common stock in a
registration statement for shares that the parent company wishes to sell, unless
the underwriters for the shares believe that the number of shares included in
the registration statement should be limited for marketing reasons. In that
case, Series C preferred stockholders would be entitled to include the same
percentage of the shares they own as the percentage that any other stockholder
participating in the offering is entitled to include.
Certain funds affiliated with Resurgence Asset Management which own, in the
aggregate, approximately 16 million shares of the parent company's common stock
are also entitled to demand rights and piggyback registration rights. The demand
rights entitle these stockholders to require the parent company to register all
or any portion of their shares of its common stock in a public resale having an
aggregate offering price exceeding $1.0 million. The piggyback rights entitle
these stockholders to include their shares of the parent company's common stock
in a registration statement for shares that the parent company wishes to sell,
unless the underwriters for the shares believe that the number of shares
included in the registration statement should be limited for marketing reasons.
In that case, the stockholders would be entitled to include the same percentage
of the shares they own as the percentage that any other stockholder
participating in the offering is entitled to include.
Holders of the parent company's Series F preferred stock are also entitled
to demand and piggyback registration rights. The demand registration rights
entitle holders of outstanding shares of Series F preferred stock and shares of
the parent company's common stock issued upon redemption of Series F preferred
stock to require the parent company to register those shares in a public resale
having an aggregate offering price exceeding $1.0 million. The piggyback
registration rights also entitle holders of Series F preferred stock to include
their shares of Series F preferred stock or common stock issued upon redemption
of Series F preferred stock in a registration statement for shares that the
parent company wishes to sell, unless the underwriters for the shares believe
that the number of shares included in the registration statement should be
limited for marketing reasons. In that case, holders of Series F preferred stock
or common stock issued upon redemption of Series F preferred stock are entitled,
with some exceptions, to include the same percentage of the shares they own as
the percentage that any other stockholder participating in the offering is
entitled to include.
Foreign Ownership Restrictions
Under the Communications Act of 1934, not more than 25% of the parent
company's capital stock may be owned or voted by aliens or their
representatives, a foreign government or its representative or a foreign
corporation if the Federal Communications Commission finds that the public
interest would be served by denying such ownership. Accordingly, the parent
company's restated certificate of incorporation provides that it may redeem
outstanding shares of our stock from holders if the continued ownership of its
stock by those holders, because of their foreign citizenship or otherwise, would
place the Federal Communications Commission licenses held by us in jeopardy.
Required redemptions, if any, will be made at a price per share equal to the
lesser of the fair market value of the shares, as defined in our restated
certificate of incorporation or, if such shares were purchased within one year
prior to the redemption, the purchase price of such shares.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
Provisions of Delaware law and the parent company's restated certificate of
incorporation and bylaws could delay, make more difficult or prevent its
acquisition and the removal of its incumbent officers and directors. These
provisions, which are summarized below, are expected to discourage coercive
takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids and to encourage persons seeking
to acquire control of us to negotiate with us first. We believe that the
benefits of increased protection of our potential ability to negotiate with the
proponent of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure our
company
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outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging such proposals because, among other
things, negotiation of such proposals could result in an improvement of their
terms.
Stockholder Rights Plan.
In October 1995, the parent company's board of directors adopted a
stockholder rights plan. Under the rights plan, each outstanding share of the
parent company's common stock has attached to it one preferred stock purchase
right, or a right. The rights trade automatically with shares of the parent
company's common stock and become exercisable only under the circumstances
described below.
The purpose of the rights is to encourage potential acquirers to negotiate
with the parent company's board of directors before attempting a takeover bid
and to provide the board of directors with leverage in negotiating on behalf of
the parent company's stockholders the terms of any proposed takeover. The rights
may have anti-takeover effects. They should not, however, interfere with any
merger or other business combination approved by the parent company's board of
directors.
Each right entitles its holder to purchase from the parent company a
fractional share of the parent company's Series B preferred stock at a cash
purchase price of $150.00 per fractional share of preferred stock, subject to
adjustment. The rights automatically attach to and trade together with each
share of common stock.
Each fractional share of preferred stock has voting, dividend and
liquidation rights equivalent to one share of the parent company's common stock.
As a result, a stockholder who purchases all of the preferred stock fractional
shares that it is entitled to purchase will double its voting power, dividend
rights and liquidation rights.
The rights are not exercisable or transferable separately from the shares
of the parent company's common stock to which they are attached until ten
business days following the earlier of:
- a public announcement that an acquiring person, or group of affiliated or
associated acquiring persons, has acquired, or obtained the right to
acquire, beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding shares of
the parent company's common stock, or up to 33% in certain specified
circumstances described below, or
- the commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer that would result in
a person or group individually owning 30% or more of then outstanding
shares of the parent company's common stock.
The rights will not become exercisable, however, if the acquiring person
offers to purchase all outstanding shares of the parent company's common stock
and the parent company's independent directors determine that such offer is fair
to the parent company's stockholders and in their best interests.
If the rights become exercisable, each holder of a right, other than the
acquiring person, will be entitled to use the $150.00 exercise price of the
right to purchase fractional shares of preferred stock. All rights that are
beneficially owned by an acquiring person will terminate in these circumstances.
Therefore, the acquiring person will not increase its voting, dividend or
liquidation rights.
If an acquiring person acquires the parent company's common stock and
either:
- the parent company is acquired in a merger or other business combination
transaction in which it are not the surviving corporation or the parent
company's common stock is changed or exchanged, except for a merger that
follows an offer determined to be fair by the parent company's
independent directors as described above, or
- 50% or more of the parent company's assets or earning power is sold or
transferred,
then each holder of a right, other than the acquiring person, will be entitled
to use the $150.00 exercise price of the purchase right to purchase shares of
common stock of the acquiring company at one-half of the then current market
price of the acquiring company's common stock.
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The rights are not currently exercisable. In connection with our June 1999
acquisition of MobileMedia Communications, Inc. and other transactions, the
parent company amended the stockholder rights plan to permit four significant
stockholders to acquire, without becoming an acquiring person, shares of its
outstanding stock up to specified limits. Currently, the specified limits are
23.9% of our outstanding stock for W.R. Huff, 21.3% for Whippoorwill, 18% for
Citigroup, Inc. and 25.0% for Resurgence.
The parent company amended the stockholder rights plan in connection with
our acquisition of PageNet to allow that acquisition to take place without
causing the rights to become exercisable. It also amended the stockholder rights
plan to permit Nextel to invest approximately $75.0 million in the parent
company's Series F preferred stock without causing the rights to become
exercisable.
Classified Board of Directors.
The parent company's restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws
provide that its board of directors is divided into three classes, with the
terms of each class expiring in a different year. The bylaws provide that the
number of directors is fixed from time to time exclusively by the board of
directors, but shall consist of not more than 15 nor less than three directors.
A majority of the board of directors then in office has the sole authority to
fill in any vacancies on the board of directors. The parent company's restated
certificate of incorporation provides that directors may be removed only by the
affirmative vote of holders of at least 80% of the voting power of all then
outstanding shares of stock, voting together as a single class.
Stockholder Actions and Meetings.
The parent company's restated certificate of incorporation provides that
stockholder action can be taken only at an annual or special meeting of
stockholders and prohibits stockholder action by written consent in lieu of a
meeting.
The parent company's restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws
provide that special meetings of stockholders can be called by the chairman of
the board, pursuant to a resolution approved by a majority of the total number
of directors which we would have if there were no vacancies on the board of
directors, or by stockholders owning at least 20% of the parent company's stock
entitled to vote at the meeting. The business permitted to be conducted at any
special meeting of stockholders is limited to the business brought before the
meeting by the chairman of the board, or at the request of a majority of the
members of the board of directors, or as specified in the stockholders' call for
a meeting.
The parent company's bylaws set forth an advance notice procedure with
regard to the nomination of candidates for election as directors who are not
nominees of the board of directors. The bylaws provide that any stockholder
entitled to vote in the election of directors generally may nominate one or more
persons for election as directors only if detailed written notice has been given
to the parent company's secretary within specified time periods.
Amendment of Certain Provisions of the Parent's Company's Certificate Of
Incorporation And Bylaws.
The parent company's restated certificate of incorporation requires the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of all of
its then outstanding shares of stock, voting together as a single class, to
amend specified provisions of the restated certificate of incorporation. These
include provisions relating to the removal of directors, the prohibition on
stockholder action by written consent instead of a meeting, the procedural
requirements of stockholder meetings and the adoption, amendment and repeal of
certain articles of the bylaws.
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Consideration of Non-Economic Factors in Acquisitions.
The parent company's restated certificate of incorporation empowers its
board of directors, when considering a tender offer or merger or acquisition
proposal, to take into account factors in addition to potential economic
benefits to stockholders. These factors may include:
- comparison of the proposed consideration to be received by stockholders
in relation to the then current market price of the capital stock, our
estimated current value in a freely negotiated transaction, and our
estimated future value as an independent entity;
- the impact of such a transaction on our subscribers and our employees and
its effect on the communities in which we operate; and
- our ability to fulfill our objectives under applicable statutes and
regulations.
Restrictions on Purchases of Stock.
The parent company's restated certificate of incorporation prohibits its
from repurchasing any of its shares from any person, entity or group that
beneficially owns 5% or more of our then outstanding voting stock at a price
exceeding the average closing price for the twenty trading business days prior
to the purchase date, unless a majority of our disinterested stockholders
approves the transaction. A disinterested stockholder is a person who holds less
than 5% of the parent company's voting power. This restriction on purchases by
the parent company does not apply to:
- any offer to purchase a class of the parent company's stock which is made
on the same terms and conditions to all holders of the class of stock;
- any purchase of the parent company's stock owned by such a 5% stockholder
occurring more than two years after such stockholder's last acquisition
of the parent company's stock;
- any purchase of the parent company's stock in accordance with the terms
of any stock option or employee benefit plan; or
- any purchase at prevailing marketing prices pursuant to a stock
repurchase program.
Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute.
Section 203 of the Delaware corporations statute is applicable to publicly
held corporations organized under the laws of Delaware, including the parent
company. Subject to various exceptions, Section 203 provides that a corporation
may not engage in any "business combination" with any "interested stockholder"
for a three-year period after such stockholder becomes an interested stockholder
unless the interested stockholder attained that status with the approval of the
board of directors or the business combination is approved in a prescribed
manner. A "business combination" includes mergers, asset sales and other
transactions which result in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder.
Subject to various exceptions, an interested stockholder is a person who,
together with affiliates and associates, owns 15% or more of the corporation's
outstanding voting stock or was the owner of 15% or more of the outstanding
voting stock within the previous three years. Section 203 may make it more
difficult for an interested stockholder to effect various business combinations
with a corporation for a three-year period. The stockholders may elect not to be
governed by Section 203, by adopting an amendment to the corporation's
certificate of incorporation or bylaws which becomes effective twelve months
after adoption. The parent company's restated certificate of incorporation and
bylaws do not exclude it from the restrictions imposed by Section 203. It is
anticipated that the provisions of Section 203 may encourage companies
interested in acquiring us to negotiate in advance with our board of directors.
OLD INTERMEDIATE HOLDING COMPANY
The old intermediate holding company's capital stock consists of 1,000
shares of common stock, par value of $0.01 per share. As of March 31, 2001, the
old intermediate holding company had issued and
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outstanding 848.7499 shares of its common stock, all of which were held by the
parent company. Holders of the old intermediate holding company's common stock
are entitled to one vote per share held of record on all matters submitted to a
vote of stockholders. They are entitled to receive dividends when and if
declared by the old intermediate holding company's board of directors and to
share, on the basis of their shareholdings, in the old intermediate holding
company's assets that are available for distribution to its stockholders in the
event of liquidation. Holders of the old intermediate holding company's common
stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. Holders
of the old intermediate holding company's common stock do not have cumulative
voting rights.
If the exchange offer is not consummated but the prepackaged bankruptcy
plan is approved, the old intermediate holding company's authorized capital
stock will be amended so that it is the same as the capitalization of the new
intermediate holding company as described below.
NEW INTERMEDIATE HOLDING COMPANY
We expect that the new intermediate holding company's capital stock will
consist of 20,000,000 shares of common stock and 818,228 shares of preferred
stock. All 818,228 shares of preferred stock will be designated as exchangeable
preferred stock. See "Description of Notes Being Offered."
OPERATING COMPANY
The operating company's capital stock consists of 400,000 shares of common
stock, par value of $0.01 per share. As of March 31, 2001, the operating company
had issued and outstanding 371,370 shares of its common stock, all of which were
held by the old intermediate holding company. We expect that following the
consummation of the exchange offer, all of the issued and outstanding shares of
the operating company's common stock will be held by the new intermediate
holding company. Holders of the operating company's common stock are entitled to
one vote per share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of
stockholders. They are entitled to receive dividends when and if declared by the
operating company's board of directors and to share, on the basis of their
shareholdings, in the operating company's assets that are available for
distribution to its stockholders in the event of liquidation. Holders of the
operating company's common stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or
conversion rights. Holders of the operating company's common stock do not have
cumulative voting rights.
DESCRIPTION OF NOTES TO BE TENDERED
The following section summarizes the most important terms of the five
series of outstanding notes that we are seeking to reacquire through the
exchange offer. For more details about the terms of these notes, see Annexes F,
G, H, I and J.
OLD INTERMEDIATE HOLDING COMPANY SENIOR NOTES
We are soliciting tenders of the following four series of outstanding
senior notes of the old intermediate holding company, Arch Wireless
Communications, Inc.:
ACCRETED/PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT AT 6/30/01 INTEREST RATE MATURITY DATE INTEREST PAYMENT DATES
------------------ ------------- ---------------- ----------------------
$ 125,000,000 9 1/2% February 1, 2004 February 1, August 1
$ 100,000,000 14% November 1, 2004 May 1, November 1
$ 128,309,133 12 3/4% July 1, 2007 January 1, July 1
$ 141,568,003 13 3/4% April 15, 2008 April 15, October 15
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Collateral; Priority; Structural Subordination.
The 9 1/2% senior notes and the 14% senior notes are secured on an equal
basis with our obligations under the secured credit facility, by a security
interest in the assets of the operating company and some of its subsidiaries as
follows:
- all assets of the operating company other than the stock of its
subsidiaries;
- all assets of MobileMedia Communications and its subsidiaries;
- assets acquired by PageNet and its subsidiaries after November 10, 2000;
and
- assets acquired by the other subsidiaries of the operating company after
June 29, 1998.
Substantially all of the other assets of the old intermediate holding
company and its subsidiaries have been pledged to secure the obligations of the
operating company under the secured credit facility.
The claims of the holders of the 12 3/4% senior notes and the 13 3/4%
senior notes, and any unsecured claims of the holders of 9 1/2% senior notes and
14% senior notes, are of equal priority against the assets of Arch Wireless
Communications, Inc. and are structurally subordinated to the claims of the
creditors of the subsidiaries of the old intermediate holding company against
the assets of those subsidiaries.
Redemption. The old intermediate holding company may choose to redeem any
amounts of these senior notes during the periods indicated in the following
table. The redemption prices will equal the indicated percentages of the
principal amount or accreted value of the notes, together with accrued and
unpaid interest to the redemption date:
9 1/2% SENIOR NOTES
REDEMPTION DATE REDEMPTION PRICE
--------------- ----------------
Until January 31, 2002...................................... 101.583%
On or after February 1, 2002................................ 100.000%
14% SENIOR NOTES
REDEMPTION DATE REDEMPTION PRICE
--------------- ----------------
Until October 31, 2001...................................... 104.625%
November 1, 2001 to October 31, 2002........................ 102.375%
On or after November 1, 2002................................ 100.000%
12 3/4% SENIOR NOTES
REDEMPTION DATE REDEMPTION PRICE
--------------- ----------------
July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004............................... 106.375%
July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005............................... 104.250%
July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006............................... 102.125%
On or after July 1, 2006.................................... 100.000%
13 3/4% SENIOR NOTES
REDEMPTION DATE REDEMPTION PRICE
--------------- ----------------
April 15, 2004 to April 14, 2005............................ 106.875%
April 15, 2005 to April 14, 2006............................ 104.583%
April 15, 2006 to April 14, 2007............................ 102.291%
On or after April 15, 2007.................................. 100.000%
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In addition, until July 1, 2001, the old intermediate holding company may
elect to use the proceeds of a qualifying equity offering to redeem up to 35% in
principal amount or accreted value of the 12 3/4% senior notes until July 1,
2001, or up to 35% in principal amount or accreted value of the 13 3/4% senior
notes until April 15, 2002, at a redemption price equal to 112.75% of the
principal amount or accreted value of the 12 3/4% senior notes or 113.75% of the
principal amount or accreted value of the 13 3/4% senior notes, together with
accrued interest. The old intermediate holding company may make such redemption,
however, only if 12 3/4% senior notes with an aggregate principal amount or
accreted value of at least $84.5 million remain outstanding immediately after
giving effect to any such redemption of 12 3/4% senior notes, and only if
13 3/4% senior notes with an aggregate principal amount or accreted value of at
least $95.6 million remain outstanding immediately after giving effect to any
such redemption of 13 3/4% senior notes. The old intermediate holding company is
not, however, obligated to redeem any 12 3/4% senior notes or 13 3/4% senior
notes with the proceeds of any equity offering.
Restrictive Covenants. The indentures for the senior notes limit the
ability of specified subsidiaries to pay dividends, incur secured or unsecured
indebtedness, incur liens, dispose of assets, enter into transactions with
affiliates, guarantee parent company obligations, sell or issue stock and engage
in any merger, consolidation or sale of substantially all of their assets.
Changes in Control. Upon the occurrence of a change of control of the
parent company or a principal operating subsidiary, each holder of senior notes
has the right to require repurchase of its senior notes for cash. The repurchase
prices for the four series of senior notes vary from 101% to 102% of the
principal amount or accreted value of such notes plus accrued and unpaid
interest to the date of repurchase. A change of control of a corporation, as
defined in the indentures for the senior notes, includes:
- the acquisition by a person or group of beneficial ownership of the
majority of securities having the right to vote in the election of
directors;
- specified types of changes in the board of directors;
- the sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the corporation's
assets; or
- merger or consolidation with another corporation which results in a
person or group becoming the beneficial owner of a majority of the
securities of the surviving corporation having the right to vote in the
election of directors.
Events of Default. The following constitute events of default under the
indentures for the senior notes:
- a default in the timely payment of interest on the senior notes if such
default continues for 30 days;
- a default in the timely payment of principal of, or premium, if any, on
any of the senior notes either at maturity, upon redemption or
repurchase, by declaration or otherwise;
- the borrowers' failure to observe or perform any of their other covenants
or agreements in the senior notes or in the indenture, but generally only
if the failure continues for a period of 30 or 60 days after written
notice of default;
- specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization involving
the borrowers;
- a default in timely payment of principal, premium or interest on any
indebtedness for borrowed money aggregating $5.0 million or more in
principal amount;
- the occurrence of an event of default as defined in any indenture or
instrument involving at least $5.0 million aggregate principal amount of
indebtedness for borrowed money that gives rise to the acceleration of
such indebtedness;
- the entry of one or more judgments, orders or decrees for the payment of
more than a total of $5.0 million, net of any applicable insurance
coverage, against the borrowers or any of their properties; or
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- the holder of any secured indebtedness aggregating at least $5.0 million
in principal amount seeks foreclosure, set-off or other recourse against
assets of the borrowers having an aggregate fair market value of more
than $5.0 million.
PARENT COMPANY SENIOR DISCOUNT NOTES
We are soliciting tenders of the outstanding senior discount notes of the
parent company, Arch Wireless, Inc. As of March 31, 2001, there were $137.6
million in aggregate principal amount of senior discount notes outstanding.
Since March 15, 2001, interest has been accruing on the senior discount notes on
at an annual rate of 10 7/8%. The interest will continue to accrue through the
maturity date of March 15, 2008 and will be payable in cash twice a year on each
March 15 and September 15, beginning on September 15, 2001.
Priority; Collateral; Structural Subordination.
The senior discount notes rank equal in right of payment to the parent
company's outstanding convertible subordinated debentures. The discount notes
are structurally subordinated to all liabilities of the parent company's
subsidiaries. This includes the four series of senior notes issued by the old
intermediate holding company as well as trade payables, capitalized lease
obligations and debt that may be incurred by the parent company's subsidiaries
under their bank credit facilities or other current or future financing
arrangements. The senior discount notes are not secured by any collateral.
Redemption. The parent company may choose to redeem any amounts of these
senior discount notes during the periods indicated in the following table. The
redemption prices will equal the indicated percentages of the principal amount
of the notes, together with accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date:
10 7/8% SENIOR DISCOUNT NOTES
REDEMPTION DATE REDEMPTION PRICE
--------------- ----------------
Until March 14, 2002........................................ 104.078%
March 15, 2002 to March 14, 2003............................ 102.719%
March 15, 2003 to March 14, 2004............................ 101.359%
On or after March 15, 2004.................................. 100.000%
Restrictive Covenants. The indenture for the senior discount notes limits
the ability of specified subsidiaries to pay dividends, incur secured or
unsecured indebtedness, incur liens, dispose of assets, enter into transactions
with affiliates, sell or issue stock and engage in any merger, consolidation or
sale of substantially all of their assets.
Changes in Control. Upon the occurrence of a change of control of the
parent company, each holder of senior discount notes has the right to require
repurchase of its senior discount notes for cash. The repurchase price for the
senior discount notes is 101% of the principal amount of such notes plus accrued
and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase. A change of control of the parent
company, as defined in the indenture for the senior discount notes, includes:
- the acquisition by a person or group of beneficial ownership of the
majority of securities having the right to vote in the election of
directors;
- specified types of changes in the board of directors;
- the sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the parent company's
assets; or
- merger or consolidation with another corporation which results in a
person or group becoming the beneficial owner of a majority of the
securities of the surviving corporation having the right to vote in the
election of directors.
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Events of Default. The following constitute events of default under the
indenture for the senior discount notes:
- a default in the timely payment of interest on the senior discount notes
if such default continues for 30 days;
- a default in the timely payment of principal of, or premium, if any, on
the senior discount notes either at maturity, upon redemption or
repurchase, by declaration or otherwise;
- the borrowers' failure to observe or perform any of their other covenants
or agreements in the senior discount notes or in the indenture, but only
if the failure continues for a period of 60 days after written notice of
default;
- specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization involving
the borrowers;
- a default in timely payment of principal, premium or interest on any
indebtedness for borrowed money aggregating $5.0 million or more in
principal amount;
- the occurrence of an event of default as defined in any indenture or
instrument involving at least $5.0 million aggregate principal amount of
indebtedness for borrowed money that gives rise to the acceleration of
such indebtedness;
- the entry of one or more judgments, orders or decrees for the payment of
more than a total of $5.0 million, net of any applicable insurance
coverage, against the borrowers or any of their properties; or
- the holder of any secured indebtedness aggregating at least $5.0 million
in principal amount seeks foreclosure, set-off or other recourse against
assets of the borrowers having an aggregate fair market value of more
than $5.0 million.
The provisions of the senior discount notes indenture regarding restrictive
covenants, changes of control and events of default described above are
substantially similar to the provisions of the indentures controlling the old
intermediate holding company senior notes.
DESCRIPTION OF OTHER INDEBTEDNESS
The parent company and its principal subsidiaries each have substantial
amounts of outstanding indebtedness that provide necessary funding and impose
various limitations on the entire group of companies' operations. This
indebtedness will remain outstanding regardless of whether or not the exchange
offer is consummated. See the diagrams on pages [12] through [15] of this
prospectus/ disclosure statement.
OPERATING COMPANY SECURED CREDIT FACILITY
The operating company, Arch Wireless Holdings, Inc., has a secured credit
facility that as of March 31, 2001 has outstanding loans of $1,119.6 million
from the Bank of New York, Royal Bank of Canada, Toronto Dominion (Texas), Inc.,
Barclays Bank, PLC, Fleet National Bank and other financial institutions. No
further amounts may be borrowed under the secured credit facility.
The facility currently consists of a $122.5 million reducing revolving
Tranche A facility, a $64.1 million Tranche B term loan, a $662.7 million
Tranche B-1 term loan and a $270.3 million Tranche C term loan. The Tranche A
facility will reduce on a quarterly basis commencing March 31, 2002 and will
mature on June 30, 2005. The Tranche B term loan will amortize in quarterly
installments commencing March 31, 2002, with an ultimate maturity date of June
30, 2005. The Tranche B-1 term loan will amortize in quarterly installments
commencing March 31, 2002, with an ultimate maturity date of June 30, 2006. The
Tranche C term loan will amortize in annual installments commencing December 31,
2002, with an ultimate maturity date of June 30, 2006. If the restated secured
credit facility becomes effective, the amortization and maturity dates will be
amended as described below.
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The parent company and substantially all of our operating subsidiaries,
other than subsidiaries which hold 800 and 900 MHz specialized mobile radio
channel licenses and other assets that are currently in process of being sold to
Nextel Communications, Inc., are either borrowers or guarantors under the
secured credit facility. Direct obligations and guarantees under the facility
are secured by a pledge of the capital stock of some operating subsidiaries and
by security interests in various assets.
Borrowings under the secured credit facility bear interest based on a
reference rate equal to either:
- The Bank of New York's announced alternate base rate plus a margin of
between 1.125% and 5.625%, determined by comparing total debt to
annualized earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and
amortization; or
- The Bank of New York's announced LIBOR rate, plus a margin of between
2.375% and 6.875%, determined by comparing total debt to annualized
earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization.
The weighted average interest rate was 9.6% on March 31, 2001 and has
varied from 9.6% to 11.6% since the facility was comprehensively amended in June
1999.
The secured credit facility requires payment of fees on the daily average
amount available to be borrowed under the Tranche A facility. These fees vary
depending on specified ratios of total debt to annualized earnings before
interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization.
The secured credit facility currently contains restrictions that limit,
among other things:
- additional indebtedness and encumbrances on assets;
- cash dividends and other distributions;
- mergers and sales of assets;
- the repurchase or redemption of capital stock;
- investments;
- acquisitions that exceed certain dollar limitations without the lenders'
prior approval; and
- prepayment of indebtedness other than indebtedness under the secured
credit facility.
