UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
/x/ Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 for the period ended June 30, 2001, or
/ / Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
Commission file number 0-13865
RARE MEDIUM GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 23-2368845
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification
incorporation or organization) Number)
565 Fifth Avenue, 29th Floor
New York, New York 10017
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 883-6940
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter periods that
the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject
to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes /x/ No / /
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes
of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Number of shares outstanding of the issuer's common stock, as of August 10,
2001
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share 63,666,505
Class Number of shares outstanding
INDEX
Page
Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2000 and June 30, 2001
(Unaudited) 2
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations - Three and Six
months ended June 30, 2000 and 2001 3
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Six months ended June 30,
2000 and 2001 4
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements 5
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations 10
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 16
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 17
Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds 18
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 18
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 18
Item 5. Other Information 18
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 18
SIGNATURES 19
RARE MEDIUM GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands except share data)
December 31, June 30,
2000 2001
---------------- ---------------
(Unaudited)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $113,018 $61,164
Short-term investments 44,465 36,872
---------------- ---------------
Total cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments 157,483 98,036
Accounts receivable, net 21,952 6,714
Work in process 5,426 616
Notes receivable -- 25,125
Embedded derivative instrument on note receivable -- 15,077
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 5,402 4,786
---------------- ---------------
Total current assets 190,263 150,354
Property and equipment, net 28,740 16,107
Investments in affiliates 48,016 33,162
Goodwill and intangibles, net 49,061 23,464
Other assets 1,411 845
---------------- ---------------
Total assets $317,491 $223,932
================ ===============
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $10,740 $6,013
Accrued liabilities 16,876 17,295
Deferred revenue 3,778 881
Other current liabilities -- 8,559
---------------- ---------------
Total current liabilities 31,394 32,748
Other noncurrent liabilities 9,367 1,851
---------------- ---------------
Total liabilities 40,761 34,599
---------------- ---------------
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, net of unamortized
discount of $50,162 and $47,966, respectively 47,621 53,519
---------------- ---------------
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued
977,838 shares as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock at December 31,
2000 and 1,014,848 shares at June 30, 2001 -- --
Common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 200,000,000 shares; issued and
outstanding 63,676,074 shares at December 31, 2000 and 63,668,000 shares at
June 30, 2001 637 637
Additional paid-in capital 528,958 528,470
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1,127) (313)
Accumulated deficit (299,188) (392,809)
Treasury stock, at cost, 66,227 shares (171) (171)
---------------- ---------------
Total stockholders' equity 229,109 135,814
---------------- ---------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $317,491 $223,932
================ ===============
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
RARE MEDIUM GROUP, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands except share data)
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
------------------------------- -------------------------------
2000 2001 2000 2001
-------------- ------------- ------------- --------------
Revenues $27,706 $7,625 $51,523 $19,949
Cost of revenues 16,663 8,916 29,725 24,155
-------------- ------------- ------------- --------------
Gross profit (loss) 11,043 (1,291) 21,798 (4,206)
Expenses:
Sales and marketing 5,626 2,211 9,173 5,474
General and administrative 23,428 13,185 41,251 30,940
Depreciation and amortization 11,605 6,747 22,014 19,694
Restructuring charges -- 6,097 -- 21,929
-------------- ------------- ------------- --------------
Total expenses 40,659 28,240 72,438 78,037
-------------- ------------- ------------- --------------
Loss from operations (29,616) (29,531) (50,640) (82,243)
Interest income, net 3,420 2,178 4,572 4,154
Loss on investments in affiliates (1,193) (12,687) (2,563) (23,633)
Unrealized gain on derivative instrument -- 13,800 -- 13,800
Other income (expense) (311) 376 (262) 199
-------------- ------------- ------------- --------------
Net loss (27,700) (25,864) (48,893) (87,723)
Cumulative dividends and accretion of convertible
preferred stock to liquidation value (5,015) (2,966) (16,843) (5,898)
-------------- ------------- ------------- --------------
Net loss attributable to common stockholders $(32,715) $(28,830) $(65,736) $(93,621)
============== ============= ============= ==============
Basic and diluted loss per share:
Net loss per share $(0.66) $(0.46) $(1.39) $(1.48)
============== ============= ============= ==============
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 49,288,828 63,334,823 47,436,995 63,337,807
============== ============= ============= ==============
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
RARE MEDIUM GROUP, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Six Months Ended June 30,
-------------------------------
2000 2001
------------- -------------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss $(48,893) $(87,723)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 22,014 19,694
Loss on investments in affiliates 2,563 23,633
Unrealized gain on derivative instrument -- (13,800)
Investments in affiliates received for services rendered -- (1,250)
Non-cash restructuring charges -- 12,615
Non-cash interest, net -- (399)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and sale of businesses:
Accounts receivable (8,753) 13,640
Work in process (5,403) 4,811
Prepaid expenses and other assets (4,770) 795
Deferred revenue 2,933 (54)
Accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities 9,206 704
------------- -------------
Net cash used in operating activities (31,103) (27,334)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash paid for investments in affiliates (19,659) (6,199)
Purchases of property and equipment, net (15,474) (4,296)
Repayment (Purchase) of notes receivable 650 (25,000)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired and acquisition costs 46 --
Cash received for sale of investment in affiliates -- 3,360
Purchases of short-term investments -- (54,816)
Sales of short-term investments -- 62,409
------------- -------------
Net cash used in investing activities (34,437) (24,542)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of costs 241,355 --
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with the exercise of
warrants and options 4,727 22
Repayments of borrowings, net (737) --
------------- -------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 245,345 22
------------- -------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 179,805 (51,854)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 28,540 113,018
------------- -------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $208,345 $61,164
============= =============
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
RARE MEDIUM GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) Description of the Business
Rare Medium Group, Inc. (the "Company") conducts its operations
primarily through its subsidiaries, which are organized as two related
lines of business: the Internet services business of Rare Medium, Inc.
("Rare Medium") and the investment business. The Company is headquartered
in New York and Rare Medium has offices throughout the United States.
Rare Medium, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is a provider
of Internet solutions that develops e-commerce Internet strategies,
improves business processes and develops marketing communications, branding
strategies and interactive content using Internet-based technologies and
solutions.
