Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE:Q) and its Qwest Capital
Funding, Inc. (QCF) subsidiary announced today that the offer by QCF to
purchase for cash any and all of two series of outstanding QCF debt
securities expired at 5 p.m. EDT, on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 (the
"Expiration Time”). A total of $959,678,000 in aggregate principal
amount of QCF's 7.9 percent Notes due 2010 and 7.25 percent Notes due
2011 (individually and collectively, the "Notes”) were tendered prior to
the Expiration Time, and all of such Notes have been accepted for
purchase. Since commencement of the tender offer on Feb. 24, 2010,
through the Expiration Time, QCF received tenders of Notes as follows:
-
Approximately $338.2 million of the 7.9 percent Notes, representing
about 84 percent of the outstanding principal amount of such Notes; and
-
Approximately $621.5 million of the 7.25 percent Notes, representing
about 78 percent of the outstanding principal amount of such Notes.
A total of $959,468,000 in aggregate principal amount of Notes was
purchased by QCF on March 10, 2010, the initial payment date. Holders
who validly tendered (and did not validly withdraw) their Notes at or
prior to the Expiration Time but after the Early Participation Payment
Deadline of 5 p.m. EST, on March 9, 2010, are expected to receive
payment on March 25, 2010, the final payment date.
The complete terms and conditions of the offer were set forth in an
Offer to Purchase and related Letter of Transmittal that were sent to
holders of Notes. Copies of the Offer to Purchase and Letter of
Transmittal may be obtained from the Information Agent for the offer,
D.F. King & Co., Inc., at (800) 829-6551 (US toll-free) or qwest@dfking.com
(email).
BofA Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley were the Dealer Managers for the
tender offer. Questions regarding the offer may be directed to BofA
Merrill Lynch at (888) 292-0070 (toll-free) and (646) 855-3401 (collect)
or Morgan Stanley at (800) 624-1808 (US toll-free) and (212) 761-5384
(collect).
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the
solicitation of an offer to purchase, securities. The tender offer is
being made solely by the Offer to Purchase dated Feb. 24, 2010, and the
related Letter of Transmittal.
About Qwest
Customers coast-to-coast turn to Qwest's industry-leading national
fiber-optic network and world-class customer service to meet their
communications and entertainment needs. For residential customers, Qwest
offers a new generation of fiber-optic-fast
Internet service, high-speed
Internet solutions, as well as digital home
phone, wireless service available through Verizon
Wireless and DIRECTV services.
Qwest is also the choice of 95 percent of Fortune 500 companies,
offering a full suite of network, data and voice services for small
businesses, large
businesses, government
agencies and wholesale
customers. Additionally, Qwest participates in Networx,
the largest communications services contract in the world, and is
recognized as a leader
in the network services market by leading technology industry analyst
firms.
Forward-Looking Statement Note
This release may contain projections and other forward-looking
statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements may
differ materially from actual future events or results. Readers are
referred to the documents filed by us with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, specifically the most recent reports which identify
important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from
those contained in the forward-looking statements, including but not
limited to: access line losses due to increased competition, including
from technology substitution of our access lines with wireless and cable
alternatives, among others; our substantial indebtedness, and our
inability to complete any efforts to further de-lever our balance sheet;
adverse results of increased review and scrutiny by media and others
(including any internal analyses) of financial reporting issues and
practices or otherwise; rapid and significant changes in technology and
markets; any adverse developments in commercial disputes or legal
proceedings; potential fluctuations in quarterly results; volatility of
our stock price; intense competition in the markets in which we compete
including the effects of consolidation in our industry; changes in
demand for our products and services; acceleration of the deployment of
advanced new services, such as broadband data, wireless and video
services, which could require substantial expenditure of financial and
other resources in excess of contemplated levels; higher than
anticipated employee levels, capital expenditures and operating
expenses; adverse changes in the regulatory or legislative environment
affecting our business; changes in the outcome of future events from the
assumed outcome included in our significant accounting policies; our
ability to utilize net operating losses in projected amounts; and
continued unfavorable general economic conditions.
The information contained in this release is a statement of Qwest’s
present intention, belief or expectation and is based upon, among other
things, the existing regulatory environment, industry conditions, market
conditions and prices, the economy in general and Qwest’s assumptions.
Qwest may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and
without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in Qwest’s
assumptions or otherwise. The cautionary statements contained or
referred to in this release should be considered in connection with any
subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that Qwest or
persons acting on its behalf may issue. This release may include
analysts’ estimates and other information prepared by third parties for
which Qwest assumes no responsibility.
Qwest undertakes no obligation to review or confirm analysts’
expectations or estimates or to release publicly any revisions to any
forward-looking statements and other statements to reflect events or
circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of
unanticipated events.
By including any information in this release, Qwest does not necessarily
acknowledge that disclosure of such information is required by
applicable law or that the information is material.
The marks that comprise the Qwest logo are registered trademarks of
Qwest Communications International Inc. in the U.S. and certain other
countries.
