DAVENPORT, Iowa — Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (Nasdaq: LEE) has announced that it has closed its previously announced $50 million strategic equity private placement. The investment was led by David Hoffmann, with participation from other existing investors in the company, providing the company with committed capital and a strengthened financial and governance foundation as it moves into its next phase. The company received $50 million of gross proceeds at the closing of the transaction, before transaction expenses.
Concurrently with the closing of the $50 million investment, an amendment to the company’s existing credit facility became operative, reducing the annual interest rate on approximately $455.5 million of the company’s outstanding long-term debt to 5% from 9% for a five-year period, materially improving the company’s capital structure and cash flow outlook.
As part of the closing of the transaction, David Hoffmann joined the company’s board of directors as its chairman.
“The successful closing of this investment represents an important milestone for Lee Enterprises. This transaction strengthens our balance sheet, provides additional financial flexibility, and supports our continued digital transformation,” said Nathan Bekke, Lee’s interim chief executive officer. “We are excited to welcome David Hoffmann to the company’s board of directors and appreciate the confidence he and our investors have shown in Lee.”
Advisers:
Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Lane & Waterman LLP served as exclusive financial adviser and legal advisers, respectively, to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated.
Stifel and Lathrop GPM LLP served as the exclusive financial adviser and legal adviser, respectively, to Hoffmann.
About Lee Enterprises:
Lee Enterprises is a major subscription and advertising platform and a leading provider of local news and information with daily newspapers, rapidly growing digital products and nearly 350 weekly and specialty publications serving 72 markets in 25 states. Our core commitment is to provide valuable, intensely local news and information to the communities we serve. Our markets include St. Louis, Missouri; Buffalo, New York; Omaha, Nebraska; Richmond, Virginia; Lincoln, Nebraska; Madison, Wisconsin; Davenport, Iowa; and Tucson, Arizona. Lee Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol LEE. For more information about Lee, please visit www.lee.net.
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