McGraw-Hill to Sell Broadcasting Group to E. W. Scripps for $212 Million

NEW YORK, Oct. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) today announced a definitive agreement to sell its nine-station Broadcasting Group to The E. W. Scripps Company for $212 million in cash.  The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

"This transaction is another step in executing McGraw-Hill's Growth and Value Plan for the benefit of our shareholders, customers and employees," said Harold McGraw III, chairman, president and chief executive officer. "This divestiture will produce good value for a non-strategic asset as we work to create two focused operating companies, one centered on capital and commodities markets and the other on digital learning and education services.  Our goal is to enhance strategic and financial flexibility and to establish two pure-play investment opportunities for shareholders.  The Growth and Value Plan also includes accelerated share repurchases and actions to increase efficiency and reduce overhead costs.  

"I am proud of the contributions the Broadcasting Group has made during its rich history with McGraw-Hill. Scripps is a respected media company that will provide an excellent new home for our broadcasting stations and allow them to deepen their ties and value in the markets they serve," Mr. McGraw continued.

The Broadcasting Group includes ABC affiliates in Denver, Colorado (KMGH-TV), San Diego, California (KGTV), Bakersfield, California (KERO-TV), Indianapolis, Indiana (WRTV) and Azteca America affiliates in Denver, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, San Diego and Bakersfield.

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC  acted as financial advisor to McGraw-Hill in the transaction.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies: Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies is a leading global financial information and education company that helps professionals and students succeed in the Knowledge Economy.  With leading brands including Standard & Poor's, S&P Indices, S&P Capital IQ, Platts energy information services and McGraw-Hill Education, the Corporation has approximately 21,000 employees with more than 280 offices in 40 countries.  Sales in 2010 were $6.2 billion.  Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com.

The forward-looking statements in this news release involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various important factors, including worldwide economic, financial, liquidity, political and regulatory conditions; the health of debt (including U.S. residential mortgage-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations) and equity markets, including possible future interest rate changes; the health of the economy and in advertising; the level of expenditures and state new adoptions and open territory sales in the education market; the successful marketing of competitive products; and the effect of competitive products and pricing.

Contacts:

Investor Relations:
Donald S. Rubin, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
(212) 512-4321 (office)
[email protected]

News Media:
Patti Rockenwagner, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications
(212) 512-3533 (office)
[email protected]

SOURCE The McGraw-Hill Companies