SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
March 14, 2003
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Date of Report
NORTHWESTERN CORPORATION
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(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE
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(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
0-692 46-0172280
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(Commission File No.) (IRS Employer Identification Number)
125 South Dakota Avenue, Suite 1100
Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57104
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(605) 978-2908
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(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Item 5. OTHER EVENTS - EXPANETS RESTUCTURES AVAYA RELATIONSHIP
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On March 14, 2003, NorthWestern Corporation (the "Company") and its
communications services business, Expanets, Inc. ("Expanets"), entered into
restructured agreements with Avaya Inc. ("Avaya") regarding resolution of
certain operating issues and customer data and billing management services
experienced by both companies as a result of the March 2000 sale to Expanets of
Avaya's primary distribution function for voice systems for U.S. small and
mid-sized businesses. In exchange for the companies providing mutual general
releases of liability concerning outstanding operational issues, the parties'
agreements include the following:
-- Avaya has canceled a subordinated note from Expanets in the face
amount of $35 million due in 2005, which was non-interest bearing and carried on
Expanets' books for approximately $27 million.
-- Avaya has agreed to extend the payment term of approximately $27
million owed to Avaya by Expanets under a credit agreement, originally due on
December 31, 2002, which will now be repaid in three equal installments on
January 1, April 1 and July 1, 2004. Expanets will continue to pay interest on
the credit facility on a monthly basis. No further borrowings may be made under
this facility. If Expanets defaults under this facility, NorthWestern retains
its existing obligation to purchase inventory and accounts from Avaya in an
amount equal to the outstanding balance of the facility at the time of default.
-- Expanets and Avaya have revised their agreement in which Avaya will
provide services support for the Expanets Technical Assistance Center.
-- Avaya will relinquish all of its equity interests in Expanets
represented by two series of preferred stock.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Date: March 14, 2003
NORTHWESTERN CORPORATION
By: /s/ Eric R. Jacobsen
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Eric R. Jacobsen
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
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