S-4 1 ds4.htm FORM S-4 Form S-4
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 6, 2011

Registration No. 333-            

 

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form S-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

NIELSEN FINANCE LLC

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

Delaware   7374   20-5172894

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

770 Broadway

New York, New York 10003

(646) 654-5000

NIELSEN FINANCE CO.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

Delaware   7374   20-5172975

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

770 Broadway

New York, New York 10003

(646) 654-5000

GUARANTORS LISTED ON SCHEDULE A HERETO

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrants’ principal executive offices)

 

 

James W. Cuminale, Esq.

The Nielsen Company B.V.

770 Broadway

New York, New York 10003

(646) 654-5000

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service of process)

 

 

With a copy to:

Joseph H. Kaufman, Esq.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

425 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10017-3954

(212) 455-2000

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:    As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.

If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box:  ¨

If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering:  ¨

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of each Class of

Securities to be Registered

  Amount to be
Registered
 

Proposed Maximum
Offering Price

Per Note

  Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering
Price(1)
  Amount of
Registration Fee

7.75% Senior Notes due 2018

  $1,080,000,000   100%   $1,080,000,000   $125,388

Guarantees of 7.75% Senior Notes due 2018

  —     —     —                          (2)
 
 
(1) The registration fee has been calculated pursuant to Rule 457(f)(2) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The proposed maximum offering price is estimated solely for purpose of calculating the registration fee.
(2) Pursuant to Rule 457(n), no additional registration fee is payable with respect to the guarantees.

 

 

The registrants hereby amend this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registration shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration statement shall be come effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


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SCHEDULE A

 

 
Guarantor   

State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization

 

Address of Registrants’

Principal Executive
Offices

  

I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number

A. C. Nielsen (Argentina) S.A.

   Delaware   150 N. Martingale Rd.

Schaumburg, IL 60173

(847) 605-5000

   36-2722599

A. C. Nielsen Company, LLC

   Delaware   150 N. Martingale Rd.

Schaumburg, IL 60173

(847) 605-5000

   36-1549320

ACN Holdings Inc.

   Delaware   770 Broadway

New York, NY 10003

(646) 654-5000

   52-2294969

ACNielsen Corporation

   Delaware   770 Broadway

New York, NY 10003

(646) 654-5000

   06-1454128

ACNielsen eRatings.com

   Delaware   770 Broadway

New York, NY 10003

(646) 654-5000

   06-1561730

AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V.

   The Netherlands   Diemerhof 2

1112 XL Diemen

The Netherlands

+31 20 39 88777

   None

ART Holding, L.L.C.

   Delaware   150 N. Martingale Rd.

Schaumburg, IL 60173

(847) 605-5000

   None

Athenian Leasing Corporation

   Delaware   801 West Street

Wilmington, DE
19801

(302) 254-1004

   94-3156553

The Cambridge Group, Inc.

   Illinois   770 Broadway

New York, NY 10003

(646) 654-5000

   36-2836077

CZT/ACN Trademarks, L.L.C.

   Delaware   150 N. Martingale Rd.

Schaumburg, IL 60173

(847) 605-5000

   None

Foremost Exhibits, Inc.

   Nevada   770 Broadway

New York, NY 10003

(646) 654-5000

   95-4502915

NetRatings, LLC

   Delaware   770 Broadway

New York, NY 10003

(646) 654-5000

   77-0461990

Nielsen Business Media, Inc.

   Delaware   770 Broadway

New York, NY 10003

(646) 654-5000

   13-3754838

Nielsen Business Media Holding Company

   Delaware   770 Broadway

New York, NY 10003

(646) 654-5000

   26-2086718

The Nielsen Company B.V.

   The Netherlands   Diemerhof 2

1112 XL Diemen

The Netherlands

+31 20 39 88777

   None


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Guarantor    State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization

  Address of Registrants’

Principal Executive Offices

   I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number

The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S.à r.l.

   Luxembourg   65 Boulevard
Grande Duchesse
Charlotte
L-1331 Luxembourg
Grand-Duchy of
Luxembourg
   None

The Nielsen Company
Finance (Ireland) Limited

   Ireland   14 Riverwalk

National Digital Park
Citywest Business
Campus Dublin 24,
Ireland

   None

The Nielsen Company (US), LLC

   Delaware   150 N. Martingale Rd.

Schaumburg, IL 60173

(847) 605-5000

   04-3721439

Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V.

   The Netherlands   Diemerhof 2

1112 XL Diemen

The Netherlands

+31 20 39 88777

   None

Nielsen Mobile, LLC

   Delaware   770 Broadway

New York, NY 10003

(646) 654-5000

   91-1911335

Nielsen National Research Group, Inc.

   California   770 Broadway

New York, NY 10003

(646) 654-5000

   95-3194285

NMR Investing I, Inc.

   Delaware   801 West Street

Wilmington, DE 19801

(302) 254-1004

   06-1450569

NMR Licensing Associates, L.P.

   Delaware   801 West Street

Wilmington, DE 19801

(302) 254-1004

   51-0380964

TNC (US) Holdings, Inc.

   New York   770 Broadway

New York, NY 10003

(646) 654-5000

   22-2145575

VNU Intermediate Holding B.V.

   The Netherlands   Diemerhof 2

1112 XL Diemen

The Netherlands

+31 20 39 88777

   None

VNU International B.V.

   The Netherlands   Diemerhof 2

1112 XL Diemen

The Netherlands

+31 20 39 88777

   None

VNU Marketing Information, Inc.

   Delaware   770 Broadway

New York, NY 10003

(646) 654-5000

   13-3836156
 
 


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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not complete the exchange offer and issue these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted.

 

PROSPECTUS

Subject to Completion, dated July 6, 2011

Nielsen Finance LLC

Nielsen Finance Co.

Offer to Exchange

$1,080,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our 7.75% senior notes due 2018 and the guarantees thereof, which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for $1,080,000,000 of our outstanding 7.75% senior notes due 2018 and the guarantees thereof.

We hereby offer, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus (which constitute the “exchange offer”), to exchange up to $1,080,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our 7.75% senior notes due 2018 and the guarantees thereof, which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), which we refer to as the “exchange notes,” for a like principal amount of our outstanding 7.75% senior notes due 2018 and the guarantees thereof, which we issued on October 12, 2010 and November 9, 2010, which we refer to as the “old notes.” We refer to the old notes and the exchange notes collectively as the “notes.” The terms of the exchange notes are identical to the terms of the old notes in all material respects, except for the elimination of some transfer restrictions, registration rights and additional interest provisions relating to the old notes. Each of the notes is irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed by The Nielsen Company B.V. and certain of its subsidiaries which guarantee its obligations under the senior secured credit facility.

We will exchange any and all old notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                     , 2011, unless extended.

Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it shall deliver a prospectus in connection with any such resale of such exchange notes. The letter of transmittal states that by so acknowledging and delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer shall not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of exchange notes received in exchange for old notes where such old notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. We and the guarantors of the notes have agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the consummation of the exchange offer, we shall make this prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. See “Plan of Distribution.”

See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 12 of this prospectus for a discussion of certain risks that you should consider before participating in this exchange offer.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is                     , 2011


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

     1   

RISK FACTORS

     12   

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

     25   

MARKET AND INDUSTRY DATA AND FORECASTS

     27   

THE EXCHANGE OFFER

     28   

USE OF PROCEEDS

     37   

CAPITALIZATION

     38   

SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     39   

MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     42   

BUSINESS

     86   

MANAGEMENT

     99   

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF  CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

     130   

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

     135   

DESCRIPTION OF OTHER INDEBTEDNESS

     139   

DESCRIPTION OF NOTES

     143   

U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER

     200   

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     201   

LEGAL MATTERS

     202   

EXPERTS

     202   

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     202   

SERVICE OF PROCESS AND ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

     203   

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     F-1   

 

 

We have not authorized anyone to give you any information or to make any representations about us or the transactions we discuss in this prospectus other than those contained in this prospectus. If you are given any information or representations about these matters that is not discussed in this prospectus, you must not rely on that information. This prospectus is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities anywhere or to anyone where or to whom we are not permitted to offer or sell securities under applicable law. The delivery of this prospectus does not, under any circumstances, mean that there has not been a change in our affairs since the date of this prospectus. Subject to our obligation to amend or supplement this prospectus as required by law and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, the information contained in this prospectus is correct only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of these securities.

In relation to each member state of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a “Relevant Member State”), including each Relevant Member State that has implemented the 2010 PD Amending Directive with regard to persons to whom an offer of securities is addressed and the denomination per unit of the offer of securities (each, an “Early Implementing Member State”), with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State (the “Relevant Implementation Date”), no offer of shares which are the subject of the offering contemplated by this prospectus will be made to the public in that Relevant Member State (other than offers (the “Permitted Public Offers”) where a prospectus will be published in relation to the shares that has been approved by the competent authority in a Relevant Member State or, where appropriate, approved in another Relevant Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Relevant Member State, all in accordance with the Prospectus

 

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Directive), except that with effect from and including that Relevant Implementation Date, offers of shares may be made to the public in that Relevant Member State at any time:

(a) to “qualified investors” as defined in the Prospectus Directive, including:

(i) (in the case of Relevant Member States other than Early Implementing Member States), legal entities which are authorized or regulated to operate in the financial markets or, if not so authorized or regulated, whose corporate purpose is solely to invest in securities, or any legal entity which has two or more of (A) an average of at least 250 employees during the last financial year; (B) a total balance sheet of more than €43,000,000 and (C) an annual turnover of more than €50,000,000 as shown in its last annual or consolidated accounts; or

(ii) (in the case of Early Implementing Member States), persons or entities that are described in points (1) to (4) of Section I of Annex II to Directive 2004/39/EC, and those who are treated on request as professional clients in accordance with Annex II to Directive 2004/39/EC, or recognized as eligible counterparties in accordance with Article 24 of Directive 2004/39/EC unless they have requested that they be treated as non-professional clients; or

(b) to fewer than 100 (or, in the case of Early Implementing Member States, 150) natural or legal persons (other than “qualified investors” as defined in the Prospectus Directive), as permitted in the Prospectus Directive, subject to obtaining the prior consent of the representatives for any such offer; or

(c) in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, provided that no such offer of shares shall result in a requirement for the publication by the Company or any underwriter of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive or of a supplement to a prospectus pursuant to Article 16 of the Prospectus Directive.

Any person making or intending to make any offer within the European Economic Area of shares which are the subject of the offering contemplated in this prospectus should only do so in circumstances in which no obligation arises for the Company or any of the underwriters to produce a prospectus for such offer. Neither the Company nor the underwriters have authorized, nor do they authorize, the making of any offer of shares through any financial intermediary, other than offers made by the underwriters which constitute the final offering of shares contemplated in this prospectus.

Each person in a Relevant Member State (other than a Relevant Member State where there is a Permitted Public Offer) who initially acquires any shares or to whom any offer is made will be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed to and with each underwriter and the Company that: (a) it is a “qualified investor” within the meaning of the law in that Relevant Member State implementing Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive and (b) in the case of any shares acquired by it as a financial intermediary, as that term is used in Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, (i) the shares acquired by it in the offering have not been acquired on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in any Relevant Member State other than “qualified investors” as defined in the Prospectus Directive, or in circumstances in which the prior consent of the representatives has been given to the offer or resale or (ii) where shares have been acquired by it on behalf of persons in any Relevant Member State other than qualified investors, the offer of those shares to it is not treated under the Prospectus Directive as having been made to such persons.

For the purpose of the above provisions, the expression “an offer to the public” in relation to any shares in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer of any shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase any shares, as the same may be varied in the Relevant Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in the Relevant Member State and the expression “Prospectus Directive” means Directive 2003/71 EC (including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, in the case of Early Implementing Member States) and includes any relevant implementing measure in each Relevant Member State and the expression “2010 PD Amending Directive” means Directive 2010/73/EU.

 

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The notes may not be offered or sold in or into the United Kingdom by means of any document except in circumstances that do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Public Offers of Securities Regulations 1995. All applicable provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 must be complied with in respect of anything done in relation to the notes in, from or otherwise involving or having an effect in the United Kingdom.

In France, the notes may not be directly or indirectly offered or sold to the public, and offers and sales of the notes will only be made in France to providers of investment services relating to portfolio management for the account of third parties and/or to qualified investors acting for their own account, in accordance with Articles L.411-1, L.411-2 and D.411-1 of the Code Monétaire et Financier. Accordingly, this prospectus has not been submitted to the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Neither this prospectus nor any other offering material may be distributed to the public or used in connection with any offer for subscription or sale of the notes to the public in France or offered to any investors other than those (if any) to whom offers and sales of the notes in France may be made as described above and no prospectus shall be prepared and submitted for approval (visa) to the Autorité des Marchés Financiers.

Les titres ne peuvent être offerts ni vendus directement ou indirectement au public en France et ni l’offre ni la vente des titres ne pourra être proposée qu’ à des personnes fournissant le service d’investissement de gestion de portefeuille pour compte de tiers et/ou à des investisseurs qualifiés agissant pour compte propre conformément aux Articles L.411-1, L.411-2 et D411 1 du Code Monétaire et Financier. Par conséquent, ce prospectus n’a pas été soumis au visa de l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers et aucun prospectus ne sera preparé ou soumis au visa de l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Ni ce prospectus ni aucun autre document promotionnel ne pourra être communiqué en France au public ou utilisé en relation avec l’offre de souscription ou la vente ou l’offre de titres au public ou à toute personne autre que les investisseurs (le cas échéant) décrits ci-dessus auxquels les titres peuvent être offerts et vendus en France.

The notes may be offered and sold in Germany only in compliance with the German Securities Prospectus Act (Wertpapierprospektgesetz) as amended, the Commission Regulation (EC) No 809/2004 of April 29, 2004 as amended, or any other laws applicable in Germany governing the issue, offering and sale of securities. This prospectus has not been approved under the German Securities Prospectus Act (Wertpapierprospektgesetz) or the Directive 2003/71/EC.

The notes have not been and will not be qualified under the securities laws of any province or territory of Canada. The notes are not being offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Canada or to or for the account of any resident of Canada in contravention of the securities laws of any province or territory thereof.

Until                     , 2011 (90 days after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in the exchange notes, whether or not participating in the exchange offer, may be required to deliver a prospectus.

 

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary highlights information about Nielsen Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Nielsen Finance LLC”) and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of The Nielsen Company B.V., formerly known as VNU Group B.V. and prior to that as VNU N.V., or “Nielsen,” and Nielsen Finance Co., a Delaware corporation (“Nielsen Finance Co.”) and a wholly owned subsidiary of Nielsen Finance LLC, and the notes contained elsewhere in this prospectus. It is not complete and may not contain all the information that may be important to you. You should carefully read the entire prospectus before making an investment decision, especially the information presented under the heading “Risk Factors.” In this prospectus, except as otherwise indicated herein, or as the context may otherwise require, references to the “Issuers” refer to Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and references to “we,” “our,” “us,” and “the Company” refer to Nielsen and each of its consolidated subsidiaries, including the Issuers.

Overview

We are a leading global information and measurement company that provides clients with a comprehensive understanding of consumers and consumer behavior. We deliver critical media and marketing information, analytics and industry expertise about what consumers buy on a global and local basis and what consumers watch (consumer interaction with television, online and mobile). Our information, insights and solutions help our clients maintain and strengthen their market positions and identify opportunities for profitable growth. We have a presence in approximately 100 countries, including many developing and emerging markets, and hold leading market positions in many of our services and geographies. Based on the strength of the Nielsen brand, our scale and the breadth and depth of our solutions, we believe we are the global leader in measuring and analyzing consumer behavior in the segments in which we operate.

We help our clients enhance their interactions with consumers and make critical business decisions that we believe positively affect our clients’ sales. Our data and analytics solutions, which have been developed through substantial investment over many decades, are deeply embedded into our clients’ workflow as demonstrated by our long-term client relationships, multi-year contracts and high contract renewal rates. The average length of relationship with our top ten clients, which include The Coca-Cola Company, NBC Universal, Nestle S.A., News Corp., The Procter & Gamble Company and the Unilever Group, is more than 30 years. Typically, before the start of each year, nearly 70% of our annual revenue has been committed under contracts in our combined Watch and Buy segments.

We align our business into three reporting segments, the principal two of which are What Consumers Buy (“Buy”) (consumer purchasing measurement and analytics) and What Consumers Watch (“Watch”) (media audience measurement and analytics) Our Buy and Watch segments, which together generated 97% of our revenues in 2010, are built on an extensive foundation of proprietary data assets designed to yield essential insights for our clients to successfully measure, analyze and grow their businesses. The information from our Watch and Buy segments, when brought together, can deliver powerful insights into the effectiveness of advertising by linking media consumption trends with consumer purchasing data to better understand how media exposure drives purchase behavior. We believe these integrated insights will better enable our clients to enhance the return on investment of their advertising and marketing spending.

David Calhoun was appointed as our Chief Executive Officer in August 2006 following the purchase of our Company by a consortium of private equity firms (the “Sponsors”) on May 24, 2006. Mr. Calhoun and the management team have focused on building an open, simple and integrated operating model that drives innovation, delivers greater value to our clients and enhances the scalability of our global platform. We have made significant investments in expanding and optimizing our product portfolio and extending our technology platform to strengthen our analytics, measurement science and client delivery capabilities. We have also improved our operating efficiencies by streamlining our organizational structure and processes throughout the Company.

 

 

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In January 2011, our indirect parent company, Nielsen Holdings N.V. (“Holdings”), consummated an initial public offering of its common stock and its shares began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NLSN.”

Nielsen is a Netherlands besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid, or private company with limited liability. Nielsen’s registered office is located at Diemerhof 2, 1112 XL Diemen, the Netherlands and it is registered at the Commercial Register for Amsterdam under file number 3403 6267. The phone number of Nielsen in the Netherlands is +31 20 39 88777, and in the United States is +1 (646) 654-5000. We maintain a website at www.nielsen.com where general information about our business is available. The information contained on our website is not a part of this prospectus.

 

 

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Corporate structure

The following chart summarizes our corporate structure as of March 31, 2011 (with debt amounts as of March 31, 2011):

LOGO

 

(1)

Each of Parent, VNU Intermediate Holding B.V., Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V., VNU International B.V., Nielsen Business Media Holding Company, TNC (US) Holdings, Inc., VNU Marketing Information,

 

 

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Inc., ACN Holdings, Inc. and the wholly owned subsidiaries thereof, including the wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries of Nielsen Business Media Holding Company and ACN Holdings, Inc., in each case that guarantee our senior secured credit facilities, guarantee the notes. Neither Parent nor VNU Intermediate Holding B.V. is subject to any of the covenants contained in the indenture that are not payment covenants.

 

(2) The non-U.S. subsidiary of Nielsen Business Media Holding Company and the non-U.S. subsidiaries of ACN Holdings, Inc. do not guarantee the notes. In addition, subsidiaries that are not directly or indirectly wholly owned by Parent or that are not otherwise required to guarantee our senior secured credit facilities do not guarantee the notes. Certain of our less than wholly owned subsidiaries are also not subject to the restrictive covenants in the indenture. Our non-guarantor subsidiaries accounted for $2,567 million, or 50%, of our total revenue and total operating income of $454 million as compared to our total operating income of $730 million for 2010, $645 million, or 50%, of our total revenue and total operating income of $74 million as compared to our total operating income of $51 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, and approximately $6,288 million, or 43%, of our total assets, and approximately $2,095 million, or 21%, of our total liabilities, in each case as of March 31, 2011.

 

(3) Debt is denominated in Euros and has an aggregate outstanding principal amount of €30 million.

 

(4) Debt is denominated in Euros and has an aggregate outstanding principal amount of €50 million.

 

(5) Debt is denominated in Japanese yen and has an aggregate outstanding principal amount of ¥4,000 million.

 

(6) Comprised of two tranches of $1,610 million and €227 million each maturing in 2013, two tranches of $2,386 million and €273 million each maturing in 2016 and an 8.50% senior secured term loan maturing in 2017. Also includes our revolving credit facility, which provides for availability of up to $635 million. As of March 31, 2011, we had no borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility, not including $24 million of outstanding letters of credit.

 

(7) $325 million face amount.

 

(8) $215 million face amount.

 

 

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Summary of the Terms of the Exchange Offer

In connection with the issuance of the old notes, we entered into registration rights agreements (as more fully described below) with the initial purchasers of the old notes. Under these agreements, we agreed to deliver to you this prospectus and to consummate the exchange offer for the old notes by October 7, 2011. If we do not consummate the exchange offer for the old notes by October 7, 2011, we will incur additional interest expense pursuant to the registration rights agreements. You are entitled to exchange in the exchange offer your old notes for exchange notes which are identical in all material respects to the old notes except that:

 

   

the exchange notes have been registered under the Securities Act and will be freely tradable by persons who are not affiliated with us;

 

   

the exchange notes are not entitled to registration rights which are applicable to the old notes under the registration rights agreement; and

 

   

our obligation to pay additional interest on the old notes due to the failure to consummate the exchange offer by a prior date does not apply to the exchange notes.

 

The exchange offer

We are offering to exchange up to $1,080,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our registered notes and the guarantees thereof for a like principal amount of our 7.75% senior notes due 2018 and the guarantees thereof, which were issued on October 12, 2010 and November 9, 2010; and

 

  Old notes may be exchanged only in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.

 

Resales

Based on an interpretation by the staff of the SEC set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties, we believe that the exchange notes issued pursuant to the exchange offer in exchange for the old notes may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by you (unless you are an “affiliate” within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that you:

 

   

are acquiring the exchange notes in the ordinary course of business; and

 

   

have not engaged in, do not intend to engage in, and have no arrangement or understanding with any person or entity, including any of our affiliates, to participate in a distribution of the exchange notes.

 

  In addition, each participating broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for old notes, where such old notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it shall deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes. For more information, see “Plan of Distribution.”

 

 

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  Any holder of old notes, including any broker-dealer, who

 

   

is our affiliate,

 

   

does not acquire the exchange notes in the ordinary course of its business, or

 

   

tenders in the exchange offer with the intention to participate, or for the purpose of participating, in a distribution of exchange notes,

 

  cannot rely on the position of the staff of the Commission expressed in Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation, Morgan Stanley & Co., Incorporated or similar no-action letters and, in the absence of an exemption, must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with the resale of the exchange notes.

 

Expiration date; Withdrawal of tenders

The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                     , 2011, or such later date and time to which we extend it. We do not currently intend to extend the expiration date. A tender of old notes pursuant to the exchange offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to the expiration date. Any old notes not accepted for exchange for any reason will be returned without expense to the tendering holder promptly after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.

 

Conditions to the exchange offer

The exchange offer is subject to customary conditions, some of which we may waive. For more information, see “The Exchange Offer—Conditions to the Exchange Offer.”

 

Procedures for tendering old note

If you hold old notes through The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) and wish to participate in the exchange offer, you must comply with the Automated Tender Offer Program procedures of DTC.

 

  By accepting the exchange offer, you will represent to us that, among other things:

 

   

any exchange notes that you receive will be acquired in the ordinary course of your business;

 

   

you have no arrangement or understanding with any person or entity, including any of our affiliates, to participate in the distribution of the exchange notes;

 

   

if you are a broker-dealer that will receive exchange notes for your own account in exchange for old notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities, that you will deliver a prospectus, as required by law, in connection with any resale of the exchange notes; and

 

 

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you are not our “affiliate” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, or, if you are an affiliate, you will comply with any applicable registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.

 

Effect on holders of old notes

As a result of the making of, and upon acceptance for exchange of all validly tendered old notes pursuant to the terms of, the exchange offer, we will have fulfilled covenants contained in the registration rights agreement and, accordingly, we will not be obligated to pay additional interest as described in the registration rights agreement. If you are a holder of old notes and do not tender your old notes in the exchange offer, you will continue to hold such old notes and you will be entitled to all the rights and limitations applicable to the old notes in the indenture, except for any rights under the registration rights agreement that by their terms terminate upon the consummation of the exchange offer.

 

Consequences of failure to exchange

All untendered old notes will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer provided for in the old notes and in the indenture. In general, the old notes may not be offered or sold unless registered under the Securities Act, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Other than in connection with the exchange offer, we do not currently anticipate that we will register the old notes under the Securities Act.

 

U.S. federal income tax consequences

The exchange of old notes for exchange notes in the exchange offer will not be a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For more information, see “U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Exchange Offer.”

 

Use of Proceeds

We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the exchange notes in the exchange offer.

 

Registration rights agreements

We entered into registration rights agreements with the initial purchases of the old notes on October 12, 2010 and November 9, 2010. The registration rights agreements require us to file this exchange offer registration statement and contain customary provisions with respect to registration procedures, indemnity and contribution rights. In addition, the registration rights agreements provide that if we do not consummate the exchange offer for the old notes by October 7, 2011, respectively, we are required to pay additional interest at an initial rate of 0.25% per annum. The additional interest will increase by an additional 0.25% per annum with respect to each 90-day period until the exchange offer is consummated, up to a maximum of 1.00% per annum.

 

Exchange agent

Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas is the exchange agent with regard to the exchange offer. The address and telephone number of the exchange agent is set forth in the section captioned “The Exchange Offer—Exchange Agent.”

 

 

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Summary of the Terms of the Exchange Notes

The following summary highlights all material information contained elsewhere in this prospectus but does not contain all the information that you should consider before participating in the exchange offer. We urge you to read this entire prospectus, including the “Risk Factors” section and the consolidated financial statements and related notes.

The offering

The summary below describes the principal terms of the exchange notes. Certain of the terms and conditions described below are subject to important limitations and exceptions. The “Description of Notes” section of this prospectus contains more detailed descriptions of the terms and conditions of the exchange notes.

 

Issuers

Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co.

 

Exchange notes offered

$1,080 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Notes due 2018.

 

Maturity date

The exchange notes will mature on October 15, 2018.

 

Interest

The exchange notes will bear interest at a rate of 7.75% per annum. Interest on the notes is payable semiannually on April 15 and October 15 of each year commencing on October 15, 2011. Interest on the exchange notes will accrue from April 15, 2011.

 

Ranking

The exchange notes will be the Issuers’ senior unsecured obligations and will:

 

   

rank senior in right of payment to our existing and future debt and other obligations that are, by their terms, expressly subordinated in right of payment to the notes;

 

   

rank equally in right of payment to all of our existing and future senior debt and other obligations that are not, by their terms, expressly subordinated in right of payment to the notes, including our senior secured credit facilities and our currently outstanding 11 5/8% Senior Notes due 2014 and our 11 1/2% Senior Notes due 2016 (collectively, the “Existing Senior Notes”); and

 

   

be effectively subordinated in right of payment to all of our existing and future secured debt (including obligations under our senior secured credit facilities), to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt, and are structurally subordinated to all obligations of each of our subsidiaries that is not a guarantor of the notes.

 

 

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  Similarly, the exchange note guarantees will be the senior unsecured obligations of the guarantors and will:

 

   

rank senior in right of payment to all of the applicable guarantor’s existing and future debt and other obligations that are, by their terms, expressly subordinated in right of payment to the notes;

 

   

rank equally in right of payment to all of the applicable guarantor’s existing and future senior debt and other obligations that are not, by their terms, expressly subordinated in right of payment to the notes, including the guarantees of the senior secured credit facilities and the Existing Senior Notes; and

 

   

be effectively subordinated in right of payment to all of the applicable guarantor’s existing and future secured debt (including such guarantor’s guarantee under our senior secured credit facilities), to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt, and be structurally subordinated to all obligations of any subsidiary of a guarantor if that subsidiary is not also a guarantor of the Notes.

 

  As of March 31, 2011

 

   

the exchange notes and related guarantees would have ranked effectively junior to approximately $5,013 million of senior secured indebtedness under our senior secured credit facilities (we would have had $611 million of unutilized capacity under our revolving credit facility, after giving effect to $24 million of outstanding letters of credit) and $124 million of capital lease obligations, and

 

   

Parent had indebtedness of $162 million that would have been structurally subordinated to the notes and to the guarantees of each Guarantor except Parent and would have been pari passu to Parent’s guarantee of the notes. Our non-guarantor subsidiaries accounted for $2,567 million, or 50%, of our total revenue and had total operating income of $454 million as compared to our total operating income of $730 million for 2010, $645 million, or 50%, of our total revenue and had total operating income of $74 million as compared to our total operating income of $51 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, and approximately $6,288 million, or 43%, of our total assets, and approximately $2,095 million, or 21%, of our total liabilities, in each case as of March 31, 2011.

 

Guarantees

The exchange notes will be jointly and severally guaranteed by each of Parent, VNU Intermediate Holding B.V., Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. (f/k/a VNU Holding and Finance B.V.) and, subject to certain exceptions, each of their direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries other than the Issuers, in each case to the extent that such entity provides a guarantee under our senior secured credit facilities.

 

 

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Optional redemption

Prior to October 15, 2014, we will have the option to redeem some or all of the notes for cash at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount plus an applicable make-whole premium (as described in “Description of Notes—Optional Redemption”) plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. Beginning on October 15, 2014, we may redeem some or all of the notes at the redemption prices listed under “Description of Notes—Optional Redemption” plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.

 

Optional redemption after certain equity offerings and certain asset sales

At any time (which may be more than once) before October 15, 2013, we may choose to redeem up to 35% of the notes at a redemption price equal to 107.750% of the face amount thereof with the net proceeds of one or more equity offerings and/or one or more sales of a business unit of Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V., in each case to the extent such net cash proceeds are received by or contributed to Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. or a restricted subsidiary of Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. and so long as at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes remains outstanding afterwards. See “Description of Notes—Optional Redemption.”

 

Change of control

If we experience a change of control (as defined in the indenture governing the notes), we will be required to make an offer to repurchase the notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase. See “Description of Notes—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of Control.”

 

Certain covenants

The indenture governing the notes will contain covenants limiting our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to:

 

   

incur additional debt or issue certain preferred shares;

 

   

pay dividends on or make distributions in respect of our capital stock or make other restricted payments;

 

   

make certain investments;

 

   

sell certain assets;

 

   

create liens on certain assets to secure debt;

 

   

consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets;

 

   

enter into certain transactions with our affiliates; and

 

   

designate our subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries.

 

  Parent and certain of its less than wholly owned subsidiaries will not be subject to any of the foregoing covenants.

 

 

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  The covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions. See “Description of Notes.” Certain covenants will not apply to a series of notes for so long as the applicable series of notes have investment grade ratings from both Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor’s.

 

No Prior Market

The exchange notes will be new securities for which there is currently no market. Although the initial purchasers of the old notes have informed us that they intend to make a market in the exchange notes, they are not obligated to do so and they may discontinue market making activities at any time without notice. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that a liquid market for the exchange notes will develop or be maintained.

 

Risk Factors

Investing in the exchange notes involves substantial risks. See “Risk Factors” for a description of some of the risks you should consider before investing in the exchange notes.

 

 

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RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the risk factors set forth below as well as the other information contained in this prospectus before participating in the exchange offer. The risks described below are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or those we currently view to be immaterial may also materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Any of the following risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In such a case, you may lose all or a part of your original investment.

Risks Related to an Investment in the Notes

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under the notes.

We have now and, after the offering, will continue to have a significant amount of indebtedness. As of March 31, 2011, we had total indebtedness and other financing arrangements of $6,892 million (excluding bank overdrafts of $19 million), of which $1,084 million consisted of the old notes, and the balance consisted of $505 million of Existing Senior Notes, $5,013 million under our senior secured credit facilities, $162 million of Parent indebtedness, $128 million of existing capital lease obligations and other loans and financing arrangements and $611 million of unutilized capacity under our revolving credit facility, not including $24 million of outstanding letters of credit.

Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences to you. For example, it could:

 

   

make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the notes;

 

   

increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

 

   

require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, product development efforts and other general corporate purposes;

 

   

limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;

 

   

expose us to the risk of increased interest rates as certain of our borrowings are at variable rates of interest;

 

   

restrict us from making strategic acquisitions or causing us to make non-strategic divestitures;

 

   

limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, product development, debt service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes;

 

   

limit our ability to adjust to changing market conditions; and

 

   

place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt.

In addition, our indentures and our senior secured credit facilities contain financial and other restrictive covenants that will limit our ability to engage in activities that may be in our best interests long-term. Our failure to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all of our debts.

Despite current indebtedness levels, we and our subsidiaries may still be able to incur substantially more debt. This could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial leverage.

We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The terms of our indentures do not fully prohibit us or our subsidiaries from doing so. The revolving credit facility under our

 

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senior secured credit facilities permitted additional borrowing of up to $611 million as of March 31, 2011, not including $24 million of outstanding letters of credit, and all of those borrowings would rank effectively senior to the notes and the subsidiary guarantees. If new debt is added to our and our subsidiaries’ current debt levels, the related risks that we and they now face could intensify.

To service our indebtedness, we will require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.

Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, including the notes, and to fund planned capital expenditures and product development efforts will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. This, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.

We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations, that currently anticipated cost savings and operating improvements will be realized on schedule or that future borrowings will be available to us under our senior secured credit facilities in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness, including the notes, or to fund our other liquidity needs. Our cash interest expense for 2010 was $531 million, and on an adjusted basis to give effect to the offering of the old notes and the repayment of the 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and the 9% Senior Notes due 2014, would have been $510 million. At March 31, 2011, we had $4,583 million of debt under the senior secured credit facilities (which bear interest at floating rates) and Parent’s existing floating rate notes. A one percent increase in our floating rate indebtedness would increase annual interest expense by approximately $46 million. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness, including the notes, on or before maturity. We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness, including our senior secured credit facilities and the notes, on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

Your right to receive payments on the notes will be effectively subordinated to those lenders who have a security interest in our assets.

Our obligations under the notes and our guarantors’ obligations under their guarantees of the notes are unsecured, but our obligations under our senior secured credit facilities and each guarantor’s obligations under their guarantees of the senior secured credit facilities are secured by a security interest in substantially all of our domestic tangible and intangible assets, including the stock of most of our wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries, and the assets and a portion of the stock of certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries. If we are declared bankrupt or insolvent, or if we default under our senior secured credit facilities, the lenders could declare all of the funds borrowed thereunder, together with accrued interest, immediately due and payable. If we were unable to repay such indebtedness, the lenders could foreclose on the pledged assets to the exclusion of holders of the notes, even if an event of default exists under the indenture governing the notes at such time.

Furthermore, if the lenders foreclose and sell the pledged equity interests in any subsidiary guarantor under the notes, then that guarantor will be released from its guarantee of the notes automatically and immediately upon such sale. In any such event, because the notes are not secured by any of our assets or the equity interests in subsidiary guarantors, it is possible that there would be no assets remaining from which your claims could be satisfied or, if any assets remained, they might be insufficient to satisfy your claims fully.

As of March 31, 2011, the aggregate amount of our secured indebtedness and the secured indebtedness of our subsidiaries was approximately $5,013 million, and approximately $611 million was available for additional borrowing under the senior secured credit facilities, after giving effect to $24 million of outstanding letters of credit and bank guarantees. The indenture governing the notes permits us and our restricted subsidiaries to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future, including senior secured indebtedness.

 

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The Issuers of the notes are entities with no independent operations. The Issuers’ ability to repay their debt, including the notes, depends upon the performance of Parent and its other subsidiaries.

The Issuers of the notes are entities with no independent operations. All of our operations are conducted by Parent and its other subsidiaries, and the Issuers have no significant assets other than Nielsen Finance LLC, which will own all the shares of Nielsen Finance Co. As a result, the Issuers’ cash flow and their ability to service their indebtedness, including their ability to pay the interest and principal amount of the notes when due, will depend on the performance of Parent and its other subsidiaries and the ability of those entities to distribute funds to the Issuers.

Your right to receive payments on the notes could be adversely affected if any of our non-guarantor subsidiaries or less than wholly owned subsidiaries declare bankruptcy, liquidate, or reorganize.

Some but not all of our wholly owned subsidiaries guarantee the notes. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of any of our non-guarantor subsidiaries or less than wholly owned subsidiaries, holders of their indebtedness and their trade creditors will generally be entitled to payment of their claims from the assets of those subsidiaries before any assets are made available for distribution to us.

On March 31, 2011, the notes were structurally junior to $2,095 million of indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables) of our non-guarantor subsidiaries and our less than wholly owned subsidiaries. Our non-guarantor subsidiaries accounted for $2,567 million, or 50%, of our total revenue and had total operating income of $454 million as compared to our total operating income of $730 million for 2010, $645 million, or 50%, of our total revenue and had total operating income of $74 million as compared to our total operating income of $51 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, and approximately $6,288 million, or 43%, of our total assets as of March 31, 2011.

We may not have the ability to raise the funds necessary to finance the change of control offer required by the indenture.

Upon the occurrence of certain specific kinds of change of control events, we will be required to offer to repurchase all outstanding notes at 101% of the principal amount thereof plus, without duplication, accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to the date of repurchase. However, it is possible that we will not have sufficient funds at the time of the change of control to make the required repurchase of notes or that restrictions in our senior secured credit facility will not allow such repurchases. In addition, certain important corporate events, such as leveraged recapitalizations that would increase the level of our indebtedness, would not constitute a “Change of Control” under the indentures. See “Description of Notes—Repurchase at the Option of Holders.”

Federal and state statutes allow courts, under specific circumstances, to void notes and guarantees and require note holders to return payments received.

If we or any guarantor becomes a debtor in a case under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or encounters other financial difficulty, under federal or state fraudulent transfer law a court may void or otherwise decline to enforce the notes or the guarantees. A court might do so if it found that when we issued the notes or the guarantor entered into its guarantee, or in some states when payments became due under the notes or the guarantees, we could be subordinated to all other debts of that guarantor if, among other things, the guarantor or we received less than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration and either:

 

   

was insolvent or rendered insolvent by reason of such incurrence; or

 

   

was left with inadequate capital to conduct its business; or

 

   

believed or reasonably should have believed that it would incur debts beyond its ability to pay.

 

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The court might also void an issuance of notes or a guarantee, without regard to the above factors, if the court found that we issued the notes or the applicable guarantor entered into its guarantee with actual intent to hinder, delay or defraud its creditors.

A court would likely find that we or a guarantor did not receive reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration for the notes or its guarantee, if an Issuer or a guarantor did not substantially benefit directly or indirectly from the issuance of the notes. If a court were to void the issuance of the notes or any guarantee you would no longer have any claim against an Issuer or the applicable guarantor. Sufficient funds to repay the notes may not be available from other sources, including the remaining obligors, if any. In addition, the court might direct you to repay any amounts that you already received from an Issuer or a guarantor.

The measures of insolvency for purposes of these fraudulent transfer laws will vary depending upon the law applied in any proceeding to determine whether a fraudulent transfer has occurred. Generally, however, a guarantor would be considered insolvent if:

 

   

the sum of its debts, including contingent liabilities, was greater than the fair saleable value of all of its assets; or

 

   

if the present fair saleable value of its assets was less than the amount that would be required to pay its probable liability on its existing debts, including contingent liabilities, as they become absolute and mature; or

 

   

it could not pay its debts as they become due.

On the basis of historical financial information, recent operating history and other factors, we believe that each guarantor, after giving effect to its guarantee of the notes, will not be insolvent, will not have unreasonably small capital for the business in which it is engaged and will not have incurred debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature. We cannot assure you, however, as to what standard a court would apply in making these determinations or that a court would agree with our conclusions in this regard.

Although each guarantee entered into by a subsidiary will contain a provision intended to limit that guarantor’s liability to the maximum amount that it could incur without causing the incurrence of obligations under its guarantee to be a fraudulent transfer, this provision may not be effective to protect those guarantees from being voided under fraudulent transfer law, or may reduce that guarantor’s obligation to an amount that effectively makes its guarantee worthless. In a recent Florida bankruptcy case, this kind of provision was found to be ineffective to prohibit the guarantees.

Dutch insolvency laws to which we are subject may not be as favorable to you as U.S. or other insolvency laws.

The Dutch guarantors are incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands and have their registered offices in the Netherlands. Therefore and subject to applicable EU insolvency regulations, any insolvency proceedings in relation to Dutch guarantors would likely be based on Dutch insolvency law. Dutch insolvency proceedings differ significantly from insolvency proceedings in the United States and may make it more difficult for holders of notes to recover the amount they would normally expect to recover in a liquidation or bankruptcy proceeding in the United States.

In addition, a guarantee granted by a Dutch legal entity may, under certain circumstances, be nullified by any of its creditors, if (i) the creditor concerned was prejudiced as a consequence of the guarantee and (ii) at the time the guarantee was granted both the legal entity and, unless the guarantee was granted for no consideration, the beneficiary of the guarantee knew or should have known that one or more of the entities’ creditors (existing or future) would be prejudiced. Also to the extent that Dutch insolvency law applies, a guarantee or security may be nullified by the receiver on behalf of and for the benefit of all creditors of the insolvent entity. The foregoing requirements apply mutatis mutandis for such actions.

 

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Enforcement of guarantees by Dutch guarantors under the notes may be subject to certain limitations and will require satisfaction of certain conditions.