In addition, the secured credit facility requires us to meet financial
covenants, including ratios of operating cash flow to fixed charges, operating
cash flow to pro forma debt service, operating cash flow to interest expense and
total indebtedness to operating cash flow, and minimum quarterly net revenues.
The proposed modifications to the secured credit facility include the
following:
- the four tranches under the current agreement will be consolidated into
an A term loan and a B term loan and, to the extent that A term loan
lenders may elect, a revolving credit facility not to exceed
$100,000,000;
- the pricing of the loans will be modified resulting in an interest rate
reduction of approximately 130 basis points on a weighted average basis;
- the final maturity of the loans will be extended;
- scheduled repayments of outstanding principal will be modified resulting
in deferred amortization of $195,300,000 during the first three years of
the modification;
- the financial covenants will be modified to give us increased flexibility
in executing our business plan;
- the security provisions of the secured credit facility will be modified
so that the collateral securing the obligations under the secured credit
facility and the variable rate secured senior notes will be shared on an
equal and ratable basis; and
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- the restrictive covenants will be modified to allow for the issuance of
the new senior notes and new preferred and common stock in exchange for
the outstanding notes.
NEXTEL INDEBTEDNESS
On January 24, 2001, the parent company, Arch Wireless, Inc., entered into
an asset acquisition agreement with Nextel Communications, Inc. pursuant to
which a subsidiary of Nextel will acquire for approximately $175 million certain
800 and 900 MHz specialized mobile radio channel licenses from AWI Spectrum Co.,
LLC, a newly created, indirect subsidiary of the parent company. In addition,
upon the acquisition of the specialized mobile radio licenses, Nextel has agreed
to invest approximately $75 million in Series F preferred stock of the parent
company. The new spectrum subsidiary is not permitted to engage in any business
other than the ownership and maintenance of the specialized mobile radio
licenses. Additionally, the new spectrum subsidiary does not and will not have
any liability or obligation with respect to any of the debt obligations of the
parent company or any of its other subsidiaries.
Pursuant to the terms of the asset acquisition agreement, on February 14,
2001, Nextel made two loans to the new spectrum subsidiary: a secured loan in
the principal amount of $175 million and an unsecured loan in the principal
amount of $75 million. Each loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 3.25%. The new
spectrum subsidiary used the proceeds from the $175 million secured loan to
purchase the specialized mobile radio licenses from a different subsidiary of
the parent company that previously held the specialized mobile radio licenses.
The new spectrum subsidiary will hold the specialized mobile radio licenses
until they are transferred to Nextel following the receipt of all required
regulatory approvals. The $175 million loan from Nextel is secured by a lien on
all of the assets of the new spectrum subsidiary and by a guaranty from AWI
Spectrum Holdings Co., Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the parent company and
the owner of 100% of the membership interest in the new spectrum subsidiary. The
guaranty of AWI Spectrum Holdings Co., Inc. is secured by a pledge of its
membership interest in the new spectrum subsidiary.
A substantial portion of the proceeds from the $75 million unsecured loan
from Nextel was used by the new spectrum subsidiary to purchase shares of Series
F preferred stock from the parent company.
The parent company used the $175 million of proceeds received for the
purchase by the new spectrum subsidiary of the specialized mobile radio licenses
to reduce outstanding indebtedness. The parent company intends to use the
proceeds from the sale of the Series F preferred stock to the new spectrum
subsidiary for working capital purposes, including the payment of interest on
other existing indebtedness.
The $175 million principal amount of the secured loan will be repaid by
offsetting the purchase price of the specialized mobile radio licenses to be
paid by Nextel against the loan. Interest on the secured loan may, under some
circumstances, be paid by the new spectrum subsidiary in shares of Series F
preferred stock. As long as the new spectrum subsidiary is not in default, the
principal amount and interest under the $75 million loan will be repaid through
the exchange of shares of the Series F preferred stock held by the new spectrum
subsidiary upon consummation of the sale of the specialized mobile radio
licenses to Nextel.
Arch and Nextel currently expect Nextel's purchase of the specialized
mobile radio licenses to be consummated in approximately four months, upon the
expiration or termination of the waiting period requirements of the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and approval from the
Federal Communications Commission of the transfer of the specialized mobile
radio licenses to Nextel.
PARENT COMPANY 6 3/4% CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES DUE 2003
As of March 31, 2001, the parent company had outstanding $0.9 million in
principal amount of 6 3/4% convertible subordinated debentures due 2003.
Interest is payable twice a year on June 1 and December 1. The convertible
debentures are scheduled to mature on December 1, 2003. The principal amount of
the
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convertible debentures is currently convertible into common stock at a
conversion price of $50.25 per share at any time prior to redemption or
maturity.
The parent company may choose to redeem any amount of the convertible
debentures at any time, at the following redemption prices, together with
accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date:
REDEMPTION DATE REDEMPTION PRICE
--------------- ----------------------------
Until November 30, 2001......................... 102.025% of principal amount
December 1, 2001 to November 30, 2002........... 101.350% of principal amount
December 1, 2002 to November 30, 2003........... 100.675% of principal amount
On or after December 1, 2003.................... 100.000% of principal amount
The convertible debentures represent senior unsecured obligations of the
parent company and are subordinated to senior indebtedness of the parent
company, as defined in the indenture. The indenture does not contain any
limitation or restriction on the incurrence of senior indebtedness or other
indebtedness or securities of the parent company or its subsidiaries.
Upon the occurrence of a fundamental change, as defined in the indenture,
each holder of convertible debentures has the right to require the parent
company to repurchase its convertible debentures for cash, at a repurchase price
of 100% of the principal amount of the convertible debentures, plus accrued
interest to the repurchase date. The following constitute fundamental changes:
- acquisition by a person or a group of beneficial ownership of stock of
the parent company entitled to exercise a majority of the total voting
power of all capital stock, unless such beneficial ownership is approved
by the board of directors;
- specified types of changes in the parent company's board of directors;
- any merger, share exchange, or sale or transfer of all or substantially
all of the assets of the parent company to another person, with specified
exceptions;
- the purchase by the parent company of beneficial ownership of shares of
its common stock if the purchase would result in a default under any
senior debt agreements to which the parent company is a party; or
- distributions of common stock the parent company to its stockholders in
specified circumstances.
The following constitute events of default under the indenture:
- a default in the timely payment of any interest on the convertible
debentures if such default continues for 30 days;
- a default in the timely payment of principal or premium on any
convertible debenture at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise;
- a default in the performance of any other covenant or agreement of the
parent company that continues for 30 days after written notice of such
default;
- a default under any indebtedness for money borrowed by the parent company
that results in more than $5.0 million of indebtedness being accelerated;
or
- the occurrence of events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization with
respect to the Arch group of companies.
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MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
SCOPE AND LIMITATION
In the opinion of Hale and Dorr LLP, counsel to Arch, this section
describes the material federal income tax considerations of the exchange offer
and the prepackaged bankruptcy plan and summarizes the principal federal income
tax considerations of general application that noteholders should consider in
deciding whether to tender their outstanding notes and to consent to the
prepackaged bankruptcy plan.
The discussion addresses:
- certain federal income tax consequences of the exchange offer and the
prepackaged bankruptcy plan to the holders of outstanding notes of Arch
Wireless Communications, Inc., the old intermediate holding company, and
notes of Arch Wireless, Inc., the parent company,
- certain federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition
of the new senior notes, preferred stock and common stock received in the
exchange offer; and
- certain federal income tax consequences of the exchange offer and the
prepackaged bankruptcy plan to Arch.
This discussion is based on the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code,
final, temporary and proposed treasury regulations, and administrative and
judicial interpretations, all as in effect as of the date of this prospectus and
all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. The
statements of law and legal conclusions set forth below reflect Arch's view of
the appropriate interpretations of those provisions, based in part on the advice
of Hale and Dorr LLP. There can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue
Service will not take a contrary view as to the federal income tax consequences
discussed below. No ruling from the Internal Revenue Service has been or will be
sought on any of the issues discussed below. There is substantial uncertainty as
to many of the federal income tax consequences discussed below.
This discussion assumes that each holder:
- is a citizen or resident of the United States for federal income tax
purposes;
- is a corporation, partnership, or other entity organized under the laws
of the United States or any state;
- is an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal
income tax without regard to its source; or
- is a trust (1) that is subject to the primary supervision of a United
States court and the control of one or more United States persons or (2)
that has a valid election in effect under applicable treasury regulations
to be treated as a U.S. person; and
- holds the outstanding notes, and will hold the new senior notes,
preferred stock and common stock, as capital assets under Section 1221 of
the Internal Revenue Code.
The following discussion is limited to material federal income tax
consequences. The discussion does not describe any tax consequences arising out
of the laws of any state, locality or foreign jurisdiction. The discussion does
not address all aspects of federal income taxation that may be applicable to a
holder in light of the holder's particular circumstances or to holders subject
to special treatment under federal income tax laws including, without
limitation:
- dealers in securities;
- financial institutions;
- life insurance companies;
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- persons who acquired outstanding notes as part of a straddle, hedge,
conversion transaction or other integrated transaction, or to whom
property was or is transferred in connection with the performance of
services;
- tax-exempt entities;
- foreign individuals and entities; and
- persons who hold the outstanding notes through a partnership or other
pass-through entity.
EACH HOLDER SHOULD CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISER CONCERNING THE SPECIFIC
FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES APPLICABLE TO IT.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO EXCHANGING HOLDERS
The following discussion applies to holders who exchange their outstanding
notes in the exchange offer or the prepackaged bankruptcy plan. The federal
income tax consequences to an exchanging holder will depend upon a number of
factors, including whether such exchange transaction constitutes a
recapitalization or a fully taxable transaction, which depends, in part, on
whether the outstanding notes held and to be received by each holder constitute
"securities" for federal income tax purposes and whether the notes and stock to
be received are notes and stock of the same company that issued the notes that
are tendered.
Qualification as a "Security"
The term "securities" is not defined in the Internal Revenue Code or
applicable regulations and has not been clearly defined by court decisions. The
determination of whether an instrument constitutes a security for federal income
tax purposes is based upon all the facts and circumstances including, but not
limited to:
- the term of the debt instrument;
- the degree of participation and continuing interest in the business;
- the extent of proprietary interest compared with the similarity of the
note to a cash payment;
- the overall purpose of the advances;
- whether the instrument is secured;
- the degree of subordination of the instrument;
- the ratio of debt to equity of the issuer;
- the riskiness of the business of the issuer; and
- the negotiability of the instrument.
Although the determination of whether an instrument constitutes a "security" is
based upon all facts and circumstances, the term of the debt instrument is
usually considered the most significant factor. In general, a bona fide debt
instrument which has a term of ten years or more is more likely to be classified
as a "security."
EXCHANGE OF THE 10 7/8% SENIOR DISCOUNT NOTES OF ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
Exchange of the 10 7/8% Senior Discount Notes Pursuant to the Exchange
Offer
Pursuant to the terms of the exchange offer, exchanging holders will
receive common stock of the parent company and units comprised of voting
preferred stock of the parent company and exchangeable preferred stock of Arch
Transition Corp., the new intermediate holding company, which are together
exchangeable for common stock of the parent company, in exchange for their
10 7/8% senior discount notes of the parent company. The exchange of the 10 7/8%
senior discount notes of the parent company for
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exchangeable preferred stock of the new intermediate holding company and common
stock and voting preferred stock of the parent company will qualify as a
"recapitalization" for federal income tax purposes if the tendered notes
constitute "securities" for federal income tax purposes. Based upon the original
term of the 10 7/8% discount notes, which is more than 10 years, and other
relevant factors, such notes are likely to be classified as securities; however,
this conclusion is not entirely free from doubt. Holders of such notes should
consult their own tax advisors and make their own independent determination
regarding whether such notes constitute securities.
Qualification as a "Recapitalization"
If the exchange of the 10 7/8% senior discount notes of the parent company
for exchangeable preferred stock of the new intermediate holding company and
common stock and voting preferred stock of the parent company qualifies as a
recapitalization, subject to the discussion below as to accrued but unpaid
interest, a holder will realize, but not necessarily recognize as taxable
income, gain or loss on the exchange in an amount equal to the difference
between:
- the fair market value of the common stock, the voting preferred stock and
exchangeable preferred stock received as of the date of the exchange,
other than common stock and preferred stock treated as received in
exchange for accrued but unpaid interest as discussed below; and
- the holder's adjusted tax basis in the tendered notes, less any accrued
but unpaid original issue discount treated as accrued but unpaid interest
as discussed below.
However, a holder will recognize gain, but not loss, on the exchange in an
amount equal to the lesser of:
- the realized gain; or
- the fair market value of the exchangeable preferred stock of the new
intermediate holding company.
Subject to the discussion below as to accrued market discount, any such
gain or loss will be capital gain or loss, and such capital gain or loss will be
long-term capital gain or loss if the holder held the notes for more than one
year at the time of the exchange.
Except for the common stock and voting preferred stock treated as received
in exchange for accrued but unpaid interest, which is discussed below, a holder
will have an aggregate tax basis in the common stock and voting preferred stock
of the parent company equal to the holder's adjusted tax basis in the
outstanding notes exchanged, less any accrued but unpaid original issue discount
treated as accrued but unpaid interest as discussed below, decreased by the fair
market value of the exchangeable preferred stock of the new intermediate holding
company received and increased by the amount of gain recognized by the holder on
the exchange. The holder's aggregate tax basis determined as discussed in the
preceding sentence should be allocated between the common stock and voting
preferred stock of the parent company in proportion to the fair market value of
the common stock and voting preferred stock of the parent company as of the date
of the exchange. Except for the common stock and voting preferred stock treated
as received in exchange for accrued but unpaid interest, which is discussed
below, the holding period for the common stock and voting preferred stock of the
parent company will include the holding period of the tendered notes. A holder
will have a tax basis in the exchangeable preferred stock of the new
intermediate holding company equal to its fair market value as of the date of
the exchange, and the holding period for the exchangeable preferred stock of the
new intermediate holding company will begin on the date immediately following
the date of the exchange.
Failure to Qualify as a "Recapitalization"
If the 10 7/8% senior discount notes do not constitute securities, the
exchange of such notes for exchangeable preferred stock of the new intermediate
holding company and common stock and voting preferred stock of the parent
company will not qualify as a recapitalization, but instead will be treated as a
taxable exchange under section 1001 of the Internal Revenue Code. In such event,
subject to the
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discussion below as to accrued but unpaid interest, a holder will recognize gain
or loss on the exchange in an amount equal to the difference between:
- the fair market value of the voting preferred stock, exchangeable
preferred stock and common stock received as of the date of the exchange,
other than preferred stock and common stock treated as received in
exchange for accrued but unpaid interest as discussed below, and
- the holder's adjusted tax basis in the tendered notes, less any accrued
but unpaid original issue discount treated as accrued but unpaid interest
as discussed below.
Subject to the discussion below as to accrued market discount, any such gain or
loss will be capital gain or loss, and such capital gain or loss will be
long-term capital gain or loss if the holder held the notes for more than one
year at the time of the exchange. A holder's tax basis in the shares of voting
preferred stock, exchangeable preferred stock and common stock received will be
equal to their respective fair market values as of the date of the exchange, and
the holding period for the shares of voting preferred stock, exchangeable
preferred stock and common stock will begin on the day immediately following the
date of the exchange.
Exchange of the 10 7/8% Senior Discount Notes Pursuant to the Prepackaged
Bankruptcy Plan
Qualification as a "Recapitalization"
Pursuant to the prepackaged bankruptcy plan, the 10 7/8% senior discount
notes will be exchanged for common stock of the parent company and units
comprised of voting preferred stock of the parent company and exchangeable
preferred stock of Arch Wireless Communications, Inc., the old intermediate
holding company, which are together exchangeable for common stock of the parent
company. The exchange of the 10 7/8% senior discount notes of the parent company
for exchangeable preferred stock of the old intermediate holding company and
voting preferred stock and common stock of the parent company will qualify as a
"recapitalization" for federal income tax purposes if the tendered notes
constitute "securities."
If the exchange of the 10 7/8% senior discount notes of the parent company
for exchangeable preferred stock of the old intermediate holding company and
voting preferred stock and common stock of the parent company qualifies as a
recapitalization, a holder will recognize gain or loss on the exchange as
discussed above in the section entitled "Exchange of the 10 7/8% Senior Discount
Notes Pursuant to the Exchange Offer -- Qualification as a 'Recapitalization"'
except that any reference in that section to exchangeable preferred stock of the
new intermediate holding company should be replaced by exchangeable preferred
stock of the old intermediate holding company.
Failure to Qualify as a "Recapitalization"
If the 10 7/8% senior discount notes do not constitute securities, the
exchange of such notes of the parent company for exchangeable preferred stock of
the old intermediate holding company and voting preferred stock and common stock
of the parent company will not qualify as a recapitalization, but instead will
be treated as a taxable exchange under section 1001 of the Internal Revenue
Code. In such event, a holder will recognize gain or loss as discussed above in
the section entitled "Exchange of the 10 7/8% Senior Discount Notes Pursuant to
the Exchange Offer -- Failure to Qualify as a 'Recapitalization"' except that
any reference in that section to exchangeable preferred stock of the new
intermediate holding company should be replaced by exchangeable preferred stock
of the old intermediate holding company.
EXCHANGE OF THE 12 3/4% SENIOR NOTES AND 13 3/4% SENIOR NOTES OF ARCH WIRELESS
COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Exchange of the 12 3/4% Senior Notes and 13 3/4% Senior Notes Pursuant to
the Exchange Offer
Pursuant to the exchange offer, an exchanging holder will receive new 12%
senior notes of the new intermediate holding company and units comprised of
voting preferred stock of the parent company and exchangeable preferred stock of
the new intermediate holding company, which are together exchangeable for common
stock of the parent company, in exchange for the 12 3/4% senior notes and
13 3/4% senior notes of the old intermediate holding company.
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The exchange of the 12 3/4% senior notes and 13 3/4% senior notes of the
old intermediate holding company for new 12% senior notes and exchangeable
preferred stock of the new intermediate holding company and voting preferred
stock of the parent company will qualify as a "recapitalization" for federal
income tax purposes if (1) the new intermediate holding company is treated as a
continuation of the old intermediate holding company for federal income tax
purposes and (2) the tendered notes constitute "securities" for federal income
tax purposes, as discussed above. Based upon the original term of each of the
12 3/4% senior notes and 13 3/4% senior notes, which is 9 years, and other
relevant factors, such notes are likely to be classified as securities; however,
this conclusion is not entirely free from doubt. Holders of such notes should
consult their own tax advisors and make their own independent determination
regarding whether such notes constitute securities.
Treatment of the New Intermediate Holding Company as the Old Intermediate
Holding Company
Prior to the exchange offer, the old intermediate holding company will
create a wholly owned subsidiary, the new intermediate holding company, to which
the old intermediate holding company will contribute all of its assets. The
outstanding notes of the old intermediate holding company will be exchanged for
notes of the new intermediate holding company. Then, the old intermediate
holding company will be merged into the parent company.
The Internal Revenue Service may be willing to disregard the form of the
transactions and integrate the incorporation of the new intermediate holding
company and the liquidation of the old intermediate holding company into one
transaction for tax purposes under the "liquidation-reincorporation" doctrine.
If the Internal Revenue Service disregards the form of the transactions and
integrates the transfer of the old intermediate holding company's assets to the
new intermediate holding company and the merger of the old intermediate company
into the parent company into one transaction, the integrated transactions will
be treated as a "reorganization" for federal income tax purposes coupled with
the assumption by the parent company of the old intermediate holding company's
debt represented by the untendered notes. Accordingly, the new intermediate
holding company will be treated as a continuation of the old intermediate
holding company for federal income tax purposes.
Arch intends to take the position that the new intermediate holding company
is a continuation of the old intermediate holding company for federal income tax
purposes. Under existing law, this position is not free from doubt. Whether the
new intermediate holding company will be treated as a continuation of the old
intermediate holding company depends on all the facts and circumstances. All
holders of tendered notes should consult their own tax advisors regarding
whether the new intermediate holding company will be treated as the old
intermediate holding company and make their own independent determination
whether the exchange of the tendered notes for new senior notes of the new
intermediate holding company may be reported for tax purposes as a
recapitalization.
Qualification as a "Recapitalization"
If (1) the new intermediate holding company is treated as a continuation of
the old intermediate holding company for federal income tax purposes and (2) the
tendered notes constitute securities, the exchange of the 12 3/4% senior notes
and 13 3/4% senior notes for new 12% senior notes and exchangeable preferred
stock of the new intermediate holding company and voting preferred stock of the
parent company will qualify as a "recapitalization" for federal income tax
purposes.
In such event, subject to the discussion below as to accrued but unpaid
interest, a holder will realize, but not necessarily recognize as taxable
income, gain or loss on the exchange in an amount equal to the difference
between:
- the sum of the issue price of the new 12% senior notes, as determined
below, and the fair market value of the voting and exchangeable preferred
stock, including the fair market value of the exchange feature, received
as of the date of the exchange, other than new 12% senior notes and
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preferred stock treated as received in exchange for accrued but unpaid
interest as discussed below; and
- the holder's adjusted tax basis in the tendered notes, less any accrued
but unpaid original issue discount treated as accrued but unpaid interest
as discussed below.
However, a holder will recognize gain, but not loss, on the exchange in an
amount equal to the lesser of:
- the realized gain; or
- the fair market value of the voting preferred stock of the parent
company, the fair market value of the right to exchange the exchangeable
preferred stock of the new intermediate holding company for common stock
of the parent company and, if the new 12% senior notes do not constitute
securities, the fair market value of the new 12% senior notes received.
Subject to the discussion below as to accrued market discount, any such
gain or loss will be capital gain or loss, and such capital gain or loss will be
long-term capital gain or loss if the holder held the notes for more than one
year at the time of the exchange.
If the new 12% senior notes constitute securities, except for the new 12%
senior notes and exchangeable preferred stock treated as received in exchange
for accrued but unpaid interest, which is discussed below, a holder will have an
aggregate tax basis in the new 12% senior notes and exchangeable preferred stock
of the new intermediate holding company equal to the holder's adjusted tax basis
in the outstanding notes exchanged, less any accrued but unpaid original issue
discount treated as accrued but unpaid interest as discussed below, decreased by
the fair market value of the voting preferred stock of the parent company and
the fair market value of the right to exchange the exchangeable preferred stock
of the new intermediate holding company for common stock of the parent company,
and increased by the amount of gain recognized by the holder on the exchange.
The holder's aggregate tax basis determined as discussed in the preceding
sentence should be allocated between such new 12% senior notes and exchangeable
preferred stock of the new intermediate holding company in proportion to the
issue price of such notes, determined as discussed below, and the fair market
value of the exchangeable preferred stock at the date of the exchange. Except
for the new 12% senior notes and exchangeable preferred stock treated as
received in exchange for accrued but unpaid interest, which is discussed below,
the holding period for the new 12% senior notes and exchangeable preferred stock
of the new intermediate holding company will include the holding period of the
tendered notes.
If the new 12% senior notes do not constitute securities, a holder will
have a tax basis in the new 12% senior notes of the new intermediate holding
company equal to their fair market value as of the date of the exchange, and the
holding period for the new 12% senior notes will begin on the day immediately
following the date of the exchange. Except for the exchangeable preferred stock
treated as received in exchange for accrued but unpaid interest, which is
discussed below, a holder will have an aggregate tax basis in the exchangeable
preferred stock of the new intermediate holding company equal to the holder's
adjusted tax basis in the outstanding notes exchanged, less any accrued but
unpaid original issue discount treated as accrued but unpaid interest as
discussed below, decreased by the fair market value of the voting preferred
stock of the parent company, the fair market value of the right to exchange the
exchangeable preferred stock of the new intermediate holding company for common
stock of the parent company, and the fair market value of the new 12% senior
notes of the new intermediate holding company received, and increased by the
amount of gain recognized by the holder on the exchange. Except for the
exchangeable preferred stock treated as received in exchange for accrued but
unpaid interest, which is discussed below, the holding period for the
exchangeable preferred stock of the new intermediate holding company will
include the holding period of the tendered notes.
A holder will have a tax basis in the voting preferred stock of the parent
company equal to its fair market value as of the date of the exchange, and the
holding period for the voting preferred stock will begin on the day immediately
following the date of the exchange.
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Failure to Qualify as a "Recapitalization"
If (1) the new intermediate holding company is not treated as a
continuation of the old intermediate holding company for federal income tax
purposes or (2) the tendered notes do not constitute securities, then the
exchange of the 12 3/4% senior notes and 13 3/4% senior notes will not qualify
as a "recapitalization", but instead will be treated as a taxable exchange under
section 1001 of the Internal Revenue Code. In such event, subject to the
discussion below as to accrued but unpaid interest, a holder will recognize gain
or loss on the exchange in an amount equal to the difference between:
- the issue price of the new 12% senior notes, as determined below, and the
fair market value of the voting and exchangeable preferred stock received
as of the date of the exchange, other than the new 12% senior notes and
preferred stock treated as received in exchange for accrued but unpaid
interest as discussed below; and
- the holder's adjusted tax basis in the tendered notes, less any accrued
but unpaid original issue discount treated as accrued but unpaid interest
as discussed below.
Subject to the discussion below as to accrued market discount, any such gain or
loss will be capital gain or loss, and such capital gain or loss will be
long-term capital gain or loss if the holder held the tendered notes for more
than one year as of the date of the exchange. A holder's tax basis in the new
12% senior notes will be equal to the issue price of the notes, as determined
below, and a holder's tax basis in the voting preferred stock and exchangeable
preferred stock received will be equal to its fair market value as of the date
of the exchange. The holding period for the new 12% senior notes and preferred
stock will begin on the day immediately following the date of the exchange.
