UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K/A
AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO FORM 10-K
x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________ to __________
Commission File Number 0-24796
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
BERMUDA | N/A |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation and organisation) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) |
Clarendon House, Church Street, Hamilton | HM CX Bermuda |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 441-296-1431
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Class A Common Stock, $0.08 par value
93/8% Notes Due 2004
81/8% Notes Due 2004
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 each shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YESx NOo
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) Yesx Noo
The aggregate market value of the voting stock of registrant held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of March 3, 2003 was approximately $105 million
Number of shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding as of March 3, 2003 : 9,261,884
Number of shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding as of March 3, 2003 : 3,967,368
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Document | Location in Form 10-K in Which Document is Incorporated |
Registrant's Proxy Statement for the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 22, 2003 | Part III |
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This is Amendment No. 3 to the Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, as originally filed on March 10, 2003. No changes have been made to our income statement, balance sheet or cash flow statements as they appeared in our March 10, 2003 Form 10-K/A, although changes have been made to the notes to our financial statements.
Modifications to the March 10, 2003 Form 10-K/A have been made to various parts of the text primarily to:
Clarify Risk Factors and remove non-specific Risk Factors.
Clarify corporate structure, consolidation policies and ownership particularly to remove confusion between legal entities and TV network names.
Provide a full quantified discussion in MD&A of our Romanian related party transactions, the internal control issues in 2002 and how they were resolved.
Reconcile Segment EBITDA and Segment Broadcast Cash Flow to Net Income rather than Operating Income and discuss why they are important to management and investors.
Discuss trends and segment results including Slovakia in the MD&A.
Discuss our treatment of the contingent interest in the Goldentree transaction.
Expand disclosure on our application of FAS142 to Goodwill and Long lived Assets.
We have not updated the Form 10-K/A to modify disclosures in the Form 10-K/A for events occurring subsequent to the original March 10, 2003 filing date. This Amendment No. 3 to Form 10-K/A continues to speak as of March 10, 2003.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page |
PART I | |
| Item 1 | Business | 4 |
| Item 2 | Properties | 26 |
| Item 3 | Legal Proceedings | 27 |
| Item 4 | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders | 30 |
| |
PART II | |
| Item 5 | Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters | 31 |
| Item 6 | Selected Financial Data | 31 |
| Item 7 | Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 34 |
| Item 7A | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 56 |
| Item 8 | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data | 58 |
| Item 9 | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures | 124 |
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PART III | |
| Item 10 | Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant | 125 |
| Item 11 | Executive Compensation | 125 |
| Item 12 | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters | 125 |
| Item 13 | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions | 125 |
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PART IV | |
| Item 14 | Controls and Procedures | 126 |
| Item 15 | Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K | 126 |
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SIGNATURES | |
|
CERTIFICATIONS | |
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PART I
GENERAL
Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. is a Bermuda company that, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, invests in, develops and operates national and regional commercial television stations and networks in Central and Eastern Europe. At present, we have operations in Romania, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Ukraine.
Our registered offices are located at Clarendon House, Church Street, Hamilton HM CX Bermuda, and our telephone number is 441-296-1431. We also maintain offices at 8th Floor, Aldwych House, 71-91 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4HN, England, telephone number 44-20-7430-5430/1.
Unless otherwise noted, all statistical and financial information presented in this report has been converted into U.S. dollars using appropriate exchange rates. All references to '$' or 'dollars' are to U.S. dollars, all references to 'Kc' are to Czech korunas, all references to 'ROL' are to Romanian lei, all references to 'SIT' are to Slovenian tolar, all references to 'Sk' are to Slovak korunas, all references to 'Hrn' are to Ukrainian hryvna. The exchange rates as of December 31, 2002 used in this report are 33,500 ROL/$; 221.07 SIT/$; 40.04 Sk/$; 5.33 Hrn/$; 30.14 Kc/$, and 0.95 Euro/$.
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
Central European Media Enterprises Limited was incorporated on June 15, 1994 under the laws of Bermuda. Our assets are held through a series of Dutch and Netherlands Antilles holding companies. In each market, we have interests both in license companies and in operating companies. License companies have been authorized by the relevant local regulatory authority to engage in television broadcasting in accordance with the terms of a particular license. Revenues are generated primarily through operating companies, which acquire programming for provision to the corresponding license companies and which sell advertising time that is acquired from or made available by the license companies. In Ukraine, the license company also engages directly in the acquisition of programming and the sale of some adverti sing time. Our economic interest in the operating companies corresponds with our voting interest other than in the Slovak Republic, where we are entitled by contract to a share of profits that is in excess of our voting interest. Below is an overview of our operating structure, the accounting treatment for each entity and a chart entitled “Simplified Corporate Structure - Continuing Operations”.
Key Subsidiaries and Affiliates | Share of Profits | Voting Interest | Subsidiary / Equity Accounted Affiliate | TV Network |
Continuing Operations | | | | |
Romania | | | | |
Operating Companies: | | | | |
Media Pro International S.A. (MPI) | 66% | 66% | Subsidiary | |
Media Vision S.R.L. (Media Vision) | 70% | 70% | Subsidiary | |
License Companies: | | | | |
Pro TV S.R.L. (Pro TV) | 49% | 49% | Equity Accounted Affiliate | PRO TV, ACASA, and PRO TV INTERNATIONAL |
Media Pro S.R.L. (Media Pro) | 44% | 44% | Equity Accounted Affiliate | PRO TV and ACASA |
|
Slovenia | | | | |
Operating Companies: | | | | |
Produkcija Plus, d.o.o. (Pro Plus) | 96.85% | 96.85% | Subsidiary | |
License Companies: | | | | |
Pop TV d.o.o. (Pop TV) | 96.85% | 96.85% | Subsidiary | POP TV |
Kanal A d.d. (Kanal A) | 99.7% | 99.7% | Subsidiary | KANAL A |
|
Slovak Republic | | | | |
Operating Companies: | | | | |
Slovenska Televizna Spolocnost, spol. s r.o. (STS) | 70% | 49% | Equity Accounted Affiliate | |
License Companies: | | | | |
Markiza-Slovakia s r.o. (Markiza) | 0.1% | 34% | Equity Accounted Affiliate | MARKIZA TV |
|
Ukraine | | | | |
Operating Companies: | | | | |
Innova Film GmbH (Innova) | 60% | 60% | Subsidiary | |
International Media Services Ltd. (IMS) | 60% | 60% | Subsidiary | |
Enterprise "Inter-Media" (Inter-Media) | 60% | 60% | Subsidiary | |
License Companies: | | | | |
Broadcasting Company "Studio 1+1" (Studio 1+1) | 18% | 18% | Equity Accounted Affiliate | STUDIO 1+1 |
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Czech Republic | | | | |
Operating Companies: | | | | |
Ceska Nezavisla Televizni Spolecnost, spol. s r.o. (CNTS) | 93.2% | 93.2% | Subsidiary | |
License Companies: | | | | |
CET 21 spol. s r.o. (CET) | 3.125% | 3.125% | Investment | |
|
Czech Republic
See Part I, Item 3, "Legal Proceedings" for a discussion on the ongoing dispute between our subsidiary in the Czech Republic CNTS and CET, our former partner and the broadcast license holder, in connection with the Nova TV network. The outcome of these legal proceedings will have a significant impact on our financial position.
License Renewal
Management believes that the licenses for the television license companies will be renewed prior to expiry. In Romania, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia local regulations do contain a qualified presumption for extensions of broadcast licenses. However, there can be no assurance that any of the licenses will be renewed upon expiration of their current terms. The failure of any such license to be renewed could adversely affect the results of our operations. However, to date, licenses have been renewed in the ordinary course of business. Access to the available frequencies is controlled by regulatory bodies in each country in which we operate.
In Ukraine, the license to broadcast is currently being challenged in the Arbit ration Court of Kiev. It is alleged that Studio 1+1 Ltd was granted two licenses by the Ukraine TV Council and that the required license fee was not paid. These and almost identical allegations have been the subject of various legal actions for over two years. We believe that these allegations are groundless. See Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings”, below.
Regulation
Our Form 10-K refers to broadcasting regulatory authorities or agencies as "The Media Council". These authorities or bodies are as follows:
Romania – National Audio-Visual Commission
Slovenia – Telecommunications, Radio Diffusion and Postal Agency
Slovak Republic – Council of the Slovak Republic for Broadcasting and Television Transmission
Ukraine – National Council for Television and Radio Broadcasting
Czech Republic – Council of the Czech Republic for Radio and Television Broadcasting
OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
Our television stations and networks reach an aggregate of approximately 69 million people in four countries. Our national private television stations and networks in the Slovak Republic and Slovenia had the leading nationwide audience shares for 2002 and our television network in Romania had the leading average audience share within its area of broadcast reach for 2002. In Ukraine, for 2002, our national private television station and network had the leading nationwide average audience share of television stations broadcasting in the Ukrainian language.
The market ratings of our stations in their respective markets are reflected below.
| | | | | |
Country | Station and Networks | Launch Date | Technical Reach (1) | 2002 Audience Share (2) | Market Rank (2) |
Romania | PRO TV | December 1995 | 68% | 19.2% | 1 |
| ACASA | February 1998 | 52% | 6.2% | 4 |
Slovenia | POP TV | December 1995 | 87% | 29.3% | 1 |
| KANAL A | October 2000 (3) | 80% | 11.0% | 3 |
Slovak Republic | MARKIZA TV | August 1996 | 96% | 48.2% | 1 |
Ukraine | STUDIO 1+1 | January 1997 | 95% | 22.2% | 2 |
(1) "Technical Reach" measures the percentage of people in the country who are able to receive the signals of the indicated stations and networks. Source: Internal estimates supplied by each station in each country. Each of our stations in the relevant country has estimated its own technical reach based on the location, power and frequency of each of its many transmitters and the local population density and geography around that transmitter. The technical reach calculation is designed to estimate the number of homes that can receive the station’s broadcast signal. This is separate from the independent third party measurement that determines viewing shares. Source: Internal estimate, supplied by each station in each country.
(2) Nationwide all day audience share and rank (except Romania and Ukraine, which is audience share and rank within coverage area). Source: (Romania: Peoplemeters CSOP Gallop/Taylor Nelson Sofres, Slovenia: Peoplemeters AGB Media Services, Slovak Republic: Visio / MVK, Ukraine: AGB Ukraine). There are seven, four, six and six significant stations ranked in Romania, Slovenia, the Slovak Republic and Ukraine, respectively.
(3) Kanal A was originally launched in 1991 and re-launched in October 2000 after we assumed control of the operations, economics and programming of Kanal A.
The following table sets forth the population, technical reach, number of TV households, per capita GDP and cable penetration for those countries of Central and Eastern Europe where we have broadcast operations.
Country | Population(in millions)(1) | Technical Reach (in millions) (2) | TV Households (in millions) (3) | Per Capita GDP 2001 (4) | Cable Penetration (5) |
Romania | 22.4 | 15.3 | 7.6 | $1,695 | 51% |
Slovenia | 2.0 | 1.7 | 0.7 | $9,780 | 52% |
Slovak Republic | 5.4 | 5.2 | 1.9 | $3,804 | 28% |
Ukraine | 49.1 | 46.6 | 18.6 | $766 | 27% |
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Total | 78.9 | 68.8 | 28.8 | | |
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(1) Source: World Bank Group, 2001.
(2) Source: Internal estimates supplied by each station in each country. “Technical Reach” measures the percentage of people in the country who are able to receive the signals of our stations and networks in the indicated country. Each of our stations in the relevant country has estimated its own technical reach based on the location, power and frequency of each of its many transmitters and the local population density and geography around that transmitter. The technical reach calculation is designed to estimate the number of homes that can receive the station’s broadcast signal. This is separate from the independent third party measurement that determines viewing shares. Source: Internal estimate, supplied by each station in each country.
(3) Source: Kagan World Media, European Television 2001. A TV household is a residential dwelling with one or more television sets.
(4) Source: World Bank Group 2001.
(5) Source: Romania and Slovak Republic: Informa Media Group, European Television 6thEdition 2002. Slovenia and Ukraine: IP European Key Facts, Television 2001. Ukraine data refers to Urban only. Penetration refers to the percentage of TV Households who subscribe to cable television.
Television Advertising Expenditures
The following table sets out the recent levels of television advertising expenditures in those countries where we do business. (Note: All figures are internal estimates and are in $US millions).
Country | | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Romania | | | 87 | | | 69 | | | 69 | | | 63 | | | 66 | |
Slovenia | | | 51 | | | 49 | | | 47 | | | 47 | | | 48 | |
Slovak Republic | | | 56 | | | 43 | | | 42 | | | 42 | | | 47 | |
Ukraine | | | 65 | | | 32 | | | 35 | | | 50 | | | 60 | |
In Romania, the television advertising market grew by 5% showing a reversal of earlier trends. In Slovenia television advertising revenues remained constant expressed in local currency terms. In the Slovak Republic television advertising revenues increased by 3%, expressed in local currency terms. Further, the Slovenian tolar appreciated by 2% and the Slovak koruna appreciated by 7% and against the dollar. Therefore, television advertising expenditures in US Dollar terms increased by 2% in Slovenia and 11% in the Slovak Republic. In Ukraine, television advertising revenues continued their recent trend with a significant increase of 20% in US Dollar terms.
THE EUROPEAN UNION
If any Central or Eastern European country in which we operate becomes a member of the European Union (the "EU"), our broadcast operations in such country would be subject to relevant legislation of the EU, including programming content regulations. Slovenia, the Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic are expected to be admitted into the EU in the first wave of the enlargement process in 2004. It is currently anticipated that Romania will be admitted sometime after 2007.
The EU's Television Without Frontiers directive (the "EU Directive") sets forth the legal framework for television broadcasting in the EU. It requires broadcasters, where "practicable and by appropriate means," to reserve a majority proportion of their broadcast time for "European works." Such works are defined as originating from an EU member state or a signatory to the Council of Europe's Convention on Transfrontier Television, as well as written and produced mainly by residents of the EU or Council of Europe member states. In addition, the EU Directive provides for a 10% quota of either broadcast time or programming budget for programs made by European producers who are independent of broadcasters. News, sports, games, advertising, teletext services and teleshopping are excluded from the calculation of these quotas. Further, the EU Directive provides for regulations on advertising, including limits on the amount of time that may be devoted to advertising spots, including direct sales advertising. The necessary legislation in Romania, Slovenia and the Slovak Republic is now in line with the EU Directive and it has had no material adverse effect on our operations.
COUNCIL OF EUROPE
Our broadcast operations are all located in countries which are members of the Council of Europe, a supranational body through which international conventions are negotiated. In 1990, the Council of Europe adopted a Convention on Transfrontier Television, which provides for European programming content quotas similar to those in the EU Directive. This Convention has been ratified by some of the countries in which we operate, but all countries in which we operate have already implemented its principles into their national media legislation.
RISK FACTORS
This annual report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. See "Forward-looking Statements" in Part II, Item 7. Our actual results in the future could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks described below and elsewhere in this annual report.
Risks Relating to Our US$100 million 93/8% and Euro 71.6 million 81/8% (approximately US$75 million) Senior Notes Due in 2004
We may not be able to repay our US$100 million 9 3/8% and Euro 71.6 million 8 1/8% (approximately US$75 million) Senior Notes Due in 2004.
In 1997 we issued Senior Notes, denominated in part in U.S. dollars and in part in Euros. These Senior Notes, aggregating approximately $175 million in principal amount at December 31, 2002, are due on August 15, 2004. We do not expect cash on hand at December 31, 2002 plus revenues which may be generated from operations between now and August 15, 2004 to be sufficient to fund the payment of the Senior Notes at maturity. Our ability to refinance or repay the Senior Notes will depend upon the outcome of pending litigation concerning our former Czech Republic operations and our ability to collect from the Czech Republic any final award determination (see Part I, Item 3, "Legal Proceedings") and/or our ability to attra ct equity investors. If we are unsuccessful in these respects and are not able to repay or refinance the Senior Notes, we are unlikely to be able to continue operations.
Alternative sources of financing may include public or private debt or equity financings, sale of assets or other financing arrangements. Any additional equity or equity-linked financing may dilute our common shares. In addition, such additional financing may or may not be available or available on acceptable terms. Any future credit agreement or other debt agreement may limit our ability to incur additional debt. These limits could adversely affect our ability to finance our business plan.
Our leverage, debt service obligations and debt instrument restrictions could adversely affect our business
We are highly leveraged. As of December 31, 2002, we had total consolidated debt of $205 million and shareholders' deficit of $96 million. Our consolidated interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2002 was $15.3 million. Our operating income for the year ended December 31, 2002 was $13.4 million.
Our level of debt could have important consequences for our business, including the following:
| - we may have difficulty borrowing money in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, general corporate purposes or other purposes; | |
| - the payment of principal and interest on debt will reduce the amount of cash available to finance our operations and other business activities; and | |
| - our debt level makes us more vulnerable to economic downturns and adverse developments in our business. | |
The indenture for the Euro 71.6 million (approximately US$75 million) 81/8% and US$100 million 93/8% Senior Notes restricts our ability to, among other things, incur additional debt and make investments. In addition, our subsidiaries' ability to incur debt beyond a certain amount is limited by this indenture. These restrictions may impede our ability to finance programming expenditures, acquisitions and other business opportunities.
Our $30 million financing agreement with GoldenTree Asset Management contains negative covenants, including those restricting our ability to incur additional debt, make new investments, pledge assets or sell assets other than in the normal course of business. Security has been provided in the form of guarantees and pledges over all of the stock of our Dutch B.V. holding companies. Guarantees have been provided by Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. and Central European Media Enterprises N.V. Pledges in the amount of $15,000,000, the amount outstanding to Goldentree Asset Man agement, which are exerciseable in the event of default, secure the shares of CME Media Enterprises B.V., CME Ukraine B.V., CME Slovenia B.V. and CME Romania B.V. Should CME Media Enterprises B.V. default on its loan, shareholders would lose control of all subsidiaries and affiliates until such time as Goldentree Asset Management had been repaid. Given the illiquid nature of our shareholdings in our subsidiaries and affiliates this could result in a substantial loss in value for shareholders if such an event occurred.
Risks Relating to the Our Operations
We have a history of losses and may not be profitable in the future
We have incurred net losses since inception and we may incur additional net losses for the next several years. As of December 31, 2002, we had an accumulated deficit of $452 million.
Our future ability to generate operating profits and net profits will be dependent upon a number of factors that are difficult to predict, such as our ability to:
| - retain and renew licenses; |
| - attract and maintain audiences; |
| - generate advertising revenues; |
| - develop additional revenue streams; and |
| - control costs in all areas, but particularly programming costs. |
There are also a number of external factors over which we have no control, such as the level of economic growth and consumer and advertising spending in our markets.
We and our subsidiaries have a number of tax contingencies that may be material
We have accrued tax liabilities and interest and penalties on overdue tax liabilities, in the aggregate, of $23.3 million in our December 31, 2002 balance sheet. Included in accrued tax liabilities is a provision for $3 million related to our agreement with the Dutch tax authorities. The Dutch tax authorities have agreed that payment of this amount is to be made from any amount collected from the Czech Republic pursuant to the Netherlands-Czech Bilateral Investment Treaty arbitration proceedings (See Part I, Item 3 "Legal Proceedings"). We have agreed with the Dutch tax authorities that the question of taxability of any award against the Czech Republic shall be determined by the Dutch tax courts based upon an agreed statement of fact. Until that court decision, we have agreed with the Dutch tax autho rities to deposit 35% of the net proceeds of any amount collected from the Czech Republic pursuant to the Netherlands-Czech Bilateral Investment Treaty arbitration proceedings in a nominated bank account. Any such deposit will be treated as restricted cash.
The major portion of estimated interest and penalties on overdue tax liabilities relate to the outstanding tax liability at our Romanian subsidiaries. A recent agreement with the Romanian tax authorities has reduced and re-scheduled a portion of these interest and penalty charges in return for specific deposits and an agreed repayment schedule. This rescheduling is permitted under Romanian law subject to written application demonstrating compliance with a series of objective criteria. Penalties of up to $5 million may be imposed if the repayment schedule and the conditions of the agreement are not met. Should the Romanian tax authorities demand immediate payment of all potential tax liabilities, the Romanian operations would experience difficulties in continuing to operate and may have to cease operations entirely unless they can arrange financing to secure the required funds or the shareholders (including us) determine to inject equity into the business.