Under Dutch law, enforcement of guarantees may, in whole or in part, be limited to the extent that the undertakings of each Dutch guarantor under its guarantee are deemed to be in conflict with its objects (ultra vires). The issuing of such guarantee may conflict with such Dutch guarantor’s objects if (i) the text of the objects clause in it articles of association (statuten) does not include a reference to the issuance of guarantees to secure the obligations of affiliated companies, and (ii) such Dutch guarantor does not, irrespective of the wording of the objects clause, derive certain direct or indirect commercial benefit from the offering in respect of which such guarantee is issued.

Judgments obtained in the United States may not be enforceable in the Netherlands against Dutch guarantors under the notes.

The United States and the Netherlands do not currently have a treaty providing for the recognition and enforcement of judgments (other than arbitration awards) in civil and commercial matters. Therefore, any final judgment for the payment of money rendered by any federal or state court in the United States based on civil liability, whether or not predicated solely upon U.S. federal securities laws, would not be automatically enforceable in the Netherlands and new proceedings on the merits would have to be initiated before a Dutch court. However, if the party in whose favor such final judgment is rendered brings a new suit in a competent court in the Netherlands such a party may submit to a Dutch court the final judgment that has been rendered in the United States and such court will have the discretion to attach such weight to that judgment as it deems appropriate. To the extent that a Dutch court finds that the judgment rendered by a federal or state court in the United States (a) has not been rendered in violation of elementary principles of fair trial, and (b) does not contravene public policy of the Netherlands, the Dutch court will, under current practice, in principle, give binding effect to such judgment.

If you do not properly tender your old notes, you will continue to hold unregistered old notes and be subject to the same limitations on your ability to transfer old notes.

We will only issue exchange notes in exchange for old notes that are timely received by the exchange agent together with all required documents. Therefore, you should allow sufficient time to ensure timely delivery of the old notes and you should carefully follow the instructions on how to tender your old notes. Neither we nor the exchange agent are required to tell you of any defects or irregularities with respect to your tender of the old notes. If you are eligible to participate in the exchange offer and do not tender your old notes or if we do not accept your old notes because you did not tender your old notes properly, then, after we consummate the exchange offer, you will continue to hold old notes that are subject to the existing transfer restrictions and will no longer have any registration rights or be entitled to any additional interest with respect to the old notes. In addition:

 

   

if you tender your old notes for the purpose of participating in a distribution of the exchange notes, you will be required to comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of the exchange notes; and

 

   

if you are a broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for your own account in exchange for old notes that you acquired as a result of market-making activities or any other trading activities, you will be required to acknowledge that you will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of those exchange notes.

We have agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the exchange offer is consummated, we will make this prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any resales of the exchange notes.

After the exchange offer is consummated, if you continue to hold any old notes, you may have difficulty selling them because there will be fewer old notes outstanding.

 

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An active trading market may not develop for the exchange notes, in which case the trading market liquidity and the market price quoted for the exchange notes could be adversely affected.

The exchange notes are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. The liquidity of the trading market in the exchange notes, and the market price quoted for the exchange notes, may be adversely affected by changes in the overall market for high yield securities and by changes in our financial performance or prospects or in the prospects for companies in our industry generally. As a result, you cannot be sure that an active trading market will develop for the exchange notes. In addition, if a large amount of old notes are not tendered or are tendered improperly, the limited amount of exchange notes that would be issued and outstanding after we consummate the exchange offer would reduce liquidity and could lower the market price of those exchange notes.

Risks Related to Our Business

We may be unable to adapt to significant technological change which could adversely affect our business.

We operate in businesses that require sophisticated data collection, processing systems, software and other technology. Some of the technologies supporting the industries we serve are changing rapidly. We will be required to adapt to changing technologies, either by developing and marketing new products and services or by enhancing our existing products and services, to meet client demand.

Moreover, the introduction of new products and services embodying new technologies and the emergence of new industry standards could render existing products and services obsolete. Our continued success will depend on our ability to adapt to changing technologies, manage and process ever-increasing amounts of data and information and improve the performance, features and reliability of our existing products and services in response to changing client and industry demands. We may experience difficulties that could delay or prevent the successful design, development, testing, introduction or marketing of our products and services. New products and services, or enhancements to existing products and services, may not adequately meet the requirements of current and prospective clients or achieve any degree of significant market acceptance.

Traditional methods of television viewing are changing as a result of fragmentation of channels and digital and other new television technologies, such as video-on-demand, digital video recorders and internet viewing. If we are unable to continue to successfully adapt our media measurement systems to new viewing habits, our business, financial position and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Consolidation in the consumer packaged goods, media, entertainment, telecommunications and technology industries could put pressure on the pricing of our products and services, thereby leading to decreased earnings.

Consolidation in the consumer packaged goods, media, entertainment, telecommunications and technology industries could reduce aggregate demand for our products and services in the future and could limit the amounts we earn for our products and services. When companies merge, the products and services they previously purchased separately are often purchased by the combined entity in the aggregate in a lesser quantity than before, leading to volume compression and loss of revenue. While we attempt to mitigate the revenue impact of any consolidation by expanding our range of products and services, there can be no assurance as to the degree to which we will be able to do so as industry consolidation continues, which could adversely affect our business, financial position and results of operations.

Client procurement strategies could put additional pressure on the pricing of our information products and services, thereby leading to decreased earnings.

Certain of our clients may continue to seek further price concessions from us. This puts pressure on the pricing of our information products and services, which could limit the amounts we earn. While we attempt to

 

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mitigate the revenue impact of any pricing pressure through effective negotiations and by providing services to individual businesses within particular groups, there can be no assurance as to the degree to which we will be able to do so, which could adversely affect our business, financial position and results of operations.

Continued adverse market conditions, particularly in the consumer packaged goods, media, entertainment, telecommunications or technology industries in particular, could adversely impact our revenue.

As experienced in 2009, a number of adverse financial developments have impacted the U.S. and global financial markets. These developments include a significant economic deterioration both in the United States and globally, volatility and deterioration in the equity markets, and deterioration and tightening of liquidity in the credit markets. In addition, issues related to sovereign debt in Europe recently have negatively affected the global financial markets. The current economic environment has witnessed a significant reduction in consumer confidence and demand, impacting the demand for our customers’ products and services. Those reductions could adversely affect the ability of some of our customers to meet their current obligations to us and hinder their ability to incur new obligations until the economy and their businesses strengthen. The inability of our customers to pay us for our services and/or decisions by current or future customers to forego or defer purchases may adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, profitability and cash flows and may continue to present risks for an extended period of time. We cannot predict the impact of economic slowdowns on our future financial performance.

We expect that revenues generated from our marketing information and television audience measurement services and related software and consulting services will continue to represent a substantial portion of our overall revenue for the foreseeable future. To the extent the businesses we service, especially our clients in the consumer packaged goods, media, entertainment, telecommunications and technology industries, are subject to the financial pressures of, for example, increased costs or reduced demand for their products, the demand for our services, or the prices our clients are willing to pay for those services, may decline.

During challenging economic times, clients, typically advertisers, within our Buy segment may reduce their discretionary advertising expenditures and may be less likely to purchase our analytical services.

Clients within our Watch segment derive a significant amount of their revenue from the sale or purchase of advertising. During challenging economic times, advertisers may reduce advertising expenditures and advertising agencies and other media may be less likely to purchase our media information services.

Revenues within our Expositions segment are primarily derived from business-to-business trade shows and events. During challenging economic times exhibitors may cut back on attending our events which would have an adverse effect on our revenue.

We have suffered losses due to goodwill impairment charges and could do so again in the future.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are subject to annual review for impairment (or more frequently should indications of impairment arise). In addition, other intangible assets are also reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Economic volatility negatively impacted our financial results and, as a direct result, we recorded goodwill impairment charges of $282 million and $96 million for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 respectively (as well as $55 million and $336 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively, relating to discontinued operations) and $245 million of intangible asset impairment charges for the year ended December 31, 2009. Subsequent to the recognition of these impairment charges and as of December 31, 2010, we had goodwill and intangible assets of approximately $11.7 billion. Any further downward revisions in the fair value of our reporting units or our intangible assets could result in further impairment charges for goodwill and intangible assets that could materially affect our financial performance.

 

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The success of our business depends on our ability to recruit sample participants to participate in our research samples.

Our business uses scanners and diaries to gather consumer data from sample households as well as Set Meters, People Meters, Active/Passive Meters and diaries to gather television audience measurement data from sample households. It is increasingly difficult and costly to obtain consent from households to participate in the surveys. In addition, it is increasingly difficult and costly to ensure that the selected sample of households mirrors the behaviors and characteristics of the entire population and covers all of the demographic segments requested by our clients. Additionally, as consumers adopt modes of telecommunication other than traditional telephone service, such as mobile, cable and internet calling, it may become more difficult for our services to reach and recruit participants for consumer purchasing and audience measurement services. If we are unsuccessful in our efforts to recruit appropriate participants and maintain adequate participation levels, our clients may lose confidence in our ratings services and we could lose the support of the relevant industry groups. If this were to happen, our consumer purchasing and audience measurement services may be materially and adversely affected.

Data protection laws may restrict our activities and increase our costs.

Various statutes and rules regulate conduct in areas such as privacy and data protection which may affect our collection, use, storage and transfer of personally identifiable information both abroad and in the United States. Compliance with these laws may require us to make certain investments or may dictate that we not offer certain types of products and services or only offer such services or products after making necessary modifications. Failure to comply with these laws may result in, among other things, civil and criminal liability, negative publicity, data being blocked from use and liability under contractual warranties. In addition, there is an increasing public concern regarding data and consumer protection issues, and the number of jurisdictions with data protection laws has been slowly increasing. There is also the possibility that the scope of existing privacy laws may be expanded. For example, several countries including the United States have regulations that restrict telemarketing to individuals who request to be included on a do-not-call list. Typically, these regulations target sales activity and do not apply to survey research. If the laws were extended to include survey research, our ability to recruit research participants could be adversely affected. These or future initiatives may adversely affect our ability to generate or assemble data or to develop or market current or future products or services, which could negatively impact our business.

If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights, our business could be adversely affected.

The success of our business will depend, in part, on:

 

   

obtaining patent protection for our technology, products and services;

 

   

defending our patents, copyrights, trademarks, service marks and other intellectual property;

 

   

preserving our trade secrets and maintaining the security of our know-how and data; and

 

   

operating our business without infringing upon intellectual property rights held by third parties.

We rely on a combination of contractual provisions, confidentiality procedures and the patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws of the United States and other countries to protect our intellectual property. These legal measures afford only limited protection and may not provide sufficient protection to prevent the infringement, misuse or misappropriation of our intellectual property. Intellectual property law in several foreign jurisdictions is subject to considerable uncertainty. There can be no assurances that the protections we have available for our proprietary technology in the United States and other countries will be available to us in all of the places we sell our products and services. Any infringement or misappropriation of our technology can have a negative impact on our business. The patents we own could be challenged, invalidated or circumvented by others and may not be of sufficient scope or strength to provide us with meaningful protection or commercial advantage. The expiration of our patents may lead to increased competition. Although our employees, consultants, clients and collaborators enter into confidentiality agreements with us, our trade secrets, data and

 

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know-how could be subject to unauthorized use, misappropriation or unauthorized disclosure. The growing need for global data, along with increased competition and technological advances, puts increasing pressure on us to share our intellectual property for client applications with others, which could result in infringement. Competitors may gain access to our intellectual property and proprietary information. Our trademarks could be challenged, which could force us to rebrand our products or services, result in a loss of brand recognition and require us to devote resources to advertising and marketing new brands. Furthermore, litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets and to determine the validity and scope of our proprietary rights. Given the importance of our intellectual property, we will enforce our rights whenever it is necessary and prudent to do so. Any future litigation, regardless of the outcome, could result in substantial expense and diversion of time and attention of management, may not be resolved in our favor and could adversely affect our business.

If third parties claim that we infringe upon their intellectual property rights, our operating profits could be adversely affected.

We cannot be certain that we do not and will not infringe the intellectual property rights of others in operating our business. We may be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of our business, including claims that we have infringed third parties’ intellectual property rights. Any such claims of intellectual property infringement, even those without merit, could:

 

   

be expensive and time-consuming to defend;

 

   

result in our being required to pay possibly significant damages;

 

   

cause us to cease providing our products and services that incorporate the challenged intellectual property;

 

   

require us to redesign or rebrand our products or services;

 

   

divert management’s attention and resources; or

 

   

require us to enter into potentially costly royalty or licensing agreements in order to obtain the right to use a third party’s intellectual property, although royalty or licensing agreements may not be available to us on acceptable terms or at all.

Any of the above could have a negative impact on our operating profits and harm our future prospects and financial condition.

We generate revenues throughout the world which are subject to exchange rate fluctuations, and our revenue and net income may suffer due to currency translations.

We operate globally, deriving approximately 48% of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010 in currencies other than U.S. dollars. Our U.S. operations earn revenue and incur expenses primarily in U.S. dollars, while our European operations earn revenue and incur expenses primarily in Euros, which have recently been subject to significant volatility. Outside the United States and the European Union, we generate revenue and expenses predominantly in local currencies. Because of fluctuations (including possible devaluations) in currency exchange rates, we are subject to currency translation exposure on the profits of our operations, in addition to economic exposure. In certain instances, we may not be able to freely convert foreign currencies into U.S. dollars due to limitations placed on such conversions. Certain of the countries in which we operate, such as Venezuela, have currencies which are considered to be hyperinflationary. This risk could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Our international operations are exposed to risks which could impede growth in the future.

We continue to explore opportunities in major international markets around the world, including China, Russia, India and Brazil. International operations expose us to various additional risks, which could adversely affect our business, including:

 

   

costs of customizing services for clients outside of the United States;

 

   

reduced protection for intellectual property rights in some countries;

 

   

the burdens of complying with a wide variety of foreign laws;

 

   

difficulties in managing international operations;

 

   

longer sales and payment cycles;

 

   

exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuation;

 

   

exposure to local economic conditions;

 

   

exposure to local political conditions, including adverse tax policies, civil unrest and seizure of assets by a foreign government; and

 

   

the risks of an outbreak of war, the escalation of hostilities and acts of terrorism in the jurisdictions in which we operate.

In countries where there has not been a historical practice of using consumer packaged goods retail information or audience measurement information in the buying and selling of advertising time, it may be difficult for us to maintain subscribers.

Criticism of our audience measurement service by various industry groups and market segments could adversely affect our business.

Due to the high-profile nature of our services in the media, internet and entertainment information industries, we could become the target of criticism by various industry groups and market segments. We strive to be fair, transparent and impartial in the production of audience measurement services, and the quality of our U.S. ratings services are voluntarily subject to review and accreditation by the Media Rating Council, a voluntary trade organization, whose members include many of our key client constituencies. However, criticism of our business by special interests, and by clients with competing and often conflicting demands on our measurement service, could result in government regulation. While we believe that government regulation is unnecessary, no assurance can be given that legislation will not be enacted in the future that would subject our business to regulation, which could adversely affect our business.

A loss of one of our largest clients could adversely impact our results of operations.

Our top ten clients accounted for approximately 24% of our total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010. We cannot assure you that any of our clients will continue to use our services to the same extent, or at all, in the future. A loss of one or more of our largest clients, if not replaced by a new client or an increase in business from existing clients, would adversely affect our prospects, business, financial condition and results of operations.

We rely on third parties to provide certain data and services in connection with the provision of our current services.

We rely on third parties to provide certain data and services for use in connection with the provision of our current services. For example, our Buy segment enters into agreements with third parties (primarily retailers of fast-moving consumer goods) to obtain the raw data on retail product sales it processes and edits and from which it creates products and services. These suppliers of data may increase restrictions on our use of such data, fail to

 

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adhere to our quality control standards, increase the price they charge us for this data or refuse altogether to license the data to us. In addition, we may need to enter into agreements with third parties to assist with the marketing, technical and financial aspects of expanding our services for other types of media. In the event we are unable to use such third party data and services or if we are unable to enter into agreements with third parties, when necessary, our business and/or our potential growth could be adversely affected. In the event that such data and services are unavailable for our use or the cost of acquiring such data and services increases, our business could be adversely affected.

We rely on a third party for the performance of a significant portion of our worldwide information technology and operations functions, various services and assistance in certain integration projects. A failure to provide these functions, services or assistance in a satisfactory manner could have an adverse effect on our business.

Pursuant to the terms of a ten year agreement, effective February 19, 2008, we are dependent upon Tata America International Corporation and Tata Consultancy Services Limited (collectively, “TCS”) for the performance of a significant portion of our information technology and operations functions worldwide, the provision of a broad suite of information technology and business process services, including general and process consulting, product engineering, program management, application development and maintenance, coding, data management, finance and accounting services and human resource services, as well as assistance in integrating and centralizing multiple systems, technologies and processes on a global scale. The success of our business depends in part on maintaining our relationships with TCS and their continuing ability to perform these functions and services in a timely and satisfactory manner. If we experience a loss or disruption in the provision of any of these functions or services, or they are not performed in a satisfactory manner, we may have difficulty in finding alternate providers on terms favorable to us, or at all, and our business could be adversely affected.

Long term disruptions in the mail, telecommunication infrastructure and/or air service could adversely affect our business.

Our business is dependent on the use of the mail, telecommunication infrastructure and air service. Long term disruptions in one or more of these services, which could be caused by events such as natural disasters, the outbreak of war, the escalation of hostilities, civil unrest and/or acts of terrorism could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Hardware and software failures, delays in the operation of our computer and communications systems or the failure to implement system enhancements may harm our business.

Our success depends on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of our computer and communications systems. A failure of our network or data gathering procedures could impede the processing of data, delivery of databases and services, client orders and day-to-day management of our business and could result in the corruption or loss of data. While many of our services have appropriate disaster recovery plans in place, we currently do not have full backup facilities everywhere in the world to provide redundant network capacity in the event of a system failure. Despite any precautions we may take, damage from fire, floods, hurricanes, power loss, telecommunications failures, computer viruses, break-ins and similar events at our various computer facilities could result in interruptions in the flow of data to our servers and from our servers to our clients. In addition, any failure by our computer environment to provide our required data communications capacity could result in interruptions in our service. In the event of a delay in the delivery of data, we could be required to transfer our data collection operations to an alternative provider of server hosting services. Such a transfer could result in significant delays in our ability to deliver our products and services to our clients and could be costly to implement. Additionally, significant delays in the planned delivery of system enhancements and improvements, or inadequate performance of the systems once they are completed, could damage our reputation and harm our business. Finally, long-term disruptions in infrastructure caused by events such as natural disasters, the outbreak of war, the escalation of hostilities, civil unrest and/or acts of terrorism (particularly involving cities in which we have offices) could adversely affect our services. Although we carry property and business interruption insurance, our coverage may not be adequate to compensate us for all losses that may occur.

 

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The presence of our Global Technology and Information Center in Florida heightens our exposure to hurricanes and tropical storms, which could disrupt our business.

The technological data processing functions for certain of our U.S. operations are concentrated at our Global Technology and Information Center (“GTIC”) at a single location in Florida. Our geographic concentration in Florida heightens our exposure to a hurricane or tropical storm. These weather events could cause severe damage to our property and technology and could cause major disruptions to our operations. Although our GTIC was built in anticipation of severe weather events and we have insurance coverage, if we were to experience a catastrophic loss, we may exceed our policy limits and/or we may have difficulty obtaining similar insurance coverage in the future. As such, a hurricane or tropical storm could have an adverse effect on our business.

Our services involve the storage and transmission of proprietary information. If our security measures are breached and unauthorized access is obtained, our services may be perceived as not being secure and panelists and survey respondents may hold us liable for disclosure of personal data, and clients and venture partners may hold us liable or reduce their use of our services.

We store and transmit large volumes of proprietary information and data that contains personally identifiable information about individuals. Security breaches could expose us to a risk of loss of this information, litigation and possible liability and our reputation could be damaged. For example, hackers or individuals who attempt to breach our network security could, if successful, misappropriate proprietary information or cause interruptions in our services. If we experience any breaches of our network security or sabotage, we might be required to expend significant capital and resources to protect against or to alleviate problems. We may not be able to remedy any problems caused by hackers or saboteurs in a timely manner, or at all. Techniques used to obtain unauthorized access or to sabotage systems change frequently and generally are not recognized until launched against a target and, as a result, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventive measures. If an actual or perceived breach of our security occurs, the perception of the effectiveness of our security measures could be harmed and we could lose current and potential clients.

If we are unable to attract, retain and motivate employees, we may not be able to compete effectively and will not be able to expand our business.

Our success and ability to grow are dependent, in part, on our ability to hire, retain and motivate sufficient numbers of talented people, with the increasingly diverse skills needed to serve clients and expand our business, in many locations around the world. Competition for highly qualified, specialized technical and managerial, and particularly consulting personnel is intense. Recruiting, training and retention costs and benefits place significant demands on our resources. The inability to attract qualified employees in sufficient numbers to meet particular demands or the loss of a significant number of our employees could have an adverse effect on us, including our ability to obtain and successfully complete important client engagements and thus maintain or increase our revenues.

Changes in tax laws may adversely affect our reported results.

Changes in tax laws, regulations, related interpretations and tax accounting standards in the United States, the Netherlands and other countries in which we operate may adversely affect our financial results. For example, recent legislative proposals to reform U.S. taxation of non-U.S. earnings could have a material adverse effect on our financial results by subjecting a significant portion of our non-U.S. earnings to incremental U.S. taxation and/or by delaying or permanently deferring certain deductions otherwise allowed in calculating our U.S. tax liabilities. In addition, governments are increasingly considering tax law changes as a means to cover budgetary shortfalls resulting from the current economic environment.

We face competition, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

We are faced with a number of competitors in the markets in which we operate. Some of our competitors in each market may have substantially greater financial marketing and other resources than we do and may in the

 

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future engage in aggressive pricing action to compete with us. Although we believe we are currently able to compete effectively in each of the various markets in which we participate, we may not be able to do so in the future or be capable of maintaining or further increasing our current market share. Our failure to compete successfully in our various markets could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

We may be subject to antitrust litigation or government investigation in the future, which may result in an award of money damages or force us to change the way we do business.

In the past, certain of our business practices have been investigated by government antitrust or competition agencies, and we have on several occasions been sued by private parties for alleged violations of the antitrust and competition laws of various jurisdictions. Following some of these actions, we have changed certain of our business practices to reduce the likelihood of future litigation. Although each of these material prior legal actions have been resolved, there is a risk based upon the leading position of certain of our business operations that we could, in the future, be the target of investigations by government entities or actions by private parties challenging the legality of our business practices. Also, in markets where the retail trade is concentrated, regulatory authorities may perceive certain of our retail services as potential vehicles for collusive behavior by retailers or manufacturers. There can be no assurance that any such investigation or challenge will not result in an award of money damages, penalties or some form of order that might require a change in the way that we do business, any of which could adversely affect our revenue stream and/or profitability.

The use of joint ventures, over which we do not have full control, could prevent us from achieving our objectives.

We have conducted and will continue to conduct a number of business initiatives through joint ventures, some of which are or may be controlled by others. Our joint venture partners might have economic or business objectives that are inconsistent with our objectives. Our joint venture partners could go bankrupt, leaving us liable for their share of joint venture liabilities. Although we generally will seek to maintain sufficient control of any joint venture to permit our objectives to be achieved, we might not be able to take action without the approval of our joint venture partners. Also, our joint venture partners could take appropriate actions binding on the joint venture without our consent. In addition, the terms of our joint venture agreements may limit our business opportunities. Accordingly, the use of joint ventures could prevent us from achieving our intended objectives.

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus contains “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which involve risks and uncertainties. You can identify forward looking statements because they contain words such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” or “anticipates” or similar expressions that concern our strategy, plans or intentions. All statements we make relating to our estimated and projected earnings, margins, costs, expenditures, cash flows, growth rates and financial results are forward looking statements. In addition, we, through our senior management, from time to time make forward looking public statements concerning our expected future operations and performance and other developments. These forward looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may change at any time, and, therefore, our actual results may differ materially from those that we expected. We derive many of our forward looking statements from our operating budgets and forecasts, which are based upon many detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations (“cautionary statements”) are disclosed under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus, including, without limitation, in conjunction with the forward looking statements included in this prospectus. All subsequent written and oral forward looking statements attributable to us, or persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements. Some of the factors that we believe could affect our results include:

 

   

the timing and scope of technological advances;

 

   

consolidation in our customers’ industries may reduce the aggregate demand for our services;

 

   

customer procurement strategies that could put additional pricing pressure on us;

 

   

general economic conditions, including the effects of the current economic environment on advertising spending levels, the costs of, and demand for, consumer packaged goods, media, entertainment and technology products and any interest rate or exchange rate fluctuations;

 

   

our substantial indebtedness;

 

   

certain covenants in our debt documents and our ability to comply with such covenants;

 

   

regulatory review by governmental agencies that oversee information gathering and changes in data protection laws;

 

   

the ability to maintain the confidentiality of our proprietary information gathering processes and intellectual property;

 

   

intellectual property infringement claims by third parties;

 

   

risks to which our international operations are exposed, including local political and economic conditions, the effects of foreign currency fluctuations and the ability to comply with local laws;

 

   

criticism of our audience measurement services;

 

   

the ability to attract and retain customers and key personnel;

 

   

the effect of disruptions to our information processing systems;

 

   

the effect of disruptions in the mail, telecommunication infrastructure and/or air services;

 

   

the impact of tax planning initiatives and resolution of audits of prior tax years;

 

   

future litigation or government investigations;

 

   

the possibility that the Sponsors’ interests will conflict with ours or yours;

 

   

the impact of competitive products;

 

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the financial statement impact of changes in generally accepted accounting principles; and

 

   

the ability to successfully integrate our Company in accordance with our strategy and success of our joint ventures.

We caution you that the foregoing list of important factors may not contain all of the material factors that are important to you. In addition, in light of these risks and uncertainties, the matters referred to in the forward looking statements contained in this prospectus may not in fact occur. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.

 

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MARKET AND INDUSTRY DATA AND FORECASTS

The data included in this prospectus regarding market share, market position and industry data pertaining to our business are based on reports of published industry sources and estimates based on our management’s knowledge and experience in the markets in which we operate. These estimates have been based on information obtained from our trade and business organizations and other contacts in the markets in which we operate.

Although we believe that the third party sources are reliable, we have not independently verified market industry data provided by third parties or by industry or general publications. Similarly, while we believe our internal estimates with respect to our industry are reliable, our estimates have not been verified by any independent sources, and we cannot assure you that they are accurate. While we are not aware of any misstatements regarding any industry data presented in this prospectus, our estimates, in particular as they relate to market share and our general expectations concerning the global marketing and media research and the business information industries, involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under the section entitled “Risk Factors.”

 

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THE EXCHANGE OFFER

Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer

We have entered into registration rights agreements with initial purchasers of the old notes, in which we agreed to file a registration statement with the SEC relating to an offer to exchange the old notes for exchange notes. The registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part was filed in compliance with this obligation. We also agreed to use our reasonable best efforts to cause a registration statement to become effective under the Securities Act. In addition, we agreed to use our commercially reasonable efforts to cause the exchange offer to be consummated on or before October 7, 2011. However, if the exchange offer is not consummated on or before October 7, 2011, we will incur additional interest expense. The exchange notes will have terms substantially identical to the old notes except that the exchange notes will not contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions and registration rights and additional interest payable for the failure to consummate the exchange offer by October 7, 2011. Old notes in an aggregate principal amount of $750,000,000 were issued on October 12, 2010, and old notes in an aggregate principal amount of $330,000,000 were issued on November 9, 2010.

Under the circumstances set forth below, we will cause the SEC to declare effective a shelf registration statement with respect to the resale of the old notes and we will use our reasonable best efforts to keep the shelf registration statement effective for up to two years after the effective date of the shelf registration statement. These circumstances include:

 

   

if we determine, upon the advice of outside counsel, that, the exchange offer is not permitted due to a change in applicable law or SEC policy;

 

   

if for any reason the registered exchange offer is not consummated by October 7, 2011, respectively;

 

   

if the initial purchasers so request after consummation of the registered exchange offer with respect to the old notes not eligible to be exchanged for the exchange notes and held by it following the consummation of the exchange offer;

 

   

if any holder (other than the initial purchasers) is not eligible to participate in the exchange offer; or

 

   

if the initial purchasers participate in the exchange offer and do not receive freely tradeable exchange notes in exchange for tendered old notes.

Each holder of old notes that wishes to exchange such old notes for transferable exchange notes in the exchange offer will be required to make the following representations:

 

   

any exchange notes to be received by it will be acquired in the ordinary course of its business;

 

   

it has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution (within the meaning of Securities Act) of the exchange notes;

 

   

it is not our “affiliate,” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, or, if it is an affiliate, that it will comply with applicable registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act; and

 

   

if such holder is a broker-dealer, that it will receive exchange notes for its own account in exchange for old notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities and such holder will acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes.

In addition, each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for old notes, where such old notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it shall deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes. See “Plan of Distribution.”

 

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Resale of Exchange Notes

Based on interpretations of the SEC staff set forth in no-action letters issued to unrelated third parties, we believe that exchange notes issued in the exchange offer in exchange for old notes may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by any exchange note holder without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, if:

 

   

such holder is not an “affiliate” of ours within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act;

 

   

such exchange notes are acquired in the ordinary course of the holder’s business; and

 

   

the holder does not intend to participate in the distribution of such exchange notes.

Any holder who tenders in the exchange offer with the intention of participating in any manner in a distribution of the exchange notes:

 

   

cannot rely on the position of the staff of the SEC set forth in “Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation” or similar interpretive letters; and

 

   

must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction.

If, as stated above, a holder cannot rely on the position of the staff of the SEC set forth in “Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation” or similar interpretive letters, any effective registration statement used in connection with a secondary resale transaction must contain the selling security holder information required by Item 507 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act.

This prospectus may be used for an offer to resell, for the resale or for other retransfer of exchange notes only as specifically set forth in this prospectus. With regard to broker-dealers, only broker-dealers that acquired the old notes as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities may participate in the exchange offer. Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for old notes, where such old notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. Please read the section captioned “Plan of Distribution” for more details regarding these procedures for the transfer of exchange notes. We have agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the exchange offer is consummated, we will make this prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any resale of the exchange notes.

Terms of the Exchange Offer

Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus, we will accept for exchange any old notes properly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the expiration date. We will issue $2,000 principal amount of exchange notes in exchange for each $2,000 principal amount of old notes surrendered under the exchange offer. We will issue $1,000 integral multiple amount of exchange notes in exchange for each $1,000 integral multiple amount of old notes surrendered under the exchange offer. Old notes may be tendered only in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.

The form and terms of the exchange notes will be substantially identical to the form and terms of the old notes except the exchange notes will be registered under the Securities Act, will not bear legends restricting their transfer and will not provide for any additional interest upon our failure to fulfill our obligations under the registration rights agreement to file, and cause to become effective, a registration statement. The exchange notes will evidence the same debt as the old notes. The exchange notes will be issued under and entitled to the benefits of the same indenture that authorized the issuance of the outstanding old notes. Consequently, both series of notes will be treated as a single class of debt securities under the indenture.

 

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The exchange offer is not conditioned upon any minimum aggregate principal amount of old notes being tendered for exchange.

As of the date of this prospectus, $1,080,000,000 aggregate principal amount of old notes are outstanding. There will be no fixed record date for determining registered holders of old notes entitled to participate in the exchange offer.

We intend to conduct the exchange offer in accordance with the provisions of the registration rights agreement, the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the rules and regulations of the SEC. Old notes that are not tendered for exchange in the exchange offer will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest and will be entitled to the rights and benefits such holders have under the indenture relating to the old notes.

We will be deemed to have accepted for exchange properly tendered old notes when we have given oral or written notice of the acceptance to the exchange agent. The exchange agent will act as agent for the tendering holders for the purposes of receiving the exchange notes from us and delivering exchange notes to such holders. Subject to the terms of the registration rights agreement, we expressly reserve the right to amend or terminate the exchange offer, and not to accept for exchange any old notes not previously accepted for exchange, upon the occurrence of any of the conditions specified below under the caption “—Certain Conditions to the Exchange Offer.”

Holders who tender old notes in the exchange offer will not be required to pay brokerage commissions or fees, or transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of old notes. We will pay all charges and expenses, other than those transfer taxes described below, in connection with the exchange offer. It is important that you read the section labeled “—Fees and Expenses” below for more details regarding fees and expenses incurred in the exchange offer.

Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments

The exchange offer for the old notes will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on             , 2011, unless we extend it in our sole discretion.

In order to extend the exchange offer, we will notify the exchange agent orally or in writing of any extension. We will notify in writing or by public announcement the registered holders of old notes of the extension no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.

We reserve the right, in our sole discretion:

 

   

to delay accepting for exchange any old notes in connection with the extension of the exchange offer;

 

   

to extend the exchange offer or to terminate the exchange offer and to refuse to accept old notes not previously accepted if any of the conditions set forth below under “—Certain Conditions to the Exchange Offer” have not been satisfied, by giving oral or written notice of such delay, extension or termination to the exchange agent; or

 

   

subject to the terms of the registration rights agreement, to amend the terms of the exchange offer in any manner, provided that in the event of a material change in the exchange offer, including the waiver of a material condition, we will extend the exchange offer period, if necessary, so that at least five business days remain in the exchange offer following notice of the material change.

Any such delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment will be followed as promptly as practicable written notice or public announcement thereof to the registered holders of old notes. If we amend the exchange offer in a manner that we determine to constitute a material change, we will promptly disclose such

 

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amendment in a manner reasonably calculated to inform the holders of old notes of such amendment, provided that in the event of a material change in the exchange offer, including the waiver of a material condition, we will extend the exchange offer period, if necessary, so that at least five business days remain in the exchange offer following notice of the material change. If we terminate this exchange offer as provided in this prospectus before accepting any old notes for exchange or if we amend the terms of this exchange offer in a manner that constitutes a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, we will promptly file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. In addition, we will in all events comply with our obligation to make prompt payment for all old notes properly tendered and accepted for exchange in the exchange offer.

Without limiting the manner in which we may choose to make public announcements of any delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment of the exchange offer, we shall have no obligation to publish, advertise, or otherwise communicate any such public announcement, other than by issuing a timely press release to a financial news service.

Conditions to the Exchange Offer

Despite any other term of the exchange offer, we will not be required to accept for exchange, or exchange any exchange notes for, any old notes, and we may terminate the exchange offer as provided in this prospectus before accepting any old notes for exchange if in our reasonable judgment:

 

   

the exchange notes to be received will not be tradable by the holder without restriction under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, and without material restrictions under the blue sky or securities laws of substantially all of the states of the United States;

 

   

the exchange offer, or the making of any exchange by a holder of old notes, would violate applicable law or any applicable interpretation of the staff of the SEC; or

 

   

any action or proceeding has been instituted or threatened in any court or by or before any governmental agency with respect to the exchange offer that, in our judgment, would reasonably be expected to impair our ability to proceed with the exchange offer.

In addition, we will not be obligated to accept for exchange the old notes of any holder that has not made:

 

   

the representations described under “—Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer,” “—Procedures for Tendering” and “Plan of Distribution;” and

 

   

such other representations as may be reasonably necessary under applicable SEC rules, regulations or interpretations to make available to us an appropriate form for registration of the exchange notes under the Securities Act.

We expressly reserve the right, at any time or at various times on or prior to the scheduled expiration date of the exchange offer, to extend the period of time during which the exchange offer is open. Consequently, we may delay acceptance of any old notes by giving written notice of such extension to the registered holders of the old notes. During any such extensions, all old notes previously tendered will remain subject to the exchange offer, and we may accept them for exchange unless they have been previously withdrawn. We will return any old notes that we do not accept for exchange for any reason without expense to their tendering holder promptly after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.

We expressly reserve the right to amend or terminate the exchange offer on or prior to the scheduled expiration date of the exchange offer, and to reject for exchange any old notes not previously accepted for exchange, upon the occurrence of any of the conditions of the exchange offer specified above. We will give written notice or public announcement of any extension, amendment, non-acceptance or termination to the registered holders of the old notes as promptly as practicable. In the case of any extension, such notice will be issued no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time on the business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.

 

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These conditions are for our sole benefit and we may, in our sole discretion, assert them regardless of the circumstances that may give rise to them or waive them in whole or in part at any or at various times except that all conditions to the exchange offer must be satisfied or waived by us prior to the expiration of the exchange offer. If we fail at any time to exercise any of the foregoing rights, that failure will not constitute a waiver of such right. Each such right will be deemed an ongoing right that we may assert at any time or at various times prior to the expiration of the exchange offer. Any waiver by us will be made by written notice or public announcement to the registered holders of the notes and any such waiver shall apply to all the registered holders of the notes.

In addition, we will not accept for exchange any old notes tendered, and will not issue exchange notes in exchange for any such old notes, if at such time any stop order is threatened or in effect with respect to the registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part or the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.

Procedures for Tendering Old Notes

Only a holder of old notes may tender such old notes in the exchange offer. If you are a DTC participant that has old notes which are credited to your DTC account by book-entry and which are held of record by DTC’s nominee, as applicable, you may tender your old notes by book-entry transfer as if you were the record holder. Because of this, references herein to registered or record holders include DTC.

If you are not a DTC participant, you may tender your old notes by book-entry transfer by contacting your broker, dealer or other nominee or by opening an account with a DTC participant, as the case may be.

To tender old notes in the exchange offer:

 

   

You must comply with DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program (“ATOP”) procedures described below;

 

   

The exchange agent must receive a timely confirmation of a book-entry transfer of the old notes into its account at DTC through ATOP pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer described below, along with a properly transmitted agent’s message, before the expiration date.

Participants in DTC’s ATOP program must electronically transmit their acceptance of the exchange by causing DTC to transfer the old notes to the exchange agent in accordance with DTC’s ATOP procedures for transfer. DTC will then send an agent’s message to the exchange agent. With respect to the exchange of the old notes, the term “agent’s message” means a message transmitted by DTC, received by the exchange agent and forming part of the book-entry confirmation, which states that:

 

   

DTC has received an express acknowledgment from a participant in its ATOP that is tendering old notes that are the subject of the book-entry confirmation;

 

   

the participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus; and

 

   

the Company may enforce the agreement against such participant. Delivery of an agent’s message will also constitute an acknowledgment from the tendering DTC participant that the representations described below in this prospectus are true and correct.

In addition, each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for old notes, where such old notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes. See “Plan of Distribution.”

 

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Book-Entry Transfer

The exchange agent will make a request to establish an account with respect to the old notes at DTC for purposes of the exchange offer promptly after the date of this prospectus; and any financial institution participating in DTC’s system may make book-entry delivery of old notes by causing DTC to transfer such old notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC in accordance with DTC’s procedures for transfer.

Withdrawal Rights

Except as otherwise provided in this prospectus, you may withdraw your tender of old notes at any time before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date.

To withdraw a tender of old notes in any exchange offer, the applicable exchange agent must receive a letter or facsimile notice of withdrawal at its address set forth below under “—Exchange Agent” before the time indicated above. Any notice of withdrawal must:

 

   

specify the name of the person who deposited the old notes to be withdrawn,

 

   

identify the old notes to be withdrawn including the certificate number or numbers and aggregate principal amount of old notes to be withdrawn or, in the case of old notes transferred by book-entry transfer, the name and number of the account at DTC to be credited and otherwise comply with the procedures of the relevant book-entry transfer facility, and

 

   

specify the name in which the old notes being withdrawn are to be registered, if different from that of the person who deposited the notes.

We will determine in our sole discretion all questions as to the validity, form and eligibility, including time of receipt, of notices of withdrawal. Our determination will be final and binding on all parties. Any old notes withdrawn in this manner will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for purposes of the exchange offer. We will not issue exchange notes for such withdrawn old notes unless the old notes are validly retendered. We will return to you any old notes that you have tendered but that we have not accepted for exchange without cost as soon as practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the exchange offer. You may retender properly withdrawn old notes by following one of the procedures described above at any time before the expiration date.

Exchange Agent

We have appointed Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas as exchange agent for the exchange offer of old notes.

You should direct questions and requests for assistance and requests for additional copies of this prospectus to the exchange agent addressed as follows:

Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas

60 Wall Street, 27th Floor

NYC 60-2710

New York, New York 10005

Tel: (800) 735-7777 (option 1)

e-mail: DB.Reorg@db.com

Fees and Expenses

We will bear the expenses of soliciting tenders. The principal solicitation is being made by mail, however, we may make additional solicitations by telegraph, telephone or in person by our officers and regular employees and those of our affiliates.

 

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We have not retained any dealer-manager in connection with the exchange offer and will not make any payments to broker-dealers or others soliciting acceptances of the exchange offer. We will, however, pay the exchange agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and reimburse it for its related reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

Our expenses in connection with the exchange offer include:

 

   

SEC registration fees;

 

   

fees and expenses of the exchange agent and trustee;

 

   

accounting and legal fees and printing costs; and

 

   

related fees and expenses.

Transfer Taxes

We will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange of old notes under the exchange offer. The tendering holder, however, will be required to pay any transfer taxes, whether imposed on the registered holder or any other person, if:

 

   

certificates representing old notes for principal amounts not tendered or accepted for exchange are to be delivered to, or are to be issued in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of old notes tendered; or

 

   

a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of old notes under the exchange offer.