Through its investment business, the Company has historically made
selective venture investments by taking strategic minority equity positions
in other independently managed companies. Additionally, in the past, the
Company has developed, managed and operated companies in selected
Internet-focused market segments ("Incubator Companies"). During the first
quarter of 2001, the Company reduced its focus on the investment business
and significantly reduced the amount of funding to its Incubator Companies.
Additionally, in April, the Company sold a majority of its equity interest
in ChangeMusic Network ("CMJ") and ePrize, two of its Incubator Companies
(see Note 7).
(2) Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been
prepared by the Company in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to
Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not
include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted
accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of
management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements
contain all adjustments, consisting only of those of a normal recurring
nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial
position, results of operations and cash flows at the dates and for the
periods indicated. While the Company believes that disclosures presented
are adequate to make the information not misleading, these unaudited
consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
audited financial statements and related notes for the year ended December
31, 2000 which are contained in the Company's second amended Annual Report
on Form 10-K/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"SEC"). The results of the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2001
are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full
year. Certain prior year amounts in the consolidated financial statements
have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.
(3) Investments in Affiliates
The following is a summary of the carrying value of investments held
by the Company (in thousands):
December 31, June 30,
2000 2001
------------- -------------
(Unaudited)
Cost investments $37,501 $31,929
Marketable securities 7,791 720
Equity investments 2,724 513
------------- -------------
$48,016 $33,162
============= =============
The Company recognized losses of approximately $0.4 million for the
six months ended June 30, 2001 representing its proportionate share of the
losses of investee companies, for those investments carried under the
equity method. The Company also recognized losses of approximately $1.8
million for the six months ended June 30, 2001 representing the
amortization of the net excess of investment over its proportionate share
of the affiliates' net assets. Amortization is generally recorded on a
straight-line basis over three years. Also, the Company recorded a loss of
approximately $18.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2001 for
the impairment of investments in affiliates, including approximately $2.7
million relating to its Incubator Companies. Additionally, the Company
recognized a loss of approximately $3.1 million for realized losses on the
sale of publicly traded securities. During the six months ended June 30,
2001, the Company recognized revenue of approximately $4.5 million for
services provided to affiliates.
RARE MEDIUM GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(4) Segment Information
The Company's operations have been classified into two primary
segments: the Internet services business and the investment business.
Presented below is summarized unaudited financial information of the Company's
continuing operations for each segment (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
------------------------------- --------------------------------
2000 2001 2000 2001
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Revenues:
Internet services $30,026 $8,109 $53,515 $21,889
Investment 1,838 786 3,316 2,708
Internet services provided to consolidated
investments (4,158) (1,270) (5,308) (4,648)
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
$27,706 $7,625 $51,523 $19,949
============= ============== ============== ==============
Loss before interest, taxes, depreciation,
amortization and other items:
Internet services $(2,470) $(8,227) $(5,734) $(21,406)
Investment and corporate (15,541) (8,460) (22,892) (19,214)
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
$(18,011) $(16,687) $(28,626) $(40,620)
Depreciation and amortization (11,605) (6,747) (22,014) (19,694)
Interest income, net 3,420 2,178 4,572 4,154
Loss on investments in affiliates (1,193) (12,687) (2,563) (23,633)
Restructuring charges -- (6,097) -- (21,929)
Unrealized gain on derivative instrument -- 13,800 -- 13,800
Other (expense) income (311) 376 (262) 199
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net loss $(27,700) $(25,864) $(48,893) $(87,723)
============= ============== ============== ==============
December 31, June 30,
2000 2001
----------------- -----------------
Total assets:
Internet services $61,339 $26,499
Investment and corporate 256,152 197,433
----------------- -----------------
$317,491 $223,932
================= =================
For the six months ended June 30, 2001, two Internet services
customers, each representing more than 10% of Internet services revenue,
aggregated approximately 33% of Internet services revenue.
(5) Notes Receivable and Derivative Instrument
On April 2, 2001, the Company agreed to purchase from Motient
Corporation ("Motient") 12.5% secured promissory notes (the "Notes"),
issuable in two tranches, each in the principal amount of $25.0 million.
The Notes are collateralized by 5,000,000 shares of XM Satellite Radio,
Inc. ("XM Radio") common stock owned by Motient. The first tranche was
purchased on April 4, 2001. The principal of and accrued interest on the
Notes are payable on October 1, 2001 in either cash, shares of XM Radio, or
any combination thereof at Motient's option, as set forth in the agreement.
At the option of the Company, the Notes may be exchanged for a number of XM
Radio shares equivalent to the principal of the Notes and any accrued
interest thereon, as set forth in the agreement. The Company has separately
ascribed value to the outstanding tranche of the Notes and the Notes'
exchange feature. As such, $23.7 million has been allocated to the first
tranche of the Notes and the remaining $1.3 million has been allocated to
the exchange feature. Additional interest income has been recognized
representing the accretion of the $23.7 million carrying value up to the
$25.0 million face value over the six-month term of the Notes. As of June
30, 2001, in accordance with SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities," the Company recorded an asset for the
embedded derivative instrument and a corresponding unrealized gain of
approximately $13.8 million related to the increase in the fair value of
the exchange feature that would allow it to convert the first tranche of
the Notes to shares of XM Radio. The second tranche was purchased on July
16, 2001.
(6) Merger with Motient Corporation
On May 14, 2001, the Company entered into an agreement to merge with a
subsidiary of Motient. Under the terms of the agreement, which is subject
to customary conditions including the approval of both companies'
shareholders, each share of the Company's outstanding common stock will be
exchanged for one-tenth of a share of a new class of Motient preferred
stock. Each whole share of the newly issued preferred stock will have a
liquidation preference of $20.00 and be convertible into 6.4 shares of
Motient common stock at the shareholder's option, subject to certain
mandatory conversion provisions. A portion of Motient's XM Radio shares and
other consideration will be issued in exchange for the Company's Series A
convertible preferred stock. The Notes will be cancelled upon the closing
of the merger, which is expected to occur during the third quarter of 2001.