Our holding company structure limits our access to cash flow
We conduct all of our operations through subsidiaries and affiliated companies. Accordingly, our primary internal source of cash and our ability to service debt are dependent upon the earnings of our subsidiaries and affiliated companies and the distribution of those earnings to us, or upon loans or other payments of funds by those subsidiaries to us. We may not be able to compel certain of our subsidiaries and affiliated companies to make distributions to service the Senior Notes and other of our obligations. Our ability to obtain dividends or other distributions is subject to, among other things, restrictions on dividends under applicable local laws and foreign currency exchange regulations of the jurisdictions in which our subsidiaries operate. The subsidiaries’ or affiliated companies abilit y to make distributions to us is also subject to their having sufficient funds from their operations legally available for the payment thereof which are not needed to fund their operations, obligations or other business plans and, in some cases, the approval of the other partners, stockholders or creditors of these entities. The laws under which our operating subsidiaries and affiliated companies are organized provide generally that dividends may be declared by the partners or shareholders out of yearly profits subject to the maintenance of registered capital and required reserves and after the recovery of accumulated losses. If our subsidiaries or affiliated companies are unable or unwilling to make distributions to us and we are unable to obtain additional debt or equity financing, we may be unable to continue to service the Senior Notes.
We do not have sole management control of our unconsolidated affiliates in the Slovak Republic and Ukraine
We own certain subsidiaries and affiliated companies jointly with various strategic partners. We have management control over the subsidiaries in which we have a majority interest. However, we are not able to affirmatively control the operations, strategies and financial decisions of either Markiza, the license holding company or STS, the operating company for the MARKIZA TV network in the Slovak Republic in which we hold 34% and 49% voting interests, respectively or the license holding company for the Studio 1+1 Group in Ukraine, in which we hold only an 18% voting interest. Therefore, without the consent of the relevant partners, we may be unable to cause these affiliated companies to distribute funds, to implement strategi es or to make programming decisions that we might favor.
We are subject to risks relating to fluctuations in exchange rates
Our reporting currency is the US dollar but a significant portion of our consolidated revenues and costs are in other currencies, including programming rights expenses and interest on debt. Changes, mainly in the value of the Euro as compared to the US dollar, may have an adverse effect on our reported results of operations and financial condition.
We are also exposed to risks related to non-US dollar borrowings, particularly our Euro 71.6 million ($75 million) Senior Note debt. As the net position of our unhedged foreign currency transactions may fluctuate, our earnings may be negatively affected.
For a detailed analysis of our exposure to exchange rate risk, see Part II, Item 7A "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk" and to "Foreign Currency" in Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
Risk Factors Relating to Our Operating Environment
Our license in Ukraine has been challenged
In 2001 AITI, a television station in Ukraine, commenced a court action in Ukraine against the Ukraine Media Council challenging certain aspects of the granting to Studio 1+1 of its television broadcast license in Ukraine. Studio 1+1 is involved in this litigation as a third party acting together with the Ukraine Media Council. The claim is almost identical to one which was previously brought by AITI and was dismissed on April 5, 2001 by the Supreme Arbitration Court of Ukraine.
AITI's allegations are that Studio 1+1 has, in effect, been granted two licenses by the Ukraine Media Council, entitling it to in excess of 32 hours of broadcast time a day on Ukraine's nationwide Channel N2 (UT-2). Further, AITI alleged that Studio 1+1 never paid the required license fee. On February 1, 2002, the Economic Court of the City of Kiev ruled in AITI's favor. The Ukraine Media Council, Studio 1+1, and the Public Prosecutor's Office of Kiev, the latter two acting as interested third parties, appealed the Economic Court's decision to the Kiev Economic Court of Appeal.
The Kiev Economic Court of Appeal upheld the Economic Court of Kiev's decision of February 1, 2002. This decision was appealed to the Court of Cassation, the same court that ruled in favor of Studio 1+1 on April 5, 2001. On November 1, 2002 the Court of Cassation ruled that the decisions taken by the two lower courts had not fully taken into consideration all the facts surrounding the matter before reaching judgment and ordered that the case be returned to the Economic Court of Kiev. The first hearing took place on February 5, 2003.
If the decision in the Ukraine court system is ultimately unfavorable, it could result in a loss of the broadcast license of Studio 1+1. Net revenues and expenses of the consolidated entities of our Ukrainian operations were $24.9 million and $19.0 million respectively in 2002.
We have regulatory challenges in our business in Romania
In September 2002, the Romanian Media Council notified all television stations in Romania that they would like to see their operations restructured by January 2003 so that the license holding companies become the main operators of the broadcasting licenses they hold. The Romanian Media Council has given some guidance on how it interprets the new audio-visual law in relation to this restructuring.
At a formal meeting on September 19, 2002 the Council expressed their view that exclusive operating agreements, such as exists between our subsidiary MPI and the two Romanian license holding companies, are not permissible under the new law. We are in discussions with our partners in Romania to transfer the operation of the broadcasting licenses from MPI to the main license holding company Pro TV SRL and to increase our stake in Pro TV SRL from the existing 49% to a majority 66% stake as permitted under the new Media Law that came into force on July 22, 2002. In connection with these discussions, it is expected that the secondary license holding company, Media Pro SRL, would apply to the Romanian Media Council to transfer the licenses it owns to Pro TV SRL, as this is also permitted un der the new Media Law. We are in the process of commencing the legal and regulatory steps required in order to complete this restructuring procedure.
Upon completion of this restructuring we would have majority control over all the key licenses we operate in Romania. Currently we only have minority stakes in the two Romanian license holding companies, albeit with blocking rights. We are dependent on our partners’ agreement to the restructuring in order to comply with the new audio-visual law.
In our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2002 there are accrued tax liabilities and estimated interest and penalties on outstanding tax liabilities of $23,300,000, in the aggregate. The major portion of estimated interest and penalties on overdue tax liabilities relate to the outstanding tax liability at our Romanian subsidiaries. A recent agreement with the Romanian tax authorities has reduced and re-scheduled a portion of these interest and penalty charges in return for specific deposits and an agreed repayment schedule. This rescheduling is permitted under Romanian law subject to written application demonstrating compliance with a series of objective criteria. Penalties of up to $5 million may be imposed if the repayment schedule and the conditions of the agreement are not met. Should the Romanian tax authorities demand immediate payment of all potential tax liabilities, the Romanian operations would experience difficulties in continuing to operate and may have to cease operations entirely unless they can arrange financing to secure the required funds or the shareholders (including us) determine to inject equity into the business.
As at December 31, 2002, 33% of the Romanian subsidiaries’ accounts receivable balance was more than 360 days old and 9% was in the 180-360 day category. Subsequent to year end $7,672,000 was r eceived with $860,000 being against debt older than 360 days. Accordingly, $831,000 of our total bad debt provision was released in the fourth quarter resulting in a total decrease to our total bad debt provision of $738,000 in the twelve months ended December 31, 2002. On our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2002, the total provision for bad debt is $7,481,000, of which our provision for Romanian bad debts is $5,733,000. The total gross accounts receivable in respect to our Romanian operations is $15,544,000 (included in “Accounts Receivable” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, see Part II, Item 8) at December 31, 2002.
Risks Relating to Our Industry
Our licenses may not be renewed
The licenses to operate our broadcast operations are effective for the following periods:
Slovenia | The licenses of our operations in Slovenia expire in 2012 | |
Slovak Republic | The license of our partner in the Slovak Republic expires in 2007 | |
Ukraine | The license to provide programming and sell advertising to UT-2 in Ukraine expires in 2006 | |
Romania | Licenses which cover 19% of the Romanian population, including the license for Bucharest, expire from October 2003. To date, licenses have been renewed as they expired. The remaining licenses expire on dates ranging from 2004 to 2008 | |
In Romania, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia, local regulations do contain a qualified presumption for extensions of broadcast licenses, however, these licenses may nevertheless not be renewed upon the expiration of their current terms. The failure of any such licenses to be renewed may have a material adverse effect on our operations.
Our operating results are dependent on the sale of commercial advertising time in developing markets.
Our business relies on advertising revenues, which depends partly upon prevailing general economic conditions. Our advertising revenues also depend on our stations’ broadcast reach, television viewing levels, the relative popularity of our programming and the pricing of advertising time. Furthermore, increases in advertising spending have generally corresponded to economic recoveries, while decreases have generally corresponded to general economic downturns and recessions. Advertising spending or advertising spending growth in our markets has declined in our markets in the past and may decline in the future. If our television audience shares decline for any reason, we may not be able to maintain our current levels of advertising income or the rates we can charge advertisers. We must also compete for advertising revenues with other forms of advertising media, such as radio, newspapers, magazines, outdoor advertising, transit advertising, telephone directory advertising, on-line advertising and direct mail. Any decline in advertising revenues may adversely affect our results.
Risks Relating to the Markets in which we Operate
Our operations are in developing markets
Our revenue generating operations are located in Central and Eastern Europe, namely Romania, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Ukraine, and have a country risk as follows:
Country | Rating | Detail of Rating |
Slovenia | A2 | Default probability is still weak even in the case when one country's political and economic environment or the payment record of companies are not as good as A1-rated countries. |
Slovak Republic | A4 | An already patchy payment record could be further worsened by a deteriorating political and economic environment. Nevertheless, the probability of a default is still acceptable. |
Romania | B | An unsteady political and economic environment is likely to affect further an already poor payment record. |
Ukraine | D | The high risk profile of a country's economic and political environment will further worsen further a generally very bad payment record. |
Source : Coface USA. Country ratings issued by the Coface Group measure the average default risk on corporate payments in a given country and indicate to what extent a company's financial commitments are affected by the local business, financial and political outlook. Coface continuously monitors 140 countries using a spectrum of indicators incorporating political factors; risk of currency shortage and devaluation; ability to meet financial commitments abroad; risk of a systemic crisis in the banking sector; cyclical risk; and payment behavior for short term transactions. |
These markets have economic and legal systems, standards of corporate governance and business practices which continue to develop. Government policies could be altered significantly, especially in the event of a change in leadership, social or political disruption or unforeseen circumstances affecting economic, political or social life. Combined with legal and regulatory systems that could be subject to political pressures, these factors, given the fact that we operate with local partners in all these jurisdictions, create a risk of unfair treatment before the local courts in disputes with our local partners and, ultimately, loss of our business operations, as occurred in the Czech Republic.
Enforcement of civil liabilities and judgments may be difficult.
Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. is a Bermuda company, and substantially all of our assets and all of our operations are located, and all of our revenues are derived, outside the United States of America. However, it may not be possible for investors to enforce outside the United States of America judgments against us obtained in the United States of America in any civil actions, including actions predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the United States of America federal securities laws. In addition, certain of our directors and officers are non-residents of the United States of America, and all or a substantial portion of the assets of such persons are or may be located outside the United States of America . As a result, it may not be possible for investors to effect service of process within the United States of America upon such persons, or to enforce against them judgments obtained in the United States of America courts, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the United States of America federal securities laws. There is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the countries in which we operate would enforce (i) judgments of United States of America courts obtained against us or such persons predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the United States of America federal and state securities laws or (ii) in original actions brought in such countries, as applicable, liabilities against us or such persons predicated upon the United States of America federal and state securities laws. A final and conclusive judgment in Federal or State courts of the United States of America under which a sum of money is payable (not being a sum payable in respect of taxes or other charges of a like nature or in respect of a fine or other penalty or multiple damages) may be subject to enforcement proceedings as a debt in the Supreme Court of Bermuda under the common law doctrine of obligation. Among other things, it is necessary to demonstrate that the court which gave the judgment was competent to hear the action in accordance with private law principles as applied in Bermuda and that the judgment is not contrary to public policy in error in Bermuda, has not been obtained by fraud or in proceedings contrary to natural justice and was not based on error in Bermuda law.
Risks Relating to Our Common Shares
The price of our common shares is likely to remain volatile
The market price of our common shares is likely to be volatile. Events that could cause future volatility may include, among other things:
| - Announcement of the monetary value of the Czech award or collection or failure to collect the Czech award; and |
| - Conditions or trends in Europe and our markets. |
Many of these events are beyond our control. These factors may materially adversely affect the market price of our common shares, regardless of future operating performance.
OPERATIONS BY COUNTRY
ROMANIA
General
Romania is a parliamentary democracy of approximately 22.4 million people. Per capita GDP was an estimated $1,695 in 2001 with a GDP growth rate of 4% in 2002. Approximately 88% of Romanian households have one or more television sets, and cable penetration is approximately 51%. According to our estimates, Romanian television advertising totalled approximately $66 million in 2002.
Operating Companies : MPI and Media Vision
Our interest in our Romanian operation is governed by a Co-operation Agreement (the "Romanian Agreement") between Adrian Sarbu, Ion Tiriac and ourselves, forming Media Pro International S.A. ("MPI"), through which the PRO TV, ACASA and PRO TV INTERNATIONAL networks are operated. MPI provides programming to and sells advertising for the stations which comprise the PRO TV, ACASA and PRO TV INTERNATIONAL networks.
Pursuant to the Romanian Agreement, we have a 66% voting interest in MPI. Shares of profits of MPI are equal to the partners' equity interests. We have the right to appoint three of the five members of the Council of Administration which directs the affairs of MPI. Although we have majority voting power in MPI, with respect to certain financial and corporate matters, the affirmative vote of either Mr. Sarbu or Mr. Tiriac is required.
With specific reference to MPI, the financial and corporate matters which require approval of the minority shareholders are in the nature of protective rights which are not an impediment to consolidation for accounting purposes.
In addition, in Romania, we have a 70% voting interes t and share of profits in Media Vision SRL ("Media Vision"), a production and subtitling company. On November 22, 2001 we sold our 70% voting and profits interests in Video Vision International SRL ("Video Vision"), a Romanian post-production company and the gain recognized on this sale was $1.8 million.
License Companies : Pro TV Srl and Media Pro Srl
We own a 49% voting and profits interest in Pro TV, Srl which holds 19 of the 22 licenses for the stations which comprise the PRO TV, ACASA and PRO TV INTERNATIONAL network. Messrs. Sarbu and Tiriac own substantially all of the remainder of the voting and profits interests of Pro TV, Srl. The remaining three licenses for the PRO TV network together with the licenses for the PRO FM and PRO AM radio networks are held by Media Pro Srl, in which we hold 44% of the voting interest and share of profits. The remainder is owned by Messrs. Sarbu and Tiriac.
Under an agreement between Mr. Tiriac and Mr. Sarbu, Mr. Tiriac has agreed to transfer his shareholding in the license companies and MPI to Mr. Sarbu following completion of a multi-year series of payments by Mr. Sarbu. Upon completion of these pay ments, Mr. Sarbu would control the remainder of the shares in the license companies and MPI not owned by us.
Operations : PRO TV, ACASA and PRO TV INTERNATIONAL networks
PRO TV is a national television broadcast network in Romania which was launched in December 1995. PRO TV reaches approximately 68% of the Romanian population of 22.4 million, including 100% of the urban population. PRO TV broadcasts from studios located in Bucharest via digitally encoded satellite signals which deliver programming to terrestrial broadcast facilities and to approximately 674 cable systems throughout Romania. Independent research from CSOP Gallup/Taylor Nelson Sofres (peoplemeter) in Romania shows that the PRO TV network is currently the top-rated television station in its coverage area, with a nationwide all day audience share of 19.2% during the year ended December 2002.
In February 1998, MPI launched the ACASA network, a station reaching approximately 52% of the Romanian population, including approximately 100% of the urban population via satellite and cable distribution. During the year ended December 2002, ACASA had a nationwide all day audience share of 6.2%, making it the third ranked station in Romania.
The PRO TV INTERNATIONAL network rebroadcasts PRO TV and ACASA programs throughout Europe and in Israel, using the existing PRO TV and ACASA satellite infrastructure. In 2002 MPI entered into a four year agreement under which MPI will provide the Romanian language program content of PRO TV INTERNATIONAL for broadcast in the US at no direct cost to MPI.
Media Vision is a television production company in Romania and produces a significant portion of PRO TV's entertainment programming, performs dubbing and produces advertising spots for third party clients such as Coca Cola, Procter & Gamble and Unilever.
MPI also operates PRO FM, a radio network which is broadcast through owned and affiliate stations to approximately 7.0 million people in Romania. In 2002, PRO FM had an average audience share of 20.9% for the whole day and 21.6% for prime time in the Bucharest area.
Programming
The PRO TV network's programming strategy is to appeal to a mass market audience through a wide range of programming, including movies and series, news, sitcoms, telenovellas, soap operas and game shows. PRO TV broadcasts 24 hours of programming daily by means of cable and satellite. In excess of 40% of PRO TV's programming is comprised of locally produced programming, including top rated shows Vacanta Mare (Big Holiday), Leona si Costel and the Teo Show.
MPI has secured exclusive broadcast rights in Romania to broadcast on the PRO TV network a large number of quality American and Western European programs and films produced by such companies as Warner Bros. and Twentieth Century Fox. The PRO TV network also receives foreign news reports and film footage from Reuters, APTN and ENEX to integrate into its news programs. All foreign language programs and films are subtitled in Romanian.
The ACASA network broadcasts 24 hours of programming daily by means of cable and satellite. Its programming strategy is to target a female audience with programming including telenovellas, films and soap operas as well as news, daily local production for women and family, talk shows and entertainment. ACASA's viewer demographics are complementary to PRO TV's, providing an attractive advertising medium for small to medium sized companies that would not otherwise advertise on television. Approximately 29% of ACASA's total programming is locally produced, including top rated shows Porestiri Adevarde (Newstories) and De 3X Femie (3 Times a Lady).
Advertising
MPI derives revenues principally from the sale of commercial advertising time on the PRO TV and ACASA networks, sold both through independent agencies and media buying groups. The PRO TV network currently serves approximately 100 advertisers, including multinational companies such as Wrigley, Henkel, Mobifon and Procter & Gamble. Procter & Gamble was the largest advertiser on PRO TV and ACASA, accounting for 7% of the combined stations' revenue in 2002.
The PRO TV network is permitted to broadcast advertising for up to 15% of its broadcast time with an additional 5% of broadcast time that may be used for direct sales advertising. There is an overall hourly maximum of 12 minutes that may be allocated to advertising and teleshopping in any one hour for private broadcasters. For public broadcasters this is reduced to 8 minutes per hour. There are also restrictions on the frequency of advertising breaks (for example, news and children's programs shorter than 30 minutes cannot be interrupted). These restrictions are the same for public and private broadcasters.
Competition
Prior to the launch of the PRO TV network, TVR 1, a public station, was the dominant broadcaster in Romania. In December 2002, PRO TV achieved an average audience share of 27% in its coverage area, while TVR 1's December 2002 average audience share in PRO TV's coverage area was approximately 11%. TVR 1 reaches 99% of the Romanian population. Other competitors include the second public national station, TVR 2, with a 74% broadcast reach, and privately owned Antena 1, Tele 7 ABC and Prima TV, which reach approximately 68%, 58% and 62% of the population respectively.
Additional competitors include cable and satellite stations. Cable and satellite currently penetrate approximately 51% of the Romanian market. PRO TV competes for advertising revenues with other media such as newspapers, radio, magazines, outdoor advertising, telephone directory advertising and direct mail.
Regulation
Licenses for the television stations which show programming provided by MPI and which broadcast advertising sold by MPI are regulated by the Romanian Media Council. Pro TV 's television licenses have been granted for nine-year periods. Licenses which cover 19% of the Romanian population, including the license for Bucharest, expire from October 2003. To date, licenses have been renewed as they expired. The remaining licenses expire on dates ranging from 2004 to 2008. Under regulations established by the Romanian Media Council and the various licenses of stations which broadcast the PRO TV network, programming and advertising provided by MPI is required to comply with certain restrictions. These restrictions include a requirement that at least 40% of programming be "own" produced.
Regulations relating to advertising content include (i) a ban on tobacco and restrictions on alcohol advertising, (ii) advertising targeted at children or during children's programming must account for the overall sensitivity of that age group and (iii) members of the news department of PRO TV are prohibited from appearing in advertisements.
A new audio-visual law came into force in Romania on July 22, 2002, harmonizing Romanian legislation with that of the European Union. The law now permits a change in ownership of license holding companies or the transfer of the licenses to another company at the discretion of the Romanian Media Council. This was previously not permitted under the old audio-visual law. There is no restriction on foreign ownership under Romanian law.
In September 2002, the Romanian Media Council instructed all television stations in Romania to restructure their operations by January 2003 so that the license holding companies become the main operators of the broadcasting licenses they hold. The Romanian Med ia Council has given some guidance on how it interprets the new audio-visual law in relation to this restructuring. At a formal meeting on September 19, 2002 the Council expressed their view that exclusive operating agreements, such as exists between our subsidiary MPI and the two Romanian license holding companies, are not permissible under the new law. We are in discussions with our partners in Romania to transfer the operation of the broadcasting licenses from MPI to the main license holding company Pro TV SRL and to increase our stake in Pro TV Srl from the existing 49% to a majority 66% stake as permitted under the new Media Law that came into force on July 22, 2002. In connection with these discussions, it is expected that the secondary license holding company, Media Pro SRL, would apply to the Romanian Media Council to transfer the licenses it owns to Pro TV SRL, as this is also permitted under the new Media Law. We are in the process of commencing the legal and regulatory steps required in order to c omplete this restructuring procedure.
Upon completion of this restructuring we would have majority control over all the key licenses we operate in Romania. Currently we only have minority stakes in the two Romanian license holding companies, albeit with blocking rights. We are dependent on our partners’ agreement to the restructuring in order to comply with the new audio-visual law.
