UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
/x/ Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the period ended March 31, 2002, or
/ / Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Commission file number 0-13865
RARE MEDIUM GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 23-2368845
(State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization) Identification Number)
44 West 18th Street, 6th Floor
New York, New York 10011
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (646) 638-9700
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter periods that
the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject
to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes /x/ No / /
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes
of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Number of shares outstanding of the issuer's common stock, as of May 9, 2002
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share 65,324,966
Class Number of shares outstanding
INDEX
Page
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Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2001 and March 31, 2002
(Unaudited) 2
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations - Three
months ended March 31, 2001 and 2002 3
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Three months ended
March 31, 2001 and 2002 4
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements 5
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations 10
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 15
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 16
Item 2. Changes in Securities 17
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 17
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 17
Item 5. Other Information 17
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 17
SIGNATURES 18
RARE MEDIUM GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands except share data)
December 31, March 31,
2001 2002
---------------- ----------------
(Unaudited)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $7,061 $5,582
Short-term investments 9,746 9,049
---------------- ----------------
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 16,807 14,631
Accounts receivable, net 572 205
Investment in XM Satellite Radio 91,800 68,850
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 936 1,085
---------------- ----------------
Total current assets 110,115 84,771
Property and equipment, net 169 120
Note receivable from the Mobile Satellite Venture, L.P. 50,486 51,736
Notes receivable from Motient Corporation, net -- --
Investments in affiliates 2,600 2,600
Other assets 346 187
---------------- ----------------
Total assets $163,716 $139,414
================ ================
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $5,299 $5,269
Accrued liabilities 9,428 9,155
Other current liabilities 10,030 10,115
---------------- ----------------
Total current liabilities 24,757 24,539
Other noncurrent liabilities -- --
---------------- ----------------
Total liabilities 24,757 24,539
---------------- ----------------
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, net of unamortized
discount of $45,768 and $44,670, respectively 59,558 62,631
---------------- ----------------
Minority interest 10,097 10,337
---------------- ----------------
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued
1,053,259 shares as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock at December
31, 2001 and
1,073,007 shares at March 31, 2002 -- --
Common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 200,000,000 shares; issued and
outstanding 65,324,966 shares at December 31, 2001 and March 31, 2002 653 653
Additional paid-in capital 529,955 529,777
Accumulated other comprehensive income 60,336 37,386
Accumulated deficit (521,469) (525,738)
Treasury stock, at cost, 66,227 shares (171) (171)
---------------- ----------------
Total stockholders' equity 69,304 41,907
---------------- ----------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $163,716 $139,414
================ ================
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
RARE MEDIUM GROUP, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands except share data)
Three Months Ended March 31,
------------- -- ---------------
2001 2002
------------- ---------------
Revenues $1,602 $--
Cost of revenues 1,303 --
------------- ---------------
Gross profit 299 --
Expenses:
Sales and marketing 1,093 --
General and administrative 5,376 2,613
Depreciation and amortization 1,937 29
Restructuring charges 912 --
------------- ---------------
Total expenses 9,318 2,642
------------- ---------------
Loss from operations (9,019) (2,642)
Interest income, net 1,950 1,332
Loss on investments in affiliates (10,946) --
Minority interest -- (240)
Other (expense) income, net (142) 4
------------- ---------------
Loss before taxes and discontinued operations (18,157) (1,546)
Income tax benefit -- 350
------------- ---------------
Loss before discontinued operations (18,157) (1,196)
Discontinued operations:
Loss from discontinued operations (43,702) --
Loss from wind-down of discontinued operations -- --
------------- ---------------
Loss from discontinued operations (43,702) --
------------- ---------------
Net loss (61,859) (1,196)
Cumulative dividends and accretion of convertible
preferred stock to liquidation value (2,932) (3,073)
------------- ---------------
Net loss attributable to common stockholders $(64,791) $(4,269)
============= ===============
Basic and diluted loss per share:
Continuing operations $(0.34) $(0.07)
Discontinued operations (0.69) --
------------- ---------------
Net loss per share $(1.03) $(0.07)
============= ===============
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 63,094,667 65,324,966
============= ===============
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
RARE MEDIUM GROUP, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31,
------------- --- --------------
2001 2002
------------- --------------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss $ (61,859) $(1,196)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Loss from discontinued operations 43,702 --
Depreciation and amortization 1,937 29
Loss on investments in affiliates 10,946 --
Non-cash restructuring charges 578 --
Non-cash compensation benefit -- (177)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and sale of businesses:
Accounts receivable 177 12
Prepaid expenses and other assets 191 (1,503)
Deferred revenue 707 --
Accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities (1,079) 1,178
------------- --------------
Net cash used in continuing operations (4,700) (1,657)
Net cash used in discontinued operations (9,382) (542)
------------- --------------
Net cash used in operating activities (14,082) (2,199)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash paid for investments in affiliates (6,199) --
Purchases of property and equipment (48) --
Purchases of short-term investments (2,586) (2,502)
Sales of short-term investments -- 2,750
------------- --------------
Net cash (used in) provided by continuing operations (8,833) 248
Net cash (used in) provided by discontinued operations (3,499) 472
------------- --------------
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (12,332) 720
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of costs -- --
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with the exercise of
warrants and options -- --
------------- --------------
Net cash provided by financing activities -- --
------------- --------------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (26,414) (1,479)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 113,018 7,061
------------- --------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $86,604 $5,582
============= ==============
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
RARE MEDIUM GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) Description of the Business
Rare Medium Group, Inc. (the "Company") conducts its business
primarily through its subsidiaries. From 1998 through the third quarter of
2001, its principal business was conducted through Rare Medium, Inc., which
developed Internet e-commerce strategies, business processes, marketing
communications, branding strategies and interactive content using
Internet-based technologies and solutions. As a result of the weakening of
general economic conditions which caused many companies to reduce spending
on Internet-focused business solutions, a decision to discontinue Rare
Medium, Inc.'s operations, along with those of its LiveMarket, Inc.
subsidiary ("LiveMarket"), was made at the end of the third quarter of 2001
(see Note 4).