If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes is not submitted, the amount of such transfer taxes will be billed to that tendering holder.

Holders who tender their old notes for exchange will not be required to pay any transfer taxes. However, holders who instruct us to register exchange notes in the name of, or request that old notes not tendered or not accepted in the exchange offer be returned to, a person other than the registered tendering holder will be required to pay any applicable transfer tax.

Consequences of Failure to Exchange

Holders of old notes who do not exchange their old notes for exchange notes under the exchange offer, including as a result of failing to timely deliver old notes to the exchange agent, together with all required documentation, will remain subject to the restrictions on transfer of such old notes:

 

   

as set forth in the legend printed on the old notes as a consequence of the issuance of the old notes pursuant to the exemptions from, or in transactions not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws; and

 

   

otherwise as set forth in the prospectus distributed in connection with the private offering of the old notes.

In addition, you will no longer have any registration rights or be entitled to additional interest with respect to the old notes.

In general, you may not offer or sell the old notes unless they are registered under the Securities Act, or if the offer or sale is exempt from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Except as required by the registration rights agreement, we do not intend to register resales of the old notes under the Securities Act. Based on interpretations of the SEC staff, exchange notes issued pursuant to the exchange offer

 

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may be offered for resale, resold or otherwise transferred by their holders, other than any such holder that is our “affiliate” within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act, without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that the holders acquired the exchange notes in the ordinary course of the holders’ business and the holders have no arrangement or understanding with respect to the distribution of the exchange notes to be acquired in the exchange offer. Any holder who tenders in the exchange offer for the purpose of participating in a distribution of the exchange notes:

 

   

could not rely on the applicable interpretations of the SEC; and

 

   

must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction.

After the exchange offer is consummated, if you continue to hold any old notes, you may have difficulty selling them because there will be fewer old notes outstanding.

Transfer and Exchange

The exchange notes will initially be issued in the form of several registered notes in global form without interest coupons, as follows:

 

   

The exchange notes will initially be represented by global notes in registered form without interest coupons attached (the “Global Exchange Notes”). The Global Exchange Notes will be deposited upon issuance with a custodian for The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC.

Ownership of interests in the Global Exchange Notes (“Book-Entry Interests”) will be limited to persons that have accounts with DTC or persons that may hold interests through such participants. In addition, transfers of Book-Entry Interests between participants in DTC will be effected by DTC pursuant to customary procedures and subject to the applicable rules and procedures established by DTC and their participants.

If definitive registered notes are issued, they will be issued upon receipt by the Registrar of instructions relating thereto and any certificates, opinions and other documentation required by the indenture. It is expected that such instructions will be based upon directions received by DTC from the participant which owns the relevant Book-Entry Interests.

Subject to any restrictions on transfer imposed by applicable law the Notes may be transferred or exchanged in whole or in part. In connection with any such transfer or exchange, each indenture will require the transferring or exchanging holder to, among other things, furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents, to furnish information regarding the account of the transferee at DTC to furnish certain certificates and opinions, and to pay any taxes, duties and governmental charges in connection with such transfer or exchange. Any such transfer or exchange will be made without charge to the holder, other than any taxes, duties and governmental charges payable in connection with such transfer.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Issuers are not required to register the transfer or exchange of any exchange notes:

 

  (1) for a period of 15 days prior to any date fixed for the redemption of such exchange notes;

 

  (2) for a period of 15 days immediately prior to the date fixed for selection of such exchange notes to be redeemed in part;

 

  (3) for a period of 15 days prior to the record date with respect to any interest payment date applicable to such exchange notes; or

 

  (4) which the holder has tendered (and not withdrawn) for repurchase in connection with a change of control offer.

 

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The Issuers and the trustee will be entitled to treat the holder of an exchange note as the owner of it for all purposes.

Accounting Treatment

We will record the exchange notes in our accounting records at the same carrying value as the old notes, as reflected in our accounting records on the date of exchange. Accordingly, we will not recognize any gain or loss for accounting purposes in connection with the exchange offer.

Other

Participation in the exchange offer is voluntary, and you should carefully consider whether to accept. You are urged to consult your financial and tax advisors in making your own decision on what action to take.

We may in the future seek to acquire untendered old notes in the open market or privately negotiated transactions, through subsequent exchange offers or otherwise. We have no present plans to acquire any old notes that are not tendered in the exchange offer or to file a registration statement to permit resales of any untendered old notes.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

The exchange offer is intended to satisfy our obligations under the registration rights agreement that we entered into in connection with the private offering of the old notes. We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the exchange notes in the exchange offer. As consideration for issuing the exchange notes as contemplated in this prospectus, we will receive in exchange a like principal amount of outstanding old notes, the terms of which are identical in all material respects to the exchange notes, except that the exchange notes will not contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions or additional interest upon a failure to fulfill certain of our obligations under the registration rights agreement.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth the capitalization for Nielsen only as of March 31, 2011. The information in this table should be read in conjunction with “Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Information,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

     As of March 31, 2011  
     (in millions)  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 391   
        

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations

  

Senior secured term loans

   $ 5,013   

Revolving credit facility(1)

     —     

11 1/2% Senior Notes due 2016(2)

     304   

11 5/8% Senior Notes due 2014(3)

     201   

7.75% Senior Notes due 2018

     1,084   

Euro Medium Term Notes(4)

     162   

Other long-term debt

     4   

Capital lease and other financing obligations

     124   
        

Total long-term debt and capital lease and other financing obligations, including current portion(5)

     6,892   

Total equity

     4,841   
        

Total capitalization

   $ 11,733   
        

 

(1) Does not include approximately $24 million of outstanding letters of credit. Our revolving credit facility provides for additional availability of $611 million as of March 31, 2011.

 

(2) $325 million face amount.

 

(3) $215 million face amount.

 

(4) Of the debt issued pursuant to our Euro Medium Term Note program, (i) a portion is denominated in Euros, with an aggregate outstanding principal amount of €80 million, and (ii) a portion is denominated in Japanese yen, with an aggregate outstanding principal amount of ¥4,000 million.

 

(5) Excludes bank overdrafts in the amount of $19 million.

 

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SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following table sets forth selected historical consolidated financial data as of the dates and for the periods indicated. The successor selected consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 and selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. The successor selected consolidated statement of operations data for the year ended December 31, 2007 and for the period from May 24, 2006 to December 31, 2006 and selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 have been derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements which are not included in this prospectus. The predecessor selected consolidated statement of operations data for the period from January 1, 2006 to May 23, 2006 has been derived from our predecessor’s audited consolidated financial statements which are not included in this prospectus. The selected consolidated statement of operations data for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 and the selected balance sheet data as of March 31, 2011 have been derived from our successor unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.

The results of operations for any period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period. The audited consolidated financial statements from which the historical financial information for the periods set forth below have been derived were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The selected historical consolidated financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with, and are qualified by reference to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

    Three Months
ended

March 31,
    Successor           Predecessor  

(IN MILLIONS,
EXCEPT PER SHARE
AMOUNTS)

  2011(1)     2010(2)     Year Ended
December 31,
2010(3)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2009(4)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2008(5)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2007(6)
    May 24-
December  31,
2006(7)
          January 1-
May  23,
2006
 

Statement of Operations Data:

                   

Revenues

  $ 1,302      $ 1,196      $ 5,126      $ 4,808      $ 4,806      $ 4,458      $ 2,405          $ 1,513   

(Loss)/income from continuing operations

    (176     47        153        (427     (227     (290     (284         (24

(Loss)/income from continuing operations per common share (basic and diluted)

    *        *        *        *        *        *        *            (0.10

Cash dividends declared per common share

    —          —          0.03        —          —          —          —              —     

 

     March 31,
2011
     December 31,  

(IN MILLIONS)

      2010      2009      2008      2007      2006  

Balance Sheet Data:

                 

Total assets

   $ 14,674       $ 14,425       $ 14,589       $ 15,082       $ 16,124       $ 15,976   

Long-term debt including capital leases

     6,911         8,550         8,640         8,428         8,097         7,819   

 

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* Not included for the successor periods as no publicly traded shares were outstanding.

 

(1) The loss for the three months ended March 31, 2011 included $136 million of interest expense, $23 million of restructuring charges, $7 million of foreign currency transaction gains, $145 million (net of tax of $86 million) of charges associated with the redemption of certain of our Senior Notes and a charge of $61 million (net of tax of $41 million) associated with the termination of the Sponsor Advisory Agreements.

 

(2) Income for the three months ended March 31, 2010 included $162 million of interest expense and $78 million of foreign currency transaction gains.

 

(3) Income for year ended December 31, 2010 included $660 million of interest expense, $61 million in restructuring costs, $135 million of foreign currency transaction gains and $57 million (net of tax of $33 million) of charges associated with the redemption of certain of our Senior Notes.

 

(4) The loss for the year ended December 31, 2009 included $644 million of interest expense, a goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge of $527 million and $62 million in restructuring costs.

 

(5) The loss for the year ended December 31, 2008 included $617 million of interest expense, a goodwill impairment charge of $96 million and $118 million in restructuring costs.

 

(6) The loss for the year ended December 31, 2007 included $622 million of interest expense, $105 million in foreign currency exchange transaction losses and $133 million in restructuring costs.

 

(7) The loss for the period May 24, 2006 to December 31, 2006 included $357 million of interest expense, $90 million relating to the deferred revenue purchase price adjustment, $71 million in foreign currency exchange transaction losses and $65 million in restructuring costs.

 

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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

 

    (Successor)           (Predecessor)  
    Three months
ended March 31,
2011
    Year Ended
December 31,
2010
    Year Ended
December 31,
2009
    Year Ended
December 31,
2008
    Year Ended
December 31,
2007
    May 24-
December 31,
2006
          January 1-
May  23,

2006
 
               

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

    (a    
1.2
  
 

 

(a

    (a     (a     (a         1.2   

 

(a) Earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2011, the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and for the successor period of May 24, 2006 to December 31, 2006 were inadequate to cover fixed charges by $303 million, $587 million, $173 million, $271 million and $393 million, respectively.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Introduction

The following discussion and analysis should be read together with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto. In addition, the following discussion and analysis covers periods both prior to and subsequent to the Valcon Acquisition (as defined below). Accordingly, historical periods may not be comparable with the periods presented after the Valcon Acquisition. Further, this report may contain material that includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that reflect, when made, Nielsen’s current views with respect to current events and financial performance. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Statements, other than those based on historical facts, which address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are and will be, as the case may be, subject to many risks, uncertainties and factors relating to Nielsen’s operations and business environment that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, express or implied, by such forward-looking statements. Unless required by context, references to “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Nielsen and each of its consolidated subsidiaries.

Background and Basis of Presentation

On May 24, 2006, Nielsen was acquired through a tender offer to shareholders by Valcon Acquisition B.V. (“Valcon”), an entity formed by investment funds associated with AlpInvest Partners, The Blackstone Group, The Carlyle Group, Hellman & Friedman, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., and Thomas H. Lee Partners (collectively, the “Sponsors”), which held 99.4% of Nielsen’s outstanding common shares as of December 31, 2007. Nielsen became a subsidiary of Valcon upon the consummation of the acquisition by Valcon (“Valcon Acquisition”). In May 2008, Valcon acquired the remaining Nielsen common shares through a statutory squeeze-out procedure pursuant to Dutch legal and regulatory requirements and therefore currently holds 100% of Nielsen’s outstanding common shares. Valcon also acquired 100% of the Nielsen preferred B shares in the period from May 24, 2006 to December 31, 2006, which were subsequently canceled.

We are a global information and measurement company that provides clients with a comprehensive understanding of consumers and consumer behavior. We deliver critical media and marketing information, analytics and industry expertise about what consumers buy and what consumers watch on a global and local basis (consumer interaction with television, online and mobile). Our information, insights and solutions help our clients maintain and strengthen their market positions and identify opportunities for profitable growth. We have a presence in approximately 100 countries, including many developing and emerging markets, and hold leading market positions in many of our services and geographies.

We believe that important measures of our results of operations include revenue and operating income. Our long-term financial objectives include consistent revenue growth and expanding operating margins. Accordingly, we are focused on geographic market and service offering expansion to drive revenue growth and improving operating efficiencies including effective resource utilization, information technology leverage and overhead cost management.

Our business strategy is built upon a model that has traditionally yielded consistent revenue performance. Typically, before the start of each year, nearly 70% of our annual revenue has been committed under contracts in our combined Buy and Watch segments, which provides us with a high degree of stability to our revenue and allows us to effectively manage our profitability and cash flows. We continue to look for growth opportunities through global expansion, specifically within developing markets, as well as through the expansion of our insights services and measurement services across what we refer to as the three screens: television, online and mobile.

 

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Our Transformation Initiative and other productivity initiatives, which were implemented following the Acquisition, are focused on a combination of improving operating leverage through targeted cost-reduction programs, business process improvements, portfolio restructuring actions (e.g. the exit of our Publications businesses) while at the same time investing in key programs to enhance future growth opportunities.

Achieving our business objectives requires us to manage a number of key risk areas. Our growth objective of geographic market and service expansion requires us to maintain the consistency and integrity of our information and underlying processes on a global scale, and to invest effectively our capital in technology and infrastructure to keep pace with our clients’ demands and our competitors. Our operating footprint across approximately 100 countries requires disciplined global and local resource management of internal and third party providers to ensure success. In addition, our high level of indebtedness requires active management of our debt profile, with a focus on underlying maturities, interest rate risk, liquidity and operating cash flows.

Business Segment Overview

We align our business into three reporting segments: what consumers buy (consumer purchasing measurement and analytics), what consumers watch (media audience measurement and analytics) and Expositions. Our Buy and Watch segments, which together generated substantially all of our revenues in 2010, are built on a foundation of proprietary data assets that are designed to yield essential insights for our clients to successfully measure, analyze and grow their businesses.

Our Buy segment provides Information services, which includes our core tracking and scan data (primarily transactional measurement data and consumer behavior information) and Insights services (primarily comprised of our analytical solutions) to businesses in the consumer packaged goods industry. Our services also enable our clients to better manage their brands, uncover new sources of demand, launch and grow new products, analyze their sales, improve their marketing mix and establish more effective consumer relationships. Our data is used by our clients to measure their market share, tracking billions of sales transactions per month in retail outlets around the world. Our extensive database of retail and consumer information, combined with our advanced analytical capabilities, helps generate strategic insights that influence our clients’ key business decisions. Within our Buy segment, we have two primary geographic groups, developed and developing markets. Developed markets primarily include the United States, Canada, Western Europe, Japan and Australia while developing markets include Latin America, Eastern Europe, Russia, China, India and Southeast Asia.

Our Watch segment provides viewership data and analytics primarily to the media and advertising industries across television, online and mobile screens. Our Watch data is used by our media clients to understand their audiences, establish the value of their advertising inventory and maximize the value of their content, and by our advertising clients to plan and optimize their spending. We are a leader in providing measurement services across the three screens.

Our Expositions segment operates one of the largest portfolios of business-to-business trade shows in the United States. Each year, we produce approximately 40 trade shows, which in 2010 connected approximately 270,000 buyers and sellers across 20 industries.

Certain corporate costs, other than those described above, including those related to selling, finance, legal, human resources, and information technology systems, are considered operating costs and are allocated to our segments based on either the actual amount of costs incurred or on a basis consistent with the operations of the underlying segment.

Critical Accounting Policies

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets

 

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and liabilities, revenues and expenses and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The most significant of these estimates relate to: revenue recognition; business combinations including purchase price allocations; accruals for pension costs and other post-retirement benefits; accounting for income taxes; and valuation of long-lived assets including goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, computer software and share-based compensation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the valuation of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. We evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis. Actual results could vary from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. For a summary of the significant accounting policies, including critical accounting policies discussed below, see Note 1—Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies—to our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize our revenues when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, services have been rendered or information has been delivered, the fee is fixed or determinable and the collectibility of the related revenue is reasonably assured.

A significant portion of our revenue is generated from information (primarily retail measurement and consumer panel services) and measurement (primarily from television, internet and mobile audiences) services. We generally recognize revenue from the sale of our services based upon fair value as the services are performed, which is usually ratably over the term of the contract(s). Invoiced amounts are recorded as deferred revenue until earned. Substantially all of our customer contracts are non-cancellable and non-refundable.

Our revenue arrangements may include multiple deliverables and in these arrangements, the individual deliverables within a contract are separated and recognized upon delivery based upon their fair values relative to the total contract value, to the extent that the fair values are readily determinable and the deliverables have stand-alone value to the customer. In certain cases, software is included as part of these arrangements to allow our customers to supplementally view delivered information and is provided for the term of the arrangement and is not significant to the marketing effort and is not sold separately. Accordingly, software provided to our customers is considered to be incidental to the arrangements and is not recognized as a separate element.

A discussion of our revenue recognition policies, by segment, follows:

Buy

Revenue from our Buy segment, primarily from retail measurement services and consumer panel services, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the period during which the services are performed and information is delivered to the customer.

We provide insights and solutions to customers through analytical studies that are recognized into revenue as value is delivered to the customer. The pattern of revenue recognition for these contracts varies depending on the terms of the individual contracts, and may be recognized proportionally or deferred until the end of the contract term and recognized when the information has been delivered to the customer.

Watch

Revenue from our Watch segment is primarily generated from television, internet and mobile measurement services and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract period, as the service is delivered to the customer.

 

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Expositions

Revenue and certain costs within our Expositions segment are recognized upon completion of each event.

Stock-Based Compensation

Expense Recognition

We measure the cost of all share-based payments, including stock options, at fair value on the grant date and recognize such costs within the Consolidated Statements of Operations; however, no expense is recognized for stock options that do not ultimately vest. We recognize expense associated with stock options that vest upon a single date using the straight-line method. For those that vest over time, an accelerated graded vesting is used. We recorded $18 million, $14 million and $18 million of expense associated with stock-based compensation for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The aggregate fair value of all outstanding vested and unvested options was $73 million and $38 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2010.

Fair Value Measurement and Valuation Methodologies

Stock-based compensation expense is primarily based on the estimated grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Determining the fair value of stock-based awards at the grant date requires considerable judgment, including the consideration of factors such as estimating the expected term of stock options, expected volatility of our stock, and the number of stock-based awards expected to be forfeited due to future terminations. Some of the critical assumptions used in estimating the grant date fair value are presented in the table below:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010      2009      2008  

Expected life (years)

     2.85 – 4.17            3.42 – 4.08            2.93 – 3.02      

Risk-free interest rate

     1.28 – 2.12%         1.70 – 2.07%         2.77%   

Expected dividend yield

     0%         0%         0%   

Expected volatility

     58.00 – 63.00%         54.00 – 62.00%         39.00%   

Weighted-average volatility

     60.05%         57.77%         39.00%   

In addition, for stock-based awards where vesting is dependent upon achieving certain operating performance goals, we estimate the likelihood of achieving the performance goals. Differences between actual results and these estimates could have a material effect on our financial results. We consider several factors in estimating the expected life of our options granted, including the expected lives used by a peer group of companies and the historical option exercise behavior of our employees, which we believe are representative of future behavior. Expected volatility is based primarily on a combination of the estimates of implied volatility of our peer-group and our historical volatility adjusted for its leverage. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of share-based awards represent our best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment.

Our board of directors set the exercise price of stock options with the intention that the price per share is not less than the estimated fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Our board has taken into consideration numerous objective and subjective factors to determine the fair market value of our common stock on each grant date in order to be able to set exercise prices. Such factors included, but were not limited to, (i) valuations using the methodologies described below, (ii) our operating and financial performance and (iii) the impact of global economic factors on market values.

Since our common stock was not publicly traded at any point during 2010, we conducted common stock valuation analyses on a semi-annual basis (as of June 30th and December 31st for each annual period) as well as on an interim basis considering the significance of individual grants. We considered numerous objective and

 

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subjective factors in valuing our common stock at each valuation date in accordance with the guidance in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Practice Aid Valuation of Privately-Held-Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation, or Practice Aid. These objective and subjective factors included, but were not limited to:

 

   

arm’s-length sales of our common stock in privately negotiated transactions;

 

   

valuations of our common stock;

 

   

our stage of development and financial position; and

 

   

our future financial projections.

Our common stock valuations performed from the Acquisition through December 31, 2010 were determined by taking a weighted-average value calculated under two different valuation approaches, an income approach and a market approach. While we believe both of these two approaches provide reliable estimates of fair value, we apply a heavier weighting to the income approach as we believe this valuation method provides a more reasonable estimate of fair value given the market approach may reflect greater volatility based on the trading multiples of a peer group in an unstable or illiquid market. We have not applied a discounting factor to the resulting fair values obtained by averaging the values calculated under the income approach and the market for the lack of marketability of the common stock for being a private company.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, we performed valuations of our common stock in March 2010, April 2010, June 2010 and December 2010. As a standard part of our approval process for each of these valuations, our board of directors reviewed our current and projected financial performance, including the consideration of various scenarios of such performance and their corresponding impact on our common stock valuation. As part of our board’s assessment of our operating performance it considered general economic conditions. Additionally, our board reviewed the peer group of companies and their performance relative to our business strategy. Finally, on each valuation date, our board considered the volatility in the equity markets generally. Subsequent to the initial public offering of the common stock of our indirect parent company, Nielsen Holdings N.V. (“Holdings”), the aforementioned valuation process will be replaced by the valuation of our stock options in reference to the market price of our underlying common stock on the date of grant.

Business Combinations

We account for our business acquisitions under the purchase method of accounting. The total cost of acquisitions is allocated to the underlying net assets, based on their respective estimated fair values. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires significant judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, asset lives, and market multiples, among other items.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are stated at historical cost less accumulated impairment losses, if any.

Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, consisting of certain trade names and trademarks, are each tested for impairment on an annual basis and whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such asset may not be recoverable. We have designated October 1st as the date in which the annual assessment is performed as this timing corresponds with the development of our formal budget and business plan review. We review the recoverability of our goodwill by comparing the estimated fair values of reporting units with their respective carrying amounts. We established, and continue to evaluate, our reporting units based on our internal reporting structure and generally define such reporting units at our operating segment level or one level below. Similar to the approach we take in valuing our common stock, the estimates of fair value of a reporting unit are determined using a combination of valuation techniques, primarily by an income approach using a discounted cash flow analysis and a market-based approach.

 

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A discounted cash flow analysis requires the use of various assumptions, including expectations of future cash flows, growth rates, discount rates and tax rates in developing the present value of future cash flow projections. Many of the factors used in assessing fair value are outside of the control of management, and these assumptions and estimates can change in future periods. Changes in assumptions or estimates could materially affect the determination of the fair value of a reporting unit, and therefore could affect the amount of potential impairment. The following assumptions are significant to our discounted cash flow analysis:

 

   

Business projections—the assumptions of expected future cash flows and growth rates are based on assumptions about the level of business activity in the marketplace as well as applicable cost levels that drive our budget and business plans. The budget and business plans are updated at least annually and are frequently reviewed by management and our board of directors. Actual results of operations, cash flows and other factors will likely differ from the estimates used in our valuation, and it is possible that differences and changes could be material. A deterioration in profitability, adverse market conditions and a slower or weaker economic recovery than currently estimated by management could have a significant impact on the estimated fair value of our reporting units and could result in an impairment charge in the future. Should such events or circumstances arise, management would evaluate other options available at that time that, if executed, could result in future profitability.

 

   

Long-term growth rates—the assumed long-term growth rate representing the expected rate at which a reporting unit’s earnings stream, beyond that of the budget and business plan period, is projected to grow. These rates are used to calculate the terminal value, or value at the end of the future earnings stream, of our reporting units, and are added to the cash flows projected for the budget and business plan period. The long-term growth rate for each reporting unit is influenced by general market conditions as well as factors specific to the reporting unit such as the maturity of the underlying services. The long-term growth rates we used for our reporting units were between 2% and 4%.

 

   

Discount rates—the reporting unit’s combined future cash flows are discounted at a rate that is consistent with a weighted-average cost of capital that is likely to be used by market participants. The weighted-average cost of capital is our estimate of the overall after-tax rate of return required by equity and debt holders of a business enterprise. The discount rate for each reporting unit is influenced by general market conditions as well as factors specific to the reporting unit. The discount rates we used for our reporting units were between 9% and 13%.

These estimates and assumptions vary between each reporting unit depending on the facts and circumstances specific to that unit. We believe that the estimates and assumptions we made are reasonable, but they are susceptible to change from period to period.

We also use a market-based approach in estimating the fair value of our reporting units. The market-based approach utilizes available market comparisons such as indicative industry multiples that are applied to current year revenue and earnings as well as recent comparable transactions.

To validate the reasonableness of the reporting unit fair values, we reconcile the aggregate fair values of our reporting units to our enterprise market capitalization. Enterprise market capitalization includes, among other factors, the estimated fair value of our common stock and the appropriate redemption values of our debt.

 

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We did not have any indicators of impairment during the year ended December 31, 2010. The following table summarizes the results of the ten reporting units that were subject to the October 1, 2010 annual impairment testing and the related goodwill value associated with the reporting units for (a) fair values exceeding carrying values by less than 10%, (b) fair values exceeding carrying values between 10% and 20% and (c) fair values exceeding carrying values by more than 20%.

 

Fair value exceeds

carrying value by:

   Number of
reporting
units
     Reporting
units
goodwill
(in millions)
 

Less than 10%(1)

     1       $ 387   

10% to 20%

     2         680   

Greater than 20%

     7         6,001   
                 

Totals

     10       $ 7,068   
                 

 

(1) This reporting unit was impaired during the third quarter of 2009.

We perform sensitivity analyses on our assumptions, primarily around both long-term growth rate and discount rate assumptions. Our sensitivity analyses include several combinations of reasonably possible scenarios with regard to these assumptions. However, we consistently test a one percent movement in both our long-term growth rate and discount rate assumptions. When applying these sensitivity analyses, we noted that the fair value was less than the underlying book value by less than 10% for two of our reporting units with goodwill of approximately $941 million at October 1, 2010 (approximately 13% of our total goodwill). These reporting units were subject to impairment charges in 2009 and were adjusted to reflect the fair value at that time.

However, since the effects of applying our sensitivity analyses based upon reasonably possible adverse changes in assumptions still resulted in fair values of our reporting units in excess of underlying carrying values, with the exception of two of our reporting units, which were subject to impairment charges in 2009 and were therefore expected to show such result, we concluded an impairment did not exist as of October 1, 2010 and it was not reasonably likely that an impairment would occur in the next twelve months from that date. While management believes that these sensitivity analyses provide a reasonable basis on which to evaluate the recovery of our goodwill, other facts or circumstances may arise that could impact the impairment assessment and therefore these analyses should not be used as a sole predictor of impairment.

Our results from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 included an aggregate goodwill impairment charge of $282 million, which was recorded in the third quarter of 2009. We also recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $55 million in the third quarter of 2009 relating to our Publications operating segment, which has been accounted for as a discontinued operation.

Our operating results for the year ended December 31, 2008 include a goodwill impairment charge of $96 million. We also recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $336 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 relating to our Publications operating segment, which has been accounted for as a discontinued operation.

The impairment test for other indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The estimates of fair value of trade names and trademarks are determined using a “relief from royalty” discounted cash flow valuation methodology. Significant assumptions inherent in this methodology include estimates of royalty rates and discount rates. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the respective intangible assets. Assumptions about royalty rates are based on the rates at which comparable trade names and trademarks are being licensed in the marketplace.

 

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Pension Costs

We provide a number of retirement benefits to our employees, including defined benefit pension plans and post retirement medical plans. Pension costs, in respect of defined benefit pension plans, primarily represent the increase in the actuarial present value of the obligation for pension benefits based on employee service during the year and the interest on this obligation in respect of employee service in previous years, net of the expected return on plan assets. Differences between this expected return and the actual return on these plan assets and actuarial changes are not recognized in the statement of operations, unless the accumulated differences and changes exceed a certain threshold. The excess is amortized and charged to the statement of operations over, at the maximum, the average remaining term of employee service. We recognize obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans as expenses in the statement of operations as they are incurred.

The determination of benefit obligations and expenses is based on actuarial models. In order to measure benefit costs and obligations using these models, critical assumptions are made with regard to the discount rate, the expected return on plan assets and the assumed rate of compensation increases. We provide retiree medical benefits to a limited number of participants in the U.S. and have ceased to provide retiree health care benefits to certain of our Dutch retirees. Therefore, retiree medical care cost trend rates are not a significant driver of our post retirement costs. Management reviews these critical assumptions at least annually. Other assumptions involve demographic factors such as turnover, retirement and mortality rates. Management reviews these assumptions periodically and updates them as necessary.

The discount rate is the rate at which the benefit obligations could be effectively settled. For our U.S. plans, the discount rate is based on a bond portfolio that includes only long-term bonds with an Aa rating, or equivalent, from a major rating agency. We believe the timing and amount of cash flows related to the bonds in this portfolio is expected to match the estimated payment benefit streams of our U.S. plans. For the Dutch and other non-U.S. plans, the discount rate is set by reference to market yields on high-quality corporate bonds.

To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, we consider, for each country, the structure of the asset portfolio and the expected rates of return for each of the components. For our U.S. plans, a 50 basis point decrease in the expected return on assets would increase pension expense on our principal plans by approximately $1 million per year. A similar 50 basis point decrease in the expected return on assets would increase pension expense on our principal Dutch plans by approximately $3 million per year. We assumed that the weighted-averages of long-term returns on our pension plans were 6.5%, 6.4% and 6.4 % for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The actual return on plan assets will vary year to year from this assumption. Although the actual return on plan assets will vary from year to year, we believe it is appropriate to use long-term expected forecasts in selecting our expected return on plan assets. As such, there can be no assurance that our actual return on plan assets will approximate the long-term expected forecasts.

Income Taxes

We have a presence in approximately 100 countries. We have completed many material acquisitions and divestitures, which have generated complex tax issues requiring management to use its judgment to make various tax determinations. We try to organize the affairs of our subsidiaries in a tax efficient manner, taking into consideration the jurisdictions in which we operate. Due to outstanding indemnification agreements, the tax payable on select disposals made in recent years has not been finally determined. Although we are confident that tax returns have been appropriately prepared and filed, there is risk that additional tax may be assessed on certain transactions or that the deductibility of certain expenditures may be disallowed for tax purposes. Our policy is to estimate tax risk to the best of our ability and provide accordingly for those risks and take positions in which a high degree of confidence exists that the tax treatment will be accepted by the tax authorities. The policy with respect to deferred taxation is to provide in full for temporary differences using the liability method.

Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are computed by assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. The carrying value of deferred tax assets is

 

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adjusted by a valuation allowance to the extent that these deferred tax assets are not considered to be realized on a more likely than not basis. Realization of deferred tax assets is based, in part, on our judgment and is dependent upon our ability to generate future taxable income in jurisdictions where such assets have arisen. Valuation allowances are recorded in order to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized in the future. In assessing the adequacy of our valuation allowances, we consider various factors including reversal of deferred tax liabilities, future taxable income and potential tax planning strategies.

Long-Lived Assets

We are required to assess whether the value of our long-lived assets, including our buildings, improvements, technical and other equipment, and amortizable intangible assets have been impaired whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recoverable. We do not perform a periodic assessment of assets for impairment in the absence of such information or indicators. Conditions that would necessitate an impairment assessment include a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset, a significant change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used or a significant adverse change that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets is not recoverable. Recoverability of assets that are held and used is measured by comparing the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be derived from an asset (or a group of assets) to their carrying value. If the carrying value of the asset (or the group of assets) exceeds the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows, impairment is considered to exist. If impairment is considered to exist based on undiscounted cash flows, the impairment charge is measured using an estimation of the assets’ fair value, typically using a discounted cash flow method. The identification of impairment indicators, the estimation of future cash flows and the determination of fair values for assets (or groups of assets) requires us to make significant judgments concerning the identification and validation of impairment indicators, expected cash flows and applicable discount rates. These estimates are subject to revision as market conditions and our assessments change. No impairment indicators were noted for the year ended December 31, 2010. Our operating results for the year ended December 31, 2009 include an aggregate customer-related intangible asset impairment charge of $245 million.

We capitalize software development costs with respect to major internal use software initiatives or enhancements. The costs are capitalized from the time that the preliminary project stage is completed, and we consider it probable that the software will be used to perform the function intended until the time the software is placed in service for its intended use. Once the software is placed in service, the capitalized costs are generally amortized over periods of three to six years. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of software may not be recovered, a recoverability analysis is performed based on estimated undiscounted cash flows to be generated from the software in the future. If the analysis indicates that the carrying value is not recoverable from future cash flows, the software cost is written down to estimated fair value and an impairment is recognized. These estimates are subject to revision as market conditions and as our assessments change.

Factors Affecting Nielsen’s Financial Results

Divestitures

During the year ended December 31, 2010, we received net cash proceeds of $17 million associated with business divestitures, including the sale of our box-office tracking operation as well as the remaining properties within the Publications operating segment discussed further below.

During the year ended December 31, 2009, we received $84 million in net proceeds associated with business divestitures, primarily associated with the sale of our media properties within the Publications operating segment. The impact of the remaining divestitures on our consolidated results of operations was not material.

During the year ended December 31, 2008, we received $23 million in net proceeds primarily associated with two divestitures within our Expositions segment and the final settlement of the sale of our Directories segment to World Directories Acquisition Corp (“World Directories”). The impact of these divestitures on our consolidated statement of operations was not material for all periods presented.

 

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Discontinued Operations

In December 2009, we substantially completed the planned exit of our Publications operating segment through the sale of our media properties, including The Hollywood Reporter and Billboard, to e5 Global Media LLC. Our consolidated financial statements reflect the Publications operating segment as a discontinued operation. The sale resulted in a loss of approximately $14 million, net of taxes of $3 million. The net loss included $10 million of liabilities for certain obligations associated with transition services that we contractually retained. During the year ended December 31, 2010, we completed the exit of the remaining properties and recorded a loss on sale of $5 million (net of tax of $3 million) associated with these divestitures.

In October 2010, we reached an agreement with the plaintiff in a lawsuit associated with our former Publications operating segment for a $12 million cash settlement, which was paid on October 26, 2010. We recorded a $7 million charge (net of tax of $5 million) associated with this settlement, which has been reported as a component of discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2010.

We recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $55 million relating to our Publications operating segment in September 2009.

See Note 4—Business Divestitures—to our consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions and Investments in Affiliates

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, we paid cash consideration of $60 million associated with both current period and previously executed acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had the current period acquisition occurred as of January 1, 2011, the impact on our consolidated results of operations would not have been material.

For the three months ended March 31, 2010, we paid cash consideration of $14 million associated with both current period and previously executed acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had that period’s acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2010, the impact on our consolidated results of operations would not have been material.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, we paid cash consideration of $55 million associated with both current period and previously executed acquisitions, net of cash acquired. In conjunction with these acquisitions, we recorded deferred consideration of $20 million, which is payable through 2013. Had the current period acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2010, the impact on our consolidated results of operations would not have been material.

For the year ended December 31, 2009, we paid cash consideration of $50 million associated with both current period and previously executed acquisitions and investments in affiliates, net of cash acquired. In conjunction with these acquisitions, we recorded deferred consideration of $25 million, of which $22 million was attributable to a March 2009 acquisition, which in March 2010, was agreed to be settled by a cash payment of $11 million in April 2010 and the issuance of $11 million in equity, substantially all of which is payable through March 2012 and non-cash consideration of $7 million. Had the current period acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2009, the impact on our consolidated results of operations would not have been material.

On December 19, 2008, we completed the purchase of the remaining 50% interest in AGB Nielsen Media Research (“AGBNMR”), a leading international television audience media measurement business, from WPP Group plc (“WPP”). With our full ownership of AGBNMR, we expect to be able to better leverage our global media product portfolio. In exchange for the remaining 50% interest in AGBNMR, we transferred business assets and ownership interests with an aggregate fair value of $72 million. No material gain or loss was recorded on the business assets and ownerships transferred.

On May 15, 2008, we completed the acquisition of IAG Research, Inc. (“IAG”), for $223 million (including non-cash consideration of $1 million), which was net of $12 million of cash acquired. The acquisition expands our television and internet analytics services through IAG’s measurement of consumer engagement with television programs, national commercials and product placements.

 

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For the year ended December 31, 2008, we paid cash consideration of $39 million associated with other acquisitions and investments in affiliates, net of cash acquired. In conjunction with these acquisitions, and as of December 31, 2008, we recorded deferred consideration of $12 million, which was subsequently paid in January 2009. Had the AGBNMR, IAG and other acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2008, the impact on our consolidated results of operations would not have been material.

Foreign Currency

Our financial results are reported in U.S. dollars and are therefore subject to the impact of movements in exchange rates on the translation of the financial information of individual businesses whose functional currencies are other than U.S. dollars. Our principal foreign exchange revenue exposure is spread across several currencies, primarily the Euro. The table below sets forth the profile of our revenue by principal currency.

 

     Three Months Ended
March  31,
    Year ended
December 31,
2010
    Year ended
December 31,
2009
    Year ended
December 31,
2008
 
     2011     2010        

U.S. Dollar

     52     53     52     53     53

Euro

     13     14     14     16     16

Other Currencies

     35     33     34     31     31
                                        

Total

     100     100     100     100     100

As a result, fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar impact our operating results. Impacts associated with fluctuations in foreign currency are discussed in more detail under “Item 7A.—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.” In countries with currencies other than the U.S. dollar, assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using end-of-period exchange rates; revenues, expenses and cash flows are translated using average rates of exchange. The average U.S. dollar to Euro exchange rate was $1.37 to €1.00, $1.39 to €1.00, $1.33 to €1.00, $1.39 to €1.00 and $1.47 to €1.00 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 and for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Constant currency growth rates used in the following discussion of results of operations eliminate the impact of year-over-year foreign currency fluctuations.

We have operations in both our Buy and Watch segments in Venezuela and our functional currency for these operations is the Venezuelan bolivares fuertes. Venezuela’s currency was considered hyperinflationary as of January 1, 2010 and further, in January 2010, Venezuela’s currency was devalued and a new currency exchange rate system was announced. We have evaluated the new exchange rate system and have concluded that our local currency transactions will be denominated in U.S. dollars until Venezuela’s currency is deemed to be non hyperinflationary. We recorded a charge of $7 million associated with the currency devaluation in January 2010 in our foreign exchange transaction gains, net line item. In June 2010, a further revision to the currency exchange rate system was made and in December 2010, the government of Venezuela announced that it is eliminating the preferential exchange rate. Neither the impact of the hyperinflationary accounting or the subsequent changes to the exchange rate system had a material impact on our consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 or the year ended December 31, 2010 nor are they expected to have an impact on our consolidated financial statements prospectively.

We evaluate our results of operations on both an as reported and a constant currency basis. The constant currency presentation is a non-GAAP financial measure, which excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We believe providing constant currency information provides valuable supplemental information regarding our results of operations, consistent with how we evaluate our performance. We calculate constant currency percentages by converting our prior-period local currency financial results using the current period foreign currency exchange rates and comparing these adjusted amounts to our current period reported results. This calculation may differ from similarly-titled measures used by others and, accordingly, the constant currency presentation is not meant to be a substitution for recorded amounts presented in conformity with GAAP nor should such amounts be considered in isolation.

 

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Results of Operations—Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2010

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the amounts included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations:

 

     Three Months Ended
March  31,
 

(IN MILLIONS)

       2011             2010      

Revenues

   $ 1,302      $ 1,196   
                

Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below

     549        520   

Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below

     543        400   

Depreciation and amortization

     136        141   

Restructuring charges

     23        3   
                

Operating income.

     51        132   
                

Interest income

     1        1   

Interest expense

     (136     (162

Loss on derivative instruments

     (1     (10

Foreign currency exchange transaction gains, net

     7        78   

Other (expense)/ income, net

     (230     9   
                

(Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net loss of affiliates

     (308     48   

Benefit for income taxes

     134        1   

Equity in net loss of affiliates

     (2     (2
                

(Loss)/income from continuing operations

     (176     47   

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (1     (5
                

Net (loss)/ income

     (177     42   

Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     1        1   
                

Net (loss)/income attributable to The Nielsen Company B.V.

   $ (178   $ 41   
                

Consolidated Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 Versus the Three Months Ended March 31, 2010

Revenues

Our revenues increased 8.9% to $1,302 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 from $1,196 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, or 7.3% on a constant currency basis, which excludes a 1.6% favorable impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These increases were driven by a 9.8% increase within our Buy segment (7.9% on a constant currency basis), a 6.4% increase within our Watch segment (5.4% on a constant currency basis), and a 14.3% increase in our Expositions segment.