License Renewal
The PRO TV network licenses consist of many local licenses, with varying expiry dates. The licensing procedure in Romania is governed by the 1992 Audiovisual Law ("Audiovisual Law"). According to the Audiovisual Law, the Romanian Media Council is in charge of issuing and renewing licenses. Renewal, as a separate procedure is not described in the Audiovisual Law and therefore expired licenses are subject to bidding procedures similar to those applicable to new licenses. A decision of the Romanian Media Council, however, provides that past broadcasting experience, is a deciding factor in the renewal procedure. All renewal applications have been granted so far by the Audiovisual Council. However there is no assurance that ProTV 's licenses will be renewed. A local Pro TV license, covering certain parts of Bucharest, will expire in 2003.
SLOVENIA
General
Slovenia, a parliamentary democracy of 2.0 million people, had an estimated per capita GDP of $9,780 in 2001 with a GDP growth rate of 3.2% in 2002, the highest per capita GDP among the former Eastern bloc countries. Approximately 96% of Slovenian households have one or more televisions. According to our estimates, Slovenian television advertising totalled $48 million in 2002.
Operating Company : Pro Plus
Pro Plus provides programming to and sells advertising for the broadcast license holders Pop TV and Kanal A, as well as additional affiliates. Following the receipt by Pro Plus of an approval from the Ministry of Culture of Slovenia to own more than 20% of two broadcasters, we have restructured our Slovenian operations. As of January 30, 2003 we own 96.85% of the voting and profits interests in Pro Plus with corresponding economic and voting rights. This ownership interest is subject to registration in the Commercial Registry of Slovenia. Prior to January 30, 2003 we had 78% of the voting interests in Pro Plus and an effective share of profits of 85.5%.
In connection with the restructuring of our Slovenian operations, we have entered into a put/call arrangement with the general director of Pro Plus, Marijan Jurenec, who owns the remaining 3.15% of Pro Plus. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Jurenec generally has the right to put his interest to us for approximately one year beginning on December 31, 2004 at a price that consists of a fixed component and a variable component based on station segment EBITDA. We have the right to call the interest held by Mr. Jurenec at any time until December 31, 2006 at a price that is the same as the put price until the end of the put period and is fixed during the remainder of 2006, after which the call expires.
License Companies : Pop TV and Kanal A
As of January 30, 2003, Pro Plus owns 100% of Pop TV, giving us a 96.85% voting interest and share of profits in Pop TV. Pop TV holds all of the licenses for the Slovenian operations apart from those effectively held by Kanal A. Pro Plus has entered into an agreement with Pop TV, under which Pro Plus provides all programming to Pop TV and sells its advertising for the POP TV network.
We control the operations, economics and the programming of Kanal A, which is the second leading commercial television broadcaster in Slovenia. 90% of the voting and profits interest in Kanal A is being held by Superplus Holding d.d. (“Superplus”) which is owned by individuals who are holding the share of Superplus in trust for us. As of January 30, 2003, Pro Plus owns the remaining 10% of Kanal A, givin g us an effective 96.85% voting interest and share of profits in Kanal A. Pro Plus has entered into an agreement with Kanal A, under which Pro Plus provides all programming to Kanal A and sells its advertising for the KANAL A network.
Operations : POP TV and KANAL A networks
The POP TV network is the leading national commercial television broadcaster in Slovenia and reaches approximately 87% of the population of Slovenia, including Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, and Maribor, Slovenia's second largest city. Independent research shows that among main television programs in 2002, the POP TV network had an audience share in its coverage area of 29% all day and 32% in prime time, the largest share of television viewers in Slovenia (Media Services AGB).
The KANAL A network, a national television broadcaster, reaches 80% of the population of Slovenia, including Ljubljana and Maribor. Independent research shows that among main television programs in 2002, the KANAL A network had an audience share of 11% in its coverage area all day and in prime time, making it the third most watched television channel in Slovenia (Media Services AGB).
Programming
The POP TV network's programming strategy is to appeal to a mass market audience through a wide variety of programming including series, movies, news, variety shows and features. The POP TV network broadcasts 18 hours of programming daily, of which approximately 20% is locally produced programming, including top rated international formats, Who Wants to be a Millionaire and Popstars and local series Pod eno streho (Under One Roof) and Trafika (Newstand).
Pro Plus has secured exclusive program rights in Slovenia to a number of successful American and Western European programs and films produced by studios such as Warner Bros., Twentieth Century Fox and Paramount. Pro Plus has agreements with CNN, Reuters and APTN to receive foreign news reports and film footage to integrate into news programs. All foreign language programs and films are subtitled in Slovenian.
The KANAL A network's programming strategy is to complement the programming strategy of the POP TV network with a mixture of locally produced and acquired foreign programs including films and series. The KANAL A network broadcasts for 16 hours daily.
Advertising
Pro Plus derives revenues from the sale of commercial advertising time on the POP TV and KANAL A networks. Current multinational advertisers include firms such as Benckiser, Henkel, Procter & Gamble, Wrigley and Colgate, although no one advertiser dominates the market. During 1999 and 2000, "Peoplemeter" devices were placed in a number of television homes, and they are currently present in 450 homes in Slovenia. They are the primary source for the POP TV network's rating information. The POP TV network is permitted to broadcast advertising for up to 20% of its daily broadcast time (and up to 12 minutes in any hour) and there are also restrictions on the frequency of advertising breaks during films and other programs. The same rules apply to its competitors.
Competition
Historically, the television market in Slovenia has been dominated by SLO 1, a national public television station. The other national public station, SLO 2 provides programming which is complementary to SLO 1. SLO 1 reaches nearly all of Slovenia's TV households, and SLO 2 reaches 97% of Slovenia's TV households. One other private television station, TV3, competes with the POP TV and KANAL A networks in Slovenia. It has achieved a relatively small audience share, less than 1.2%, due primarily to its low budget programming and lack of extensive news programming.
The POP TV and KANAL A networks also compete with foreign television stations, particularly Croatian, Italian, German and Austrian stations. Cable penetration at 52% is similar to other countries in Central and Eastern Europe and approximately 12% of households have satellite dishes. In addition, the POP TV and KANAL A networks compete for revenues with other media, such as newspapers, radio, magazines, outdoor advertising, telephone directory advertising and direct mail.
Regulation
Under Slovenian television regulations, Pop TV , and Kanal A are required to comply with a number of restrictions on programming and advertising. These restrictions include that 20% of the station's daily broadcast time must be internally produced programming (or programming produced on order and on behalf of the broadcaster itself), of which at least 60 minutes must be broadcast between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., and 2% of the station's annual broadcast time must be Slovenian origin films (or other works from the field of literature, science and art). In the future a majority (at present at least 40%) of the station's annual broadcast time will required to be European origin films (or other works from the field of literature, science and art); of which at least 10% of the station's annual broadcast t ime will be required to be works produced by independent producers, of which at least 50% has to be produced in the last 5 years (a broadcaster presently not broadcasting such percentage of works produced by independent European producers, must increase its present percentage each year). Certain films and other programs may only be broadcast between 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 am, and Pop TV or Kanal A news editors, journalists and correspondents on the POP TV and KANAL A networks must not reflect a biased approach toward news reporting.
In addition to the restrictions discussed above and under the sub-heading "Advertising," advertising is not permitted during news, documentary or children's programming and programming with religious content under 30 minutes in duration, or during religious ceremonials and state celebrations. Advertising is not permitted during individual programming units, unless such units are divided into independent parts (advertising is allowed between such independent parts). Restrictions on advertising content include a prohibition on tobacco advertising and on the advertising of alcoholic beverages other than low alcohol content beer.
License Renewals
The POP TV and KANAL A networks operate under licenses regulated pursuant to the Law on Media adopted in 2001 and pursuant to the Law on Telecommunications adopted in 2001. Following a decision by the Slovenian Media Council in July 2002, all of the licenses held by Pop TV and Kanal A have been extended until August 2012.
SLOVAK REPUBLIC
General
The Slovak Republic is a parliamentary democracy with a population of 5.4 million where nearly 99% of households have television. Per capita GDP was an estimated $3,804 in 2001 with a GDP growth rate of 3.6% in 2002. Television advertising was approximately $47 million in 2002, in the Slovak Republic according to our estimates.
Operating Company : STS
Our interest in STS is governed by a Participants Agreement (the "Slovak Agreement") between ourselves and Markiza-Slovakia s.r.o. ("Markiza") forming STS. Pursuant to the Slovak Agreement, we are required to fund all of the capital requirements of and hold a 49% voting interest and a 70% share of profits in STS. Markiza, which holds the television broadcast license, and STS have entered into a series of agreements under which STS is entitled to conduct television broadcast operations pursuant to the license. We are entitled to a 70% share of the profits of STS, except that our share in STS' profit shall be increased by 3% for every additional $1 million invested in STS by us. A Board of Representatives directs the affairs of STS, the composition of which includes two of our designees and three desig nees of Markiza. All significant financial and operational decisions of the Board of Representatives require a vote of 80% of its members. In addition, certain fundamental corporate matters are reserved for decision by a general meeting of partners and require a 67% affirmative vote of the partners.
License Company : Markiza
On January 18, 2002, we entered into an interest participation transfer agreement to acquire a 34% voting interest and a 0.1% share of profits in Markiza. As a result of this acquisition, we will be entitled to a 70% share of STS' profits as opposed to 80% prior to the acquisition. We now have the right to appoint one of three authorized co-signatories of Markiza, which gives us a blocking control over Markiza's significant activities. The ownership transfer to us was approved by the Slovak Republic Media Council at its meeting on February 11, 2002. The transfer was registered with the Slovak Commercial Registry on March 13, 2002.
As a result of the change in our entitlement to distribution of profits, we have charged the Consolidated Statement of Operations with $2,685,000 in the first quart er 2002, to reflect the reduction in the economic interest based on our value of the investment as at December 31, 2001.
Operations : MARKIZA TV network
The MARKIZA TV network was launched as a national television station in the Slovak Republic in August 1996. The MARKIZA TV network reaches approximately 96% of the Slovak Republic's population, including virtually all of its major cities. According to independent research, the MARKIZA TV network had an average national television viewer share for 2002 of approximately 48% versus 16% for its nearest competitor, STV 1 and JOJ TV had 7% audience share.
Programming
The MARKIZA TV network's programming strategy is to appeal to a broad audience with specific groups targeted in marginal broadcasting hours. The MARKIZA TV network broadcasts an average of 20 hours of programming daily, including news, movies, entertainment programs and sport (including coverage of European Champion's League soccer and Formula One racing). Approximately 38% of the MARKIZA TV network's programming is locally produced, including top rated shows To Aj mudry schybi (Err is Only Human), Milionar (Millionare) and Televizne noviny (TV News).
STS has secured for the MARKIZA TV network exclusive broadcast rights in the Slovak Republic to a large number of popular United States of America and European series, films and telenovellas produced by major international studios including Warner Bros., Universal, IFD, MGM, Carey-Werner, Paramount Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox, Walt Disney Television International and RTL Television. All foreign language programming (other than that in the Czech language) is dubbed into the Slovak language. Foreign news reports and film footage from CNN, Reuters, APTN and SNTV are integrated into news programs on the MARKIZA TV network.
Advertising
STS and Markiza derive revenues principally from the sale of commercial advertising time through media buying groups and independent agencies. Advertisers include large multinational firms such as Procter & Gamble, Henkel, Unilever, Wrigley, Kraft Jacobs, Ferrero, Suchard, Danone Group, Nestle and Benckiser, though no one advertiser dominates the market. Television stations are permitted to broadcast advertising for up to 15% of total daily broadcast time and up to 20% of broadcast time in any single hour.
Competition
The Slovak Republic is served by two national public television stations, STV1 and STV2, which dominated the ratings until the MARKIZA TV network began broadcasting in 1996. STV1 and STV2 reach nearly all of the Slovak population. The Czech Republic based Nova TV network ceased its cable broadcasting in March 2002 when JOJ TV began to broadcast. The MARKIZA TV network also competes with the private broadcaster TA3 (launched September 2001). JOJ TV and TA3 reach 61% and 41% of the population respectively. The MARKIZA TV network also competes with additional foreign private television stations and foreign satellite stations as well as public television stations located in Austria, the Czech Republic and Hungary with signals that reach the Slovak Republic.
On October 23, 2001, the Slovak Republic Media Council awarded a TV transmission license to TV Global (JOJ TV), a company controlled by Ceska Produckcni 2000 and managed by Vladimir Zelezny, with whom we are in dispute in connection with Nova TV in the Czech Republic.
Regulation
Markiza 's broadcast operations are subject to regulations imposed by (i) the Act on Broadcasting and Retransmission of September 2000, (ii) the Act on Advertising and (iii) conditions contained in the license granted by the Slovak Republic Media Council. The Slovak Republic Media Council granted the license to operate the MARKIZA TV network to Markiza, for a period of 12 years, expiring in September 2007. The license granted to Markiza remains valid under the Act on Broadcasting and Retransmission.
Under the license pursuant to which Markiza operates and the new legal regulatory framework, Markiza is required to comply with several restrictions on programming, including but not limited to the origin of the programming content. These restrictions include the following broadcast rules: 10% must be public interest programming; broadcasts of first run films and series must have a minimum of 51% European production; no more than 20% of foreign first run films and series may be in the Czech language.
In addition to the restrictions discussed above and under "Advertising", there are additional regulations that relate to advertising content. These include, but are not limited to, (a) a ban on tobacco advertising, and (b) a ban on advertisements of alcoholic beverages (excluding beer) between 6.00am and 10.00pm. There are also restrictions as to the frequency of advertising breaks both during and between programs.
License Renewal
Markiza's broadcast license will expire in 2007. According to the Act on Broadcasting and Retransmission, a license can be extended once, for an additional 12 years. The Slovak Republic Media Council decides on the extension. Applications for extension must be filed 19 months prior to the expiry date. The Slovak Republic Media Council has discretion to grant an extension following its observation of the performance of the station in the preceding license period, including, in particular, the station's contribution to Slovak culture and the development of the Slovak media market.
UKRAINE
General
Ukraine, a parliamentary democracy of 49.1 million people, is the most populous market served by us. Nearly 100% of Ukrainian households have television, and cable penetration is approximately 32.6% in cities with a population over 50,000. An estimated per capita GDP of $766 in 2001 with a GDP growth rate of 4.5% in 2002 is the lowest of all our markets.
The Key Agreement among Boris Fuchsmann, Alexander Rodniansky, Studio 1+1, Innova, IMS, CME Ukraine Holding GmbH and CME Ukraine B.V., entered into as of December 23, 1998, grants us a 60% share of profits of the Studio 1+1 Group.
In addition to our ownership in the Studio 1+1 Group, we also have a passive 30% interest in Gravis, a local television station. Thi s investment was fully written down in a prior period.
Operating Companies : Innova, IMS
The Studio 1+1 Group consists of several entities in which we hold direct or indirect interests. We own a 60% voting and profits interest in each of Innova and IMS. Innova owns 100% of Inter-media, a Ukrainian company, which in turn holds a 30% voting and profits interest in Studio 1+1, the license holding company in Ukraine.
Ukraine Advertising Holding B.V. ("UAH"), where we owned a 60% voting and profits interest, was dissolved in June 2002 following the registration of the sale of its shares in Prioritet, the main vehicle for advertising sales up until January 1 2001, where UAH held a 50% voting and profits interest.
Innova provides programming and production services to Studio 1+1 Ltd, the license holding company. From January 1, 2001, the sale of Studio 1+1 Ltd's advertising air time has been out-sourced to Video International, in which we have neither an economic nor a voting interest.
License Company : Studio 1+1
Current Ukrainian legislation limits direct foreign equity holdings in broadcasting companies to 30%. At present our voting and profits interest in Studio 1+1 is, indirectly, 18%. Existing agreements commit all the shareholders of Studio 1+1 to increase our direct holding, or the holdings of one of our subsidiaries, when legislation permits this.
All significant decisions of the entities in the Studio 1+1 Group are taken by the shareholders, requiring a majority vote (other than decisions of the shareholders of Studio 1+1, the license holding company, which require a 75% vote). Certain fundamental corporate matters of the other entities require 61% shareholder approval.
Operations : STUDIO 1+1 network
The STUDIO 1+1 network broadcasts programming and sells advertising on Ukrainian National Frequency Two ("UT-2"), one of Ukraine's state-owned television channels. UT-2 reaches approximately 95% of Ukraine's population. Television advertising revenue continued to increase in 2002 to approximately $60 million. The STUDIO 1+1 network attained 27% average prime time audience share during 2002 (29% in the target under 45 age group). The STUDIO 1+1 network began broadcasting on UT-2 in January 1997.
Programming
The STUDIO 1+1 network's programming strategy is to appeal to a mass market audience with an emphasis on the below aged 45 target audience. The rating success of the STUDIO 1+1 network has been achieved through a programming strategy that has resulted in a balanced combination of both United States of America originated programming and new, popular, local programs, including Russian criminal and action series and self-produced Ukrainian shows, programs and news scheduled in prime-time. The station broadcasts for 15 hours per day, including locally produced news, variety shows, game shows and magazine programs as well as a broad range of popular and high quality films from international distributors. In 2002, Studio 1+1 produced and co-produced approximately 1,385 hours of programming, which primarily consists of a daily breakfast show, news broadcasts and news related programs, talk shows, criminal investigations, game shows, sport and lifestyle magazine shows and comedy shows. In 2002, such original local programming included top rated shows KVN (Ukrainian league) and Without Taboo.
The Studio 1+1 Group has secured exclusive territorial or local language broadcast rights in Ukraine to a large number of successful high quality American, Russian and Western European programs and films from many of the major studios, including Twentieth Century Fox, Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, Walt Disney, Universal Pictures and CBS. Studio 1+1 has agreements with Reuters for foreign news packages and other footage to be integrated into its programming. All non-Russian foreign language programs and films (other than those in the Russian language) are dubbed into the Ukrainian language.
Advertising
The Studio 1+1 Group derives revenues principally from the sale of commercial advertising time through both media buying groups and independent agencies. Advertisers include large multinational firms such as Procter & Gamble, Kraft Foods, Samsung, Unilever, Coca-Cola, Wrigley, Colgate - Palmolive, Mars and Nestle. The STUDIO 1+1 networkI is permitted to sell 15% of its overall broadcast time for advertising and is subject to restrictions on the frequency of advertising breaks. The advertising restrictions are the same for public and private broadcasters.
UAH transferred its 50% interest in Prioritet, its advertising vehicle, to Video International ("VI"), a Russian based company. This transfer formed part of an overall agreement signed with VI on March 14, 2001, for VI to sell advertising for the Studio 1+1 Group on an exclusive basis up until the end of the broadcasting license in 2006.
Competition
Ukraine is served by six television frequencies: UT-1 which is state run, UT-2 (on which the STUDIO 1+1 network broadcasts for 15 hours a day ) and UT-3 (on which Inter broadcasts for 24 hours per day) all of which are state owned frequencies with effective national coverage , and ICTV, STB and Novi Canal, which are private broadcasters using a series of regional frequencies to establish a network. The state run station UT-1 has a broadcastreach of approximately 98% of the Ukrainian population. Studio 1+1, through UT-2, has a broadcast reach of 95% of the Ukrainian population. The private station Inter, through UT-3, has a broadcast reach of approximately 78% of the Ukrainian population. ICTV and STB, both private stat ions, reach approximately 32% of Ukraine's population. Inter, the STUDIO 1+1 network's main competitor, has a program schedule which consists primarily of rebroadcasts of the Russian-language ORT network.
Regulation
Studio 1+1 provides programming on the UT-2 frequency pursuant to a ten-year television broadcast license contract expiring 31 December 2006. Broadcasts of Studio 1+1's programming and advertising on UT-2 are regulated by the Ukraine Media Council. These agencies enforce Ukraine's media laws, which include restrictions on the content of programming and advertising and limitations on the amount and placement of advertising in programs. All advertising of beverages with high alcoholic content and tobacco on TV is banned in Ukraine. Programming in the Ukrainian language must account for at least 80% of all programming (including dubbing of purchased programming into the Ukrainian language) and the remaining 20% of programming must be in the Russian language. In addition, programming produced by Studio 1 +1 must account for 70% of all programming.
Studio 1+1 is party to a legal action brought against the Ukrainian Media Council by a small television company AITI which seeks to challenge the validity of Studio 1+1's broadcasting license. This is described more particularly in Part I, Item 3, "Legal Proceedings".
License Renewal
The Studio 1+1 license expires in 2006. Licenses in Ukraine are renewed by the Ukraine Media Council in accordance with the terms of the 1995 Act on Television and Radio Broadcasting ("Media Act"). The Ukraine Media Council may extend the license term in an administrative procedure. The license must be extended for another 7 years, if the applicant meets all conditions set forth for a broadcaster in the Media Act. We believe we are currently in compliance with all these conditions (see also Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings”).
CORPORATE OPERATIONS
Our central service organization provides each television operation with a central resource. The service functions provided include sales, financial and legal services, including financial planning and analysis, cost control and network management.