Exchange of the 12 3/4% Senior Notes and 13 3/4% Senior Notes Pursuant to
the Prepackaged Bankruptcy Plan
Qualification as a "Recapitalization"
Pursuant to the prepackaged bankruptcy plan, the 12 3/4% senior notes and
13 3/4% senior notes of the old intermediate holding company will be exchanged
for new 12% senior notes of the old intermediate holding company and units
comprised of voting preferred stock of the parent company and exchangeable
preferred stock of the old intermediate holding company, which are together
exchangeable for common stock of the parent company. If the 12 3/4% senior notes
and 13 3/4% senior notes constitute securities, the exchange of the notes for
new 12% senior notes and exchangeable preferred stock of the old intermediate
holding company and voting preferred stock of the parent company will qualify as
a "recapitalization" for federal income tax purposes. In such event a holder
will recognize gain or loss as discussed above in the section entitled "Exchange
of the 12 3/4% Senior Notes and 13 3/4% Senior Notes Pursuant to the Exchange
Offer -- Qualification as 'Recapitalization"' except that any reference in that
section to the new 12% senior notes or exchangeable preferred stock of the new
intermediate holding company should be replaced by new 12% senior notes or
exchangeable preferred stock of the old intermediate holding company,
respectively.
Failure to Qualify as a "Recapitalization"
If the 12 3/4% senior notes and 13 3/4% senior notes do not constitute
securities, then the exchange of such notes will not qualify as a
"recapitalization", but instead will be treated as a taxable exchange under
section 1001 of the Internal Revenue Code, as discussed above in the subsection
entitled "Exchange of the 12 3/4% Senior Notes and 13 3/4% Senior Notes Pursuant
to the Exchange Offer -- Failure to Qualify as a 'Recapitalization"' except that
any reference in that section to the new 12% senior notes or exchangeable
preferred stock of the new intermediate holding company should be replaced by
new 12% senior notes or exchangeable preferred stock of the old intermediate
holding company, respectively.
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EXCHANGE OF THE 9 1/2% SENIOR NOTES AND 14% SENIOR NOTES OF ARCH WIRELESS
COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Exchange of the 9 1/2% Senior Notes and 14% Senior Notes Pursuant to the
Exchange Offer
Qualification as a "Recapitalization"
The exchange of the 9 1/2% senior notes and 14% senior notes of the old
intermediate holding company for new 12% senior notes of the new intermediate
holding company, units comprised of voting preferred stock of the parent company
and exchangeable preferred stock of the new intermediate holding company, which
are together exchangeable for common stock of the parent company, and variable
rate secured senior notes of Arch Wireless Holdings, Inc., the operating
company, will qualify as a "recapitalization" for federal income tax purposes
if, as discussed above, (1) the new intermediate holding company is treated as a
continuation of the old intermediate holding company for federal income tax
purposes and (2) the tendered notes constitute "securities" for federal income
tax purposes. Based upon the original term of each of the 9 1/2% senior notes
and 14% senior notes, which is 10 years, and other relevant factors, such notes
are likely to be classified as securities; however, this conclusion is not
entirely free from doubt. All holders of tendered notes should consult their own
tax advisors regarding whether (1) the new intermediate holding company will be
treated as a continuation of the old intermediate holding company and (2) the
tendered notes constitute securities and make their own independent
determination whether the exchange of the tendered notes for new senior notes
and preferred stock may be reported as a recapitalization.
If the exchange qualifies as a recapitalization, subject to the discussion
below as to accrued but unpaid interest, a holder will realize, but not
necessarily recognize as taxable income, gain or loss on the exchange in an
amount equal to the difference between:
- the sum of the issue price of the new variable rate secured senior notes,
the issue price of the new 12% senior notes, as determined below, and the
fair market value of the voting and exchangeable preferred stock,
including the fair market value of the exchange feature, received as of
the date of the exchange, other than new senior notes and preferred stock
treated as received in exchange for accrued but unpaid interest as
discussed below; and
- the holder's adjusted tax basis in the tendered notes, less any accrued
but unpaid original issue discount treated as accrued but unpaid interest
as discussed below.
However, a holder will recognize gain, but not loss, on the exchange in an
amount equal to the lesser of:
- the realized gain; or
- the fair market value of the new variable rate secured senior notes of
the operating company received, the fair market value of the voting
preferred stock of the parent company received, the fair market value of
the right to exchange the exchangeable preferred stock of the new
intermediate holding company for common stock of the parent company and,
if the new 12% senior notes do not constitute securities, the fair market
value of the new 12% senior notes received.
Subject to the discussion below as to accrued market discount, any such
gain or loss will be capital gain or loss, and such capital gain or loss will be
long-term capital gain or loss if the holder held the notes for more than one
year at the time of the exchange.
If the new 12% senior notes constitute securities, except for the new 12%
senior notes and exchangeable preferred stock of the new intermediate holding
company treated as received in exchange for accrued but unpaid interest, which
is discussed below, a holder will have an aggregate tax basis in the new 12%
senior notes and exchangeable preferred stock of the new intermediate holding
company equal to the holder's adjusted tax basis in the outstanding notes
exchanged, less any accrued but unpaid original issue discount treated as
accrued but unpaid interest as discussed below, decreased by the fair market
value of the new variable rate secured senior notes of the operating company,
the fair market value of the voting preferred stock of the parent company, and
the fair market value of the right to exchange the exchangeable preferred stock
of the new intermediate holding company for common stock of the parent
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company, and increased by the amount of gain recognized by the holder on the
exchange. The holder's aggregate tax basis determined as discussed in the
preceding sentence should be allocated between such new 12% senior notes and
exchangeable preferred stock of the new intermediate holding company in
proportion to the issue price of such notes, determined as discussed below, and
the fair market value of such exchangeable preferred stock at the date of the
exchange. Except for the new 12% senior notes and exchangeable preferred stock
treated as received in exchange for accrued but unpaid interest, which is
discussed below, the holding period for the new 12% senior notes and
exchangeable preferred stock of the new intermediate holding company will
include the holding period of the tendered notes.
If the new 12% senior notes do not constitute securities, a holder will
have a tax basis in the new 12% senior notes equal to their fair market value as
of the date of the exchange, and the holding period for the new 12% senior notes
of the new intermediate holding company will begin on the day immediately
following the date of the exchange. Except for the exchangeable preferred stock
treated as received in exchange for accrued but unpaid interest, which is
discussed below, a holder will have an aggregate tax basis in the exchangeable
preferred stock of the new intermediate holding company equal to the holder's
adjusted tax basis in the outstanding notes exchanged, less any accrued but
unpaid original issue discount treated as accrued but unpaid interest as
discussed below, decreased by the fair market value of the new variable rate
secured senior notes of the operating company, the fair market value of the
voting preferred stock of the parent company, the fair market value of the right
to exchange the exchangeable preferred stock of the new intermediate holding
company for common stock of the parent company, and the fair market value of the
new 12% senior notes of the new intermediate holding company, and increased by
the amount of gain recognized by the holder on the exchange. Except for the new
exchangeable preferred stock treated as received in exchange for accrued but
unpaid interest, which is discussed below, the holding period for the
exchangeable preferred stock of the new intermediate holding company will
include the holding period of the tendered notes.
A holder will have a tax basis in the new variable rate secured senior
notes of the operating company and the voting preferred stock of the parent
company equal to their fair market value as of the date of the exchange, and the
holding period for the new variable rate secured senior notes and voting
preferred stock will begin on the day immediately following the date of the
exchange.
Failure to Qualify as a "Recapitalization"
If (1) the new intermediate holding company is not treated as a
continuation of the old intermediate holding company or (2) the tendered notes
do not constitute securities, then the exchange of the 9 1/2% senior notes and
14% senior notes will not qualify as a "recapitalization", but instead will be
treated as a taxable exchange under section 1001 of the Internal Revenue Code.
In such event, subject to the discussion below as to accrued but unpaid
interest, a holder will recognize gain or loss on the exchange in an amount
equal to the difference between:
- the sum of the issue price of the new 12% senior notes, the issue price
of the new variable rate secured senior notes, as determined below, and
the fair market value of the voting and exchangeable preferred stock
received as of the date of the exchange, other than the new senior notes
and preferred stock treated as received in exchange for accrued but
unpaid interest as discussed below; and
- the holder's adjusted tax basis in the tendered notes, less any accrued
but unpaid original issue discount treated as accrued but unpaid interest
as discussed below.
Subject to the discussion below as to accrued market discount, any such gain or
loss will be capital gain or loss, and such capital gain or loss will be
long-term capital gain or loss if the holder held the tendered notes for more
than one year as of the date of the exchange. A holder's tax basis in the new
senior notes will be equal to the issue price of the notes, as determined below,
and a holder's tax basis in the voting and exchangeable preferred stock received
will be equal to its fair market value as of the date of the exchange. The
holding period for the new senior notes and voting and exchangeable preferred
stock will begin on the day immediately following the date of the exchange.
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Exchange of the 9 1/2% Senior Notes and 14% Senior Notes Pursuant to the
Prepackaged Bankruptcy Plan
Qualification as a "Recapitalization"
Pursuant to the prepackaged bankruptcy plan, the 9 1/2% senior notes and
14% senior notes will be exchanged for new 12% senior notes of the old
intermediate holding company, units comprised of voting preferred stock of the
parent company and exchangeable preferred stock of the old intermediate holding
company, which are together exchangeable for common stock of the parent company,
and new variable rate secured senior notes of the operating company. If the
9 1/2% senior notes and 14% senior notes constitute securities, the exchange of
such notes for new 12% senior notes and exchangeable preferred stock of the old
intermediate holding company, voting preferred stock of the parent company, and
new variable rate secured senior notes of the operating company will qualify as
a "recapitalization" for federal income tax purposes. In such event, a holder
will recognize gain or loss as discussed above in the section entitled "Exchange
of the 9 1/2% Senior Notes and 14% Senior Notes Pursuant to the Exchange
Offer -- Qualification as a 'Recapitalization"' except that any reference in
that section to the new 12% senior notes or exchangeable preferred stock of the
new intermediate holding company should be replaced by new 12% senior notes or
exchangeable preferred stock of the old intermediate holding company,
respectively.
Failure to Qualify as a "Recapitalization"
If the 9 1/2% senior notes and 14% senior notes do not constitute
securities, the exchange of the tendered notes for new 12% senior notes and
preferred stock of the old intermediate holding company and new variable rate
secured senior notes of the operating company will not qualify as a
"recapitalization" for federal income tax purposes. In such event, a holder will
recognize gain or loss as discussed above in the section entitled "Exchange of
the 9 1/2% Senior Notes and 14% Senior Notes Pursuant to the Exchange Offer -
Failure to Qualify as a 'Recapitalization"' except that any reference in that
section to the new 12% senior notes or exchangeable preferred stock of the new
intermediate holding company should be replaced by new 12% senior notes or
exchangeable preferred stock of the old intermediate holding company,
respectively.
ACCRUED BUT UNPAID INTEREST.
Under section 354(a)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code, recapitalization
treatment will not apply to the exchange to the extent that the new senior
notes, the preferred stock or the common stock received is treated as exchanged
for interest accrued but unpaid on tendered notes during the period a holder
held such notes. Accrued but unpaid interest for this purpose may include any
accrued but unpaid original issue discount. The new senior notes, preferred
stock or common stock attributable to such accrued but unpaid interest will be
treated as a payment of such accrued but unpaid interest received outside the
recapitalization exchange. In the absence of treasury regulations under section
354(a)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code or other relevant guidance, it is
unclear whether or to what extent the new senior notes, preferred stock and
common stock will be treated as exchanged for accrued but unpaid interest on
tendered notes. The legislative history of section 354(a)(2)(B) of the Internal
Revenue Code indicates that, if a plan of reorganization specifically allocates
consideration between the debt securities exchanged in the reorganization and
the interest accrued on such debt securities, both the issuer and the exchanging
holders should use that allocation for federal income tax purposes.
Although the matter is not free from doubt, taxable exchange treatment
under section 1001 of the Internal Revenue Code, if otherwise applicable, will
not apply to the extent that the preferred stock, common stock and/or new senior
notes are treated as received in exchange for accrued but unpaid interest on
tendered notes during the period a holder held such notes, unless the holder has
included such accrued interest in income.
Arch intends to take the position for federal income tax purposes, that (1)
in the case of the exchange of outstanding notes of the parent company, the fair
market value of the new preferred stock and common stock, in that order, as of
the date of the exchange, and (2) in the case of the exchange of
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outstanding notes of the old intermediate holding company, the fair market value
of the new variable rate secured senior notes, if any, new voting preferred
stock, new 12% senior notes and new exchangeable preferred stock, in that order,
as of the date of the exchange, will be allocated:
- first to the original issue price of the tendered notes; and
- next to accrued but unpaid interest, including original issue discount,
on tendered notes.
Arch intends to report original issue discount and interest in its information
filings to the holders of tendered notes and to the Internal Revenue Service in
a manner consistent with the above allocations. The Internal Revenue Service,
however, could challenge those allocations and contend that some other
allocation, for example, a pro rata allocation among accrued but unpaid interest
and original issue price, is required.
To the extent that new senior notes, preferred stock and common stock
received is allocated to accrued but unpaid interest on tendered notes, a holder
of such notes will recognize ordinary income, if the holder has not previously
included such accrued but unpaid interest in income. Where the holder has
included such accrued but unpaid interest in income, the holder will recognize
an ordinary loss to the extent of the excess of the amount of accrued but unpaid
interest previously included in income over the amount of new senior notes,
preferred stock and common stock allocated to accrued but unpaid interest.
A holder's tax basis in the new senior notes, preferred stock or common
stock treated as received in exchange for accrued but unpaid interest, if any,
will be equal to the fair market value of such notes or the fair market value of
such preferred stock or common stock as of the date of the exchange. The holding
period for such notes, preferred stock or common stock will begin on the day
immediately following the date of the exchange.
All holders of tendered notes should consult their own tax advisors
regarding the allocation of new senior notes, preferred stock or common stock to
accrued but unpaid interest and make their own independent determination whether
any portion of the new senior notes, preferred stock or common stock received
should be treated as received in exchange for accrued but unpaid interest and of
the tax effect of such determination.
Accrued Market Discount
A holder that acquired tendered notes subsequent to their original issuance
with more than a de minimis amount of market discount will be subject to the
market discount rules of sections 1276 through 1278 of the Internal Revenue
Code. Under those rules, assuming that no election to include market discount in
income on a current basis is in effect, any gain recognized on the exchange will
be characterized as ordinary income to the extent of the accrued market discount
as of the date of the exchange. In the case of the tender of outstanding notes
in an exchange which qualifies as a recapitalization, any market discount
remaining thereon which has not been recognized as ordinary income as described
in the previous sentence should be allocated between the new senior notes, the
new preferred stock and the new common stock, if any, received in the exchange
in proportion to the issue price of such new notes, determined as discussed
below, and the fair market value of such preferred stock and common stock as of
the date of the exchange. The portion of such market discount allocated to the
new senior notes will be carried over and be treated as accrued market discount
on such new notes, and the portion of such market discount allocated to the
preferred stock and common stock will result in ordinary income to the extent of
any gain recognized on certain subsequent dispositions of such preferred stock.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO NONTENDERING HOLDERS
NONTENDERING HOLDERS OF 10 7/8% SENIOR DISCOUNT NOTES OF ARCH WIRELESS,
INC.
If a holder of the 10 7/8% senior discount notes of the parent company does
not participate in the exchange offer, there will be no change in such holder's
tax position, assuming the proposed amendments to the indenture do not cause the
outstanding notes to be considered materially different in kind from the
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outstanding notes in their current form. The proposed amendments will be
considered to have caused the notes to be materially different in kind if the
proposed amendments constitute a "significant modification" of the notes. Under
treasury regulations, whether a modification of a debt instrument is significant
is determined based on the facts and circumstances. Under these regulations,
Arch does not believe that the proposed amendments will be considered a
significant modification of the notes. That conclusion, however, is not free
from doubt.
Even if the proposed amendments are considered to cause a significant
modification of the notes, there will be no change in such holder's tax position
if the 10 7/8% senior discount notes constitute securities except that the
holder would be required to include original issue discount, if any, in gross
income over the remaining life of the note as described below. For this purpose,
a holder will have original issue discount if the note's stated redemption price
at maturity exceeds the fair market value of the note as of the date the note is
modified.
If the proposed amendments are considered to cause a significant
modification of the notes and the notes do not constitute securities, a
nontendering holder would recognize gain or loss on the date the notes are
modified in an amount equal to the difference between:
- the fair market value of the modified notes as of the date the notes are
modified, other than modified notes deemed to be received in exchange for
accrued but unpaid interest as discussed above, and
- the holder's adjusted tax basis in the original notes, less any accrued
but unpaid original issue discount treated as accrued but unpaid interest
as discussed above.
Subject to the discussion above as to accrued market discount, any such gain or
loss will be capital gain or loss, and such capital gain or loss will be
long-term capital gain or loss if the holder held the original notes for more
than one year at the time of the exchange. A holder's aggregate tax basis in the
modified notes will be equal to their fair market value as of the date of the
exchange, and the holding period for the modified notes will begin on the day
immediately following the date of the exchange. In such case, a holder will also
be required to include original issue discount, if any, in gross income over the
remaining life of a modified note as described below. For this purpose, a holder
will have original issue discount if the modified note's stated redemption price
at maturity exceeds the fair market value of the note as of the date the note is
modified.
NONTENDERING HOLDERS OF 9 1/2% SENIOR NOTES, 14% SENIOR NOTES, 12 3/4%
SENIOR NOTES AND 13 3/4% SENIOR NOTES OF ARCH WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
If a holder of the 9 1/2% senior notes, 14% senior notes, 12 3/4% senior
notes or 13 3/4% senior notes of the old intermediate holding company does not
participate in the exchange offer, the nontendering holder's notes will be
assumed by the parent company when the old intermediate holding company is
merged into the parent company.
If the new intermediate holding company is treated as a continuation of the
old intermediate holding company for federal income tax purposes, as discussed
above, a nontendering holder will be treated as exchanging the notes of the old
intermediate holding company for new notes of the parent company. The exchange
will constitute a "significant modification" of the notes of the old
intermediate holding company because the obligor of the notes will have changed
in a transaction which does not constitute a tax-free reorganization or other
similar transaction. In such event, a holder will recognize gain or loss on the
date of the deemed exchange in an amount equal to the difference between:
- the fair market value of the new notes of the parent company received as
of the date of the deemed exchange, other than the new notes treated as
received in exchange for accrued but unpaid interest as discussed above;
and
- the holder's adjusted tax basis in the notes assumed, less any accrued
but unpaid original issue discount treated as accrued but unpaid interest
as discussed above.
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Subject to the discussion above as to accrued market discount, any such gain or
loss will be capital gain or loss, and such capital gain or loss will be
long-term capital gain or loss if such holder held the assumed notes for more
than one year as of the date of the exchange. A holder's tax basis in the new
notes of the parent company will be equal to the issue price of the notes, as
determined below, and the holding period for the new notes will begin on the day
immediately following the date of the exchange. In such case, a holder will also
be required to include original issue discount, if any, in gross income over the
remaining life of the new notes as described below. For this purpose, a holder
will have original issue discount if the new note's stated redemption price at
maturity exceeds the fair market value of the note as of the date of the deemed
exchange.
If the new intermediate holding company is not treated as a continuation of
the old intermediate holding company and the merger of the old intermediate
holding company into the parent company is respected for federal income tax
purposes, the holder will recognize no gain or loss, or experience any other
change in tax position, if the proposed amendment to the indenture and the
assumption of the untendered notes by the parent company do not constitute a
"significant modification" of the notes. Under treasury regulations, whether a
modification of a debt instrument is significant is determined based on the
facts and circumstances. Under these regulations, Arch does not believe that the
proposed amendments to the indenture or the assumption of the untendered notes
by the parent company will be considered a significant modification of the
notes. That conclusion, however, is not free from doubt. Even if the proposed
amendments to the indenture or the assumption of the untendered notes were
considered a significant modification of the notes, a holder would not recognize
gain or loss if the untendered notes constitute securities. However, the holder
would be required to include original issue discount, if any, in gross income
over the remaining life of the note as described below. For this purpose, a
holder will have original issue discount if the note's stated redemption price
at maturity exceeds the fair market value of the note as of the date the note is
significantly modified.
If the proposed amendments to the indenture or the assumption of the
untendered notes are considered a significant modification of the notes and the
untendered notes do not constitute securities, a nontendering holder would
recognize gain or loss on the date of the exchange in accordance with the
discussion above regarding the tax consequences in the event the merger of the
old intermediate company into the parent company is disregarded.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF NEW SENIOR
NOTES, PREFERRED STOCK AND COMMON STOCK
TREATMENT OF NEW SENIOR NOTES
Original issue discount.
Because the new senior notes are being issued at a discount from their
stated redemption price at maturity, they will have original issue discount
within the meaning of section 1273(a) of the Internal Revenue Code for federal
income tax purposes and each holder will be required to include in income,
regardless of whether such holder is a cash or accrual basis taxpayer, in each
taxable year, in advance of the receipt of corresponding cash payments on such
notes, that portion of the original issue discount, computed on a constant yield
basis as described below, attributable to each day during such year on which the
holder held the new senior notes. The amount of original issue discount
generally will equal the excess of a new note's stated redemption price at
maturity over its issue price. A new senior note's issue price will be the fair
market value of the new senior note as of the exchange date. A new senior note's
stated redemption price at maturity will be the sum of all cash payments to be
made on such note, whether denominated as principal or interest, other than
payments of qualified stated interest. Qualified stated interest is stated
interest that is unconditionally payable in cash or property, other than debt
instruments of the issuer, at least annually at a single fixed rate that
appropriately takes into account the length of the interval between payments.
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Arch will make interest payments on the new 12% senior notes through the
issuance of additional new 12% senior notes through [June 30], 2004.
Accordingly, for purposes of determining the stated redemption price at
maturity, as discussed above, and the yield to maturity, as discussed below, of
the new 12% senior notes, references to such notes shall include any such
additional notes. For example, the sum of all cash payments to be made on the
new 12% senior notes shall include payments of interest and principal on the
additional notes. Further, because the new intermediate holding company will
issue additional notes in lieu of interest payments on the new 12% senior notes,
no interest payments on the new 12% senior notes will be considered qualified
stated interest.
A holder of a senior note will be required to include original issue
discount in gross income, as ordinary interest income, periodically over the
term of the senior note before receipt of the cash or other payment attributable
to such income, regardless of such holder's method of tax accounting. The amount
to be included for any taxable year is the sum of the daily portions of original
issue discount with respect to the senior note for each day during the taxable
year or portion of a taxable year during which such holder holds such note.
The daily portion is determined by allocating to each day of any accrual
period within a taxable year a pro rata portion of an amount equal to the excess
of the product of such note's adjusted issue price at the beginning of the
accrual period and its yield to maturity over the amount of qualified stated
interest allocable to the accrual period. For purposes of computing original
issue discount, Arch will use six-month accrual periods with the exception of an
initial short accrual period. A holder is permitted to use different accrual
periods; provided, however, that each accrual period is no longer than one year,
and each scheduled payment of interest or principal occurs on either the first
or last day of an accrual period. The adjusted issue price of a senior note at
the beginning of any accrual period is its issue price increased by the
aggregate amount of original issue discount previously includible in the gross
income of the holder, disregarding any reduction on account of any acquisition
premium as discussed below, and decreased by any payments of non-qualified
stated interest previously made on the new note. A new senior note's yield to
maturity is the discount rate that, when used in computing the present value of
all payments of principal and interest to be made thereon, produces an amount
equal to the issue price of such new note. For purposes of determining the
amount of original issue discount that accrues during an accrual period on the
new variable rate secured senior notes, the new variable rate secured senior
notes shall be treated as a debt instrument with a fixed rate equal to the
variable interest rate, LIBOR plus 4.25% per annum, as of the exchange date.
Arch may redeem the new senior notes, in whole or in part, at redemption
prices described in the section entitled "Description of Notes being Offered"
plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the notes so redeemed. The treasury
regulations prescribe rules for determining the maturity date and the stated
redemption price at maturity of a debt instrument that may be redeemed prior to
its stated maturity date at the option of the issuer. Under such regulations,
solely for the purposes of the accrual of original issue discount, it is assumed
that an issuer will exercise any option to redeem a debt instrument if such
exercise would lower the yield to maturity of the debt instrument. Holders of
new senior notes should consult their own tax advisors regarding the effect of
Arch's redemption rights on the accrual of original issue discount.
Under these rules, a holder is required to include in gross income
increasingly greater amounts of original issue discount in each successive
accrual period. A holder's tax basis in the new senior notes will be increased
by any amounts of original issue discount included in income by such holder, and
will be decreased by any payments received by such holder with respect to such
notes, other than payments of qualified stated interest. The amount of original
issue discount allocable to an initial short accrual period may be computed
using any reasonable method if all other accrual periods, other than a final
short accrual period, are of equal length. The amount of original issue discount
allocable to the final accrual period at maturity of the new senior note will be
the difference between (1) the amount payable at maturity of the new senior
note, other than a payment of qualified stated interest, and (2) the new senior
note's adjusted issue price as of the beginning of the final accrual period. Any
payments of non-qualified stated interest on a new senior note will not be
separately included in income, but rather will be treated first as payments of
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previously accrued and unpaid original issue discount and then as payments of
principal. Consequently, such payments will reduce a holder's basis in the new
senior note.
Market Discount.
If a holder purchases a new senior note, subsequent to its original
issuance, for an amount that is less than its revised issue price as of the
purchase date, the amount of the difference generally will be treated as market
discount, unless such difference is less than a specified de minimis amount. The
Internal Revenue Code provides that the revised issue price of a new senior note
equals its issue price plus the amount of original issue discount includible in
the income of all holders for periods prior to the purchase date, disregarding
any deduction for acquisition premium, reduced by the amount of all prior cash
payments of non-qualified stated interest on such new senior note.