From 1999 through the first quarter of 2001, the Company made venture
investments by taking strategic minority equity positions in other
independently managed companies. Additionally, in the past, the Company has
developed, managed and operated companies in selected Internet-focused
market segments ("Start-up Companies"). During the first quarter of 2001,
the Company reduced its focus on these businesses and substantially ceased
providing funding to its Start-up Companies. Additionally, the Company sold
a majority of its equity interest in the operations of three of its
Start-up Companies: ChangeMusic Network ("ChangeMusic") and ePrize in April
2001 and Regards.com in December 2001. Currently, the Company is no longer
actively seeking new start-up opportunities or venture investments, nor is
it managing or operating any Start-up Companies.
As a result of the decision to discontinue the operations of Rare
Medium, Inc. and LiveMarket, the operating results reported in our
statements of operations as continuing operations include the consolidated
results of the Company, its 80% owned MSV Investors, LLC subsidiary ("MSV
Investors Subsidiary"), and its Start-up Companies, through their
respective dates of sale or shutdown. The results of Rare Medium, Inc. and
LiveMarket are reflected as discontinued operations.
In November 2001, through its MSV Investors Subsidiary, the Company
became a participant in the Mobile Satellite Venture, L.P. joint venture
("MSV Joint Venture"), a joint venture that includes TMI Communications,
Inc., Motient Corporation ("Motient"), and certain other investors
(collectively, the "Other MSV Investors"). The MSV Joint Venture is
currently a provider of mobile digital voice and data communications
services via satellite in North America. The Company expects to become an
increasingly active participant in the MSV Joint Venture and has designated
three members of the 12-member board of directors of the MSV Joint
Venture's corporate general partner.
In addition to winding down Rare Medium, Inc., the Company's current
operations consist of actively managing its interest in the MSV Joint
Venture. The Company's principal assets consist of its interest in the MSV
Joint Venture, five million shares of XM Satellite Radio, Inc. ("XM
Satellite Radio") common stock, promissory notes from Motient with a
principal amount of $26.2 million (see Note 3), its remaining investments
in its venture portfolio companies, and cash, cash equivalents and
short-term investments.
The Company is headquartered in New York, New York.
(2) Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been
prepared by the Company in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to
Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not
include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted
accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of
management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements
contain all adjustments, consisting only of those of a normal recurring
nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial
position, results of operations and cash flows at the dates and for the
periods indicated. While the Company believes that disclosures presented
are adequate to make the information not misleading, these unaudited
consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
audited financial statements and related notes for the year ended December
31, 2001 which are contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The results of the three
months ended March 31, 2002 are not necessarily indicative of the results
to be expected for the full year. Certain prior year amounts in the
consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the
current year's presentation.
(3) Notes Receivable from Motient
On April 2, 2001, the Company agreed to purchase from Motient 12.5%
secured promissory notes (the "Motient Notes"), issuable in two tranches,
each in the principal amount of $25.0 million. The Motient Notes were
collateralized by five million shares of XM Satellite Radio common stock
owned by Motient. The first tranche was purchased on April 4, 2001, and the
second tranche was purchased on July 16, 2001. The principal of and accrued
interest on the Motient Notes were payable on October 1, 2001 in either
cash, shares of XM Satellite Radio, or any combination thereof at Motient's
option, as set forth in the agreement. At the option of the Company, the
Motient Notes may have been exchanged for a number of XM Satellite Radio
shares based on a formula, as set forth in the agreement.
On October 1, 2001, and again on October 8, 2001, the Company extended
the maturity date of the Motient Notes. On October 12, 2001, in accordance
with the terms of the Motient Notes, the Company received five million
shares of XM Satellite Radio as payment for $26.2 million of the Motient
Notes and accrued interest. The maturity date for the remaining balance of
the Motient Notes in the principal amount of approximately $26.2 million,
and interest thereon, was extended for 60 days. On January 10, 2002,
Motient and its subsidiaries filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the
United States Bankruptcy Code. As part of its filing, Motient indicated
that it may challenge the Company's right to the $26.2 million outstanding
principal balance and accrued interest thereon. Motient may also initiate
litigation directly against the Company to challenge the delivery of the
shares of XM Satellite Radio common stock by Motient to the Company as
partial repayment of the aggregate $50.0 million principal amount of the
Motient Notes. At December 31, 2001, as a result of uncertainty with
respect to the ultimate collection on the Motient Notes, a reserve was
recognized for the entire amount of these notes.
To mitigate the risk, uncertainties and expenses associated with
Motient's proposed plan of reorganization, the Company agreed that upon the
approval of Motient's plan of reorganization, the Company would cancel the
outstanding amounts due under the Motient Notes and accept a new note in
the principal amount of $19.0 million to be issued by a new wholly-owned
subsidiary of Motient that will own 100% of Motient's interests in the MSV
Joint Venture. The new note will be due in three years and will bear
interest at a rate of 9% per annum. On April 26, 2002, Motient's plan of
reorganization was confirmed. As a result of the uncertainty with respect
to the ultimate collection on the new note, a reserve continues to be
maintained for the entire amount of the note (see Note 5).
(4) Discontinued Operations
At the end of the third quarter of 2001, a decision to discontinue the
operations of Rare Medium, Inc. and the LiveMarket subsidiary was made in
light of their performance and prospects. The wind-down of these businesses
is expected to be completed during 2002. As of March 31, 2002, the
remaining assets of Rare Medium, Inc. and LiveMarket totaled approximately
$2.0 million, consisting of cash (including cash collateralizing a letter
of credit), accounts receivable, property and equipment and other assets.
The liabilities of these subsidiaries totaled approximately $18.4 million,
consisting of accounts payable, accrued expenses (including $3.3 million of
restructuring reserves) and other current liabilities.
(5) Contingencies
Motient Notes
On January 10, 2002, Motient and its subsidiaries filed for
protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. As part
of its filing, Motient indicated that it may challenge the Company's right
to the $26.2 million outstanding principal balance and accrued interest
thereon. Motient may also initiate litigation directly against the Company
to challenge the delivery of the shares of XM Satellite Radio common stock
by Motient to the Company as partial repayment of the aggregate $50.0
million principal amount of the Motient Notes. To mitigate the risk,
uncertainties and expenses associated with Motient's proposed plan of
reorganization, the Company agreed that upon the approval of Motient's plan
of reorganization, the Company would cancel the outstanding amounts due
under the Motient Notes and accept a new note in the principal amount of
$19.0 million to be issued by a new wholly-owned subsidiary of Motient that
will own 100% of Motient's interests in the MSV Joint Venture. The new note
will be due in three years and will bear interest at a rate of 9% per
annum. On April 26, 2002, Motient's plan of reorganization was confirmed.