SEASONALITY
We, like other television operators, experience seasonality, with advertising sales tending to be lowest during the third quarter of each calendar year, which includes the summer holiday period (typically July and August), and highest during the fourth quarter of each calendar year. See Part II, Item 6, “Quarterly Results and Seasonality” for further discussion.
EMPLOYEES
As of March 1, 2003, we had a corporate operations staff of 23 employees (compared to 22 as of March 1, 2002) and our subsidiaries had a total of approximately 1,830 employees (compared to 1,796 as of December 31, 2001). None of our employees or the employees of any of our subsidiaries is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We believe that our relations with our employees are good.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
We make available free of charge through our Internet website our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our Internet website was launched on March 10, 2003 and its address is http://www.cetv-net.com.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY OPERATING SEGMENT AND BY GEOGRAPHICAL AREA
For financial information by operating segment and geographic area, see Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and "Results of Operations" in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
We maintain our registered office in Bermuda. In addition, CME Development Corporation leases office space in London in one location. The lease, for 3,958 square feet of office space, expires in 2015.
We previously entered into an agreement on behalf of MPI which gives us the option to acquire the facility in Bucharest which contains some of PRO TV's facilities. The purchase price is currently being negotiated. We own a portion of a building in Ljubljana which contains POP TV and Kanal A's facilities and offices. STS owns its principal office facility near Bratislava. Studio 1+1 leases offices in central Kiev and studio space outside Kiev.
Our Czech Republic operation owns a building of approximately 65,000 square feet which contains modern studios in Prague, Czech Republic. This asset is held for resale.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
CZECH REPUBLIC
We own 93.2% of Ceska nezavisla televizni spolecnost, spol. s.r.o. (CNTS). CNTS has a Cooperation Agreement with CET 21, spol. s.r.o. (CET), a company independent of us comprised of a number of Czech partners originally led by Dr. Vladimir Zelezny. The agreement is for CNTS to act as an operating company supplying programming and selling advertising for CET, the license holder of the Nova TV network. This agreement is disputed.
History
In January 1993, CET was awarded a terrestrial television broadcast license in the Czech Republic. This license, which was extended in January 2002, expires in January 2017. CET was awarded the license with the full knowledge and understanding of the Media Council that CEDC (Central European Development Corporation) (our direct predecessor in interest) was a direct participant in the license application. With the involvement of the Media Council, we and CET entered into a Memorandum of Association and Investment (the Memorandum of Association) that provided for the creation of the company, CNTS, to operate and broadcast the planned television station. An associated agreement further provided that CET did not have the authority to broadcast without the direct participation of CEDC. Between 1993 an d August 1999, CNTS performed essentially all of the activities associated with operating and broadcasting Nova TV. Nova TV became one of the most successful television stations in Europe.
In 1996 and 1997, however, under compulsion resulting from proceedings initiated by the Media Council, we and CET amended the Memorandum of Association and entered into other contracts to reflect the change in the Memorandum of Association. One such contract (the Cooperation Contract) expressly identified CET as the license holder and the “television broadcasting operator” of Nova TV. Pursuant to the Cooperation Contract CNTS prepared, completed and delivered television programming that was then distributed by CET, which broadcast the Nova TV signal. CNTS also collected all of Nova TV's advertising and other revenues, and retained the balance of those revenues net of Nova TV's operating expenses less Kc 100,000 (US $2,600) per month payable to CET.
On August 5, 1999, CET pre-empted CNTS's transmission and began broadcasting a substitute signal for Nova TV from a site other than CNTS's studios. In addition, on the same day, CNTS received notification from CET that CET was withdrawing from the Cooperation Contract due to CNTS's alleged failure to supply CET with the daily program log for Nova TV on August 4, 1999. CET representatives also stated publicly that, in future, CET would not use CNTS to provide services for Nova TV. CET has continued to pre-empt all of CNTS's programming for Nova TV. CET carried out these actions with the active support and encouragement of the Media Council. CNTS believes that CET's withdrawal from the Cooperation Contract was not legally effective since CNTS did not materially breach the Cooperation Contract and that the Cooperation Contract therefore remains in effect.
Exclusivity Case
On August 9, 1999 CNTS filed an action with the Regional Commercial Court in Prague requesting a determination that CET's termination of the Cooperation Contract with CNTS is invalid and that CET is obliged to co-operate in broadcasting Nova TV exclusively with CNTS. The Cooperation Contract was the fundamental document establishing since 1997 the exclusive co-operation between CET and CNTS in broadcasting Nova TV. The Regional Commercial Court issued a favorable ruling on May 4, 2000 which was subsequently reversed by a December 14, 2000 ruling from the High Court. That ruling was then upon the extraordinary appeal of CNTS cancelled by the Supreme Court and the matter was returned to the first instance court for further proceedings, by which the matter was effectively opened fully again. On July 4, 2002 the City Court of Prague refused CNTS's request saying that the relief sought was not sufficiently specified by CNTS for the Court to rule on it. CNTS filed an appeal on August 5, 2002.
Transfer of CET's Shares in CNTS
On June 30, 1999, CNTS filed an action with the Regional Commercial Court of Prague requesting that the court declare invalid an agreement between CET and another Czech company, Produkce, a.s. under which CET purported to transfer CET's 1% participation interest in CNTS to Produkce, a.s., since that transfer did not comply with the CNTS Memorandum of Association. The Court determined that the transfer was invalid; CET and Produkce have appealed and the appeal was rejected. CET and Produkce have filed an extraordinary appeal.
ICC Arbitration
On April 26, 1999, we filed an arbitration claim against Dr. Vladimir Zelezny before the International Chamber of Commerce Court of Arbitration in Paris, France (the ICC Arbitration). We sought the return of US $23,350,000 paid to Dr. Zelezny, plus interest, and other unspecified damages, based on breaches by Dr. Zelezny of a share purchase agreement entered into in 1997 under which we purchased from Dr. Zelezny Nova Consulting, a company owned by him whose sole asset was a 5.8% interest in CNTS. We also sought the forgiveness of the US $5,188,000 unpaid balance of the purchase price under the 1997 share purchase agreement.
As a result of an enforcement of the award in the Czech Republic, CME Media Enterprises B.V. ha s collected $90,901.52 and CZK 262,139,400 (approximately $8,697,000). Furthermore, on September 22, 2002 CME Media Enterprises BV received an additional $20,240,000 from MEF Media Akciova Spolecnost (MEF) without specification of the title of such payment (MEF payment). On December 13, 2002 CME Media Enterprises BV has returned the Nova Consulting shares to a representative of Dr. Zelezny, which resulted in a reduction of our shareholding in CNTS to 93.2%.
Lauder UNCITRAL Arbitration
On August 23, 1999, Ronald S. Lauder, the non-Executive Chairman of our Board of Directors, instituted arbitration proceedings against the Czech Republic under the 1992 Bilateral Investment Treaty between the United States and the Czech Republic. Mr. Lauder initiated the proceedings in his personal capacity as a U.S. national who owns or controls (by virtue of his voting control over Central European Media Enterprises Ltd.) an investment in the Czech Republic. The claim asserted that the Czech Republic harmed Mr. Lauder's investment in CNTS by, among other things, taking unfair and discriminatory actions by reversing its initial approval of an exclusive relationship between CNTS and CET, and by failing to act to remedy the effects of the improper actions of Dr. Zelezny. Mr. Lauder sought monetary dam ages arising from harm caused to CNTS by the Czech Republic's actions.
On September 3, 2001, the UNCITRAL Tribunal in Mr. Lauder's arbitration issued a final award, finding that the Czech Republic committed a breach of its obligation under the U.S.-Czech Bilateral Investment Treaty to refrain from arbitrary and discriminatory measures when, in early 1993, the Czech Media Council changed its original position allowing Mr. Lauder to make an equity investment in the television license holder (CET) and insisted that Mr. Lauder's participation could be made only through a joint venture company (CNTS). However, the Tribunal denied Mr. Lauder's claim for a declaration that the Czech Republic committed further breaches of the Treaty and denied all of Mr. Lauder's claims for damages. The Tribunal ordered that each party should bear its own legal costs and that the costs of the a rbitration should be borne equally by the parties.
CME UNCITRAL Arbitration
On February 22, 2000, CME Czech Republic BV, our wholly owned subsidiary instituted arbitration proceedings against the Czech Republic under the 1991 Bilateral Investment Treaty between the Netherlands and the Czech Republic (CME Uncitral Arbitration).
On September 13, 2001, the Tribunal in this arbitration issued a final partial award on liability, finding that, by the actions and inactions of the Czech Media Council in 1996 and 1999, the Czech Republic violated several provisions of the Netherlands-Czech Bilateral Investment Treaty, including the obligation not to deprive an investor of its investment. The Tribunal ruled that the Czech Republic is obligated to remedy the injury that we suffered as a result of its violations of the Treaty by payment of the fair market value of our investment as it was before consummation of the Czech Republic’s breach of the Treaty in 1999, in an amount to be determined at a second phase of the arbitration. The Tribunal further ordered the Czech Republic immediately to pay US $1,008,000 to us as a refund of our legal costs and expenditures and of our payment of the Tribunal’s fees and disbursements. The hearings to quantify our damages took place in London between September 2 and September 13, 2002. The evidentiary records have been closed, and all testimony was taken at the September hearing. The closing argument in the Quantum Phase was heard from November 11 to November 14, 2002 in London, and it is expected that a final award will be issued by the Tribunal by the end of the first quarter of 2003.
We have submitted to the Tribunal evidence claiming US $526.9 million less certain adjustments for residual value arising from the sale of Czech assets and the sale of 5.8% interest in CNTS as a result of the payment of the ICC Award by Zelezny. We also claimed interest at 12% from August 1999.
On March 6, 2003, the Tribunal informed the parties to the Arbitration “that the Arbitrators have finished their deliberations and will render the Final Award shortly”.
The Collateral Challenge
The Czech Republic has filed a collateral challenge of the final partial award in the Swedish courts. The Czech Republic alleges in their collateral challenge that their party appointed arbitrator was not allowed to fully participate in the deliberations leading to the Partial Final Award, that Czech law was not given precedence and should have been, and that the entire matter had already been dealt with by the London based tribunal in the Lauder arbitration and should not have been heard again on the basis of the principal of res judicata. The Czech Republic also argues in its pleadings that the Tribunal acted beyond its mandate in a number of ways including by declaring that in the quantum phase of the hearings our damages should correspond with the fair market value of the destroyed CNTS investmen t, instead of just finding the Czech Republic liable and leaving all other questions for this phase. All of these claims are in our opinion incorrect as matters of fact or law and have been raised by the Czech Republic solely for the purpose of attempting to delay enforcement of any award. The hearing in Stockholm, Sweden commenced on March 3, 2003 and is scheduled to last until April 3, 2003.
UKRAINE
In our Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31, 2001, we reported that AITI, a television station in Ukraine, commenced a second court action in Ukraine against the Ukraine Media Council challenging certain aspects of the granting to Studio 1+1 of its television broadcast license in Ukraine. Studio 1+1 was involved in this litigation as a third party acting together with the Ukraine Media Council. The claim was almost identical to one which was previously brought by AITI and was dismissed on April 5, 2001 by the Supreme Arbitration Court of Ukraine.
AITI’s allegations were that Studio 1+1 has, in effect, been granted two licenses by the Ukraine TV Council, entitling it to in excess of 32 hours of broadcast time a day on Ukraine's nationw ide Channel N2 (UT-2). Further, AITI alleged that Studio 1+1 never paid the required license fee. On February 1, 2002, the Economic Court of the City of Kiev ruled in AITI's favor. The Ukraine Media Council, Studio 1+1, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Kiev, the latter two acting as interested third parties, appealed the Economic Court's decision to the Kiev Economic Court of Appeal.
The Kiev Economic Court of Appeal upheld the Economic Court of Kiev’s decision of February 1, 2002. This decision was appealed to the Court of Cassation, the same court that ruled in favor of Studio 1+1 on April 5, 2001. On November 1, 2002 the Court of Cassation ruled that the decisions taken by the two lower courts had not fully taken into consideration all the facts surrounding the matter before reaching judgment and ordered that the case be returned to the Arbitration Court of Kiev. The first hearing took place on February 5, 2003 and was adjourned until February 18, 2003. The next court hearing is scheduled for March 19, 2003. Studio 1+1, as an interested third party, has filed a request with the Supreme Court of Ukraine to accept an appeal of the Court of Cassation decision. If the appeal is accepted, the Supreme Court will be asked to annul the ruling of the Court of Cassation and to terminate these legal proceedings in favor of Studio 1+1 and the Ukraine Media Council.
We believe that the claim brought by AITI is groundless and will assist in the pursuit of the defense of this matter vigorously. If the decision in the Ukraine court system is ultimately unfavorable, it could result in the loss of the broadcast license of Studio 1+1.
ROMANIA
We were involved in a dispute with a minority shareholder in MPI, Mr. Tiriac, during 2002. As part of this dispute, Mr. Tiriac and his representatives commenced three court actions against MPI. At the request of Mr. Tiriac’s lawyers all of these cases were suspended toward the end of 2002 and are in the process of being formally withdrawn. The withdrawal of these court actions was part of an overall agreement reached between Mr. Tiriac and Mr. Sarbu under which Mr. Tiriac agreed to sell his shareholdings in MPI and the Romanian license holding companies in exchange for a multi-year series of payments from Mr. Sarbu.
SLOVENIA
On November 20, 2002, we received notice of a claim filed by Zdenka Meglic, the founder and a former shareholder of MMTV 1 d.o.o (MMTV), against MMTV, a subsidiary of CME Slovenia BV. Mrs. Meglic is claiming damages against MMTV in the amount of SIT 190 million (approximately US $ 859,000).
During the period from 1992 to 1994, Mrs. Meglic advanced monies to MMTV. Mrs. Meglic, who was the sole shareholder of MMTV at that time, contends these advances were shareholder loans. In 1995, Mrs. Meglic sold us a 10% interest in MMTV, which at that time was part of the POP TV network. At the end of 1996, we agreed to terms that effectively resulted in the buyout of the remaining interest in MMTV held by Mrs. Meglic in consideration of US $5,000,000. Prior to the closing of that transaction in the first quarter of 1997, Mrs. Meglic entered into a loan agreement with MMTV, represented by her husband General Director Marijan Meglic, that ostensibly consolidated the advances made from 1992 to 1994 into a single loan. During the summer of 2002, Mrs. Meglic demanded repayment of the advances plus accrued interest. MMTV sought clarification from Mrs. Meglic of the amounts in dispute. Subsequently, Mrs. Meglic filed suit.
In her claim against MMTV, Mrs. Meglic is seeking damages in the amount of SIT 190 million (approximately US $859,000) for repayment of monies advanced to MMTV from 1992 to 1994 (in the amount of approximately SIT 29 million (approximately US $131,000)) plus accrued interest. We believe Mrs. Meglic’s claim is without merit and will defend the claim vigorously.
We are, from time to time, a party to litigation that arises in the normal course of our business operations. Other than those claims discussed above, we are not presently a party to any such litigation which could reaso nably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our business or operations.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The Class A Common Stock of Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. began trading on the Nasdaq National Market on October 13, 1994 under the trading symbol "CETV." On October 10, 2000, our Class A Common Stock was delisted from the Nasdaq National Market. On November 27, 2002, our Class A Common Stock was re-listed on the Nasdaq National Market under the trading symbol "CETV."
On March 3, 2003 the last reported sales price for the Class A Common Stock was $11.50.
The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices for the Class A Common Stock for each quarterly period during the last two fiscal years and for the first quarter of 2003. All share information has been adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock splits which took effect on August 16, 2002 and January 10, 2003.
Price Period | | High | Low |
| | | | | |
2001 | | | | | | | |
First Quarter | | | 0.813 | | | 0.083 | |
Second Quarter | | | 0.675 | | | 0.375 | |
Third Quarter | | | 2.650 | | | 0.275 | |
Fourth Quarter | | | 2.838 | | | 1.625 | |
2002 | | | | | | | |
First Quarter | | | 6.000 | | | 2.325 | |
Second Quarter | | | 4.875 | | | 3.625 | |
Third Quarter | | | 9.500 | | | 3.828 | |
Fourth Quarter | | | 11.940 | | | 6.750 | |
2003 | | | | | | | |
First Quarter (to March 3, 2003) | | | 13.425 | | | 10.400 | |
At March 3, 2003, there were 26 holders of record (including brokerage firms and other nominees) of the Class A Common Stock, approximately 908 beneficial owners of the Class A Common Stock, and five holders of record of the Class B Common Stock. There is no public market for the Class B Common Stock.
DIVIDEND POLICY
We have not declared or paid and have no present intention to declare or pay in the foreseeable future any cash dividends in respect to any class of our Common Stock. Our ability to pay cash dividends is primarily dependent upon receipt of dividends or distributions from our subsidiaries over some of which we have limited control. In addition, the indentures which govern our US$100 million 93/8% Senior Notes Due 2004 and Euro 71.6 million (approximately US$75 million) 81/8% Senior Notes Due 2004 restrict our ability to declare and pay cash dividends. See Part I, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(Selected Financial Data begins on the following page and ends on the page immediately preceding Item 7).
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
| | Years Ended December 31, | |
| | | |
| | | 2002 | | | 2001 | | | 2000 | | | 1999 | | | 1998 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | (US $ 000's, except per share data) |
OPERATING DATA: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Revenues | | $ | 92,602 | | $ | 73,238 | | $ | 76,813 | | $ | 129,323 | | $ | 174,291 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total station operating costs and expenses | | | 67,501 | | | 60,469 | | | 77,808 | | | 139,405 | | | 112,836 | |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 13,183 | | | 19,992 | | | 19,402 | | | 25,898 | | | 25,250 | |
Corporate operating costs and development expenses | | | 11,357 | | | 8,548 | | | 8,578 | | | 16,840 | | | 22,670 | |
Net arbitration (proceeds)/costs | | | (16,602 | ) | | 4,509 | | | 2,839 | | | 1,913 | | | - | |
Stock based compensation | | | 3,754 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Amortization of goodwill | | | - | | | 1,747 | | | 1,670 | | | 49,091 | | | 10,606 | |
Restructuring charge | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 2,552 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Total operating expenses | | | 79,193 | | | 95,265 | | | 110,297 | | | 233,147 | | | 173,914 | |
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| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating income/(loss) | | | 13,409 | | | (22,027 | ) | | (33,484 | ) | | (103,824 | ) | | 377 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss on write down of investment | | | (2,685 | ) | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Equity in income/(loss) of unconsolidated affiliates | | | 2,861 | | | 7,137 | | | (514 | ) | | (11,021 | ) | | (3,398 | ) |
Interest and other income | | | 1,389 | | | 1,943 | | | 3,543 | | | 5,974 | | | 25,094 | |
Interest and other expense | | | (15,301 | ) | | (19,702 | ) | | (21,788 | ) | | (20,003 | ) | | (42,644 | ) |
Change in the fair value of derivative | | | 1,108 | | | (1,576 | ) | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Gain on sale of Subsidiaries (1) | | | - | | | 1,802 | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Foreign currency exchange gain/ (loss) | | | (10,231 | ) | | 1,651 | | | (2,286 | ) | | 12,983 | | | (6,999 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gain on discharge of obligation | | | - | | | 5,188 | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Gain on sale of investment | | | - | | | - | | | 17,186 | | | 25,870 | | | - | |
Other income | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 8,250 | | | - | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss before provision for income taxes, minority interest and discontinued operations | | | (9,450 | ) | | (25,584 | ) | | (37,343 | ) | | (81,771 | ) | | (27,570 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Provision for income taxes | | | (4,135 | ) | | (1,381 | ) | | (96 | ) | | (1,518 | ) | | (15,856 | ) |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss before minority interest and discontinued operations | | | (13,585 | ) | | (26,965 | ) | | (37,439 | ) | | (83,289 | ) | | (43,426 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Minority interest in loss/(income) of consolidated subsidiaries | | | (599 | ) | | 2,138 | | | (59 | ) | | 213 | | | (156 | ) |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss from continuing operations | | | (14,184 | ) | | (24,827 | ) | | (37,498 | ) | | (83,076 | ) | | (43,582 | ) |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Discontinued operations (2) : | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating income/(loss) of discontinued operations (Hungary) | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | (10,208 | ) | | (37,576 | ) |
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations (Hungary) | | | - | | | 2,716 | | | - | | | 3,414 | | | - | |
Operating loss of discontinued operations (Poland) | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | (15,289 | ) |
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations (Poland) | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | (28,805 | ) |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (14,184 | ) | $ | (22,111 | ) | $ | (37,498 | ) | $ | (89,870 | ) | $ | (125,252 | ) |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years Ended December 31, | |
| |
| |
| | | 2002 | | | 2001 | | | 2000 | | | 1999 | | | 1998 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | (US $ 000's, except per share data) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
PER SHARE DATA: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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Net loss per common share from : | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Continuing operations – basic and diluted | | $ | (1.07 | ) | $ | (1.88 | ) | $ | (2.84 | ) | $ | (6.44 | ) | $ | (3.61 | ) |
Discontinued operations – basic and diluted | | | - | | | 0.21 | | | - | | | (0.53 | ) | | (6.77 | ) |
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| | $ | (1.07 | ) | $ | (1.67 | ) | $ | (2.84 | ) | $ | (6.97 | ) | $ | (10.38 | ) |
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Common shares used in computing per share amounts (000s) (3) | | | 13,224 | | | 13,224 | | | 13,220 | | | 12,892 | | | 12,064 | |
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BALANCE SHEET DATA: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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Current assets | | | 101,622 | | | 75,153 | | | 91,666 | | | 103,070 | | | 152,283 | |
Non-current assets | | | 75,070 | | | 76,112 | | | 105,433 | | | 133,117 | | | 222,224 | |
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Total Assets | | | 176,692 | | | 151,265 | | | 197,099 | | | 236,187 | | | 374,507 | |
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Current liabilities | | | 71,182 | | | 74,083 | | | 81,285 | | | 76,671 | | | 97,030 | |
Non-current liabilities | | | 201,386 | | | 165,978 | | | 181,692 | | | 194,752 | | | 211,770 | |
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Total Liabilities | | | 272,568 | | | 240,061 | | | 262,977 | | | 271,423 | | | 308,800 | |
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Shareholders' Surplus/(deficit) | | $ | (95,876 | ) | $ | (88,796 | ) | $ | (65,878 | ) | $ | (35,236 | ) | $ | 65,707 | |
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OTHER DATA: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | | | 11,084 | | | (17,074 | ) | | (15,529 | ) | | (12,702 | ) | | (9,172 | ) |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | | | (2,372 | ) | | 5,550 | | | 19,516 | | | 14,364 | | | (74,857 | ) |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | | | 18,061 | | | (3,829 | ) | | (2,398 | ) | | (6,377 | ) | | 22,267 | |
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(1) On November 22, 2001 we sold our 70% interest in Video Vision International Srl and a gain of $1,802,000 has been recognized.