A holder will be required to treat any principal payment on, or any gain
recognized on the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other disposition
of, a new senior note, as ordinary income to the extent of any accrued market
discount that has not previously been included in income and treated as having
accrued on such note at the time of such payment or disposition. If a holder
disposes of a new senior note in a nontaxable transaction, other than as
provided in sections 1276(c) and 1276(d) of the Internal Revenue Code, such
holder must include as ordinary income the accrued market discount as if such
holder had disposed of such note in a taxable transaction at the note's fair
market value. In addition, the holder may be required to defer, until the
maturity date of the new senior note or its earlier disposition, including a
nontaxable transaction other than as provided in sections 1276(c) and 1276(d),
the deduction of all or a portion of the interest expense on any indebtedness
incurred or continued to purchase or carry such note.
Any market discount will be considered to accrue ratably during the period
from the date of acquisition to the maturity date of a new senior note, unless
the holder elects to accrue market discount on a constant interest method. A
holder may elect to include market discount in income currently as it accrues,
under either the ratable or constant interest method. This election to include
currently, once made, applies to all market discount obligations acquired in or
after the first taxable year to which the election applies and may not be
revoked without the consent of the Internal Revenue Service. If the holder makes
such an election, the foregoing rules with respect to the recognition of
ordinary income on sales and other dispositions of such instruments, and with
respect to the deferral of interest deductions on debt incurred or continued to
purchase or carry such debt instruments, would not apply.
A holder may elect, subject to certain limitations, to include all interest
that accrues on a new senior note in gross income on a constant yield basis. For
purposes of this election, interest includes stated interest, original issue
discount, market discount, de minimis original issue discount, de minimis market
discount and unstated interest, as adjusted by any amortizable bond premium or
acquisition premium. Special rules and limitations apply to taxpayers who make
this election; therefore, holders should consult their tax advisors as to
whether they should make this election.
Acquisition Premium.
If a holder's tax basis in a new senior note exceeds the amount payable at
maturity of such note, then the holder will not be required to include original
issue discount in gross income, and may be entitled to deduct such excess as
"amortizable bond premium" under section 171 of the Internal Revenue Code on a
constant yield to maturity basis over the period from the holder's acquisition
date to the maturity date of the new senior note. The "amount payable at
maturity" is equal to the stated redemption price at maturity of the new note as
determined under the original discount rules, less, in the case of a holder that
purchases a new senior note subsequent to its original issue, the aggregate
amount of all payments made on such note prior to the purchase of such note
other than qualified stated interest payments.
The deduction will be treated as a reduction of interest income. Such
deduction will be available only if the holder makes, or has made, a timely
election under section 171 of the Internal Revenue Code. The
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election, if made, would apply to all debt instruments held or subsequently
acquired by the electing holder and could not be revoked without permission from
the Internal Revenue Service.
If a holder's adjusted basis in a new senior note, immediately after the
exchange, exceeds its adjusted issue price, but is equal to or less than the sum
of all amounts payable on such note after the exchange other than payments of
qualified stated interest, the holder will be considered to have acquired the
new senior note with an acquisition premium in an amount equal to such excess.
Under the acquisition premium rules of the Internal Revenue Code and the
treasury regulations thereunder, the daily portion of original issue discount
which such holder must include in its gross income with respect to such note for
any taxable year will be reduced by an amount equal to such daily portion
multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of such
acquisition premium and the denominator of which is the original issue discount
remaining for the period from the date the note was acquired to its maturity
date.
The information that Arch reports to the record holders of the new senior
notes on an annual basis will not account for an offset against original issue
discount for any premium or portion of any acquisition premium. Accordingly,
each holder should consult its tax adviser as to the determination of any
premium or acquisition premium amount and the resulting adjustments to the
amount of reportable original issue discount.
Disposition.
On a sale, redemption or other taxable disposition of a new senior note,
subject to the discussion below as to accrued but unpaid interest, a holder will
recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between:
- the amount received on the disposition, other than amounts attributable
to accrued but unpaid interest, and
- the holder's adjusted tax basis in such note, less any accrued but unpaid
original issue discount treated as accrued but unpaid interest.
The holder's adjusted tax basis in a new senior note generally will equal the
holder's original tax basis in such note, increased by any original issue
discount and market discount previously included in the holder's gross income
with respect to such note pursuant to the rules described above, and reduced by
any amortizable bond premium deducted as a reduction of interest income as
described above, and further reduced, but not below zero, by all payments on
such note, other than payments of qualified stated interest, received by the
holder. Subject to the market discount rules described above and the rule with
respect to original issue discount described below, any such gain or loss will
generally be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if
the holder's holding period for such note is more than one year at the time of
the disposition. Should it be determined that there was an intention on Arch's
part at the time of original issuance to call any of the new senior notes before
their stated maturity, any gain recognized on a sale, redemption or other
taxable disposition of a new senior note prior to its maturity would be taxable
as ordinary income to the extent of any original issue discount not previously
includible in income by the holder of such note. Arch does not anticipate having
any intention at the time of the exchange offer to call the new senior notes
before maturity, but, due to the absence of treasury regulations or other
guidance on this issue, the rules described in this paragraph could apply with
respect to the new senior notes. In accordance with the discussion above in the
section entitled "Federal Income Tax Consequences to Exchanging
Holders -- Accrued but Unpaid Interest", a portion of the amount received upon
the disposition of a note may be allocated to accrued but unpaid interest, and
the holder of such note will generally recognize ordinary gain or loss with
respect to such portion.
Transfer
The new senior notes will be issued in registered form and will be
transferable only upon their surrender for registration of transfer. Under
section 1.163-5T(d)(7) of proposed treasury regulations, a
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holder, other than an individual, who transfers a new senior note by another
method may be subject to an excise tax equal to the product of:
- 1% of the principal amount of such new senior note, within the meaning of
section 4701 of the Internal Revenue Code, and
- the number of calendar years, or portions thereof, remaining until the
date of maturity of such note.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting.
In general, information reporting requirements will apply to the payment of
principal, premium, if any, and interest on a new senior note, payments of
dividends on preferred stock or common stock, payments of the proceeds of the
sale of a new senior note, and payments of the proceeds of the sale of preferred
stock or common stock to certain noncorporate U.S. holders. You may be subject
to back up withholding at a 31% rate when you receive interest and dividends
with respect to the new senior notes, preferred stock or common stock, or when
you receive proceeds upon the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other
disposition of the new senior notes or stock. In general, you can avoid this
backup withholding by properly executing under penalties of perjury an IRS Form
W-9 or substantially similar form that provides:
- your correct taxpayer identification number, and
- a certification that:
- you are exempt from backup withholding because you are a corporation or
come within another enumerated exempt category,
- you have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service that you are
subject to backup withholding, or
- you have been notified by the Internal Revenue Service that you are no
longer subject to backup withholding.
If you do not provide your correct taxpayer identification number on the IRS
Form W-9 or substantially similar form, you may be subject to penalties imposed
by the Internal Revenue Service.
Unless you have established on a properly executed IRS Form W-9 or
substantially similar form that you are a corporation or come within another
enumerated exempt category, interest, dividend and other payments on the new
senior notes, preferred stock or common stock paid to you during the calendar
year, and the amount of tax withheld, if any, will be reported to you and to the
Internal Revenue Service. Amounts withheld are generally not an additional tax
and may be refunded or credited against your federal income tax liability,
provided you furnish the required information to the Internal Revenue Service.
Treatment of Common Stock and Preferred Stock.
Dividends, if any, paid on the common stock or preferred stock will be
taxed as ordinary income. A dividends-received deduction may be available with
respect to such dividends to holders of common stock or preferred stock that are
corporations, subject to limitations such as those relating to holding periods
or indebtedness used to acquire or carry such stock. The term "dividend" means a
distribution made out of current or accumulated earnings and profits as
determined for federal income tax purposes. To the extent that a distribution
exceeds current and accumulated earnings and profits, it is treated as a
non-taxable recovery of the holder's adjusted tax basis to the extent thereof,
and any remaining amount is treated as gain from a taxable disposition. By
reason of the mandatory repurchase and exchange provisions of the preferred
stock, a holder of preferred stock may be required to include any redemption
premium in gross income, on an economic accrual basis, under principles similar
to those discussed above regarding original issue discount. For this purpose,
the redemption premium will be treated as a series of constructive distributions
with respect to the preferred stock. The amount of the redemption premium
generally will be equal to the excess of the redemption or repurchase price of
the preferred stock over its issue price. The issue price generally will be
equal to the fair market value of the preferred stock on the exchange date.
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Subject to the discussion above as to accrued market discount on tendered notes,
a holder of common stock or preferred stock will generally recognize capital
gain or loss upon a sale or other taxable disposition of common stock or
preferred stock, including an exchange of the preferred stock for shares of the
parent company's common stock pursuant to the exchange feature, except that in
certain circumstances a holder may be required to recapture, or recognize as
ordinary income, the amount of any ordinary loss taken on the exchange of the
tendered notes for preferred stock or common stock to the extent gain results
from the subsequent disposition of the stock.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO ARCH OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
As a result of the consummation of the exchange offer or the prepackaged
bankruptcy plan, Arch will realize cancellation of debt or "COD" income in an
amount equal to the excess of:
- the sum of the adjusted issue price of tendered notes, other than accrued
but unpaid original issue discount treated as paid in exchange for new
senior notes, preferred stock or common stock as discussed above, and the
amount of accrued but unpaid interest, other than original issue
discount, on tendered notes, other than such accrued but unpaid interest
treated as paid in exchange for new senior notes, preferred stock or
common stock as discussed above, over
- the sum of the issue price of the new senior notes, determined as
discussed above, and the fair market value of the common stock and
preferred stock received by holders of the tendered notes as of the date
of the exchange, other than new senior notes, preferred stock or common
stock treated as received in exchange for accrued but unpaid interest as
discussed above.
In the event the outstanding notes are exchanged pursuant to the exchange
offer, if the untendered notes are considered to be significantly modified,
whether or not the notes constitute securities, or the merger of the old
intermediate holding company into the parent company is disregarded for federal
income tax purposes and the new intermediate holding company is treated as a
continuation of the old intermediate holding company, Arch will realize COD
income in an amount equal to the excess of:
- the sum of the adjusted issue price of the untendered notes, other than
accrued but unpaid original issue discount treated as paid in exchange
for amended notes or new notes of the parent company as discussed above,
and the amount of accrued but unpaid interest, other than original issue
discount, on the untendered notes, other than such accrued but unpaid
interest treated as paid in exchange for amended notes or new notes of
the parent company as discussed above, over
- the issue price, which will be equal to the fair market value, of the
modified notes or new notes of the parent company as of the date the
notes are significantly modified, other than modified notes or new notes
treated as received in exchange for accrued but unpaid interest as
discussed above.
Arch estimates that the total amount of the COD income realized from the
exchange would not exceed the amount of its net operating loss carryovers.
Nevertheless, Arch may be subject to tax because of limitations on the use of
its net operating loss carryovers, discussed below, or because of the
alternative minimum tax, discussed below.
If the notes are exchanged pursuant to the terms of the prepackaged
bankruptcy plan, any COD income realized will be excluded from its gross income
under section 108(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, or if Arch is "insolvent" for
federal income tax purposes, any COD income realized will be excluded from its
gross income under section 108(a) to the extent Arch is insolvent. Instead,
under section 108(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, Arch will be required to
reduce certain federal income tax attributes, including net operating loss
carryovers, by the amount of the COD income excluded by reason of section 108(a)
of the Internal Revenue Code. For purposes of section 108 of the Internal
Revenue Code, "insolvent" means the excess of liabilities over the fair market
value of assets immediately before the exchange date.
A substantial portion of Arch's net operating loss carryovers is subject to
an annual limitation under sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code by
reason of transactions engaged in by Arch prior to
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the exchange offer. It is possible that consummation of the exchange offer will
result in a further ownership change within the meaning of section 382(g) of the
Internal Revenue Code, thereby subjecting a portion of its net operating loss
carryovers that was not previously subject to the annual limitation to become
subject to such a limitation for taxable years beginning after the change date
within the meaning of section 382(j) of the Internal Revenue Code, and a portion
of the taxable year which includes the change date. The "change date" will be
the date of the exchange.
If the consummation of the exchange offer results in an ownership change
that occurs at any time other than the end of Arch's taxable year, Arch
anticipates filing an election under Section 1.382-6(b)(2)(ii) of the treasury
regulations to close its books as of the change date and allocate certain items,
including COD income, to the period before the change. Arch anticipates making
such an election if it determines that the election will maximize the use of its
net operating loss carryovers in offsetting such COD income.
If the notes are exchanged pursuant to the terms of the prepackaged
bankruptcy plan, Arch would determine the annual limitation under the more
favorable provisions of section 382(l)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code, which
applies to a loss corporation that exchanges stock for debt and undergoes an
ownership change in a proceeding under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. In
such event, the amount of income that may be offset by net operating loss
carryovers in any taxable year ending after the date of the exchange should
generally be limited to an amount, subject to a proration rule for the taxable
year that includes the change date, equal to the product of:
- the lesser of (1) the value of Arch's stock immediately after the
ownership change and (2) the value of Arch's assets, determined without
regard to liabilities, immediately before the ownership change, reduced
by certain capital contributions made within the two year period ending
on the change date; and
- the long-term tax exempt rate, within the meaning of section 382(f) of
the Internal Revenue Code.
In general, the annual limitation amount for a particular taxable year
ending after the change date will be increased by the amount of the recognized
built-in gain for such taxable year, provided that Arch has a net unrealized
built-in gain in excess of the lesser of $10 million and 15% of the fair market
value of its assets before the ownership change. For this purpose, the amount of
"recognized built in gain" generally will be equal to the amount of gain
recognized upon the disposition of an asset, held by Arch immediately prior to
the change date, during the five year period beginning on the change date, to
the extent such gain is attributable to the period prior to the change date. The
amount of "net unrealized built in gain" generally will be equal to the excess
of:
- the aggregate fair market value of all of Arch's assets immediately
before the ownership change over
- the aggregate tax basis of such assets at such time.
For purposes of computing Arch's regular tax liability imposed under
section 11 of the Internal Revenue Code, all income recognized in a taxable year
may be offset by the net operating loss carryovers permitted to be utilized in
that year. For purposes of the 20% alternative minimum tax on alternative
minimum taxable income imposed under section 55 of the Internal Revenue Code,
however, only 90% of its alternative minimum taxable income may be offset by net
operating loss carryovers, as computed for alternative minimum tax purposes.
Therefore, Arch will be required to pay alternative minimum tax, at a minimum
effective rate of 2% - 20% alternative minimum tax rate applied to 10% of its
alternative minimum taxable income, in any succeeding taxable year during which
it has alternative minimum taxable income and its regular tax is fully offset by
net operating loss carryovers.
The new senior notes may constitute "applicable high yield discount
obligations", commonly referred to as AHYDOs. The new senior notes will
constitute AHYDOs if they have a yield to maturity that is at least five
percentage points above the applicable federal rate as of the exchange date and
the new senior notes are issued with "significant original issue discount". The
new senior notes will be treated as having significant original issue discount
if the aggregate amount that will be includible in gross income with
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respect to such notes for periods before the close of any accrual period ending
after the date that is five years after the date of issue exceeds the sum of (1)
the aggregate amount of interest to be paid in cash under the new senior notes
before the close of the accrual period and (2) the product of the initial issue
price of the new senior notes and its yield to maturity.
If the new senior notes constitute AHYDOs, Arch will not be allowed an
interest deduction for original issue discount accrued on the new senior notes
until such time as it actually pays such original issue discount. For this
purpose, the issuance of additional notes will not be treated as the actual
payment of original issue discount. Moreover, a portion of the interest
deduction for accrued original issue discount will be permanently disallowed, if
the new senior notes have a yield to maturity that exceeds the applicable
federal rate plus six percentage points. A corporate holder of new senior notes,
however, may be treated as receiving a dividend in the amount of such portion
allocable to the holder and be eligible for the dividends received deduction.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the new preferred and common stock and the enforceability
of the new senior notes offered in the exchange offer will be passed upon for us
by Hale and Dorr LLP, 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts.
EXPERTS
The financial statements of the parent company, the old intermediate
holding company and the operating company as of December 31, 2000 and 1999 and
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000 included in
this prospectus/disclosure statement have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants, as indicated in their reports which include an
explanatory paragraph with respect to the uncertainty regarding Arch's ability
to continue as a going concern as discussed in Note 1 to the financial
statements and are included in this prospectus/disclosure statement in reliance
upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing in giving those
reports.
The consolidated financial statements of PageNet as of December 31, 1998
and 1999, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999,
appearing in this prospectus/disclosure statement and registration statement
have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in
their report thereon (which contains an explanatory paragraph describing
conditions that raise substantial doubt about PageNet's ability to continue as a
going concern as described in Note 2 to PageNet's consolidated financial
statements) appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such
report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
The descriptions of the regulatory requirements under the Communications
Act and associated regulations set forth under "Industry Overview -- Regulation"
in this prospectus/disclosure statement have been included under the authority
of Wilkinson, Barker, Knauer LLP, as experts in telecommunications law. You
should not rely on Wilkinson, Barker, Knauer LLP with respect to any other
matters.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
This prospectus and disclosure statement is part of a registration
statement on Form S-4 that was filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in
the registration statement. Some items may have been omitted from the prospectus
as permitted by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. You should refer to the registration statement and its accompanying
exhibits for further information with respect to the parent company, the new
intermediate holding company, the old intermediate holding company, the
operating company, the exchange offer, the solicitation of consents to proposed
amendments to the indentures governing the notes and the solicitation of votes
for the prepackaged bankruptcy plan. Statements made in this prospectus as to
the provisions of any contract, agreement or other document are
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summaries of the material terms of such contracts, agreements or other documents
and are not necessarily complete. With respect to each such contract, agreement
or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, please
refer to the exhibit for a more complete description of the matter involved.
The parent company and the old intermediate holding company file reports,
proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission as required by the Exchange Act.
PageNet was subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 but filed only limited reports after the commencement of
its bankruptcy proceedings in July 2000.
You can find, copy and inspect information filed by the parent company, the
old intermediate holding company and, to the extent available, by Paging
Network, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at
Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the Securities
and Exchange Commission's regional offices at 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300,
New York, New York 10048 and 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,
Illinois 60661.
You can also obtain copies of information filed by us with the Securities
and Exchange Commission at prescribed rates by writing to the Securities and
Exchange Commission's Public Reference Section, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549. You can call the Securities and Exchange Commission at
1-800-SEC-0330 for further information about the public reference rooms. You can
review our and Paging Network, Inc.'s electronically filed reports, proxy and
information statements on the Securities and Exchange Commission's world wide
web site at http://www.sec.gov.
We maintain a world wide web site at http://www.arch.com. Our web site is
not a part of this prospectus and disclosure statement.
YOU MAY REQUEST A COPY OF OUR FILINGS WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION, AT NO COST, BY WRITING OR TELEPHONING US AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:
Arch Wireless, Inc.
1800 West Park Drive, Suite 250
Westborough, Massachusetts 01581
Attention: Investor Relations
Telephone (508) 870-6700
You should make your request for copies of our filings at least 5 days
before the date on which you expect to make your investment decision with
respect to the exchange offer, consent solicitation and bankruptcy vote
solicitation. In any event, you must make your request for such information
before [ ], 2001.
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus or
that we have specifically referred you to. We have not authorized anyone else to
provide you with different information. You should not assume that the
information in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on
the front of those documents. You should not consider this prospectus and
disclosures statement to be an offer or solicitation relating to the exchange
offer, consents relating to the proposed amendments or votes for the prepackaged
bankruptcy plan in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is
not authorized. Furthermore, you should not consider this prospectus and
disclosure statement to be an offer or solicitation relating to the exchange
offer, consents relating to the proposed amendments or votes for the prepackaged
bankruptcy plan if the person making the offer or solicitation is not qualified
to do so, or if it is unlawful for you to receive such an offer or solicitation.
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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PAGE
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ARCH WIRELESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Report of Independent Public Accountants.................... F-3
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1999 and
2000...................................................... F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations for Each of the Three
Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2000............... F-5
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
for Each of the Three Years in the Period Ended December
31, 2000.................................................. F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for Each of the Three
Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2000............... F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................. F-8
INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED):
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of December 31,
2000 and March 31, 2001................................... F-27
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations for the
Three Months Ended March 31, 2000 and 2001................ F-28
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the
Three Months Ended March 31, 2000 and 2001................ F-29
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements........ F-30
ARCH WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Report of Independent Public Accountants.................... F-33
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1999 and
2000...................................................... F-34
Consolidated Statements of Operations for Each of the Three
Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2000............... F-35
Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity (Deficit)
for Each of the Three Years in the Period Ended December
31, 2000.................................................. F-36
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for Each of the Three
Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2000............... F-37
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................. F-38
INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED):
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of December 31,
2000 and March 31, 2001................................... F-55
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations for the
Three Months Ended March 31, 2000 and 2001................ F-56
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the
Three Months Ended March 31, 2000 and 2001................ F-57
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements........ F-58
ARCH WIRELESS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Report of Independent Public Accountants.................... F-61
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1999 and
2000...................................................... F-62
Consolidated Statements of Operations for Each of the Three
Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2000............... F-63
Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity (Deficit)
for Each of the Three Years in the Period Ended December
31, 2000.................................................. F-64
F-1
211
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for Each of the Three
Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2000............... F-65
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................. F-66
INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED):
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of December 31,
2000 and March 31, 2001................................... F-82
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations for the
Three Months Ended March 31, 2000 and 2001................ F-83
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the
Three Months Ended March 31, 2000 and 2001................ F-84
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements........ F-85
PAGING NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Report of Independent Public Auditors....................... F-88
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1998 and
1999...................................................... F-89
Consolidated Statements of Operations for Each of the Three
Years in the Period Ended December 31, 1999............... F-90
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for Each of the Three
Years in the Period Ended December 31, 1999............... F-91
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Deficit for Each of
the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 1999..... F-92
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................. F-93
INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED):
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1999 and June
30, 2000.................................................. F-109
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six
Months Ended June 30, 1999 and 2000....................... F-110
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months
Ended June 30, 1999 and 2000.............................. F-111
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................. F-112
F-2
212
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To Arch Wireless, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Arch
Wireless, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) (the "Company") and subsidiaries as of
December 31, 1999 and 2000, and the related consolidated statements of
operations, stockholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 2000. These consolidated financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
Arch Wireless, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and 2000, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 2000, in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States.
As discussed further in Note 1, subsequent to March 1, 2001, the date of
our original report, the Company prepared a range of financial projections for
the remainder of its current fiscal year. Based on the range of these
projections, the Company, in certain circumstances, may no longer be in
compliance with the various debt covenants of its credit facility as of
September 30, 2001. This factor creates a substantial doubt about the Company's
ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying financial statements do
not include any adjustments that might result should the Company be unable to
continue as a going concern.