As a result of uncertainty with respect to the ultimate collection on the
new note, the Company continues to maintain its reserve for the entire
amount of the note. If the Company recovers any amount on the note,
adjustments to the reserve would be reflected as other income in the
accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Strategic Alliance
In 2000, Rare Medium, Inc. entered into a strategic alliance
agreement, as amended, with a software company (the "Partner") to assist in
the training of personnel and development and delivery by Rare Medium, Inc.
of solutions built utilizing the Partner's technology. Under the terms of
the alliance, the Partner was to provide Rare Medium, Inc. with refundable
advances of approximately $17.1 million, on an interest-free basis, to be
paid to Rare Medium, Inc. over the term of the two-year agreement, subject
to Rare Medium, Inc.'s compliance with certain requirements set forth in
the agreement. The amount and timing of the repayment of the advances were
adjustable based on Rare Medium, Inc.'s achievement of certain milestones
in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The Partner and Rare Medium,
Inc. have a dispute as to whether certain milestones were achieved. Efforts
at renegotiating the payment schedule and milestones were not successful.
In July 2001, Rare Medium, Inc. received a notice of arbitration from the
Partner seeking the return of the approximately $8.6 million, plus
interest, that had been advanced by the Partner, who has asserted that the
agreement has terminated. These advances are included in other current
liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Rare Medium,
Inc. contested the Partner's claims. On May 6, 2002, Rare Medium, Inc. and
the Partner settled this dispute and certain related disputes with an
affiliate of the Partner, with Rare Medium, Inc. agreeing to pay the
affiliate of the Partner $0.9 million.
Litigation
The Company is aware of a number of purported class action lawsuits
that have been filed by the holders of the Company's common stock in the
Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware which challenged the plan of
merger with Motient Corporation that was terminated on October 1, 2001. All
of the complaints name the Company and members of the Company's board of
directors as defendants. Most of the complaints name the holders of the
Company's preferred stock, and certain of their affiliates, as defendants,
and some of the complaints name Motient as a defendant. On June 22, 2001,
the Delaware court entered an order to consolidate all of the Delaware
lawsuits for all purposes into a single purported class action, In re Rare
Medium Group, Inc. Shareholders Litigation, C.A. No. 18879-NC. On August 7,
2001, a Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint was filed in Delaware
Chancery Court. The Delaware Chancery Court has not yet certified the
consolidated lawsuit as a class action. The lawsuit alleges that the
defendants breached duties allegedly owed to the holders of the Company's
common stock in connection with the merger agreement and sought to stop the
merger and/or obtain monetary damages. On October 19, 2001, the Company
filed a motion to dismiss the Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint
on a variety of grounds, including mootness. Settlement negotiations were
ongoing during the quarter. On April 2, 2002, the Company entered into a
Stipulation of Settlement, subject to court approval, in which it agreed to
effectuate a reverse stock split, commence a rights offering, take certain
other corporate actions, as well as issue 3,571,428 shares of the Company's
common stock (worth $1.0 million based on the tender offer price of $0.28
per share) to the plaintiff's counsel and pay the plaintiff's counsel $0.1
million for expenses (see Note 6). As of March 31, 2002, included in
accrued liabilities is a reserve for the full amount of the settlement.
A purported class action was filed in New York, titled Brickell
Partners v. Rare Medium Group, Inc., et al., N.Y.S. Index No. 01602694, in
the New York State Supreme Court, making similar allegations to the
Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint in Delaware. The complaint was
dismissed on February 21, 2002.
On May 16, 2001, plaintiffs Jay M. Wolff, David Bliss, Tim Barber and
Steve O'Brien filed suit against Rare Medium, Inc., Rare Medium Group,
Inc., and Rare Medium Texas I, Inc. in the United States District Court for
the Southern District of New York, Wolff, et al. v. Rare Medium, Inc., et
al., CV No 01-4279. The plaintiffs asserted claims for breach of contract,
tortuous interference with contractual relations, tortuous interference
with prospective advantage, and breach of implied obligation of good faith,
arising out of the plaintiffs' alleged attempt to engage in transactions
involving some or all of the approximately 1,200,000 shares of the
Company's common stock that the plaintiffs obtained in the Company's
acquisition of Big Hand, Inc. The plaintiffs sought unspecified
compensatory and punitive damages, interest, attorneys' fees and costs. On
October 31, 2001, the Court dismissed the case without prejudice.
Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on December 7, 2001 based on
substantially the same alleged facts. The amended complaint asserts the
following causes of action: (1) breach of contract; (2) tortuous
interference with contract; and, (3) tortuous interference with prospective
business advantage. The amended complaint seeks an unspecified amount of
actual damages, punitive damages, interest, and costs. Defendants moved to
dismiss the amended complaint on December 27, 2001, and briefing has been
completed. The Company intends to dispute this matter vigorously.
On November 19, 2001, five of the Company's shareholders filed a
complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of
New York against the Company, Dovitz v. Rare Medium Group, Inc. et al., No.
01 Civ. 10196, certain of its subsidiaries and certain of their current and
former officers and/or directors. Plaintiffs became owners of restricted
Company stock when they sold the company that they owned to the Company.
Plaintiffs assert the following four claims against defendants: (1)
common-law fraud; (2) violation of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder; (3) violation of the
Michigan Securities Act; and (4) breach of fiduciary duty. These claims
arise out of alleged representations by defendants to induce plaintiffs to
enter into the transaction. The complaint seeks compensatory damages of
approximately $5.6 million, exemplary and/or punitive damages in the same
amount, as well as attorney fees. On January 25, 2002, the Company filed a
motion to dismiss the complaint in its entirety. The plaintiffs opposed the
dismissal motion on March 9, 2002. The Company replied to these opposition
papers on April 10, 2002. The Company intends to dispute this matter
vigorously.