(2) During the third quarter of 1999 we announced that we were selling substantially all of our Hungarian operations to SBS. Our financial statements have been restated for all periods presented in order to reflect the operations of Hungary as discontinued operations. During the fourth quarter of 1998, we sold our interests in the TVN television operations in Poland at a loss, resulting in the treatment of these interests and related operations as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Our financial statements have been restated for all periods presented in order to reflect the o perations of Poland as discontinued operations.
(3) All per share data has been adjusted for the two two-for-one stock splits which occurred on August 26, 2002 and January 10, 2003.
Quarterly Results and Seasonality
The following table sets forth unaudited financial data for each of our last eight fiscal quarters
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| | Year Ended December 31, 2002 | |
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| | | First Quarter | | | Second Quarter | | | Third Quarter | | | Fourth Quarter | |
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Income Statement data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Revenues | | | 17,261 | | | 27,096 | | | 17,177 | | | 31,068 | |
Operating Profit/(Loss) | | | (4,884 | ) | | 696 | | | 20,528 | | | (2,931 | ) |
Net Profit/(Loss) | | | (11,903 | ) | | (12,316 | ) | | 14,842(1 | ) | | (4,807 | ) |
Net Profit/(Loss) per Share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | (0.90 | ) | | (0.93 | ) | | 1.12 | | | (0.36 | ) |
Diluted | | | - | | | - | | | (0.09 | ) | | - | |
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| | Year Ended December 31, 2001 |
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| | | First Quarter | | | Second Quarter | | | Third Quarter | | | Fourth Quarter | |
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Income Statement data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Revenues | | | 16,005 | | | 20,603 | | | 13,590 | | | 23,040 | |
Operating Loss | | | (7,906 | ) | | (2,588 | ) | | (8,565 | ) | | (2,968 | ) |
Net Loss | | | (3,286 | ) | | (785 | ) | | (14,576 | ) | | (3,464 | ) |
Net Loss per Share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic and Diluted | | | (0.25 | ) | | (0.06 | ) | | (1.10 | ) | | (0.26 | ) |
We, like other television operators, experience seasonality, with advertising sales tending to be lowest during the third quarter of each calendar year, which includes the summer holiday period (typically July and August), and highest during the fourth quarter of each calendar year.
(1) The net profit of $14,842,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2002 was primarily due to the receipt of $28,953,000 following our dispute with Dr. Zelezny. See Part I, Item 3, "Legal Proceedings" for further discussion.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview of Operations
Our consolidated net revenues for 2002 have increased by 26% compared to 2001 primarily due to significant growth in the Ukrainian and Slovenian operation's net revenues. Total station operating costs for 2002 have increased by 12% compared to 2001 primarily attributable to planned increases on amortization of programming at the Romanian and Ukrainian operations and a write down in value of asset held for sale.Our consolidated net loss for 2002 improved to a loss of $14,184,000 from a loss of $22,111,000 in 2001.
Related party matters - Overview
There is a limited local market for many specialist TV services in the countries in which we operate. Therefore, we do not consider it possible to provide an assurance that fair market prices and payment terms are in place for such services, many of which are provided by parties known to be connected to our local shareholders. We continue to review all of these arrangements.
Romania
Past Due Accounts Receivable
The total gross accounts receivable on our Consolidated Balance Sheet in respect of our Romanian operations was $15,544,000 at December 31,2002, 33% ($5,129,520) of which were more than 360 days old. This represents an improvement from 35% of Romanian receivables reported as at both December 31, 2001 and September 30,2002. An improvement was also achieved in 180-360 days old category as the balance was reduced from 20% at December 31, 2001 to 9% at December 31, 2002 Subsequent to December 31,2002 and before the filing date, $7,762,000 was received with respect to Romanian receivables, of which $860,000 related to Romanian receivables more than 360 days old. The result of these improvements was that $831,000 of our total bad debt provision was released during the fourth quarter of 2002. On our Consoli dated Balance Sheet the total provision for bad debt is $7,481,000 of which the provision for Romanian bad debts is $5,733,000.
Tax provision
In our Consolidated Balance Sheet are current tax liabilities and estimated interest and penalties on outstanding tax liabilities. A significant portion of estimated interest and penalties on overdue tax liabilities relate to the outstanding tax liability at our Romanian subsidiaries. A recent agreement with the Romanian tax authorities has reduced and re-scheduled a portion of these interest and penalty charges in return for specific deposits and an agreed repayment schedule. This rescheduling is permitted under Romanian law subject to written application demonstrating compliance with a series of objective criteria. Penalties of up to $5 million may be imposed if the repayment schedule and the conditions of the agreement are not met. Should the Romanian tax authorities demand immediate payment of all potential tax liabilities, the Romanian operations wo uld experience difficulties in continuing to operate and may have to cease operations entirely unless they can arrange financing to secure the required funds or the shareholders (including us) determine to inject equity into the business.
Audio visual law and Romania operations restructuring
A new audio-visual law came into force in Romania on July 22, 2002, harmonizing Romanian legislation with that of the European Union. The law now permits a change in ownership of license holding companies or the transfer of the licenses to another company at the discretion of the Romanian Media Council. This was previously not permitted under the old audio-visual law. There is no restriction on foreign ownership under Romanian law.
In September 2002, the Romanian Media Council instructed all television stations in Romania that they to restructure their operations by January 2003 so that the license holding companies become the main operators of the broadcasting licenses they hold. The Romanian Media Council has given some guidance on how it interprets the new audio-visual law in relation to this restructuring. At a formal meeting on September 19, 2002 the Council expressed their view that exclusive operating agreements, such as exist between MPI and the two Romanian license holding companies, are not permissible under the new law. We are in discussions with our partners in Romania to transfer the operation of the broadcasting licenses from MPI to the main license holding company Pro TV and to increase our stake in Pro TV from the existing 49% to a majority 66% stake as permitted under the new Media Law that came into force on July 22, 2002. In connection with those discussions, it is expected that the secondary license holding company, Media Pro, would apply to the Romanian Media Council to transfer the licenses it owns to Pro TV, as this is also permitted under the new Media Law. We are in the process of commencing the legal and regulatory steps required in order to complete this restructuring procedur e. However, there can be no certainty that this transaction will be approved by the Romanian Media Council.
Upon completion of this restructuring we would have majority control over all the key licenses we operate in Romania. Currently we only have minority stakes in the two Romanian license holding companies, albeit with blocking rights.
Related Party Matters
A “related” party is one in which we have determined that a shareholder has direct control or influence; a “connected” party is one in which we are aware of a family or business connection to a shareholder.
We, Mr Sarbu and Mr Tiriac are all shareholders in MPI, Pro TV and Media Pro. The Cooperation Agreement between us, Mr Sarbu and Mr Tiriac requires that related party transactions be approved by the shareholders. The approval process for related party transactions was exercised verbally for the period from 1997 to late 2001. Beginning in 2002 formal, written records have been required and reviews of related party transactions have been performed. Approval of these has been made at local MPI board and shareholder meetings.
Mr Sarbu, the General Director and minority shareholder in our Romanian operations, has extensive business interests in Romania, particularly in the media sector. Due to the limited local market for many specialist television services in Romania, companies related or con nected to Mr Sarbu were often the sole or primary supplier of the services that MPI required, and much of the Romanian business was developed based on services supplied by Mr Sarbu’s companies.
In 2002, the shareholders of MPI decided to review related party transactions, bring services in-house where possible and place additional controls over the remaining related party transactions.
Description of related party transactions
In 1995 we loaned Inter Media srl $1.3 million to purchase an interest in the building in which Pro TV operates. At the time of the loan Mr. Sarbu owned Inter Media srl and we believe he continues to have an economic interest in such company. The interest in the building was to be sold to MPI at a fair market valuation that was to be determined. In 2002 an independent valuation of the building was obtained by us. This valuation was substantially less than Mr. Sarbu’s view of the building’s value and the transaction could not therefore be concluded. Mr Sarbu argues that in anticipation of the sale of the building to MPI, his affiliated company charged a substantially lower rental fee to MPI and is now claiming the difference and intends to offset the outstanding rental fee against the loan. MPI in anticipation of the sale made substantial improvements to the building that would normally be done at the cost of the building owner. As a result we, Pro TV and Mr Sarbu (via his affiliated company) are in negotiation regarding the amount of monies that may be outstanding to unwind this transaction. We have accrued $600,000 as a potential liability on our December 31, 2002 balance sheet.
The total purchases from companies related or connected with Mr Sarbu in 2002 were approximately $4.4 million (2001 : $11.1 million). The total sales to companies related or connected with Mr Sarbu in 2002 were approximately $1.0 million (2001 : $1.8 million). At December 31, 2002 companies connected but not related to Mr Sarbu had an outstanding balance due to us of $2,687,000 (2001 : $2,807,000).
Historically, companies in which Mr Sarbu has an interest have paid MPI more slowly than have independent third parties, while amounts due to these companies were paid promptly by MPI. This combination resul ted in a decrease in cashflow to MPI to the detriment of its stockholders, including ourselves.
In March 2002, as a result of the increasing amount and age of the related and connected party receivables in Romania, our Audit Committee commissioned an investigation into the related party transactions occurring in its Romanian operations. A report was provided to the Committee by independent accountants (not our auditors) which confirmed that a number of transactions entered into by our subsidiaries in Romania with parties related to Mr Sarbu had not been properly approved by the shareholders of the subsidiaries. Further, related party receivables of the subsidiaries were significantly in arrears while related party payables were paid promptly. Additionally, a number of transactions not declared as related party transactions may have been related party transactions. As a result the Committee recommended strict controls to prevent future occurrences of any such irregularities and to improve the collectio n of receivables, credit management and authorization of related party transactions in the Romanian operations. To implement this, the shareholders of MPI have unanimously approved resolutions requiring a higher level of review and control over related party transactions, credit control and collection of receivables.
During 2002, we included an amount of $671,000 for related party barter in exchange for programming rights from Mr Sarbu’s companies in our revenue and expenses for the Romanian operations.
At the end of 2002, our year end internal audit process detected that some advertising time had been bartered to businesses related to Mr. Sarbu, in excess of amounts that had been approved. The most significant barter arrangement was with a programming provider related to Mr. Sarbu which sold advertising spots in exchange for programming. We do not believe we experienced any monetary loss as a result of this unauthorized barter because otherwise unsold time was so bartered. This sale of airtime was brought in-house from January 1, 2003 and since then airtime spot sales have been made directly to clients rather than bartered for programming supplied by Mr. Sarbu’s company.
Airtime is measured in GRPS. (Gross Rating Points – the percentage of all possible viewers watching the show in any 30 second period, so that 1 rating point represents 1% of all possible viewers watching a show). Our controls showed that approximately 21,000 unapproved GRPs were transferred in excess of the contractual agreement. 800,000 GRPs are available in a year if we sell all theoretically available airtime at our Romanian stations. We sell approximately 600,000 GRPs per year at our Romanian stations. Since unsold advertising time was also available in this period, it is not possible to make a realistic estimate of the monetary value of the unapproved airtime.
It is difficult to determine whether we received fair value in these transactions due to the limited local market for many specialist television services in Romania and the fact that many of the companies providing these services are related or connected to Mr. Sarbu. Since the value of this barter is shown as both revenue and expense in our financial statements but the impact on our net income is zero, we do not believe the related party nature of t hese barter transactions has had a significant effect on our financial statements.
Our internal controls detected these unauthorized related party transactions, and further review has led us to implement new internal controls at MPI and our head office to discourage repetition of related party barter by ensuring discovery in a more timely manner. These include improved local controls over the reconciliation of invoicing to the actual advertising spots shown on TV as well as a quarterly review by our corporate staff of advertising sales figures to ensure that all airtime is correctly invoiced. However, no control can prevent an executive manager from exceeding his authority.
These unapproved related party barter transactions were in violation of the Co-operation Agreement and Mr Sarbu’s employment agreement. Mr. Sarbu has been informed, orally and in writing, and through a Board resolution passed by the local MPI Board, that disciplinary action will result from further unauthorized related party transactions. We believe that the local board resolution has impressed upon Mr. Sarbu the importance of strict and formal adherence to our internal control framework.
The outstanding receivable balance between our Romanian operations and connected parties was: $2.7 million at December 31,2002 (2001: $2.8 million) of which all the balance is over 360 days old (2001: $0.9m). The outstanding receivable balance between our Romanian operations and related parties at December 31,2002 was $2.2 million (2001: $3.6 million) of which $0.9 million is over 360 days old (2001: $1.4million).
Accounting for related party barter
Our Romanian operations have certain related party barter arrangements in place in Romania. Under US GAAP these are accounted for at fair market value. Due to the limited local market for many specialist television services in Romania, and as many of the companies providing these services are related parties, we have devised an appropriate method of valuation for the receipt of programming. This methodology takes into account the average cost per hour of acquired programming to Pro TV as well as the time at which the bartered programming is shown.
Slovenia
On December 13, 2002, Pro Plus entered into an agreement to purchase the interests in Pro Plus and Pop TV held by certain partners of Tele 59 d.o.o. (“Tele 59”). At that time Tele 59 held a 21% voting but a 14.5% effective share of profits in Pro Plus and a 49% voting and profits interest in Pop TV d.o.o. The amount agreed was Euro 5,000,000 (approximately US$ 5.3 million). This agreement was subject to the satisfaction of a number of conditions precedent, including the securing of financing for the transaction and the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals. Subsequently, Pro Plus executed a Euro 8,000,000 (approximately US$ 8.4 million) term loan agreement with Bank Austria Creditanstalt d.d. and Nova Ljubljanska Banka d.d. and a portion of the proceeds were used to the complete the pur chase of the Tele 59 partners’ interests as above.
In January 2003, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia, which is vested with authority to oversee the implementation of the media law in Slovenia, approved the ownership by Pro Plus of interests in excess of 20% in more than one broadcaster. On January 29, 2003, following receipt of that approval, Pro Plus completed the acquisition of the interests of certain partners of Tele 59 d.o.o. As part of the restructure we were left with no interest in Tele 59 . On January 30, 2003, we restructured our operations in Slovenia. Pursuant to that restructuring, we now hold a voting and share of profits interest in Pro Plus equal to 96.85%, subject to registration in the Commercial Registry of Slovenia.
Related party matters
In connection with the restructuring of our Slovenian operations, we have entered into a put/call arrangement with the general director of Pro Plus, Marijan Jurenec, who owns the remaining 3.15% voting and profits interests of Pro Plus. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Jurenec generally has the right to put his interest to us for approximately one year beginning on December 31, 2004 at a price that consists of a fixed component and a variable component based on station segment EBITDA. We have the right to call the interest held by Mr. Jurenec at any time until December 31, 2006 at a price that is the same as the put price until the end of the put period and is fixed during the remainder of 2006 after which the call expires.
Slovak Republic
Following elections in the Slovak Republic on September 20, 2002, the ANO political party, founded by Mr. Pavol Rusko, an executive in Markiza and STS, obtained a number of seats in the national parliament. On November 1, 2002, Mr. Rusko was appointed a deputy chairman of the parliament. In order to comply with Slovak conflict of interest rules, Mr. Rusko has resigned from his position as an executive of STS (the operating company for the MARKIZA TV network) and of Markiza. In addition, following receipt of approval from us, he has transferred his indirect 17% ownership interest in Markiza to a third party. We do not believe that the resignation of Mr. Rusko will have a significant impact on our Slovak operations.
On November 1, 2001, the Slovak Republic Media Council announced it would monitor the political content of the MARKIZA TV network's news coverage as a result of Mr. Rusko launching the ANO political party. Should the actions of Markiza be found to be in violation of theSlovak Act on Broadcasting and Retransmission, significant financial penalties may be imposed. Under existing agreements, STS would be liable to cover the costs of any potential financial penalties.
Related party matters
The operating company in the Slovak Republic, STS, has loaned us approximately $4.8 million, the full amount of the available loan facility. We have a 49% voting interest in STS and, by agreement with Markiza, the license holding company, are entitled to a 70% share of the profits of STS. The loan is repayable by us on December 1, 2005 and bears interest at a rate of BRIBOR+2.2% (BRIBOR – 3 month as at December 31,2002 was 6.4%), which rate we believe is comparable to independently negotiated third party rates.
STS, the operating company of our investment in the Slovak Republic, has a number of contracts with companies connected to Jan Kovacik, a shareholder in Markiza, and indirectly STS, for the provision of TV programs. Many of these contracts are for the production of programs such as “Millionaire” that require specialist studios and specific broadcast rights. STS also sells advertising time through an advertising agency controlled by Jan Kovacik. The total 2002 advertising sales of STS placed through Mr. Kovacik’s advertising agency were $2,145,000 (2001 : $2,386,000), and the total amount due to STS from this agency at December 31, 2002 was $1,819,000 (2001 : $1,720,000).
Ukraine
On June 1, 2002, Studio 1+1 appointed Vladimir Oseledchyuk as the new General Director. Vladimir Oseledchyuk had served as deputy director since the foundation of Studio 1+1. The previous General Director, Alexander Rodniansky accepted the position of General Director for the Russian broadcaster CTC based in Moscow. Studio 1+1 conducts regular co-production business with CTC and plans to extend that commercial co-operation for future projects. Following his departure, Alexander Rodniansky was appointed Honorary President and he also continues as the 70% shareholder in the license company.
In our Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31, 2001, we reported that AITI, a television station in Ukraine, commenced a second court action in Ukraine against the Ukraine Media Council challenging certain aspects of the granting to Studio 1+1 of its television broadcast license in Ukraine. Studio 1+1 was involved in this litigation as a third party acting together with the Ukraine Media Council. The claim was almost identical to one which was previously brought by AITI and was dismissed on April 5, 2001 by the Supreme Arbitration Court of Ukraine.
AITI's allegations were that Studio 1+1 has, in effect, been granted two licenses by the Ukraine Media Council, entitling it to in excess of 32 hours of broadcast time a day on Ukraine's nationwide Channel N2 (UT-2). Further, AITI alleged that Studio 1+1 never paid the required license fee. On February 1, 2002, the Economic Court of the City of Kiev ruled in AITI's favor. The Ukraine Media Council, Studio 1+1, and the Public Prosecutor's Office of Kiev, the latter two acting as interested third parties, appealed the Economic Court's decision to the Kiev Economic Court of Appeal.
The Kiev Economic Court of Appeal upheld the Economic Court of Kiev's decision of February 1, 2002. This decision was appealed to the Court of Cassation, the same court that ruled in favor of Studio 1+1 on April 5, 2001. On November 1, 2002 the Court of Cassation ruled that the decisions taken by the two lower courts had not fully taken into consideration all the facts surrounding the matter before reaching judgment and ordered that the case be returned to the Arbitration Court of Kiev. The first hearing took place on February 5, 2003 and was adjourned until February 18, 2003. The next court hearing is scheduled for March 19, 2003. Studio 1+1, as an interested third party, has filed a request with the Supreme Court of Ukraine to accept an appeal of the Court of Cassation decision. If the appeal is ac cepted, the Supreme Court will be asked to annul the ruling of the Court of Cassation and to terminate these legal proceedings in favor of Studio 1+1 and the Ukraine Media Council.