/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
March 1, 2001 (except
for the matter discussed in
Note 1, as to which the
date is May 18, 2001)
F-3
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ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------
1999 2000
---------- -----------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 3,161 $ 55,007
Accounts receivable (less reserves of $16,473 and $62,918
in 1999 and 2000, respectively)......................... 61,167 134,396
Inventories............................................... 9,101 2,163
Prepaid expenses and other................................ 11,874 19,877
---------- -----------
Total current assets............................... 85,303 211,443
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Property and equipment, at cost:
Land, buildings and improvements.......................... 20,503 36,334
Messaging and computer equipment.......................... 667,820 1,347,468
Furniture, fixtures and vehicles.......................... 26,321 58,270
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714,644 1,442,072
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization............ 314,445 444,650
---------- -----------
Property and equipment, net............................... 400,199 997,422
---------- -----------
Intangible and other assets (less accumulated amortization
of $515,195 and $697,446 in 1999 and 2000,
respectively)............................................. 867,543 1,100,744
---------- -----------
$1,353,045 $ 2,309,609
========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt...................... $ 8,060 $ 177,341
Accounts payable.......................................... 30,016 55,282
Accrued restructuring charges............................. 17,111 60,424
Accrued expenses.......................................... 43,629 102,959
Accrued interest.......................................... 30,294 39,140
Customer deposits......................................... 7,526 18,273
Deferred revenue.......................................... 28,175 44,227
---------- -----------
Total current liabilities.......................... 164,811 497,646
---------- -----------
Long-term debt, less current maturities..................... 1,322,508 1,679,219
---------- -----------
Other long-term liabilities................................. 83,285 74,509
---------- -----------
Deferred income taxes....................................... -- 121,994
---------- -----------
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable preferred stock.................................. 28,176 30,505
---------- -----------
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock -- $.01 par value, authorized 300,000,000
shares, issued and outstanding: 47,263,500 and
161,536,656 shares in 1999 and 2000, respectively....... 472 1,615
Class B common stock -- $.01 par value, authorized
10,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 3,968,164 and
1,991,945 shares in 1999 and 2000, respectively......... 40 20
Additional paid-in capital................................ 633,240 1,095,779
Accumulated other comprehensive income.................... -- (82)
Accumulated deficit....................................... (879,487) (1,191,596)
---------- -----------
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)............... (245,735) (94,264)
---------- -----------
$1,353,045 $ 2,309,609
========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-4
214
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
---------- ----------- -----------
Revenues............................................. $ 413,635 $ 641,824 $ 851,082
Cost of products sold................................ (29,953) (34,954) (35,861)
---------- ----------- -----------
383,682 606,870 815,221
---------- ----------- -----------
Operating expenses:
Service, rental and maintenance.................... 80,782 132,400 182,993
Selling............................................ 49,132 84,249 107,208
General and administrative......................... 112,181 180,726 263,901
Depreciation and amortization...................... 221,316 309,434 500,831
Restructuring charge............................... 14,700 (2,200) 5,425
---------- ----------- -----------
Total operating expenses................... 478,111 704,609 1,060,358
---------- ----------- -----------
Operating income (loss).............................. (94,429) (97,739) (245,137)
Interest expense..................................... (104,019) (144,924) (167,621)
Interest income...................................... 1,766 1,896 1,451
Other expense........................................ (1,960) (45,221) (3,082)
Equity in loss of affiliate.......................... (5,689) (3,200) --
---------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before income tax benefit,
extraordinary items and accounting change.......... (204,331) (289,188) (414,389)
Benefit from income taxes............................ -- -- 46,006
---------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before extraordinary items and
accounting change.................................. (204,331) (289,188) (368,383)
Extraordinary gain (loss) from early extinguishment
of debt............................................ (1,720) 6,963 58,603
Cumulative effect of accounting change............... -- (3,361) --
---------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss).................................... (206,051) (285,586) (309,780)
Accretion of redeemable preferred stock.............. -- -- (4,223)
Preferred stock dividend............................. (1,030) (2,146) (2,329)
---------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) applicable to common
stockholders....................................... $ (207,081) $ (287,732) $ (316,332)
========== =========== ===========
Basic/diluted income (loss) per common share before
extraordinary item and accounting change........... $ (29.34) $ (9.21) $ (4.86)
Extraordinary gain (loss) from early extinguishment
of debt per basic/diluted common share............. (0.25) 0.22 0.76
Cumulative effect of accounting change per
basic/diluted common share......................... -- (0.11) --
---------- ----------- -----------
Basic/diluted net income (loss) per common share..... $ (29.59) $ (9.10) $ (4.10)
========== =========== ===========
Basic/diluted weighted average number of common
shares outstanding................................. 6,997,730 31,603,410 77,122,659
========== =========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-5
215
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
ACCUMULATED TOTAL
CLASS B ADDITIONAL OTHER STOCKHOLDERS'
COMMON COMMON PAID-IN COMPREHENSIVE ACCUMULATED EQUITY
STOCK STOCK CAPITAL INCOME DEFICIT (DEFICIT)
------ ------- ---------- ------------- ----------- -------------
Balance, December 31, 1997.................. $ 70 $-- $ 351,349 $ -- $ (384,674) $ (33,255)
Net loss.................................. -- -- -- -- (206,051) (206,051)
Exercise of options to purchase 31,344
shares of common stock.................. -- -- 294 -- -- 294
Issuance of 85,996 shares of common stock
under Arch's employee stock purchase
plan.................................... 1 -- 548 -- -- 549
Preferred stock dividend.................. -- -- -- -- (1,030) (1,030)
------ --- ---------- ---- ----------- ---------
Balance, December 31, 1998.................. 71 -- 352,191 -- (591,755) (239,493)
Net loss.................................. -- -- -- -- (285,586) (285,586)
Issuance of 30,847,004 shares of common
stock and 5,360,261 of Class B common
stock in rights offering................ 308 54 216,881 -- -- 217,243
Issuance of 4,781,656 shares of common
stock to acquire company................ 48 -- 20,035 -- -- 20,083
Shares to be issued in connection with the
Benbow settlement....................... -- -- 22,836 -- -- 22,836
Issuance of 3,136,665 shares of common
stock in exchange for debt.............. 31 -- 21,106 -- -- 21,137
Issuance of 34,217 shares of common stock
under Arch's employee stock purchase
plan.................................... -- -- 191 -- -- 191
Conversion of Class B common stock into
common stock............................ 14 (14) -- -- -- --
Preferred stock dividend.................. -- -- -- -- (2,146) (2,146)
------ --- ---------- ---- ----------- ---------
Balance, December 31, 1999.................. 472 40 633,240 -- (879,487) (245,735)
Net loss.................................. -- -- -- -- (309,780) (309,780)
Foreign currency translation
adjustments............................. -- -- -- (82) -- (82)
---------
Total comprehensive loss............ (309,862)
Issuance of 89,896,907 shares of common
stock to acquire company................ 899 -- 262,499 -- -- 263,398
Issuance of 12,468,632 shares of common
stock in exchange for debt.............. 125 -- 156,851 -- -- 156,976
Issuance of 6,613,180 shares of common
stock in exchange for redeemable
preferred stock......................... 66 -- 46,849 -- -- 46,915
Issuance of 2,856,721 shares of common
stock in connection with the Benbow
settlement.............................. 28 -- (28) -- -- --
Issuance of 459,133 shares of common stock
under Arch's employee stock purchase
plan.................................... 5 -- 570 -- -- 575
Exercise of Warrants to purchase 2,364
shares of common stock.................. -- -- 21 -- -- 21
Conversion of Class B common stock into
common stock............................ 20 (20) -- -- -- --
Preferred stock accretion................. -- -- (4,223) -- -- (4,223)
Preferred stock dividend.................. -- -- -- -- (2,329) (2,329)
------ --- ---------- ---- ----------- ---------
Balance, December 31, 2000.................. $1,615 $20 $1,095,779 $(82) $(1,191,596) $ (94,264)
====== === ========== ==== =========== =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-6
216
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
--------- --------- ----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)......................................... $(206,051) $(285,586) $ (309,780)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization........................... 221,316 309,434 500,831
Deferred income tax benefit............................. -- -- (46,006)
Extraordinary loss (gain) from early extinguishment of
debt.................................................. 1,720 (6,963) (58,603)
Cumulative effect of accounting change.................. -- 3,361 --
Equity in loss of affiliate............................. 5,689 3,200 --
Accretion of discount on long-term debt................. 37,115 41,566 28,277
Other non-cash interest expense......................... -- 2,904 2,361
Gain on tower site sale................................. (1,859) (1,871) (1,983)
Write-off of N-PCS investments.......................... -- 37,498 --
Accounts receivable loss provision...................... 8,545 15,265 33,015
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effect from
acquisitions of companies:
Accounts receivable................................... (9,151) (18,369) (41,129)
Inventories........................................... 2,314 1,728 7,381
Prepaid expenses and other............................ (3,090) 7,000 6,944
Accounts payable and accrued expenses................. 24,649 (2,986) (74,550)
Customer deposits and deferred revenue................ 549 (7,554) (8,495)
Other long-term liabilities........................... 1,634 909 (5,938)
--------- --------- ----------
Net cash provided by operating activities................... 83,380 99,536 32,325
--------- --------- ----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment, net.................. (79,249) (95,208) (127,833)
Additions to intangible and other assets.................. (33,935) (18,443) (12,452)
Net proceeds from tower site sale......................... 30,316 3,046 --
Acquisition of companies, net of cash acquired............ -- (516,561) 47,785
--------- --------- ----------
Net cash used for investing activities...................... (82,868) (627,166) (92,500)
--------- --------- ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of long-term debt................................ 460,964 473,783 174,960
Repayment of long-term debt............................... (489,014) (162,059) (63,560)
Net proceeds from sale of preferred stock................. 25,000 -- --
Net proceeds from sale of common stock.................... 843 217,434 596
--------- --------- ----------
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities......... (2,207) 529,158 111,996
--------- --------- ----------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash..................... -- -- 25
--------- --------- ----------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents........ (1,695) 1,528 51,846
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period.............. 3,328 1,633 3,161
--------- --------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period.................... $ 1,633 $ 3,161 $ 55,007
========= ========= ==========
Supplemental disclosure:
Interest paid............................................. $ 57,151 $ 91,151 $ 128,155
========= ========= ==========
Issuance of common stock for acquisitions of companies.... $ -- $ 20,083 $ 263,398
========= ========= ==========
Liabilities assumed in acquisitions of companies.......... $ -- $ 134,429 $1,059,431
========= ========= ==========
Issuance of common stock for debt......................... $ -- $ 21,137 $ 156,976
========= ========= ==========
Issuance of common stock for redeemable preferred stock... $ -- $ -- $ 46,915
========= ========= ==========
Preferred stock dividend.................................. $ 1,030 $ 2,146 $ 2,329
========= ========= ==========
Accretion of redeemable preferred stock................... $ -- $ -- $ 4,223
========= ========= ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-7
217
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Organization -- Arch Wireless, Inc. consolidated with its subsidiaries
("Arch" or the "Company") is a leading provider of wireless messaging and
information services in the United States. Currently, Arch primarily provides
traditional paging services, which enable subscribers to receive messages on
their pagers composed entirely of numbers, such as a phone number, or on some
pagers, numbers and letters, which enable subscribers to receive text messages.
Arch has also begun to market and sell two-way wireless messaging services which
enable subscribers to respond to messages or create and send wireless email
messages to other wireless messaging devices (including pagers and personal
digital assistants or PDAs) and to personal computers. Arch also offers wireless
information services, such as stock quotes, news and other wireless information
delivery services, voice mail, personalized greeting, message storage and
retrieval, equipment loss protection and equipment maintenance. These services
are commonly referred to as wireless messaging and information services.
Risks and Other Important Factors -- Arch sustained net losses of $206.1
million, $285.6 million and $309.8 million for the years ended December 31,
1998, 1999 and 2000, respectively. Arch's loss from operations for the year
ended December 31, 2000 was $245.1 million. In addition, at December 31, 2000,
Arch had an accumulated deficit of approximately $63.8 million and a deficit in
working capital of $286.2 million although $175.2 million of current maturities
of long term debt were repaid in February 2001, see Note 4 for description of
the transaction. Arch's losses from operations and net losses are expected to
continue for additional periods in the future. There can be no assurance that
its operations will become profitable.
Arch's operations require the availability of substantial funds to finance
the maintenance and growth of its existing messaging operations, its subscriber
base and to enhance and expand its two-way messaging networks. At December 31,
2000, Arch had approximately $1,856.6 million outstanding under its credit
facility, senior notes, capital leases and other long-term debt. Amounts
available under its credit facility are subject to certain financial covenants
and other restrictions. At December 31, 2000, Arch was in compliance with each
of the covenants under its credit facility. Arch's ability to borrow additional
amounts in the future, including amounts currently available under the credit
facility is dependent on Arch's ability to comply with the provisions of its
credit facility as well as the availability of financing in the capital markets.
At December 31, 2000, Arch had $4.0 million of borrowings available under its
credit facility.
In May 2001, Arch prepared a range of financial projections for the
remainder of its current fiscal year. Arch believes that based on the lower
range of its current projections, it may be in default of certain financial
covenants of its credit facility as of September 30, 2001. Arch's ability to
continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to comply with the
terms of its debt agreements, to refinance its existing debt or obtain
additional financing. Arch is currently in the process of restructuring its
obligations. There can be no assurances that Arch will be successful in its
efforts, which may have a material adverse affect on the solvency of Arch.
Arch is also subject to additional risks and uncertainties including, but
not limited to, changes in technology, business integration, competition,
government regulation and subscriber turnover.
Principles of Consolidation -- The accompanying consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned
subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates -- The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
F-8
218
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Revenue Recognition -- Arch recognizes revenue under rental and service
agreements with customers as the related services are performed. Maintenance
revenues and related costs are recognized ratably over the respective terms of
the agreements. Sales of equipment are recognized upon delivery. In some cases,
Arch enters into transactions which include the sale of both products and
services. The Company allocates the value of the arrangement to each element
based on the residual method. Under the residual method, the fair value of the
undelivered elements, typically services, is deferred and subsequently realized
when earned. Commissions are recognized as an expense when incurred. On December
3, 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission released Staff Accounting
Bulletin (SAB) No. 101, "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements". SAB 101
provides additional guidance on the accounting for revenue recognition,
including both broad conceptual discussions as well as certain industry-specific
guidance. Arch adopted SAB 101 in 2000, it did not have a material impact on its
results of operations.
Cash Equivalents -- Cash equivalents include short-term, interest-bearing
instruments purchased with remaining maturities of three months or less.
Inventories -- Inventories consist of new messaging devices, which are held
primarily for resale. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market,
with cost determined on a first-in, first-out basis.
Property and Equipment -- Leased messaging devices sold or otherwise
retired are removed from the accounts at their net book value using the
first-in, first-out method. Property and equipment is stated at cost and is
depreciated using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful
lives:
ESTIMATED
ASSET CLASSIFICATION USEFUL LIFE
-------------------- -----------
Buildings and improvements.................................. 20 Years
Leasehold improvements...................................... Lease Term
Messaging devices........................................... 2 Years
Messaging and computer equipment............................ 3-8 Years
Furniture and fixtures...................................... 5-8 Years
Vehicles.................................................... 3 Years
Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment
totaled $101.1 million, $144.9 million and $211.8 million for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000, respectively.
On October 1, 2000, Arch revised the estimated depreciable life of its
subscriber equipment from three to two years. The change in useful life resulted
from Arch's expectations regarding future usage periods for subscriber devices
considering current and projected technological advances and customer desires
for new messaging technology. As a result of this change depreciation expense
increased approximately $19.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2000.
Long-Lived Assets -- In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 121 "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and
Long-Lived Assets To Be Disposed Of" Arch evaluates the recoverability of its
carrying value of the Company's long-lived assets and certain intangible assets
based on estimated undiscounted cash flows to be generated from each of such
assets compared to the original estimates used in measuring the assets. To the
extent impairment is identified, Arch reduces the carrying value of such
impaired assets to fair value based on estimated discounted future cash flows.
To date, Arch has not had any such impairments.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments -- Arch's financial instruments, as
defined under SFAS No. 107 "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial
Instruments", include its cash, its debt financing and interest rate protection
agreements. The fair value of cash is equal to the carrying value at December
31, 1999 and 2000. The fair value of the debt and interest rate protection
agreements are included in Note 4.
F-9
219
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Reverse Stock Split -- On June 28, 1999, Arch effected a one for three
reverse stock split. All share and per share data for all periods presented have
been adjusted to give effect to this reverse split.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities -- In June 1998, the
Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities". SFAS No. 133 requires that every derivative instrument be recorded
in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value
and that changes in the derivative's fair value be recognized in earnings. Arch
adopted this standard effective January 1, 2001. The impact of adopting SFAS No.
133 was not material; however, adopting SFAS No. 133 could increase volatility
in future earnings and other comprehensive income.
2. ACQUISITIONS
On June 3, 1999 Arch completed its acquisition of MobileMedia
Communications, Inc. for $671.1 million, consisting of cash paid of $516.6
million, including direct transaction costs, 4,781,656 shares of Arch Wireless,
Inc. common stock valued at $20.1 million and the assumption of liabilities of
$134.4 million. The cash payments were financed through the issuance of
approximately 36.2 million shares of Arch Wireless, Inc. common stock (including
approximately 5.4 million shares of Arch Wireless, Inc. Class B common stock) in
a rights offering for $6.00 per share, the issuance of $147.0 million principal
amount of 13 3/4% senior notes due 2008 (see Note 4) and additional borrowings
under the Operating Company's credit facility.
Arch Wireless, Inc. issued to four unsecured creditors, who had agreed to
purchase shares not purchased by other unsecured creditors in the rights
offering, warrants to acquire 1,225,219 shares of its common stock on or before
September 1, 2001 for $9.03 per share. The fair value of these warrants was
determined to be immaterial.
The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and the results of
MobileMedia's operations have been included in the consolidated financial
statements from the date of acquisition.
The liabilities assumed in the MobileMedia transaction, referred to above,
include an unfavorable lease accrual related to MobileMedia's rentals on
communications towers, which were in excess of market rental rates. This accrual
amounted to approximately $52.9 million and is included in other long-term
liabilities. This accrual is being amortized over the remaining lease term of
12 3/4 years. Concurrent with the consummation of the MobileMedia acquisition,
Arch developed a plan to integrate the operations of MobileMedia. The
liabilities assumed, referred to above, includes a $14.5 million restructuring
accrual to cover the costs to eliminate redundant headcount and facilities in
connection with the overall integration of operations (see Note 10).
On November 10, 2000, Arch completed its acquisition of Paging Network,
Inc. (PageNet) for $1.35 billion consisting of 89,896,907 shares of Arch
Wireless, Inc. common stock valued at $263.4 million, the assumption of
liabilities of $1.06 billion, including a deferred tax liability of $168.0
million arising in purchase accounting, and $27.6 million of transaction costs.
In the merger, each outstanding share of PageNet's common stock was exchanged
for 0.04796505 shares of Arch Wireless, Inc.'s common stock.
The merger was accompanied by a re-capitalization of Arch Wireless, Inc.
and PageNet involving the exchange of common stock for outstanding debt. Arch
Wireless, Inc. offered to exchange a total of 29,651,984 shares of its common
stock for all of its outstanding 10 7/8% senior discount notes that were
outstanding on November 7, 1999; Arch Wireless, Inc. exchanged shares of its
common stock for a significant portion of these discount notes (see Note 4).
F-10
220
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
In connection with the merger, 80.5% of the total equity of PageNet's
subsidiary, Vast Solutions, Inc. was issued to PageNet's current stockholders
and noteholders and Arch holds the remaining 19.5% of Vast's equity.
The purchase price for these acquisitions was allocated based on the fair
values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The purchase price allocation
for PageNet is preliminary as of December 31, 2000, and the Company expects it
to be finalized over the next three quarters. The acquisition was accounted for
as a purchase, and the results of PageNet's operations have been included in the
consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.
Concurrent with the consummation of the PageNet acquisition, Arch
management developed a plan to integrate the operations of PageNet. The
liabilities assumed in the PageNet transaction, referred to above, include a
$76.0 million restructuring accrual related to the costs to eliminate redundant
headcount and facilities in connection with the overall integration of
operations (see Note 10).
The following unaudited pro forma summary presents the consolidated results
of operations as if the acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of the period
presented, after giving effect to certain adjustments, including depreciation
and amortization of acquired assets and interest expense on acquisition debt.
These pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do
not purport to be indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisitions
been completed at the beginning of the period presented, or of results that may
occur in the future.
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1999 DECEMBER 31, 2000
----------------- -----------------
(UNAUDITED AND IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT
FOR PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Revenues........................................... $1,803,519 $1,475,828
Income (loss) before extraordinary item............ (429,994) (499,006)
Net income (loss).................................. (433,355) (440,403)
Basic/diluted net income (loss) per common share... (2.55) (2.90)
3. INTANGIBLE AND OTHER ASSETS
Intangible and other assets, net of accumulated amortization, are composed
of the following (in thousands):
DECEMBER 31,
----------------------
1999 2000
-------- ----------
Purchased Federal Communications Commission licenses........ $354,246 $ 451,431
Purchased subscriber lists.................................. 239,114 412,015
Goodwill.................................................... 249,010 163,027
Restricted cash............................................. -- 35,280
Deferred financing costs.................................... 19,915 24,905
Other....................................................... 5,258 14,086
-------- ----------
$867,543 $1,100,744
======== ==========
Amortization expense related to intangible and other assets totaled $120.2
million, $164.6 million and $289.1 million for the years ended December 31,
1998, 1999 and 2000, respectively.
Included in purchased Federal Communications Commissions licenses are
$175.0 million of 900 MHz SMR (Specialized Mobile Radio) licenses which are held
for sale to Nextel Communications, Inc. (see Note 12).
F-11
221
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
During the fourth quarter of 2000, the Company reviewed the remaining lives
of its intangible assets. Due to the nature of change in the traditional
messaging industry and the new technologies for two-way messaging, effective
October 1, 2000 the Company changed the remaining lives on purchased subscriber
lists, purchased Federal Communications Commission licenses and goodwill which
resulted from acquisitions prior to 2000 as follows:
BOOK VALUE AT
DECEMBER 31, ESTIMATED
INTANGIBLE ASSET CLASSIFICATION 2000 USEFUL LIFE
------------------------------- ------------- -----------
Purchased Federal Communications Commission licenses....... $276,420 24 Months
Purchased subscriber lists................................. 137,426 12 Months
Goodwill................................................... 163,027 12 Months
These changes resulted in additional amortization expense in 2000 of $103.5
million.
The purchased subscriber list, acquired in conjunction with the acquisition
of PageNet had a net book value at December 31, 2000 of $274.6 million and is
being amortized over a three year period.
Deferred financing costs incurred in connection with Arch's credit
agreements (see Note 4) are being amortized over periods not to exceed the terms
of the related agreements. As credit agreements are amended and restated,
unamortized deferred financing costs are written off as an extraordinary charge.
During 1998, a charge of $1.7 million was recognized in connection with the
closing of a new credit facility.
Other assets consist of a note receivable from Vast, contract rights,
organizational and Federal Communications Commission application and development
costs which are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated
useful lives, not exceeding ten years.
In April 1998, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the
Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Position (SOP) 98-5
"Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities". SOP 98-5 requires costs of
start-up activities and organization costs to be expensed as incurred.
Development and start up costs include nonrecurring, direct costs incurred in
the development and expansion of messaging systems. Arch adopted SOP 98-5
effective January 1, 1999. Initial application of SOP 98-5 resulted in a $3.4
million charge, which was reported as the cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principle. This charge represents the unamortized portion of start-up
and organization costs, which had been deferred in prior years.
N-PCS Investments -- In connection with Arch's May 1996 acquisition of
Westlink Holdings, Inc., Arch acquired Westlink's 49.9% share of the capital
stock of Benbow PCS Ventures, Inc. Benbow holds exclusive rights to a 50kHz
outbound/12.5kHz inbound narrowband PCS license in each of the five regions of
the United States. Arch's investment in Benbow was accounted for under the
equity method whereby Arch's share of Benbow's losses, since the acquisition
date of Westlink, are recognized in Arch's accompanying consolidated statements
of operations under the caption equity in loss of affiliate.
In June 1999, Arch, Benbow and Benbow's controlling stockholder, agreed
that:
- the shareholders agreement, the management agreement and the employment
agreement governing the establishment and operation of Benbow would be
terminated;
- Benbow would not make any further Federal Communications Commission
payments and would not pursue construction of a narrowband PCS system;
- Arch would not be obligated to fund Federal Communications Commission
payments or construction of a narrowband PCS system by Benbow;
F-12
222
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
- the parties would seek Federal Communications Commission approval of the
forgiveness of Benbow's remaining payment obligations and the transfer of
the controlling stockholder's equity interest in Benbow to Arch;
- the closing of the transaction would occur on the earlier of January 23,
2001 or receipt of Federal Communications Commission approval;
- Arch would pay the controlling stockholder, in installments, an aggregate
amount of $3.5 million if the transaction closes before January 23, 2001
or $3.8 million if the transaction closes on January 23, 2001.
As a result of these arrangements, Benbow does not have any meaningful
business operations and is unlikely to retain its narrowband PCS licenses.
Therefore, Arch wrote off substantially all of its investment in Benbow in the
amount of $8.2 million in June 1999. Arch accrued the payment to the controlling
stockholder of $3.8 million and legal and other expenses of approximately $1.0
million, which are included in accrued expenses. In addition, Arch guaranteed
Benbow's obligations in conjunction with Benbow's June 1998 purchase of the
stock of PageCall. Since Benbow was unable to meet these obligations and Arch
Wireless, Inc. was required to settle the obligation in its stock, Arch
Wireless, Inc. recorded the issuance of $22.8 million of its common stock in
additional paid-in capital and as a charge to operations in June 1999, to
satisfy the obligation. In April 2000, Arch Wireless, Inc. issued the stock to
the shareholders of PageCall.
On November 8, 1994, CONXUS Communications, Inc. was successful in
acquiring the rights to an interactive messaging license in five designated
regions in the United States from the Federal Communications Commission
narrowband wireless spectrum auction. On May 18, 1999, CONXUS filed for Chapter
11 protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware, which case was converted
to a case under Chapter 7 on August 17, 1999. In June 1999, Arch wrote-off its
$6.5 million investment in CONXUS. On November 3, 1999, in order to document its
disposition of any interest it has, if any, in CONXUS, Arch offered to transfer
to CONXUS its shares in CONXUS for no consideration. The Chapter 7 trustee
accepted this offer on December 9, 1999.
All of the above charges, totaling $42.3 million, are included in other
expense in 1999 in the accompanying statement of operations.
F-13
223
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
4. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------------------------------
1999 2000
---------------------------- ----------------------------
CARRYING VALUE FAIR VALUE CARRYING VALUE FAIR VALUE
-------------- ---------- -------------- ----------
Senior Bank Debt................ $ 438,940 $438,940 $1,135,113 $1,070,757
Canadian Bank Debt.............. -- -- 63,355 63,355
10 7/8% Senior Discount Notes
due 2008...................... 393,917 173,323 160,272 40,068
9 1/2% Senior Notes due 2004 ... 125,000 95,000 125,000 85,000
14% Senior Notes due 2004 ...... 100,000 83,000 100,000 75,000
12 3/4% Senior Notes due
2007 ......................... 127,887 101,030 128,168 46,140
13 3/4% Senior Notes due
2008 ......................... 140,365 113,685 141,167 50,820
Other........................... 4,459 1,812 3,485 2,539
---------- ----------
1,330,568 1,856,560
Less -- Current maturities.... 8,060 177,341
---------- ----------
Long-term debt................ $1,322,508 $1,679,219
========== ==========
Arch's debt financing primarily consists of senior bank debt and fixed rate
senior notes. Arch's senior bank debt trades on a limited basis, therefore the
fair value at December 31, 2000 was determined with reference to market quotes.
Arch considers the fair value of the Canadian bank debt to be equal to the
carrying value since the related facilities bear a current market rate of
interest. Arch's fixed rate senior notes are traded publicly. The fair values of
the fixed rate senior notes were based on current market quotes as of December
31, 1999 and 2000.
Senior Bank Debt -- The Company, through its operating subsidiary, Arch
Wireless Holdings, Inc. (the Operating Company) has a senior credit facility in
the current amount of $1,298.8 million consisting of (i) a $157.5 million
tranche A reducing revolving facility, (ii) a $95.0 million tranche B term loan,
(iii) a $746.4 million tranche B-1 term loan which is recorded net of $159.7
million discount at December 31, 2000, and (iv) a $299.9 million tranche C term
loan.
The tranche A facility began reducing on a quarterly basis on September 30,
2000 and will mature on June 30, 2005. The tranche B term loan began amortizing
in quarterly installments on September 30, 2000, with an ultimate maturity date
of June 30, 2005. The tranche B-1 term loan will be amortized in quarterly
installments commencing March 31, 2001, with an ultimate maturity date of June
30, 2006. The tranche C term loan began amortizing in annual installments on
December 31, 1999, with an ultimate maturity date of June 30, 2006. In addition
to these scheduled reductions and repayments, the Operating Company is required
to repay $110 million of senior bank debt no later than November 10, 2001, with
such amount being applied on a pro rata basis to the tranche B, tranche B-1 and
tranche C term loans.
