News & Events

The Firm is representing the Scripps family, which has a controlling interest in The E.W. Scripps Company (NYSE: SSP), in connection with Scripps’ announced definitive agreement with Journal Communications (NYSE: JRN) to merge their broadcast operations and spin off and then merge their newspapers, creating two focused and separately traded public companies.  Under the terms of the transactions, Scripps shareholders will own approximately 69% of the combined broadcasting company and approximately 59% of the newly formed newspaper company. Scripps shareholders will also receive a $60 million special cash dividend in connection with the transactions.

The E.W. Scripps Company, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, serves audiences and businesses through a growing portfolio of television, print and digital media brands. Scripps owns 21 local television stations as well as daily newspapers in 13 markets across the United States. Journal Communications, Inc., headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a diversified media company with operations in television and radio broadcasting, publishing and digital media.  Journal owns and operates or provides services to 14 television stations and 35 radio stations in 11 states.

The Simpson Thacher team includes Michael T. Holick (Corporate) and Gary Mandel and Andrew Purcell (Tax).