Additionally, from time to time, the Company is subject to litigation
in the normal course of business. The Company is of the opinion that, based
on information presently available, the resolution of any such additional
legal matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial position or results of its operations.
(6) Subsequent Events
Settlement of Purported Class Action Lawsuit
On April 2, 2002, the Company and its preferred stockholders entered
into a Stipulation of Settlement (the "Settlement") with the plaintiffs
relating to the purported class action lawsuit, In re Rare Medium Group,
Inc. Shareholders Litigation, C.A. No. 18879-NC, brought by holders of its
common stock challenging its previously proposed merger with Motient. In
connection with the Settlement, which is subject to court approval, the
Company announced its intention to effect a one for ten reverse stock split
and to commence a rights offering. Also in connection with the Settlement,
the Company entered into an Investment Agreement with its preferred
stockholders who agreed to purchase in advance a number of shares of the
Company's non-voting common stock that equals the number of shares of
voting common stock that they would otherwise have been entitled to
purchase in the rights offering, after giving effect to the cancellation of
20% of the outstanding warrants in connection with the Settlement. An
affiliate of the preferred stockholders also commenced a cash tender offer
for up to 15,002,909 shares of the Company's common stock on April 9, 2002.
Reverse Split of our Common Stock. The one for ten reverse stock split
is intended to assist the Company in meeting the Nasdaq National Market's
minimum closing bid price requirement of $1.00 per share. The reverse stock
split is subject to stockholder approval. If approved by its stockholders,
the Company expects that the reverse stock split will be effected promptly
following the closing of the rights offering. Accordingly, there will be no
adjustment to the subscription price in the rights offering as a result of
the reverse stock split. However, the Company is not required to effect the
reverse stock split and is permitted to abandon it at any time prior to it
being effected.
Rights Offering. In the proposed rights offering, the Company's common
stockholders of record at close of business on May 16, 2002 will receive
non-transferable rights to purchase one additional share of common stock of
the Company for each share held as of a record date to be established. The
price at which the additional shares may be purchased will represent a 15%
discount to the market price of the Company's common stock at the time the
rights offering is commenced, but will be no more than $0.33 per share and
no less than $0.18 per share. All stockholders who fully exercise their
subscription rights will also have an over-subscription right to acquire
any shares which are not purchased by other stockholders, subject to a pro
rata limitation in the event the rights offering is oversubscribed. The
rights offering is expected to commence promptly following registration of
the shares subject to the offering.
Advance Purchase by the Preferred Stockholders. Under the Investment
Agreement, the Company's preferred stockholders purchased 38,765,848 shares
of the Company's non-voting common stock. This purchase equals the number
of shares of voting common stock that the preferred stockholders would
otherwise have been entitled to purchase in the rights offering, after
giving effect to the cancellation of 20% of the outstanding warrants in
connection with the Settlement. The preferred stock holders paid $0.255 per
share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $9.9 million. The
Investment Agreement adjusts the per share advance purchase price paid by
the preferred stockholders to equal the per share subscription price for
the rights offering. In the event that the rights offering is not
consummated by June 30, 2003 or is not approved by our stockholders, a
committee consisting of all independent directors desiring to serve on such
committee may elect to rescind the purchase of non-voting stock.
Stipulation of Settlement. The Company and its preferred stockholders
have agreed, among other things:
o that, in connection with the rights offering, the preferred
stockholders will waive anti-dilution rights in their preferred
stock and warrants with respect to the non-voting common stock
acquired by the preferred stockholders in the advance purchase or
their over-subscription privilege in the rights offering;
o subject to the final court approval of the Settlement, that 20% of
the warrants held by the preferred stockholders to acquire shares
of common stock will be cancelled; and
o subject to the final court approval of the Settlement, that the
preferred stockholders will elect to receive dividends on their
shares of preferred stock in the form of additional shares of
preferred stock, in lieu of cash dividends, for any dividend
payment date occurring after June 30, 2002 and on or prior to June
30, 2004.
Tender Offer. As part of the Settlement, on April 9, 2002, an
affiliate of the preferred stockholders commenced a cash tender offer at a
price of $0.28 per share for up to 15,002,909 shares, or approximately 23%
of the Company's outstanding common stock. In accordance with the
Settlement, the $0.28 per share tender offer price equals 105% of the
average closing prices of the common stock for the five trading days prior
to April 9, 2002. The tender offer expired on May 10, 2002. The preferred
stockholders have agreed that so long as any tendered shares are held by
them or any of their affiliates, the preferred stockholders and their
affiliates will cause all such shares held by them, which would otherwise
entitle the preferred stockholders and their affiliates, collectively, to
cast more than 29.9% of voting power of our outstanding capital stock, to
be voted pro-rata with all other votes cast by holders of common stock. The
tender offer was intended to provide additional liquidity for the Company's
common stockholders and, thereby, provide near term support for the market
price of the Company's common stock in light of its recent announcement of
the one for ten reverse stock split.
Payment of Attorneys Fees and Expenses. As part of the Settlement, the
Company agreed to issue 3,571,428 shares of the Company's common stock
(worth $1.0 million based on the tender offer price of $0.28 per share) to
the plaintiff's counsel and to pay them $0.1 million for expenses.
Note Receivable from Motient
To mitigate the risk, uncertainties and expenses associated with
Motient's proposed plan of reorganization, the Company agreed that upon the
approval of Motient's plan of reorganization, the Company would cancel the
outstanding amounts due under the Motient Notes and accept a new note in
the principal amount of $19.0 million to be issued by a new wholly-owned
subsidiary of Motient that will own 100% of Motient's interests in the MSV
Joint Venture. The new note will be due in three years and will bear
interest at a rate of 9% per annum. On April 26, 2002, Motient's plan of
reorganization was confirmed. As a result of the uncertainty with respect
to the ultimate collection on the new note, a reserve continues to be
maintained for the entire amount of the note.
Strategic Alliance
On May 6, 2002, Rare Medium, Inc. and the Partner settled the dispute
regarding the strategic alliance agreement and certain related disputes
with an affiliate of the Partner, with Rare Medium, Inc. agreeing to pay
the affiliate of the Partner $0.9 million.