We believe that the claim brought against AITI is groundless and will assist in the pursuit of the defense of this matter vigorously. If the decision in the Ukraine court system is ultimately unfavorable, it could result in the loss of the broadcast license of Studio 1+1.
Related Party Matters
We contract with Contact Film Studios for the production of certain TV programs. This is a company connected to the minority shareholder and joint Managing Director of Innova Film GmbH, Boris Fuchsmann. Our total purchases from Contact Film Studios in 2001 and 2002 were $104,942 and $1,324 respectively. No outstanding balances are owed to us as of December 31, 2002.
We made in 1998 a loan to Mr Fuchsmann with a total balance outstanding at December 31st, 2002 of $3,838,000, an interest rate of 10% and a final due date of November 2006 as disclosed in Note 14 of Item 8.
Related Party Loans
A table of outstanding loans and advances to related parties in all countries in which we operate is shown below
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| | | At December 31, (US$ 000’s) | |
| | | 2002 | | | 2001 | |
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Consolidated Balance Sheet Items – Current Assets | | | | | | | |
Advances to related parties | | | | | | | |
Boris Fuchsmann | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,600 | |
Adrian Sarbu | | | - | | | 170 | |
Affiliates of Media Vision | | | 13 | | | 96 | |
Affiliates of Innova and Studio 1+1 | | | 1,188 | | | 1,004 | |
Affiliates of POP TV | | | 647 | | | 700 | |
Affiliates of POP TV d.o.o. | | | 45 | | | - | |
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Other | | | 949 | | | 3,776 | |
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| | $ | 3,842 | | $ | 7,346 | |
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Consolidated Balance Sheet Items – Non-Current Assets | | | | | | | |
Loans to related parties | | | | | | | |
Boris Fuchsmann | | $ | 2,838 | | $ | 2,850 | |
Inter Media s.r.l. | | | 1,302 | | | 1,302 | |
Media Pro Pictures | | | 1,347 | | | 1,347 | |
Other | | | 2,255 | | | 1,777 | |
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| | $ | 7,742 | | $ | 7,276 | |
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Consolidated Balance Sheet Items – Current Liabilities | | | | | | | |
Amounts due from related parties | | | | | | | |
Tele 59 | | $ | 77 | | $ | 39 | |
MMTV | | | - | | | 253 | |
Marijan Jurenec | | | - | | | 25 | |
Affiliates of MPI | | | 1,022 | | | 552 | |
Affiliates of Media Vision | | | 262 | | | 286 | |
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| | $ | 1,361 | | $ | 1,155 | |
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We received significant payments against our related party loans during 2002, such that the current portion of the loans reduced from $7,346,000 at December 31, 2001 to $3,842,000 at December 31, 2002. Non – current loans to related parties increased slightly in the year from $7,276,000 at December 31, 2001 to $7,742,000 at December 31,2002. This reflects a movement of balances from current loans to non-current loans. The net effect between current and non-current loans is a significant reduction in our related party balances.
Czech Republic
We, through a wholly owned subsidiary, are still a party to arbitration proceedings against the Czech Republic. (For a further discussion, See Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings”).
Following the dispute between CNTS and CET, we minimized our operations in the Czech Republic during 2001. We intend to sell our building and all of our remaining assets in the Czech Republic as required to mitigate our damage claim. CNTS will continue to pursue the outstanding legal claims against CET and the Czech Government. (See Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings” for a further discussion). On July 25, 2002 we received $8,713,002 from CET 21 as payment of the amounts pursuant to the final order of the ICC Arbitration Tribunal dated February 9, 2001. On September 20, 2002, a further $20,240,0 00 was received from MEF Holding on behalf of Dr. Zelezny.
In July 2002, we paid our share of a capital increase in CET of $270,000 to increase our ownership percentage from 1.25% to 3.125%. The registration is pending and is subject to the outcome of a lawsuit between Central European Media Enterprises Ltd, CEDC and CET regarding the validity of the transfer CEDC’s shares in CET to us.
Corporate
Financing arrangement with GoldenTree Asset Management LLC
On July 31, 2002 CME Media Enterprises BV, our wholly owned subsidiary , agreed to new additional financing by way of a facility of up to $30 million provided by affiliates of GoldenTree Asset Management LLC (“GoldenTree”). We drew down the first $15 million tranche on August 5, 2002 and have an option to drawn down an additional tranche of $15 million. The loan matures on June 15, 2004 with an early repayment option at our election. This financing together with partial repayment of inter-company debt due to us from our subsidiaries was used as additional working capital. The principal terms of the loan are as follows:
Compensation is payable in the form of interest, commitment and draw-down fee, and the issuance of warrants on any draw date. Any warrants issued are at an exercise pr ice equal to the average price of our shares in the last 26 days of trading prior to the closing of the financing. The first 348,000 warrants were issued at an exercise price of $5.0075.
Interest is applied at 12% per annum to any balances drawn down. A commitment fee of 1.5% on $30 million was paid on signing and a draw down fee of 1.5% of the borrowed amount was paid on the first draw-down. A 1.5% fee will be payable on any additional draw-down.
The financing agreement contains negative covenants, including those restricting our ability to incur additional debt, make new investments, pledge assets or sell assets other than in the normal course of business.
Security has been provided in the form of guarantees and pledges. Guarantees have been provided by Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. and Central European Media Enterprises N.V. Pledges, which are exerciseable in the event of default, secure the shares of CME Media Enterprises B.V., CME Ukraine B.V., CME Slovenia B.V. and CME R omania B.V. These entities function as holding companies for our operations.
On draw down of the first tranche of $15 million, 348,000 new share warrants were issued. In the event of a further $15 million draw down a further 348,000 new warranties will be issued. In the event of early repayment, we at our option may make a cash payment or issue additional warrants, to a maximum of 348,000 additional warrants per $15 million of draw down, so that a 40% annual rate of return inclusive of the interest of 12% is achieved. At maturity we, to meet our obligation of providing a 40% annual rate of return inclusive of 12% interest, may issue additional warrants up to a maximum of 348,000 additional warrants per $15 million of draw down but we have no obligation to make any cash payment at maturity.
The following table is illustrative of our potential obligation to issue additional warrants on the maturity date.
Average share price for 26 trading days preceding June 15, 2004 | Number of warrants at $5.0075 |
$33.46 or above | Zero |
Between $19.23 and $33.46 | Zero-348,000 dependent on share price |
Below $19.23 | 348,000 warrants |
If the average share price for the 26 trading days preceding June 15, 2004 is below $19.23, we will be obligated to issue 348,000 additional warrants and no further liability will fall on us.
Two-For-One Stock Splits
On August 5, 2002 a duly authorized committee of the Board approved a two-for-one stock split by way of the issue of one pari-passu bonus share in respect of each share of Class A or Class B Common Stock. This applied to stockholders as at the record date of August 16, 2002. Payment has been made in full by way of a transfer from the share premium account on August 26, 2002.
On December 16, 2002 a duly authorized committee of the Board approved an additional two-for-one stock split by way of the issue of one pari-passu bonus share in respect of each share of Class A or Class B Common Stock. This applied to stockholders as at the record date of December 30, 2002 and the additional share was distributed on January 10, 2003.
Both of the two-for-one stock splits: (i) had no effect on the par value of our Class A and Class B Common Stock; (ii) increased the value of the authorized share capital of our Class A Common Stock from $185,138 to $740,552; and (iii) increased the value of the authorized share capital of our Class B Common Stock from $79,347 to $317,388.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to deferred costs and revenues, depreciation of broadcast equipment and other fixed assets, bad debts, investments, intangible assets, financing operations, contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Program Rights Costs – We acquire programming to broadcast. This programming is the primary source of our ability to generate advertising revenue. Program rights acquired by us under license agreements and the related obligations incurred are recorded as assets and liabilities when the program is available and the license period begins. The assets are amortized as follows: with regard to certain prime time feature films, the asset is amortized by 90% for the first run and 10% for the second run; all other programming is amortized by 100% on a first showing. The unamortized cost of such rights and liability for future payments under these agreements are included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amortization estimates for program rights are reviewed periodically and adjusted accordingly.
Valuation of Intangible Assets – We have acquired significant intangible assets that are valued and recorded. Intangible assets include goodwill, broadcast license costs and license acquisition costs. Goodwill represents our excess cost over the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is assessed for impairment on an annual basis in accordance with FAS No. 142. Intangible assets include broadcast licenses and license acquisition. Broadcast license costs and license acquisition costs reflect the costs of acquiring licenses to broadcast. These intangible assets are deemed to have an infinite life and are not amortized. However, they are assessed for impairment on an annual basis in accordance with FAS No. 142.
Barter transactions – We enter into barter transactions for the provision of certain goods and services in addition to programming which is to be broadcast. We record barter transactions at the estimated fair market value of goods or services received. In cases where bartered programs can only be obtained through a barter agreement, we value the barter at the value of the asset conveyed in exchange for the programs. In other cases where we have elected to enter into barter agreements as an alternate method of payment, strictly for economic reasons, we value the barter agreement at the value of the asset received. If merchandise or services are received prior to the broadcast of a commercial, a liability is recorded. Likewise, if a commercial is broadcast by us prior to receiving the merchandise or services, a receivable is recorded.
Additional Information
We, like other television operators, experience seasonality (see Item 6 “Quarterly Results and Seasonality”), with advertising sales tending to be lowest during the third quarter of each calendar year, which includes the summer holiday period, and highest during the fourth quarter of each calendar year. The primary expenses incurred in television operations are programming and production costs, employee salaries, broadcast transmission expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses. We have incurred and might in the future incur expenses conducting pre-operating activities, as well as reorganizing existing affiliate entities which hold the broadcast licenses. We also engage in barter transactions in which we exchange commercial advertising time for goods and services.
Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities
In June 2002, the FASB issued FAS No. 146 “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities”. FAS No. 146 requires that a liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized and measured initially at fair value only when the liability is incurred. FAS No. 146 is effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002 and has not had a material effect on our financial statements
Accounting for Stock Based Compensation
In December 2002, FASB issued FAS No. 148, "Accounting stock based compensation – transition and disclosure, an amendment of FASB statement No.123". This Statement amends FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for stock based compensation, to provide alternative methods of transition for an entity that voluntarily changes to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. It also amends the disclosure provisions of that Statement to require prominent disclosure about the effects on reported net income of an entity's accounting policy decisions with respect to stock-based employee compensation. Finally, this Statement amends APB Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting, to require disclosure about those effects in interim financial information. Since we are continu ing to account for stock-based compensation according to APB 25, our adoption of FAS No. 148 requires us to provide prominent disclosures about the effects of FAS 123 on reported income and will also require us to disclose these effects in the interim financial statements .
Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others
In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation Number 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others" ("FIN 45"). This interpretation requires certain disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued. It also requires a guarantor to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. The disclosure requirements of FIN 45 are effective for interim and annual periods ending after December 15, 2002 and we have adopted those requirements for our financial statements. The initial recognition and initial measurement requirements of FIN 45 are effec tive prospectively for guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. We are assessing, but at this point do not believe the adoption of the recognition and initial measurement requirements of FIN 45 will have a material impact on our financial position, cash flows or results of operations.
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities
In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 – "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities - an interpretation of ARB No. 51" ("FIN 46"). FIN 46 clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, to certain entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. FIN 46 explains how to identify variable interests entities and how an enterprise assesses its interests in a variable interest entity to decide whether to consolidate that entity. It requires existing unconsolidated variable interest entities to be consolidated by their primar y beneficiaries if the entities do not effectively disperse risks among parties involved. It also requires certain disclosures by the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity and by an enterprise that holds significant variable interests in a variable interest entity where the enterprise is not the primary beneficiary. FIN 46 is effective immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003 and to variable interest entities in which an enterprise obtains an interest after that date, and effective for the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after June 15, 2003 to variable interest entities in which an enterprise holds a variable interest that it acquired before February 1, 2003. FIN 46 requires an entity to disclose certain information regarding a variable interest entity, if when the Interpretation becomes effective, it is reasonably possible that an enterprise will consolidate or have to disclose information about that variable interest entity, regardless of the date o n which the variable entity interest was created.
Foreign Currency
We generate revenues primarily in Romanian lei ("ROL"), Slovak korunas ("Sk"), Slovenian tolar ("SIT"), Ukrainian hryvna ("Hrn") and Czech korunas ("Kc") and incur expenses in those currencies as well as British pounds, U.S. dollars and Euros. The Romanian lei, Slovak koruna, Slovenian tolar and Ukrainian hryvna are managed currencies with limited convertibility. We incur operating expenses for acquired programming in U.S. dollars and other foreign currencies. For our operating companies in Romania, Slovenia, the Slovak Republic and Ukraine, balance sheet accounts are translated from foreign currencies into U.S. dollars at the relevant period end exchange rate, while statement of operations accounts are translated from foreig n currencies into U.S. dollars at the weighted average exchange rates for the respective periods. The resulting translation adjustments are reflected as a component of shareholders' equity with no effect on the consolidated statements of operations.
The exchange rates at the end of and for the periods indicated are shown in the table below.
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| | Balance Sheet As AtDecember 31, | | Income Statement WeightedAverage for the years endedDecember 31, | |
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| | | 2002 | | | 2001 | | | % change | | | 2002 | | | 2001 | | | % change | |
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Euro equivalent of $1.00 | | | 0.95 | | | 1.12 | | | 15.2 | % | | 1.06 | | | 1.12 | | | 5.4 | % |
Czech koruna equivalent of $1.00 | | | 30.14 | | | 36.27 | | | 16.9 | % | | 32.74 | | | 38.04 | | | 13.9 | % |
Romanian lei equivalent of $1.00 | | | 33,500 | | | 31,597 | | | (6.0) | % | | 33,043 | | | 29,032 | | | (13.8) | % |
Slovak koruna equivalent of $1.00 | | | 40.04 | | | 48.47 | | | 17.4 | % | | 45.10 | | | 48.51 | | | 7.0 | % |
Slovenian tolar equivalent of $1.00 | | | 221.07 | | | 250.95 | | | 11.9 | % | | 240.15 | | | 243.99 | | | 1.6 | % |
Ukrainian hryvna equivalent of $1.00 | | | 5.33 | | | 5.30 | | | (0.6) | % | | 5.33 | | | 5.29 | | | (0.8) | % |
Our results of operations and financial position during 2002 were impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our key liquidity issue is the requirement to repay or refinance our Senior Notes (on which the principal amount outstanding is $175,349,000 at December 31,2002) which fall due in August 2004. We do not expect cash on hand at December 31, 2002 plus revenues which may be generated from operations between now and August 15, 2004 to be sufficient to fund the payment of the Senior Notes at maturity. Our ability to refinance or repay the Senior Notes will depend upon the outcome of pending litigation concerning our former Czech Republic operations and our ability to collect from the Czech Republic any final award determination (see Part I, Item 3, "Legal Proceedings") and/or our ability to attract equity investors. If we are unsuccessful in these respects and are not able to repay or refinance the Se nior Notes, we are unlikely to be able to continue operations.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $11,084,000 in 2002 compared to the cash used in operating activities of $17,074,000 in 2001. The increase of $28,158,000 was primarily the result of a $28,953,000 cash receipt with regard to our arbitration with Dr Zelezny (For further discussion, see Part I, Item 3, "Legal Proceedings").
Net cash used in investing activities was $2,372,000 in 2002 compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $5,550,000 in 2001. The decrease of $7,922,000 was primarily attributable to the cash proceeds received during 2001 as a result of the rebate of tax relating to assets in the Czech Republic.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $18,061,000 in 2002 compared to net cash used by financing activities of $3,829,000 in 2001. The change of $21,890,000 was primarily attributable to our draw down of the first $15 million tranche of the GoldenTree facility, receiving $2.2 million as a loan from STS and our subsidiary, Pro Plus drawing down Euro 5 million (approximately $5.3 million) of its Euro 8 million (approximately $8.4 million) loan agreement with Bank Austria Creditanstalt d.d. (“BACA”) and Nova Ljubljanska banka d.d.
We had cash and cash equivalents of $49,644,000 at December 31, 2002 compared to $22,053,000 at December 31, 2001.
Included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and Duties and other taxes payable as stated in our Consolidated Balance Sheet are the following amounts relating to current tax liabilities and estimated interest and penalties on overdue tax liabilities :
| | | As at December 31, 2002 | | | As at December 31, 2001 | |
Current tax liabilities | | $ | 11,699,000 | | $ | 9,421,000 | |
Estimated interest and penalties on overdue tax liabilities | | $ | 11,570,000 | | $ | 11,706,000 | |
In current tax liabilities, the significant movement is a result of two elements :
1) A provision for $3 million related to our agreement with the Dutch Tax authorities. Payment to the Dutch Tax authorities is to be made from any amount collected from the Czech Republic pursuant to the Netherlands-Czech Bilateral Investment Treaty arbitration proceedings.
2) A decrease in provision for potential tax liabilities in Romania.
A significant portion of estimated interest and penalties on overdue tax liabilities relate to the outstanding tax liability at our Romanian subsidiaries. A recent agreement with the Romanian tax authorities has reduced and re-scheduled a portion of these interest and penalty charges in return for specific deposits and an agreed repayment schedule. Penalties of up to $5 million may be imposed if the repayment schedule and the conditions of the agreement are not met. Should the Romanian tax authorities demand immediate payment of all potential tax liabilities, the Romanian operations would experience difficulties in continuing to operate and may have to cease operations entirely unless they can arrange financing to secure the required funds or the shareholders (including us) determine to inject equity into the business.
Debt
At December 31, 2002, we had five main tranches of debt as follows:-
(1) Senior Notes which are denominated in U.S. dollars, in part, and in Euros in part. The principal amount of the Senior Notes $175,349,000 is repayable on their maturity date, August 15, 2004. The U.S. dollar tranche of the Senior Notes totals $100,000,000 in principal amount and bears interest at a rate of 93/8% per annum. The Euro tranche of the Senior Note totals Euro 71,581,961 ($75,349,000 as at December 31, 2002) in principal amount and bears interest at a rate of 81/8% per annum.
(2) A facility of up to $30 million provided by affiliates of GoldenTree Asset Management LLC, maturing in June 2004. We drew down the first $15 million tranche on August 5, 2002 and have an option to drawn down an additional tranche of $15 million. This agreement provides for us to pay approximately $450,000 in interest payments each quarter with a balloon payment on the outstanding principal in June 2004. An investment fee is payable in the form of new share warrants amounting to a maximum of 1,392,000 shares of our Class A common stock . (For further discussion, see Part 11, Item 8, Note 2, "Financing of Operating and Capital Needs".)
(3) A facility of up to Euro 8 million (approximately $8.4 million) pursuant to a loan agreement among Pro Plus, Bank Austria Creditanstalt d.d. ("BACA") and Nova Ljubljanska banka d.d. which matures in February, 2009. This loan is secured by the real property, fixed assets and receivables of Pro Plus. During the term of the loan, Pro Plus is required to keep Euro 900,000 (approximately $0.9 million) on deposit with BACA. As at December 31, 2002, Euro 5 million (approximately $5.3 million) was drawn down on this agreement. As at January 30, 2003 this facility was fully drawn down.
(4) A loan agreement with Ceska Sporitelna which had an outstanding principal balance at December 31, 2002 of Kc 249,764,513 (approximately $8.3 million), maturing November 2005, the payment of which is secured by an assignment of a dividend receivable by us from CNTS and a first mortgage on our building in the Czech Republic. This agreement provides for us to pay approximately $150,000 in interest payments each quarter with a balloon payment on the outstanding principal in November 2005 or on disposal of the building, whichever event arises first.
(5) A loan to us of SKK100million (approximately $2.5 million) from our unconsolidated affiliate, STS pursuant to a loan agreement for SKK187million (approximately $4.7 million). The first tranche of SKK100 million (approximately $2.5 million) was drawn down on August 2, 2002. A second and third tranche of SKK 20 million (approximately $500,000) each were drawn down on January 27, 2003 and February 24, 2003. We have requested a fourth and fifth draw down of SKK 20 million (approximately $500,000) and SKK 27 million (approximately $675,000) in March 2003 and April 2003, respectively.
On January 1, 2002 the Euro was introduced and replaced a number of European currencies, including the German Mark. Accordingly, the Senior Notes originally denominated in German Marks have been restated as a Euro denominated Note. At the time of changeover, the Euro was fixed against the German Mark at a rate of 1.9558, and this is the rate that has been applied in the restatement of the principal amount repayable to the Note holders.