The Operating Company's obligations under the senior credit facility are
secured by its pledge of its interests in certain of its operating subsidiaries.
The senior credit facility is guaranteed by Arch Wireless, Inc. and certain of
its operating subsidiaries. Arch Wireless, Inc.'s guarantee is secured by a
pledge of its stock and notes in its wholly-owned subsidiary Arch Wireless
Communications, Inc. (the Intermediate Holding Company), and the guarantees of
the operating subsidiaries are secured by a security interest in certain assets
of those operating subsidiaries.
Borrowings under the senior credit facility bear interest based on a
reference rate equal to either the agent bank's alternate base rate or LIBOR, in
each case plus a margin (3.375% on tranche A, tranche B
F-14
224
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
and tranche B-1 and 6.875% on tranche C at December 31, 2000) based on specified
ratios of debt to annualized earnings before interest, income taxes,
depreciation and amortization.
The senior credit facility requires payment of fees on the daily average
amount available to be borrowed under the tranche A facility. These fees vary
depending on specified ratios of total debt to annualized earnings before
interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization.
The senior credit facility requires that at least 50% of total Intermediate
Holding Company consolidated debt, including outstanding borrowings under the
senior credit facility, be subject to a fixed interest rate or interest rate
protection agreements. Entering into interest rate protection agreements
involves both the credit risk of dealing with counterparties and their ability
to meet the terms of the contracts and interest rate risk. In the event of
nonperformance by the counterparty to these interest rate protection agreements,
Arch would be subject to the prevailing interest rates specified in the senior
credit facility.
Arch had off-balance-sheet interest rate protection agreements consisting
of an interest rate cap with a notional amount of $10.0 million, at December 31,
1999 and interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $400.0 million
at December 31, 2000. The cost to terminate the outstanding interest rate cap
and interest rate swaps at December 31, 1999 and 2000 would have been $4.5
million and $9.1 million, respectively.
Under the interest rate swap agreements, the Company will pay the
difference between LIBOR and the fixed swap rate if the swap rate exceeds LIBOR,
and the Company will receive the difference between LIBOR and the fixed swap
rate if LIBOR exceeds the swap rate. Settlement occurs on the quarterly reset
dates specified by the terms of the contracts. No interest rate swaps on the
senior credit facility were outstanding at December 31, 1999. At December 31,
2000, the Company had a net payable of $501 thousand, on the interest rate
swaps.
The senior credit facility contains restrictions that limit, among other
things, Arch's operating subsidiaries' ability to:
- declare dividends or redeem or repurchase capital stock;
- prepay, redeem or purchase debt;
- incur liens and engage in sale/leaseback transactions;
- make loans and investments;
- incur indebtedness and contingent obligations;
- amend or otherwise alter debt instruments and other material agreements;
- engage in mergers, consolidations, acquisitions and asset sales;
- alter its lines of business or accounting methods.
In addition, the senior credit facility requires Arch and its subsidiaries
to meet certain financial covenants, including ratios of earnings before
interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization to fixed charges, earnings
before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization to debt service,
earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization to
interest service and total indebtedness to earnings before interest, income
taxes, depreciation and amortization. As of December 31, 2000, Arch and its
operating subsidiaries were in compliance with the covenants of the senior
credit facility.
As of December 31, 2000, $1,294.8 million was outstanding and $4.0 million
was available under the senior credit facility. At December 31, 2000, such
advances bore interest at an average annual rate of 9.73%.
F-15
225
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Canadian Bank Debt -- The Company, through its Canadian operating
subsidiary, Paging Network Canada Holdings, Inc., has two credit agreements
which provide for total borrowings of approximately $72.8 million. As of
December 31, 2000, approximately $63.4 million of borrowings were outstanding
under these credit facilities. Additional borrowings are available under these
facilities, provided that minimum collateral requirements and certain financial
conditions are met. Maximum borrowing that may be outstanding under the credit
facilities are permanently reduced beginning on March 31, 2002, by the following
amounts: 2002 -- $0.7 million; 2003 -- $4.0 million and 2004 -- $58.7 million.
Both credit agreements expire on December 31, 2004. Borrowings under the
agreements bear interest based on the agent bank's prime rate plus a margin
based on specified ratios of debt to annualized earnings before interest, income
taxes, depreciation and amortization.
The two Canadian credit agreements are secured by $35.3 million of cash
collateral which is included in other assets and a general security interest in
all the assets of the Canadian subsidiary. Any liabilities of the Canadian
subsidiary, including borrowings under its two credit agreements, have no
recourse to Arch or any of its other assets.
Senior Notes -- Interest on Arch's 10 7/8% senior discount notes due 2008
does not accrue prior to March 15, 2001. Commencing September 15, 2001, interest
on the senior discount notes is payable semi-annually at an annual rate of
10 7/8%. The maturity value of the senior discount notes outstanding at December
31, 2000 was $164.2 million.
Interest on the Intermediate Holding Company's 13 3/4% senior notes due
2008, 12 3/4% senior notes due 2007, 14% senior notes due 2004 and 9 1/2% senior
notes due 2004 (collectively, the "Senior Notes") is payable semiannually. The
senior discount notes and Senior Notes contain certain restrictive and financial
covenants, which, among other things, limit the ability of Arch or Intermediate
Holding Company to:
- incur additional indebtedness;
- pay dividends;
- grant liens on its assets;
- sell assets;
- enter into transactions with related parties;
- merge, consolidate or transfer substantially all of its assets;
- redeem capital stock or subordinated debt;
- make certain investments.
The Senior Notes are generally unsecured, however, the 9 1/2% Notes and 14%
Notes are secured on a pari passu basis with the lenders under the senior credit
facility in the assets of certain subsidiaries of the Operating Company.
During 1998, the Intermediate Holding Company entered into interest rate
swap agreements in connection with the Intermediate Holding Company's 14% notes.
Under the interest rate swap agreements, Arch effectively reduced the interest
rate on the Intermediate Holding Company's 14% notes from 14% to the fixed swap
rate of 9.45%. As of December 31, 1999, one of these interest rate swap
agreements remained outstanding with a notional amount of $107 million. In
December 2000, the Company restructured the $107 million interest rate swap.
Under the terms of the restructured interest rate swap between the Operating
Company and the counterparty, the notional amount was increased to $350 million
and the fixed swap rate was reduced to 7.1% (see Senior Bank Debt). In the event
of nonperformance by the counterparty to these interest rate protection
agreements, Arch would be subject to the 14% interest rate specified on the
notes. As of December 31, 2000, Arch had received $5.2 million in excess of the
F-16
226
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
amounts paid under the swap agreements, which is included in other long-term
liabilities in the accompanying balance sheet.
Convertible Subordinated Debentures --At December 31, 2000, $946,000 of
Arch Wireless, Inc. convertible subordinated debentures were outstanding and
included in long-term debt. The debentures are convertible at their principal
amount into shares of Arch Wireless, Inc. common stock at any time prior to
redemption or maturity at an initial conversion price of $50.25 per share,
subject to adjustment, and bear interest at a rate of 6 3/4% per annum, payable
semiannually on June 1 and December 1.
Debt Exchanged for Equity -- In October 1999, Arch Wireless, Inc. completed
transactions with four bondholders in which it issued an aggregate of 3,136,665
shares of its common stock and warrants to purchase 540,487 shares of its common
stock for $9.03 per share in exchange for $25.2 million accreted value of debt
securities. Under two of the exchange agreements, Arch Wireless, Inc. issued
809,545 shares of its common stock and warrants to purchase 540,487 shares of
its common stock for $9.03 per share in exchange for $8.9 million principal
amount of its convertible debentures. Arch recorded $2.9 million of non-cash
interest expense in conjunction with these transactions. Under the remaining
exchange agreements, Arch Wireless, Inc. issued 2,327,120 shares of its common
stock in exchange for $16.3 million accreted value ($19.0 million maturity
value) of its senior discount notes. Arch recorded an extraordinary gain of $7.0
million on the early extinguishment of debt as a result of these transactions.
In 2000, Arch Wireless, Inc. issued 285,973 shares of its common stock in
exchange for $3.5 million principal amount of its convertible debentures. Arch
Wireless, Inc. also issued 12,182,659 shares of its common stock in exchange for
$165.3 million accreted value ($184.2 million maturity value) of its senior
discount notes. Arch recorded an extraordinary gain of $14.2 million on the
early extinguishment of debt as a result of these transactions.
On May 10, 2000, Arch announced it had completed an agreement with
Resurgence Asset Management L.L.C. for the exchange of $91.1 million accreted
value ($100.0 million maturity value) of senior discount notes held by various
Resurgence entities for 1,000,000 shares of a new class of Arch Wireless, Inc.'s
preferred stock called Series D preferred stock. The Series D preferred stock
was converted into an aggregate of 6,613,180 shares of common stock upon
completion of Arch's merger with PageNet.
Arch recorded an extraordinary gain of $44.4 million on the early
extinguishment of debt as a result of this transaction based on the difference
between the carrying value of the exchanged debt, including deferred financing
fees, and the fair value of the preferred stock issued. Arch recorded $4.2
million of accretion on this preferred stock prior to its conversion to common
stock on November 10, 2000.
Maturities of Debt -- Scheduled long-term debt maturities at December 31,
2000 are as follows (in thousands):
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,
------------------------
2001........................................................ $ 177,341
2002........................................................ 154,433
2003........................................................ 196,174
2004........................................................ 495,784
2005........................................................ 201,867
Thereafter.................................................. 790,678
----------
2,016,277
Less -- Discount on assumed bank debt....................... 159,717
----------
$1,856,560
==========
F-17
227
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
In February 2001, Arch used a portion of the proceeds received in the
Nextel transaction (see Note 12) to voluntarily prepay $175.2 million of
amortization scheduled to occur under its senior credit facility during 2001.
Following this transaction, amounts outstanding under the senior credit facility
totaled $1,119.6 million and consisted of (i) a $122.5 million tranche A
reducing revolving facility, (ii) a $64.1 million tranche B term loan, (iii) a
$662.7 million tranche B-1 term loan, and (iv) a 270.3 million tranche C term
loan. Mandatory reductions of the tranche A facility and amortization of the
tranche B, tranche B-1 and tranche C term loans will commence on March 31, 2002
in accordance with the terms of the senior credit facility.
5. REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Redeemable Series C Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock -- On June 29,
1998, two partnerships managed by Sandler Capital Management Company, Inc., an
investment management firm, together with certain other private investors, made
an equity investment in Arch of $25.0 million in the form of Series C
Convertible Preferred Stock of Arch Wireless, Inc. The Series C Preferred Stock:
(i) is convertible into Arch Wireless, Inc. common stock at a conversion price
of $16.38 per share, subject to certain adjustments; (ii) bears dividends at an
annual rate of 8.0%, (A) payable quarterly in cash or, at Arch's option, through
the issuance of shares of Arch Wireless, Inc. common stock valued at 95% of the
then prevailing market price or (B) if not paid quarterly, accumulating and
payable upon redemption or conversion of the Series C Preferred Stock or
liquidation of Arch; (iii) permits the holders after seven years to require
Arch, at Arch's option, to redeem the Series C Preferred Stock for cash or
convert such shares into Arch Wireless, Inc. common stock valued at 95% of the
then prevailing market price of Arch Wireless, Inc. common stock, so long as the
common stock remains listed on a national securities exchange; (iv) is subject
to redemption for cash or conversion into Arch Wireless, Inc. common stock at
Arch's option in certain circumstances; (v) in the event of a "Change of
Control" as defined in the indenture governing the senior discount notes,
requires Arch, at its option, to redeem the Series C Preferred Stock for cash or
convert such shares into Arch Wireless, Inc. common stock valued at 95% of the
then prevailing market price of Arch Wireless, Inc. common stock, with such cash
redemption or conversion being at a price equal to 105% of the sum of the
original purchase price plus accumulated dividends; (vi) limits certain mergers
or asset sales by Arch; (vii) so long as at least 50% of the Series C Preferred
Stock remains outstanding, limits the incurrence of indebtedness and "restricted
payments" in the same manner as contained in the senior discount notes
indenture; and (viii) has certain voting and preemptive rights. Upon an event of
redemption or conversion, Arch currently intends to convert such Series C
Preferred Stock into shares of common stock.
Class B Common Stock -- Shares of Arch Wireless, Inc. Class B common stock
are identical in all respects to shares of Arch Wireless, Inc. common stock,
except that a holder of Class B common stock is not entitled to vote in the
election of directors and is entitled to 1/100th vote per share on all other
matters voted on by Arch Wireless, Inc. stockholders. Shares of class B common
stock will automatically convert into an identical number of shares of common
stock upon transfer of Class B common shares to any person or entity, other than
any person or entity that received shares of Class B common stock in the initial
distribution of those shares or any affiliate of such person or entity. During
1999 and 2000, 1,392,097 and 1,976,219 shares of Class B common stock were
converted to common stock.
Warrants -- In connection with the acquisition of MobileMedia and certain
debt for equity exchanges previously discussed, Arch issued approximately 50.0
million warrants to purchase Arch Wireless, Inc. common stock. Each warrant
represents the right to purchase one-third of one share of Arch Wireless, Inc.
common stock at an exercise price of $3.01 ($9.03 per share). The warrants
expire on September 1, 2001.
Stock Options -- Arch Wireless, Inc. has stock option plans, which provide
for the grant of incentive and nonqualified stock options to key employees,
directors and consultants to purchase Arch Wireless, Inc. common
F-18
228
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
stock. Incentive stock options are granted at exercise prices not less than the
fair market value on the date of grant. Options generally vest over a five-year
period from the date of grant. However, in certain circumstances, options may be
immediately exercisable in full. Options generally have a duration of 10 years.
The plans provide for the granting of options to purchase a total of 9,131,865
shares of common stock.
As a result of the PageNet merger, each outstanding option to purchase
PageNet common stock became fully exercisable and vested and was converted into
an option to purchase the same number of shares of Arch Wireless, Inc. common
stock that the holder of the option would have received in the merger if the
holder had exercised the option immediately prior to the merger.
On December 16, 1997, the Compensation Committee of the board of directors
of Arch authorized the Company to offer an election to its employees who had
outstanding options at a price greater than $15.19 to cancel such options and
accept new options at a lower price. In January 1998, as a result of this
election by certain of its employees, the Company canceled 361,072 options with
exercise prices ranging from $17.82 to $61.88 and granted the same number of new
options with an exercise price of $15.19 per share, the fair market value of the
stock on December 16, 1997.
The following table summarizes the activity under Arch's stock option plans
for the periods presented:
WEIGHTED
NUMBER AVERAGE
OF EXERCISE
OPTIONS PRICE
--------- --------
Options outstanding at December 31, 1997.................... 453,643 $ 29.22
Granted................................................... 656,096 14.27
Exercised................................................. (31,344) 9.38
Terminated................................................ (429,627) 28.54
--------- -------
Options outstanding at December 31, 1998.................... 648,768 15.51
Granted................................................... 1,295,666 7.80
Exercised................................................. -- --
Terminated................................................ (109,672) 13.89
--------- -------
Options outstanding at December 31, 1999.................... 1,834,762 10.16
Granted................................................... 6,147,950 4.07
Assumed in merger......................................... 410,183 161.63
Exercised................................................. -- --
Terminated................................................ (445,903) 17.46
--------- -------
Options outstanding at December 31, 2000.................... 7,946,992 12.86
========= =======
Options exercisable at December 31, 2000.................... 976,576 $ 70.83
========= =======
F-19
229
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The following table summarizes the options outstanding and options
exercisable by price range at December 31, 2000:
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
REMAINING AVERAGE AVERAGE
OPTIONS CONTRACTUAL EXERCISE OPTIONS EXERCISE
RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICES OUTSTANDING LIFE PRICE EXERCISABLE PRICE
------------------------ ----------- ----------- -------- ----------- --------
$ 0.97-$ 0.97 2,393,000 9.95 $ 0.97 -- $ --
2.47- 6.06 3,561,050 9.36 6.05 38,000 4.70
6.09- 15.19 1,576,026 8.03 9.71 524,049 11.44
17.12- 127.70 165,814 7.95 59.87 163,425 60.46
127.70- 322.18 251,102 6.65 211.55 251,102 211.55
--------------- --------- ---- ------- ------- -------
$ 0.97-$322.18 7,946,992 9.16 $ 12.86 976,576 $ 70.83
=============== ========= ==== ======= ======= =======
Employee Stock Purchase Plans -- The Company's employee stock purchase
plans allow eligible employees the right to purchase common stock, through
payroll deductions not exceeding 10% of their compensation, at the lower of 85%
of the market price at the beginning or the end of each six-month offering
period. During 1998, 1999 and 2000, 85,996, 34,217 and 459,133 shares were
issued at an average price per share of $6.39, $5.60 and $1.25, respectively. At
December 31, 2000, 6,650 shares are available for future issuance.
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation -- Arch accounts for its stock
option and stock purchase plans under APB Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees". Since all options have been issued at a grant price equal
to fair market value, no compensation cost has been recognized in the statements
of operations. Had compensation cost for these plans been determined consistent
with SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", Arch's net income
(loss) and income (loss) per share would have been increased to the following
pro forma amounts:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
------------ ------------ ------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Net income (loss): As reported $(206,051) $(285,586) $(309,780)
Pro forma (208,065) (288,070) (315,234)
Basic net income (loss) per common share: As reported (29.59) (9.10) (4.10)
Pro forma (29.88) (9.18) (4.17)
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using
the Black-Scholes option pricing model. In computing these pro forma amounts,
Arch has assumed risk-free interest rates of 4.5%-6%, an expected life of 5
years, an expected dividend yield of zero and an expected volatility of 50%-93%.
The weighted average fair values (computed consistent with SFAS No. 123) of
options granted under all plans in 1998, 1999 and 2000 were $8.34, $5.56 and
$3.01, respectively. The weighted average fair value of shares sold under the
employee stock purchase plans in 1998, 1999 and 2000 was $5.64, $3.13 and $2.72,
respectively.
Deferred Compensation Plan for Nonemployee Directors -- Under the deferred
compensation plan for nonemployee directors, outside directors may elect to
defer, for a specified period of time, receipt of some or all of the annual and
meeting fees which would otherwise be payable for service as a director. A
portion of the deferred compensation may be converted into phantom stock units,
at the election of the director. The number of phantom stock units granted
equals the amount of compensation to be deferred as phantom stock divided by the
fair value of Arch Wireless, Inc. common stock on the date the compensation
would have otherwise been paid. At the end of the deferral period, the phantom
stock units
F-20
230
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
will be converted to cash based on the fair market value of Arch Wireless, Inc.
common stock on the date of distribution. Deferred compensation is expensed when
earned. Changes in the value of the phantom stock units are recorded as
income/expense based on the fair market value of Arch Wireless, Inc. common
stock.
Stockholders Rights Plan -- In October 1995, Arch's board of directors
adopted a stockholders rights plan and declared a dividend of one preferred
stock purchase right for each outstanding share of common stock to stockholders
of record at the close of business on October 25, 1995. Each Right entitles the
registered holder to purchase from Arch one one-thousandth of a share of Series
B Junior Participating Preferred Stock, at a cash purchase price of $150,
subject to adjustment. Pursuant to the Plan, the Rights automatically attach to
and trade together with each share of common stock. The Rights will not be
exercisable or transferable separately from the shares of common stock to which
they are attached until the occurrence of certain events. The Rights will expire
on October 25, 2005, unless earlier redeemed or exchanged by Arch in accordance
with the Plan.
6. INCOME TAXES
Arch accounts for income taxes under the provisions of SFAS No. 109
"Accounting for Income Taxes". Deferred tax assets and liabilities are
determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases
of assets and liabilities, given the provisions of enacted laws.
The components of the net deferred tax asset (liability) recognized in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 1999 and 2000 are as
follows (in thousands):
1999 2000
--------- ---------
Deferred tax assets......................................... $ 312,527 $ 275,211
Deferred tax liabilities.................................... (41,617) (132,884)
--------- ---------
270,910 142,327
Valuation allowance......................................... (270,910) (264,321)
--------- ---------
$ -- $(121,994)
========= =========
The approximate effect of each type of temporary difference and
carryforward at December 31, 1999 and 2000 is summarized as follows (in
thousands):
1999 2000
--------- ---------
Net operating losses........................................ $ 174,588 $ 231,795
Intangibles and other assets................................ 36,029 (45,902)
Depreciation of property and equipment...................... 42,703 (53,405)
Accruals and reserves....................................... 17,590 9,839
--------- ---------
270,910 142,327
Valuation allowance......................................... (270,910) (264,321)
--------- ---------
$ -- $(121,994)
========= =========
The effective income tax rate differs from the statutory federal tax rate
primarily due to the nondeductibility of goodwill amortization and the inability
to recognize the benefit of current net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards. The
NOL carryforwards expire at various dates through 2015. The Internal Revenue
Code contains provisions that may limit the NOL carryforwards available to be
used in any given year if certain events occur, including significant changes in
ownership, as defined. The Company has experienced such changes in ownership and
as a result the utilization of net operation losses in any one year are
significantly limited for income tax purposes.
F-21
231
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The Company has established a valuation reserve against its net deferred
tax asset until it becomes more likely than not that this asset will be realized
in the foreseeable future. A portion of the valuation allowance at December 31,
2000, will be recorded against goodwill when and if realized.
7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Arch, from time to time is involved in lawsuits arising in the normal
course of business. Arch believes that its pending lawsuits will not have a
material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations.
Arch has operating leases for office and transmitting sites with lease
terms ranging from one month to approximately fifty years. In most cases, Arch
expects that, in the normal course of business, leases will be renewed or
replaced by other leases.
Future minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases at
December 31, 2000 are as follows (in thousands):
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,
------------------------
2001........................................................ $ 83,477
2002........................................................ 65,831
2003........................................................ 50,497
2004........................................................ 36,726
2005........................................................ 27,618
Thereafter.................................................. 124,472
--------
Total............................................. $388,621
========
Total rent expense under operating leases for the years ended December 31,
1998, 1999 and 2000 approximated $19.6 million, $48.3 million and $81.2 million,
respectively.
8. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Retirement Savings Plans -- Arch has retirement savings plans, qualifying
under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code covering eligible employees,
as defined. Under the plans, a participant may elect to defer receipt of a
stated percentage of the compensation which would otherwise be payable to the
participant for any plan year (the deferred amount) provided, however, that the
deferred amount shall not exceed the maximum amount permitted under Section
401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The plans provide for employer matching
contributions. Matching contributions for the years ended December 31, 1998,
1999 and 2000 approximated $278,000, $960,000 and $1.2 million, respectively.
9. LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
During 1998 and 1999, Arch sold communications towers, real estate, site
management contracts and/or leasehold interests involving 133 sites in 22 states
and leased space on the towers on which it currently operates communications
equipment to service its own messaging network. Net proceeds from the sales were
approximately $33.4 million, Arch used the net proceeds to repay indebtedness
under its credit facility.
Arch entered into options to repurchase each site and until this continuing
involvement ends the gain on the sale of the tower sites is deferred and
included in other long-term liabilities. At December 31, 2000, approximately
$20.2 million of the gain is deferred and approximately $1.9 million, $1.9
million and $2.0 million of this gain has been recognized in the statement of
operations and is included in operating income for each of the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000, respectively.
F-22
232
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Also included in other long-term liabilities is an unfavorable lease
accrual related to MobileMedia's rentals on communications towers which were in
excess of market rental rates (see Note 2). At December 31, 2000, the remaining
balance of this accrual was approximately $49.1 million. This accrual is being
amortized over the term of the leases with approximately 12 3/4 years remaining
at December 31, 2000.
10. RESTRUCTURING RESERVES
Divisional reorganization -- In June 1998, Arch's board of directors
approved a reorganization of Arch's operations. This reorganization consisted of
the consolidation of certain regional administrative support functions, such as
customer service, collections, inventory and billing, to reduce redundancy and
take advantage of various operating efficiencies. Arch recognized a
restructuring charge of $14.7 million in 1998 related to the divisional
reorganization.
In conjunction with the completion of the MobileMedia merger in June 1999,
the timing and implementation of the divisional reorganization was reviewed by
Arch management in the context of the combined company integration plan.
Pursuant to this review, the Company identified certain of its facilities and
network leases that would not be utilized following the MobileMedia integration,
resulting in an additional charge of $2.6 million. This charge was offset by
$4.8 million of reductions to previously provided severance and other costs in
conjunction with the divisional reorganization.
During the third quarter of 1999, Arch's board of directors approved an
integration plan to eliminate redundant headcount, facilities and tower sites of
MobileMedia in connection with the completion of the MobileMedia acquisition.
The plan anticipated a net reduction of approximately 10% of MobileMedia's
workforce and the closing of certain facilities and tower sites, which resulted
in the establishment a $14.5 million acquisition reserve which was included in
the MobileMedia purchase price allocation. The initial acquisition reserve
consisted of approximately (i) $6.1 million for employee severance, (ii) $7.9
million for lease obligations and terminations and (iii) $0.5 million of other
costs.
During 2000, Arch completed the actions under the divisional reorganization
and the MobileMedia integration plans. Arch reevaluated the reserves and
determined that each of the reserve balances were adequate to cover the
remaining cash payments which consist primarily of lease costs.
On November 10, 2000, Arch completed its acquisition of PageNet and
management commenced the development of plans to integrate its operations. In
conjunction with the integration plans, the Company has identified redundant
headcount and certain of its facilities that would not be utilized following the
PageNet integration resulting in an additional charge of $5.4 million.
The provision for lease obligations and terminations relates primarily to
future lease commitments on local, regional and divisional office facilities
that will be closed as part of this reorganization. The charge represents future
lease obligations on such leases past the dates the offices will be closed, or
for certain leases, the cost of terminating the leases prior to their scheduled
expiration. Cash payments on the leases and lease terminations will occur over
the remaining lease terms, the majority of which expire prior to 2003.