Cost of Revenues, Exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization

Cost of revenues increased 5.6% to $549 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 from $520 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, or 4.2% on a constant currency basis, excluding a 1.4% unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These increases resulted from a 10.1%

 

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increase within our Buy segment (8.1% on a constant currency basis) due primarily to investments in the continued global expansion of our services. Costs within our Watch segment decreased 2.2% (3.3% on a constant currency basis) due primarily to productivity savings and product portfolio management initiatives in North America Television.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 35.8% to $543 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 from $400 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, or 34.1% on a constant currency basis, excluding a 1.7% unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These increases were driven by an 10.2% increase within our Buy segment (8.7% on a constant currency basis) due to increases in client service costs and other investments associated with the global expansion of our services as well as a 13.1% increase within our Watch segment (11.8% on a constant currency basis) due primarily to increased investment in three-screen measurement initiatives. Corporate costs increased by approximately $102 million as a result of a $102 million charge for the termination and settlement of the Sponsor Advisory Agreements.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense was $136 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to $141 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Depreciation and amortization expense associated with tangible and intangibles assets acquired in business combinations decreased to $50 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 from $60 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 resulting from lower amortization on purchase price adjustments for certain software assets that became fully amortized. This decline was offset by increases in depreciation and amortization expense associated with higher capital expenditures.

Restructuring Charges

We recorded $23 million and $3 million in restructuring charges relating to employee severance associated with productivity initiatives during the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Operating Income

Operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $51 million compared to operating income of $132 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Operating income of $64 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 within our Buy segment increased from $62 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Operating income within our Watch segment was $82 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to $71 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Operating income within our Expositions segment was $26 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to $18 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Corporate operating expenses increased to $121 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 from $19 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010.

Interest Expense

Interest expense was $136 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to $162 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, as decreases in interest costs associated with the impact of debt retirements during the quarter and lower interest costs on derivative instruments were only partially offset by increases in interest costs on our senior secured term.

Loss on Derivative Instruments

Loss on derivative instruments was $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to a loss of $10 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The reduction in losses resulted from the maturity of $1.5 billion in notional amount of interest rate swaps between February 2010 and November 2010 for which hedge accounting was discontinued in February 2009.

 

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Foreign Currency Exchange Transaction Gains, Net

Foreign currency exchange transaction gains, net, represent the net gain or loss on revaluation of external debt, intercompany loans and other receivables and payables. Fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar have a significant effect on our operating results, particularly the Euro. The average U.S. Dollar to Euro exchange rate was $1.37 to €1.00 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to $1.39 to €1.00 for the three months ended March 31, 2010.

Foreign currency exchange resulted in a $7 million gain for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to $78 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The gains in 2011 resulted primarily from the fluctuation in Japanese Yen as compared to the Euro applied to a debenture loan as well as fluctuations in certain currencies associated with a portion of our intercompany loan portfolio. The gains in 2010 resulted primarily from the fluctuation in the value of the U.S. Dollar against the Euro applied to certain of our Euro denominated senior secured term loans and debenture loans as well as fluctuations in certain currencies including the Euro and Canadian dollar associated with a portion of our intercompany loan portfolio.

Other (Expense)/Income, Net

The $230 million other expense amount for the three months ended March 31, 2011 includes charges of approximately $231 million associated with the redemption and subsequent retirement of certain indebtedness through contributions from Valcon. The charges related to the associated redemption premiums and recognition of previously deferred financing costs. These charges were partially offset by $1 million of other gains.

The $9 million other income amount for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was comprised of gains attributable to certain business divestitures.

Income Taxes

The effective tax benefit rates for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 were 44% and 2%, respectively. The tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was higher than the statutory expense rate primarily due to the favorable impact of certain financing activities and the tax rate differences in other jurisdictions where we file tax returns. The tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was significantly different from the statutory expense rate primarily due to the favorable effect of certain foreign exchange gains and financing activities.

Liabilities for unrecognized income tax benefits totaled $114 million as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. If our tax positions are favorably sustained by the taxing authorities, the reversal of the underlying liabilities would reduce our effective tax rate in future periods.

We file numerous consolidated and separate income tax returns in the U.S. Federal jurisdiction and in many state and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. Federal income tax examinations for 2006 and prior periods. In addition, we have subsidiaries in various states, provinces and countries that are currently under audit for years ranging from 2001 through 2008.

In 2010, the IRS concluded its audit of the 2006 and 2007 tax years. We are under Canadian audit for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008. It is anticipated that these examinations will be completed within the next twelve months. To date, we are not aware of any material adjustments not already accrued related to any of the current Federal, state or foreign audits under examination.

 

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Business Segment Results three months ended March 31, 2011 Compared to the three months ended March 31, 2010

Revenues

The table below sets forth our segment revenue performance data three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2010, both on an as-reported and constant currency basis.

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Three months
ended
March 31, 2011

Reported
     Three months
ended
March 31, 2010

Reported
     % Variance
2011 vs. 2010
Reported
    Three months
ended
March  31, 2011
Constant Currency
     % Variance
2011 vs. 2010
Constant Currency
 

Revenues by segment

             

Buy

   $ 815       $ 742         9.8   $ 755         7.9

Watch

     431         405         6.4     409         5.4

Expositions

     56         49         14.3     49         14.3
                                           

Total

   $ 1,302       $ 1,196         8.9   $ 1,213         7.3
                                           

Buy Segment Revenues

Revenues increased 9.8% to $815 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 from $742 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, or 7.9% on a constant currency basis driven by a 22.7% increase in Developing markets (18.8% on a constant currency basis) and a 4.7% increase in Developed markets (3.7% on a constant currency basis), as our customers continue to expand geographically and increase their spending on analytical services.

Revenues from Information services increased 11.9% to $603 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 from $539 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, or 9.8% on a constant currency basis. These increases were driven by 25.0% growth in Developing Markets (20.3% on a constant currency basis) as a result of continued expansion of both our retail measurement and consumer panel services to both new and existing customers and new markets. Revenue from Developed markets increased 6.7% (5.6% on a constant currency basis) due to growth in retail measurement services in Western Europe and North America from new and existing customers.

Revenues from Insights services increased 4.4% to $212 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 from $203 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, or 2.9% on a constant currency basis. These increases were primarily driven by growth in Developing markets.

Watch Segment Revenues

Revenues increased 6.4% to $431 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 from $405 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, or 5.4% on a constant currency basis. Television measurement grew 6.5% driven by increases in spending from existing customers globally and the timing of certain product deliverables.

Expositions Segment Revenues

Revenues increased 14.3% to $56 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 from $49 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. More than half of this growth was driven by the impact of acquisitions, net of certain show closures with the remaining growth driven by certain sectors of existing shows.

 

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Business Segment Operating Income/(Loss)

We do not allocate items below operating income/(loss) to our business segments and therefore the table below sets forth a summary of operating income/(loss) at the business segment level for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010.

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Three months
ended
March 31, 2011

Reported
    Three months
ended
March 31, 2010

Reported
    Variance
2011 vs. 2010
Reported
 

Operating income/(loss) by segment

      

Buy

   $ 64      $ 62      $ 2   

Watch

     82        71        11   

Expositions

     26        18        8   

Corporate

     (121     (19     (102
                        

Total

   $ 51      $ 132      $ (81
                        

Buy

Operating income increased to $64 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 from $62 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 due to the revenue performance mentioned above, lower depreciation and amortization as well as the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, offset in part by investments in Developing markets expansion and increases in data acquisition costs.

Watch

Operating income was $82 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to $71 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The increase was driven by the revenue performance discussed above and the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, which was offset by increased depreciation and amortization expense associated with technology infrastructure initiatives and increased investment in three-screen measurement initiatives.

Expositions

Operating income was $26 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to $18 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 driven primarily by the revenue performance discussed above.

Corporate and Eliminations

Operating expenses were $121 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to $19 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 due primarily to the $102 million charge for the termination and settlement of the Sponsor Advisory Agreements.

 

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Results of Operations—(Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008)

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the amounts included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
 

(IN MILLIONS)

   2010     2009     2008  

Revenues

   $ 5,126      $ 4,808      $ 4,806   
                        

Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below

     2,129        2,023        2,057   

Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below

     1,648        1,523        1,615   

Depreciation and amortization

     558        557        499   

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

     —          527        96   

Restructuring costs

     61        62        118   
                        

Operating income

     730        116        421   
                        

Interest income

     5        7        17   

Interest expense

     (660     (644     (617

Loss on derivative instruments

     (27     (60     (15

Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net

     135        (2     22   

Other expense, net

     (81     (17     (12
                        

Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates

     102        (600     (184

(Provision)/benefit for income taxes

     46        195        (36

Equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates

     5        (22     (7
                        

Income/(loss) from continuing operations

     153        (427     (227

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (22     (61     (275
                        

Net income/(loss)

     131        (488     (502

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     2        2        —     
                        

Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen stockholders

   $ 129      $ (490   $ (502
                        

Consolidated Results for the year ended December 31, 2010 versus the year ended December 31, 2009

Revenues

Our revenues increased 6.6% to $5,126 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $4,808 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, or 6.1% on a constant currency basis, which excludes a 0.5% favorable impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These increases were driven by an 8.9% increase within our Buy segment (8.2% on a constant currency basis) and a 3.9% increase within our Watch segment (3.7% on a constant currency basis), offset in part by a 6.6% decline in our Expositions segment (6.7% on a constant currency basis).

Cost of Revenues, Exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization

Cost of revenues increased 5.2% to $2,129 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $2,023 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, or 5.0% on a constant currency basis, excluding a 0.2% unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These increases resulted from an 8.1% increase within our Buy segment (7.9% on a constant currency basis) due to the global expansion of our services. Costs within our Watch segment increased slightly due to volume while costs within our Expositions segment remained flat. Corporate costs increased by approximately $9 million in 2010 as compared to 2009 driven by certain infrastructure investments.

 

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased 8.3% to $1,648 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $1,523 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, or 7.6% on a constant currency basis, excluding a 0.7% unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These increases were driven by an 8.7% increase within our Buy segment (7.7% on a constant currency basis) due to increases in client service costs associated with the global expansion of our services as well as a 13.6% increase within our Watch segment both on an as-reported and constant currency basis due to increased investment in three-screen measurement initiatives. Corporate costs increased by approximately $15 million as a result of increased investment in global product initiatives, a $3 million increase in stock-based compensation expense and costs attributable to the initial public offering of Holdings’ common stock consummated in January 2011. These increases were partially offset by a 36.8% decline in our Expositions segment due to the impact of cost savings initiatives.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense was $558 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to $557 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. Depreciation and amortization expense associated with tangible and intangibles assets acquired in business combinations decreased to $215 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $247 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 resulting from lower amortization on purchase price adjustments from the Acquisition for certain software assets that became fully amortized during 2010. This decline was offset by increases in depreciation and amortization expense associated with higher capital expenditures.

Restructuring Costs

Transformation Initiative

We recorded net credits of $9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 associated with adjustments to previously established liabilities for employee severance and other benefits. We recorded $33 million in restructuring charges, primarily relating to severance costs, for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Other Productivity Initiatives

We recorded $70 million in restructuring charges associated with productivity initiatives during the year ended December 31, 2010. Of these amounts, approximately $11 million related to property lease termination charges with the remainder relating to severance charges associated with employee terminations.

We recorded $29 million in restructuring charges associated with these initiatives during the year ended December 31, 2009. The charges included severance costs of $22 million, primarily in Europe as well as $7 million of contractual termination costs and asset write-offs.

Operating Income

Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $730 million compared to operating income of $116 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. Operating income of $454 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 within our Buy segment increased from $361 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. Operating income within our Watch segment was $327 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to a loss of $73 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. Operating income within our Expositions segment was $49 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to a loss of $105 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. Corporate operating expenses increased to $100 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $67 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Interest Expense

Interest expense was $660 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to $644 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, as increases in interest costs on debentures and our senior secured term loans were only partially offset by lower interest costs on derivative instruments.

 

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Loss on Derivative Instruments

The loss on derivative instruments was $27 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to a loss of $60 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The reduction in losses resulted from movements in the Euro relative to the U.S. Dollar associated with a foreign currency swap derivative instrument, which was terminated in March 2009 as well as the maturity of $2.5 billion in notional amount of interest rate swaps between November 2009 and November 2010 for which hedge accounting was discontinued in February 2009 partially offset by a $9 million loss on a foreign currency forward contract in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Foreign Currency Exchange Transaction Gains/(Losses), Net

Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net, represent the net gain or loss on revaluation of external debt, intercompany loans and other receivables and payables. Fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar have a significant effect on our operating results, particularly the Euro. The average U.S. Dollar to Euro exchange rate was $1.33 to €1.00 for the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to $1.39 to €1.00 for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Foreign currency exchange resulted in a $135 million gain for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to a loss of $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The gains in 2010 resulted primarily from the fluctuation in the value of the U.S. Dollar against the Euro applied to certain of our Euro denominated senior secured term loans and debenture loans as well as fluctuations in certain currencies including the Euro and Canadian dollar associated with a portion of our intercompany loan portfolio.

Other Expense, Net

Other expense, net of $81 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 includes net charges of approximately $57 million (net of tax of $33 million) associated with the redemption and subsequent retirement of all $870 million aggregate principal amount of our 10.00% Senior Notes due 2014 at a price of 105% of the amount redeemed as well as all €150 million aggregate principal amount of our 9% Senior Notes due 2014 at a price of 104.5% of the amount redeemed. The charges related to the associated redemption premiums and recognition of previously deferred financing costs. These charges were partially offset by gains attributable to business divestitures. Other expense, net of $17 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 primarily included net charges of approximately $19 million associated with the purchase and cancellation of GBP 250 million 5.625% EMTN debenture notes and the write-off of deferred financing costs associated with the modification of our senior secured credit facility offset by net gains of associated with certain divestitures.

Income/(Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity in Net Income/(Loss) of Affiliates

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates was $102 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to a loss of $600 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The change primarily relates to the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets in September 2009, lower derivative losses, higher foreign currency exchange transaction gains and improved business performance primarily attributable to revenue growth.

Income Taxes

The effective tax benefit rates for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were (45)% and 33%, respectively. The effective tax benefit rate for the year ended December 31, 2010 was higher than the statutory rate primarily due to the favorable effect of certain foreign currency exchange gains, financing activities, release of valuation allowances and the impact of the tax rate differences in the other jurisdictions where we file tax returns. The effective tax benefit rate for the year ended December 31, 2009 was higher than the statutory tax rate primarily due to state and foreign withholding and income taxes and the impact of the tax rate differences in other jurisdictions where we file tax returns, which is partially offset by impairments of goodwill and intangible assets, which had a tax basis significantly lower than the underlying book basis and therefore a lower tax benefit.

 

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At December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, we had gross uncertain tax positions of $114 million and $129 million, respectively. We also have accrued interest and penalties associated with these uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 of $25 million and $23 million, respectively. Estimated interest and penalties related to the underpayment of income taxes is classified as a component of our benefit (provision) for income taxes. It is reasonably possible that a reduction in a range of $7 million to $16 million of uncertain tax positions may occur within the next twelve months as a result of projected resolutions of worldwide tax disputes.

Our future effective tax rates could be adversely affected by earnings being lower than anticipated in countries where statutory rates are lower and earnings being higher than anticipated in countries where statutory rates are higher, by changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets, or by changes in tax laws, regulations, accounting principles, or interpretations thereof.

Equity in Net Income/(Loss) of Affiliates

Equity in net income of affiliates was $5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to a loss of $22 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. During the third quarter of 2009 we concluded that the carrying value of our non-controlling ownership interest in Scarborough Research (“Scarborough”) was impaired as a result of continued declines in customer discretionary spending and the related impact on the launch of new performance tracking and marketing products. We deemed this impairment to be other than temporary and, accordingly, recorded an after-tax non-cash impairment charge of $26 million (net of tax of $18 million).

Discontinued Operations

For the year ended December 31, 2010, loss from discontinued operations, net of tax was $22 million compared to a loss of $61 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. Discontinued operations primarily relate to our Publications operating segment. The loss for the year ended December 31, 2010 reflects the cessation of operations during 2010 as well as a $7 million charge (net of tax of $5 million) associated with the settlement of an outstanding lawsuit. The loss for the year ended December 31, 2009 includes goodwill impairment charges of $55 million.

Consolidated Results for the year ended December 31, 2009 versus the year ended December 31, 2008

Revenues

Our revenues were flat at $4,808 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to $4,806 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, an increase of 4.0% on a constant currency basis, which excludes the unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Our revenue performance included a 10.5% increase within our Watch segment (11.5% on a constant currency basis), a 2.9% decrease within our Buy segment (a 2.7% increase on a constant currency basis) and a 25.1% decline in our Expositions segment (24.6% on a constant currency basis).

Cost of Revenues, Exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization

Cost of revenues decreased 1.6% to $2,023 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $2,057 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, an increase of 2.6% on a constant currency basis, which excludes a 4.2% favorable impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The change in cost of revenues was driven by a 4.0% increase from the impact of acquisitions and divestitures within both our Buy and Watch segments (4.2% increase on a constant currency basis) offset by cost savings due to the effects of the Transformation Initiative (see discussion below under “—Restructuring Costs—Transformation Initiative”) and other productivity initiatives. Cost of revenues within our Expositions segment decreased 30.6% (29.8% on a constant currency basis) due to lower variable exhibition costs.

 

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization

SG&A expenses decreased 5.7% to $1,523 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $1,615 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, a decrease of 1.5% on a constant currency basis excluding a 4.2% favorable impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. SG&A expenses declined 44.6% and 14.9% (44.9% and 14.6% on a constant currency basis) in Corporate and our Expositions segments, respectively, which was slightly offset by a 3.5% increase (3.7% on a constant currency basis) due to the impact of acquisitions and divestitures in both our Buy and Watch segments.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization increased to $557 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $499 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. Depreciation and amortization expense associated with tangible and intangibles assets acquired in business combinations increased slightly to $247 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $245 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 resulting from higher amortization on acquired intangible assets in 2009. Additionally, there were increases in depreciation and amortization expense associated with higher capital expenditures for software and infrastructure development equipment projects to enhance our technology platform and global infrastructure.

Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets

During 2009, we recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $282 million and a non-cash intangible asset impairment charge of $245 million. These charges related to both our Watch and Expositions segments. A deferred tax benefit of $103 million was recognized during the period as a result of these impairment charges. We recorded a $96 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge relating to a reporting unit within our Watch segment in 2008. A deferred tax benefit of $7 million was recognized during the period as a result of this impairment charge.

Restructuring Costs

Transformation Initiative

The Transformation Initiative was completed during 2009. We incurred $33 million in restructuring charges primarily relating to severance costs for the year ended December 31, 2009. We recorded $118 million in restructuring charges for the year ended December 31, 2008. The charges included severance costs as well as $24 million of contractual termination costs and asset write-offs.

Other Productivity Initiatives

In December 2009, we commenced certain specific restructuring actions attributable to defined cost-reduction programs, primarily in Europe and North America, directed towards achieving increased productivity in future periods. We recorded $29 million in restructuring charges associated with these initiatives during the fourth quarter of 2009. The charges included severance costs of $22 million as well as $7 million of contractual termination costs and asset write-offs.

See Note 8 – Restructuring Activities – to our consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our restructuring programs.

Operating Income

Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2009 decreased to $116 million, from $421 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. Operating income within our Buy segment increased to $361 million for the

 

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year ended December 31, 2009 from $315 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. Operating loss within our Watch segment was $73 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to income of $171 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. Operating loss within our Expositions segment was $105 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to income of $50 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. Operating expenses within Corporate decreased to $67 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $115 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.

Interest Income and Expense

Interest income was $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to $17 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. Interest expense was $644 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to $617 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, increasing 5.3% on a constant currency basis. The increase was driven primarily by the impact of interest allocations to discontinued operations as well as higher interest expense on our debenture loan portfolio as a result of new debt issuances in 2009.

Loss on Derivative Instruments

The loss on derivative instruments was $60 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to a loss of $15 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The increased loss resulted primarily from the change in fair value of certain of our interest rate swaps for which hedge accounting was discontinued in February 2009 as well as losses attributable to movements in the Euro relative to the U.S. dollar associated with a foreign currency swap derivative instrument, which was terminated in March 2009.

Foreign Currency Exchange Transaction (Losses)/Gains, Net

Foreign currency exchange transaction gains, net, represent the net gain or loss on revaluation of external debt, intercompany loans and other receivables and payables. Fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar have a significant effect on our operating results, particularly the Euro. The average U.S. dollar to Euro exchange rate was $1.39 to €1.00 and $1.47 to €1.00 for the year ended December 31, 2009 and the year ended December 31, 2008, respectively.

Foreign currency exchange resulted in a $2 million loss for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to a $22 million gain recorded in the year ended December 31, 2008 primarily as a result of the fluctuation in the value of the U.S. dollar against the Euro applied to certain of our Euro denominated senior secured term loans and debenture loans as well as a portion of our intercompany loan portfolio.

Other Expense, Net

Other expense, net was $17 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 versus $12 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The 2009 amount primarily includes net charges of approximately $15 million associated with the purchase and cancellation of GBP 250 million 5.625% EMTN debenture notes and the write-off of deferred financing costs associated with the modification of our 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities offset in part by net gains primarily associated with certain divestitures, including the sale of our Brazilian operations within our Expositions segment.

Loss from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity in Net Loss of Affiliates

For the year ended December 31, 2009, loss from continuing operations before income taxes, and equity in net loss of affiliates was $600 million compared to a $184 million loss for the year ended December 31, 2008. The current period compared with the prior period results primarily reflects impairment of goodwill and intangible assets offset in part by lower restructuring expenses, lower interest costs and increased operating performance, primarily driven by cost reduction programs.

 

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Equity in Net Loss of Affiliates

For the year ended December 31, 2009, equity in net loss of affiliates was $22 million compared to $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 primarily driven by an after-tax non-cash impairment charge of $26 million (net of a tax adjustment of $18 million) associated with our non-controlling ownership interest in Scarborough in the third quarter of 2009.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were a benefit of 33% and an expense of (20)%, respectively. The effective tax benefit rate for the year ended December 31, 2009 was higher than the Dutch statutory rate primarily due to state and foreign withholding and income taxes and the impact of the tax rate differences in other jurisdictions where we file tax returns, which is partially offset by impairments of goodwill and intangible assets, which had a tax basis significantly lower than the underlying book basis and therefore a lower tax benefit.

The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2008 was lower than the Dutch statutory rate primarily due to the impairment of goodwill, which had a tax basis significantly lower than the book basis and therefore a lower tax benefit, tax on distribution from foreign subsidiaries, change in estimates related to global uncertain tax positions, state and foreign withholding and income taxes, change in estimates for other tax positions and certain non-deductible charges, which were partially offset by the impact of the tax rate differences in other jurisdictions where we file tax returns.

Discontinued Operations

For the year ended December 31, 2009, loss from discontinued operations, net of tax of $31 million, was $61 million compared to a $275 million loss for the year ended December 31, 2008. Discontinued operations primarily relate to our Publications operating segment and the loss for the year ended December 31, 2009 includes a net loss on the sale of our media properties within the Publications operating segment, including The Hollywood Reporter and Billboard, to e5 Global Media LLC, of $14 million, net of tax of $3 million. Additionally, losses for both 2009 and 2008 include goodwill impairment charges associated with our Publications operating segment of $55 million and $336 million, respectively. The loss for the year ended December 31, 2008 is partially offset by a gain of $19 million relating to the settlement of tax contingencies associated with the sale of our Directories segment to World Directories.

Business Segment Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2010 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2009

Revenues

The table below sets forth our segment revenue performance data for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to the year ended December 31, 2009, both on an as-reported and constant currency basis.

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Year ended
December 31,
2010
     Year ended
December 31,
2009
     % Variance
2010 vs. 2009
Reported
    Year ended
December 31,
2009
Constant
Currency
     % Variance
2010 vs. 2009
Constant
Currency
 

Revenues by segment

             

Buy

   $ 3,260       $ 2,993         8.9   $ 3,014         8.2

Watch

     1,698         1,635         3.9     1,637         3.7

Expositions

     168         180         (6.6 )%      180         (6.7 )% 
                                           

Total

   $ 5,126       $ 4,808         6.6   $ 4,831         6.1
                                           

 

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Buy Segment Revenues

Revenues increased 8.9% to $3,260 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $2,993 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, or 8.2% on a constant currency basis driven by a 20.6% increase in Developing markets (16.7% on a constant currency basis) and a 4.4% increase in Developed markets (4.8% on a constant currency basis), as our customers continue to expand geographically and increase their spending on analytical services.

Revenues from Information services increased 6.1% to $2,288 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $2,157 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, or 5.4% on a constant currency basis, excluding a 0.7% favorable impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These increases were driven by 16.9% growth in Developing Markets (13.3% on a constant currency basis) as a result of continued expansion of both our retail measurement and consumer panel services to both new and existing customers and new markets. Revenue from Developed Markets increased 2.0% (2.3% on a constant currency basis) as growth in retail measurement services in Western Europe and North America, primarily to existing customers, was offset by the impact of the divestiture of our box office scanning business.

Revenues from Insights services increased 16.2% to $972 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $836 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, or 15.2% on a constant currency basis, excluding a 1.0% favorable impact of changes in foreign currency exchange notes. These increases were driven by strong growth in both Developed and Developing Markets due to increases in customer discretionary spending on new product forecasting and other analytical services, which can be cyclical in nature.

Watch Segment Revenues

Revenues increased 3.9% to $1,698 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $1,635 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, or 3.7% on a constant currency basis. Television measurement grew 3.0% as increases in spending from existing customers offset declines attributable to a planned international market closure. Online and Mobile grew 9.2% as increases in both new and existing customer spending were offset slightly by the timing of certain client deliverables as compared to the prior year.

Expositions Segment Revenues

Revenues declined 6.6% to $168 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $180 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 primarily as a result of softness in both the building industry and retail sector tradeshows.

Business Segment Operating Income/(Loss)

We do not allocate items below operating income/(loss) to our business segments and therefore the table below sets forth a summary of operating income/(loss) at the business segment level for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Year ended
December 31,
2010
    Year ended
December 31,
2009
    Variance
2010 vs. 2009
Reported
 

Operating income/(loss) by segment

      

Buy

   $ 454      $ 361      $ 93   

Watch

     327        (73     400   

Expositions

     49        (105     154   

Corporate

     (100     (67     (33
                        

Total

   $ 730      $ 116      $ 614   
                        

 

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Buy. Operating income increased 25.8% to $454 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $361 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 due to the strong revenue performance mentioned above as well as lower restructuring costs and depreciation and amortization, offset in part by the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and investments in Developing Markets expansion.

Watch. Operating income was $327 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to a loss of $73 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The increase was driven by the impact of impairment charges recorded in 2009 and the revenue performance discussed above, which was offset by the impact of the planned international market closure, $25 million in increased depreciation and amortization expense associated with technology infrastructure initiatives and Local People Meters and increased investment in three-screen measurement initiatives.

Expositions. Operating income was $49 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to a loss of $105 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 driven by the impact of impairment charges recorded in 2009 as well as lower depreciation expense and the costs savings effects of the Transformation Initiative and other productivity initiatives.

Corporate and Eliminations. Operating loss was $100 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to an operating loss of $67 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 due to increases in certain product investments and global infrastructure costs as well as higher restructuring charges.

Business Segment Results for the year ended December 31, 2009 versus the year ended December 31, 2008

Revenues

The table below sets forth our segment revenue growth data for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to the year ended December 31, 2008, both on an as-reported and constant currency basis. In order to determine the percentage change in revenue on a constant currency basis, we remove the positive and negative impacts of changes foreign currency exchange rates:

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Year ended
December 31,
2009
     Year ended
December 31,
2008
     % Variance
2009 vs. 2008
Reported
    Year ended
December 31,
2008
Constant Currency
     % Variance
2009 vs. 2008
Constant Currency
 

Revenues by segment

             

Buy

   $ 2,993       $ 3,084         (2.9 )%    $ 2,915         2.7

Watch

     1,635         1,480         10.5     1,466         11.5

Expositions

     180         240         (25.1 )%      238         (24.6 )% 

Corporate and eliminations

     —           2         n/a        2         n/a   
                                           

Total

   $ 4,808       $ 4,806         0.1   $ 4,621         4.0
                                           

Buy Segment Revenues

Revenues decreased 2.9% to $2,993 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $3,084 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, an increase of 2.7% on a constant currency basis as our customers continue to expand geographically and increase their spending on analytical services. Revenue from Developing Markets decreased 2.6% (an 8.0% increase on a constant currency basis) and revenue from Developed Markets decreased 3.1% (a 0.8% increase on a constant currency basis).

Revenues from Information services decreased 4.7% to $2,157 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $2,262 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, an increase of 1.7%, on a constant currency basis excluding a 6.4% unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Revenue from Developing Markets declined 4.0%, however, was the primary driver for the constant currency increase

 

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mentioned above, increasing 7.5% on a constant currency basis as a result of continued geographic expansion of both our retail measurement and consumer panel services to both new and existing customers.

Revenues from Insights services increased 1.8% to $836 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $822 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, or 5.3% on a constant currency basis excluding a 3.5% unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These increases were driven by 0.8% growth in Developing Markets (8.9% on a constant currency basis) and the impact of acquisitions. The growth in Developing Markets related to continued expansion of our analytical services, primarily to existing customers who are expanding their presence in these markets.

Watch Segment Revenues

Revenues increased 10.5% to $1,635 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $1,480 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, or 11.5% on a constant currency basis. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, revenue grew 1.7% (2.6% on a constant currency basis) as our television audience market expansion was offset by lower spending by our customers on enhanced analytical services. This growth was primarily driven by a 4.7% constant currency increase in North American television measurement due to volume increases associated with measurement data from five additional markets being added to the Local People Meter (“LPM”) program.

Expositions Segment Revenues

Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2009 decreased 25.1% to $180 million from $240 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, due largely to lower exhibitor attendance driven by the economic environment.

Business Segment Operating Income/(Loss)

The table below sets forth a summary of operating income/(loss) at the business segment level for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Year ended
December 31,
2009
    Year ended
December 31,
2008
    Variance
2009 vs. 2008
Reported
 

Operating income/(loss) by segment

      

Buy

   $ 361      $ 315      $ 46   

Watch

     (73     171        (244

Expositions

     (105     50        (155

Corporate

     (67     (115     48   
                        

Total

   $ 116      $ 421      $ (305
                        

Buy. Operating income increased to $361 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $315 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 due to lower restructuring charges, the revenue growth mentioned above and the effects of the Transformation Initiative and other productivity initiatives.

Watch. Operating loss was $73 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to operating income of $171 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 due to increases in restructuring and impairment charges offset by the revenue growth mentioned above and cost savings from the impact of our Transformation Initiative.

Expositions. Operating loss was $105 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to operating income of $50 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 due to intangible asset impairment charges as well as declines in our revenues due to the economic environment.

 

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Corporate and Eliminations. Operating loss was $67 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to $115 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. This decrease was due to lower expenses on certain product initiatives as well as cost savings from the impact of the Transformation Initiative.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Financing Transactions

Senior Secured Credit Facilities

The senior secured credit agreement provides for two term loan facilities of $1,610 million and €227 million maturing in 2013 and four term loan facilities, including two dollar-denominated term loan facilities totaling $2,386 million and two Euro-denominated term loan facilities totaling €273 million, maturing in 2016, for which total outstanding borrowings were $4,513 million at March 31, 2011. In addition, the senior secured credit agreement contains a $635 million senior secured revolving credit facility with a final maturity date of April 1, 2016 of which $611 million was available for borrowing as of March 31, 2011. The senior secured revolving credit facility of Nielsen Finance LLC, The Nielsen Company (US), Inc., Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. can be used for revolving loans, letters of credit, guarantees and for swingline loans, and is available in U.S. dollars and Euros. See “Overview of Financing Transactions” section for further information on transactions relating to these facilities.

We are required to repay installments only on the borrowings under the two senior secured term loan facilities maturing in 2016 in quarterly principal amounts of 0.25% of their original principal amount, with the remaining amount payable on their maturity date.

Borrowings under the senior secured term loan facilities bear interest at a rate as determined by the type of borrowing, equal to either (a) a base rate determined by reference to the higher of (1) the federal funds rate plus 0.5% or (2) the prime rate or (b) a LIBOR rate for the currency of such borrowings (collectively, the “Base Rate”), plus, in each case, an applicable margin. The applicable margins for the senior secured term loans that mature in 2013 vary depending on our secured leverage ratio. The applicable margins for two of the senior secured term loans that mature in 2016 are set at a fixed rate and the margin for the remaining 2016 term loans vary depending upon our total leverage and credit rating.

On March 23, 2011, we entered into an amendment (the “Amendment Agreement”) to our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated August 9, 2006 and amended and restated as of June 23, 2009 (the “Credit Agreement”), among us, the other borrowers and guarantors party thereto, the lenders and other parties from time to time party thereto, and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent. The Amendment Agreement documents the terms of new revolving credit commitments obtained by us in connection with a revolving credit commitment extension offer. In connection with the Amendment Agreement, we terminated the existing revolving credit commitments totaling $688 million, which had a final maturity date of August 9, 2012, and replaced them with new revolving credit commitments totaling $635 million with a final maturity date of April 1, 2016.

Revolving loans made pursuant to the new revolving credit commitments may be drawn in U.S. Dollars or Euros (at the election of the borrowers) and bear a tiered floating interest rate of LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 2.25% to 3.50% based on the Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement). Margins on base rate loans range from 1.25% to 2.50% also based on the Total Leverage Ratio. A commitment fee is payable on the unused portion of the new revolving credit commitments ranging from 0.375% to 0.75% depending on the Total Leverage Ratio.

 

 

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Our 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities contain a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. and its restricted subsidiaries (which together constitute most of our subsidiaries) (collectively, the “Credit Facilities Covenant Parties”) to incur additional indebtedness or guarantees, incur liens and engage in sale and leaseback transactions, make certain loans and investments, declare dividends, make payments or redeem or repurchase capital stock, engage in certain mergers, acquisitions and other business combinations, prepay, redeem or purchase certain indebtedness, amend or otherwise alter terms of certain indebtedness, sell certain assets, transact with affiliates, enter into agreements limiting subsidiary distributions and alter the business the Credit Facilities Covenant Parties conduct. In addition, the Credit Facilities Covenant Parties are required to maintain a maximum total leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio. Parent is not bound by any financial or negative covenants contained in the credit agreement. The senior secured credit facilities also contain certain customary affirmative covenants and events of default. We have maintained compliance with all such covenants described above.

Pursuant to our senior secured credit facilities, commencing in 2008, we are subject to making mandatory prepayments on the term loans within our senior secured credit facilities to the extent in any full calendar year we generate Excess Cash Flow (“ECF”), as defined in the credit agreement. The percentage of ECF that must be applied as a repayment is a function of several factors, including our ratio of total net debt to Covenant EBITDA (as defined below), as well other adjustments, including any voluntary term loan repayments made in the course of the calendar year. To the extent any mandatory repayment is required pursuant to this ECF clause, such payment must generally occur on or around the time of the delivery of the annual consolidated financial statements to the lenders. In 2010 our operations realized ECF, but no mandatory repayment was required due to our making voluntary repayments in the course of the year and our year-end total net debt to Covenant EBITDA ratio. Our next ECF measurement date will occur upon completion of the 2011 results, and therefore it is uncertain at this time if we will be required to make any corresponding mandatory prepayments in early 2012.

In June 2009, we entered into a Senior Secured Loan Agreement with Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC, which provides for senior secured term loans in the aggregate principal amount of $500 million (the “New Term Loans”) bearing interest at a fixed rate of 8.50%. The New Term Loans are secured on a pari passu basis with our existing obligations under our senior secured credit facilities and have a maturity of eight years. The net proceeds from the issuance of the New Term Loans of approximately $481 million were used in their entirety to pay down senior secured term loan obligations under our existing senior secured credit facilities.

In addition, the New Term Loans include negative covenants, subject to significant exceptions, restricting or limiting the ability of the Credit Facilities Covenant Parties to, among other things, incur, assume or permit to exist additional indebtedness or guarantees, make certain loans and investments, declare dividends, make payments or redeem or repurchase capital stock, engage in mergers, acquisitions and other business combinations, prepay, redeem or purchase certain indebtedness, sell certain assets, transact with affiliates and enter into agreements limiting subsidiary distributions. Parent is not bound by any financial or negative covenants contained in the credit agreement. The New Term Loans also contain certain customary affirmative covenants and events of default.

Our Senior Secured Credit Facilities are guaranteed by us, substantially all of our wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries and certain of our non-U.S. wholly-owned subsidiaries, and are secured by substantially all of the existing and future property and assets of our U.S. subsidiaries and by a pledge of substantially all of the capital stock of the guarantors, the capital stock of substantially all of our U.S. subsidiaries, and up to 65% of the capital stock of certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries. Under a separate security agreement, substantially all of our assets are pledged as collateral for amounts outstanding under the senior secured credit facilities.

 

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Debt Securities

In August 2006, we received proceeds of €200 million ($257 million) on the issuance of the €343 million 11.125% senior discount notes due 2016 (“Senior Discount Notes”). Interest accreted through 2011 and would have been payable semi-annually commencing February 2012. On February 25, 2011, we paid approximately $251 million to redeem €174 million aggregate principal amount of the Senior Discount Notes, and on March 2, 2011, we paid approximately $244 million to redeem the remaining €169 aggregate principal amount.

In August 2006, we issued $1,070 million 12.5% senior subordinated discount notes due 2016 (“Senior Subordinated Discount Notes”). Interest accreted through 2011 and would have been payable semi-annually commencing February 2012. On February 25, 2011, we paid approximately $1,133 million to redeem all $1,070 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Subordinated Discount Notes outstanding.

In August 2006, we issued $650 million 10% and €150 million 9% senior notes due 2014. Interest is payable semi-annually from February 2007. On April 16, 2008, we issued $220 million aggregate principal amount of 10% Senior Notes due 2014. Cash interest accrued at a rate of 10% per annum from the issue date and was payable semi-annually from August 2008. In November and December 2010 we redeemed all $870 million aggregate principal amount of our 10.00% Senior Notes due 2014 at a price of 105% of the amount redeemed as well as all €150 million aggregate principal amount of our 9% Senior Notes due 2014 at a price of 104.5% of the amount redeemed. The redemption and subsequent retirement of these collective notes resulted in a loss of $57 million (net of tax of $33 million) associated with the redemption option premium and recognition of previously deferred debt issuance costs recorded as a component of other expense/(income) in the consolidated statement of operations in the fourth quarter of 2010. These redemptions were consummated using the proceeds from the issuance of a combined $1,080 million in aggregate principal amount of old notes discussed further below.

In January 2009, we issued $330 million in aggregate principal amount of 11.625% Senior Notes due 2014 (the “11.625% Senior Notes”). The 11.625% Senior Notes mature on February 1, 2014. Cash interest accrues at a rate of 11.625% per annum from the issue date and is payable semi-annually from August 2009. On February 9, 2011, we paid approximately $129 million to redeem $107 million of the 11.625% Senior Notes.

On May 1, 2009, we issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 11.5% Senior Notes due 2016 (the “11.5% Senior Notes”). The 11.5% Senior Notes mature on May 1, 2016. Cash interest accrues at a rate of 11.5% per annum from the issue date and is payable semi-annually from November 2009. On February 9, 2011, we paid approximately $201 million to redeem $164 million of the 11.5% Senior Notes.

In October and November 2010, we issued a combined $1,080 million in aggregate principal amount of old notes at an issue price of $1,085 million with cash proceeds of approximately $1,065 million, net of fees and expenses.

We recorded a total debt extinguishment charge of approximately $145 million (net of tax $86 million) in our condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 associated with the redemptions of the Senior Discount Notes, Senior Subordinated Discount Notes, 11.625% Senior Notes and 11.5% Senior Notes described above. The pre-tax amount of this charge was recorded in other (expense) income, net.

The senior notes above are collectively referred to herein as the “Senior Notes.” The carrying values of the combined issuances of the Senior Notes were $1,589 million at March 31, 2011. The Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equal in right of payment to all of the existing and future senior indebtedness of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co.

 

 

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The indentures governing the Senior Notes limit the ability of Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. and its restricted subsidiaries (which together constitute a majority of our subsidiaries) to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase our capital stock, make certain investments, enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates, use assets as security in other transactions and sell certain assets or merge with or into other companies subject to certain exceptions. Upon a change in control, Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. are required to make an offer to redeem all of the Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to the 101% of the aggregate accreted principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Senior Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by us, substantially all of our wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries, and certain of our non-U.S. wholly-owned subsidiaries.

EMTN Program and Other Financing Arrangements

We have a Euro Medium Term Note program (“EMTN”) program in place. All debt securities and most private placements are quoted on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. We had carrying values of $162 million outstanding under the EMTN program at March 31, 2011. We can no longer issue new debt under the EMTN program.

Overview of Financing Transactions

We entered into the following transactions in 2008:

 

   

In February 2008, we entered into a two-year interest rate swap agreement which fixed the LIBOR-related portion of the interest rates for $500 million of our variable rate debt.

 

   

Effective April 2, 2008, we obtained a 25 basis point reduction of the applicable margin on our U.S. dollar and Euro senior secured term loan facilities as a result of achieving a secured leverage ratio below 4.25 as of December 31, 2007. In addition, we obtained a 25 basis point reduction of the applicable margin on our senior secured revolving credit facility as a result of achieving a total leverage ratio below 6.0 as of December 31, 2007.

 

   

On April 16, 2008, we issued $220 million aggregate principal amount of 10% Senior Notes due 2014. The net proceeds of the offering were used to finance our acquisition of IAG and to pay related fees and expenses.