The Company is aware of a number of purported class action lawsuits
that have been filed by the holders of the Company's common stock in the
Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and the New York State Supreme
Court challenging the proposed merger. Thus far, the Company is aware of
seventeen complaints that have been filed, sixteen in the Court of Chancery
in Delaware and one, Brickell Partners v. Rare Medium Group, Inc., et al.,
N.Y.S. Index No. 01602694, in the New York State Supreme Court. All of the
complaints name the Company and members of the Company's board of directors
as defendants. Most of the complaints name the holders of the Company's
preferred stock, and certain of their affiliates, as defendants, and some
of the complaints name Motient as a defendant.
On June 22, 2001, the Delaware court entered an order to
consolidate the sixteen Delaware lawsuits for all purposes into a single
purported class action, In re Rare Medium Group, Inc. Shareholders
Litigation, C.A. No. 18879-NC. Under the terms of the order, Ram Yariv was
added as an additional party plaintiff. The law firms of Abraham and
Paskowitz; Bull & Lifshitz, LLP; Bernstein Liebhard & Lifshitz LLP; Kirby
McInerney & Squire LLP; Stull, Stull & Brody; Weiss & Yourman; Wolf Popper
LLP; Milberg Weiss Bershad Hynes & Lerach LLP; Law Offices of Peter
Fischbein; Law Offices of Bernard M. Gross, P.C.; Berger & Montague, P.C.;
Barrack, Rodos & Bacine; Schiffrin & Barroway LLP; Law Offices of Curtis V.
Trinko LLP; Shapiro Haber & Urmy LLP; Law Offices of Alfred G. Yates, Jr.;
and Rabin & Peckel LLP were designated as plaintiffs' Committee of the
Whole, the law firm of Milberg Weiss Bershad Hynes & Lerach LLP was
designated as plaintiffs' Lead Counsel, and the law firm of Rosenthal
Monhait Gross & Goddess, P.A. was designated as plaintiffs' Delaware
Liaison Counsel. The complaint in Loeffelbein, et al. v. Stasior, et al.,
C.A. No 18939-NC was designated as the complaint in the consolidated
action.
On August 7, 2001, a Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint
was filed in Delaware Chancery Court. The Delaware Chancery Court has not
yet certified the consolidated lawsuit as a class action.
Both the Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint and the
complaint in the New York lawsuit allege that the defendants breached
duties allegedly owed to the holders of the Company's common stock in
connection with the merger agreement. Specifically, the complaints allege,
among other things, that: (1) the holders of the Company's preferred stock
engaged in self-dealing in the proposed merger; and (2) the Company's board
of directors allegedly breached its fiduciary duties by agreeing to
distribute the merger consideration differently among holders of the
Company's common and preferred shares. The Consolidated Amended Class
Action Complaint also alleges that the Company failed to adequately
disclose all material information in the joint proxy statement/prospectus
relating to the merger. The complaints in both lawsuits also allege that
the holders of the Company's preferred stock aided and abetted the supposed
breaches of fiduciary duties.
The lawsuits seek to stop the merger and/or to obtain an award of
monetary damages. Specifically, the plaintiffs seek, among other things:
(1) a declaration that the complaints are properly maintainable as a class
action; (2) injunctive or rescissory relief; (3) unspecified monetary
damages; (4) attorney's fees, costs and expenses; and (5) other and further
relief the Court deems proper.
The Company plans to contest these lawsuits vigorously. The
Company filed a motion to dismiss the Delaware lawsuit before the
Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint was filed and will supplement
its motion as appropriate in response to a new complaint. No hearing date
has been set for the motion.
The Company has been served with process and has filed a motion
to dismiss the New York lawsuit. The return date for this motion to be
heard by the New York court is September 10, 2001.
(7) Sale of Businesses
In April 2001, the Company sold a majority of its equity interest in
two of its Incubator Companies: CMJ and ePrize. The Company received total
aggregate consideration of $1.4 million, consisting of cash and a
promissory note with a principal amount of approximately $0.5 million. The
Company retained a 15% equity interest in CMJ and a 5% equity interest in
ePrize. During the first quarter of 2001, the Company recognized a loss of
approximately $2.5 million relating to the sale of CMJ. During the second
quarter of 2001, the Company recognized a gain of approximately $1.5
million relating to the sale of ePrize.
(8) Restructuring Charges
During the first quarter of 2001, the Company recognized restructuring
charges of approximately $15.8 million primarily related to its Internet
services business, consisting of $10.8 million for the consolidation of
facilities and the disposition of property and equipment, $2.0 million for
the impairment of unamortized goodwill, $1.8 million for severance and
benefits related to headcount reductions and $1.2 million for other office
shutdown costs. An additional $6.1 million was recognized in the second
quarter, consisting of approximately $5.9 million for further facilities
consolidations and the disposition of property and equipment and $0.2
million for severance and benefits related to further headcount reductions.
These restructuring charges were aimed at aligning the Company's cost
structure with changing market conditions and decreased demand for the
Company's services and were primarily related to office closures in Canada,
Australia, Singapore, England and Michigan and other office consolidations.
The plan resulted in head count reductions of approximately 325 employees
during the first six months of 2001, the majority of which occurred in
March 2001. Subsequent to June 30, 2001, farther headcount reductions resulted
in the termination of approximately 75 employees.
The total cash outlay and non-cash charges for the restructuring
activities will be approximately $9.3 million and $12.6 million,
respectively. As of June 30, 2001, approximately $3.7 million of cash was
used, $3.7 million is expected to be used in the remainder of 2001, and the
remaining cash outlay of approximately $1.9 million, primarily related to
the present value of the net future minimum lease payments for certain real
estate lease obligations, is expected to be used over the next seven years.
Restructuring activities during the six months ended June 30, 2001
were as follows (in thousands):
Restructuring Amount Balance,
Charges Utilized June 30, 2001
------------- -------- -------------
Facilities and property and equipment $16,737 $11,536 $5,201
Goodwill 2,028 2,028 --
Severance and benefits 2,022 2,005 17
Other office shutdown costs 1,142 711 431
---------------- --------------- ---------------
Total $21,929 $16,280 $5,649
================ =============== ===============
(9) Contingencies
In 2000, the Rare Medium entered into a strategic alliance agreement,
as amended, with a software company (the "Partner") to assist in the
training of personnel and development and delivery by Rare Medium of
solutions built utilizing the Partner's technology. Under the terms of the
alliance, the Partner was to provide Rare Medium with refundable advances
of approximately $17.1 million, on an interest free basis, to be paid to
Rare Medium over the term of the two-year agreement, subject to Rare
Medium's compliance with certain requirements set forth in the agreement.