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 that involve risks and uncertainties, including
statements regarding our capital needs, business strategy, expectations and
intentions. We urge you to consider that statements that use the terms
"believe," "do not believe," "anticipate," "expect," "plan," "estimate,"
"intend" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. These statements reflect our current views with respect to
future events and because our business is subject to numerous risks,
uncertainties and risk factors, our actual results could differ materially
from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, including those
set forth below under this "Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and elsewhere in this
report. Actual results will most likely differ from those reflected in
these statements, and the differences could be substantial. We disclaim any
obligation to publicly update these statements, or disclose any difference
between our actual results and those reflected in these statements. The
information constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Overview
From 1998 through the third quarter of 2001, our principal business
was conducted through our subsidiary Rare Medium, Inc., which developed
Internet e-commerce strategies, business processes, marketing
communications, branding strategies and interactive content using
Internet-based technologies and solutions. As a result of the weakening of
general economic conditions which caused many companies to reduce spending
on Internet-focused business solutions, a decision to discontinue Rare
Medium, Inc.'s operations, along with those of its LiveMarket, Inc.
subsidiary, was made at the end of the third quarter of 2001.
From 1999 through the first quarter of 2001, we made venture
investments by taking strategic minority equity positions in other
independently managed companies. Additionally, in the past, we have
developed, managed and operated our Start-up Companies. During the first
quarter of 2001, we reduced our focus on these businesses and substantially
ceased providing funding to our Start-up Companies. Additionally, we sold a
majority of our equity interest in the operations of three of our Start-up
Companies: ChangeMusic and ePrize in April 2001 and Regards.com in December
2001. Currently, we are no longer actively seeking new start-up
opportunities or venture investments, nor are we managing or operating any
Start-up Companies.
As a result of the decision to discontinue the operations of Rare
Medium, Inc. and LiveMarket, the operating results reported in our
statements of operations as continuing operations include the consolidated
results of Rare Medium Group, Inc., our MSV Investors Subsidiary, and our
Start-up Companies, through their respective dates of sale or shutdown. The
results of Rare Medium, Inc. and LiveMarket are reflected as discontinued
operations.
In November 2001, through our MSV Investors Subsidiary, we became a
participant in the MSV Joint Venture, a joint venture which includes TMI
Communications, Inc., Motient and the Other MSV Investors. The MSV Joint
Venture is currently a provider of mobile digital voice and data
communications services via satellite in North America. We expect to become
an increasingly active participant in the MSV Joint Venture and have
designated three members of the 12-member board of directors of the MSV
Joint Venture's corporate general partner. In addition to winding down Rare
Medium, Inc., our current operations consist of actively managing our
interest in the MSV Joint Venture.
Our principal assets consist of our interest in the MSV Joint Venture,
five million shares of XM Satellite Radio common stock, promissory notes
from Motient Corporation with a principal amount of $26.2 million, our
remaining investments in our venture portfolio companies and cash, cash
equivalents and short-term investments. As a result of uncertainty with
respect to the ultimate collection on the Motient notes, we recognized a
reserve for the entire amount of these notes. See "Liquidity and Capital
Resources" under this Item 2.
Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2002
Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2001
Revenues
Revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2002 decreased to nil
from approximately $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2001,
a decrease of approximately $1.6 million. The decrease is the result of the
sale of our majority interest in the operations of three Start-up Companies
in 2001.
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues includes salaries, payroll taxes and related benefits
and other direct costs associated with the generation of revenues. Cost of
revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2002 decreased to nil from
approximately $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2001, a
decrease of approximately $1.3 million. The decrease is the result of the
sale of our majority interest in the operations of three Start-up Companies
in 2001.
Sales and Marketing Expense
Sales and marketing expense primarily includes the costs associated
with the respective sales force of each Start-up Company, marketing and
advertising. Sales and marketing expense for the three months ended March
31, 2002 decreased to nil from approximately $1.1 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2001, a decrease of approximately $1.1 million. The
decrease is primarily the result of the sale of our majority interest in
the operations of three Start-up Companies in 2001.
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expense includes facilities costs, finance,
legal and other corporate costs, as well as the salaries and related
employee benefits for those employees that support such functions. General
and administrative expense for the three months ending March 31, 2002
decreased to $2.6 million from $5.4 million for the three months ended
March 31, 2001, a decrease of $2.8 million. This decrease was primarily
related to the reduced infrastructure needed to manage our continuing
operations and the sale of our majority interest in the operations of three
Start-up Companies in 2001, partially offset by the legal and advisory
costs associated with our negotiations with the plaintiffs in the purported
class action lawsuit amounting to approximately $1.1 million. We expect
these costs to continue to decrease during 2002.
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and amortization expense substantially consists of the
depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of intangible
assets as a result of the acquisitions of our Start-up Companies.
Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended March 31,
2002 decreased to approximately $29,000 from $1.9 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2001, a decrease of approximately $1.9 million. This
decrease is primarily the result of the sale or shutdown of the operations
of our Start-up Companies in 2001 and the disposal of property and
equipment associated with our restructuring activities. As we have reduced
our capital expenditures and have written off all remaining goodwill, we
currently expect depreciation expense to remain at this level in future
periods.
Restructuring Charges
For the three months ended March 31, 2002, we did not record any
restructuring charges. For the three months ended March 31, 2001, we
recorded restructuring charges of approximately $0.9 million primarily
relating to the disposition of property and equipment. These restructuring
charges were the result of the reduction of our infrastructure needed to
manage our continuing operations.
Interest Income, Net
Interest income, net for the three months ended March 31, 2002 is
mainly comprised of the interest earned on our cash, cash equivalents, and
short-term investments and on our convertible note receivable from the MSV
Joint Venture.
Loss on Investment in Affiliates
For the three months ended March 31, 2002, we did not record any
losses on investments in affiliates. For the three months ended March 31,
2001, we recorded a loss on investments in affiliates of $10.9 million,
consisting primarily of $7.4 million for the impairment to the carrying
value of certain affiliates accounted for under the cost method, $1.1
million for our proportionate share of affiliates' operating losses and
amortization of our net excess investment over our equity in each
affiliate's net assets for those affiliates accounted for under the equity
method and $2.5 million for the impairment of the goodwill and net assets
related to one of our Start-Up Companies. We will continue to monitor the
carrying value our remaining investments in affiliates for further
impairment.