We entered into the following transactions in 2009:

 

   

In January 2009, we issued $330 million in aggregate principal amount of 11.625 % Senior Notes due 2014 at an issue price of $297 million with cash proceeds of approximately $290 million, net of fees and expenses.

 

   

In February 2009, we entered into two three-year forward interest rate swap agreements with starting dates of November 9, 2009. These agreements fix the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates for $500 million of our variable-rate debt at an average rate of 2.47%. The commencement date of the interest rate swaps coincides with a $1 billion notional amount interest rate swap maturity that was entered into in November 2006. These derivative instruments have been designated as interest rate cash flow hedges.

 

   

In March 2009, we purchased and cancelled approximately GBP 101 million of our total GBP 250 million outstanding 5.625% EMTN debenture notes. This transaction was pursuant to a cash tender offer, whereby we paid, and participating note holders received, a price of £940 per £1,000 in principal amount of the notes, plus accrued interest. In conjunction with the GBP note cancellation we satisfied, and paid in cash, a portion of the remarketing settlement value associated with the cancelled notes to the two holders of a remarketing option associated with the notes. In addition, we unwound a portion of our existing GBP/Euro foreign currency swap, which was previously designated as a foreign currency cash flow hedge. We recorded a net loss of $3 million as a result of the combined elements of this

 

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transaction in March 2009 as a component of other expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations. The net cash paid for the combined elements of this transaction was approximately $197 million.

 

   

In March 2009, we terminated €200 million notional to $259 million notional cross-currency swap, which previously converted part of our Euro-denominated external debt to U.S. dollar debt and received a cash settlement of approximately $2 million. No hedge designation was made for this swap and therefore all prior changes in fair value were recorded in earnings.

 

   

In April 2009, we issued $500 million in aggregate principal amount of 11.5% Senior Notes due 2016 at an issue price of $461 million with cash proceeds of approximately $452 million, net of fees and expenses.

 

   

In June 2009, we purchased and cancelled all of our remaining outstanding GBP 149 million 5.625% EMTN debenture notes. This transaction was pursuant to a cash tender offer, whereby we paid, and participating note holders received, par value for the notes, plus accrued interest. In conjunction with the GBP note cancellation, we satisfied, and paid in cash, the remarketing settlement value to two holders of the remaining portion of the remarketing option associated with the notes. In addition, we unwound the remaining portion of our existing GBP/Euro foreign currency swap, which was previously designated as a foreign currency cash flow hedge. We recorded a net loss of approximately $12 million in June 2009 as a component of other expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations as a result of the combined elements of this transaction. The net cash paid for the combined elements of this transaction was approximately $330 million.

 

   

In June 2009, we entered into a Senior Secured Loan Agreement with Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC, which provides for senior secured term loans in the aggregated principal amount of $500 million (the “New Term Loans”) bearing interest at a fixed rate of 8.50%. The New Term Loans are secured on a pari passu basis with our existing obligations under our 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities and have a maturity of eight years. The net proceeds from the issuance of the New Term Loans of approximately $481 million were used in their entirety to pay down senior secured term loan obligations under our 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities.

 

   

In June 2009, we received the requisite consent to amend our 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities to permit, among other things: (i) future issuances of additional secured notes or loans, which may include, in each case, indebtedness secured on a pari passu basis with our obligations under the 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities, so long as (a) the net cash proceeds from any such issuance are used to prepay term loans under the 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities at par until $500 million of term loans have been paid, and (b) 90% of the net cash proceeds in excess of the first $500 million from any such issuance (but all of the net cash proceeds after the first $2.0 billion) are used to prepay term loans under the 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities at par; and (ii) allow us to agree with lenders to extend the maturity of their term loans and revolving commitments and for us to pay increased interest rates or otherwise modify the terms of their loans in connection with such an extension (subject to certain limitations, including mandatory increases of interest rates under certain circumstances) (collectively, the “Amendment”). In connection with the Amendment, we extended the maturity of $1.26 billion of existing term loans from August 9, 2013 to May 1, 2016. The interest rate margins of term loans that were extended were increased to 3.75%. The Amendment and the subsequent extension of maturity of a portion of the existing term loans is considered a modification of our existing obligations and has been reflected as such in the audited consolidated financial statements. We recorded a charge of approximately $4 million in June 2009 as a component of other expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations primarily relating to the write-off of previously deferred debt issuance costs as a result of this modification.

 

   

In December 2009, we elected to permanently repay $75 million of our existing term loans due August 2013.

 

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We entered into the following transactions during 2010:

 

   

On March 9, 2010, we entered into a three-year interest swap to fix the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates for $250 million of the our variable-rate debt at 1.69%. This swap replaced the $500 million notional amount interest rate swap that matured on February 9, 2010. This derivative instrument has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

 

   

In May 2010, our €50 million variable rate EMTN matured and was repaid.

 

   

On August 12, 2010, we completed a term loan extension offer in accordance with the terms of our 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities. In connection with completing the term loan extension offer and in order to document the terms of the new Class C term loans, as of such date we entered into an amendment to the 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities (the “2010 Amendment”). Pursuant to the term loan extension offer and the 2010 Amendment, approximately $1,495 million of our Class A term loans (which mature August 2013) and approximately $5 million of our Class B term loans (which mature May 2016) were exchanged for the same principal amount of new Class C term loans. The new Class C term loans mature on May 1, 2016 and bear a tiered floating interest rate of LIBOR plus a margin of (x) 3.75% to the extent that Nielsen Finance LLC’s Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities) is greater than 5.0 to 1.0 and (y) 3.50% to the extent that Nielsen Finance LLC’s Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities) is less than or equal to 5.0 to 1.0. The foregoing margins are also subject to a decrease of 0.25% in the event and for so long as Nielsen Finance LLC’s corporate credit and/or family rating, as applicable, from either S&P or Moody’s is at least BB- or Ba3, respectively. The Class C term loans will amortize in equal quarterly installments in aggregate annual amounts equal to 1.00% of the original principal amount. No optional prepayments of Class C term loans may be made so long as any Class A or Class B term loans are outstanding. Except as set forth in the 2010 Amendment, the Class C term loans shall have the same terms as the Class B term loans.

 

   

On October 12, 2010, we issued $750 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Notes due 2018 at an issue price of $745 million with cash proceeds of approximately $731 million, net of fees and expenses. On November 9, 2010, we issued an additional $330 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Notes due 2018 at an issue price of $340 million with cash proceeds of approximately $334 million, net of fees and expenses.

 

   

We used the net proceeds from the aforementioned issuances, along with cash on hand, to fund a redemption of the remaining all of our 10% Senior Notes due 2014 at a price of 105% and all of our 9% Senior Notes due 2014 at a price of 104.5% in separate transactions in November and December 2010. The redemption and retirement of these notes resulted in a loss of approximately $57 million (net of tax of $33 million) in the fourth quarter of 2010.

 

   

In October and November 2010, we entered into an aggregate of $1 billion notional amount of three-year forward interest rate swap agreements with starting dates of November 9, 2010. These agreements fix the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of our variable-rate debt at an average rate of 0.72%. The commencement date of the interest rate swaps coincided with the $1 billion notional amount of interest rate swaps that matured on November 9, 2010. Additionally, on November 1, 2010 we entered into a $250 million notional amount three-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of November 9, 2011, which fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of our variable-rate debt at a rate of 1.26%. These derivative instruments have been designated as interest rate cash flow hedges.

 

   

We elected to permanently repay $75 million of our existing term loans due August 2013 during 2010.

 

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We entered into the following transactions during the three months ended March 31, 2011:

 

   

On January 31, 2011, Holdings completed an initial public offering of 82,142,858 shares of its €0.07 par value common stock at a price of $23.00 per share, generating proceeds of approximately $1,801 million, net of $88 million of underwriter discounts and other issuance costs.

 

   

Concurrent with its offering of common stock, Holdings issued $288 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.25% Mandatory Convertible Subordinated Bonds due February 1, 2013, generating proceeds of approximately $277 million, net of $11 million of underwriter discounts.

 

   

Holdings contributed substantially all of the combined net proceeds associated with the aforementioned transactions to us, through Valcon, and we utilized substantially all of the contributed amount to redeem and retire certain issuances of our long-term indebtedness as follows:

 

  On February 9, 2011, we paid approximately $201 million to redeem $164 million of our outstanding $467 million ($500 million aggregate principal amount) 11.50% Senior Discount Notes Due 2016 with a redemption cost of the stated rate applied to the principal amount being redeemed plus a proportionate amount of accrued interest to the principal amount.

 

  On February 9, 2011, we paid approximately $129 million to redeem $107 million of our outstanding $307 million ($330 million aggregate principal amount) 11.625% Senior Discount Notes Due 2014 with a redemption cost of the stated rate applied to the principal amount being redeemed plus a proportionate amount of accrued interest to the principal amount.

 

  On February 25, 2011, we paid approximately $1,133 million to redeem all of our outstanding $999 million ($1,070 million aggregate principal amount) 12.50% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes Due 2016 at a price of 105.89% of the aggregate principal amount.

 

  On February 25, 2011, we paid approximately $251 million to redeem €163 million (€174 million aggregate principal amount) of our 11.125% Senior Discount Debenture Notes due 2016 at a price of 104.87% of the aggregate principal amount.

 

  On March 2, 2011, we paid approximately $244 million to redeem the remaining €159 million (€169 million aggregate principal amount) of our 11.125% Senior Discount Debenture Notes due 2016 at a price of 104.87% of the aggregate principal amount.

We recorded a total debt extinguishment charge of approximately $145 million (net of tax of $86 million) in our condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 associated with these redemptions. The pre-tax amount of this charge was recorded in other (expense)/income, net in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

   

On March 23, 2011, we entered into an amendment (the “Amendment Agreement”) to our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated August 9, 2006 and amended and restated as of June 23, 2009 (the “Credit Agreement”), among us, the other borrowers and guarantors party thereto, the lenders and other parties from time to time party thereto, and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent. The Amendment Agreement documents the terms of new revolving credit commitments obtained by us in connection with a revolving credit commitment extension offer. In connection with the Amendment Agreement, we terminated the existing revolving credit commitments totaling $688 million, which had a final maturity date of August 9, 2012, and replaced them with new revolving credit commitments totaling $635 million with a final maturity date of April 1, 2016.

 

 

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Revolving loans made pursuant to the new revolving credit commitments may be drawn in U.S. Dollars or Euros (at the election of the borrowers) and bear a tiered floating interest rate of LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 2.25% to 3.50% based on the Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement). Margins on base rate loans range from 1.25% to 2.50% also based on the Total Leverage Ratio. A commitment fee is payable on the unused portion of the new revolving credit commitments ranging from 0.375% to 0.75% depending on the Total Leverage Ratio.

Cash Flows First Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 versus Three Months Ended March 31, 2010.

Operating activities. Net cash used in operating activities was $54 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to $28 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The primary driver for the increase in cash used in operating activities was the $102 million payment for the termination and settlement of the Sponsor Advisory Agreements. The impact of the termination payment was partially offset by business growth and lower interest payments. Our key collections performance measure, days billing outstanding (DBO), was 52 days for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to 53 days for the three months ended March 31, 2010.

Investing activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $113 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to $32 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The primary driver for the increased usage of cash from investing activities was the increase in acquisition payments combined with lower proceeds from business divestitures.

Financing activities. Net cash provided by financing activities was $125 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to net cash used in financing activities of $32 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The higher source of cash was driven by the results of the transactions in 2011 described above.

Cash Flows 2010 versus 2009

Operating activities. Net cash provided by operating activities was $544 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to $515 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The primary driver for the increase in cash provided by operating activities was the growth in operating income excluding the impact of non-cash depreciation and amortization, partially offset by the reduction in working capital performance and higher interest payments. The reduction in working capital performance resulted primarily from an approximately $116 million reduction due to strong accounts receivable collections in 2009 and the timing of client billings. Our key collections performance measure, days billing outstanding (DBO), remained flat for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to a decrease of 5 days to 50 days for the year ended December 31, 2009. These reductions were only partially offset by the timing of employee compensation and other accruals as well as lower restructuring and tax payments.

Investing activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $365 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to $227 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The drivers for the increase in the usage of cash from investing activities were the increase in capital expenditures and lower proceeds from sales of subsidiaries.

Financing activities. Net cash used in financing activities was $264 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to $271 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. We repaid our €50 million EMTN in May 2010 and repaid $295 million on our senior secured revolving credit facility in 2009 and executed numerous financing transactions in 2010 and 2009 described under the “Overview of Financing Transactions” section above.

Cash Flows 2009 versus 2008

At December 31, 2009, cash and cash equivalents were $511 million, an increase of $45 million from December 31, 2008. Our total indebtedness was $8,658 million.

 

 

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Operating activities. Net cash provided by operating activities was $515 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to $316 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The primary drivers for the increase in cash flows from operating activities were growth in operating income excluding the impact of non-cash depreciation and amortization and impairment charges. This growth was further driven by improved working capital performance, offset slightly by an increase in tax payments. The improved working capital performance primarily resulted from a benefit of approximately $149 million relating to improvement in year-over-year accounts receivable collections as well as lower bonus payments. Our DBO decreased by five days to 50 days during the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to an increase of four days to 55 days during the year ended December 31, 2008.

Investing activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $227 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to $591 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The lower net cash usage was primarily driven by lower acquisition payments as a result of our acquisition of IAG in May 2008 as well as lower capital expenditures and proceeds from the sale of divestitures in 2009, primarily resulting from the sale of the media properties within our Publications operating segment in December 2009.

Financing activities. For the year ended December 31, 2009, we had net cash used in financing activities of $271 million as compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $370 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The comparative use of cash was mainly driven by our repayments of $295 million on our revolving credit facility in 2009 as compared to net borrowings of $285 million in 2008 as well as the results of the financing transactions described above under the “Overview of Financing Transactionssection above.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures for property, plant, equipment, software and other assets totaled $52 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to $53 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010.

Investments in property, plant, equipment, software and other assets totaled $334 million, $282 million and $370 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The increase in capital expenditures in 2010 as compared to 2009 related to significant investments in technology infrastructure development. The decrease in capital spending in 2009 versus 2008 was due to a reduction in LPM spending as well as the substantial completion of other key investments in 2008 and early 2009 such as our rollout of the LPM, active/passive Meter and the expansion of the National People Meter as well as the data factory systems in the United States and Europe.

Covenant Compliance

Our 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities contain a covenant that requires our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. and its restricted subsidiaries, to maintain a maximum ratio of consolidated total net debt, excluding certain Nielsen net debt, to Covenant EBITDA, calculated for the trailing four quarters (as determined under our 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities). Currently, the maximum ratio is 7.5 to 1.0, with such maximum ratio declining over time to 6.25 to 1.0 for periods after October 1, 2012.

In addition, our 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities contain a covenant that requires Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. and its restricted subsidiaries to maintain a minimum ratio of Covenant EBITDA to Consolidated Interest Expense, including interest expense relating to Nielsen, calculated for the trailing four quarters (as determined under our 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities). Currently, the minimum ratio is 1.75 to 1.0, with such minimum ratio varying between 1.75 and 1.0 to 1.50 to 1.0 for subsequent periods.

 

 

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Failure to comply with either of these covenants would result in an event of default under our 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities unless waived by our senior credit lenders. An event of default under our senior credit facility can result in the acceleration of our indebtedness under the facility, which in turn would result in an event of default and possible acceleration of indebtedness under the agreements governing our debt securities as well. As our failure to comply with the covenants described above can cause us to go into default under the agreements governing our indebtedness, management believes that our 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities and these covenants are material to us. As of March 31, 2011, we were in compliance with the covenants described above.

We also measure the ratio of secured net debt to Covenant EBITDA, as it impacts the applicable borrowing margin under our senior secured term loans due 2013. During periods when the ratio is less than 4.25 to 1.0, the applicable margin is 25 basis points lower than it would be otherwise. As of March 31, 2011, this ratio was less than 4.25 to 1.0.

Covenant earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Covenant EBITDA”) is a non-GAAP measure used to determine our compliance with certain covenants contained in our senior secured credit facilities. Covenant EBITDA is defined in our 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities as net income/(loss) from continuing operations, as adjusted for the items summarized in the table below. Covenant EBITDA is not a presentation made in accordance with GAAP, and our use of the term Covenant EBITDA varies from others in our industry due to the potential inconsistencies in the method of calculation and differences due to items subject to interpretation. Covenant EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income/(loss), operating income or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP as measures of operating performance or cash flows as measures of liquidity. Covenant EBITDA has important limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Because of these limitations we rely primarily on our GAAP results. However, we believe that the inclusion of supplementary adjustments to EBITDA applied in presenting Covenant EBITDA is appropriate to provide additional information to investors to demonstrate compliance with our financing covenants.

 

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The following is a reconciliation of our income from continuing operations, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, to Covenant EBITDA as defined above under our 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities:

 

     Covenant EBITDA
(unaudited)
 

(IN MILLIONS)

   As of and for the
Twelve months

ended
December 31,
2010
 

Income from continuing operations

     153   

Interest expense, net

     655   

Benefit for income taxes

     (46

Depreciation and amortization

     558   
        

EBITDA

     1,320   

Non-cash charges

     18   

Unusual or non-recurring items(1)

     5   

Restructuring charges and business optimization costs

     79   

Sponsor monitoring fees

     12   

Other(2)

     6   
        

Covenant EBITDA

     1,440   
        

Credit Statistics:

  

Net debt, including Nielsen net debt(3)

     8,157   

Less: Unsecured debenture loans

     3,439   

Less: Other unsecured net debt

     5   
        

Secured net debt

     4,713   
        

Net debt, excluding $426 million (at December 31, 2010) of Nielsen net debt

     7,731   

Ratio of secured net debt to Covenant EBITDA

     3.27   

Ratio of net debt (excluding net debt of Nielsen) to Covenant EBITDA

     5.37   

Consolidated interest expense, including Nielsen interest expense(4)

     492   

Ratio of Covenant EBITDA to Consolidated Interest Expense, including Nielsen interest expense

     2.93   

 

(1) Unusual or non-recurring items include (amounts in millions):

 

     Twelve months ended
December 31, 2010
 

Currency exchange rate differences on financial transactions and other losses, net

     (54)   

Loss on derivative instruments

     27   

Duplicative running costs

     16   

U.S. listing costs/consulting fees

     4   

Other

     12   
        

Total

     5   
        

 

(2) These adjustments include the pro forma EBITDA impact of businesses that were acquired or divested during the last twelve months, loss on sale of fixed assets, dividends received from affiliates, equity in net income of affiliates, and the exclusion of Covenant EBITDA attributable to unrestricted subsidiaries.

 

(3) Net debt, including net debt of Nielsen, is not a defined term under GAAP. Net debt is calculated as total debt less cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2010 excluding a contractual $10 million threshold and cash and cash equivalents of unrestricted subsidiaries of $7 million.

 

(4)

Consolidated interest expense is not a defined term under GAAP. Consolidated interest expense for any period is defined in our senior secured credit facilities as the sum of (i) the cash interest expense of Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. and its subsidiaries with respect to all outstanding indebtedness,

 

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including all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptance and net costs under swap contracts, net of cash interest income, and (ii) any cash payments in respect of the accretion or accrual of discounted liabilities during such period related to borrowed money (with a maturity of more than one year) that were amortized or accrued in a previous period, excluding, in each case, however, among other things, the amortization of deferred financing costs and any other amounts of non-cash interest, the accretion or accrual of discounted liabilities during such period, commissions, discounts, yield and other fees and charges incurred in connection with certain permitted receivables financing and all non-recurring cash interest expense consisting of liquidated damages for failure to timely comply with registration rights obligations and financing fees.

See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources” for further information on our indebtedness and covenants.

Transactions with Related Parties

We recorded $12 million, $12 million and $11 million, respectively, in SG&A related to management fees payable to the Sponsors under advisory agreements, sponsor travel and consulting for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. From the date of acquisition through December 31, 2010, we have paid $53 million in these fees to the Sponsors. In January 2011 in conjunction with the initial public offering of common stock by Holdings, the Advisory Agreements with the Sponsors were terminated for a settlement amount of $102 million. We recorded $3 million in SG&A related to management fees, travel and consulting attributable to a number of the Sponsors for the three months ended March 31, 2010.

A portion of the borrowings under our senior secured credit facility as well as certain of our senior debenture loans have been purchased by certain of the Sponsors in market transactions not involving us. Based on information made available to us, amounts held by the Sponsors and their affiliates were $599 million and $554 million as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Interest expense associated with amounts held by the Sponsors and their affiliates approximated $29 million, $16 million and $22 million during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. At December 31, 2010, $564 million of the senior secured credit facilities and $35 million of senior debenture loans were held by the Sponsors and their affiliates. Of the $599 million of debt held by the Sponsors and their affiliates, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. and their affiliates held $258 million, The Blackstone Group and their affiliates held $204 million and The Carlyle Group and their affiliates held $137 million. The Sponsors, their subsidiaries, affiliates and controlling stockholders may, from time to time, depending on market conditions, seek to purchase debt securities issued by Nielsen or its subsidiaries or affiliates in open market or privately negotiated transactions or by other means. We make no undertaking to disclose any such transactions except as may be required by applicable laws and regulations.

Effective January 1, 2009, we entered into an employer health program arrangement with Equity Healthcare LLC (“Equity Healthcare”). Equity Healthcare negotiates with providers of standard administrative services for health benefit plans and other related services for cost discounts, quality of service monitoring, data services and clinical consulting and oversight by Equity Healthcare. Because of the combined purchasing power of its client participants, Equity Healthcare is able to negotiate pricing terms from providers that are believed to be more favorable than the companies could obtain for themselves on an individual basis. Equity Healthcare is an affiliate of The Blackstone Group, one of our Sponsors.

In consideration for Equity Healthcare’s provision of access to these favorable arrangements and its monitoring of the contracted third parties’ delivery of contracted services to us, we pay Equity Healthcare a fee of $2 per participating employee per month (“PEPM Fee”). As of December 31, 2010, we had approximately 8,000 employees enrolled in our self-insured health benefit plans in the United States. Equity Healthcare may also receive a fee (“Health Plan Fees”) from one or more of the health plans with whom Equity Healthcare has contractual arrangements if the total number of employees joining such health plans from participating companies exceeds specified thresholds.

 

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Commitments and Contingencies

Outsourced Services Agreements

On February 19, 2008, we amended and restated our Master Services Agreement dated June 16, 2004 (“MSA”), with Tata America International Corporation and Tata Consultancy Services Limited (jointly “TCS”). The term of the amended and restated MSA is for ten years, effective October 1, 2007; with a one year renewal option granted to us, during which ten year period (or if we exercise our renewal option, eleven year period) we have committed to purchase at least $1 billion in services from TCS. Unless mutually agreed, the payment rates for services under the amended and restated MSA are not subject to adjustment due to inflation or changes in foreign currency exchange rates. TCS will provide us with Information Technology, Applications Development and Maintenance and Business Process Outsourcing services globally. The amount of the purchase commitment may be reduced upon the occurrence of certain events, some of which also provide us with the right to terminate the agreement.

In addition, in 2008, we entered into an agreement with TCS to outsource our global IT Infrastructure services. The agreement has an initial term of seven years, and provides for TCS to manage our infrastructure costs at an agreed upon level and to provide Nielsen’s infrastructure services globally for an annual service charge of $39 million per year, which applies towards the satisfaction of our aforementioned purchased services commitment with TCS of at least $1 billion over the term of the amended and restated MSA. The agreement is subject to earlier termination under certain limited conditions.

Other Contractual Obligations. Our other contractual obligations include capital lease obligations, facility leases, leases of certain computer and other equipment, agreements to purchase data and telecommunication services, the payment of principal on debt and pension fund obligations.

At December 31, 2010, the minimum annual payments under these agreements and other contracts that had initial or remaining non-cancelable terms in excess of one year are as listed in the following table. Due to the uncertainty with respect to the timing of future cash flows associated with our unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2010, we are unable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the timing of any potential cash settlements with the respective taxing authorities. Therefore, $139 million of unrecognized tax benefits (which includes interest and penalties of $25 million) have been excluded from the contractual obligations table below. See Note 13 – Income Taxes – to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion on income taxes.

 

     Payments due by period  

(IN MILLIONS)

   Total      2011      2012      2013      2014      2015      Thereafter  

Capital lease obligations and other debt(a)

   $ 212       $ 27       $ 19       $ 19       $ 15       $ 15       $ 117   

Operating leases(b)

     389         98         77         59         50         35         70   

Other contractual obligations(c)

     739         340         274         113         11         1         —     

Long-term debt, including current portion(a)

     6,728         78         136         1,791         227         27         4,469   

Interest(d)

     2,039         419         366         332         286         270         366   

Pension fund obligations(e)

     46         46         —           —           —           —           —     
                                                              

Total

   $ 10,153       $ 1,008       $ 872       $ 2,314       $ 589       $ 348       $ 5,022   
                                                              

 

(a) Our short-term and long-term debt obligations, including capital lease and other financing obligations, are described in Note 10 – Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements – to our consolidated financial statements. Other debt includes bank overdrafts of $8 million due within one year. These amounts have been adjusted to reflect the subsequent events described in Note 20 – Subsequent Events, with the exception of the $288 million of Mandatory Convertible Subordinated Bonds due February 1, 2013, which have been excluded as these bonds were issued by Holdings and will convert into shares of the common stock of Holdings upon maturity.

 

(b) Our operating lease obligations are described in Note 15 – Commitments and Contingencies – to our consolidated financial statements.

 

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(c) Other contractual obligations represent obligations under agreement, which are not unilaterally cancelable by us, are legally enforceable and specify fixed or minimum amounts or quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices. We generally require purchase orders for vendor and third party spending. The amounts presented above represent the minimum future annual services covered by purchase obligations including data processing, building maintenance, equipment purchasing, photocopiers, land and mobile telephone service, computer software and hardware maintenance, and outsourcing. Our remaining commitments under the outsourced services agreements with TCS have been included above on an estimated basis over the years within the contractual period in which we expect to satisfy our obligations.

 

(d) Interest payments consist of interest on both fixed-rate and variable-rate debt. See Note 10 – Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements – to our consolidated financial statements. These amounts have been adjusted to reflect the subsequent events described in Note 20 – Subsequent Events, with the exception of interest associated with the $288 million of Mandatory Convertible Subordinated Bonds due February 1, 2013 issued by Holdings, which have been excluded as such payments will be made by Holdings directly.

 

(e) Our contributions to pension and other post-retirement defined benefit plans were $30 million, $44 million and $49 million during 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Future pension and other post-retirement benefits contributions are not determinable for time periods after 2011. See Note 9 – Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits – to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion on plan obligations.

Guarantees and Other Contingent Commitments

At March 31, 2011, we were committed under the following significant guarantee arrangements:

Sub-lease guarantees. We provide sub-lease guarantees in accordance with certain agreements pursuant to which we guarantee all rental payments upon default of rental payment by the sub-lessee. To date, we have not been required to perform under such arrangements, and do not anticipate making any significant payments related to such guarantees and, accordingly, no amounts have been recorded.

Letters of credit. Letters of credit issued and outstanding amount to $24 million at March 31, 2011.

Legal Proceedings and Contingencies. In addition to the legal proceedings described below and in Note 15 – Commitments and Contingencies – to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, we are subject to litigation and other claims in the ordinary course of business, some of which include claims for substantial sums. Accruals have been recorded when the outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated. While the ultimate results of claims and litigation cannot be determined, we do expect that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our operations or financial condition. However, depending on the amount and the timing, an unfavorable resolution of some or all of these matters could materially affect our future results of operations or cash flows in a particular period.

Sunbeam Television Corp. Sunbeam Television Corp. (“Sunbeam”) filed a lawsuit in Federal District Court in Miami, Florida on April 30, 2009. The lawsuit alleged that Nielsen Media Research, Inc. violated Federal and Florida state antitrust laws and Florida’s unfair trade practices laws by attempting to maintain a monopoly and abuse its position in the market, and breached its contract with Sunbeam by producing defective ratings data through its sampling methodology. The complaint did not specify the amount of damages sought and also sought declaratory and equitable relief. On January 13, 2011 the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Florida dismissed all federal and state antitrust claims brought against Nielsen by Sunbeam stating that Sunbeam failed to show that any competitor was “willing and able” to enter the local television ratings market in Miami and was excluded from that market by Nielsen. The Court also determined that Sunbeam could not prove that the current ratings for Sunbeam’s local station WSVN are less accurate than they would be under a prospective competitor’s methodology. The Court deferred ruling on the remaining ancillary claims, including breach of contract and violation of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. Subsequent to the court’s decision, Sunbeam voluntarily dismissed with prejudice the remaining claims in the case so that all claims have been dismissed. Sunbeam has appealed the court’s dismissal of the antitrust claims.

 

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Except as disclosed above, we have no off-balance sheet arrangements that currently have or are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition, changes in financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditure or capital resources.

Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Business Combinations

In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued a revised standard for accounting for business combinations, which was effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and applies to all business combinations. The standard provides that, upon initially obtaining control, an acquirer shall recognize 100 percent of the fair values of acquired assets, including goodwill, and assumed liabilities, with only limited exceptions, even if the acquirer has not acquired 100 percent of its target. As a consequence, the prior step acquisition model was eliminated. Additionally, the standard changed prior practice, in part, as follows: (i) contingent consideration arrangements are fair valued at the acquisition date and included on that basis in the purchase price consideration; (ii) transaction costs are expensed as incurred, rather than capitalized as part of the purchase price; (iii) pre-acquisition contingencies, such as those relating to legal matters, are generally accounted for in purchase accounting at fair value; (iv) in order to accrue for a restructuring plan in purchase accounting, the requirements for accounting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities have to be met at the acquisition date; and (v) changes to valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets and adjustments to unrecognized tax benefits generally are recognized as adjustments to income tax expense rather than goodwill. We adopted the new standard effective January 1, 2009 and such adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Measurements

In January 2010, the FASB issued updates to its fair value measurement standards that require entities to provide new disclosures and clarify existing disclosures relating to fair value measurements. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in Level 3 fair value measurements, which are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. We do not currently have fair value measurements within the Level 3 category and therefore the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In addition, effective January 1, 2009, we adopted the standard for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. The required fair value disclosures are included in Note 7, “Fair Value Measurements.”

Consolidation

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued updates to its consolidation accounting standards to clarify that the scope of the decrease in ownership provisions applies to: (1) a subsidiary or group of assets that is a business; (2) a subsidiary that is a business that is transferred to an equity method investee or joint venture and (3) an exchange of a group of assets that constitutes a business for a noncontrolling interest in an entity (including an equity method investee or joint venture). If a decrease in ownership occurs in a subsidiary that is not a business, an entity first needs to consider whether the substance of the transaction causing the decrease in ownership is addressed in other U.S. GAAP. This guidance was effective for Nielsen retroactive to January 1, 2009, however, the guidance did not have an impact on previously issued consolidated financial statements and did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Changes in the Consolidation Model for Variable Interest Entities

In June 2009, the FASB issued an update that amends the consolidation guidance applicable to variable interest entities (“VIE”) and changes how a reporting entity evaluates whether an entity is considered the primary beneficiary

 

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of a VIE and is therefore required to consolidate such VIE and will also require assessments at each reporting period of which party within the VIE is considered the primary beneficiary and will require a number of new disclosures. These updates are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The adoption of this guidance, effective January 1, 2010, did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

In October 2009, the FASB issued updates to its accounting standards pertaining to multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements requiring entities to allocate revenue in an arrangement using estimated selling prices of the delivered goods and services based on a selling price hierarchy. The guidance eliminates the residual method of revenue allocation and requires revenue to be allocated using the relative selling price method and is effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. The adoption of ASU 2009-13 did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2011 or for the three months then ended.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and market prices such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and changes in the market value of equity instruments. We are exposed to market risk, primarily related to foreign exchange and interest rates. We actively monitor these exposures. Historically, in order to manage the volatility relating to these exposures, we entered into a variety of derivative financial instruments, mainly interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps and forward rate agreements. Currently we only employ basic contracts, that is, without options, embedded or otherwise. Our objective is to reduce, where it is deemed appropriate to do so, fluctuations in earnings, cash flows and the value of our net investments in subsidiaries resulting from changes in interest rates and foreign currency rates. It is our policy not to trade in financial instruments.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We operate globally and we predominantly generate revenue and expenses in local currencies. Because of fluctuations (including possible devaluations) in currency exchange rates or the imposition of limitations on conversion of foreign currencies into our reporting currency, we are subject to currency translation exposure on the profits of our operations, in addition to transaction exposure.

Foreign currency translation risk is the risk that exchange rate gains or losses arise from translating foreign entities’ statements of earnings and balance sheets from functional currency to our reporting currency (the U.S. Dollar) for consolidation purposes. Translation risk exposure is managed by creating “natural hedges” in our financing or by using derivative financial instruments aimed at offsetting certain exposures in the statement of earnings or the balance sheet. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

The table below details the percentage of revenues and expenses by currency for the three months ended March 31, 2011, the year ended December 31, 2010 and the year ended December 31, 2009:

 

     U.S. Dollars     Euro     Other Currencies  

Three months ended March 31, 2011

      

Revenues

     52     13     35

Operating costs

     55     14     31

Year ended December 31, 2010

      

Revenues

     52     14     34

Operating costs

     53     14     33

Year ended December 31, 2009

      

Revenues

     53     16     31

Operating costs

     59     15     26

 

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Based on the year ended December 31, 2010, a one cent change in the U.S. dollar/Euro exchange rate will impact revenues by approximately $7 million annually, with an immaterial impact on operating income.

We have operations in both our Buy and Watch segments in Venezuela and our functional currency for these operations is the Venezuelan bolivares fuertes. Venezuela’s currency was considered hyperinflationary as of January 1, 2010 and further, in January 2010, Venezuela’s currency was devalued and a new currency exchange rate system was announced. We have evaluated the new exchange rate system and have concluded that our local currency transactions will be denominated in U.S. dollars until Venezuela’s currency is deemed to be non hyperinflationary. We recorded a charge of $7 million associated with the currency devaluation in January 2010 in our foreign exchange transaction gains, net line item. In June 2010, a further revision to the currency exchange rate system was made and in December 2010, the government of Venezuela announced that it is eliminating the preferential exchange rate. Neither the impact of the hyperinflationary accounting or the subsequent changes to the exchange rate system had a material impact on our consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 nor are they expected to have an impact on our consolidated financial statements prospectively.

Effective July 1, 2010, we designated our Euro denominated variable rate senior secured term loans due 2013 and 2016 as non-derivative hedges of our net investment in a European subsidiary. Beginning on July 1, 2010, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the Euro as compared to the U.S. Dollar associated with this debenture were recorded to currency translation adjustment within stockholders’ equity, net of income tax. We recorded losses of $43 million (net of tax of $17 million) to currency translation adjustment during the second half of 2010 associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates attributable to these loans and therefore no gains or losses were recorded within our net income/(loss) during that period. Our net income/(loss) reflected foreign currency exchange gains of $7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, gains of $96 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, losses of $21 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 and gains of $38 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 associated with these loans.

Interest Rate Risk

We continually review our fixed and variable rate debt along with related hedging opportunities in order to ensure our portfolio is appropriately balanced as part of our overall interest rate risk management strategy and through this process we consider both short-term and long-term considerations in the U.S. and global financial markets in making adjustments to our tolerable exposures to interest rate risk. At March 31, 2011, we had $4,583 million in carrying value of floating-rate debt under our 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities and our EMTN floating rate notes. A one percentage point increase in these floating rates would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $46 million. In February 2009, we modified the reset interest rate underlying our $4,525 million senior secured term loan in order to achieve additional economic interest benefit and, as a result, all related floating-to-fixed interest rate swap derivative financial instruments became ineffective. All changes in fair value of the affected interest rate swaps are reflected as a component of derivative gains and losses within our consolidated statement of operations.

In October and November 2010, we entered into an aggregate of $1 billion notional amount of three-year forward interest rate swap agreements with starting dates of November 9, 2010. These agreements fix the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of our variable-rate debt at an average rate of 0.72%. The commencement date of the interest rate swaps coincides with the $1 billion notional amount of interest rate swaps that matured on November 9, 2010. Additionally, on November 1, 2010, we entered into a $250 million notional amount three-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of November 9, 2011, which fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of our variable-rate debt at a rate of 1.26%. These derivative instruments have been designated as interest rate cash flow hedges.

On March 9, 2010, we entered into a three-year interest swap to fix the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates for $250 million of our variable-rate debt at 1.69%. This swap replaced the $500 million notional amount interest rate swap that matured on February 9, 2010. This derivative instrument has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

 

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In February 2009, we entered into two three-year forward interest rate swap agreements with starting dates of November 9, 2009. These agreements fix the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates for $500 million of our variable-rate debt at an average rate of 2.47%. The commencement date of the interest rate swaps coincided with the $1 billion notional amount interest rate swap that matured on November 9, 2009. These derivative instruments have been designated as interest rate cash flow hedges.

Derivative instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of non-performance, or credit risk. We do not believe that we currently face a significant risk of loss in the event of non-performance by the counterparties associated with these instruments, as these transactions were executed with a diversified group of major financial institutions with a minimum investment-grade or better credit rating. Our credit risk exposure is managed through the continuous monitoring of our exposures to such counterparties.

 

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BUSINESS

Our Company

We are a leading global information and measurement company that provides clients with a comprehensive understanding of consumers and consumer behavior. We deliver critical media and marketing information, analytics and industry expertise about what consumers buy and what consumers watch (consumer interaction with television, online and mobile) on a global and local basis. Our information, insights and solutions help our clients maintain and strengthen their market positions and identify opportunities for profitable growth. We have a presence in approximately 100 countries, including many developing and emerging markets, and hold leading market positions in many of our services and geographies. Based on the strength of the Nielsen brand, our scale and the breadth and depth of our solutions, we believe we are the global leader in measuring and analyzing consumer behavior in the segments in which we operate.

We help our clients enhance their interactions with consumers and make critical business decisions that we believe positively affect our clients’ sales. Our data and analytics solutions, which have been developed through substantial investment over many decades, are deeply embedded into our clients’ workflow as demonstrated by our long-term client relationships, multi-year contracts and high contract renewal rates. The average length of relationship with our top ten clients, which include The Coca-Cola Company, NBC Universal, Nestle S.A., News Corp., The Procter & Gamble Company and the Unilever Group, is more than 30 years. Typically, before the start of each year, nearly 70% of our annual revenue has been committed under contracts in our combined Buy and Watch segments.

We align our business into three reporting segments, the principal two of which are What Consumers Buy (consumer purchasing measurement and analytics) and What Consumers Watch (media audience measurement and analytics). Our Buy and Watch segments, which together generated 97% of our revenues in 2010, are built on an extensive foundation of proprietary data assets designed to yield essential insights for our clients to successfully measure, analyze and grow their businesses. The information from our Buy and Watch segments, when brought together, can deliver powerful insights into the effectiveness of advertising by linking media consumption trends with consumer purchasing data to better understand how media exposure drives purchase behavior. We believe these integrated insights will better enable our clients to enhance the return on investment of their advertising and marketing spending.

Our Buy segment provides retail transactional measurement data, consumer behavior information and analytics primarily to businesses in the consumer packaged goods industry. According to Euromonitor International, global consumer spending in the product categories we measure was over $7.0 trillion in 2009. Our extensive database of retail and consumer information, combined with our advanced analytical capabilities, helps generate strategic insights that influence our clients’ key business decisions. We track billions of sales transactions per month in retail outlets in approximately 100 countries around the world and our data is used by our clients to measure their sales and market share. We are the only company offering such extensive global coverage for the collection, provision and analysis of this information for consumer packaged goods. Our Buy products and services also enable our clients to better manage their brands, uncover new sources of demand, launch and grow new products, analyze their sales, improve their marketing mix and establish more effective consumer relationships. Our Buy segment represented 64% of our total revenues in 2010.

Our Watch segment provides viewership data and analytics primarily to the media and advertising industries across television, online and mobile screens. According to ZenithOptimedia, a leading global media services agency, in 2009, total global spending on advertising across television, online and mobile platforms was at least $228 billion. Our Watch data is used by our media clients to understand their audiences, establish the value of their advertising inventory and maximize the value of their content, and by our advertising clients to plan and optimize their spending. Within our Watch segment, our ratings are the primary metrics used to determine the value of programming and advertising in the U.S. total television advertising marketplace, which was approximately $73 billion in 2009 according to a report by Veronis Suhler Stevenson. In addition to the United

 

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States, we measure television viewing in 29 countries. We also measure markets that account for approximately 80% of global internet users and offer mobile measurement services in 10 countries, including the United States, where we are the market leader. Our Watch segment represented 33% of our total revenues in 2010.

Our Expositions segment operates one of the largest portfolios of business-to-business trade shows in the United States. Each year, we produce approximately 40 trade shows, which in 2010 connected approximately 270,000 buyers and sellers across 20 industries. Our Expositions segment represented 3% of our total revenue in 2010.

