By Connie Thiessen
Corus has announced a major plan to reorganize its finances that could save the media company up to $40 million in annual cash interest payments.
If the plan is approved by the courts and shareholders, Corus says it will cut its third-party debt and other liabilities by over $500 million.
The proposed “recapitalization transaction” is a complex debt-for-equity swap designed to stabilize the company’s financial foundation. It comes on the heels of last week’s fourth-quarter earnings release, which saw revenue decrease 14 per cent for the quarter and 11 per cent for the year, primarily due to lower advertising demand.
The plan would replace Corus’s existing revolving credit line with a new $125 million facility, and term loan to be paid off and replaced with $300 million in new notes. Its most complex facet involves a share exchange with creditors, in which noteholders would trade some of their existing notes for a mix of new secured notes and a large amount of new common shares in a newly-formed holding company, called NewCo. Current shareholders (both Class A and Class B) would also have their shares exchanged for shares in the new holding company on a one-for-one basis. The noteholders’ exchange would result in them owning an estimated 99 per cent of the new company’s equity, while existing shareholders will own the remaining one per cent.
Corus will apply to the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) to have the new company’s shares traded publicly, essentially substituting the old Corus shares, which have been trading below .10 cents since July. The proposal also includes renegotiating key leases and a refreshed board of directors.
Corus CEO John Gossling said the transaction will “solidify our financial foundation and position Corus for the long-term,” emphasizing that the move will give the company the flexibility and liquidity needed to continue operations.
Corus said the plan has already secured backing from its senior lenders and noteholders representing over 74 per cent or $750 million of its unsecured notes. The Shaw Family Living Trust, which holds more than 80% of the voting shares, has also agreed to vote in favour of the transaction.
“This transaction represents the culmination of the strategic work to optimize Corus’ capital structure and manage the Company’s balance sheet, following the assignment of its senior credit facility earlier in 2025,” said Mark Hollinger, independent lead director of the board of directors. “After conducting a robust and comprehensive review process with our external financial and legal advisors, the Board concluded this Recapitalization Transaction represents the best available option for the Company and its stakeholders at this time.”
“In addition to right-sizing the balance sheet, we intend to continue executing our strategic plan. This includes focusing on attractive opportunities or partnerships to enhance revenue and value, including through a focus on digital services and products, as well as maintaining discipline over costs and cash management, and finding additional operational efficiencies,” added Gossling.
Photo of Corus CEO John Gossling