Minority Interest
We received $10.0 million from unaffiliated persons as an investment
into our MSV Investors Subsidiary. Minority interest relates to the equity
in earnings, primarily the interest income earned on the $50.0 million
convertible note from the MSV Joint Venture, which is attributable to those
unaffiliated investors.
Loss from Discontinued Operations
At the end of the third quarter of 2001, a decision to discontinue the
operations of Rare Medium, Inc. and its LiveMarket subsidiary was made in
light of their performance and prospects. The wind-down of these businesses
is expected to be completed during 2002. For the three months ended March
31, 2002, we did not recognize any charges or benefits relating to these
companies. For the three months ended March 31, 2001, we recognized a loss
from operations of $43.7 million relating to these businesses.
Net Loss
For the three months ended March 31, 2002, we recorded a net loss of
$1.2 million. The loss was primarily due to the factors described in
"General and Administrative Expense," "Depreciation and Amortization
Expense," "Interest Income, Net" and "Minority Interest."
Included in net loss attributable to common shareholders of $4.3
million was $3.1 million of non-cash deemed dividends and accretion related
to the issuance of our Series A convertible preferred stock. Dividends were
accrued related to the pay-in-kind dividends payable quarterly on Series A
convertible preferred stock and to the accretion of the carrying amount of
the Series A convertible preferred stock up to its $100 per share face
redemption amount over 13 years.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We had $14.6 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term
investments as of March 31, 2002. Cash used in operating activities from
continuing operations was $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31,
2002 and resulted primarily from cash used for general corporate overhead
including professional fees associated with the settlement of certain
litigation matters. Cash used in operating activities from discontinued
operations was $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2002. We
expect cash used in continuing operations to remain at approximately this
level in future periods.
No cash was used by our continuing operations for investing activities
during the three months ended March 31, 2002, excluding the $0.2 million
resulting from the net sale of short-term investments. We do not have any
future funding commitments with respect to any of our investments. However,
we expect that the MSV Joint Venture will require additional funding from
time to time, and we may choose to exercise our preemptive right to provide
our pro rata share of such funding, subject to our liquidity and capital
resources at the time.
Motient Promissory Notes
In April 2001, we agreed to purchase from Motient 12.5% secured
promissory notes, issuable in two tranches, each in the principal amount of
$25.0 million. The Motient notes were collateralized by five million shares
of XM Satellite Radio common stock owned by Motient. The first tranche was
purchased on April 4, 2001, and the second tranche was purchased on July
16, 2001. The principal of and accrued interest on the Motient notes were
payable on October 1, 2001 in either cash, shares of XM Satellite Radio, or
any combination thereof at Motient's option, as set forth in the agreement.
At our option, the Motient notes may have been exchanged for a number of XM
Satellite Radio shares equivalent to the principal of the Motient notes and
any accrued interest thereon, as set forth in the agreement.
On October 1, 2001, and again on October 8, 2001, we extended the
maturity date of the Motient notes. On October 12, 2001, in accordance with
the terms of the Motient notes, we received five million shares of XM
Satellite Radio as payment for $26.2 million of the notes and related
interest. The maturity date for the remaining balance of the notes in the
principal amount of approximately $26.2 million, and interest thereon, was
extended for 60 days. On January 10, 2002, Motient and its subsidiaries
filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.
As part of its filing, Motient indicated that it may challenge our right to
the $26.2 million outstanding principal balance and accrued interest
thereon. Motient may also initiate litigation directly against us to
challenge the delivery of the shares of XM Satellite Radio common stock by
Motient to us as partial repayment of the aggregate $50.0 million principal
amount of the notes.
To mitigate the risk, uncertainties and expenses associated with
Motient's proposed plan of reorganization, we agreed that upon the approval
of Motient's plan of reorganization, we would cancel the outstanding
amounts due under the Motient Notes and accept a new note in the principal
amount of $19.0 million to be issued by a new wholly-owned subsidiary of
Motient that will own 100% of Motient's interests in the MSV Joint Venture.
The new note will be due in three years and will bear interest at a rate of
9% per annum. On April 26, 2002, Motient's plan of reorganization was
confirmed. As a result of the uncertainty with respect to the ultimate
collection on the new note, a reserve continues to be maintained for the
entire amount of the note. If we recover any amount on the note,
adjustments to the reserve would be reflected as other income in the
accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
MSV Joint Venture Convertible Note Receivable
Through our 80% owned MSV Investors Subsidiary, we are an active
participant in the MSV Joint Venture, a joint venture that includes TMI
Communications, Inc., Motient, and the Other MSV Investors. The MSV Joint
Venture is currently a provider of mobile digital voice and data
communications services via satellite in North America. On November 26,
2001, through our MSV Investors Subsidiary, we purchased a $50.0 million
interest in the MSV Joint Venture in the form of a convertible note (the
"MSV Note"). Immediately prior to the purchase of the convertible note,
Rare Medium Group contributed $40.0 million to the MSV Investors Subsidiary
and a group of unrelated third parties contributed $10.0 million. The MSV
Note bears interest at a rate of 10% per year, has a maturity date of
November 26, 2006, and is convertible at any time at the option of our MSV
Investors Subsidiary into equity interests in the MSV Joint Venture. The
MSV Note automatically converts into equity interests upon the MSV Joint
Venture obtaining certain approvals from the FCC and its Canadian
equivalent, Industry Canada. Upon conversion, our MSV Investors Subsidiary
would own approximately 30.8% of the equity interests in the MSV Joint
Venture. However, in the event that the MSV Joint Venture receives approval
from the FCC by March 31, 2003 with regard to its plans for a
next-generation satellite system complemented by ancillary terrestrial base
stations, the Other MSV Investors are obligated to invest an additional
$50.0 million in the MSV Joint Venture and, thereafter, our MSV Investors
Subsidiary would own approximately 23.6% of the equity interests in the MSV
Joint Venture. The fair value of the MSV Note approximates book value based
on the equity value of the MSV Joint Venture's recent funding transactions
assuming conversion of such note.
Rights Offering and Advance Purchase
In connection with the settlement of the purported class action
lawsuit, the Company announced its intention to commence a rights offering.