Our Company was founded in 1923 by Arthur C. Nielsen, Sr., who invented an approach to measuring competitive sales results that made the concept of “market share” a practical management tool. For nearly 90 years, we have advanced the practice of market research and media audience measurement to provide our clients a better understanding of their consumer. Our Company, incorporated in the Netherlands, was purchased on May 24, 2006 by a consortium of private equity firms (AlpInvest Partners, The Blackstone Group, The Carlyle Group, Hellman & Friedman, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. and Thomas H. Lee Partners). Subsequently, David Calhoun was appointed Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Calhoun has repositioned the Company and focused on building an open, simple and integrated operating model to drive innovation and deliver greater value to our clients. In January 2011, our indirect parent company, Holdings, consummated an initial public offering of its common stock and its shares began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NLSN”.

Services and Solutions

What Consumers Buy

Our Buy segment provides retail transactional measurement data, consumer behavior information and analytics primarily to businesses in the consumer packaged goods industry. This segment is organized into two areas: Information, which provides retail scanner and consumer panel-based measurement, and Insights, which provides a broad range of analytics. For the year ended December 31, 2010, revenues from our Buy segment represented approximately 64% of our consolidated revenue. This segment has historically generated stable revenue streams that are characterized by multi-year contracts and high contract renewal rates. At the beginning of each year, approximately 60% of the segment’s revenue base for the upcoming year is typically committed under existing agreements. Our top five Buy segment clients represented 22% segment revenue for the year ended December 31, 2010 and the average length of relationship with these same clients is over 30 years. No customer accounted for 10% or more of our Buy segment revenue in 2010.

Information: Retail Measurement Services

We are a global leader in retail measurement services. Our purchasing data provides market share, competitive sales volumes, and insights into such activities as distribution, pricing, merchandising and promotion. By combining this detailed information with our in-house expertise and professional consultative services, we produce valuable insights that help our clients improve their marketing and sales decisions and grow their market share.

Depending on the sophistication of each country’s retailer systems, we collect retail sales information from stores using electronic point-of-sale technology and/or teams of local field auditors. Stores within our worldwide retail network include grocery, drug, convenience and discount retailers, who, through various cooperation arrangements, share their sales data with us. The electronic retail sales information collected by stores through checkout scanners is transmitted directly to us. In certain developing markets where electronic retail sales information is unavailable, we collect information through in-store inventory and price checks conducted by over 15,000 field auditors. For all information we collect, our quality control systems validate and confirm the source data. The data is then processed into client-specific databases that clients access using our proprietary software that allows them to query the databases, conduct customized analysis and generate reports and alerts.

 

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Information: Consumer Panel Measurement

We conduct consumer panels around the world that help our clients understand consumer purchasing dynamics at the household level. Among other things, this information offers insight into shopper behavior such as trial and repeat purchase for new products and likely substitutes, as well as customer segmentation. In addition, our panel data augments our retail measurement information in circumstances where we do not collect data from certain retailers.

Our consumer panels collect data from approximately 250,000 household panelists across 25 countries who use in-home scanners to record purchases from each shopping trip. In the United States, for example, approximately 100,000 selected households, constituting a demographically balanced sample, participate in the panels. Data received from household panels undergo a quality control process including UPC verification and validation, before being processed into databases and reports. Clients may access these databases to perform analyses.

Insights: Analytical Services

Utilizing our foundation of consumer purchasing information, we provide a wide and growing selection of consumer intelligence and analytical services that help clients make smarter business decisions throughout their product development and marketing cycles. We draw actionable insights from our retail and consumer panel measurement data sets, our online behavioral information, as well as a variety of other proprietary data sets. For example, we maintain more than 2,500 demographic characteristics to describe households within each of the eight million U.S. census blocks to provide consumer segmentation and demographic insights. We continually expand an existing database by conducting approximately eight million surveys annually that capture consumer reaction to new product launches around the world to help our clients manage their product development cycles. We also collect and analyze more than 20 million surveys annually to measure consumer engagement and recall of advertisements across television and online to provide important insights on advertising and content effectiveness. We believe the analyses we derive from these comprehensive data sets help our clients answer some of their most challenging sales and marketing questions.

Our analytical services are organized into eight primary categories that follow our clients’ business development process:

 

Growth and Demand Strategy:

We help clients identify unsatisfied customer demand and meet that demand by delivering the right products to the right place at the right price at the right time.

 

Market Structure and Segmentation:

Using our demographic and retail databases, we provide clients with a precise understanding of market structures, and how to segment and reach their best customers.

 

Brand and Portfolio Management:

We work with clients to maximize their product and brand portfolios including brand and category assessments, positioning and messaging evaluation and strategic portfolio alignment.

 

Product Innovation Services:

We help clients forecast, evaluate and optimize the sales potential of new products, improve the positioning and performance of existing products, and refine go-to-market strategies.

 

Pricing and Sales Modeling:

We use our extensive data to develop pricing simulations and modeling services that guide clients through pricing decisions.

 

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Retail Marketing Strategies:

We use our breadth of information to help retailers and manufacturers optimize use of in-store space, addressing factors such as channel selection, site and market selection, shelf space and assortment levels.

 

Marketing ROI Strategies:

We integrate large-scale consumer purchasing and media consumption data to provide marketing return-on-investment analysis.

 

Advertising Engagement:

We measure and provide insights into the effectiveness of advertising, product placement and programming across multiple platforms.

Insights: Advertiser Solutions

Our Advertiser Solutions offering will integrate data from our Buy and Watch segments and use the analytical services listed above to provide end-to-end solutions directly to advertisers. We believe this full suite of consumer behavior data and marketing insights will help our clients answer some of their most important marketing questions.

What Consumers Watch

Our Watch segment provides viewership data and analytics primarily to the media and advertising industries across television, online and mobile devices. For the year ended December 31, 2010, revenues from our Watch segment represented approximately 33% of our consolidated revenue. This segment has historically generated stable revenue streams that are characterized by multi-year contracts and high contract renewal rates. At the beginning of each year, approximately 90% of the segment’s revenue base for the upcoming year is typically committed under existing agreements. Our top five clients represented 27% of segment revenue for the year ended December 31, 2010 and the average length of relationship with these same clients is more than 30 years. No customer accounted for 10% or more of our Watch segment revenue in 2010.

Television Audience Measurement Services

We are the global leader in television audience measurement. In the United States, which is by far the world’s largest market for television programming, broadcasters and cable networks use our television audience ratings as the primary currency to establish the value of their airtime and more effectively schedule and promote their programming. Advertisers use this information to plan television advertising campaigns, evaluate the effectiveness of their commercial messages and negotiate advertising rates.

We provide two principal television ratings services in the United States: measurement of national television audiences and measurement of local television audiences in all 210 designated local television markets. We use various methods to collect the data from households including electronic meters—which provide minute-by-minute viewing information for next day consumption by our clients—and written diaries. These methods enable us to collect not only television device viewing data but also the demographics of the audience (i.e., who in the household is watching), from which we calculate statistically reliable and accurate estimates of total television viewership. We have made significant investments over decades to build an infrastructure that can accurately and efficiently track television audience viewing, a process that has become increasingly complex as the industry has converted to digital transmission and integrated new technologies allowing for developments such as time-shifted viewing.

Our measurement techniques are constantly evolving to account for new television viewing behavior, increased fragmentation and new media technologies. For example, to help advertisers and programmers understand time-shifted viewing behavior, we created the “C3” ratings, which is a measure of how many people watch programming and commercials during live and time-shifted viewing up to three days after the program aired. The C3 rating has quickly become the primary metric for buying and selling advertising on national broadcast television.

 

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We measure television viewing in 29 countries outside the United States, including Australia, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico and South Korea. The international television audience measurement industry operates on a different model than in the United States. In many international markets, a joint industry committee of broadcasters in each individual country selects a single official audience measurement provider, which provides the “currency” through an organized bidding process that is typically revisited every several years. We have strong relationships in these countries and see a significant opportunity to expand our presence into additional countries around the world.

Online Audience Measurement Services

We are a global provider of internet media and market research, audience analytics and social media measurement. We employ a variety of measurement offerings to provide online publishers, internet and media companies, marketers and retailers with metrics to better understand the behavior of online audiences. Our online measurement service has a presence in 46 countries including the United States, France, South Korea and Brazil—markets that account for approximately 80% of global internet users. Through a combination of patented panel and census data collection methods, we monitor and measure the internet surfing, online buying and video viewing (including television content) of online audiences. We provide critical advertising metrics such as audience demographics, page and ad views, and time spent—as well as quantify the effectiveness of advertising by reporting online behavioral observations, attitudinal changes and actual offline purchase activity. We track, measure and analyze consumer-generated media including opinions, advice, peer-to-peer discussions and shared personal experiences on over 100 million blogs, social networks, user groups and chat boards.

Mobile Measurement Services

We provide independent measurement and consumer research for telecom and media companies in the mobile telecommunications industry. Clients, principally mobile carriers and device manufacturers, rely upon our data to make consumer marketing, competitive strategy and resource allocation decisions. In the United States, our metrics are a leading indicator for market share, customer satisfaction, device share, service quality, revenue share, content audience and other key performance indicators. We also benchmark the end-to-end consumer experience to pinpoint problem areas in the service delivery chain, track key performance metrics for mobile devices and identify key market opportunities (e.g., demand tracking for device features and services). While mobile internet consumption is still nascent, we are expanding quickly in this area to capture internet, video and other media on mobile devices. As the mobile industry continues to grow, there is an opportunity for us to measure media and data content on mobile devices worldwide and to integrate mobile measurement with other media platforms. We offer mobile measurement services in 10 countries worldwide, including the United States, where we are the market leader, and are focused on expanding our presence in developing markets such as Brazil, China, India and Africa.

Three-Screen Media Measurement

We continue to develop advanced measurement techniques of the three principal screens—television, online and mobile devices. In the United States, we are already utilizing a single-source TV and PC panel to deliver cross-screen insights to clients. Our cross-screen measurement solution provides information about simultaneous usage of more than one screen (e.g. if a consumer uses Facebook while watching a TV program), unduplicated reach (i.e. total audience net of duplication across platforms), cause and effect analysis (e.g. if a TV advertisement spurs a consumer to view a specific website online) and program viewing behavior (e.g. what platforms consumers use to view certain programming). We also provide advertising effectiveness research across multiple platforms. We plan to continue evolving our cross media measurement capabilities, including mobile measurement, to provide more insights into cross-platform viewing behavior.

 

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Expositions

In our Expositions segment, we operate one of the largest portfolios of business-to-business trade shows in the United States. Each year, we produce approximately 40 trade shows, which in 2010 connected approximately 270,000 buyers and sellers across 20 industries. Our leading events include the Hospitality Design Conference and Expo, the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show, the ASD Merchandise Shows, the JA International Jewelry Summer and Winter Shows and the Interbike International Bike Show and Expo. For the year ended December 31, 2010, revenues from our Expositions segment represented approximately 3% of our consolidated revenue. In addition, we are developing digital platforms and solutions for buyers and sellers to connect and transact on a 365-day-a-year basis.

Competitive Advantages

We are faced with a number of competitors in the markets in which we operate. Some of our competitors in each market may have substantially greater financial marketing and other resources than we do and may benefit from other competitive advantages. See “—Competitive Landscape” and “Risk Factors—We face competition, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.”

Notwithstanding the challenges presented by the competitive landscape, we believe that we have several competitive advantages including the following:

Global Scale and Brand. We provide a breadth of information and insights about the consumer in approximately 100 countries. In our Watch segment, our ratings are the primary metrics used to determine the value of programming and advertising in the U.S. total television advertising marketplace, which was approximately $73 billion in 2009 according to Veronis Suhler Stevenson. In our Buy segment, we track billions of sales transactions per month in retail outlets in approximately 100 countries around the world. We also have approximately 250,000 household panelists across 25 countries. We believe our footprint, neutrality, credibility and leading market positions will continue to contribute to our long-term growth and strong operating margins as the number and role of multinational companies expands. Our scale is supported by our global brand, which is defined by the original Nielsen code created by our founder, Arthur C. Nielsen, Sr.: impartiality, thoroughness, accuracy, integrity, economy, price, delivery and service.

Strong, Diversified Client Relationships. Many of the world’s largest brands rely on us as their information and analytics provider to create value for their business. We maintain long-standing relationships and multi-year contracts with high renewal rates due to the value of the services and solutions we provide. In our Watch segment, our client base includes leading broadcast, cable and internet companies such as CBS, Comcast, Disney/ABC, Google, Microsoft, NBC Universal, News Corp., Time Warner, Univision and Yahoo!; leading advertising agencies such as IPG, Omnicom and WPP; and leading telecom companies such as AT&T, Nokia and Verizon. In our Buy segment, our clients include the largest consumer packaged goods and merchandising companies in the world such as The Coca-Cola Company, Kraft Foods and The Procter & Gamble Company, as well as leading retail chains such as Carrefour, Kroger, Safeway, Tesco and Walgreens, and leading automotive companies such as Chrysler, Ford and Toyota. The average length of relationship with our top 10 clients across both our Buy and Watch segments is more than 30 years. In addition, due to our growing presence in developing markets, we have cultivated strong relationships with local market leaders that can benefit from our services as they expand globally. Our strong client relationships provide both a foundation for recurring revenues as well as a platform for growth.

Enhanced Data Assets and Measurement Science. Our extensive portfolio of transactional and consumer behavioral data across our Buy and Watch segments enables us to provide critical information to our clients. For decades, we have employed advanced measurement methodologies that yield statistically accurate information about consumer behavior while having due regard for their privacy. We have a particular expertise in panel measurement, which is a proven methodology to create statistically accurate research insights that are fully representative of designated audiences. This expertise is a distinct advantage as we extrapolate more precise

 

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insights from emerging large-scale census databases to provide greater granularity and segmentation for our clients. We continue to enhance our core competency in measurement science by improving research approaches and investing in new methodologies. We have also invested significantly in our data architecture to enable the integration of distinct data sets including those owned by third parties. We believe that our expertise, established standards and increasingly granular and comprehensive data assets provide us with a distinct advantage as we deliver more precise insights to our clients.

Innovation. We have focused on innovation to deepen our capabilities, expand in new and emerging forms of measurement, enhance our analytical offerings and capitalize on industry trends. For example, we are continuously developing advanced delivery technologies that allow us to maximize the full suite of our data assets for our clients. The most significant example of this is our new delivery platform, Nielsen Answers, which brings our broad portfolio of our data and information to a single client desktop. As a second example, our Nielsen Catalina joint venture, announced in December 2009, will integrate consumer purchase and media consumption data sets to provide return-on-investment measurement for television and online advertising campaigns. In addition, our partnership with Facebook provides advertising effectiveness measurement of social networking activity on Facebook’s active user base of over 400 million.

Scalable Operating Model. Our global presence and operating model allow us to scale our services and solutions rapidly and efficiently. We have a long track record of establishing leading products that can be quickly expanded across clients, markets and geographies. Our global operations and technology organization enables us to achieve faster, higher quality outcomes for clients in a cost-efficient manner. Our flexible architecture allows us to incorporate leading third-party technologies as well as data from external sources, and enables our clients to use our technology and solutions on their own technology platforms. In addition, we work with leading technology partners such as Cognos, Netezza, Tata Consultancy Services and TIBCO, which allows for greater quality in client offerings and efficiency in our global operations.

Industry Trends

We believe companies, including our clients, require an increasing amount of data and analytics to set strategy and direct operations. This has resulted in a large market for business information and insight which we believe will continue to grow. Our clients are media, advertising and consumer packaged goods companies in the large and growing markets. We believe that significant economic, technological, demographic and competitive trends facing consumers and our clients will provide a competitive advantage to our business and enable us to capture a greater share of our significant market opportunity. We may not be able to realize these opportunities if these trends do not continue or if we are otherwise unable to execute our strategies. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—We may be unable to adapt to significant technological change which could adversely affect our business” and “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—Our international operations are exposed to risks which could impede growth in the future.”

Developing markets present significant expansion opportunities. Brand marketers are focused on attracting new consumers in developing countries as a result of the fast-paced population growth of the middle class in these regions. In addition, the retail trade in these markets is quickly evolving from small, local formats toward larger, more modern formats with electronic points of sale, a similar evolution to what occurred in developed markets over the last several decades. We provide established measurement methodologies to help give consumer packaged goods companies, retailers and media companies an accurate understanding of local consumers to allow them to harness growing consumer buying power in fast growing markets like Brazil, Russia, India and China.

The media landscape is dynamic and changing. Consumers are rapidly changing their media consumption patterns. The growing availability of the Internet, and the proliferation of new formats and channels such as mobile devices, social networks and other forms of user-generated media have led to an increasingly fragmented consumer base that is more difficult to measure and analyze. In addition, simultaneous usage of more than one

 

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screen is becoming a regular aspect of daily consumer media consumption. We have effectively measured and tracked media consumption through numerous cycles in the industry’s evolution—from broadcast to cable, from analog to digital, from offline to online and from live to time-shifted. We believe our distinct ability to provide metrics across television, online and mobile platforms helps clients better understand, adapt to and profit from the continued transformation of the global media landscape.

Increasing amounts of consumer information are leading to new marketing approaches. The advent of the internet and other digital platforms has created rapid growth in consumer data that is expected to intensify as more entertainment and commerce are delivered across these platforms. As a result, companies are looking for real-time access to more granular levels of data to understand growth opportunities more quickly and more precisely. This presents a significant opportunity for us to work with companies to effectively manage, integrate and analyze large amounts of information and extract meaningful insights that allow marketers to generate profitable growth.

Consumers are more connected, informed and in control. Today, more than three-quarters of the world’s homes have access to television, there are more than 1.8 billion internet users around the globe, and there are two-thirds as many mobile phones in the world as people. Advances in technology have given consumers a greater level of control of when, where and how they consume information and interact with media and brands. They can compare products and prices instantaneously and have new avenues to learn about, engage with and purchase products and services. These shifts in behavior create significant complexities for our clients. Our broad portfolio of information and insights enables our clients to engage consumers with more impact and efficiency, influence consumer purchasing decisions and actively participate in and shape conversations about their brands.

Demographic shifts and changes in spending behavior are altering the consumer landscape. Consumer demographics and related trends are constantly evolving globally, leading to changes in consumer preferences and the relative size and buying power of major consumer groups. Shifts in population size, age, racial composition, family size and relative wealth are causing marketers continuously to re-evaluate and reprioritize their consumer marketing strategies. We track and interpret consumer demographics that help enable our clients to engage more effectively with their existing consumers as well as forge new relationships with emerging segments of the population.

Consumers are looking for greater value. Economic and social trends have spurred consumers to seek greater value in what they buy as exemplified by the rising demand for “private label” (store branded) products. For instance, in the United States, the absolute dollar share for private label consumer packaged goods increased more than $10 billion during 2008 and 2009. This increased focus on value is causing manufacturers, retailers and media companies to re-evaluate brand positioning, pricing and loyalty. We believe companies will increasingly look to our broad range of consumer purchasing insights and analytics to more precisely and effectively measure consumer behavior and target their products and marketing offers at the right place and at the right price.

Our Growth Strategy

We believe we are well-positioned for growth worldwide and have a multi-faceted strategy that builds upon our brand, strong client relationships and integral role in measuring and analyzing the global consumer. Our growth strategy is also subject to certain risks. For example, we may be unable to adapt to significant technological changes such as changes in the technology used to collect and process data or in methods of television viewing. In addition, consolidation in our customers’ industries may reduce the aggregate demand for our services. See “Risk Factors.”

 

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Continue to grow in developing markets

Developing markets comprised approximately 19% of our 2010 revenues and represent a significant long-term opportunity for us given the growth of the middle class and the rapid evolution and modernization of the retail trade in these regions. Currently, the middle class is growing by 70 million people globally each year, with Brazil, Russia, India and China expected to contribute approximately half of all global consumption growth in 2010. Key elements of our strategy include:

 

   

Continuing to grow our existing services in local markets while simultaneously introducing into developing markets new services drawn from our global portfolio;

 

   

Partnering with existing clients as they expand their businesses into developing and emerging markets and providing the high-quality measurement and insights to which they are accustomed; and

 

   

Building relationships with local companies that are expanding beyond their home markets by capitalizing on the global credibility and integrity of the Nielsen brand.

Continue to develop innovative products and services

We intend to continue developing our product and service portfolio to provide our clients with comprehensive and advanced solutions. Key elements of our strategy include:

 

   

Further developing our analytics offerings across all facets of our client base to provide a more comprehensive offering and help our clients think through their most important challenges;

 

   

Continuing to grow our leadership in measurement and insight services related to each individual screen (TV, online and mobile) and expanding our three screen measurement services to help our media clients more effectively reach their target audiences and better understand the value of their content; and

 

   

Expanding our Advertiser Solutions offering, which integrates our proprietary data and analytics from both the Buy and Watch segments, by developing powerful tools to help clients better understand the effectiveness of advertising spending on consumer purchasing behavior.

Continue to attract new clients and expand existing relationships

We believe that substantial opportunities exist to both attract new clients and to increase our revenue from existing clients. Building on our deep knowledge and the embedded position of our Buy and Watch segments, we expect to sell new and innovative solutions to our new and existing clients, increasing our importance to their decision making processes.

Continue to pursue strategic acquisitions to complement our leadership positions

We have increased our capabilities and expanded our geographic footprint through acquisitions in the areas of online and mobile measurement, social networking, advanced analytics and advertising effectiveness. Going forward, we will consider select acquisitions of complementary businesses that enhance our product and geographic portfolio and can benefit from our scale, scope and status as a global leader.

Technology Infrastructure

We operate with an extensive data and technology infrastructure utilizing 14 primary data centers in eight countries around the world. Our global database has the capacity to house approximately 21 petabytes of information, with our Watch segment processing approximately one billion tuning and viewing records each month and our Buy segment processing approximately nine trillion purchasing data points each month. Our

 

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technology infrastructure plays an instrumental role in meeting service commitments to global clients and allows us to quickly scale our products across practice areas and geographies. Our technology platform utilizes an open approach that facilitates integration of distinct data sets, interoperability with client data and technology, and partnerships with leading technology companies such as Cognos, Netezza, Tata Consulting and TIBCO.

Intellectual Property

Our patents, trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights and all of our other intellectual property are important assets that afford protection to our business. Our success depends to a degree upon our ability to protect and preserve certain proprietary aspects of our technology and our brand. To ensure that objective, we control access to our proprietary technology. Our employees and consultants enter into confidentiality, non-disclosure and invention assignment agreements with us. We protect our rights to proprietary technology and confidential information in our business arrangements with third parties through confidentiality and other intellectual property and business agreements.

We hold a number of third-party patent and intellectual property license agreements that afford us rights under third party patents, technology and other intellectual property. Such license agreements most often do not preclude either party from licensing our patents and technology to others. Such licenses may involve one-time payments or ongoing royalty obligations, and we cannot ensure that future license agreements can or will be obtained or renewed on acceptable terms, or at all.

Employees

As of March 31, 2011, we employed approximately 34,000 people worldwide. Approximately 20% of our employees are covered under collective bargaining or works council agreements. We may become subject to additional agreements or experience labor disruptions which may result in higher operating costs over time. We believe that our employee relations are good.

Competitive Landscape

There is no single competitor that offers all of the services we offer in all of the markets in which we offer them. We have many competitors worldwide that offer some of the services we provide in selected markets. While we maintain leading positions in many markets in which we operate, our future success will depend on our ability to enhance and expand our suite of services, provide reliable and accurate measurement solutions and related information, drive innovation that anticipates and responds to emerging client needs, strengthen and expand our geographic footprint, and protect consumer privacy. See “Risk Factors—We face competition, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.” We believe our global presence and integrated portfolio of services are key assets in our ability to effectively compete in the marketplace. A summary of the competitive landscape for each of our segments is included below:

What Consumers Buy

While we do not have one global competitor in our Buy segment, we face numerous competitors in various areas of our service in different markets throughout the world. Competition includes companies specializing in marketing research, in-house research departments of manufacturers and advertising agencies, retailers that sell information directly or through brokers, information management and software companies, and consulting and accounting firms. In retail measurement, our principal competitor in the United States is Information Resources, Inc., which is also present in some European markets. Our retail measurement service also faces competition in individual markets from local companies. Our consumer panel services and analytics services have many direct and/or indirect competitors in all markets around the world including in selected cases GfK, Ipsos, Kantar and local companies in individual countries.

 

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What Consumers Watch

While we do not have one global competitor in our Watch segment, we face numerous competitors in various areas of our operations in different markets throughout the world. We are the clear market leader in U.S. television audience measurement; however, there are many emerging players and technologies that will increase competitive pressure. Numerous companies such as Canoe Ventures, Dish Networks, Kantar (a unit of WPP), Rentrak and TiVo are attempting to provide measurement solutions using set-top box data to provide an alternative form of television audience measurement. Our principal competitor in television audience measurement outside the United States is Kantar, with additional companies such as Ipsos, GfK and Médiamétrie representing competitors in individual countries. Our online service faces competition in the United States and globally from companies that provide panel-based internet measurement services such as comScore, providers of site-centric Web analytics solutions, including Coremetrics, Google, Omniture and WebTrends and companies that measure consumer generated media on the internet such as BuzzLogic, Cymfony, and Umbria. Although the mobile measurement service is still nascent, there are a variety of companies and technologies that could represent competitors to us in this area.

Expositions

The trade show industry is highly fragmented with numerous competitors serving individual business sectors or geographies. Our primary competitors in this segment are Reed Expositions, Advanstar and Hanley Wood.

Regulation

Our operations are subject to and affected by data protection laws in many countries. These laws constrain whether and how we collect personal data (i.e., information relating to an identifiable individual), how that data may be used and stored, and whether, to whom and where that data may be transferred. Data collection methods that may not always be obvious to the data subject, like the use of cookies online, or that present a higher risk of abuse, such as collecting data directly from children, tend to be more highly regulated; and data transfer constraints can impact multinational access to a central database and cross-border data transfers.

Some of the personal data we collect may be considered “sensitive” by the laws of many jurisdictions because they may include certain demographic information and consumption preferences. “Sensitive” personal data typically are more highly regulated than non-sensitive data. Generally, this means that for sensitive data the data subject’s consent should be more explicit and fully informed and security measures surrounding the storage of the data should be more rigorous. The greater constraints that apply to the collection and use of sensitive data increase the administrative and operational burdens and costs of panel recruitment and management.

The attention privacy and data protection issues attract can offer us a competitive advantage. Because we recognize the importance of privacy to our panelists, our customers, consumers in general, and regulators, we devote dedicated resources to enhancing our privacy and security practices in our product development plans and other areas of operation, and participate in privacy policy organizations and “think tanks.” We do this to improve both our practices and the perception of Nielsen as a leader in this area.

Recent Developments

Initial Public Offering of Nielsen Holdings N.V. Common Stock

On January 31, 2011, Holdings completed an initial public offering of 82,142,858 shares of its €0.07 par value common stock at a price of $23.00 per share, generating proceeds of approximately $1,801 million, net of $88 million of underwriter discounts and other issuance costs.

 

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Concurrent with its offering of common stock, Holdings issued $288 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.25% Mandatory Convertible Subordinated Bonds due February 1, 2013, generating proceeds of approximately $277 million, net of $11 million of underwriter discounts.

Holdings contributed substantially all of the combined net proceeds of approximately $2,081 million associated with the aforementioned transactions to us and we utilized the contributed amount to settle certain advisory agreements with the Sponsors (See Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements, “Investments in Affiliates and Related Party Transactions” for information regarding these advisory agreements) and redeem and retire certain issuances of our long-term indebtedness as follows:

 

   

On January 31, 2011, each of our subsidiaries party to certain advisory agreements agreed, along with the Sponsors, to terminate all such agreements in exchange for a settlement of $102 million.

 

   

On February 9, 2011, we paid approximately $201 million to redeem $164 million of our outstanding $467 million ($500 million aggregate principal amount) 11.50% Senior Discount Notes Due 2016 with a redemption cost of the stated rate applied to the principal amount being redeemed plus a proportionate amount of accrued interest to the principal amount.

 

   

On February 9, 2011, we paid approximately $129 million to redeem $107 million of our outstanding $307 million ($330 million aggregate principal amount) 11.625% Senior Discount Notes Due 2014 with a redemption cost of the stated rate applied to the principal amount being redeemed plus a proportionate amount of accrued interest to the principal amount.

 

   

On February 25, 2011, we paid approximately $1,133 million to redeem all of our outstanding $999 million ($1,070 million aggregate principal amount) 12.50% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes Due 2016 at a price of 105.89% of the aggregate principal amount.

 

   

On February 25, 2011, we paid approximately $251 million to redeem €163 million (€174 million aggregate principal amount) of our 11.125% Senior Discount Debenture Notes due 2016 at a price of 104.87% of the aggregate principal amount.

 

   

On March 2, 2011, we paid approximately $244 million to redeem €159 million (€169 million aggregate principal amount) of our 11.125% Senior Discount Debenture Notes due 2016 at a price of 104.87% of the aggregate principal amount.

Financing Activities

In October and November 2010, we issued a combined $1,080 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Notes due 2018 at an issue price of $1,085 million with cash proceeds of approximately $1,065 million, net of fees and expenses. The net proceeds were utilized to redeem all $870 million aggregate principal amount of our 10.00% Senior Notes due 2014 at a price of 105% of the amount redeemed as well as all €150 million aggregate principal amount of our 9% Senior Notes due 2014 at a price of 104.5% of the amount redeemed in separate transactions in November and December 2010. The redemption and subsequent retirement of these collective notes resulted in a loss of $67 million (net of tax of $33 million) associated with the redemption option premium and recognition of previously deferred debt issuance costs recorded as a component of other expense/(income) in the consolidated statement of operations in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Properties

We lease property in approximately 600 locations worldwide. We also own seven properties worldwide, including our offices in Oxford, United Kingdom, Mexico City, Mexico and Sao Paulo, Brazil. Our leased property includes offices in New York, New York, Oldsmar, Florida and Markham, Canada. In addition, we are subject to certain covenants including the requirement that we meet certain conditions in the event we merge into or convey, lease, transfer or sell our properties or assets as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to, any person or persons, in one or a series of transactions.

 

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Legal Proceedings

Sunbeam Television Corp.

Sunbeam Television Corp. (“Sunbeam”) filed a lawsuit in Federal District Court in Miami, Florida on April 30, 2009. The lawsuit alleged that Nielsen Media Research, Inc. violated Federal and Florida state antitrust laws and Florida’s unfair trade practices laws by attempting to maintain a monopoly and abuse its position in the market, and breached its contract with Sunbeam by producing defective ratings data through its sampling methodology. The complaint did not specify the amount of damages sought and also sought declaratory and equitable relief. On January 13, 2011, the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Florida dismissed all federal and state antitrust claims brought against the Company by Sunbeam stating that Sunbeam failed to show that any competitor was “willing and able” to enter the local television ratings market in Miami and was excluded from that market by Nielsen. The Court also determined that Sunbeam could not prove that the current ratings for Sunbeam’s local station WSVN are less accurate than they would be under a prospective competitor’s methodology. The Court deferred ruling on the remaining ancillary claims, including breach of contract and violation of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. Subsequent to the court’s decision, Sunbeam voluntarily dismissed with prejudice the remaining claims in the case so that all claims have been dismissed. Sunbeam has appealed the court’s dismissal of the antitrust claims.

We are subject to litigation and other claims in the ordinary course of business, some of which include claims for substantial sums. Accruals have been recorded when the outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated. While the ultimate results of claims and litigation cannot be determined, we do expect that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our operations or financial condition. However, depending on the amount and the timing, an unfavorable resolution of some or all of these matters could materially affect our future results of operations or cash flows in a particular period.

 

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MANAGEMENT

The Executive Officers set forth below are responsible for achieving Nielsen’s goals, strategy, policies and results. The supervision of Nielsen’s management and the general course of its affairs and business operations is entrusted to the Supervisory Board, which currently consists of fourteen members. The officers and directors of Nielsen and their ages as of March 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

Name

   Age     

Position(s)

Executive Officers

     

David L. Calhoun

     53       Chairman, Executive Board and Chief Executive Officer

Susan Whiting

     54       Vice Chairperson

Mitchell Habib

     50       Executive Vice President, Global Business Services

Brian J. West

     41       Chief Financial Officer

Itzhak Fisher

     55       Executive Vice President, Business Development

Jeffrey R. Charlton

     49       Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller

James W. Cuminale

     58       Chief Legal Officer

Mary Liz Finn

     50       Chief Human Resources

Supervisory Board Members

     

James A. Attwood, Jr.

     52       Director

Richard J. Bressler

     53       Director

Simon E. Brown

     40       Director

Michael S. Chae

     42       Director

Patrick Healy

     44       Director

Karen Hoguet

     54       Director

James M. Kilts

     63       Director

Iain Leigh

     54       Director

Eliot P.S. Merrill

     40       Director

Alexander Navab

     45       Director

Robert Pozen

     64       Director

Robert Reid

     38       Director

Scott A. Schoen

     52       Director

Javier Teruel

     60       Director

David L. Calhoun. Mr. Calhoun has been Chairman of the Executive Board and Chief Executive Officer of The Nielsen Company B.V., since September 2006 and the Chief Executive Officer of Holdings since May 2010 and the Executive Director of Nielsen since the IPO. Prior to joining Nielsen, Mr. Calhoun was a Vice Chairman of the General Electric Company and President and CEO of GE Infrastructure, the largest of GE’s six business segments and comprised of Aviation, Energy, Oil & Gas, Transportation, and Water & Process Technologies, as well as GE’s Commercial Aviation Services and Energy Financial Services businesses. From 2003 until becoming a Vice Chairman of GE and President and CEO of GE Infrastructure in 2005, Mr. Calhoun served as President and CEO of GE Transportation, which is made up of GE’s Aircraft Engines and Rail businesses. Prior to joining Aircraft Engines in July 2000, Mr. Calhoun served as President and CEO of Employers Reinsurance Corporation from 1999 to 2000; President and CEO of GE Lighting from 1997 to 1999; and President and CEO of GE Transportation Systems from 1995 to 1997. From 1994 to 1995, he served as President of GE Plastics for the Pacific region. Mr. Calhoun joined GE upon graduation from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1979. Mr. Calhoun serves on the boards of The Boeing Company and Medtronic, Inc.

Susan Whiting. Ms. Whiting has been Vice Chairperson of The Nielsen Company B.V., since November 2008 and the Vice Chairperson of Holdings since its IPO in January 2011. Ms. Whiting also serves as Ms. Whiting joined Nielsen Media Research in 1978 as part of its management training program. She served in

 

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numerous positions with Nielsen Media Research including President, Chief Operating Officer, CEO and Chairman. She was named Executive Vice President of The Nielsen Company in January 2007 with marketing and product leadership responsibilities for all Nielsen business units. Ms. Whiting serves on the Board of Directors of Wilmington Trust Corporation, MarkMonitor, Inc., the Ad Council, Denison University, the YMCA of Greater New York, the Center for Communications and the Notebaert Nature Museum. She graduated from Denison University with a Bachelor of Arts degree (cum laude) in Economics.

Mitchell Habib. Mr. Habib has been Executive Vice President, Global Business Services of The Nielsen Company B.V., since March 2007 and the Executive Vice President, Global Business Services of Holdings since its IPO in January 2011. Prior to joining Nielsen, Mr. Habib was employed by Citigroup as the Chief Information Officer of its North America Consumer Business from September 2005 and prior to that its North America Credit Cards Division from June 2004. Before joining Citigroup, Mr. Habib served as Chief Information Officer for several major divisions of the General Electric Company over a period of seven years.

Brian J. West. Mr. West has been Chief Financial Officer of The Nielsen Company B.V., since February 2007 and the Chief Financial Officer of Holdings since May 2010. Prior to joining Nielsen, he was employed by the General Electric Company as the Chief Financial Officer of its GE Aviation division from June 2005. Prior to that, Mr. West held several senior financial management positions within the GE organization, including Chief Financial Officer of its GE Engine Services division, from March 2004, Chief Financial Officer of GE Plastics Lexan, from November 2002, and Chief Financial Officer of its NBC TV Stations division. Mr. West is a veteran of GE’s financial management program and spent more than 16 years with GE. Mr. West is a 1991 graduate from Siena College with a degree in Finance and holds a Masters of Business Administration from Columbia University.

Itzhak Fisher. Mr. Fisher serves as Executive Vice President, Business Development of The Nielsen Company B.V. and has been the Executive Vice President, Business Development of Holdings since its IPO in January 2011 focusing on the acquisition of new businesses that complement our Watch and Buy strategies. Prior to this role, until January 2011, Mr. Fisher served as the Executive Vice President, Global Product Leadership of TNC B.V. and had overall responsibility for Nielsen’s Online, Telecom, IAG, Claritas and Entertainment businesses as well as Global Measurement Science, positions he has held since November 2008. Prior to this role, Mr. Fisher served as Executive Chairman of Nielsen Online. Prior to joining Nielsen in 2007, Mr. Fisher was an entrepreneur in high-technology businesses. He was co-founder and chairman of Trendum, a leader in internet search and linguistic analysis technologies and oversaw Trendum’s 2005 acquisition of BuzzMetrics, a market leader in online word-of-mouth research, and Trendum’s 2006 acquisition of Intelliseek. Mr. Fisher holds a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from the New York Institute of Technology and pursued advanced studies in computer science at New York University.

Jeffrey R. Charlton. Mr. Charlton has been Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller of The Nielsen Company B.V., since June 2009 and the Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller of Holdings since May 2010. Previously, Mr. Charlton had served as Nielsen’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Audit since joining the Company in November 2007. Prior to joining Nielsen, he spent 11 years with the General Electric Company in senior financial management positions, including Senior Vice President Corporate Finance and Controller of NBC Universal. Prior to joining GE, Mr. Charlton was employed by PepsiCo and began his career in 1983 with the public accounting firm of KPMG.

James W. Cuminale. Mr. Cuminale has been Chief Legal Officer of The Nielsen Company B.V., since November 2006 and the Chief Legal Officer of Holdings since its IPO in January 2011. Prior to joining Nielsen, Mr. Cuminale served for over ten years as the Executive Vice President—Corporate Development, General Counsel and Secretary of PanAmSat Corporation and PanAmSat Holding Corporation. In this role, Mr. Cuminale managed PanAmSat’s legal and regulatory affairs and its ongoing acquisitions and divestitures. Mr. Cuminale serves on the board of Universal Space Network, Inc.

 

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Mary Liz Finn. Ms. Finn has been the Chief Human Resources Officer of The Nielsen Company B.V., since March 2011 and Chief Human Resources Officer of Holdings since March 2011. Ms. Finn joined Nielsen in October 2007 as Senior Vice President—Human Resources, Global Leadership Development and in February 2010 was named Senior Vice President—Human Resources for the North America, Consumer unit. Prior to Nielsen, Ms. Finn spent 26 years at the General Electric Company principally in human resource positions. She is a 1982 graduate of Siena College, Magna Cum Laude, with a Bachelors of Science degree in Finance.

James A. Attwood, Jr. Mr. Attwood has been a member of the Supervisory Board of The Nielsen Company B.V. since July 28, 2006 and a non-executive director of Holdings since June 2006. Mr. Attwood is a Managing Director of The Carlyle Group and Head of the Global Telecommunications and Media Group. Prior to joining The Carlyle Group in 2000, Mr. Attwood was with Verizon Communications, Inc. and GTE Corporation. Prior to GTE, he was with Goldman, Sachs & Co. Mr. Attwood serves as a member of the Boards of Directors of Syniverse Holdings, Inc., CoreSite Realty Corporation and Insight Communications, Inc. Mr. Attwood graduated summa cum laude from Yale University with a B.A. in applied mathematics and an M.A. in statistics and received both J.D. and M.B.A. degrees from Harvard University.

Richard J. Bressler. Mr. Bressler has been a member of the Supervisory Board of The Nielsen Company B.V. since July 28, 2006 and a non-executive director of Holdings since its IPO in January 2011. Mr. Bressler joined Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. as a Managing Director in 2006. From May 2001 through 2005, Mr. Bressler was Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Viacom Inc. Before joining Viacom, Mr. Bressler was Executive Vice President of AOL Time Warner Inc. and Chief Executive Officer of AOL Time Warner Investments. Prior to that, Mr. Bressler served in various capacities with Time Warner Inc., including as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Time Warner Digital Media and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Time Warner Inc. Before joining Time Warner Inc., Mr. Bressler was a partner with Ernst & Young. Mr. Bressler serves on the boards of Warner Music Group Corp., Gartner, Inc. and CC Media Holdings, Inc. and during the past five years has been a director of American Media Operations, Inc. He is also a Board Observer for Univision Communications, Inc. In addition, he serves as Chairman for the Center for Communication Board, the Duke University Fuqua School of Business Board of Visitors, New School University Board of Trustees, the J.P. Morgan Chase National Advisory Board and the Columbia University School of Arts Deans’ Council. Mr. Bressler holds a B.B.A. in Accounting from Adelphi University.

Simon E. Brown. Mr. Brown has been a member of the Supervisory Board of The Nielsen Company B.V. since February 9, 2009 and a non-executive director of Holdings since its IPO in January 2011. Mr. Brown is a member of KKR Management LLC, the general partner of KKR & Co. L.P. (prior to that, he was a member of KKR & Co. L.L.C., the general partner of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P.), where he heads the Consumer Products & Services Team. Prior to joining KKR in 2003, Mr. Brown was with Madison Dearborn Partners, Thomas H. Lee Company and Morgan Stanley Capital Partners, where he was involved in a broad range of private equity transactions. He holds a B.Com, First Class Honours, from Queen’s University and an M.B.A. with High Distinction, Baker Scholar, John L. Loeb Fellow, from Harvard Business School.