Through the elimination of certain local and regional administrative
operations, the consolidation of certain support functions and the integration
of MobileMedia and PageNet operations, the Company will eliminate approximately
1,100 net positions formerly held by Arch and MobileMedia personnel. The
majority of the positions, which have been or will be eliminated are related to
management, administrative, customer service, collections, inventory and billing
functions. As of December 31, 1999 and 2000, 588 and 951 employees,
respectively, had been terminated due to the divisional reorganization and the
MobileMedia and PageNet integrations. The remaining severance and benefits costs
will be paid during 2001.
F-23
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ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The Company's restructuring activity as of December 31, 2000 is as follows
(in thousands):
BALANCE AT PAGENET-
DECEMBER 31, RELATED AMOUNTS REMAINING
1999 PROVISION PAID RESERVE
------------ --------- ------- ---------
Severance costs.......................... $ 3,708 $1,725 $2,476 $ 2,957
Lease obligation costs................... 13,026 3,700 5,950 10,776
Other costs.............................. 377 -- 215 162
------- ------ ------ -------
Total.......................... $17,111 $5,425 $8,641 $13,895
======= ====== ====== =======
PageNet Acquisition Reserve -- On November 10, 2000, Arch completed its
acquisition of PageNet and commenced the development of plans to integrate its
operations. During the fourth quarter of 2000, Arch identified redundant PageNet
headcount and facilities in connection with the overall integration of
operations. It is expected that the integration activity relating to the PageNet
merger, will be completed by December 31, 2001.
In connection with the PageNet acquisition, Arch anticipates a net
reduction of approximately 50% of PageNet's workforce and the closing of certain
facilities and tower sites. This resulted in the establishment a $76 million
acquisition reserve which is included as part of the PageNet purchase price
allocation. The initial acquisition reserve consisted of approximately (i) $66.1
million for employee severance, (ii) $9.4 million for lease obligations and
terminations and (iii) $0.5 million of other costs.
The provision for lease obligations and terminations relates primarily to
future lease commitments on local, regional and divisional office facilities
that will be closed as part of this reorganization. The charge represents future
lease obligations on such leases past the dates the offices will be closed, or
for certain leases, the cost of terminating the leases prior to their scheduled
expiration. Cash payments on the leases and lease terminations will occur over
the remaining lease terms, the majority of which expire prior to 2005.
Through the elimination of redundant management, administrative, customer
service, collections, finance and inventory functions, the Company will
eliminate approximately 2,000 positions. As of December 31, 2000, 302 former
PageNet employees had been terminated.
The PageNet acquisition reserve activity as of December 31, 2000 was as
follows (in thousands):
RESERVE INITIALLY AMOUNTS REMAINING
ESTABLISHED PAID RESERVE
----------------- ------------ ---------
Severance costs.............................. $66,100 $29,333 $36,767
Lease obligation costs....................... 9,400 136 9,264
Other costs.................................. 500 -- 500
------- ------- -------
Total.............................. $76,000 $29,469 $46,531
======= ======= =======
11. SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company has determined that it has three reportable segments;
traditional paging operations, two-way messaging operations and international
operations. Management makes operating decisions and assesses individual
performances based on the performance of these segments. The traditional paging
operations consist of the provision of paging and other one-way wireless
messaging services to Arch's U.S. customers. Two-way messaging operations
consist of the provision of two-way wireless messaging services to Arch's U.S.
customers. International operations consist of the operations of the Company's
Canadian subsidiary.
F-24
234
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Each of these segments incur, and are charged, direct costs associated with
their separate operations. Common costs shared by the traditional paging and
two-way messaging operations are allocated based on the estimated utilization of
resources using various factors that attempt to mirror the true economic cost of
operating each segment.
The Company did not begin to market and sell its two-way messaging products
on a commercial scale until August 2000. The Company's Canadian subsidiary was
acquired in November 2000 in the PageNet acquisition. Prior to 2000,
substantially all of the Company's operations were traditional paging
operations. The following table presents segment financial information related
to the Company's segments as of and for the year ended December 31, 2000 (in
thousands):
TRADITIONAL PAGING TWO-WAY MESSAGING INTERNATIONAL
OPERATIONS OPERATIONS OPERATIONS CONSOLIDATED
------------------ ----------------- ------------- ------------
Revenues................. $ 838,425 $ 9,383 $ 3,274 $ 851,082
Depreciation and
amortization expense... 488,048 9,459 3,324 500,831
Operating income
(loss)................. (216,591) (25,709) (2,837) (245,137)
Adjusted EBITDA(1)....... 276,882 (16,250) 487 261,119
Total assets............. 1,981,156 265,137 63,316 2,309,609
Capital expenditures..... 111,047 28,115 1,123 140,285
---------------
(1) Adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and
amortization, as determined by Arch, does not reflect interest, income
taxes, depreciation and amortization, restructuring charges, equity in loss
of affiliate and extraordinary items; consequently adjusted earnings before
interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization may not necessarily be
comparable to similarly titled data of other wireless messaging companies.
Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization should
not be construed as an alternative to operating income or cash flows from
operating activities as determined in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles or as a measure of liquidity. Amounts reflected as
earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization or
adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and
amortization are not necessarily available for discretionary use as a result
of restrictions imposed by the terms of existing indebtedness or limitations
imposed by applicable law upon the payment of dividends or distributions
among other things.
12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Nextel Agreement -- In January 2001, Arch agreed to sell its 900 MHz SMR
(Specialized Mobile Radio) licenses to Nextel Communications, Inc. Nextel will
acquire the licenses for an aggregate purchase price of $175 million, and invest
$75 million in a new equity issue, Arch Series F 12% Redeemable Cumulative
Junior Preferred Stock. In February 2001, Nextel advanced $250 million in the
form of loans to a newly created, stand-alone Arch subsidiary that will hold the
spectrum licenses until the transfers are approved. The new Arch subsidiary will
not be permitted to engage in any business other than ownership and maintenance
of the spectrum licenses and will not have any liability or obligation with
respect to any of the debt obligations of Arch and its subsidiaries. Upon
transfer of the spectrum licenses to Nextel, the loan obligations will be
satisfied and $75 million of the loans will be converted into Arch series F 12%
Redeemable Cumulative Junior Preferred Stock. Arch acquired the SMR licenses as
part of its acquisition of PageNet in November 2000. In purchase accounting the
licenses were recorded at their fair value of $175.0 million therefore no gains
or losses resulting from changes in the carrying amounts of assets to be
disposed of are included in Arch's statement of operations. No amortization has
been recorded on the licenses. Revenues and operating expenses related to the
SMR operation included in the statement of operations are immaterial.
F-25
235
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Debt Exchanged for Equity -- In the first quarter of 2001, Arch Wireless,
Inc. issued 8,793,350 shares of its common stock in exchange for $26.3 million
accreted value ($26.5 million maturity value) of its senior discount notes. Arch
will record an extraordinary gain of approximately $15.3 million on the early
extinguishment of debt as a result of these transactions.
13. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
Quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 1999 and
2000 is summarized below (in thousands, except per share amounts):
FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999: QUARTER QUARTER(1) QUARTER QUARTER
----------------------------- -------- ---------- -------- ----------
Revenues.............................. $100,888 $ 133,493 $206,189 $ 201,254
Operating income (loss)............... (16,086) (34,546) (27,075) (20,032)
Income (loss) before extraordinary
item and accounting change.......... (45,763) (110,728) (67,739) (64,958)
Extraordinary gain(2)................. -- -- -- 6,963
Cumulative effect of accounting
change.............................. (3,361) -- -- --
Net income (loss)..................... (49,124) (110,728) (67,739) (57,995)
Basic/diluted net income (loss) per
common share:
Income (loss) before extraordinary
item and accounting change....... (6.54) (5.65) (1.42) (1.29)
Extraordinary gain.................. -- -- -- 0.14
Cumulative effect of accounting
change........................... (0.48) -- -- --
Net income (loss)................... (7.02) (5.65) (1.42) (1.15)
FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000: QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER(3)
----------------------------- -------- ---------- -------- ----------
Revenues.............................. $189,995 $ 187,852 $184,192 $ 289,043
Operating income (loss)............... (27,686) (27,945) (26,998) (162,508)
Income (loss) before extraordinary
item................................ (70,192) (64,148) (63,902) (170,141)
Extraordinary gain(2)................. 7,615 44,436 -- 6,552
Net income (loss)..................... (62,577) (19,712) (63,902) (163,589)
Basic/diluted net income (loss) per
common share:
Income (loss) before extraordinary
item............................. (1.28) (1.01) (1.00) (1.42)
Extraordinary gain.................. 0.14 0.68 -- 0.05
Net income (loss)................... (1.14) (0.33) (1.00) (1.37)
---------------
(1) On June 3, 1999 Arch completed its acquisition of MobileMedia (see Note 2).
In June 1999, Arch wrote-off $42.3 million of N-PCS investments (see Note
3).
(2) Extraordinary gains in all periods are the result of early extinguishment of
debt (see Note 4).
(3) On November 10, 2000 Arch completed its acquisition of PageNet (see Note 2).
Arch changed the remaining lives certain intangible assets which resulted in
$103.5 million of additional amortization expense in the fourth quarter of
2000 (see Note 3).
On October 1, 2000 Arch revised the estimated depreciable life of its
subscriber equipment which resulted in approximately $19.3 million of
additional depreciation expense (see Note 1).
F-26
236
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS)
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
2001 2000
----------- ------------
(UNAUDITED)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 92,268 $ 55,007
Accounts receivable, net.................................. 117,815 134,396
Inventories............................................... 2,696 2,163
Prepaid expenses and other................................ 28,516 19,877
----------- -----------
Total current assets.............................. 241,295 211,443
----------- -----------
Property and equipment, at cost............................. 1,444,148 1,442,072
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization.............. (503,174) (444,650)
----------- -----------
Property and equipment, net................................. 940,974 997,422
----------- -----------
Intangible and other assets, net............................ 936,361 1,100,744
----------- -----------
$ 2,118,630 $ 2,309,609
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt...................... $ 37,640 $ 177,341
Accounts payable.......................................... 64,607 55,282
Accrued restructuring..................................... 38,079 60,424
Accrued interest.......................................... 39,294 39,140
Accrued expenses and other liabilities.................... 134,543 165,459
----------- -----------
Total current liabilities......................... 314,163 497,646
----------- -----------
Long-term debt, less current maturities..................... 1,624,939 1,679,219
----------- -----------
Other long-term liabilities................................. 335,114 74,509
----------- -----------
Deferred income taxes....................................... 86,494 121,994
----------- -----------
Redeemable preferred stock.................................. 31,107 30,505
----------- -----------
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock -- $.01 par value............................ 1,723 1,635
Additional paid-in capital................................ 1,103,044 1,095,779
Accumulated other comprehensive income.................... 265 (82)
Accumulated deficit....................................... (1,378,219) (1,191,596)
----------- -----------
Total stockholders' equity (deficit).............. (273,187) (94,264)
----------- -----------
$ 2,118,630 $ 2,309,609
=========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed
financial statements.
F-27
237
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED AND IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
---------------------------
2001 2000
------------ -----------
Revenues.................................................... $ 327,429 $ 189,995
Cost of products sold....................................... (11,511) (8,880)
------------ -----------
315,918 181,115
------------ -----------
Operating expenses:
Service, rental, and maintenance.......................... 81,043 39,115
Selling................................................... 36,656 25,045
General and administrative................................ 108,677 53,934
Depreciation and amortization............................. 247,088 90,707
------------ -----------
Total operating expenses.......................... 473,464 208,801
------------ -----------
Operating income (loss)..................................... (157,546) (27,686)
Interest expense, net....................................... (63,927) (41,300)
Other expense............................................... (8,210) (1,206)
------------ -----------
Income (loss) before income tax benefit and extraordinary
item and accounting change................................ (229,683) (70,192)
Benefit from income taxes................................... 35,500 --
------------ -----------
Income (loss) before extraordinary item and accounting
change.................................................... (194,183) (70,192)
Extraordinary gain from early extinguishment of debt........ 14,956 7,615
Cumulative effect of accounting change...................... (6,794) --
------------ -----------
Net income (loss)........................................... (186,021) (62,577)
Preferred stock dividend.................................... (602) (562)
------------ -----------
Net income (loss) to common stockholders.................... $ (186,623) $ (63,139)
============ ===========
Basic/diluted net income (loss) per common share before
extraordinary item and accounting change.................. $ (1.17) $ (1.28)
Extraordinary gain per basic/diluted common share........... 0.09 0.14
Cumulative effect of accounting change per basic/diluted
common share.............................................. (0.04) --
------------ -----------
Basic/diluted net income (loss) per common share............ $ (1.12) $ (1.14)
============ ===========
Basic/diluted weighted average number of common shares
outstanding............................................... 167,193,881 55,316,698
============ ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed
financial statements.
F-28
238
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED AND IN THOUSANDS)
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
---------------------
2001 2000
--------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities................... $ (9,581) $ 31,915
--------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment, net.................. (25,750) (30,858)
Additions to intangible and other assets.................. (2,757) (1,996)
Acquisition of company, net of cash acquired.............. 174 --
--------- --------
Net cash used for investing activities...................... (28,333) (32,854)
--------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of long-term debt................................ 1,045 18,000
Issuance of notes payable to Nextel....................... 250,000 --
Repayment of long-term debt............................... (175,836) (16,000)
--------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities................... 75,209 2,000
--------- --------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash..................... (34) --
--------- --------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents................... 37,261 1,061
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period.............. 55,007 3,161
--------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period.................... $ 92,268 $ 4,222
========= ========
Supplemental disclosure:
Interest paid............................................. $ 52,922 $ 29,057
========= ========
Accretion of discount on senior notes and assumed bank
debt................................................... $ 12,188 $ 9,428
========= ========
Issuance of common stock in exchange for debt............. $ 7,353 $155,623
========= ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed
financial statements.
F-29
239
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(a) Preparation of Interim Financial Statements -- The consolidated
condensed financial statements of Arch Wireless, Inc. have been prepared in
accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. The financial information included herein, other than the
consolidated condensed balance sheet as of December 31, 2000, has been prepared
by management without audit by independent accountants who do not express an
opinion thereon. The consolidated condensed balance sheet at December 31, 2000
has been derived from, but does not include all the disclosures contained in,
the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31,
2000. In the opinion of management, all of these unaudited statements include
all adjustments and accruals consisting only of normal recurring accrual
adjustments which are necessary for a fair presentation of the results of all
interim periods reported herein. These consolidated condensed financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements and accompanying notes included in Arch's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2000. The results of operations for the periods
presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for
a full year.
(b) Intangible and Other Assets -- Intangible and other assets, net of
accumulated amortization, are comprised of the following (in thousands):
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
2001 2000
----------- ------------
(UNAUDITED)
Purchased Federal Communications Commission licenses........ $414,018 $ 451,431
Purchased subscriber lists.................................. 341,181 412,015
Goodwill.................................................... 108,649 163,027
Restricted cash............................................. 39,451 35,280
Deferred financing costs.................................... 18,937 24,905
Other....................................................... 14,125 14,086
-------- ----------
$936,361 $1,100,744
======== ==========
(c) Divisional Reorganization -- As of March 31, 2001, 1,081 former Arch
and MobileMedia employees had been terminated due to the divisional
reorganization, and the MobileMedia and PageNet integrations. The Company's
restructuring activity as of March 31, 2001 is as follows (in thousands):
RESERVE
BALANCE AT UTILIZATION OF
DECEMBER 31, RESERVE IN REMAINING
2000 2001 RESERVE
------------ --------------- ---------
Severance costs............................... $ 2,957 $1,904 $ 1,053
Lease obligation costs........................ 10,776 1,902 8,874
Other costs................................... 162 26 136
------- ------ -------
Total............................... $13,895 $3,832 $10,063
======= ====== =======
F-30
240
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(d) PageNet Acquisition Reserve -- As of March 31, 2001, 842 former PageNet
employees had been terminated. The Company's restructuring activity as of March
31, 2001 is as follows (in thousands):
RESERVE
BALANCE AT UTILIZATION OF
DECEMBER 31, RESERVE IN REMAINING
2000 2001 RESERVE
------------ --------------- ---------
Severance costs............................... $36,767 $16,738 $20,029
Lease obligation costs........................ 9,264 1,694 7,570
Other costs................................... 500 83 417
------- ------- -------
Total............................... $46,531 $18,515 $28,016
======= ======= =======
(e) Nextel Agreement -- In January 2001, Arch agreed to sell its 900 MHz
SMR (Specialized Mobile Radio) licenses to Nextel Communications, Inc. Nextel
will acquire the licenses for an aggregate purchase price of $175 million and
invest $75 million in a new equity issue, Arch Wireless, Inc. Series F 12%
Redeemable Cumulative Junior Preferred Stock. In February 2001, Nextel advanced
$250 million in the form of loans to a newly created, stand-alone Arch
subsidiary that holds the spectrum licenses until the transfers are approved.
The new Arch subsidiary is not permitted to engage in any business other than
ownership and maintenance of the spectrum licenses and will not have any
liability or obligation with respect to any of the debt obligations of Arch and
its subsidiaries. Upon transfer of the spectrum licenses to Nextel, the loan
obligations will be satisfied and $75 million of the loans will be converted
into Arch series F 12% Redeemable Cumulative Junior Preferred Stock. Arch
acquired the SMR licenses as part of its acquisition of PageNet in November
2000. In purchase accounting the licenses were recorded at their fair value of
$175.0 million and are included the purchased Federal Communications Commission
licenses balance in Note (b) above. No gains or losses resulting from changes in
the carrying amounts of assets to be disposed of have been included in Arch's
statement of operations. No amortization has been recorded on the licenses.
Revenues and operating expenses related to the SMR operation included in the
statement of operations are immaterial.
(g) Debt Exchanged for Equity -- In the first quarter of 2001, Arch issued
8,793,350 shares of Arch Wireless, Inc. common stock in exchange for $26.3
million accreted value ($26.5 million maturity value) of its senior discount
notes. Arch recorded an extraordinary gain of $15.0 million on the early
extinguishment of debt as a result of these transactions.
(h) Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities -- In June 1998, the
Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities". SFAS No. 133 requires that every derivative instrument be recorded
in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value
and that changes in the derivative's fair value be recognized in earnings. Arch
adopted this standard effective January 1, 2001. The Company has not designated
any of the outstanding derivatives as a hedge under SFAS No. 133. The initial
application of SFAS No. 133 resulted in a $6.8 million charge, which was
reported as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. This
charge represents the impact of initially recording the derivatives at fair
value as of January 1, 2001. The changes in fair value of the derivative
instruments will be recognized in other expense. The Company recorded other
expense of approximately $5.9 million related to the changes in fair value of
the derivatives during the period ended March 31, 2001.
(i) Segment Reporting -- The Company has determined that it has three
reportable segments; traditional paging operations, two-way messaging operations
and international operations. Management makes operating decisions and assesses
individual performances based on the performance of these segments. The
traditional paging operations consist of the provision of paging and other
one-way wireless messaging services to Arch's U.S. customers. Two-way messaging
operations consist of the provision of
F-31
241
ARCH WIRELESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
two-way wireless messaging services to Arch's U.S. customers. International
operations consist of the operations of the Company's Canadian subsidiary.
Each of these segments incur, and are charged, direct costs associated with
their separate operations. Common costs shared by the traditional paging and
two-way messaging operations are allocated based on the estimated utilization of
resources using various factors that attempt to mirror the true economic cost of
operating each segment.
The Company did not begin to market and sell its two-way messaging products
on a commercial scale until August 2000. The Company's Canadian subsidiary was
acquired in November 2000 in the PageNet acquisition. Prior to 2000,
substantially all of the Company's operations were traditional paging
operations. The following tables present segment financial information related
to the Company's segments for the periods indicated (in thousands):
TRADITIONAL PAGING TWO-WAY MESSAGING INTERNATIONAL
MARCH 31, 2001 OPERATIONS OPERATIONS OPERATIONS CONSOLIDATED
-------------- ------------------ ----------------- ------------- ------------
Revenues................. $ 305,266 $ 17,247 $ 4,916 $ 327,429
Depreciation and
amortization expense... 228,174 13,874 5,040 247,088
Operating income
(loss)................. (131,673) (21,582) (4,291) (157,546)
Adjusted EBITDA(1)....... 96,501 (7,708) 749 89,542
Total assets............. 1,801,531 261,600 55,499 2,118,630
Capital expenditures..... 17,270 10,337 900 28,507
TRADITIONAL PAGING TWO-WAY MESSAGING INTERNATIONAL
MARCH 31, 2000 OPERATIONS OPERATIONS OPERATIONS CONSOLIDATED
-------------- ------------------ ----------------- ------------- ------------
Revenues................. $ 189,995 $ -- $ -- $ 189,995
Depreciation and
amortization expense... 90,707 -- -- 90,707
Operating income
(loss)................. (25,065) (2,621) -- (27,686)
Adjusted EBITDA(1)....... 65,642 (2,621) -- 63,021
Total assets............. 1,295,468 -- -- 1,295,468
Capital expenditures..... 32,854 -- -- 32,854
---------------
(1) Adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and
amortization, as determined by Arch, does not reflect interest, income
taxes, depreciation and amortization, restructuring charges, equity in loss
of affiliate and extraordinary items; consequently adjusted earnings before
interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization may not necessarily be
comparable to similarly titled data of other wireless messaging companies.
Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization should
not be construed as an alternative to operating income or cash flows from
operating activities as determined in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles or as a measure of liquidity. Amounts reflected as
earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization or
adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and
amortization are not necessarily available for discretionary use as a result
of restrictions imposed by the terms of existing indebtedness or limitations
imposed by applicable law upon the payment of dividends or distributions
among other things.
F-32
242
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To Arch Wireless Communications, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Arch
Wireless Communications, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arch Wireless, Inc.
(a Delaware corporation) (the "Company") and subsidiaries as of December 31,
1999 and 2000, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
stockholder's equity (deficit) and cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 2000. These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
Arch Wireless Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and
2000, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 2000, in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States.
As discussed further in Note 1, subsequent to March 1, 2001, the date of
our original report, the Company prepared a range of financial projections for
the remainder of its current fiscal year. Based on the range of these
projections, the Company may, in certain circumstances, no longer be in
compliance with the various debt covenants of its credit facility as of
September 30, 2001. This factor creates a substantial doubt about the Company's
ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying financial statements do
not include any adjustments that might result should the Company be unable to
continue as a going concern.
