Fairfax proceeds with Domain separation, ends discussions with Private Equity
3 July 2017:
The Board of Fairfax Media Limited (ASX:FXJ) (Fairfax or the
Company) announces that it has completed its examination of the two unsolicited,
preliminary, non-binding indications of interest received from funds affiliated with Hellman &
Friedman LLC (Hellman & Friedman), and a consortium including TPG Group (TPG) and
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board together with its affiliates (OTTP) (collectively, the
TPG Consortium).
As previously announced on 18 May 2017, following the receipt of separate indicative and
non-binding proposals from both the TPG Consortium and Hellman & Friedman, the Board
determined that it was in the best interests of shareholders to grant both parties access to
confidential due diligence to explore whether a whole of company proposal, at a price and
on terms that the Board would recommend, was available. There was no certainty that
either indicative proposal would result in such an offer.
Following the conclusion of this process Fairfax did not receive a binding offer from either
the TPG Consortium or Hellman & Friedman. Accordingly, the Fairfax Board has ceased
discussions with both parties.
The Fairfax Board believes the company has an attractive future and throughout this
process has continued to pursue its standalone business plans including the separation of
Domain.
Fairfax Chairman Nick Falloon said: “The Board appreciates the support that shareholders
have demonstrated for Fairfax’s current strategy. That support has been communicated
during this process with a strong desire for Fairfax to progress the Domain separation and
to continue to execute on its plans.
“The Fairfax Board believes the Company is well positioned to continue to deliver
substantial returns for shareholders into the medium and long-term future. Fairfax’s digital
businesses are growing strongly and we have established plans for our traditional media
businesses. With media reform expected later this year, Fairfax will actively look to
maximise value given the strategically important businesses we own.”
Domain Separation
Fairfax has been continuing with its plans for the separation of Domain, as previously
announced on 22 February 2017.
Fairfax Chief Executive Officer Greg Hywood said: “We are making excellent progress with
preparations and have progressed all of the necessary regulatory approvals to meet our
timetable for completion by the end of 2017. We will provide a complete update at our full-year
results.”
Fairfax Strategy
Mr Hywood said: “Fairfax is continuing its strategy to actively manage its portfolio and drive
value from each of its businesses. Fairfax has a proven and disciplined management team
which is delivering value for shareholders. The Company’s priorities include:
- Investing to grow and further strengthen the Domain Group;
- Rapidly progressing Australian Metro Media’s next-generation publishing model;
- Driving further commercial benefits from the cash-generating Australian Community
Media;
- Further monetising New Zealand Media’s leading digital brands and audience
position;
- Driving growth in Australia’s leading subscription video-on-demand service Stan,
which is expected to achieve cash flow breakeven in 2018; and
- Benefiting from 54.5%-owned Macquarie Media Limited’s market-leading audience
positions.”
Fairfax Chairman Nick Falloon concluded: “We believe that our shareholders should be the
beneficiaries of the value to be unlocked from our unique combination of assets and the
strategic plans in place for each of our businesses.”
Trading Update
The business continues to perform on track with previous updates provided, with Domain’s
digital performance accelerating in the last quarter.
Consistent with previous market updates, overall group revenues are around 6% below last
year for FY17 H2 (26 December 2016 to 25 June 2017), subject to final year-end and audit
processes. On the same basis, revenue across our current reporting segments is as
follows:
- Domain overall revenue is up 10% with its total digital business up 22% and
accelerating;
- Metro Media is down around 12%;
- Australian Community Media is down around 11%;
- New Zealand Media is down around 4% including currency impact;
- Macquarie Media is down around 5%.
Fairfax expects to report full year results on 16 August 2017. Based on preliminary
accounts, we expect EBITDA of between $262m and $266m for the year ended June 2017,
subject to final year-end and audit processes.
Investor Briefing
An investor briefing (teleconference) on this announcement will be held today at 9:30am
(AEST). Media are welcome to listen to the call but not ask questions.
Teleconference:
Please quote conference ID 592672#
Australia – Toll Free 1800 558 698 or +612 9007 3187
New Zealand – 0800 453 055
Hong Kong – 800 966 806
Singapore – 800 101 2785
United Kingdom – 0800 051 8245
United States – 1855 88 11 339