Michael S. Chae. Mr. Chae has been a member of the Supervisory Board of The Nielsen Company B.V. since June 13, 2006 and a non-executive director of Holdings since June 2006. Mr. Chae is a Senior Managing Director of the Private Equity Group of The Blackstone Group, of which he is also the Head of Private Equity for Asia/Pacific and the Global Head of Media and Communications Investments. Prior to joining The Blackstone Group in 1997, Mr. Chae was with The Carlyle Group and prior to that he was with Dillon, Read & Co. Mr. Chae is currently a director of Hilton Hotels, Michaels Stores, The Weather Channel Companies and Universal Orlando and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Lawrenceville School. Mr. Chae graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College, received an M.Phil from Cambridge University and received a J.D. from Yale Law School.

 

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Patrick Healy. Mr. Healy has been a member of the Supervisory Board of The Nielsen Company B.V. since June 13, 2006 and a non-executive director of Holdings since June 2006. Mr. Healy is Deputy CEO of Hellman & Friedman LLC. He is a member of the firm’s Investment Committee and leads the firm’s London office and international activities. Prior to joining Hellman & Friedman in 1994, Mr. Healy was employed by James D. Wolfensohn Incorporated and Consolidated Press Holdings in Australia. Mr. Healy is currently a director of Mondrian Investment Partners Ltd., Gartmore Investment Management Limited and Gaztransport et Technigaz S.A.S. Mr. Healy graduated from Harvard College and earned an MBA from the Harvard Business School.

Karen M. Hoguet. Ms. Hoguet has been a member of The Supervisory Board of The Nielsen Company B.V. since November 18, 2010 and a non-executive director of Holdings since its IPO in January 2011. She has been the Chief Financial Officer of Macy’s Inc. since February 2009; she previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Macy’s from June 2005 to February 2009. Ms. Hoguet served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Macy’s from October 1997 to June 2005. Ms. Hoguet graduated from Brown University and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.

James M. Kilts. Mr. Kilts has been a member of the Supervisory Board of The Nielsen Company B.V. since November 23, 2006 and has served as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of TNC B.V. from May 21, 2009 and a non-executive director and Chairman of the Board of Holdings since its IPO in January 2011. Mr. Kilts is a founding partner of Centerview Partners, whose affiliates invest in the Company and its parent entity, Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.à r.l. Prior to joining Centerview Partners, Mr. Kilts was Vice Chairman of the Board of The Procter & Gamble Company. Mr. Kilts was formerly Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of The Gillette Company before the company’s merger with Procter & Gamble in October 2005. Prior to Gillette, Mr. Kilts had served at different times as President and Chief Executive Officer of Nabisco, Executive Vice President of the Worldwide Food Group of Philip Morris, President of Kraft USA and Oscar Mayer, President of Kraft Limited in Canada, and Senior Vice President of Kraft International. A graduate of Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois, Mr. Kilts earned a Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Chicago. Mr. Kilts is currently a member of the Board of Directors of MetLife, MeadWestvaco and Pfizer. He is also a member of the Board of Overseers of Weill Cornell Medical College. Mr. Kilts serves on the Board of Trustees of Knox College and the University of Chicago and is a member of the Advisory Council of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Iain Leigh. Mr. Leigh has been a member of the Supervisory Board of The Nielsen Company B.V. since June 13, 2006 and a non-executive director of Holdings since its IPO in January 2011. Mr. Leigh is a Managing Partner and Head of the United States office of AlpInvest Partners. Prior to joining AlpInvest Partners in 2000, Mr. Leigh was Managing Investment Partner of Dresdner Kleinwort Benson Private Equity and a member of the Executive Committee of the firm’s global private equity business. Prior to that, he led the Restructuring Department within Kleinwort Benson’s Investment Banking division focusing on U.S. leveraged buy-outs and venture capital investments. Before moving to the United States, Mr. Leigh held a number of senior operating positions in Kleinwort Benson in Western Europe and Asia. Mr. Leigh is a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants, United Kingdom, and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Brunel University, England.

Eliot P.S. Merrill. Mr. Merrill has been a member of the Supervisory Board of The Nielsen Company B.V. since February 4, 2008 and a non-executive director of Holdings since its IPO in January 2011. Mr. Merrill is a Managing Director of The Carlyle Group, based in New York. Prior to joining The Carlyle Group in 2001, Mr. Merrill was a Principal at Freeman Spogli & Co., a buyout fund with offices in New York and Los Angeles. From 1995 to 1997, Mr. Merrill worked at Dillon Read & Co. Inc. and, before that, at Doyle Sailmakers, Inc. Mr. Merrill holds an A.B. Degree from Harvard College. Mr. Merrill is a member of the Board of Directors of AMC Entertainment Inc.

 

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Alexander Navab. Mr. Navab has been a member of the Supervisory Board of The Nielsen Company B.V. since June 13, 2006 and a non-executive director of Holdings since June 2006. Since October 2009, Mr. Navab has been a member of KKR Management LLC, the general partner of KKR & Co. L.P. (prior to that, he was a member of KKR & Co. L.L.C., the general partner of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P.), where he is co-head of North American Private Equity and heads the Media and Communications Industry Team. Prior to joining KKR in 1993, Mr. Navab was with James D. Wolfensohn Incorporated and prior to that he was with Goldman, Sachs & Co. Mr. Navab is currently a director of Visant. Mr. Navab received a B.A. with Honors, Phi Beta Kappa, from Columbia College and an M.B.A. with High Distinction from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration.

Robert Pozen. Mr. Pozen has been a member of the Supervisory Board of The Nielsen Company B.V. since May 1, 2010 and a non-executive director of Holdings since its IPO in January 2011. Effective July 1, 2010, Mr. Pozen is Chairman Emeritus of MFS Investment Management. Prior to that, he was Chairman of MFS Investment Management since February 2004. He previously was Secretary of Economic Affairs for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 2003. Mr. Pozen was also the John Olin Visiting Professor, Harvard Law School from 2002-2004 and the chairman of the SEC Advisory Committee on Improvements to Financial Reporting from 2007-2008. From 1987 through 2001, Mr. Pozen worked for Fidelity Investments in various jobs, serving as President of Fidelity Management and Research Co. from 1997 through 2001. He is currently a director of Medtronic, Inc. and was a director of BCE, Inc. until February 2009. He is a senior lecturer at Harvard Business School, an advisor to Gelesis, a private biotech company, a trustee of the MFS group of mutual funds and a director of the Commonwealth Fund and the Harvard Neuro-Discovery Center.

Robert Reid. Mr. Reid has been a member of the Supervisory Board of The Nielsen Company B.V. since September 22, 2009 and a non-executive director of Holdings since its IPO in January 2011. Mr. Reid is a Senior Managing Director in the Corporate Private Equity group at The Blackstone Group. Prior to joining Blackstone in 1998, Mr. Reid worked at the Investment Banking Division at Morgan Stanley & Co. Mr. Reid received an AB in Economics from Princeton University where he graduated magna cum laude.

Scott A. Schoen. Mr. Schoen has been a member of the Supervisory Board of The Nielsen Company B.V. since June 13, 2006 and a non-executive director of Holdings since June 2006. Mr. Schoen is Vice-Chairman of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. From 2003 through 2009, Mr. Schoen was Co-President of Thomas H. Lee Partners, which he first joined in 1986. Prior to that, he began his career at Goldman, Sachs & Co. During the past five years, Mr. Schoen was a director of Simmons Company and Spectrum Brands, Inc. He is a trustee of the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network and Partners Continuing Care, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Regenerative Medicine, and a director of Share our Strength and United States 4 Kids. Mr. Schoen received a B.A. in History from Yale University, a J.D. from Harvard Law School and an M.B.A. from Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration. Mr. Schoen is a member of the New York Bar.

Javier G. Teruel. Mr. Teruel has been a member of the Supervisory Board of The Nielsen Company B.V. since August 13, 2010 and a non-executive director of Holdings since its IPO in January 2011. He is a Partner of Spectron Desarrollo, SC, an investment management and consulting firm; Retired Vice Chairman (2004 to 2007) of Colgate-Palmolive Company (consumer products), with which he served in positions of increasing importance since 1971, including as Executive Vice President responsible for Asia, Central Europe, Africa and Hill’s Pet Nutrition, as Vice President of Body Care in Global Business Development in New York, as President and General Manager of Colgate-Mexico, as President of Colgate-Europe, and as Chief Growth Officer responsible for the company’s growth functions; Director of The Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc. from 2007 to 2010; Director of Starbucks Corporation and a Director of JCPenney since 2008.

 

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Committees of the Board of Directors

The Supervisory Board established and maintains an Audit Committee through which it has authorized designated members of the Board to act.

In general, the Audit Committee, consisting of Messrs. Bressler (as Chairman), Pozen and Teruel and Ms. Hoguet, recommends the appointment of an external auditor and oversees the work of the external and internal audit functions, provides compliance oversight, establishes auditing policies, discusses the results of the annual audit, critical accounting policies, significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of the financial statements and related matters with the external auditor and reviews earnings press releases and financial information provided to analysts and ratings agencies. The Supervisory Board has determined that Mr. Bressler, the chairman of the Audit Committee, is qualified as an audit committee financial expert within the meaning of the SEC regulations. The Supervisory Board has determined that Mr. Bressler is not independent under the New York Stock Exchange listing rules.

Code of Conduct and Procedures for Reporting Concerns about Misconduct

We maintain a Code of Conduct and Procedures for Reporting Concerns about Misconduct (the “Code of Conduct”), which is applicable to all of our directors, officers, employees and independent contractors who act for the Company. The Code of Conduct sets forth our policies and expectations on a number of topics, including conflicts of interest, compliance with laws and ethical conduct. The Company will promptly disclose to our shareholders, if required by applicable laws, any waivers of the Code of Conduct granted to officers by posting such information on our website rather than by filing a Current Report on Form 8-K.

The Code of Ethics may be found on our website at www.nielsen.com under About Us: Investor Relations: Corporate Governance: Code of Conduct.

Executive Compensation

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

No member of our Compensation Committee has served as one of our officers or employees at any time. No member of the Compensation Committee has had any relationship with us requiring disclosure under Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act. None of our executive officers has served as a director or member of the compensation committee (or other committee serving an equivalent function) of any other organization, one of whose executive officers served as a member of our Board or Compensation Committee.

The following discusses the compensation for our Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Financial Officer, and our three other most highly compensated executive officers for 2010. We refer to these individuals as our “Named Executive Officers.”

Prior to the completion of the IPO, The Nielsen Company B.V. had a compensation committee consisting of Messrs. Chae (as Chairman), Schoen, Navab, Attwood and Healy (the “Former Compensation Committee”). The Former Compensation Committee was responsible for setting, reviewing and evaluating compensation, and related performance and objectives, of our senior management team prior to the completion of the IPO. Mr. Chae became Chairman of the Former Compensation Committee in 2010. References in this section to the

 

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“Compensation Committee” are to the Former Compensation Committee prior to the completion of the IPO and to the Compensation Committee of Holdings on and after the completion of the IPO.

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

The following discussion and analysis of compensation arrangements of our Named Executive Officers for fiscal year 2010 should be read together with the compensation tables and related disclosures with respect to our current plans, considerations, expectations and determinations regarding compensation.

Our executive compensation program was approved by Holdings’ Compensation Committee. None of the Named Executive Officers are members of the Compensation Committee or otherwise have any role in determining the compensation of Named Executive Officers, with the exception of our Chief Executive Officer, David Calhoun, who has a role in determining the compensation of the other Named Executive Officers.

When the Company hires an executive officer, Mr. Calhoun reviews the compensation of the executive at his or her prior company, the expected impact of the executive on the Company and the compensation of similarly-situated executives at the Company to develop an appropriate compensation package to recommend to the Compensation Committee. For executives already employed by the Company, Mr. Calhoun makes annual incentive recommendations considering the extent to which the Company met its financial objectives as well as each executive’s qualitative job performance for the year. From time to time, Mr. Calhoun also reviews the base salaries of executives considering each executive’s job performance, whether the executive’s position or the scope or complexity of his or her responsibilities have changed and how his or her position relates to other executives of the Company and their rate of base pay. In all cases, Mr. Calhoun reviews his recommendations with the Chairman of the Compensation Committee before submitting the recommendations to the Compensation Committee for approval.

All equity grants are made by our indirect parent, Holdings.

Executive Compensation Program Objectives and Overview

The Compensation Committee annually reviews Nielsen’s executive compensation program to ensure that:

 

   

The program appropriately rewards performance that is tied to creating shareholder value; and

 

   

The program is designed to achieve Nielsen’s goals of promoting financial and operational success by attracting, motivating and facilitating the retention of key employees with outstanding talent and ability.

Nielsen’s executive compensation is based on three components, which are designed to be consistent with the Company’s compensation philosophy: (1) base salary; (2) annual cash incentives; and (3) long-term stock awards, including stock options and occasional awards of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) that are subject to performance-based and time-based vesting conditions. Senior management is asked to invest in the Company to ensure alignment of interests with other owners, and stock options are granted when an investment is made. Nielsen also provides certain perquisites to Named Executive Officers. Severance benefits are provided to Named Executive Officers whose employment terminates under certain circumstances. In the event of a change in control, time-vested and certain performance-vested stock option awards will vest in full and certain other performance-vested stock options may vest depending upon the return to the Sponsors. These benefits are described in further detail below in the section entitled “—Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control”.

In structuring executive compensation packages, the Compensation Committee considers how each element of compensation promotes retention and/or motivates performance by the executive. Base salaries, perquisites, severance and other termination benefits are all primarily intended to attract and retain qualified executives. These are the elements of our executive compensation program for which the value of the benefit in any given

 

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year is not dependent on performance (although base salary amounts and benefits determined with reference to base salary may increase from year to year depending on performance, among other things). Some of the elements, such as base salaries and perquisites, are generally paid out on a short-term or current basis. Other elements, such as benefits provided upon retirement or other terminations of employment, are generally paid out on a longer-term basis. We believe that this mix of short-term and long-term elements allows us to achieve our goals of attracting and retaining senior executives.

Our annual incentive opportunity is primarily intended to motivate Named Executive Officers’ performance to achieve specific strategies and operating objectives, although we also believe it helps us attract and retain senior executives. Our long-term equity incentives are primarily intended to align Named Executive Officers’ long-term interests with shareholders’ long-term interests, and we believe they help motivate performance and help us attract and retain senior executives. These are the elements of our executive compensation program that are designed to reward performance and the creation of shareholder value.

Although we believe that to attract and retain senior executives we must provide them with predictable benefit amounts that reward their continued service, we also believe that performance-based compensation such as annual incentives and long-term equity incentives play a significant role in aligning management’s interests with those of our shareholders. For this reason, these components of compensation constitute a substantial portion of compensation for our senior executives. Our compensation packages are designed to promote teamwork, initiative and resourcefulness by key employees whose performance and responsibilities directly affect the Company’s results of operations.

We generally do not adhere to rigid formulas or necessarily react to short-term changes in business performance in determining the amount and mix of compensation elements. We consider competitive market compensation but we do not look at specific companies nor attempt to maintain our compensation at a certain target percentile of any peer group. We incorporate flexibility into our compensation programs to respond to and adjust for changing business conditions. We believe that our short-term and long-term incentives provide the appropriate alignment between the interests of our owners and management.

In 2010 the Compensation Committee selected and engaged Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. (“Cook”) to serve as its independent executive compensation consultant. Cook performs no services directly for management. In this capacity, in 2010 Cook provided a competitive perspective on executive officer compensation structures and levels, as well as company-wide equity usage and dilution ranges; board of director compensation arrangements, including both structure and magnitude; advice on post-IPO cash and stock incentive plans, long-term incentive grant guidelines and award terms; executive stock ownership guidelines; modifications to our Chief Executive Officer’s employment agreement; and changes to our perquisite program.

Current Executive Compensation Program Elements

Base Salaries

We view base salary as a factor in our compensation package specifically related to retaining and attracting talented employees. In determining the amount of base salary that each Named Executive Officer receives, we look to the rate of pay that the executive has received in the past, whether the executive’s position or responsibilities associated with his or her position have changed, if the complexity or scope of his or her responsibilities has increased, and how his or her position relates to other executives and their rate of base salary. Base salaries are reviewed annually or at some other appropriate time by the Compensation Committee and may be increased from time to time pursuant to such review. In determining base salary levels, the Compensation Committee considers Mr. Calhoun’s recommendations with respect to salary levels for Named Executive Officers other than himself.

The Compensation Committee believes that the base salary levels of the Company’s senior executives are reasonable in view of competitive practices, the Company’s performance and the contribution and expected

 

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contribution of those executives to that performance. As described below under “—Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2010 Table—Employment Agreement with Mr. David L. Calhoun,” the Company has entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Calhoun that sets the level of his base salary.

Signing Bonuses

In certain circumstances, the Compensation Committee may grant signing bonuses to new executives in order to attract talented employees for key positions. The amounts of the signing bonuses are determined based upon the facts and circumstances applicable to the new hire. For 2010, Mr. Calhoun received a signing bonus of $6 million in connection with his new employment agreement.

Annual Incentives

The Compensation Committee will grant annual cash incentives for 2010 under the Executive Incentive Plan (the “EIP”) on the basis of factors intended to create long-term value and to recognize the performance of the Company and our management team. The Compensation Committee established an initial overall Company bonus pool for 2010 based upon the Adjusted EBITDA performance (excluding impact of currency) indicated in the table below:

 

    Target
Amount
($ millions)
    Actual Amount
Achieved
($ millions)
    Percent
of
Target
Realized
    Weight
(as a % of the
Named Executive
Officer’s
target payout)
    Payout based on achievement
of financial objectives
(as a % of the
Named Executive Officer’s
target payout)
 

Adjusted EBITDA (excluding impact of currency)(1)

  $ 1,400      $ 1,405        100     100     107

 

(1) Adjusted EBITDA reflects earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization adjusted for unusual and non-recurring items, restructuring, goodwill impairment and stock-based compensation. As shown above, Adjusted EBITDA excludes the impact of foreign exchange and, as a result, differs from the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA presented in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 previously filed with the SEC. According to the EIP provisions, at 100% performance, the performance pool is increased by a percentage equal to the percent growth in EBITDA from 2009 to 2010.

The EIP contemplates that Mr. Calhoun will consult with the Compensation Committee and take into account actual cash flow performance in relation to the annual cash flow budget and will consider reducing the overall bonus pool by an amount of up to 30% if warranted based upon this performance. The EIP does not contemplate increasing the overall bonus pool based upon cash flow performance. Mr. Calhoun did not make a reduction to the overall bonus pool for 2010.

The target bonus amounts for the Named Executive Officers (as reflected below in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2010 Table) were based on 2009 payouts under the EIP. When determining the actual annual incentives to be paid to the Named Executive Officers, the Compensation Committee may determine that higher or lower amounts should be awarded in light of the Company’s overall performance and on the basis of qualitative individual performance factors that reflect contributions by Named Executive Officers that were not captured by overall financial measures. These individual performance factors included the Named Executive Officer’s success in implementing the Company’s plans to integrate and streamline our operations and his or her judgment, vision and continued ability to lead the Company during a time of significant change.

We implemented a new annual incentive plan intended to comply with Section 162(m) of the Code. Under this new plan, we will be able to provide certain of our employees with cash incentive compensation based upon the achievement of pre-established performance goals. The factors to be considered, in general, will include the achievement of the Company’s financial objectives, the Named Executive Officer’s attainment of his or her

 

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individual goals and qualitative factors similar to those to be taken into account for the 2010 incentives. The Compensation Committee will also review the extent to which the Company has accomplished our planned integration and restructuring and the Named Executive Officer’s contributions and expected future contributions to the Company’s operating and strategic plans.

The Compensation Committee particularly considered certain elements of individual performance for each Named Executive Officer. It considered Mr. Calhoun’s leadership of the Company, his positioning of Nielsen for its next phase as a public company, his continued focus on cost management, re-investment in the business and growth (particularly in the developing markets), his work with clients and key client wins, the growth and broadening of the Company’s products, and the establishment and progress of relationships with other companies with whom we do business. For Mr. West, the Compensation Committee considered his strong performance and leadership, and the achievement of key deliverables, in both his business and functional responsibilities and his role in positioning the Company and his preparation for the IPO. He guided upgrades in leadership and talent throughout the Finance organization and repositioned our Exhibitions segment for growth. For Mr. Habib, the Compensation Committee considered his continued leadership of the Global Business Services organization in providing strong productivity increases while increasing the quality of data. He continued to increase his presence and impact with key clients, which is critical to our business success and credibility, made key organizational and staffing improvements and added significant value through his management of capital expenditures. For Ms. Whiting, the Compensation Committee considered several things including her continued representation of Nielsen with select clients and external organizations, the talent upgrade and progress made with the Communications and Marketing organizations within the Company and her progress on Nielsen’s diversity efforts. For Mr. Llamas, the Compensation Committee considered his contributions in developing talent. Under his leadership, the Company made significant progress on talent management and resource allocation in favor of growth, particularly for the developing markets. He strengthened key global account leadership teams and the Company’s leadership pipeline through programs such as university recruiting, diversity and global leadership programs.

On February 25, 2011, the Compensation Committee of the Board determined to award Mr. West a one-time discretionary bonus equal to $250,000 in recognition of his performance in connection with the completion of the IPO in January 2011.

Long-Term Equity Incentive Awards

Our policy is that the long-term equity compensation of our senior executives should be directly linked to the value provided to shareholders.

As described more fully below under “—2006 Stock Acquisition and Option Plan”, prior to the completion of our IPO, we provided equity awards through common stock, stock options and, in limited circumstances, restricted stock units (RSUs). Prior to the completion of our IPO, our Board of Directors adopted a new equity incentive plan, which provides the terms for grants of equity to the Company’s employees, directors and other service providers, and received approval of such plan by the current shareholders. The new equity incentive plan will be the source of new equity-based awards and permits us to grant to our key employees, including our named executive officers, incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and other awards based on shares of our common stock. In the future, the Compensation Committee may consider awarding such additional or alternative forms of equity awards to our named executive officers, although no decisions regarding the composition of future equity awards have been made at this time.

Executives selected to participate in the 2006 Stock Acquisition and Option Plan (as defined below) were asked to invest in the Company by purchasing common stock. The amount of common stock initially offered for purchase was based upon the executive’s position in the Company, his or her current impact and projected future impact on the Company. Once the executive purchased common stock at the fair market value as determined by the Executive Committee of The Nielsen Company B.V., a designated number of stock options were granted to the executive. The large majority of these options were granted at an exercise price equal to the “fair market

 

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value” as determined by the Executive Committee of The Nielsen Company B.V., while a smaller amount were granted at an exercise price equal to two times the “fair market value.” These stock options are 50% time-vested and 50% performance-vested. For the time-vested options, 5% are vested on the grant date and 19% are vested on December 31 of each of the first five anniversaries of December 31, 2006. For the performance-vested options, 5% are vested on the grant date, and 19% are vested on December 31 of each of the first five anniversaries of December 31, 2006 should the Company meet or exceed its targeted Management EBITDA performance in that year (as described above). If the Management EBITDA target is not met, that portion of the performance-vested options can vest in a future year if the multi-year cumulative Management EBITDA targets are met in the future year.

In light of the challenging business environment prevailing in 2009, the Former Compensation Committee adjusted the level of annual performance target that would trigger vesting of the 2009 performance-based stock options from the 2009 Management EBITDA target of $1,542 million, which was set in 2007, to the 2009 Adjusted EBITDA (excluding impact of currency) target of $1,270 million. Because actual EBITDA performance for 2009 was $1,270 million, the 2009 portion of the performance-based stock options vested. The 2009 multi-year cumulative EBITDA target was not met but did not impact the vesting of the 2009 portion of the performance–based stock options given the achievement of the 2009 annual target. The remainder of the EBITDA targets for performance-based stock options were not adjusted. However, if the 2010 and 2011 annual performance targets are not met, the performance-based stock options for those years will vest as time-based stock options as follows:

 

   

the 2010 performance-based options will vest on December 31, 2012; and

 

   

the 2011 performance-based options will vest on December 31, 2013.

The 2010 EBITDA target for performance-vesting is $1,699 million. Because we did not meet this target for 2010, our performance-based options for 2010 will not vest based on performance, but will instead vest on December 31, 2012.

Perquisites

We provide our Named Executive Officers with perquisites, reflected in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table and described in the footnotes thereto. In 2011, we began offering limited perquisites to the Named Executive Officers. Each Named Executive Officer receives an allowance for financial planning and for an executive health exam. Where necessary for business purposes, we also provide reimbursement for private club membership. Car allowances are no longer offered. Additionally, these perquisites are no longer subject to a tax gross-up. In 2011, each Named Executive Officer will receive a cash payment equal to the value of the forgone perquisites and gross-ups. In addition, this amount will be added to the executive’s bonus opportunity for 2011 and in future years. Therefore, this amount will rise or fall based upon company and individual performance. We believe that these are reasonable, competitive and consistent with our overall compensation program. The cost of these benefits is a small percentage of the overall compensation package, but the Compensation Committee believes that they allow the executives to work more efficiently.

Severance and Other Benefits Upon Termination of Employment or Change in Control

We believe that severance protections play a valuable role in attracting and retaining key executive officers. Accordingly, we provide these protections to our senior executives. Since 2007, we have offered these protections in conjunction with participation in the Company’s 2006 Stock Acquisition and Option Plan. In the case of Mr. Calhoun, however, these benefits are provided under his employment agreement, which is described in further detail below under the section “—Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2010 Table—Employment Agreement with Mr. David L. Calhoun.” The Compensation Committee considers these severance protections to be an important part of an executive’s compensation. Consistent with his responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer and with competitive practice, Mr. Calhoun’s severance protections are higher than those of the other Named Executive Officers.

 

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Summary Compensation Table

The following table presents information regarding compensation for fiscal 2010, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008 of the Named Executive Officers.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

Name and Principal

Position (a)

  Year
(b)
    Salary
($)
(c)
    Bonus
($)(1)
(d)
    Stock
Awards
($)(2)
(e)
    Option
Awards
($)(3)
(f)
    Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
(g)
    Change in
Pension
Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings ($)
(h)
    All Other
Compensation
($)(4)
(i)
    Total ($)
(j)
 

David Calhoun

    2010        1,625,000        8,004,039        —          1,195,000        3,375,000        —          16,329        14,215,368   

Chief Executive Officer

    2009        1,687,500        2,004,039        —          —          2,500,000        —          134,682        6,326,221   
    2008        1,600,962        2,004,039        —          —          1,650,000        —          199,005        5,454,006   

Mitchell Habib

    2010        750,000        —          —          —          1,500,000        —          41,732        2,291,732   

Executive Vice President

    2009        778,846        —          1,000,000        —          1,200,000        —          71,890        3,050,736   
    2008        671,538        —          —          —          825,000        —          44,127        1,540,665   

Susan Whiting

    2010        900,000        —          —          —          900,000        52,500        393,067        2,245,567   

Vice Chairperson

    2009        934,615        —          —          —          850,000        29,718        176,242        1,990,575   
    2008        882,115        —          —          —          700,000        1,888        208,107        1,792,110   

Brian West

    2010        760,000        —          —          491,000        1,250,000        —          52,090        2,553,090   

Chief Financial Officer

    2009        789,231        —          —          —          1,000,000        —          61,742        1,850,973   
    2008        723,308        —          —          —          675,000        —          68,644        1,466,952   

Roberto Llamas

    2010        650,000        —          —          491,000        875,000        —          34,913        2,050,913   

Chief HR Officer

    2009        677,885        —          —          —          800,000        —          46,349        1,524,234   

 

(1) For the years 2008 and 2009, the amounts shown represent installment payments of Mr. Calhoun’s signing bonus under his original employment agreement. For 2010, the amount shown reflects the installment payment of the signing bonus for that year of $2,004,039 and an additional signing bonus of $6,000,000 Mr. Calhoun received in connection with the execution of his restated employment agreement (see “—Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2010 TableEmployment Arrangement with Mr. David L. Calhoun”).

 

(2) Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of restricted stock units awarded to the Named Executive Officer calculated in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation. For a discussion of the assumptions and methodologies used to value the awards reported in column (e), please see the discussion contained in Note 12—Share-Based Compensation—to our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 previously filed with the SEC. All numbers exclude estimates of forfeitures.

 

(3) Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of options awarded to the Named Executive Officers calculated in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation. For a discussion of the assumptions and methodologies used to value the awards reported in column (f), please see the discussion of option awards contained in Note 12 “Share-Based Compensation” to our audited consolidated financial statements, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 previously filed with the SEC. All numbers exclude estimates of forfeitures.

 

(4) For 2010, Mr. Calhoun’s amount includes spousal travel ($5,312), retirement plan contributions ($7,350) and tax gross-ups ($3,667). Mr. Habib’s amount includes car allowance ($15,600), financial planning ($4,855), retirement plan contributions ($7,350) and tax gross-ups ($13,927). Ms. Whiting’s amount includes club dues ($1,971), car expense ($13,675), financial planning ($7,215), apartment ($60,014), relocation expenses including tax gross-ups ($256,557) retirement plan contributions ($1,973) and tax gross-ups ($51,662). Mr. West’s amount includes car allowance ($15,600), financial planning ($14,700), retirement plan contributions ($877) and tax gross-ups ($20,913). Mr. Llamas’ amount includes car allowance ($15,600), financial planning ($5,000) and tax gross-ups ($14,313).

Note:

 

  Principal positions of the Named Executive Officers are those as of December 31, 2010. Mr. Llamas’s employment with the Company terminated effective February 28, 2011.

 

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Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2010

 

       Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards
     All Other
Option Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#)
     Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($)
     Grant Date
Fair Value
of Stock and
Option
Awards ($)
 

Name

   Grant
Date
     Threshold
($)
     Target
($)
     Maximum
($)
          

David Calhoun

     1/1/10         —           2,500,000         —           —           —           —     
     2/25/10         —           —           —           156,250         18.40         1,195,000   

Mitchell Habib

     1/1/10         —           1,200,000         —           —           —           —     

Susan Whiting

     1/1/10         —           850,000         —           —           —           —     

Brian West

     1/1/10         —           1,000,000         —           —           —           —     
     3/18/10         —           —           —           62,500         18.40         491,000   

Roberto Llamas

     1/1/10         —           800,000         —           —           —           —     
     3/18/10         —           —           —           62,500         18.40         491,000   

Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2010 Table

The Summary Compensation Table above quantifies the value of the different forms of compensation earned by or awarded to our Named Executive Officers in 2010. The primary elements of each Named Executive Officer’s total compensation reported in the table are base salary, an annual cash incentive, and the stock and options award columns reflect their awards in the equity of Holdings.

The Summary Compensation Table and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2010 Table should be read in conjunction with the narrative descriptions that follow.

Equity Awards

Upon the purchase of a prescribed number of shares of common stock, each Named Executive Officer received stock options at an exercise price of $16 per share and others at an exercise price of $32 per share. One-half of the options are time-vested, which became 5% vested on the grant date with the remaining time options vesting 19% a year on the last day of each of the calendar years 2007 through 2011. One-half of the options are performance-vested which became 5% vested on the grant date with the remaining performance options vesting 19% on the last day of each of the calendar years 2007 through 2011, if and only if the Company’s performance equals or exceeds the applicable annual Management EBITDA targets. The achievement of the annual Management EBITDA targets on a cumulative basis for any current year and all prior years will cause “catch-up” vesting of any prior year’s installments which were not vested because of a failure to achieve the applicable annual Management EBITDA target for any such prior year. The number of shares purchased by each of the Named Executive Officers is as follows: Mr. Calhoun (1,250,000), Ms. Whiting (62,500), Mr. Habib (109,375), Mr. West (78,125) and Mr. Llamas (93,750).

Employment Arrangement with Mr. David L. Calhoun

On August 22, 2006, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. David L. Calhoun, our Chief Executive Officer, which was amended effective as of September 14, 2006 (as amended, the “Original Agreement”). His employment agreement was amended and restated effective December 15, 2008, and amended and restated again effective October 27, 2010 (the “Restated Agreement”).

The Restated Agreement has an employment term which commenced as of October 27, 2010 and, unless earlier terminated, will continue until December 31, 2014. Under the Restated Agreement, Mr. Calhoun is entitled to a base salary of $1,625,000, subject to such increases, if any, as may be determined by the Compensation Committee. He is eligible to earn an annual bonus under the Company’s Executive Annual

 

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Incentive Plan as determined by the Board of Directors based upon the achievement of financial and individual performance goals. Mr. Calhoun’s starting reference point for determining his 2010 annual incentive is equal to his annual incentive award payable in respect of the 2009 fiscal year, which was $2,500,000.

In connection with entering into the Original Agreement, Mr. Calhoun became entitled to a signing bonus of $10,613,699, which is to be paid in installments annually through January 1, 2012 (the “Original Signing Bonus”). In connection with entering into the Restated Agreement, Mr. Calhoun received an additional signing bonus of $6,000,000, which he must repay in full if Mr. Calhoun’s employment terminates for any reason prior to January 1, 2013. If Mr. Calhoun’s employment terminates for any reason after January 1, 2013 but prior to January 1, 2015, Mr. Calhoun must repay a portion of this signing bonus, pro-rated based on the number of years he has worked following January 1, 2013.

Under the terms of the Original Agreement, Mr. Calhoun is entitled to receive a lump sum deferred compensation benefit from us in the amount of $14,500,000 upon the earlier of his termination of employment or January 1, 2012, with interest accrued through such payment date, less any deferred compensation benefits he receives from previous employment. Mr. Calhoun is fully vested in this deferred compensation benefit at all times. Beginning January 1, 2012, the Restated Agreement requires Nielsen to accrue $1,000,000 per year as an additional deferred compensation benefit for Mr. Calhoun. Any amounts so accrued will be payable to him on the earlier of January 1, 2015 or the termination of his employment.

Pursuant to the Original Agreement, Mr. Calhoun received an option grant to purchase 4,375,000 shares of Holdings common stock. The amount of his option grant was determined by the Compensation Committee in connection with Mr. Calhoun’s $20,000,000 investment in Holdings. At the time of Mr. Calhoun’s investment, the Compensation Committee determined that a grant of options would be appropriate in order to further incentivize Mr. Calhoun and align his interests more closely with those of the Company and its equity holders. While there is no formal policy for the granting of options in connection with an equity investment, the Compensation Committee determined that a ratio of slightly less than 1 to 5 (i.e., 625,000 options for every $3,000,000 invested in the Company) was appropriate in light of Mr. Calhoun’s particular circumstances, including his early departure from his prior employer and the critical nature of his position with, and the extent of his financial commitment to, the Company and the risks related thereto. The exercise prices of the options were determined pursuant to the Compensation Committee’s goal of aligning Mr. Calhoun’s interests with those of the Company and its equity holders. Specifically, 3,750,000 of the options were given an exercise price of $16 per share, which was the fair value of our common stock on the date of the grant. The remaining 625,000 options were given an exercise price of $32 per share, which was twice the fair value of our common stock on the date of the grant, in order to incentivize Mr. Calhoun to increase the value of Holdings to above $32 per share. One-half of the options are time-vested options and the other one-half are performance-vested options. The portion of the option grant subject to time-based vesting became vested and exercisable as to 5% of the shares of common stock subject thereto on grant date and 19% will vest and become exercisable on the last day of each of the next five calendar years. The portion of the option grant subject to performance-based vesting became vested and exercisable as to 5% of the shares of common stock subject thereto on December 31, 2006 and 19% will vest and become exercisable on the last day of each of the next five calendar years based on the achievement of Management EBITDA targets. The terms of the option grant subject to performance-based vesting were amended in 2009 as reflected under “—Current Executive Compensation Program Elements—Long-Term Equity Incentive Awards” above. The terms of all options granted to Mr. Calhoun pursuant to the 2006 Stock and Acquisition Plan were amended by the Restated Agreement to provide that any such vested options will continue to be exercisable until the later of ninety days after the date of any termination of Mr. Calhoun’s employment, or the original expiration date of such options as provided for in the applicable award agreements.

Under the Restated Agreement, Mr. Calhoun is entitled to the following payments and benefits in the event of a termination by reason of his death or “disability”, by us without “cause” or by Mr. Calhoun for “good reason” (as such terms are defined in the Restated Agreement) during the employment term: (1) subject to his compliance with certain restrictive covenants, an amount equal to two times the sum of (A) his annual base

 

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salary and (B) the greater of either the annual bonus paid in respect of the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year in which the termination occurs or the annual bonus paid in respect of the 2010 fiscal year, provided that such payment is in lieu of any other benefits to which Mr. Calhoun might otherwise be entitled; (2) a pro-rata annual bonus for the year of termination based on attainment of performance goals; (3) payment of any vested or accrued deferred compensation benefits; (4) a pro-rata payment of the next installment (if any) of his Original Signing Bonus and (5) continued health and welfare benefits for up to two years at our cost.

Mr. Calhoun is restricted, for a period of two years following termination of employment with us, from soliciting or hiring our employees, competing with us, or soliciting our clients. He is also subject to a non-disparagement provision.

On February 25, 2010, Mr. Calhoun was granted 156,250 stock options. These stock options have a strike price equal to $18.40 per share, the fair market value of a Holdings share on the date of grant, and vest one-third each year on December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Employment Arrangement with Ms. Susan Whiting

On December 4, 2006, we entered into a written employment arrangement with Ms. Susan Whiting.

Under the written employment arrangement, Ms. Whiting is entitled to a base salary of $850,000 effective November 13, 2006, subject to increase, if any, as may be determined by the Company. Ms. Whiting is eligible to earn a target annual bonus equal to 100% of base salary upon the achievement of performance goals based upon Management EBITDA to be determined in good faith in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer. Effective January 1, 2008, Ms. Whiting’s starting reference point for determining her annual incentive is the prior year’s award. In connection with entering into the written employment arrangement, Ms. Whiting became entitled to purchase 62,500 shares of common for fair market value on the date of purchase as provided under the 2006 Stock Acquisition and Option Plan. This purchase was subsequently made in February 2007. In addition, Ms. Whiting received a stock option grant of 656,250 shares subject to her purchase of the common stock and a grant of 62,500 time-vested restricted stock units scheduled to vest over five years, commencing on January 15, 2007. 562,500 of the stock options were granted at $16 per share and 93,750 were granted at $32 per share.

Employment Arrangement with Mr. Brian West

On February 20, 2007, we offered the position of Chief Financial Officer to Mr. Brian West. Under the written offer letter, Mr. West is entitled to a base salary of $700,000, effective on his start date with the Company (February 23, 2007), subject to annual review along with other Company executives. Mr. West was eligible to earn a target annual bonus equal to 100% of base salary upon the achievement of both financial and individual performance goals. Effective January 1, 2008, Mr. West’s starting reference point for determining his annual incentive is the prior year’s award. Additionally, Mr. West received a one-time, lump sum payment of $2,400,000 in consideration of his outstanding long-term incentive, restricted stock unit and stock option awards granted by his prior employer. He also became entitled to receive a lump sum deferred compensation benefit from the Company equal to $1,600,000 with interest credited at the rate of 5.05%, less the actuarially equivalent value with regard to any amount he receives or is entitled to receive from the deferred compensation benefit from his prior employer. In connection with joining Nielsen, he also became entitled to purchase 78,125 shares of common stock for fair market value on the date of purchase as provided under the 2006 Stock Acquisition and Option Plan. This purchase was subsequently made in March 2007. In addition, Mr. West received a stock option grant of 546,875 shares subject to the subsequent purchase of the common stock. 468,750 of the stock options were granted at $16 per share and 78,125 were granted at $32 per share.

On March 18, 2010, Mr. West was granted 62,500 stock options. These stock options have a strike price equal to $18.40 per share, the fair market value of a Holdings share on the date of grant, and will vest one-third on each anniversary of the grant date.

 

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Employment Arrangement with Mr. Mitchell Habib

Effective March 1, 2007, Mr. Mitchell Habib joined the Company as Executive Vice President for Global Business Services. Under his written offer letter, Mr. Habib is entitled to receive a base salary of $600,000, effective on his start date with the Company, subject to annual review with other Company executives. Mr. Habib is eligible to earn a target annual bonus of $900,000 based upon the achievement of both financial and individual performance goals. Effective January 1, 2008, Mr. Habib’s starting reference point for determining his annual incentive is the prior year’s award. Additionally, Mr. Habib received a one-time, lump sum payment of $500,000 shortly after he joined the Company. In connection with joining Nielsen, he also became entitled to purchase 109,375 shares of common stock for fair market value at the date of purchase as provided under the 2006 Stock Acquisition and Option Plan. This purchase was subsequently made in March 2007. In addition, Mr. Habib received a stock option grant of 492,187 shares subject to the subsequent purchase of the common stock. 421,875 of the stock options were granted at $16 per share and 70,312 were granted at $32 per share.