In August 1997, we issued two tranches of Senior Notes the principal of which becomes due in August 2004. The U.S. dollar tranche totals $100,000,000 in principal amount and bears interest at a rate of 93/8% per annum. The Euro tranche totals 71,581,961 ($75,349,000 as at December 31, 2002) in principal amount and bears interest at a rate of 81/8% per annum. The Senior Notes raised net proceeds of approximately $170,000,000. The Senior Notes are denominated in U.S. dollars, in part, and in Euros, in part. The indentures governing the Senior Notes contain certain restrictions relating to our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries and affiliates to incur additional indebtedness, incur liens on assets, make investments in unconsolidated companies, declare and pay dividends (in the case of Central European Media Enterpri ses Ltd) , sell assets and engage in extraordinary transactions.
In addition to the above, two of our equity accounted affiliates have loans.
(1) As at December 31, 2002, Studio 1+1, an 18% owned affiliate and the license holder within the Studio 1+1 Group, had $2.2 million outstanding on loan with Va Bank in Ukraine. This loan matures in November 2003 and bears interest at 16%. By way of security, Inter-media, one of the consolidated entities of the Studio 1+1 Group, has pledged fixed assets in the amount of $1,100,000 and 4,864 minutes of advertising time (nominal value of $1,000 per minute).
(2) A Slovak bank, Vseobecna uverova banka a.s.,( "VUB"), has lent STS s.r.o., a 49% owned affiliate , SKK 150 million (approximately $3.8 million), a facility supported by charges over the assets and receivables of STS s.r.o. This has been partly used by STS to lend cash to us and will offset future payments of dividends in the order of SKK 90 million (approximately $2.2 million), thereby improving our cashflow . The facility is provided by way of a loan to STS of up to SKK 100 million (approximately $2.5 million) and by way of an overdraft facility of up to SKK 50 million (approximately $1.2 million). Repayments by STS are due to the lender by way of six-monthly installments of SKK 5 million (approximately $125,000) commencing on June 25, 2003 and ending on December 20, 2005 on which d ate an additional balloon payment of SKK 70 million (approximately $1.7 million) is due. Interest is payable monthly and is variable based on a calculation of 1.7% over Bratislava Inter Bank Official Rate ("BRIBOR"). A facility fee of SKK 350,000 (approximately $9,000) was paid. The overdraft is available for the period from July 18, 2002 to July 16, 2003 when it is repayable in full. Interest is debited monthly and is variable based on a calculation of 1.7% over BRIBOR. A facility fee of SKK 175,000 (approximately $4,000) is payable.
Tax Inspections
On February 11, 2003 the Romanian Court of Accounts, a Government financial inspection agency, commenced a review of certain financial documents of MPI. The Court of Accounts is entitled to review any company which has benefited from a rescheduling of its VAT. MPI received such a VAT rescheduling in October 2002. The inspectors attended the offices of MPI up until February 19, 2003 and have not returned since, although they are entitled to ask supplemental questions at a later stage if they so wish. No significant issue of concern has been raised by the Court of Accounts during its inspection. It is expected that when the Court of Accounts finishes a review of the financial documents it will issue a report to MPI detailing its findings.
Pro Plus has been the subject of an income tax inspection by the Republic of Slovenia tax authorities for the years 1995 to 1998. As a result of these inspections the Slovenian tax authorities had levied an assessment seeking unpaid income taxes, customs duties and interest charges of SIT 1,073,000,000 (approximately $4.8 million). The Slovenian authorities have asserted that capital contributions and loans made by us in the years 1995 and 1996 to Pro Plus should be extraordinary revenue to Pro Plus. On this basis, the Slovenian authorities claim that Pro Plus made a profit in 1995 and 1996 for which it owes income taxes and interest. Additionally, the Slovenian tax authorities claim that the fixed assets imported as capital contributions were subject to customs duties which were not paid. On February 9, 2001, the Slovenian tax authorities approved the cash capital contributions for 1995 and 1996. This has reduced the assessment to SIT 636,800,000 (approximately $2.9 million). The Administrative Court of Ljubljana has issued an injunction to prevent the tax authorities from demanding payment until a hearing on the matter has been concluded. There is currently no date set for this hearing.
CNTS was the subject of a VAT inspection by the Czech Republic tax authorities for the years 1997 and 1998. As a result of this inspection the Czech tax authorities had levied an assessment seeking VAT payments of Kc 232,777,000 (approximately $7.7 million). The Czech authorities asserted that CNTS was providing certain services to CET and that these services should have been subject to VAT. On February 28, 2001, CNTS received notification from the Czech Republic tax authorities that all tax investigations and assessments had been cancelled. The Czech tax authorities had previously frozen CNTS' 1998 and 1999 income tax prepayments in the amount of Kc 281,790,000 (approximately $9.3 million). These income tax prepayments were returned to CNTS on February 20, 2001.
Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
In November 2001, we entered into an interest rate swap transaction through the Royal Bank of Scotland plc (RBS) to exchange our 93/8% $100 million fixed rate debt for floating rate debt. In May 2002, we chose to unwind the transaction by paying RBS $659,000.
As at December 31, 2002, we held US$ 600,000 with RBS on a short term dual currency deposit which matured on January 13, 2003. This form of deposit is designed to enhance the yield on a given deposit. We contract to a strike rate in an alternative currency at the time of maturity of the deposit. On the day of maturity, if the spot rate is less favorable than the contracted strike rate, we will receive our money in the alternative currency. Alternatively, should there be a favorable exchange rate fluctuation between the contract date and the maturity date, we would not be in a position to take advantage of this. We use this form of deposit to enhance the interest rate on our deposits because we make payments in US Dollars, Euros and British Pounds which means that we are relatively indifferent if the deposit is returned in an alternative currency.
Cash-flows from Subsidiaries
The primary internal sources of cash available for our corporate operating costs and development expenses are debt repayment, dividends and other distributions from our subsidiaries.
The laws under which our operating Subsidiaries are organized provide generally that dividends may be declared by the partners or shareholders out of yearly profits subject to the maintenance of registered capital, required reserves and after the recovery of accumulated losses. In the case of our Dutch and Netherlands Antilles Subsidiaries, our voting power is sufficient to compel the making of distributions. In the case of PRO TV, distributions may be paid from the profits of PRO TV subject to a reserve of 5% of annual profits until the aggregate reserves equal 20% of PRO TV's registered capital. A majority vote can compel PRO TV to make distributions. In Slovenia distributions may be paid from the profits of Pro Plus, subject to a reserve equal to 10% of registered capital being established from accumulated profits. In the case of STS, distributions may be paid from net profits subject to an initial reserve requirement of 10% of net profits until the reserve fund equals 5% of registered capital. Subsequently, the reserve requirement is equal to 5% of net profits until the reserve fund equals 10% of registered capital. We cannot compel the distributions of dividends by STS. Our voting power in the Studio 1+1 Group is sufficient to compel the distribution of dividends. To date, the only subsidiary to distribute dividends has been CNTS which suspended operations on August 5, 1999.
Cash (net of recharges) received from our subsidiaries and partners for 2002 was $18,418,000 compared to $17,570,000 for 2001. During 2002, we received the following net amounts from our operations: Ukraine $3,987,000, Romania $180, 000, Slovenia $6,369,000, Slovak Republic $6,342,000 and the Czech Republic $1,538,000.
Our cash flow relies on cash generated by our subsidiary operations. In 2003, we will depend on receiving cash from the Slovak operations, a non-controlled entity from which we cannot compel the making of distributions, and from the sale of our building in the Czech Republic. Cash is mainly repatriated to us by the operations making payments on their inter company payables, loans and accrued interest. As at December 31, 2002 the operations had the following unsecured balances owing to their respective holding companies:
Country | | | Total Outstanding (US $ 000's) | |
Ukraine | | $ | 18,127 | |
Romania | | | 45,973 | |
Slovenia | (1) | | 13,063 | |
Slovak Republic | | | 489 | |
Czech Republic | | | 162 | |
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Total | | | 77,814 | |
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(1) In 1998 we converted inter-company debt to equity in the Slovenian operations in exchange for a $17.6 million preferential dividend distribution. We shall receive 50% of any dividend declared with the remaining 50% shared by all partners on a pro rata basis until we have received $17.6 million, after which we will receive our pro rata portion of dividends paid. No dividends have been received by us to date.
Cash Outlook
Ours future cash needs, over and above working capital requirements, will depend on our overall financial performance and our future acquisition and development decisions. We believe that, taken together, our current cash balances, internally generated cash flow and local financing of broadcast operations should result in us having adequate cash resources to meet our debt service and other financial obligations for the next 12 months.
As discussed above, the Senior Notes mature in August 2004. Our ability to refinance or repay the Senior Notes or to attract an equity investor or investors will depend upon market conditions, pending litigation (see Part I, Item 3, "Legal Proceedings"), renewals of broadcasting licenses through August 2004. If we are unsuccessful in refinancing or repaying the Senior Notes, we are likely to be unable to continue operations.
Our future contractual obligations are as follows:
Contractual Obligations | | Payments due by period ($ 000's) |
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| | | Total | | | Less than 1 year | | | 1-3 years | | | 3-5 years | | | More than 5 years | |
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Long-Term Debt | | $ | 244,730 | | $ | 18,807 | | $ | 215,859 | | $ | 1,011 | | $ | 9,053 | |
Capital Lease Obligations | | | 818 | | | 137 | | | 260 | | | 137 | | | 284 | |
Operating Leases | | | 6,554 | | | 1,443 | | | 1,266 | | | 1,171 | | | 2,674 | |
Unconditional Purchase Obligations | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Other Long-Term Obligations | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Total Contractual Obligations | | $ | 252,102 | | $ | 20,387 | | $ | 217,385 | | $ | 2,319 | | $ | 12,011 | |
Results of Operations
Year ended December 31, 2002 compared to year ended December 31, 2001
Net Revenues
Our consolidated net revenues increased by $19,364,000 or 26%, to $92,602,000 in 2002. This increase was primarily attributable to significant growth in the Ukrainian and Slovenian operations' net revenues. In Ukraine, there was significantly increased sales from a subsidiary to an associate within the Studio 1+1 Group which has the effect of increasing the group's consolidated sales. In Slovenia, there were one-off revenues associated with the Slovenian operation's coverage of the 2002 FIFA Football World Cup and the effect of the Slovenian tolar depreciating in value against the Euro, in which local sales are denominated.
The net revenues of our Slovenian operations increased by $5,400,000 or 19% to $33,864,000 in 2002. The increase in net revenue was affected by the US dollar decreasing in value by 1.6% against the Slovenian tolar (SIT) and 5.4% against the Euro, respectively, during 2002. In local currency terms, net revenues increased by SIT 11,872,000 or 17% due to real increases in the local TV advertising market, and the Slovenian operation's coverage of the 2002 FIFA Football World Cup.
The net revenues of the consolidated entities of our Ukrainian operations (which includes IMS and Innova but excludes Studio 1+1 ) increased by $14,532,000, or 140%, to $24,883,000 in 2002. This increase was significantly effected by increased sales from a subsidiary to an associate within the Studio 1+1 Group.
The net revenues of the Romanian operations increased by $994,000 or 3% to $33,547,000 in 2002. This increase reflects a stable market share in an increasing TV advertising market.
The total sales to companies related or connected with Mr Sarbu in 2002 were approximately $1.0 million (2001 : $1.8 million).
Station Expenses
Total station operating costs and expenses (including amortization of rights and depreciation of fixed assets and other intangibles) increased by $7,032,000 or 12%, to $67,501,000 in 2002. The increase in total station operating costs was primarily attributable to planned increases in amortization of our Romanian and Ukrainian programming rights and a write down in value of asset held for sale.
The Romanian operations recorded an increase in station operating costs of $351,000 or 1% to $27,001,000 in 2002. The increase is primarily attributable to a higher amortization for programming rights in 2002 compared to 2001 when the station targeted reducing on-air costs. This increase is partly offset by the operation's cost control measures, implemented in 2001, which led to reductions in production, broadcast operation and staff costs.
The total purchases from companies related or connected with Mr Sarbu in 2002 were approximately $4.4 million (2001 : $11.1 million). This decline was the result of the MPI board's review and consequent bringing in-house of a number of services previously provided by these companies.
In 1995 we loaned Inter Media srl $1.3 million to purchase an interest in the building in which Pro TV operates. At the time of the loan Mr. Sarbu owned Inter Media srl and we believe he continues to have an economic interest in such company. The interest in the building was to be sold to MPI at a fair market valuation that was to be determined. In 2002 an independent valuation of the building was obtained by us. This valuation was substantially less than Mr. Sarbu’s view of the building’s value and the transaction could not therefore be concluded. Mr Sarbu argues that in anticipation of the sale of the building to MPI, his affiliated company charged a substantially lower rental fee to MPI and is now claiming the di fference and intends to offset the outstanding rental fee against the loan. MPI in anticipation of the sale made substantial improvements to the building that would normally be done at the cost of the building owner. As a result we, Pro TV and Mr Sarbu (via his affiliated company) are in negotiation regarding the amount of monies that may be outstanding to unwind this transaction. We have accrued $600,000 as a potential liability in station operating costs in Romania in 2002 against a nil accrual in 2001.
The station operating costs of our Slovenian operations increased by $1,502,000 or 8% to $20,926,000 in 2002. This is due to increased investment in local production, in particular production of the one-off 2002 FIFA Football World Cup, and the effect of the dollar decreasing in value against the Slovenian tolar. Partially offsetting this, a cost control program delivered significant savings in other operating areas.
The Ukrainian operations recorded an increase in operating costs of $3,375,000, or 29%, to $14,813,000 in 2002, as a result of increased investment in programming.
A diminution in the value of asset held for resale of $3,446,000 was recognised in year ended December 31, 2002.
Station selling, general and administrative expenses were $13,183,000 in 2002, a decrease of $6,809,000 or 34%, mainly attributable to reduced costs in Romania.
The Romanian operations had a significant decrease in selling, general and administrative costs of $8,234,000, or 62%, to $5,125,000 in 2002. This is substantially the result of a the difference in bad debt expense in the two years (2002: $(0.3) million; 2001 $6.2 million). A significant part (over $3.0 million) of this large provision in 2001 was charged against parties related or connected to Mr Sarbu, a minority shareholder in MPI.
The Ukraine operations delivered an increase in selling, general, and administrative costs of $725,000, or 21%, to $4,191,000 in 2002 as a result of an increase in program related costs.
The Czech Republic's operations' general and administrative costs increased by $707,000, from $221,000 in 2001 to $928,000 in 2002. The increase is a result of a reversal of a provision for legal costs which were not subsequently incurred, based on legal progress in 2001.
The Slovenian operations maintained selling, general and administrative costs at $2,939,000 in 2002. The effect of the dollar decreasing in value against the Slovenian tolar has been completely absorbed by the cost control project yielding savings in most cost categories.
Corporate Expenses
Corporate operating costs and development expenses increased by $2,809,000, or 33%, to $11,357,000 in 2002. This increase was primarily a result of an increase in employee costs and professional and legal costs.
On July 25, 2002 we received $8,713,002 from CET as payment of the amounts owed by Dr. Zelezny pursuant to the final order of the ICC Arbitration Tribunal on February 9, 2001. On September 20, 2002, a further $20,240,000 was received from MEF Holding on behalf of Dr. Zelezny. We have treated the total receipt of $28,953,002 as a credit to the income statement as detailed in the table below. Arbitration Costs include all costs of and relating to the ICC Arbitration Tribunal against Dr Zelezny, and additionally, all costs relating to the arbitration proceedings against the Czech Republic, (For further discussion see Part I, Item 3,"Legal Proceedings"). Arbitration Related Costs for the year ended December 31, 2001 were previous ly classified in Corporate operating costs and development expenses.
| | For the Years Ended December 31, (US$ 000's) |
| | | 2002 | | | 2001 | |
Arbitration Related Proceeds | | $ | (28,953 | ) | $ | - | |
Arbitration Related Costs | | | 12,351 | | | 4,509 | |
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Net Arbitration Related (Proceeds)/Costs | | $ | (16,602 | ) | $ | 4,509 | |
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In accordance with FIN 44, we have charged $3,754,000 in 2002 with regard to stock based compensation. (For further discussion, see Part II, Item 8, Note 11, “Stock Option Plans”.)
Amortization of goodwill and allowance for development costs for 2002 was $nil compared to $1,747,000 for 2001. This decrease was a result of our adoption of FAS 142 “Goodwill and Intangible Assets”. We have reviewed our intangible assets and believe that they are not impaired.
As a result of the above factors, we generated an operating profit of $13,409,000 in 2002 compared to an operating loss of $22,027,000 in 2001.
Results Below Operating Income/(Loss)
The loss on the write down of investment for 2002 was $2,685,000 compared to $nil for 2001. This increase is due to the 12.5% write down of our investment in STS due to a change in our ownership. On January 18, 2002, we entered into an interest participation transfer agreement to acquire a 34% interest in Markiza. As a result of this acquisition, we will generally be entitled to 70% of STS' profits as opposed to 80% prior to the acquisition. (For further discussion, see Part I, Item 1, “Business”).
As explained in Part I, Item 1, “Business” some of our broadcasting licenses are held by unconsolidated affiliates over which we have minority blocking rights but not majority control. These affiliates are accounted for using the equity method.
Equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates was $2,861,000 for 2002 compared to an equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates of $7,137,000 for 2000. This change of $4,276,000 is detailed below:
| | For the Years Ended December 31, (US$ 000's) | |
| | | 2002 | | | 2001 | | | Change | |
Slovak operations | | $ | 4,169 | | $ | 1,832 | | $ | 2,337 | |
Ukrainian operations | | | (587 | ) | | 5,305 | | | (5,892 | ) |
Romanian operations | | | (1,611 | ) | | - | | | (1,611 | ) |
Slovenian operations | | | 890 | | | - | | | 890 | |
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Equity in income/(loss) of unconsolidated affiliates | | $ | 2,861 | | $ | 7,137 | | $ | (4,276 | ) |
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Net Revenues in the Slovak Republic increased from $34,696,000 in 2001 to $38,397,000 in 2002 as a result of continued economic development and our ability to maintain market share and increase prices.
Segment EBITDA (as defined and reconciled in Note 17 of Item 8) in the Slovak Republic increased from $6,033,000 in 2001 to $7,132,000 in 2002 as a result of cost control, particularly on production costs.
The contribution to Net Income from the Slovak Republic operations increased for the above reasons from $1,832,000 in 2001 to $4,169,000 in 2002.
Net interest and other expense decreased by $3,847,000 to $13,912,000 in 2002 compared to an expense of $17,759,000 in 2001. This was primarily a result of a re-scheduling agreement relating to our Romanian tax liabilities which enabled us to reverse a provision for possible penalties and interest.
We entered into a “swaption” agreement with the Royal Bank of Scotland in the third quarter of 2001 which was cancelled in the second quarter 2002. The net change in fair value of Derivative of $1,108,000 is the net result of the cancellation in the second quarter of 2002.
A gain on the sale of a subsidiary of $1,802,000 was realized in 2001, relating to the sale of Video Vision. On November 22, 2001 we sold our 70% interest in Video Vision for the initial price that we paid for our 70% stake. The gain on sale reflects a write back of prior years’ losses from this subsidiary.
Net foreign currency exchange loss of $10,231,000 in 2002 compares to a net foreign exchange gain of $1,651,000 in 2001. This foreign currency exchange loss is a result of a significant weakening of the US dollar during 2002 against the Euro and the Czech koruna. This affected our Euro denominated portion of our Senior Notes obligations and the outstanding Czech koruna denominated debt we incurred in connection with our 1996 purchase of an additional economic interest in CNTS.
A gain on discharge of obligation of $5,188,000 was recorded in the first quarter of 2001. This represents a debt we owed Dr. Vladimir Zelezny, the former General Director of CNTS, which is no longer payable pursuant to the final order of the ICC Arbitration Tribunal dated February 9, 2001. (For further discussion, see Part I, Item 3, "Legal Proce edings").
Provision for income taxes was $4,135,000 in 2002 compared to $1,381,000 in 2001, primarily as a result of a provision being made in respect of Dutch Tax.
Minority interest in the income of consolidated subsidiaries was $599,000 in 2002 compared to a minority interest in loss of $2,138,000 in 2001. Under US GAAP the controlling shareholder normally consolidates all losses on the basis that other shareholders cannot be compelled to and are not expected to be able to fund the company’s losses. A cash contribution of $1,330,000 by the minority shareholders of MPI has allowed us to recoup a like amount of previously recognized losses. Other small movements reflect changes in the minority interest in other group companies.
As a result of these factors, the net loss from our continuing operations was $14,184,000 in 2002 compared to $24,827,000 in 2001.
Year ended December 31, 2001 compared to year ended December 31, 2000
Net Revenues
Our consolidated net revenues decreased by $3,575,000 or 5%, to $73,238,000 for 2001. This decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in the net revenues of its Romanian operations. This decrease was partially offset by increases in the net revenues of our Ukrainian and Slovenian operations.
The net revenues of the Romanian operations declined by $7,038,000 or 18% from $39,591,000 in 2001. This was mainly due to the introduction of peoplemeters in September 2001 in Romania.
