Exhibit 10.69
The Yucaipa Companies
9130 West Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90069
May 14, 2007
Source Interlink Companies, Inc.
27500 Riverview Center Blvd.,
Bonita Springs, Florida 34134
Dear Sirs:
We are pleased to support Source Interlink Companies, Inc. (the “Company”) in its efforts to acquire the PRIMEDIA Enthusiast Business. The Company entered into (i) a Purchase Agreement with Consumer Source, Inc. dated May 13, 2007 (the “Purchase Agreement”), (ii) a financing commitment from Citigroup Markets, Inc. for an aggregate of $1.645 billion of financing in connection with the transaction, and (iii) a stand-by equity commitment letter dated May 13, 2007 (the “Letter Agreement”) providing for up to $100 million of funding (the “Equity Commitment”) by The Yucaipa Companies, LLC or one or more of its affiliates (“Yucaipa”).
This letter of intent is in furtherance of our goal to work together with the Company and the independent directors with respect to the terms of securities to support the Equity Commitment. This letter of intent is not intended to modify, amend or affect in any manner the agreements, obligations and rights of the parties under the Equity Commitment. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings ascribed to them in the Purchase Agreement.
Equity Commitment
As outlined specifically in the Letter Agreement, the Equity Commitment may be triggered upon the occurrence of three conditions precedent that are identified in Section 1 of the Letter Agreement. Those conditions precedent obligate the Company to sell and for Yucaipa to purchase securities issued by the Company having terms established by the independent directors of the Company.
Yucaipa is willing to fund this Equity Commitment on the terms outlined in Attachment A hereto. As indicated in Attachment A, we expect the investment in the Company will involve the purchase of a combination of newly issued common stock and subordinated debt or preferred equity. Proceeds from this investment will only be used by the Company in connection with completing a closing under the Purchase Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything else in this letter or its attachments, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable to arrange and obtain the Financing or (if necessary) the Alternative Financing as required by
1
Section 5.04(d) of the Purchase Agreement and also in an amount that, and on terms and conditions that, do not require Yucaipa to fund or pay any portion of the Equity Commitment.
Conditions
We would expect that, prior to the required funding under the Equity Commitment, the Company will (i) obtain the approval of the independent directors of the Company regarding the terms of the issuance of any securities to us and (ii) negotiate definitive agreements with customary terms for an investment of this type.
We understand that the independent directors will negotiate with us in good faith consistent with the satisfaction of the committee members’ fiduciary duties, which may require the independent directors to obtain third party opinions or evaluations.
Alternative Arrangements
Nothing set forth in this letter is intended to limit the Company in seeking other sources of stand-by equity support, including in connection with Alternative Financing. The Company may, or at the request of Yucaipa at any time the Company shall, use its commercially reasonable efforts to seek and obtain equity stand-by support from a third party in an amount of up to $100 million for use in connection with the closing of the Purchase Agreement.
Indemnity
In connection with the negotiation of the Purchase Agreement and the Letter Agreement, Seller has requested that it be made a third party beneficiary of the Letter Agreement. In connection therewith, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless us and our affiliates, members, directors, officers, employees and representatives from any damages, losses or other liabilities resulting from your failure to issue the securities to us in accordance with the terms of the Letter Agreement.
Confidentiality
The Company and Yucaipa agree to keep this letter of intent confidential and not to make any public disclosure of the existence or terms of this letter, unless such disclosure is required by applicable law.
2
Miscellaneous
The obligations of the Company herein shall not be assigned (by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of Yucaipa. This agreement may not be amended without the prior written consent of Yucaipa and the Company. No person or entity shall be a third-party beneficiary or have any rights under this agreement other than the signatories hereto.
This agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
| | THE YUCAIPA COMPANIES, LLC |
| | /s/ Robert P. Bermingham |
| | Name: Robert P. Bermingham |
| | Its: Vice President |
Acknowledged:
SOURCE INTERLINK COMPANIES, INC.
By: | | /s/ Douglas J. Bates | |
Name: | | Douglas J. Bates | |
Title: | | General Counsel | |
3