In the proposed rights offering, the Company's common stockholders of
record at close of business on May 16, 2002 will receive non-transferable
rights to purchase one additional share of common stock of the Company for
each share held as of a record date to be established. The price at which
the additional shares may be purchased will represent a 15% discount to the
market price of the Company's common stock at the time the rights offering
is commenced, but will be no more than $0.33 per share and no less than
$0.18 per share. All stockholders who fully exercise their subscription
rights will also have an over-subscription right to acquire any shares
which are not purchased by other stockholders, subject to a pro rata
limitation in the event the rights offering is oversubscribed. The rights
offering is expected to commence promptly following registration of the
shares subject to the offering and is expected to generate total proceeds,
assuming all rights are subscribed, of between approximately $16.4 million
and $30.2 million (including the advance purchase by the preferred
stockholders discussed below). We cannot assure you that all of the rights
will be subscribed.
Under the Investment Agreement, the Company's preferred stockholders
purchased 38,765,848 shares of the Company's non-voting common stock. This
purchase equals the number of shares of voting common stock that the
preferred stockholders would otherwise have been entitled to purchase in
the rights offering, after giving effect to the cancellation of 20% of the
outstanding warrants in connection with the settlement of the purported
class action lawsuit. The preferred stockholders paid $0.255 per share for
an aggregate purchase price of approximately $9.9 million. The Investment
Agreement adjusts the per share advance purchase price paid by the
preferred stockholders to equal the per share subscription price for the
rights offering. In the event that the rights offering is not consummated
by June 30, 2003 or is not approved by our stockholders, a committee
consisting of all independent directors desiring to serve on such committee
may elect to rescind the purchase of non-voting stock.
Listing under the Nasdaq National Market
By letter dated February 14, 2002, Nasdaq notified us that if prior to
May 15, 2002 the closing bid price of our common stock is not at least
$1.00 for a minimum of 10 consecutive trading days, Nasdaq will notify us
that the common stock will be delisted from the Nasdaq National Market for
failure to satisfy the minimum bid price requirement. In order to regain
compliance with the requirements for continued listing on the Nasdaq
National Market, our board of directors has approved a one for ten reverse
stock split, subject to stockholder approval. If the reverse stock split is
not approved, then it is likely, depending on the volatility of our common
stock and our ability to meet the listing criteria described above, that we
will not satisfy the requirements for continued listing on the Nasdaq
National Market or initial registration on either the New York Stock
Exchange or the American Stock Exchange. Even if such a reverse stock split
were approved by our stockholders, the market sometimes views reverse stock
splits negatively and there can be no assurance that following such stock
split we would be successful in meeting the listing criteria described
above.
If we are unable to demonstrate compliance with the minimum bid price
requirement on or prior to May 15, 2002, or such other date as Nasdaq may
permit, and any appeal to Nasdaq for relief from this requirement is
unsuccessful, including an appeal based upon the recent decision of our
board of directors to effectuate a reverse stock split, subject to
shareholder approval, our common stock will be delisted from the Nasdaq
National Market. If this were to happen, trading in our common stock would
decrease substantially. If our common stock is delisted from the Nasdaq
National Market, we would seek to maintain the listing of our common stock
on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market. However, if our common stock is delisted
from the Nasdaq National Market, the delisting would result in a reduction
in the liquidity and market price of our shares of common stock. This lack
of liquidity would also make it difficult for us to raise capital. In
addition, the delisting of our common stock from the Nasdaq National Market
would result in an event of non-compliance under the provisions of our
preferred stock. If we are unable to obtain a waiver of this event of
non-compliance, the preferred stockholders would be entitled to elect a
majority of the members of our board of directors which would provide them
with the ability to control our management and policies.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In July 2001, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," ("SFAS No. 142")
which is effective January 1, 2002. SFAS No. 142 eliminates the current
requirement to amortize goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets and
replaces the amortization with an impairment test which must be performed
at least annually. For intangible assets with definite useful lives, SFAS
142 requires amortization over their respective expected useful lives to
their estimated residual values and review for impairment in accordance
with SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and
for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." Additionally, SFAS No. 142
requires that a transitional goodwill impairment test be completed six
months from the date of adoption. The adoption of SFAS No. 142 did not have
a material effect on our results of operations.
In June 2001, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," ("SFAS
No. 143") which is effective January 1, 2003. SFAS No. 143 addresses the
financial accounting and reporting for obligations and retirement costs
related to the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. The adoption of
SFAS No. 143 did not have a material effect on our results of operations.
In August 2001, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived
Assets," ("SFAS No. 144") which is effective January 1, 2002. SFAS No. 144
supersedes FASB Statement No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of," and the
accounting and reporting provisions relating to the disposal of a segment
of a business of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30. The adoption
of SFAS No. 144 did not have a material effect on our results of
operations.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to certain market risks from changes in the price of
the XM Satellite Radio publicly traded common stock. We account for our
investment in XM Satellite Radio common stock as an available-for-sale,
marketable security and report such investment at fair value with net
unrealized gains and losses recorded in stockholders' equity. Gains and
losses will be recognized in our statements of operations when realized. At
March 31, 2002, the reported value of XM Satellite Radio common stock in
our balance sheet was approximately $68.9 million, or $13.77 per share,
resulting in an unrealized gain of approximately $37.4 million. Changes in
the market price of XM Satellite Radio common stock could cause
fluctuations in our earnings and financial position. From January 1, 2002
to May 9, 2002, the market price of XM Satellite Radio common stock traded
in a range of $7.93 to $19.20 per share. As of the close of business on May
9, 2002, the market price of XM Satellite Radio common stock was $8.60 per
share.
