Lee Enterprises Announces Intent to Pursue Rights Offering to Potentially Reduce Term Loan Debt Interest Rate to 5% for Five Years

Core Viewpoint - Lee Enterprises, Inc. is initiating a proposed equity rights offering to raise up to $50 million to support its digital transformation efforts [1][2]. Group 1: Proposed Rights Offering - The proposed rights offering aims to raise capital for the company's digital transformation, with an aggregate offering value of up to $50 million [1]. - If the full offering amount is raised, the company will benefit from a reduction in its annual interest rate from 9% to 5% for five years, resulting in annual interest savings of approximately $18 million and up to $90 million over the five-year period [2]. - The net proceeds from the offering will be allocated for working capital and investments in technology related to advertising strategies, audience outreach, and digital products [3]. Group 2: Stockholder Consent and Share Structure - The company is seeking stockholder consent to amend its charter to authorize additional shares of existing common stock, a new class of convertible non-voting common stock, and "blank check" preferred stock [4]. - Holders of the company's voting common stock will receive subscription rights, which include a basic subscription right and an over-subscription privilege [5][10]. - The non-voting common stock issued in the offering is expected to convert automatically into voting common stock after three years [7]. Group 3: Regulatory and Procedural Aspects - A registration statement on Form S-1 has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to facilitate the proposed rights offering [8]. - The company reserves the right to modify, postpone, or cancel the proposed rights offering at any time [9]. - The offering will be made only by means of a prospectus that meets the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 [11].