The amount and timing of the repayment of the advances may be adjusted
based on Rare Medium's achievement of certain milestones in accordance with
the terms of the agreement. The Partner and Rare Medium have a dispute as
to whether certain milestones have been achieved. Recent efforts at
renegotiating the payment schedule and milestones were not successful. In
July 2001, Rare Medium received a notice of arbitration from the Partner
seeking the return of the approximately $8.6 million, plus interest, that
had been advanced by the Partner, who has allegedly terminated the
agreement. Rare Medium intends to contest the Partner's claims. There can
be no assurance that Rare Medium will be successful in contesting this
action and that accelerated repayment, along with attorney's fees and
interest, will not be required.
The Company has been in settlement discussions with its former
financial public relations firm with respect to the Company's failure to
deliver options covering approximately 124,000 shares of the Company's
stock that are allegedly owed relating to past services allegedly rendered.
Based on the current state of settlement discussions, the Company believes
that it will be able to resolve this contingency without it having a
material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or financial
position. However, if no settlement is reached, the claimant has indicated
that it will file a claim alleging its entitlement to damages of
approximately $12.8 million. While the Company does not believe such a
claim will be filed, until a formal settlement has been executed, there can
be no assurance of this outcome, or the results of any subsequent
litigation.
On May 16, 2001, plaintiffs Jay M. Wolff, David Bliss, Tim Barber and
Steve O'Brien filed suit against Rare Medium, Inc., ICC Technologies, Inc.,
and Rare Medium Texas I, Inc. in the United States District Court for the
Southern District of New York, Wolff, et al. v. Rare Medium, Inc., et al.,
CV No 01-4279. The plaintiffs asserted claims for breach of contract,
tortuous interference with contractual relations, tortuous interference
with prospective advantage, and breach of implied obligation of good faith,
arising out of the plaintiffs' alleged attempt to engage in transactions
involving some or all of the approximately 1,200,000 shares of the
Company's common stock that the plaintiffs obtained in the Company's
acquisition of Big Hand, Inc. The plaintiffs seek unspecified compensatory
and punitive damages, interest, attorneys' fees and costs. The Company
plans to defend the matter vigorously.
On July 23, 2001, plaintiff Microsoft Corporation filed suit against Rare
Medium, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Western District
of Washington, CO1-1130P. The plaintiff alleges breach of contract in
connection with a consulting agreement and an alliance agreement entered
between the parties seeking $2.3 million in damages, interest and
attorney's fees. The Company plans to defend the matter vigorously.
Additionally, from time to time, the Company is subject to litigation
in the normal course of business. The Company is of the opinion that, based
on information presently available, the resolution of any such additional
legal matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial position or results of its operations.
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 that involve risks and uncertainties, including
statements regarding our capital needs, business strategy, expectations and
intentions. We urge you to consider that statements that use the terms
"believe," "do not believe," "anticipate," "expect," "plan," "estimate,"
"intend" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. These statements reflect our current views with respect to
future events and because our business is subject to numerous risks,
uncertainties and risk factors, our actual results could differ materially
from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, including those
set forth below under this "Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and elsewhere in this
report. Actual results will most likely differ from those reflected in
these statements, and the differences could be substantial. We disclaim any
obligation to publicly update these statements, or disclose any difference
between our actual results and those reflected in these statements. The
information constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Overview
We are an Internet-focused company that:
o provides Internet professional services to companies;
o has developed, managed and operated companies in selected
Internet-focused market segments; and
o selectively invests in companies in which we have previously taken
strategic equity positions or that we believe possess superior business
models and are strategic to our business.
Rare Medium's significant customers accounting for more than 5% of
revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2001 include Corporate Express,
Wyndham International, XM Satellite Radio and NextJet. For the six months
ended June 30, 2001, two of these customers, each accounting for more than
10%, amounted to approximately 33% of revenue combined. No customer
accounted for more than 10% for the year ended December 31, 2000.
Our operating results are primarily driven by our Internet services
business. We evaluate the performance of this business as a separate
segment. Revenue and loss before interest, taxes, depreciation,
amortization and other items are used to measure and evaluate our financial
results and make relative comparisons to other entities that operate within
the Internet services industry. Over the last few quarters, demand for
Internet services has decreased as the weakening of general economic
conditions has caused many companies to reduce spending on Internet-focused
business solutions. This weakening has resulted in a decrease in our
quarterly revenue. During the fourth quarter of 2000 and the first and
second quarters of 2001, we took actions to adapt our business to the
changing market conditions and decreased demand for our services. This
restructuring led to a charge of $21.9 million for the six months ended
June 30, 2001. During the second quarter, we have again been able to reduce
our operating expenses at a higher rate than the decline in our revenue
from the prior quarter. Our Internet services business revenue, including
revenue from services provided to our consolidated subsidiaries, decreased
to $8.1 million in the three months ended June 30, 2001 from $13.8 million
in the three months ended March 31, 2001. Even though our revenue decreased
$5.7 million from the first quarter of 2001 to the second quarter of 2001,
our loss before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and other items
decreased $5.0 million from $13.2 million in the first quarter to $8.2 million
in the second quarter. We will continue to evaluate the market for
Internet professional services and will take other steps, if necessary, aimed
at ensuring that our cost structure remains aligned with changes in market
conditions and demand for our services.
Many of our Internet service contracts are currently on a fixed price
basis, rather than on a time and materials basis. We recognize revenues
from fixed price contracts based on our estimate of the percentage of each
project completed in a reporting period. To the extent our estimates are
inaccurate, the revenues and operating profits, if any, we report for
periods during which we are working on a project may not accurately reflect
the final results of the project, and we would be required to make
adjustments to such estimates in a subsequent period.
Our Internet services clients generally retain us on a
project-by-project basis, rather than under long-term contracts. As a
result, a client may or may not engage us for further services once a
project is completed. Establishment and development of relationships with
additional companies and other corporate users of information technology
and securing repeat engagements with existing clients are important
components of our success.
Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2001
Compared to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2000
Revenues
Revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2001 decreased to $7.6
million from $27.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2000, a
decrease of $20.1 million. This decrease reflects the weakening of general
economic conditions in which many companies have reduced their spending on
Internet-focused business solutions. Our Incubator Companies generated
revenues totaling approximately $0.8 million in the three months ended June
30, 2001, compared to $1.8 million in the three months ended June 30, 2000.
After disposing of our majority interest in two Incubator Companies in
April, revenues from these companies will not continue to be recognized
in future periods.
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues includes salaries, payroll taxes and related benefits
and other direct costs associated with the generation of revenues. Cost of
revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2001 decreased to $8.9 million
from $16.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2000, a decrease of
$7.8 million. This decrease is due primarily to the restructuring efforts
undertaken during 2001 aimed at aligning our cost structure with changing
market conditions and the decreased demand for our services. After the
restructuring activities, we expect our cost of revenues to decline in
future periods as we have continued to reduce the number of billable
professionals. The cost of revenues for the three months ended June 30,
2001 also includes $0.3 million related to our Incubator Companies. After
disposing of our majority interest in two Incubator Companies in April,
cost of revenues from these companies will not continue to be recognized
in future periods.
Sales and Marketing Expense
Sales and marketing expense represents the actual costs associated
with our sales force, marketing and advertising. Sales and marketing
expense for the three months ended June 30, 2001 decreased to $2.2 million
from $5.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2000, a decrease of
$3.4 million. The decrease is primarily the result of decreased marketing
activities by the Internet services business.
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expense includes facilities costs,
recruiting, training, finance, legal and other corporate costs, as well as
salaries and related employee benefits for those employees that support
such functions. General and administrative expense for the three months
ending June 30, 2001 decreased to $13.2 million from $23.4 million for the
three months ended June 30, 2000, a decrease of $10.2 million. This
decrease was primarily due to the restructuring efforts aimed at aligning
our cost structure with changing market conditions and decreased demand for
our services, including the office closures in Canada, Australia,
Singapore, England and Michigan.
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and amortization expense substantially consists of the
amortization of intangible assets. Depreciation and amortization expense
for the three months ended June 30, 2001 decreased to $6.7 million from
$11.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2000, a decrease of $4.9
million. This decrease resulted primarily from the disposal of property and
equipment associated with our restructuring activities and the full
amortization of the intangible assets resulting from certain acquisitions.
As we have decreased our capital expenditures and as intangible assets
related to our acquisitions become fully amortized, we expect depreciation
and amortization expense to decrease in future periods.
Restructuring Charges
During the second quarter of 2001, we recorded restructuring charges
of approximately $6.1 million primarily related to our Internet services
business, consisting of $5.9 million for further facilities consolidation
and the disposition of property and equipment and approximately $0.2
million for severance and benefits related to further headcount reductions.
These restructuring charges were aimed at aligning our cost structure with
changing market conditions and decreased demand for our services. The plan
resulted in head count reductions of approximately 75 employees. Subsequent to
June 30, 2001, further headcount reductions resulted in the termination of
approximately an additional 75 employees.
The total cash outlay and non-cash charges for the restructuring
activities will be approximately $2.0 million and $4.1 million,
respectively. As of June 30, 2001, approximately $0.2 million of cash was
used and the remaining cash outlay of approximately $1.8 million, primarily
related to the present value of the net future minimum lease payments for
certain real estate lease obligations, is expected to be used over the next
seven years.
Interest Income, Net
Interest income, net for the three months ended June 30, 2001 is
mainly comprised of the interest earned on the proceeds received from the
sale of our common stock during the first quarter of 2000, interest on our
Motient promissory note, as well as the accretion of the $23.7 million
carrying value of the Motient promissory note up to the face value of $25.0
million over the six month term of the note.
Loss on Investment in Affiliates
Loss on investments in affiliates consists primarily of $8.2 million
for the impairment to the carrying value of certain affiliates accounted
for under the cost method, $3.1 million for the realized loss on the sale
of publicly traded securities, $1.1 million for our proportionate share of
affiliates' operating losses and amortization of our net excess investment
over its equity in each affiliate's net assets for those affiliates
accounted for under the equity method and $1.7 million for the impairment
of the goodwill and net assets related to one of our Incubator Companies,
offset by a gain of approximately $1.5 million relating to the sale of a
majority of our stake in ePrize. We will continue to monitor the carrying
value our investments in affiliates for further impairment.
Unrealized Gain on Derivative Instrument
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS
No. 133"), we recognized a gain of approximately $13.8 million as of June
30, 2001 related to the increase in the fair value of the exchange feature
allowing us to convert the first tranche of the promissory notes from
Motient to shares of XM Radio common stock held by Motient.
Net Loss
For the three months ended June 30, 2001, we recorded a net loss of
$25.9 million. Excluding $6.7 million in amortization and depreciation, the
net loss was $19.2 million. The loss was primarily due to the factors
described in "Cost of Revenues," "General and Administrative Expense,"
"Sales and Marketing Expense," "Restructuring Charges," "Loss on
Investments in Affiliates" and "Unrealized Gain on Derivative Instrument."
Included in net loss attributable to common shareholders of $28.8
million was $3.0 million of non-cash deemed dividends and accretion related
to the issuance of our Series A convertible preferred stock. Dividends were
accrued related to the pay-in-kind dividends payable quarterly on Series A
convertible preferred stock and to the accretion of the carrying amount of
the Series A convertible preferred stock up to its $100 per share face
redemption amount over 13 years.
Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2001 Compared to the
Six Months Ended June 30, 2000
Revenues
Revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2001 decreased to $19.9
million from $51.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2000, a
decrease of $31.6 million. This decrease reflects the weakening of general
economic conditions in which many companies have reduced their spending on
Internet-focused business solutions. Our Incubator Companies generated
revenues totaling $2.7 million in the six months ended June 30, 2001,
compared to $3.3 million in the six months ended June 30, 2000. After
disposing of our majority interest in two Incubator Companies in April,
revenues from these companies will not continue to be recognized in
future periods.