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The Company is aware of a number of purported class action lawsuits
that have been filed by the holders of the Company's common stock in the
Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware which challenged the plan of
merger with Motient Corporation that was terminated on October 1, 2001. All
of the complaints name the Company and members of the Company's board of
directors as defendants. Most of the complaints name the holders of the
Company's preferred stock, and certain of their affiliates, as defendants,
and some of the complaints name Motient as a defendant. On June 22, 2001,
the Delaware court entered an order to consolidate all of the Delaware
lawsuits for all purposes into a single purported class action, In re Rare
Medium Group, Inc. Shareholders Litigation, C.A. No. 18879-NC. On August 7,
2001, a Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint was filed in Delaware
Chancery Court. The Delaware Chancery Court has not yet certified the
consolidated lawsuit as a class action. The lawsuit alleges that the
defendants breached duties allegedly owed to the holders of the Company's
common stock in connection with the merger agreement and sought to stop the
merger and/or obtain monetary damages. On October 19, 2001, the Company
filed a motion to dismiss the Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint
on a variety of grounds, including mootness. Settlement negotiations were
ongoing during the quarter. On April 2, 2002, the Company entered into a
Stipulation of Settlement, subject to court approval, in which it agreed to
effectuate a reverse stock split, commence a rights offering, take certain
other corporate actions, as well as issue 3,571,428 shares of the Company's
common stock (worth $1.0 million based on the tender offer price of $0.28
per share) to the plaintiff's counsel and pay the plaintiff's counsel $0.1
million for expenses.
A purported class action was filed in New York, titled Brickell
Partners v. Rare Medium Group, Inc., et al., N.Y.S. Index No. 01602694, in
the New York State Supreme Court, making similar allegations to the
Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint in Delaware. The complaint was
dismissed on February 21, 2002.
On May 16, 2001, plaintiffs Jay M. Wolff, David Bliss, Tim Barber and
Steve O'Brien filed suit against Rare Medium, Inc., Rare Medium Group,
Inc., and Rare Medium Texas I, Inc. in the United States District Court for
the Southern District of New York, Wolff, et al. v. Rare Medium, Inc., et
al., CV No 01-4279. The plaintiffs asserted claims for breach of contract,
tortuous interference with contractual relations, tortuous interference
with prospective advantage, and breach of implied obligation of good faith,
arising out of the plaintiffs' alleged attempt to engage in transactions
involving some or all of the approximately 1,200,000 shares of the
Company's common stock that the plaintiffs obtained in the Company's
acquisition of Big Hand, Inc. The plaintiffs sought unspecified
compensatory and punitive damages, interest, attorneys' fees and costs. On
October 31, 2001, the Court dismissed the case without prejudice.
Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on December 7, 2001 based on
substantially the same alleged facts. The amended complaint asserts the
following causes of action: (1) breach of contract; (2) tortuous
interference with contract; and, (3) tortuous interference with prospective
business advantage. The amended complaint seeks an unspecified amount of
actual damages, punitive damages, interest, and costs. Defendants moved to
dismiss the amended complaint on December 27, 2001, and briefing has been
completed. The Company intends to dispute this matter vigorously.
On November 19, 2001, five of the Company's shareholders filed a
complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of
New York against the Company, Dovitz v. Rare Medium Group, Inc. et al., No.
01 Civ. 10196, certain of its subsidiaries and certain of their current and
former officers and/or directors. Plaintiffs became owners of restricted
Company stock when they sold the company that they owned to the Company.
Plaintiffs assert the following four claims against defendants: (1)
common-law fraud; (2) violation of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder; (3) violation of the
Michigan Securities Act; and (4) breach of fiduciary duty. These claims
arise out of alleged representations by defendants to induce plaintiffs to
enter into the transaction. The complaint seeks compensatory damages of
approximately $5.6 million, exemplary and/or punitive damages in the same
amount, as well as attorney fees. On January 25, 2002, the Company filed a
motion to dismiss the complaint in its entirety. The plaintiffs opposed the
dismissal motion on March 9, 2002. The Company replied to those opposition
papers on April 10, 2002. The Company intends to dispute this matter
vigorously.
In 2000, Rare Medium, Inc. entered into a strategic alliance
agreement, as amended, with a software company (the "Partner") to assist in
the training of personnel and development and delivery by Rare Medium, Inc.
of solutions built utilizing the Partner's technology. Under the terms of
the alliance, the Partner was to provide Rare Medium, Inc. with refundable
advances of approximately $17.1 million, on an interest free basis, to be
paid to Rare Medium, Inc. over the term of the two-year agreement, subject
to Rare Medium, Inc.'s compliance with certain requirements set forth in
the agreement. The amount and timing of the repayment of the advances were
adjustable based on Rare Medium, Inc.'s achievement of certain milestones
in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The Partner and Rare Medium,
Inc. have a dispute as to whether certain milestones have been achieved.
Efforts at renegotiating the payment schedule and milestones were not
successful. In July 2001, Rare Medium, Inc. received a notice of
arbitration from the Partner seeking the return of the approximately $8.6
million, plus interest, that had been advanced by the Partner, who has
asserted that the agreement has terminated. These advances are included in
other current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Rare Medium, Inc. contested the Partner's claims. On May 6, 2002, Rare
Medium, Inc. and the Partner settled this dispute and certain related
disputes with an affiliate of the Partner, with Rare Medium, Inc. agreeing
to pay the affiliate of the Partner $0.9 million.
Item 2. Changes in Securities
(a) Not applicable
(b) Not applicable
(c) Not applicable
(d) Not applicable
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not applicable
Item 4. Submissions of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
The Company's annual meeting of stockholders for the year ended
December 31, 2000 was held on March 28, 2002. Proxies for the meeting were
solicited by the Company pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act.
All of management's nominees for the election of the Board of Directors, as
listed in the Proxy Statement for the meeting, were elected. In addition,
the Company's stockholders also voted on the following proposal with the
following results:
The appointment of KPMG LLP as the independent auditors of the Company
for the year ended December 31, 2001 was ratified.
Broker
For Against Abstain Non-Votes
---------- ------- ------- --------
Series A Preferred Stock 1,053,259 0 0 0
Common Stock 58,426,314 857,034 84,326 0
Item 5. Other Information
None
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) The following sets forth those exhibits filed pursuant to Item 601
of Regulation S-K:
None
(b) The following sets forth the Company's reports on Form 8-K that
have been filed during the quarter for which this report is filed:
None
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, this Registrant has duly caused this report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: May 14, 2002 By: /s/ GLENN S. MEYERS
-------------------------------
Glenn S. Meyers
Chief Executive Officer
Date: May 14, 2002 By: /s/ CRAIG C. CHESSER
----------------------------------
Craig C. Chesser
Senior Vice President Finance and
Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Date: May 14, 2002 By: /s/ MICHAEL A. HULTBERG
----------------------------------
Michael A. Hultberg
Senior Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)