/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
March 1, 2001 (except for
the matter discussed in Note 1,
as to which the date is
May 18, 2001)
F-33
243
ARCH WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF ARCH WIRELESS, INC.)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS)
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------
1999 2000
---------- -----------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 2,381 $ 49,959
Accounts receivable (less reserves of $16,473 and $62,749
in 1999 and 2000, respectively)........................ 61,167 132,652
Inventories............................................... 9,101 1,760
Prepaid expenses and other................................ 11,874 18,596
---------- -----------
Total current assets.............................. 84,523 202,967
---------- -----------
Property and equipment, at cost:
Land, buildings and improvements.......................... 20,503 35,959
Messaging and computer equipment.......................... 667,820 1,333,237
Furniture, fixtures and vehicles.......................... 26,321 56,561
---------- -----------
714,644 1,425,757
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization............ 314,445 443,868
---------- -----------
Property and equipment, net............................... 400,199 981,889
---------- -----------
Intangible and other assets (less accumulated amortization
of $511,006 and $685,919 in 1999 and 2000,
respectively).......................................... 860,424 844,514
---------- -----------
$1,345,146 $ 2,029,370
========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt...................... $ 8,060 $ 177,341
Accounts payable.......................................... 30,016 55,104
Accrued restructuring charges............................. 17,111 60,424
Accrued expenses.......................................... 43,629 100,631
Accrued interest.......................................... 30,267 39,121
Customer deposits......................................... 7,526 18,050
Deferred revenue.......................................... 28,175 43,409
---------- -----------
Total current liabilities......................... 164,784 494,080
---------- -----------
Long-term debt, less current maturities..................... 924,132 1,454,646
---------- -----------
Other long-term liabilities................................. 83,285 74,479
---------- -----------
Deferred income taxes....................................... -- 121,994
---------- -----------
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholder's equity:
Common stock -- $.01 par value, authorized 1,000 shares,
issued and outstanding: 849 shares in 1999 and 2000.... -- --
Additional paid-in capital................................ 902,621 953,883
Accumulated deficit....................................... (729,676) (1,069,712)
---------- -----------
Total stockholder's equity........................ 172,945 (115,829)
---------- -----------
$1,345,146 $ 2,029,370
========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-34
244
ARCH WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF ARCH WIRELESS, INC.)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
--------- --------- ----------
Revenues................................................ $ 413,635 $ 641,824 $ 847,586
Cost of products sold................................... (29,953) (34,954) (35,585)
--------- --------- ----------
383,682 606,870 812,001
--------- --------- ----------
Operating expenses:
Service, rental and maintenance....................... 80,782 132,400 182,201
Selling............................................... 49,132 84,249 106,797
General and administrative............................ 112,181 180,726 262,577
Depreciation and amortization......................... 220,172 308,464 496,873
Restructuring charge.................................. 14,700 (2,200) 5,425
--------- --------- ----------
Total operating expenses...................... 476,967 703,639 1,053,873
--------- --------- ----------
Operating income (loss)................................. (93,285) (96,769) (241,872)
Interest expense........................................ (66,143) (100,466) (141,696)
Interest income......................................... 1,685 1,825 1,072
Other expense........................................... (1,951) (45,081) (3,546)
Equity in loss of affiliate............................. (5,689) (3,200) --
--------- --------- ----------
Income (loss) before income tax benefit, extraordinary
items and accounting change........................... (165,383) (243,691) (386,042)
Benefit from income taxes............................... -- -- 46,006
--------- --------- ----------
Income (loss) before extraordinary items and accounting
change................................................ (165,383) (243,691) (340,036)
Extraordinary gain (loss) from early extinguishment of
debt.................................................. (1,720) -- --
Cumulative effect of accounting change.................. -- (3,361) --
--------- --------- ----------
Net income (loss)....................................... $(167,103) $(247,052) $ (340,036)
========= ========= ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-35
245
ARCH WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF ARCH WIRELESS, INC.)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
(IN THOUSANDS)
ADDITIONAL TOTAL
COMMON PAID-IN ACCUMULATED STOCKHOLDER'S
STOCK CAPITAL DEFICIT EQUITY
------ ---------- ----------- -------------
Balance, December 31, 1997................... $-- $617,563 $ (315,521) $ 302,042
Capital contribution from Arch Wireless,
Inc..................................... -- 24,843 -- 24,843
Net loss................................... -- -- (167,103) (167,103)
--- -------- ----------- ---------
Balance, December 31, 1998................... -- 642,406 (482,624) 159,782
Capital contribution from Arch Wireless,
Inc..................................... -- 260,215 -- 260,215
Net loss................................... -- -- (247,052) (247,052)
--- -------- ----------- ---------
Balance, December 31, 1999................... -- 902,621 (729,676) 172,945
Capital contribution from Arch Wireless,
Inc..................................... -- 51,262 -- 51,262
Net loss................................... -- -- (340,036) (340,036)
--- -------- ----------- ---------
Balance, December 31, 2000................... $-- $953,883 $(1,069,712) $(115,829)
=== ======== =========== =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-36
246
ARCH WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF ARCH WIRELESS, INC.)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
--------- --------- ---------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)..................................... $(167,103) $(247,052) $(340,036)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization...................... 220,172 308,464 496,873
Deferred income tax benefit........................ -- -- (46,006)
Extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of
debt............................................. 1,720 -- --
Cumulative effect of accounting change............. -- 3,361 --
Equity in loss of affiliate........................ 5,689 3,200 --
Accretion of discount on senior notes.............. 141 864 5,588
Gain on Tower Site Sale............................ (1,859) (1,871) (1,983)
Write-off of N-PCS investments..................... -- 37,498 --
Accounts receivable loss provision................. 8,545 15,265 32,995
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effect
from acquisitions of companies:
Accounts receivable.............................. (9,151) (18,369) (41,081)
Inventories...................................... 2,314 1,728 7,341
Prepaid expenses and other....................... (3,090) 7,000 8,465
Accounts payable and accrued expenses............ 24,649 (2,938) (74,658)
Customer deposits and deferred revenue........... 549 (7,554) (8,398)
Other long-term liabilities...................... 1,634 909 (5,938)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities............... 84,210 100,505 33,162
--------- --------- ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment, net.............. (79,249) (95,208) (126,743)
Additions to intangible and other assets.............. (33,935) (18,443) (12,419)
Net proceeds from tower site sale..................... 30,316 3,046 --
Acquisitions of companies, net of cash acquired....... -- (516,561) 43,542
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash used for investing activities.................. (82,868) (627,166) (95,620)
--------- --------- ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of long-term debt............................ 460,964 473,783 173,000
Repayment of long-term debt........................... (489,014) (162,059) (63,560)
Capital contribution from Arch Wireless, Inc. ........ 24,843 217,296 596
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities..... (3,207) 529,020 110,036
--------- --------- ---------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents.... (1,865) 2,359 47,578
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period.......... 1,887 22 2,381
--------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period................ $ 22 $ 2,381 $ 49,959
========= ========= =========
Supplemental disclosure:
Interest paid......................................... $ 56,249 $ 90,249 $ 127,246
========= ========= =========
Liabilities assumed in acquisitions of companies...... $ -- $ 134,429 $ 995,838
========= ========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-37
247
ARCH WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF ARCH WIRELESS, INC.)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Organization -- Arch Wireless Communications, Inc. is a leading provider of
wireless messaging and information services in the United States. Currently,
Arch Wireless Communications primarily provides traditional paging services,
which enable subscribers to receive messages on their pagers composed entirely
of numbers, such as a phone number, or on some pagers, numbers and letters,
which enable subscribers to receive text messages. Arch Wireless Communications
has also begun to market and sell two-way wireless messaging services which
enable subscribers to respond to messages or create and send wireless email
messages to other wireless messaging devices (including pagers and personal
digital assistants or PDAs) and to personal computers. Arch Wireless
Communications also offers wireless information services, such as stock quotes,
news and other wireless information delivery services, voice mail, personalized
greeting, message storage and retrieval, equipment loss protection and equipment
maintenance. These services are commonly referred to as wireless messaging and
information services. Arch Wireless Communications is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Arch Wireless, Inc. ("Parent"). On September 25, 2000, the Company changed
its name from Arch Communications, Inc. to Arch Wireless Communications, Inc.
Risks and Other Important Factors -- Arch Wireless Communications sustained
net losses of $167.1 million, $247.1 million and $340.0 million for the years
ended December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000, respectively. The Company's loss from
operations for the year ended December 31, 2000 was $241.9 million. In addition,
at December 31, 2000, the Company had an accumulated deficit of approximately
$115.8 million and a deficit in working capital of $291.1 million, although
$175.2 million of current maturities of long term debt were repaid in February
2001, see Note 4 for description of the transaction. The Company's losses from
operations and net losses are expected to continue for additional periods in the
future. There can be no assurance that its operations will become profitable.
Arch Wireless Communications' operations require the availability of
substantial funds to finance the maintenance and growth of its existing
messaging operations, its subscriber base and to enhance and expand its two-way
messaging networks. At December 31, 2000, Arch Wireless Communications had
approximately $1,632.0 million outstanding under its credit facility, senior
notes, capital leases and other long-term debt. Amounts available under its
credit facility are subject to certain financial covenants and other
restrictions. At December 31, 2000, Arch Wireless Communications was in
compliance with each of the covenants under its credit facility. Arch Wireless
Communications' ability to borrow additional amounts in the future, including
amounts currently available under the credit facility is dependent on its
ability to comply with the provisions of its credit facility as well as the
availability of financing in the capital markets. At December 31, 2000, Arch
Wireless Communications had $4.0 million of borrowings available under its
credit facility.
In May 2001, Arch prepared a range of financial projections for the
remainder of its current fiscal year. Arch Wireless Communications believes that
based on the lower range of its current projections, it may be in default of
certain financial covenants of its credit facility as of September 30, 2001.
Arch Wireless Communication's ability to continue as a going concern is
dependent upon its ability to comply with the terms of its debt agreements, to
refinance its existing debt or obtain additional financing. Arch Wireless
Communication is currently in the process of restructuring its obligations.
There can be no assurances that Arch Wireless Communication will be successful
in its efforts which may have a material adverse affect on the solvency of Arch
Wireless Communication.
Arch Wireless Communications is also subject to additional risks and
uncertainties including, but not limited to, changes in technology, business
integration, competition, government regulation and subscriber turnover.
F-38
248
ARCH WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF ARCH WIRELESS, INC.)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Principles of Consolidation -- The accompanying consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned
subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates -- The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition -- Arch Wireless Communications recognizes revenue
under rental and service agreements with customers as the related services are
performed. Maintenance revenues and related costs are recognized ratably over
the respective terms of the agreements. Sales of equipment are recognized upon
delivery. In some cases, Arch Wireless Communications enters into transactions
which include the sale of both products and services. The Company allocates the
value of the arrangement to each element based on the residual method. Under the
residual method, the fair value of the undelivered elements, typically services,
is deferred and subsequently realized when earned. Commissions are recognized as
an expense when incurred. On December 3, 1999, the Securities and Exchange
Commission released Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 101, "Revenue
Recognition in Financial Statements". SAB 101 provides additional guidance on
the accounting for revenue recognition, including both broad conceptual
discussions as well as certain industry-specific guidance. Arch Wireless
Communications adopted SAB 101 in 2000, it did not have a material impact on its
results of operations.
Cash Equivalents -- Cash equivalents include short-term, interest-bearing
instruments purchased with remaining maturities of three months or less.
Inventories -- Inventories consist of new messaging devices, which are held
primarily for resale. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market,
with cost determined on a first-in, first-out basis.
Property and Equipment -- Leased messaging devices sold or otherwise
retired are removed from the accounts at their net book value using the
first-in, first-out method. Property and equipment is stated at cost and is
depreciated using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful
lives:
ESTIMATED
ASSET CLASSIFICATION USEFUL LIFE
-------------------- -----------
Buildings and improvements.................................. 20 Years
Leasehold improvements...................................... Lease Term
Messaging devices........................................... 2 Years
Messaging and computer equipment............................ 3-8 Years
Furniture and fixtures...................................... 5-8 Years
Vehicles.................................................... 3 Years
Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment
totaled $101.1 million, $144.9 million and $210.9 million for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000, respectively.
On October 1, 2000, Arch Wireless Communications revised the estimated
depreciable life of its subscriber equipment from three to two years. The change
in useful life resulted from Arch Wireless Communications' expectations
regarding future usage periods for subscriber devices considering current and
projected technological advances and customer desires for new messaging
technology. As a result of this change depreciation expense increased
approximately $19.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2000.
F-39
249
ARCH WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF ARCH WIRELESS, INC.)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Long-Lived Assets -- In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 121 "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and
Long-Lived Assets To Be Disposed Of" Arch Wireless Communications evaluates the
recoverability of its carrying value of its long-lived assets and certain
intangible assets based on estimated undiscounted cash flows to be generated
from each of such assets compared to the original estimates used in measuring
the assets. To the extent impairment is identified, Arch Wireless Communications
reduces the carrying value of such impaired assets to fair value based on
estimated discounted future cash flows. To date, Arch Wireless Communications
has not had any such impairments.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments -- Arch Wireless Communications'
financial instruments, as defined under SFAS No. 107 "Disclosures about Fair
Value of Financial Instruments", include its cash, its debt financing and
interest rate protection agreements. The fair value of cash is equal to the
carrying value at December 31, 1999 and 2000. The fair value of the debt and
interest rate protection agreements are included in Note 4.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities -- In June 1998, the
Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities". SFAS No. 133 requires that every derivative instrument be recorded
in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value
and that changes in the derivative's fair value be recognized in earnings. Arch
Wireless Communications adopted this standard effective January 1, 2001. The
impact of adopting SFAS No. 133 was not material; however, adopting SFAS No. 133
could increase volatility in future earnings and other comprehensive income.
2. ACQUISITIONS
On June 3, 1999 the Arch group of companies completed its acquisition of
MobileMedia Communications, Inc. for $671.1 million, consisting of cash paid of
$516.6 million, including direct transaction costs, 4,781,656 shares of Parent
common stock valued at $20.1 million and the assumption of liabilities of $134.4
million. The cash payments were financed through the issuance of approximately
36.2 million shares of Parent common stock (including approximately 5.4 million
shares of Parent Class B common stock) in a rights offering for $6.00 per share,
the issuance of $147.0 million principal amount of 13 3/4% senior notes due 2008
(see Note 4) and additional borrowings under the Company's credit facility.
Parent issued to four unsecured creditors, who had agreed to purchase
shares not purchased by other unsecured creditors in the rights offering,
warrants to acquire 1,225,219 shares of its common stock on or before September
1, 2001 for $9.03 per share. The fair value of these warrants was determined to
be immaterial.
The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and the results of
MobileMedia's operations have been included in the consolidated financial
statements from the date of acquisition.
The liabilities assumed in the MobileMedia transaction, referred to above,
include an unfavorable lease accrual related to MobileMedia's rentals on
communications towers, which were in excess of market rental rates. This accrual
amounted to approximately $52.9 million and is included in other long-term
liabilities. This accrual is being amortized over the remaining lease term of
12 3/4 years. Concurrent with the consummation of the MobileMedia acquisition,
Arch Wireless Communications developed a plan to integrate the operations of
MobileMedia. The liabilities assumed, referred to above, includes a $14.5
million restructuring accrual to cover the costs to eliminate redundant
headcount and facilities in connection with the overall integration of
operations (see Note 10).
On November 10, 2000, the Arch group of companies completed its acquisition
of Paging Network, Inc. (PageNet) for $1.35 billion consisting of 89,896,907
shares of Parent common stock valued at $263.4
F-40
250
ARCH WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF ARCH WIRELESS, INC.)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
million, the assumption of liabilities of $1.06 billion, including a deferred
tax liability of $168.0 million arising in purchase accounting, and $27.6
million of transaction costs. In the merger, each outstanding share of PageNet's
common stock was exchanged for 0.04796505 shares of Parent's common stock.
In connection with the merger, 80.5% of the total equity of PageNet's
subsidiary, Vast Solutions, Inc. was issued to PageNet's current stockholders
and noteholders and Arch Wireless Communications holds the remaining 19.5% of
Vast's equity.
The purchase price for these acquisitions was allocated based on the fair
values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The purchase price allocation
for PageNet is preliminary as of December 31, 2000, and the Company expects it
to be finalized over the next three quarters. The acquisition was accounted for
as a purchase, and the results of PageNet's operations have been included in the
consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.
Concurrent with the consummation of the PageNet acquisition, Arch Wireless
Communications management developed a plan to integrate the operations of
PageNet. The liabilities assumed in the PageNet transaction, referred to above,
include a $76.0 million restructuring accrual related to the costs to eliminate
redundant headcount and facilities in connection with the overall integration of
operations (see Note 10).
The following unaudited pro forma summary presents the consolidated results
of operations as if the acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of the period
presented, after giving effect to certain adjustments, including depreciation
and amortization of acquired assets and interest expense on acquisition debt.
These pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do
not purport to be indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisitions
been completed at the beginning of the period presented, or of results that may
occur in the future.
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1999 DECEMBER 31, 2000
----------------- -----------------
(UNAUDITED AND IN THOUSANDS)
Revenues........................................... $1,785,586 $1,457,652
Income (loss) before extraordinary item............ (376,447) (465,138)
Net income (loss).................................. (386,771) (465,138)
3. INTANGIBLE AND OTHER ASSETS
Intangible and other assets, net of accumulated amortization, are composed
of the following (in thousands):
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------
1999 2000
-------- --------
Purchased Federal Communications Commission licenses........ $354,246 $276,419
Purchased subscriber lists.................................. 239,114 369,867
Goodwill.................................................... 249,010 163,027
Deferred financing costs.................................... 12,796 21,172
Other....................................................... 5,258 14,029
-------- --------
$860,424 $844,514
======== ========
Amortization expense related to intangible and other assets totaled $119.1
million, $163.6 million and $286.0 million for the years ended December 31,
1998, 1999 and 2000, respectively.
F-41
251
ARCH WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF ARCH WIRELESS, INC.)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
During the fourth quarter of 2000, the Company reviewed the remaining lives
of its intangible assets. Due to the nature of change in the traditional
messaging industry and the new technologies for two-way messaging, effective
October 1, 2000 the Company changed the remaining lives on purchased subscriber
lists, purchased Federal Communications Commission licenses and goodwill which
resulted from acquisitions prior to 2000 as follows:
BOOK VALUE AT
DECEMBER 31, ESTIMATED
INTANGIBLE ASSET CLASSIFICATION 2000 USEFUL LIFE
------------------------------- ------------- -----------
Purchased Federal Communications Commission licenses...... $276,419 24 Months
Purchased subscriber lists................................ 137,426 12 Months
Goodwill.................................................. 163,027 12 Months
These changes resulted in additional amortization expense in 2000 of $103.5
million.
The purchased subscriber list, acquired in conjunction with the acquisition
of PageNet had a net book value at December 31, 2000 of $232.4 million and is
being amortized over a three year period.
Deferred financing costs incurred in connection with Arch Wireless
Communications's credit agreements (see Note 4) are being amortized over periods
not to exceed the terms of the related agreements. As credit agreements are
amended and restated, unamortized deferred financing costs are written off as an
extraordinary charge. During 1998, a charge of $1.7 million was recognized in
connection with the closing of a new credit facility.
Other assets consist of a note receivable from Vast, contract rights,
organizational and Federal Communications Commission application and development
costs which are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated
useful lives, not exceeding ten years.
In April 1998, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the
Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Position (SOP) 98-5
"Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities". SOP 98-5 requires costs of
start-up activities and organization costs to be expensed as incurred.
Development and start up costs include nonrecurring, direct costs incurred in
the development and expansion of messaging systems. Arch Wireless Communications
adopted SOP 98-5 effective January 1, 1999. Initial application of SOP 98-5
resulted in a $3.4 million charge, which was reported as the cumulative effect
of a change in accounting principle. This charge represents the unamortized
portion of start-up and organization costs, which had been deferred in prior
years.
N-PCS Investments -- In connection with Arch's May 1996 acquisition of
Westlink Holdings, Inc., Arch Wireless Communications acquired Westlink's 49.9%
share of the capital stock of Benbow PCS Ventures, Inc. Benbow holds exclusive
rights to a 50kHz outbound/12.5kHz inbound narrowband PCS license in each of the
five regions of the United States. Arch Wireless Communications' investment in
Benbow was accounted for under the equity method whereby Arch Wireless
Communications' share of Benbow's losses, since the acquisition date of
Westlink, are recognized in its accompanying consolidated statements of
operations under the caption equity in loss of affiliate.
In June 1999, Arch, Benbow and Benbow's controlling stockholder, agreed
that:
- the shareholders agreement, the management agreement and the employment
agreement governing the establishment and operation of Benbow would be
terminated;
- Benbow would not make any further Federal Communications Commission
payments and would not pursue construction of a narrowband PCS system;
F-42
252
ARCH WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF ARCH WIRELESS, INC.)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
- Arch Wireless Communications would not be obligated to fund Federal
Communications Commission payments or construction of a narrowband PCS
system by Benbow;
- the parties would seek Federal Communications Commission approval of the
forgiveness of Benbow's remaining payment obligations and the transfer of
the controlling stockholder's equity interest in Benbow to Arch Wireless
Communications;
- the closing of the transaction would occur on the earlier of January 23,
2001 or receipt of Federal Communications Commission approval;
- Arch Wireless Communications would pay the controlling stockholder, in
installments, an aggregate amount of $3.5 million if the transaction
closes before January 23, 2001 or $3.8 million if the transaction closes
on January 23, 2001.
As a result of these arrangements, Benbow does not have any meaningful
business operations and is unlikely to retain its narrowband PCS licenses.
Therefore, Arch Wireless Communications wrote off substantially all of its
investment in Benbow in the amount of $8.2 million in June 1999. Arch Wireless
Communications accrued the payment to the controlling stockholder of $3.8
million and legal and other expenses of approximately $1.0 million, which are
included in accrued expenses. In addition, Parent guaranteed Benbow's
obligations in conjunction with Benbow's June 1998 purchase of the stock of
PageCall. Since Benbow was unable to meet these obligations and Parent was
required to settle the obligation in its stock, Arch Wireless Communications
recorded the issuance of $22.8 million of Parent's common stock as a capital
contribution from Parent and as a charge to operations in June 1999, to satisfy
the obligation. In April 2000, Parent issued the stock to the shareholders of
PageCall.
On November 8, 1994, CONXUS Communications, Inc. was successful in
acquiring the rights to an interactive messaging license in five designated
regions in the United States from the Federal Communications Commission
narrowband wireless spectrum auction. On May 18, 1999, CONXUS filed for Chapter
11 protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware, which case was converted
to a case under Chapter 7 on August 17, 1999. In June 1999, Arch Wireless
Communications wrote-off its $6.5 million investment in CONXUS. On November 3,
1999, in order to document its disposition of any interest it has, if any, in
CONXUS, Arch Wireless Communications offered to transfer to CONXUS its shares in
CONXUS for no consideration. The Chapter 7 trustee accepted this offer on
December 9, 1999.
All of the above charges, totaling $42.3 million, are included in other
expense in 1999 in the accompanying statement of operations.
F-43
253
ARCH WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF ARCH WIRELESS, INC.)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
4. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------------------------------
1999 2000
---------------------------- ----------------------------
CARRYING VALUE FAIR VALUE CARRYING VALUE FAIR VALUE
-------------- ---------- -------------- ----------
Senior Bank Debt................ $438,940 $438,940 $1,135,113 $1,070,757
9 1/2% Senior Notes due 2004.... 125,000 95,000 125,000 85,000
14% Senior Notes due 2004....... 100,000 83,000 100,000 75,000
12 3/4% Senior Notes due 2007... 127,887 101,030 128,168 46,140
13 3/4% Senior Notes due 2008... 140,365 113,685 141,167 50,820
Other........................... -- -- 2,539 2,539
-------- ----------
932,192 1,631,987
Less -- Current maturities...... 8,060 177,341
-------- ----------
Long-term debt.................. $924,132 $1,454,646
======== ==========
Arch Wireless Communications' debt financing primarily consists of senior
bank debt and fixed rate senior notes. Arch Wireless Communications' senior bank
debt trades on a limited basis, therefore the fair value at December 31, 2000
was determined with reference to market quotes. Arch Wireless Communications'
fixed rate senior notes are traded publicly. The fair values of the fixed rate
senior notes were based on current market quotes as of December 31, 1999 and
2000.
Senior Bank Debt -- The Company, through its operating subsidiary, Arch
Wireless Holdings, Inc. (the Operating Company) has a senior credit facility in
the current amount of $1,298.8 million consisting of (i) a $157.5 million
tranche A reducing revolving facility, (ii) a $95.0 million tranche B term loan,
(iii) a $746.4 million tranche B-1 term loan which is recorded net of $159.7
million discount at December 31, 2000, and (iv) a $299.9 million tranche C term
loan.
The tranche A facility began reducing on a quarterly basis on September 30,
2000 and will mature on June 30, 2005. The tranche B term loan began amortizing
in quarterly installments on September 30, 2000, with an ultimate maturity date
of June 30, 2005. The tranche B-1 term loan will be amortized in quarterly
installments commencing March 31, 2001, with an ultimate maturity date of June
30, 2006. The tranche C term loan began amortizing in annual installments on
December 31, 1999, with an ultimate maturity date of June 30, 2006. In addition
to these scheduled reductions and repayments, the Operating Company is required
to repay $110 million of senior bank debt no later than November 10, 2001, with
such amount being applied on a pro rata basis to the tranche B, tranche B-1 and
tranche C term loans.
The Operating Company's obligations under the senior credit facility are
secured by its pledge of its interests in certain of its operating subsidiaries.
The senior credit facility is guaranteed by Parent, Arch Wireless Communications
and certain of its operating subsidiaries. Parent's guarantee is secured by a
pledge of Parent's stock and notes in Arch Wireless Communications, and the
guarantees of Arch Wireless Communications and the operating subsidiaries are
secured by a security interest in certain assets of those operating
subsidiaries.
Borrowings under the senior credit facility bear interest based on a
reference rate equal to either the agent bank's alternate base rate or LIBOR, in
each case plus a margin (3.375% on tranche A, tranche B and tranche B-1 and
6.875% on tranche C at December 31, 2000) based on specified ratios of debt to
annualized earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and
amortization.
F-44
254
ARCH WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF ARCH WIRELESS, INC.)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The senior credit facility requires payment of fees on the daily average
amount available to be borrowed under the tranche A facility. These fees vary
depending on specified ratios of total debt to annualized earnings before
interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization.
The senior credit facility requires that at least 50% of Arch Wireless
Communications' consolidated total debt, including outstanding borrowings under
the senior credit facility, be subject to a fixed interest rate or interest rate
protection agreements. Entering into interest rate protection agreements
involves both the credit risk of dealing with counterparties and their ability
to meet the terms of the contracts and interest rate risk. In the event of
nonperformance by the counterparty to these interest rate protection agreements,
Arch Wireless Communications would be subject to the prevailing interest rates
specified in the senior credit facility.
Arch Wireless Communications had off-balance-sheet interest rate protection
agreements consisting of an interest rate cap with a notional amount of $10.0
million, at December 31, 1999 and interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional
amount of $400.0 million at December 31, 2000. The cost to terminate the
outstanding interest rate cap and interest rate swaps at December 31, 1999 and
2000 would have been $4.5 million and $9.1 million, respectively.
Under the interest rate swap agreements, the Company will pay the
difference between LIBOR and the fixed swap rate if the swap rate exceeds LIBOR,
and the Company will receive the difference between LIBOR and the fixed swap
rate if LIBOR exceeds the swap rate. Settlement occurs on the quarterly reset
dates specified by the terms of the contracts. No interest rate swaps on the
senior credit facility were outstanding at December 31, 1999. At December 31,
2000, the Company had a net payable of $501 thousand, on the interest rate
swaps.
The senior credit facility contains restrictions that limit, among other
things, Arch Wireless Communications' operating subsidiaries' ability to:
- declare dividends or redeem or repurchase capital stock;
- prepay, redeem or purchase debt;
- incur liens and engage in sale/leaseback transactions;
- make loans and investments;
- incur indebtedness and contingent obligations;
- amend or otherwise alter debt instruments and other material agreements;
- engage in mergers, consolidations, acquisitions and asset sales;
- alter its lines of business or accounting methods.
In addition, the senior credit facility requires Arch Wireless
Communications and its subsidiaries to meet certain financial covenants,
including ratios of earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and
amortization to fixed charges, earnings before interest, income taxes,
depreciation and amortization to debt service, earnings before interest, income
taxes, depreciation and amortization to interest service and total indebtedness
to earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. As of
December 31, 2000, Arch Wireless Communications and its operating subsidiaries
were in compliance with the covenants of the senior credit facility.
As of December 31, 2000, $1,294.8 million was outstanding and $4.0 million
was available under the senior credit facility. At December 31, 2000, such
advances bore interest at an average annual rate of 9.73%.
F-45
255
ARCH WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF ARCH WIRELESS, INC.)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Senior Notes -- Interest on Arch Wireless Communications' 13 3/4% senior
notes due 2008, 12 3/4% senior notes due 2007, 14% senior notes due 2004 and
9 1/2% senior notes due 2004 (collectively, the "Senior Notes") is payable
semiannually. The Senior Notes contain certain restrictive and financial
covenants, which, among other things, limit the ability of Arch Wireless
Communications to:
- incur additional indebtedness;
- pay dividends;
- grant liens on its assets;
- sell assets;
- enter into transactions with related parties;
- merge, consolidate or transfer substantially all of its assets;
- redeem capital stock or subordinated debt;
- make certain investments.
The Senior Notes are generally unsecured, however, the 9 1/2% Notes and 14%
Notes are secured on a pari passu basis with the len