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues includes salaries, payroll taxes and related benefits
and other direct costs associated with the generation of revenues. Cost of
revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2001 decreased to $24.2 million
from $29.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2000, a decrease of
$5.5 million. This decrease is due primarily to the restructuring efforts
undertaken during 2001 aimed at aligning our cost structure with changing
market conditions and the decreased demand for our services. After the
restructuring activities, we expect our cost of revenues to decline in
future periods as we have continued to reduce the number of billable
professionals. The cost of revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2001
also includes $1.9 million related to our Incubator Companies. After
disposing of our majority interest in two Incubator Companies in April, our
cost of revenues from these companies will not continue to be recognized
in future periods.
Sales and Marketing Expense
Sales and marketing expense represents the actual costs associated
with our sales force, marketing and advertising. Sales and marketing
expense for the six months ended June 30, 2001 decreased to $5.5 million
from $9.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2000, a decrease of
$3.7 million. The decrease is primarily the result of decreased marketing
activities by the Internet services business offset by a marketing campaign
by CMJ to increase subscriptions for its monthly publication. After
disposing of our majority interest in two Incubator Companies in April,
including CMJ, we do not expect our sales and marketing expense to remain
at this same level in future periods.
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expense includes facilities costs,
recruiting, training, finance, legal and other corporate costs, as well as
salaries and related employee benefits for those employees that support
such functions. General and administrative expense for the six months
ending June 30, 2001 decreased to $30.9 million from $41.3 million for the
six months ended June 30, 2000, a decrease of $10.4 million. This decrease
was primarily due to the restructuring efforts aimed at aligning our cost
structure with changing market conditions and decreased demand for our
services, including the office closures in Canada, Australia, Singapore,
England and Michigan. These cost savings were partially offset by an
increased risk of collection of accounts receivable from our Internet
professional services clients that caused us to take a charge for bad debt
of $5.0 million, most of which was recognized in the first quarter of 2001.
After disposing of our majority interest in two Incubator Companies in
April and our restructuring efforts primarily related to our Internet
services business, we expect general and administrative expense to decrease
in future periods.
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and amortization expense substantially consists of the
amortization of intangible assets. Depreciation and amortization expense
for the six months ended June 30, 2001 decreased to $19.7 million from
$22.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2000, a decrease of $2.3
million. This decrease resulted primarily from the disposal of property and
equipment associated with our restructuring activities. As we have
decreased our capital expenditures and as intangible assets related to our
acquisitions become fully amortized, we expect depreciation and
amortization expense to decrease in future periods.
Restructuring Charges
During the six months ended June 30, 2001, we recorded restructuring
charges of approximately $21.9 million primarily related to our Internet
services business, consisting of $16.7 million for the consolidation of
facilities and the disposition of property and equipment, $2.0 million for
the impairment of unamortized goodwill, $2.0 million for severance and
benefits related to headcount reductions and $1.2 million for other office
shutdown costs. These restructuring charges were aimed at aligning our cost
structure with changing market conditions and decreased demand for our
services and were primarily related to office closures in Canada,
Australia, Singapore, England and Michigan and other office consolidations.
The plan resulted in head count reductions of approximately 325 employees,
most of which occurred in March. Subsequent to June 30, 2001, further
headcount reductions resulted in the termination of approximately 75 employees.
The total cash outlay and non-cash charges for the restructuring
activities will be approximately $9.3 million and $12.6 million,
respectively. As of June 30, 2001, approximately $3.7 million of cash was
used, $3.7 million is expected to be used in the remainder of 2001, and the
remaining cash outlay of approximately $1.9 million, primarily related to
the present value of the net future minimum lease payments for certain real
estate lease obligations, is expected to be used over the next seven years.
Interest Income, Net
Interest income, net for the six months ended June 30, 2001 is mainly
comprised of the interest earned on the proceeds received from the sale of
our common stock during the first quarter of 2000, interest on our Motient
promissory note, as well as the accretion of the $23.7 million carrying
value of the Motient promissory note up to the face value of $25.0 million
over the six month term of the note.
Loss on Investment in Affiliates
Loss on investments in affiliates consists primarily of $15.6 million
for the impairment to the carrying value of certain affiliates accounted
for under the cost method, $3.1 million for the realized loss on the sale
of publicly traded securities, $2.2 million for our proportionate share of
affiliates' operating losses and amortization of our net excess investment
over its equity in each affiliate's net assets for those affiliates
accounted for under the equity method, and $2.7 million related to our
incubator companies. We will continue to monitor the carrying value our
investments in affiliates for further impairment.
Unrealized Gain on Derivative Instrument
In accordance with SFAS No. 133, we recognized a gain of approximately
$13.8 million as of June 30, 2001 related to the increase in the fair value
of the exchange feature allowing us to convert the first tranche of the
promissory notes from Motient to shares of XM Radio common stock held by
Motient.
Net Loss
For the six months ended June 30, 2001, we recorded a net loss of
$87.7 million. Excluding $19.7 million in amortization and depreciation,
the net loss was $68.0 million. The loss was primarily due to the factors
described in "Cost of Revenues," "General and Administrative Expense,"
"Sales and Marketing Expense," "Restructuring Charges," "Loss on
Investments in Affiliates" and "Unrealized Gain on Derivative Instrument."
Included in net loss attributable to common shareholders of $93.6
million was $5.9 million of non-cash deemed dividends and accretion related
to the issuance of our Series A convertible preferred stock. Dividends were
accrued related to the pay-in-kind dividends payable quarterly on Series A
convertible preferred stock and to the accretion of the carrying amount of
the Series A convertible preferred stock up to its $100 per share face
redemption amount over 13 years.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We had $98.0 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term
investments as of June 30, 2001. Cash used in operating activities was
$27.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2001 and resulted primarily
from the net loss of $87.7 million, partially offset by non-cash items of
$40.5 million (which consists of depreciation, amortization, loss on
investments in affiliates, unrealized gain on derivative instrument,
investments in affiliates received for services rendered, non-cash
restructuring charges and non-cash interest) and changes in working
capital. We expect cash used in operations to decrease in future periods,
as we believe our restructuring activities will more closely align our cost
structure with the changing market conditions and the decrease in the
demand for our services.