The net revenues of our Slovenian operations increased by $4,296,000 or 18% for 2001 compared to 2000 primarily as a result of our acquisition of control over the operations, economics and programming of Kanal A on October 11, 2000. Kanal A accounted for $6,512,000 of the Slovenian operation’s net revenue, an increase of $3,995,000 over the 2000 results. This increase was principally due to Kanal A results being included for a full year in 2001 compared with three months in 2000. The net revenue increase would have been greater had the US Dollar not continued to appreciate against the Slovenian tolar (SIT) during 2001. In local currency terms, net revenues increased by SIT 1,713,974 or 31%.
The net revenues of the consolidated entities of our Ukrainian operations (which includes IMS and Innova but excludes Studio 1+1 Ltd) increased by $556,000, or 6% to $10,351,000 in 2001. This increase was a result of the continued recovery in the Ukraine advertising market and outsourcing of the sales force at Studio 1+1 to Video International.
Station Expenses
Total station operating costs and expenses (including amortization of program rights and depreciation of fixed assets and other intangibles) decreased by $17,339,000 or 22%, to $60,469,000 in 2001. The decrease in total station operating costs was primarily attributable to reductions at our Romanian and Ukrainian operations, partially offset by an increase at our Slovenian operations.
The station operating costs of our Slovenian operations increased by $2,133,000 or 12% to $19,424,000 in 2001. This is the result of our acquiring control over the operations, economics and programming of Kanal A on October 11, 2000.
The Romanian operations recorded a decrease in station operating costs of $8,863,000 or 25% to $26,650,000 in 2001. This is a result of reducing the operations and implementing cost control measures which have reduced costs in all operating categories, in particular reductions in the depreciation of station fixed assets and acquired programming costs. As a result of improved program library management, in particular the renegotiation of license contracts, a corporate provision of $2,100,000 was reversed, reducing program syndication charges for the year.
The Ukrainian operations recorded a decrease of $9,837,000 in operating costs to $11,438,000 in 2001, a result of our decision to write down $9,836,000 of the carrying value of the goodwill relating to the Studio 1+1 assets in 2000. The review of goodwill was conducted according to FAS 121 "Accounting for the Impairment of Long Lived Assets and for Long Lived Assets Disposed of." Partially offsetting the decrease in depreciation and amortization charges, are increased salaries, production costs and acquired programming charges.
Station selling, general and administrative expenses were $19,992,000 in 2001, an increase of $590,000. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was attributable to a $5,185,000 increase in the bad debt expense at the Romanian operations, and an increase in Ukraine across all categories, offset by savings at CNTS. CNTS has achieved a decrease of $3,643,000 to $225,000 in 2001 as a result of a reversal of a provision for legal costs which were not subsequently incurred, based on legal progress in 2001. See Part I, Item 3, " Legal Proceedings" for further discussion on the ongoing dispute between CNTS and CET.
The Romanian operations had an increase in selling, general and administrative costs of $3,392,000 to $13,359,000 in 2001. This is a result of the increase of $5,185,000 in the bad debt expense to $6,241,000 in 2001 from $1,056,000 in 2000, partially offsetting savings in all other cost categories. A significant part (over $3.0 million) of this large provision was charged against parties related or connected to Mr Sarbu, a minority shareholder in MPI.
The Ukraine operation had an increase in selling, general, and administrative costs of $927,000 to $3,466,000 in 2001 as a result of increases in all cost categories.
The Slovenian operations decreased selling, general and administrative costs by $43,000 to $2,946,000 in 2001 from $2,989,000 in 2000 primarily as a result of decrease in marketing and consulting costs.
Corporate Expenses
Corporate operating costs and development expenses decreased by $30,000 to $8,548,000 in 2001.
For the year ended December 31, 2001, we incurred $4,509,000 of legal costs relating to the ICC Arbitration Tribunal against Dr Zelezny and the arbitration proceedings against the Czech Republic compared to $2,839,000 for the year ended December 31, 2000. (For further discussion see Part I, Item 3,"Legal Proceedings"). Arbitration Related Costs for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 were previously classified in Corporate operating costs and development expenses.
| | For the Years Ended December 31, (US$ 000's) |
| | | 2001 | | | 2000 | |
Arbitration Related Proceeds | | $ | - | | $ | - | |
Arbitration Related Costs | | | 4,509 | | | 2,839 | |
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Net Arbitration Related (Proceeds)/Costs | | $ | 4,509 | | $ | 2,839 | |
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Amortization of goodwill and allowance for development costs increased by $77,000, or 5%, to $1,747,000 in 2001 mainly due to a full year amortization charge against the purchase cost of Kanal A being included in 2001 compared to three months in 2000.
As a result of the above factors, we generated an operating loss of $22,027,000 in 2001 compared to an operating loss of $33,484,000 in 2000.
Results Below Operating Income/(Loss)
Equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates was $7,137,000 for 2001 compared to an equity in loss of unconsolidated affiliates of $514,000 for 2000. This change of $7,651,000 is detailed below:
| | For the Years Ended December 31, (US$ 000's) | |
| | | 2001 | | | 2000 | | | Change | |
Slovak operations | | $ | 1,832 | | $ | (1,773 | ) | $ | 3,605 | |
Ukrainian operations | | | 5,305 | | | 1,259 | | | 4,046 | |
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Equity in income/(loss) of unconsolidated affiliates | | $ | 7,137 | | $ | (514 | ) | $ | 7,651 | |
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Net Revenues in the Slovak Republic increased to $34,696,000 in 2001 from $33,155,000 in 2000 as a result of continued economic development and our ability to maintain market share and increase prices.
Segment EBITDA in the Slovak Republic increased to $6,033,000 in 2001 from $4,386,000 in 2000 as a result of the implementation of cost control programs on acquisition costs and on production costs.
For the above reasons, the contribution to Net Income from the Slovak Republic operations increased from a deduction of $1,773,000 in 2000 to a contribution of $1,832,000 in 2002.
Net interest and other expense decreased by $486,000 to $17,759,000 in 2001 compared to an expense of $18,245,000 in 2000.
The 2001 change in the fair value of the derivative was a provision for a net loss of $1,576,000 due to the mark to market revaluation of the Royal Bank of Scotland interest rate swap transaction which has been valued in accordance with FAS 133.
A gain on the sale of a subsidiaries of $1,802,000 was realized in 2001, relating to the sale of Video Vision. On November 22, 2001 we sold our 70% interest in Video Vision for the initial price that we paid for our 70% interest. The gain on sale of the subsidiary was $1,802,000 which reflects a write back of prior years’ losses from this subsidiary.
Net foreign currency exchange gain of $1,651,000 in 2001 compares to a net foreign exchange loss of $2,286,000 in 2000. The increase in the foreign currency exchange gain is a result of the effect of a weaker US Dollar on the Deutsche mark denominated portion of our Senior Notes obligations partially offset by the effect of a weaker Czech koruna on our outstanding Cz ech koruna denominated debt incurred in connection with our 1996 purchase of an additional economic interest in CNTS, and by losses on non-US dollar denominated assets and the re-translation of US dollar denominated obligations held by our non-US Subsidiaries. In addition, we recorded a foreign exchange loss as a result of a dividend paid by CNTS in February 2000 and a foreign exchange loss on the CNTS dividend declared (but not paid) in the second quarter of 2000.
Gain on sale of investment of $17,186,000 in 2000 relates to our sale of a note that we received in connection with the sale of a subsidiary in Poland.
A gain on discharge of obligation of $5,188,000 was recorded in the first quarter of 2001. This represents a debt we owed Dr. Vladimir Zelezny, the former General Director of CNTS, which is no longer payable following the ICC Arbitration Tribunal award of $27,100,000 on February 9, 2001. See Part I Item 3 "Legal Proceedings".
Provision for income taxes was $1,381,000 in 2001 c ompared to $96,000 in 2000, due to increases in the income tax provision for Ukraine ($592,000), the Czech Republic ($374,000) and at corporate ($415,000).
Minority interest in the loss of consolidated subsidiaries was $2,138,000 in 2001 compared to a minority interest in income of $59,000 in 2000. Under US GAAP the controlling shareholder normally consolidates all losses on the basis that other shareholders cannot be compelled to and are not expected to be able to fund the company’s losses. A cash contribution of $2,070,000 by the minority shareholders of MPI has allowed us to recoup a like amount of previously recognized losses. Other small movements reflect changes in the minority interest in other group companies.
As a result of these factors, the net loss from our continuing operations was $24,827,000 in 2001 compared to $37,498,000 in 2000.
The operating gain of $2,716,000 on discontinued operations in Hungary relates to the release of provisions no longer deemed necessary as the company is in liquidation.
Euro Conversion
As part of the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), a single currency, the Euro, replaced the national currencies of many of the member countries of the European Union on January 1, 2002. Although we do not currently conduct business in any of the countries which are adopting the Euro, it holds debt denominated in German marks, one of the currencies replaced by the Euro. Additionally, it is expected that the countries in which we operate are likely to join EMU at some point in the future.
Our program to address the adoption of the single Euro currency was successful in that our business activities have continued without disruption since its introduction and the associated costs were not significant.
Forward-looking Statements
This report contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the potential damages to be awarded to us and the timing of any announcement in connection with the arbitration tribunal's decision determining the quantum of damages caused by the Czech Republic's violation of the Netherlands – Czech Republic Bilateral Investment Treaty, our operations in the Czech Republic,
1. ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS
Central European Media Enterprises Ltd., a Bermuda corporation, was formed in June 1994. Our assets are held through a series of Dutch and Netherlands Antilles holding companies. We invest in, develop and operate national and regional commercial television stations and networks in Central and Eastern Europe.
Our interest in our Romanian operation is governed by a Co-operation Agreement (the "Romanian Agreement") between us, Adrian Sarbu and Ion Tiriac, forming Media Pro International S.A. ("MPI"), through which the PRO TV, ACASA and PRO TV INTERNATIONAL networks are operated. MPI provides programming to and sells advertising for the stations which comprise the PRO TV, ACASA and PRO TV INTERNATIONAL networks.
Pursuant to the Romanian Agreement, we own 66% of the equity of MPI. Interests in profits of MPI are equal to the partners' equity interests. We have the right to appoint three of the five members of the Council of Administration which directs the affairs of MPI. Although we have majority voting power in MPI, with respect to certain fundamental financial and corporate matters, the affirmative vote of either Mr. Sarbu or Mr. Tiriac is required.
With specific reference to MPI, the certain financial and corporate matters which require approval of the minority shareholders are in the nature of "protective" rights which are not an impediment to consolidation for accounting purposes.
In addition, in Romania, we own 70% of Media Vision SRL ("Media Vision"), a production and subtitling company. On November 22, 2001 we sold our 70% interest in Video Vision International SRL ("Video Vision"), a Romanian post-production company and the gain recognized on this sale was $1.8 million.
We own 49% of the voting and profit interests of Pro TV, Srl which holds 19 of the 22 licenses for the stations which comprise the PRO TV, ACASA and PRO TV INTERNATIONAL networks. Messrs. Sarbu and Tiriac own substantially all of the remainder of Pro TV, Srl. The remaining three licenses for the PRO TV network together with the licenses for the PRO FM and PRO AM radio networks are held by Media Pro Srl, in which we hold 44% of the voting and profit interests. The remainder is owned by Messrs. Sarbu and Tiriac.
Pro Plus provides programming to and sells advertising for the broadcast licenseholders Pop TV d.o.o "Pop TV" and Kanal A.d.d. as well as additional affiliates. Following the receipt by Pro Plus of an approval from the Ministry of Culture of Slovenia to own more than 20% of two broadcasters, we have restructured our Slovenian operations. As of January 30, 2003 we own 96.85% of the equity in Pro Plus and have a corresponding share of profits. This ownership interest is subject to registration in the Commercial Registry of Slovenia. Prior to January 30, 2003 we owned 78% of the equity and an 85.5% share of profits of Pro Plus.
In connection with the restructuring of Slovenian operations, we have entered into a put/call arrangement with the general director of Pro Plus, Marijan Jurenec, who owns the remaining 3.15% of Pro Plus. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Jurenec generally has the right to put his interest to us for a one year period beginning on December 31, 2004 at a price that consists of a fixed component and a variable component. We have the right to call the interest held by Mr. Jurenec at any time until December 31, 2006 at a price that is the same as the put price until the end of 2005 and is fixed during 2006 after which the call expires.
As of January 30, 2003, Pro Plus owns 100% of the equity of Pop TV. Pop TV holds all of the licenses for the Slovenian operations apart from those effectively held by Kanal A d.d. Pro Plus has entered into an agreement with Pop TV, under which Pro Plus provides all programming to Pop TV and sells its advertising.
We control Kanal A d.d., which is the second leading commercial television broadcaster in Slovenia. 90% of the equity interest in Kanal A d.d. is being held by Superplus Holding d.d. ("Superplus") which is owned by individuals who are holding the share of Superplus in trust for us. As of January 30, 2003, Pro Plus owns the remaining 10% of Kanal A d.d. Pro Plus has entered into an agreement with Kanal A d.d., under which Pro Plus provides all programming to Kanal A d.d. and sells its advertising.
Our interest in Slovenska Televizna Spolocnost, s.r.o. ("STS") is governed by a Participants Agreement (the "Slovak Agreement") between us and Markiza-Slovakia s.r.o. ("Markiza") forming STS. Pursuant to the Slovak Agreement, we are required to fund all of the capital requirements of STS, we hold a 49% voting interest in STS and we are entitled to a 70% share of profits of STS. Markiza, which holds the television broadcast license, and STS have entered into a series of agreements under which STS is entitled to conduct television broadcast operations pursuant to the license. On an ongoing basis, we are entitled to 70% of the profits of STS, except that our share in STS' profit shall be increased by 3% for every additional $1 million invested in STS by us. A Board of Representatives directs the affairs of STS, the composition of which includes two of our designees and three designees of Markiza. All significant financial and operational decisions of the Board of Representatives require a vote of 80% of its members. In addition, certain fundamental corporate matters are reserved for decision by a general meeting of partners (Markiza and ourselves) and require a 67% affirmative vote of the partners.
On January 18, 2002, we entered into an interest participation transfer agreement to acquire a 34% interest in Markiza. As a result of this acquisition, we will generally be entitled to 70% of STS' profits as opposed to 80% prior to the acquisition. We now have the right to appoint one of three authorized co-signatories of Markiza, which gives us blocking control over Markiza's significant activities. The ownership transfer to us was approved by the Slovak Republic Media Council at its meeting on February 11, 2002. The transfer was registered with the Slovak Commercial Registry on March 13, 2002.
As a result of the change in our entitlement to distribution of profits, we have charged the Consolidated Statement of Operations with $2,685,000 in the first quarter of 2002, to reflect the reduction in the value of our investment as at December 31, 2001.
The Studio 1+1 Group consists of several entities in which we hold direct or indirect interests. We own a 60% equity interest in each of Innova Film GmbH ("Innova") and International Media Services ("IMS"). Innova holds 100% of Inter-Media, a Ukrainian company, which in turn holds a 30% equity interest in Studio 1+1 Ltd, the license holding company in Ukraine.
Ukraine Advertising Holding B.V. ("UAH"), where we owned a 60% equity interest, was dissolved in June 2002 following the registration of the sale of its shares in Prioritet, the main vehicle for advertising sales up until January 1 2001, where UAH held a 50% interest.
Innova provides programming and production services to Studio 1+1 Ltd, the license holding company. From January 1, 2001, the sale of Studio 1+1 Ltd’s advertising air time has been out-sourced to Video International ("VI"), in which we have neither an economic nor a voting interest.
Current Ukrainian legislation limits direct foreign equity holdings in broadcasting companies to 30%. At present our interest in Studio 1+1 Ltd is, indirectly, 18%. Existing agreements commit all the shareholders of Studio 1+1 Ltd to increase our direct holding , or that of one of our subsidiaries, when legislation permits this.
On August 5, 1999, CET pre-empted CNTS's transmission and began broadcasting a substitute signal for Nova TV from a site other than CNTS’s studios. In addition, on the same day, CNTS received notification from CET that CET was withdrawing from the Cooperation Contract. CET has continued to pre-empt all of CNTS’s programming for Nova TV. As a result of this situation, CNTS has been unable to generate revenues and its operations have been suspended. On September 9, 1999, we announced the suspension of technical and production operations at CNTS and CNTS has since dismissed a majority of the employees.
We and Ronald S. Lauder, the non-executive Chairman of our Board of Directors, have sought remedies in a number of court and arbitration proceedings. We are seeking various forms of relief, reinstatement of our status and rights, and of costs incurred and damages sustained during or as a result of this dispute.
It is our intention, in order to mitigate our damages claim and improve our liquidity, to sell our Czech assets during 2003. The sale of these assets will trigger repayment of a loan of $8,304,000 currently not otherwise due until 2005.
2. FINANCING OF OPERATING AND CAPITAL NEEDS
We had cash of $49,644,000 at December 31, 2002 to enable us to finance our future activities compared to $22,053,000 as at December 31, 2001.
In 2002, cash (including CNTS dividends, inter-company charges, repayment of related party personal loans and net advances) received from our subsidiaries and partners for 2002 was $18,418,000 compared to $17,570,000 for 2001. In addition to this, we received an amount of $28,953,000 owed by Dr. Zelezny pursuant to the final order of the ICC Arbitration Tribunal. (See Note 18. "Net Arbitration Related (Proceeds)/Costs").
Our future cash needs, over and above working capital requirements, will depend on our overall financial performance and our future acquisition and development decisions. We believe that, taken together, our current cash balances, internally generated cash flow, the sale of Czech Republic assets and local financing of broadcast operations should result in us having adequate cash resources to meet our debt service and other financial obligations for the next 12 months.
The Senior Notes in the amount of $175,000,000 mature in August 2004. Our ability to refinance or repay the Senior Notes will depend upon market conditions, pending litigation, renewals of broadcasting licenses, our financial performance and other factors through August 2004.
On July 31, 2002 CME Media Enterprises BV, our wholly owned subsidiary , agreed to new additional financing by way of a facility of up to $30 million provided by affiliates of GoldenTree Asset Management LLC. We drew down the first $15 million tranche on August 5, 2002 and have an option to draw down an additional tranche of $15 million. The loan matures on June 15, 2004 with the facility of early repayment at our option. The principal terms of the loan are as follows:
Compensation is payable in the form of interest, commitment and draw-down fee, and the issuance of warrants on any draw date. Any warrants issued are at an exercise price equal to the average price of our shares of the last 26 days of trading prior to the closing of the financing.
Interest is applied at 12% per annum to any balances drawn down. A commitment fee of 1.5% on $30 million was paid on signing and a draw down fee of 1.5 % of the borrowed amount was paid on the first draw-down. A 1.5% fee will be payable on any additional draw-down.
On draw down of the first tranche of $15 million, 348,000 new share warrants were issued. In the event of a further $15 million draw down a further 348,000 new warrants will be issued. In the event of early repayment, we at our option may make a cash payment or issue additional warrants, to a maximum of 348,000 additional warrants per $15 million of draw down, so that a 40% annual rate of return inclusive of the interest of 12% is achieved. At maturity we, to meet our obligation of providing a 40% annual rate of return inclusive of 12% interest, may issue additional warrants up to a maximum of 348,000 additional warrants per $15 million of draw down and are not obligated to provide further cash.
The financing agreement contains negative covenants, including those restricting our ability to incur additional debt, make new investments, pledge assets or sell assets other than in the normal course of business.
Security has been provided in the form of guarantees and pledges. Guarantees have been provided by us and Central European Media Enterprises N.V. Pledges, which are exerciseable in the event of default, secure the shares of CME Media Enterprises B.V., CME Ukraine B.V., CME Slovenia B.V. and CME Romania B.V.
We have accounted for this financing in compliance with Paragraph 16 of APB 14, Accounting for Convertible Debt and Debt Issued with Stock Purchase Warrants ("APB 14"). Under APB 14, the Issuance and Repayment Warrants must be fair valued at the time of commitment. The fair valuation as at the date of completion has been determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair valuation the warrants was $1,048,000.
The laws under which our operating Subsidiaries are organized provide generally that dividends may be declared by the partners or shareholders out of yearly profits subject to the maintenance of registered capital, required reserves and after the recovery of accumulated losses. In the case of our Dutch and Netherlands Antilles Subsidiaries, our voting power is sufficient to compel the making of distributions. In the case of PRO TV, distributions may be paid from the profits of PRO TV subject to a reserve of 5% of annual profits until the aggregate reserves equal 20% of PRO TV's registered capital. A majority vote can compel PRO TV to make distributions. In Slovenia dividends may be paid from the profits of Pro Plus, subject to a reserve equal to 10% of registered capital being established from accumu lated profits. In the case of Markiza TV, distributions may be paid from net profits subject to an initial reserve requirement of 5% of net profits but not more than 10% of registered capital. Subsequently, the reserve requirement is equal to 5% of net profits until the reserve fund equals 10% of registered capital. We cannot compel the distributions of dividends by Markiza TV. Our voting power in the Studio 1+1 Group is sufficient to compel the distribution of dividends. To date, the only subsidiary to distribute dividends has been CNTS which suspended operations on August 5, 1999.