Cash used in investing activities was $32.1 million, net of $7.6
million resulting from the net sale of short-term investments, for the six
months ended June 30, 2001, which primarily consists of the $25.0 million
used to purchase the first tranche of the promissory notes from Motient,
cash paid for venture investments of $6.2 million and capital expenditures
of $4.3 million, partially offset by $3.4 million of cash received from the
sale of investments in affiliates. Capital expenditures have generally been
comprised of purchases of computer hardware and software, as well as
leasehold improvements related to leased facilities, and are not expected
to increase at the same level in future periods.
In April 2001, we agreed to purchase from Motient 12.5% secured
promissory notes (the "Notes"), issuable in two tranches, each in the
principal amount of $25.0 million. The Notes are collateralized by
5,000,000 shares of XM Radio common stock owned by Motient. The first
tranche was purchased on April 4, 2001. The principal of and accrued
interest on the Notes are payable on October 1, 2001 in either cash, shares
of XM Radio, or any combination thereof at Motient's option, as set forth
in the agreement. At our option, the Notes may be exchanged for a number of
XM Radio shares equivalent to the principal of the Notes and any accrued
interest thereon, as set forth in the agreement. As of June 30, 2001, we
recognized an unrealized gain of approximately $13.8 million related to the
increase in the fair value of the exchange feature allowing us to convert
the first tranche of the Notes to XM Radio shares. The second tranche was
purchased on July 16, 2001. The Notes will be cancelled upon the closing of
our merger with Motient, which is expected to occur in the third quarter of
2001.
In 2000, the Company entered into a strategic alliance agreement, as
amended, with the Partner to assist in the training of personnel and
development and delivery by Rare Medium of solutions built utilizing the
Partner's technology. Under the terms of the alliance, the Partner was to
provide us with refundable advances of approximately $17.1 million, on an
interest free basis, to be paid to us over the term of the two-year
agreement, subject to the our compliance with certain requirements set
forth in the agreement. The amount and timing of the repayment of the
advances may be adjusted based on Rare Medium's achievement of certain
milestones in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The Partner and
Rare Medium have a dispute as to whether certain milestones have been
achieved. Recent efforts at renegotiating the payment schedule and
milestones were not successful. In July 2001, we received a notice of
arbitration demand from the Partner seeking the return of the approximately
$8.6 million, plus interest, that had been advanced by the Partner, who has
allegedly terminated the agreement. Rare Medium intends to contest the
Partner's claims. There can be no assurance that Rare Medium will be
successful in contesting this action and that accelerated repayment, along
with attorney's fees and interest, will not be required.
On June 29, 2001, we received a notice from the Nasdaq National Market
that our common stock had failed to maintain the required minimum closing
bid price of $1.00 for a period of 30 consecutive trading days. As a
result, Nasdaq has provided us 90 calendar days, or until September 27,
2001, to regain compliance with this requirement or be delisted from
trading on the Nasdaq National Market. In order to regain compliance, the
closing bid price of our common stock must stay above $1.00 for 10
consecutive trading days. If we are unable to gain compliance with this
requirement during this time period, and any appeal to Nasdaq for relief
from this requirement is unsuccessful, our common stock will be delisted
from trading on the Nasdaq National Market. If this were to happen, trading
in our common stock would decrease substantially or cease altogether.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In July 2001, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 141, "Business Combinations" ("SFAS No. 141"). SFAS No. 141
requires the purchase method of accounting for business combinations
initiated after June 30, 2001 and eliminates the pooling-of-interests
method. The adoption of SFAS No. 141 did not have a significant impact on
our results of operations.
In July 2001, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," ("SFAS No. 142")
which is effective January 1, 2002. SFAS No. 142 eliminates the current
requirement to amortize goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets and
replaces the amortization with an impairment test which must be performed
at least annually. For intangible assets with definite useful lives, SFAS
142 requires amortization over their respective expected useful lives to
their estimated residual values and review for impairment in accordance
with Statement of Financial Accounting 121, "Accounting for the Impairment
of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of."
Additionally, SFAS No. 142 requires that a transitional goodwill impairment
test be completed six months from the date of adoption. We have not yet
determined the impact of adopting SFAS No. 142.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to certain market risks from changes in the price of
the XM Radio publicly traded stock which is collateralizing our promissory
notes from Motient. As of June 30, 2001, we have purchased a $25.0 million
12.5% promissory note from Motient. Embedded within this note is an
exchange feature that allows us to convert the note to shares of XM Radio
owned by Motient at a ratio set forth in the purchase agreement. As of June
30, 2001, we recognized an unrealized gain of approximately $13.8 million
related to the increase in the fair value of the exchange feature. Any
change in the market price could cause fluctuations in our earnings.
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The Company is aware of a number of purported class action lawsuits
that have been filed by the holders of the Company's common stock in the
Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and the New York State Supreme
Court challenging the proposed merger. Thus far, the Company is aware of
seventeen complaints that have been filed, sixteen in the Court of Chancery
in Delaware and one, Brickell Partners v. Rare Medium Group, Inc., et al.,
N.Y.S. Index No. 01602694, in the New York State Supreme Court. All of the
complaints name the Company and members of the Company's board of directors
as defendants. Most of the complaints name the holders of the Company's
preferred stock, and certain of their affiliates, as defendants, and some
of the complaints name Motient as a defendant.
On June 22, 2001, the Delaware court entered an order to
consolidate the sixteen Delaware lawsuits for all purposes into a single
purported class action, In re Rare Medium Group, Inc. Shareholders
Litigation, C.A. No. 18879-NC. Under the terms of the order, Ram Yariv was
added as an additional party plaintiff. The law firms of Abraham and
Paskowitz; Bull & Lifshitz, LLP; Bernstein Liebhard & Lifshitz LLP; Kirby
McInerney & Squire LLP; Stull, Stull & Brody; Weiss & Yourman; Wolf Popper
LLP; Milberg Weiss Bershad Hynes & Lerach LLP; Law Offices of Peter
Fischbein; Law Offices of Bernard M. Gross, P.C.; Berger & Montague, P.C.;
Barrack, Rodos & Bacine; Schiffrin & Barroway LLP; Law Offices of Curtis V.
Trinko LLP; Shapiro Haber & Urmy LLP; Law Offices of Alfred G. Yates, Jr.;
and Rabin & Peckel LLP were designated as plaintiffs' Committee of the
Whole, the law firm of Milberg Weiss Bershad Hynes & Lerach LLP was
designated as plaintiffs' Lead Counsel, and the law firm of Rosenthal
Monhait Gross & Goddess, P.A. was designated as plaintiffs' Delaware
Liaison Counsel. The complaint in Loeffelbein, et al. v. Stasior, et al.,
C.A. No 18939-NC was designated as the complaint in the consolidated
action.
On August 7, 2001, a Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint
was filed in Delaware Chancery Court. The Delaware Chancery Court has not
yet certified the consolidated lawsuit as a class action.
Both the Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint and the
complaint in the New York lawsuit allege that the defendants breached
duties allegedly owed to the holders of the Company's common stock in
connection with the merger agreement. Specifically, the complaints allege,
among other things, that: (1) the holders of the Company's preferred stock
engaged in self-dealing in the proposed merger; and (2) the Company's board
of directors allegedly breached its fiduciary duties by agreeing to
distribute the merger consideration differently among holders of the
Company's common and preferred shares. The Consolidated Amended Class
Action Complaint also alleges that the Company failed to adequately
disclose all material information in the joint proxy statement/prospectus
relating to the merger. The complaints in both lawsuits also allege that
the holders of the Company's preferred stock aided and abetted the supposed
breaches of fiduciary duties.
The lawsuits seek to stop the merger and/or to obtain an award of
monetary damages. Specifically, the plaintiffs seek, among other things:
(1) a declaration that the complaints are properly maintainable as a class
action; (2) injunctive or rescissory relief; (3) unspecified monetary
damages; (4) attorney's fees, costs and expenses; and (5) other and further
relief the Court deems proper.
The Company plans to contest these lawsuits vigorously. The
Company filed a motion to dismiss the Delaware lawsuit before the
Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint was filed and will supplement
its motion as appropriate in response to a new complaint. No hearing date
has been set for the motion.
The Company has been served with process and has filed a motion
to dismiss the New York lawsuit. The return date for this motion to be
heard by the New York court is September 10, 2001.
On May 16, 2001, plaintiffs Jay M. Wolff, David Bliss, Tim Barber and
Steve O'Brien filed suit against Rare Medium, Inc., ICC Technologies, Inc.,
and Rare Medium Texas I, Inc. in the United States District Court for the
Southern District of New York, Wolff, et al. v. Rare Medium, Inc., et al.,
CV No 01-4279. The plaintiffs asserted claims for breach of contract,
tortuous interference with contractual relations, tortuous interference
with prospective advantage, and breach of implied obligation of good faith,
arising out of the plaintiffs' alleged attempt to engage in transactions
involving some or all of the approximately 1.2 million shares of the
Company's common stock that the plaintiffs obtained in the Company's
acquisition of Big Hand, Inc. The plaintiffs seek unspecified compensatory
and punitive damages, interest, attorneys' fees and costs. The Company
plans to defend the matter vigorously.
In July 2001, Rare Medium received a notice of arbitration the Partner
with whom it had entered a strategic alliance agreement, as amended (the
"Agreement"), to assist in the training of personnel and development and
delivery by Rare Medium of solutions built utilizing the Partner's
technology. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Partner was to provide
Rare Medium with refundable advances of approximately $17.1 million, on an
interest free basis, to be paid to the Rare Medium over the term of the
two-year Agreement, subject to Rare Medium's compliance with certain
requirements set forth in the agreement. The amount and timing of the
repayment of the advances was subject to adjustment based on Rare Medium's
achievement of certain milestones in accordance with the terms of the
Agreement. A dispute arose with respect to Rare Medium's achievement of the
milestones. As a result, the Partner has allegedly terminated the Agreement
and commenced an arbitration seeking the return of all of the approximately
$8.6 million that had been advanced under the Agreement. Rare Medium
intends to contest the Partner's claims. There can be no assurance that
Rare Medium will be successful in contesting this action and that
accelerated repayment, along with attorney's fees and interest, will not be
required.
On July 23, 2001, plaintiff Microsoft Corporation filed suit against
Rare Medium, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Western
District of Washington, CO1-1130P. The plaintiff alleges breach of contract
in connection with a consulting agreement and an alliance agreement entered
between the parties seeking $2.3 million in damages, interest and
attorney's fees. The Company plans to defend the matter vigorously.
Item 2. Changes in Securities
(a) Not applicable
(b) Not applicable
(c) Not applicable
(d) Not applicable
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not applicable
Item 4. Submissions of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None
Item 5. Other Information
None
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) The following sets forth those exhibits filed pursuant to Item 601
of Regulation S-K:
Exhibit
Number Description
10.1 -- Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2001, between
the Company and Motient Corporation which was filed as Exhibit
10.112 to Motient Corporation's Registration Statement on Form
S-4, filed on June 26, 2001, and is hereby incorporated herein
by reference.
10.2 -- Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 14, 2001,
between the Company, Motient Corporation and MR Acquisition
Corp. which was filed as a Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's 8-K
filed on May 16, 2001, and is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
(b) The following sets forth the Company's reports on Form 8-K that
have been filed during the quarter for which this report is filed:
On May 16, 2001, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K (i) announcing
and describing the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 14, 2001,
by and among the Company, Motient Corporation and MR Acquisition Corp. and
(ii) disclosing the resignation of Suresh Mathews, the Company's President
and Chief Operating Officer and the President and Chief Operating Officer
of Rare Medium, Inc., the Company's Internet services subsidiary.
On May 25, 2001, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K announcing and
describing a number of purported class action lawsuits filed in Delaware
Chancery Court challenging the proposed merger between the Company and
Motient Corporation.
On June 13, 2001, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K announcing
and describing a round of staff reductions by the Company.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, this Registrant has duly caused this report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: August 13, 2001 By:/s/ Glenn S. Meyers
-------------------------------
Glenn S. Meyers
Chief Executive Officer
Date: August 13, 2001 By:/s/ Craig C. Chesser
--------------------------------
Craig C. Chesser
Vice President Finance and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Date: August 13, 2001 By:/s/ Michael A. Hultberg
-------------------------------
Michael A. Hultberg
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)