On June 19, 2009, Mr. Habib was granted 62,500 restricted stock units that will vest ratably on December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Employment Arrangement with Mr. Roberto Llamas

Effective June 11, 2007, Mr. Roberto Llamas joined the Company as Chief Human Resources Officer. Under his written offer letter, Mr. Llamas was entitled to a base salary of $600,000, effective on his start date, subject to annual review along with other Company executives. Mr. Llamas was eligible to earn a target annual bonus equal to 100% of base salary upon the achievement of both financial and individual goals. Effective January 1, 2008, Mr. Llamas’ starting reference point for determining his annual incentive is the prior year’s award. In connection with joining Nielsen, he became entitled to purchase 93,750 shares of common stock of Nielsen for fair market value on the date of purchase as provided under the 2006 Stock Acquisition and Option Plan. This purchase was subsequently made in June 2007. In addition, Mr. Llamas received a stock option grant of 328,125 shares subject to the subsequent purchase of the common stock. 281,250 of the stock options were granted at $16 per share and 46,875 were granted at $32 per share. On March 18, 2010, Mr. Llamas was granted 62,500 stock options having a strike price equal to $18.40 per share, the fair market value of a Company share on the date of grant, and vesting one-third on each anniversary of the grant date. Upon his departure, Mr. Llamas forfeited 161,316 stock options. Pursuant to his option agreements, he retained and may exercise 178,694 stock options at $16 per share, 29,782 stock options at $32 per share and 20,833 stock options at $18.40 per share.

Mr. Llamas’s employment with the Company terminated effective February 28, 2011.

 

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Outstanding Equity Awards at 2010 Fiscal Year End

The following table presents information regarding the outstanding equity awards held by each of our Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 2010.

 

     Option Awards(1)(2)      Stock Awards  

Name (a)

   Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Exercisable
(b)
     Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Unexercisable
(c)
     Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
(d)
     Option
Exercise
Price
($) (e)
     Option
Expiration
Date (f)
     Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That Have
Not
Vested
(g)
     Market Value
of Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested ($)
(h)
 

David Calhoun

     2,325,000         356,250         1,068,750         16         11/22/2016         —           —     
     387,500         59,375         178,125         32         11/22/2016         —           —     
     52,083         104,167         —           18.40         2/25/2020         —           —     

Mitchell Habib

     261,563         40,078         120,234         16         3/21/2017         41,667         875,007   
     43,594         6,680         20,039         32         3/21/2017         —           —     

Susan Whiting

     348,750         53,438         160,312         16         2/2/2017         12,500         262,500   
     58,125         8,906         26,719         32         2/2/2017         —           —     

Brian West

     290,625         44,531         133,594         16         3/21/2017         —           —     
     48,438         7,422         22,266         32         3/21/2017         —           —     
     —           62,500         —           18.40         3/18/2020         

Roberto Llamas

     174,375         26,719         80,156         16         6/11/2017         —           —     
     29,063         4,453         13,359         32         6/11/2017         —           —     
     —           62,500         —           18.40         3/18/2020         

 

(1) The terms of each option award reported in the table above are described above under “Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2010 Table.” The exercisable options shown in Column (b) above are currently vested. The unexercisable options shown in Column (c) and (d) above are unvested. As described above, options are subject to accelerated vesting in connection with a change in control of Nielsen and, in the case of Mr. Calhoun, certain terminations of his employment with Nielsen. The options with an exercise price of $32 per share represent options granted at twice the fair market value on the date of grant. Mr. Calhoun’s grant date was November 22, 2006. The grant dates for the remaining Named Executive Officers are 10 years prior to the Option Expiration Date shown in the table above.

 

(2) The option awards are subject to vesting schedules as follows: For all Named Executive Officers, the time-vested awards, which constitute 50% of the stock options, with an exercise price of $16 and $32 per share, respectively, vest 5% on grant date, and 19% on each of the five anniversaries of December 31, 2006. For Mr. Calhoun, the option awards with an exercise price of $18.40 per share will vest one-third each year on December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012. For Messrs. West and Llamas, the option awards granted at $18.40 will vest one-third on March 18, 2011, 2012 and 2013. For the stock option awards with an exercise price of $16 per share and $32 per share, 50% of the award is considered performance-vested. This means that this portion of the awards vest in a calendar year if, and only if, the Company meets or exceeds a pre-established EBITDA target. If the Company does not meet this target, then the portion can vest in future years if the cumulative EBITDA target is met. Upon his departure, Mr. Llamas forfeited his unvested options.

 

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Option Exercises and Stock Vested in 2010

The following table presents information regarding the value realized by each of our Named Executive Officers upon the exercise of option awards or the vesting of stock awards during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

 

     Option Awards      Stock Awards  

Name (a)

   Number of Shares
Acquired on Exercise
(#)
(b)
     Value Realized
on Exercise
($)
(c)
     Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting
(#)
(d)
     Value Realized
on Vesting ($)
(e)(1)
 

David Calhoun

     —           —           —           —     

Mitchell Habib

     —           —           20,833         437,493   

Susan Whiting

     —           —           12,500         262,500   

Brian West

     —           —           —           —     

Roberto Llamas

     —           —           —           —     

 

(1) This amount is based on a fair market value as of December 31, 2010 of $21.00 per share.

Pension Benefits for 2010

 

Name (a)

   Plan Name (b)      Number of
Years Credited
Service (#)
(c)
     Present Value of
Accumulated Benefit
($)
(d)
     Payments
During Last
Fiscal Year
($)
(e)
 

David Calhoun

     —           —           —           —     

Mitchell Habib

     —           —           —           —     

Susan Whiting

     Qualified Plan         26.67         253,690         —     
     Excess Plan         26.67         277,715         —     

Brian West

     —           —           —           —     

Roberto Llamas

     —           —           —           —     

Assumptions for present value of accumulated benefit

Present values at December 31, 2010 were calculated using an interest rate of 5.50%, an interest credit rate of 4.25% and the RP 2000 mortality table (projected to 2012). At December 31, 2009, values were calculated using an interest rate of 6.00%, an interest credit rate of 4.50% and the RP 2000 mortality table (projected to 2012). These assumptions are consistent with those used for the financial statements of the Company’s retirement plans.

United States Retirement Plans

Effective August 31, 2006, the Company froze its United States qualified and non-qualified retirement plans. No participants may be added and no further benefits may accrue after this date. The retirement plans, as in existence immediately prior to the freeze, are described below.

We maintain a tax-qualified retirement plan (the “Qualified Plan”), a cash-balance pension plan that covers eligible United States employees who have completed at least one year of service. Prior to the freeze, we added monthly basic and investment credits to each participant’s account. The basic credit equals 3% of a participant’s eligible monthly compensation. Participants became fully vested in their accrued benefits after the earlier of five years of service or when the participant reached normal retirement age (which is the later of age 65 or the fifth anniversary of the date the participant first became eligible to participate in the plan). Unmarried participants receive retirement benefits as a single-life annuity, and married participants receive retirement benefits as a qualified joint-and-survivor annuity. Participants can elect an alternate form of payment such as a straight-life

 

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annuity, a joint-and-survivor annuity, years certain-and-life income annuity or a level income annuity option. Lump sum payment of accrued benefits is only available if the benefits do not exceed $5,000. Payment of benefits begins at the later of the participant’s termination of employment with us or reaching age 40.

We also maintain a non-qualified retirement plan (the “Excess Plan”) for certain of our management and highly compensated employees. Prior to the freeze, the Excess Plan provided supplemental benefits to individuals whose benefits under the Qualified Plan are limited by the provisions of Section 415 and/or Section 401(a)(17) of the Code. The benefit payable to a participant under the Excess Plan is equal to the difference between the benefit actually paid under the Qualified Plan and the amount that would have been payable had the applicable Code limitations not applied. Although the Excess Plan is considered an unfunded plan and there is no current trust agreement for the Excess Plan, assets have been set aside in a “rabbi trust” fund. It is intended that benefits due under the Excess Plan will be paid from this rabbi trust or from the general assets of the Nielsen entity that employs the participants.

Ms. Whiting is the only Named Executive Officer who is a participant in the Qualified Plan or the Excess Plan.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation for 2010

Messrs. Calhoun and West received a supplementary deferred compensation contribution as part of their employment arrangements (as explained above). Both Named Executive Officers receive interest credits at 5.05% per annum.

The Company offers a voluntary nonqualified deferred compensation plan in the United States which allows selected executives the opportunity to defer a significant portion of their base salary and incentive payments to a future date. Earnings on deferred amounts are determined with reference to designated mutual funds. Ms. Whiting is the only Named Executive Officer with a balance under this plan. There is no above market rate of return given to executives as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Name (a)

   Executive
Contributions
in Last FY
($)
(b)
     Registrant
Contributions
in Last FY
($)
(c)
     Aggregate
Earnings in Last
FY
($)
(d)
     Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
($)
(e)
     Aggregate
Balance at
Last FYE
($)
(f)
 

David Calhoun

     —           —           882,795         —           17,933,367   

Susan Whiting

     45,000         —           942         137,880         188,758   

Brian West

     —           —           95,576         —           1,941,551   

Note: Interest payments have not been reported in the Summary Compensation Table. For Messrs. Calhoun and West, no executive or registrant contributions were made in 2008, 2009 and 2010; therefore, no contributions are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table for any of those years. Ms. Whiting’s 2010 contributions were made from salary and are included in the Salary column in the Summary Compensation Table. She made no contributions in 2008 or 2009.

Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control

Severance Benefits—Termination of Employment

Mr. Calhoun

In the event Mr. Calhoun’s employment is terminated during the employment term due to death, “disability”, by the Company without “cause” or by Mr. Calhoun for “good reason” (as those terms are defined in the Restated Agreement), Mr. Calhoun will be entitled to severance pay that includes (1) payment equal to two times the sum of (a) Mr. Calhoun’s base salary, plus (b) the greater of the annual bonus paid in respect of the

 

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fiscal year preceding the fiscal year in which the termination occurs or the annual bonus paid in respect of the 2010 fiscal year; (2) a pro-rata portion of Mr. Calhoun’s bonus for the year of the termination; (3) payment of vested or accrued balances in his deferred compensation account; (4) pro-rata payment of the next installment (if any) of his Original Signing Bonus and (5) continued health and welfare benefits for Mr. Calhoun and his family members for up to two years. In the event of a change in control, any then-unvested time-based stock options will become vested and exercisable in full. Any then-unvested performance-based stock options that are eligible to become vested as of the end of 2010 or later will become vested and exercisable in full. As of December 31, 2010, the value of any accelerated vesting of options would be $7,531,250 because the per share price of Holdings’ common stock ($21.00) was above the strike price of the majority of the stock options ($16), above the strike price of the February 2010 grant ($18.40) but below the strike price of the remainder of the stock options ($32). Under certain circumstances, benefits payable to Mr. Calhoun in connection with a change in control of the Company that are deemed to constitute “excess parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code may be reduced to the highest amount that would not subject Mr. Calhoun to any excise taxes under Section 4999 of the Code.

 

Name

   Two times
the
sum of Base
Salary plus
Annual
Incentive
     Annual Incentive
Award
     Signing
Bonus
     Health &
Welfare
Benefits
     Total  

David Calhoun

   $ 8,250,000       $ 3,375,000       $ 2,004,039       $ 31,342       $ 13,660,381   

Named Executive Officers Other Than Mr. Calhoun

In the event any of the other Named Executive Officers are terminated by the Company without cause or by them for good reason, they will be entitled to severance pay that includes (1) payment equal to two times the sum of their base salary plus (2) a pro-rata portion of their bonus for the year of termination and (3) continued health and welfare benefits for the executive and their family members for the term of the severance. If an executive’s employment had been terminated without cause by the Company or for good reason by the executive on December 31, 2010, they would have received total payments as shown in the following table. Additionally, they would be eligible for continued health and welfare benefits coverage for the executives and their family members for up to two years, in an amount estimated to be $12,000 for the two year period. Additionally, Mr. West would be entitled to receive his balance under the nonqualified deferred compensation arrangement as shown above. In the event of a change in control, any then-unvested time-based stock options will become vested and exercisable in full. Any then-unvested performance-based stock options will become vested and exercisable in full, if as a result of such change in control, the Sponsors realize an aggregate return of at least the amounts set forth under the stock option agreement. As of December 31, 2010, the value of any accelerated vesting of options would be $1,068,750 for Ms. Whiting, $801,563 for Mr. Habib, $1,053,125 for Mr. West and $696,875 for Mr. Llamas because the per share price of Holdings’ common stock ($21.00) was above the strike price of the majority of the stock options ($16), above the strike price of the March 2010 grant ($18.40) but below the strike price of the remainder of the stock options ($32). In connection with Mr. Llamas’s departure from the Company, he became entitled to the amounts described in this paragraph.

 

Name

   Two times
Base
Salary
     Annual  Incentive
Award(1)
     Health &
Welfare
Benefits
     Total(1)  

Susan Whiting

   $ 1,800,000       $ 900,000       $ 12,000       $ 2,712,000   

Mitchell Habib

     1,500,000         1,500,000         12,000         3,012,000   

Brian West

     1,520,000         1,250,000         12,000         2,782,000   

Roberto Llamas

     1,300,000         875,000         12,000         2,187,000   

 

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Restrictive Covenants

Pursuant to Mr. Calhoun’s employment agreement, he has agreed not to disclose any Company confidential information at any time during or after his employment with Nielsen. In addition, Mr. Calhoun has agreed that, for a period of two years following a termination of his employment with Nielsen, he will not solicit or hire Nielsen’s employees or solicit Nielsen’s customers or materially interfere with any of Nielsen’s business relationships. He also agrees not to act as an employee, investor or in another significant function in any business that directly or indirectly competes with any business of the Company.

Pursuant to the severance agreements of the other Named Executive Officers, they have agreed not to disclose any Company confidential information at any time during or after their employment with Nielsen. In addition, they have agreed that, for a period of two years following a termination of their employment with Nielsen, they will not solicit Nielsen’s employees or customers or materially interfere with any of Nielsen’s business relationships. They also agree not to act as an employee, investor or in another significant function in any business that directly or indirectly competes with any business of the Company.

In the event a Named Executive Officer breaches the restrictive covenants, in addition to all other remedies that may be available to the Company, the Named Executive Officer will be required to pay to the Company any amounts actually paid to him or her by the Company in respect of any repurchase by the Company of the options or shares of common stock underlying the options held by the officer.

2006 Stock Acquisition and Option Plan

On December 7, 2006, the Company adopted the 2006 Stock Acquisition and Option Plan for Key Employees of Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V. and its Subsidiaries, as amended (the “2006 Stock Acquisition and Option Plan”), including executives of Nielsen. The 2006 Stock Acquisition and Option Plan permits the grant of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, purchase stock, restricted stock, dividend equivalent rights, and other stock-based awards to designated employees of Nielsen and its affiliates. As of December 31, 2010, 22,675,000 shares of common stock of Holdings were authorized for award or purchase under the 2006 Stock Acquisition and Option Plan. The number of shares issued or reserved pursuant to the 2006 Stock Acquisition and Option Plan (or pursuant to outstanding awards) is subject to adjustment for mergers, consolidations, reorganizations, stock splits, stock dividends and other dilutive changes in the common stock of Holdings. Shares of common stock covered by awards that terminate or lapse and shares delivered by a participant or withheld to pay the minimum statutory withholding rate, in each case, will again be available for grant under the 2006 Stock Acquisition and Option Plan. Shares of common stock that are acquired pursuant to the 2006 Stock Acquisition and Option Plan will be subject to the Management Stockholder’s Agreement. This agreement places restrictions on the shareholder’s right to transfer and vote his or her shares and provides for call rights on the shares and stock options in the event the shareholder’s employment terminates prior to a change in control of Nielsen or the date on which the Original Sponsors’ ownership in the Company falls below 33 1/3% of their original ownership.

Stock Incentive Plan

In connection with Holdings’ IPO, Holdings implemented the Nielsen Holdings 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Stock Incentive Plan”). The following description of the Stock Incentive Plan is not complete and is qualified by reference to the full text of the Stock Incentive Plan, which was filed as Exhibit 10.24 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by Holdings on August 2, 2010. The Stock Incentive Plan is the source of new equity-based awards permitting us to grant to our key employees, directors and other service providers the following types of awards: incentive stock options (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code), non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other awards valued in whole or in part by reference to shares of our common stock and performance-based awards denominated in shares or cash.

 

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Administration. The Compensation Committee administers the Stock Incentive Plan. However, our Board of Directors may take any action delegated to the Compensation Committee under the Stock Incentive Plan as it deems necessary. The Compensation Committee determines who will receive awards under the Stock Incentive Plan, as well as the form of the awards, the number of shares underlying the awards and the terms and conditions of the awards consistent with the terms of the Stock Incentive Plan. The Compensation Committee has sole and absolute discretion to interpret and administer the Stock Incentive Plan, and any determinations will be final and binding on all parties concerned. The Compensation Committee may also correct any defect or supply any omission to reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan.

Shares Subject to the Stock Incentive Plan. The total number of shares of our common stock which may be issued under the Stock Incentive Plan is 12,120,000, plus the shares of common stock remaining available for award under the 2006 Stock Acquisition and Option Plan as of the effective date of the Stock Incentive Plan. The maximum number of shares for which incentive stock options may be granted is 6,060,000. The maximum number of shares in respect of which stock options or stock appreciation rights may be granted to any participant during any fiscal year of the Company is 1,250,000.

We will make available the number of shares of our common stock necessary to satisfy the maximum number of shares that may be issued under the Stock Incentive Plan. The shares of our common stock underlying (i) any award granted under the Stock Incentive Plan and (ii) any award that is outstanding as of the effective date of the Stock Incentive Plan under the 2006 Stock Acquisition and Option Plan, in any such case that are forfeited, terminated, canceled or expire unexercised; withheld or tendered to satisfy tax withholding obligations, the aggregate purchase price on the exercise of stock options or the purchase price for any other award granted under the Stock Incentive Plan or repurchased by us, in each case, will again become available for awards under the Stock Incentive Plan. Further, if an award is settled in cash, shares in respect of such award will also become available for awards. Awards may be made under the Stock Incentive Plan in substitution for outstanding awards previously granted by a company that is acquired by us, but the shares subject to such substituted awards will not be counted against the aggregate number of shares otherwise available for awards under the Stock Incentive Plan.

No award may be granted under the Stock Incentive Plan after the tenth anniversary of the effective date of the plan, but awards granted prior to such date may extend beyond such tenth anniversary, except that an automatic exercise through a net settlement of both the exercise price and the minimum withholding taxes will occur if the date on which the portion of the option is scheduled to expire falls during our blackout trading period applicable to the participant and the exercise price per share of such portion of the option is less than the fair market value of our common stock on the date of such automatic exercise. To the extent Dutch law requires it, awards granted pursuant to the Stock Incentive Plan (to the extent they constitute options or other rights to acquire shares) will be deemed to have been granted subject to the approval of such award by the Board (to the extent so delegated to the Board by the shareholders) or by our shareholders themselves at an annual meeting. No such authority from the Board or the shareholders is required for the issuance of shares upon exercise of a validly granted award.

Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights. The Compensation Committee may award non-qualified or incentive stock options under the Stock Incentive Plan. Stock options granted under the Stock Incentive Plan will become vested and exercisable at such times and upon such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant, but an option will generally not be exercisable for a period of more than ten years after it is granted.

Except with respect to substitute awards, the exercise price per share for any stock option awarded will not be less than the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the day the stock option is granted. To the extent required by Netherlands law, the option price will not be less than the nominal value per share in respect of which the option is being exercised. The exercise price of a stock option may be paid (1) in cash or its equivalent; (2) unless otherwise required by the Compensation Committee, in shares of our common stock having a fair market value equal to the aggregate stock option exercise price for the shares being purchased and

 

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upon satisfaction of such other requirements as may be imposed by the Compensation Committee; (3) unless otherwise required by the Compensation Committee, partly in cash and partly in shares of our common stock; (4) if there is a public market for shares of our common stock at such time, through the delivery of irrevocable instructions to a broker to sell shares of our common stock obtained upon the exercise of the stock option and to deliver promptly to us an amount out of the proceeds of the sale equal to the aggregate stock option exercise price for the shares of our common stock being purchased; or (5) through a net settlement feature as described in the Stock Incentive Plan (i.e., having a number of shares with a fair market value equal to the aggregate exercise price of the portion of the option to be exercised withheld by us from the number of shares that would have otherwise been received). The repricing of a stock option, after it has been granted, is prohibited without prior approval of our shareholders.

The Compensation Committee may grant options that are intended to be “incentive stock options” (“ISOs”) within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and will comply with the requirements of Section 422 of the Code. No ISO may be granted to a participant who at the time of the grant owns more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock, unless (i) the option price for such ISO is at least 110% of the fair market value of a share on the date the ISO is granted, and (ii) the date on which the ISO terminates is not later than the day preceding the fifth anniversary of the day the ISO is granted. All options are intended to be non-qualified stock options, unless the applicable award agreement explicitly states that the option is intended to be an ISO.

The Compensation Committee may grant stock appreciation rights independent of or in connection with a stock option. The exercise price of a stock appreciation right will not be less than the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date the stock appreciation right is granted, except that, in the case of a stock appreciation right granted in conjunction with a stock option, the exercise price will not be less than the exercise price of the related stock option. Further, the exercise price of a stock appreciation right that is granted in exchange for an option may be less than the fair market value if such exercise price is equal to the option price of the exchanged option. To the extent required by Dutch law, the exercise price per share of a stock appreciation right will not be less than the nominal value per share in respect of which the stock appreciation right is being exercised. Each stock appreciation right granted independent of a stock option will entitle a participant upon exercise to an amount equal to (i) the excess of (A) the fair market value on the exercise date of one share of our common stock over (B) the exercise price per share, multiplied by (ii) the number of shares of our common stock covered by the stock appreciation right. Each stock appreciation right granted in conjunction with a stock option will entitle a participant to surrender to us the stock option and to receive in exchange such amount. Payment will be made in shares of our common stock and/or cash (any share of our common stock valued at fair market value), as determined by the Compensation Committee. The repricing of a stock appreciation right, after it has been granted, is prohibited without prior approval of our shareholders.

Other Stock-Based Awards. The Compensation Committee in its sole discretion may grant or sell awards of shares of our common stock, restricted stock, RSUs and awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise based on the fair market value of, shares of our common stock. Any of these other stock-based awards will be in such form, and dependent on such conditions, as the Compensation Committee determines, including, without limitation, the right to receive, or vest with respect to, one or more shares of our common stock (or the equivalent cash value of such shares of our common stock) upon the completion of a specified period of service, the occurrence of an event and/or the attainment of performance objectives. The Compensation Committee may in its discretion determine whether other stock-based awards will be payable in cash, shares of our common stock, or a combination of both cash and shares. To the extent required by Dutch law, the price paid per share for shares awarded in respect of other stock-based awards will not be less than the nominal value of the underlying share.

Performance-Based Awards. The Compensation Committee in its sole discretion may grant certain awards that are denominated in shares or cash and may include awards of options, stock appreciation rights and other stock-based awards, to be granted in a manner which is intended to be deductible by us under Section 162(m) of the Code (such

 

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awards, “Performance-Based Awards”). To the extent required by Netherlands law, the price paid per share for shares awarded in respect of Performance-Based Awards will not be less than the nominal value of the underlying share.

Performance-Based Awards will be subject to the terms and conditions established by the Compensation Committee and will be based upon one or more of the following performance criteria: (1) consolidated income before or after taxes (including income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization); (2) EBITDA; (3) adjusted EBITDA, (4) operating income; (5) net income; (6) adjusted cash net income; (7) adjusted cash net income per share; (8) net income per share; (9) book value per share; (10) return on members’ or shareholders’ equity; (11) expense management; (12) return on investment; (13) improvements in capital structure; (14) profitability of an identifiable business unit or product; (15) maintenance or improvement of profit margins; (16) stock price; (17) market share; (18) revenue or sales; (19) costs; (20) cash flow; (21) working capital; (22) multiple of invested capital; (23) total return; and (24) such other objective performance criteria as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion to the extent such criteria would be permissible performance criteria under Section 162(m) of the Code. The foregoing criteria may relate to us, one or more of our subsidiaries or one or more of our divisions or units, or any combination of the foregoing, and may be applied on an absolute basis and/or be relative to one or more peer group companies or indices, or any combination thereof, as the Compensation Committee will determine. In addition, to the degree consistent with Section 162(m) of the Code, the performance goals may be calculated without regard to extraordinary items. The Compensation Committee will determine whether, with respect to a performance period, the applicable performance goals have been met with respect to a given participant and, if they have, during any period when Section 162(m) of the Code is applicable to us, will so certify and ascertain the amount of the applicable Performance-Based Award. During any period when Section 162(m) of the Code is applicable to us, no Performance-Based Awards will be paid to any participant for a given period of service until the Compensation Committee certifies that the objective performance goals (and any other material terms) applicable to such period have been satisfied.

The amount of the Performance-Based Award actually paid to a given participant may be less than the amount determined by the applicable performance goal formula, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. The amount of the Performance-Based Award determined by the Compensation Committee for a performance period will be paid to the participant at such time as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion after the end of such performance period; provided, however, that a participant may, if and to the extent permitted by the Compensation Committee and consistent with the provisions of Section 409A of the Code, elect to defer payment of a Performance-Based Award. The maximum amount of a Performance-Based Award granted in respect of any performance period that may be earned by a participant during each fiscal year of the Company covered by the performance period will be (i) with respect to Performance-Based Awards that are denominated in shares, 625,000 shares, and (ii) with respect to Performance-Based Awards that are denominated in cash, $10,000,000.

Adjustments upon Certain Events. In the event of any share dividend or split, reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, or transaction or exchange of shares of our common stock or other corporate exchange, any equity restructuring as defined by FASB Accounting Standards Codification 718, or any distribution to shareholders other than regular cash dividends, or any transaction similar to the foregoing, the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion and without liability to any person will make such substitution or adjustment, if any, as it deems reasonably necessary to address, on an equitable basis, the effect of such event as to (1) the number or kind of shares or other securities issued or reserved for issuance pursuant to the Stock Incentive Plan or pursuant to outstanding awards, (2) the maximum number of shares for which stock options or stock appreciation rights may be granted during a fiscal year to any participant, (3) the maximum amount of a Performance-Based Award that may be granted during a calendar year to any participant, (4) the option price or exercise price of any option or stock appreciation right and/or (5) any other affected terms of such awards.

 

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Change in Control. In the event of a “change in control” (as defined below) after the effective date of the Stock Incentive Plan, the Stock Incentive Plan provides that:

(1) if the successor or acquiring entity in the change in control does not agree to provide for the issuance of substitute awards on an equitable basis in a manner consistent with the relevant adjustment provisions of the Stock Incentive Plan (described above), as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, then either (A) any outstanding awards held by a participant which are unexercisable or otherwise unvested or subject to lapse restrictions and are not assumed by a successor corporation will automatically be deemed exercisable or otherwise vested or no longer subject to lapse restrictions and (B) the Compensation Committee will (i) cancel the awards for fair value (as determined in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee), or (ii) provide that, with respect to any awards that are stock options, for a period of at least ten days prior to the change in control, awards will be exercisable to the extent applicable as to all shares subject thereto and that upon the occurrence of the change in control, awards will terminate and be of no further force and effect;

(2) if the successor or acquiring entity does agree to provide for the issuance of substitute awards, then any outstanding awards held by participants which are unexercisable or otherwise unvested or subject to lapse restrictions will not automatically be deemed exercisable or otherwise vested or no longer subject to lapse restrictions, as the case may be, as of the date of the change in control, provided that if at any time during the two-year period following the change in control, the participant’s employment with us and our subsidiaries is terminated under a circumstance that would make the participant eligible to receive payment of severance compensation pursuant to our severance plan, policy or other arrangement, as of such date of termination, then any then unvested awards outstanding will become automatically deemed exercisable or otherwise vested or no longer subject to lapse restrictions; and

(3) if the Compensation Committee establishes terms for the vesting or exercisability of any award in connection with a change in control that varies from the provisions set forth in the Stock Incentive Plan, then the same such terms must apply to all other awards having substantially similar vesting or exercisability terms that are held by all other participants as of such time.

A change in control, as defined in the Stock Incentive Plan, occurs upon (1) the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of our assets to any person or group other than the permitted holders; (2) any person or group, other than the permitted holders, becoming the beneficial owner of more than 50% of the total voting power of our voting stock, or any entity which controls us, such person will be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all shares that they have the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time; (3) a reorganization, recapitalization, merger or consolidation involving the company, unless securities representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of our Board of Directors or the Board of Directors of the corporation resulting from such transaction are held subsequent to such transaction by the person or persons who were the beneficial owners of the outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of our Board of Directors immediately prior to such transaction; (4) during any rolling twenty-four month period, individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted our Board of Directors, together with any new Directors whose election by such board or whose nomination for election by our shareholders was approved by a vote of a majority of our Board of Directors who were either Directors at the beginning of this period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority of our Board of Directors then in office, however individuals who were elected or nominated as a director as a result of an actual or threatened contest with respect to Directors or an actual or threatened solicitation of proxies by any person other than our Board of Directors, or individuals who were elected or nominated as a director pursuant to an agreement between Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.à r.l., a private limited company incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg (“Luxco”) or among one or more of the Sponsors and a third party under which Luxco or any Sponsor is required to nominate such director will not be considered in this determination; or (5) any transaction resulting in any person or group, other than any of the Sponsors or their affiliates, obtaining direct or indirect beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the voting rights attached to the entire issued share capital of Luxco.

 

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Forfeiture and Clawback. The Compensation Committee may in its sole discretion specify in an award or a policy that is incorporated into an award by reference that the participant’s rights, payments, and benefits with respect to such award will be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment upon the occurrence of certain specified events, in addition to any otherwise applicable vesting or performance conditions contained in such award. Such events may include, but are not limited to, termination of employment for cause, termination of the participant’s provision of services to us, breach of noncompetition, confidentiality, or other restrictive covenants that may apply to the participant, or restatement of our financial statements to reflect adverse results from those previously released financial statements as a consequence of errors, omissions, fraud, or misconduct.

Transferability. Unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, no award granted under the Stock Incentive Plan will be transferable or assignable by a participant in the plan, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.

Amendment and Termination. Our Board of Directors may amend, alter or discontinue the Stock Incentive Plan or any outstanding award, but no amendment, alteration or discontinuance will be made (1) without the approval of our shareholders, to the extent such approval is required by or desirable to satisfy the requirements of any applicable law, regulation or other rule, including listing standards of the securities exchange that is the principal market for the shares of our common stock or (2) without the consent of a participant, if such action would materially and adversely affect any of the rights of the participant under any award theretofore granted to such participant under the Stock Incentive Plan; provided, however, that the Compensation Committee may amend the Stock Incentive Plan in such manner as it deems necessary to permit the Stock Incentive Plan and/or any outstanding awards to satisfy applicable requirements of the Code or other applicable laws.

Federal Income Tax Consequences

Under present federal tax laws, awards under the Stock Incentive Plan have the following consequences:

 

   

The grant of an option does not by itself result in the recognition of taxable income to an option recipient nor entitle us to a tax deduction at the time of such grant.

 

   

The exercise of an option which is an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code generally does not, by itself, result in the recognition of taxable income to an option recipient nor entitle us to a deduction at the time of such exercise. However, the difference between the option exercise price and the fair market value of our common stock on the date of option exercise is an item of tax preference which may, in certain situations, trigger the alternative minimum tax for an option recipient. An option recipient recognizes capital gain or loss upon resale of the shares of our common stock received pursuant to the exercise of incentive stock options, provided that such shares are held for at least one year after transfer of the shares or two years after the grant of the option, whichever is later. Generally, if the shares are not held for that period, the option recipient recognizes ordinary income upon disposition in an amount equal to the difference between the option exercise price and the fair market value of our common stock on the date of exercise, or, if less, the sales proceeds of the shares acquired pursuant to the option.

 

   

The exercise of a non-incentive stock option results in the recognition of ordinary income by the option recipient on the date of exercise in an amount equal to the difference between the exercise price and the fair market value of our common stock acquired pursuant to the option. To the extent permitted by the Compensation Committee, the option recipient may elect to pay a portion or all of the resulting taxes by (i) delivery of shares, if such shares have been held by the option recipient for a required period of time, or (ii) with respect to minimum withholding amounts, shares with a fair market value equal to the amount withheld by us from any shares that would otherwise have been received by the option recipient (i.e. through a “net settlement” of such minimum tax withholding due).

 

   

We are allowed a tax deduction for federal tax purposes equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by an option recipient at the time the option recipient recognizes such ordinary income.

 

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Stock awards awarded under the Stock Incentive Plan are generally taxable to the recipient at the time that such awards become earned and non-forfeitable, based upon the fair market value of such stock at the time of such vesting. Alternatively, a recipient may make an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code within 30 days of the date of the transfer of such stock award to elect to include in gross income for the current taxable year the fair market value of such award. Such election must be filed with the Internal Revenue Service within 30 days of the date of the transfer of the stock award. We are allowed a tax deduction for federal tax purposes as a compensation expense equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by a recipient of stock awards and any payments related to dividends at the time the recipient recognizes taxable ordinary income.

 

   

Stock appreciation rights do not have federal income tax consequences for us or for recipients at the time of grant. When a stock appreciation right is exercised, the fair market value of the shares of common stock delivered in settlement of the stock appreciation right is included in the recipient’s gross income for federal income tax purposes, and we may be entitled to claim a federal tax deduction for a like amount.

Section 162(m) of the Code imposes a $1 million cap on federal income tax deduction for compensation paid to our Chief Executive Officer and to certain other highly compensated officers during any fiscal year unless the compensation is “performance-based” under Section 162(m) of the Code. Under a special exception, any compensation paid pursuant to a compensation plan in existence before the effective date of our IPO will not be subject to the $1 million limitation until the earliest of: (i) the expiration of the compensation plan, (ii) a material modification of the compensation plan (as determined under Section 162(m) of the Code), (iii) the issuance of all the employer stock and other compensation allocated under the compensation plan, or (iv) the first meeting of shareholders at which Directors are elected after the close of the third calendar year following the year in which the public offering occurs. We anticipate that both the Stock Incentive Plan and the Annual Incentive Plan (described below) will be eligible for this exception. However, to the extent Section 162(m) of the Code does apply, the Stock Incentive Plan and the Annual Incentive Plan (described below) have been designed to comply with the performance-based compensation exceptions available under Section 162(m) of the Code.

Executive Annual Incentive Plan

The following description of the Nielsen Holdings Executive Annual Incentive Plan, or the “Annual Incentive Plan”, is not complete and is qualified by reference to the full text of the Annual Incentive Plan, which can was filed as Exhibit 10.25 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by Nielsen Holdings B.V. on August 2, 2010. Holdings’ Board of Directors adopted the Annual Incentive Plan, and received approval of such plan by its shareholders, prior to its IPO.

Purpose. The Annual Incentive Plan is a bonus plan designed to attract, retain, motivate and reward participants by providing them with the opportunity to earn competitive compensation directly linked to our performance.

Administration. The Annual Incentive Plan is administered and interpreted by the Compensation Committee. However, Holdings’ Board of Directors may take any action delegated to the Compensation Committee under the Annual Incentive Plan as it deems necessary. The Compensation Committee may delegate its authority under the Annual Incentive Plan, except in cases where such delegation would disqualify compensation paid under the Annual Incentive Plan intended to be exempt under Section 162(m) of the Code.

Eligibility; Awards. Awards may be granted to our officers and key employees in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee. The Annual Incentive Plan provides for the payment of incentive bonuses in the form of cash, or, at the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee, in awards under the Stock Incentive Plan. For performance-based bonuses intended to comply with the performance-based compensation exemption under Section 162(m) of the Code, by no later than the end of the first quarter of a given performance period (or such,

 

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the Compensation Committee will establish such target incentive bonuses for each individual participant in the Annual Incentive Plan. However, the Compensation Committee may in its sole discretion grant such bonuses, if any, to such participants as the Compensation Committee may choose, in respect of any given performance period, that is not intended to comply with the performance-based exemption under Section 162(m) of the Code. No participant may receive a bonus under the Annual Incentive Plan, with respect of any fiscal year, in excess of $7,500,000.

Performance Goals. The Compensation Committee will establish the performance periods over which performance objectives will be measured. A performance period may be for a fiscal year or a shorter period, as determined by the Compensation Committee. No later than the last day of the first quarter of a given performance period begins (or such other date as may be required or permitted by Section 162(m) of the Code to the extent applicable to us and the Annual Incentive Plan), the Compensation Committee will establish (1) the performance objective or objectives that must be satisfied for a participant to receive a bonus for such performance period, and (2) the target incentive bonus for each participant. Performance objective(s) will be based upon one or more of the following criteria, as determined by the Compensation Committee: (i) consolidated income before or after taxes (including income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization); (ii) EBITDA; (iii) adjusted EBITDA, (iv) operating income; (v) net income; (vi) adjusted cash net income; (vii) adjusted cash net income per share; (viii) net income per share; (ix) book value per share; (x) return on members’ or shareholders’ equity; (xi) expense management; (xii) return on investment; (xiii) improvements in capital structure; (xiv) profitability of an identifiable business unit or product; (xv) maintenance or improvement of profit margins; (xvi) stock price; (xvii) market share; (xviii) revenue or sales; (xiv) costs; (xx) cash flow; (xxi) working capital; (xxii) multiple of invested capital; (xxiii) total return; and (xxiv) such other objective performance criteria as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion to the extent permitted by Section 162(m) of the Code. The foregoing criteria may relate to us, one or more of our subsidiaries or one or more of our divisions or units, or any combination of the foregoing, and may be applied on an absolute basis and/or be relative to one or more peer group companies or indices, or any combination thereof, all as the Compensation Committee will determine. The performance measures and objectives established by the Compensation Committee may be different for different fiscal years and different objectives may be applicable to different officers and key employees.

As soon as practicable after the applicable performance period ends, the Compensation Committee will (x) determine (i) whether and to what extent any of the performance objective(s) established for such performance period have been satisfied and certify to such determination, and (ii) for each participant employed as of the date on which bonuses under the plan are payable, unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee (to the extent permitted under Section 162(m) of the Code, to the extent applicable to us and the Annual Incentive Plan), the actual bonus to which such participant will be entitled, taking into consideration the extent to which the performance objective(s) have been met and such other factors as the Compensation Committee may deem appropriate and (y) cause such bonus to be paid to such participant. The Compensation Committee has absolute discretion to reduce or eliminate the amount otherwise payable to any participant under the Annual Incentive Plan and to establish rules or procedures that have the effect of limiting the amount payable to each participant to an amount that is less than the maximum amount otherwise authorized as that participant’s target incentive bonus.

To the extent permitted under Section 162(m) of the Code, to the extent applicable to us and the Annual Incentive Plan, unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, if a participant is hired or rehired by us after the beginning of a performance period (or such corresponding period if the performance period is not a fiscal year) for which a bonus is payable, such participant may, if determined by the Compensation Committee, receive an annual bonus equal to the bonus otherwise payable to such participant based upon our actual performance for the applicable performance period or, if determined by the Compensation Committee, based upon achieving targeted performance objectives pro-rated for the days of employment during such period or such other amount as the Compensation Committee may deem appropriate.

 

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Forfeiture and Clawback. In addition to any otherwise applicable conditions under the Annual Incentive Plan, the Compensation Committee may, in its sole discretion, but acting in good faith, direct that we recover all or a portion of any bonus payable under the Annual Incentive Plan upon the occurrence of a breach of noncompetition, confidentiality or other restrictive covenants that may apply to a participant, or the restatement of our financial statements to reflect adverse results from those previously released financial statements, as a consequence of errors, omissions, fraud, or misconduct.

Change in Control. If there is a change in control (as defined in the Stock Incentive Plan, as described above), the Compensation Committee, as constituted immediately prior to the change in control, will determine in its sole discretion whether and to what extent the performance criteria have been met or will be deemed to have been met for the year in which the change in control occurs and for any completed performance period for which a determination under the plan has not been made.

Termination of Employment. If a participant dies or becomes disabled prior to date on which bonuses under the Annual Incentive Plan for the applicable performance period are payable, the participant may receive an annual bonus equal to the bonus otherwise payable to the participant based on actual company performance for the applicable performance period or, if determined by the Compensation Committee, based upon achieving targeted performance objectives, pro-rated for the days of employment during the performance period. Unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, if a participant’s employment terminates for any other reason, such participant will not receive a bonus.

Payment of Awards. Payment of any bonus amount is made to participants as soon as is practicable after the Compensation Committee certifies that one or more of the applicable performance objectives has been attained or after the Compensation Committee determines the amount of such bonus. All payments thus made will be in accordance with or exempt from the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.

Amendment and Termination of Plan. Our Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee may at any time amend, suspend, discontinue or terminate the Annual Incentive Plan, subject to shareholder approval if such approval is necessary to continue to qualify the amounts payable under the Annual Incentive Plan under Section 162(m) of the Code if such amounts are intended to be so qualified; provided, that no such amendment, suspension, discontinuance or termination will adversely affect the rights or any participant in respect of any fiscal year that has already begun. Unless earlier terminated, the Annual Incentive Plan will expire on the day immediately prior to our first shareholder meeting at which Directors of Holdings are to be elected that occurs after the close of the third calendar year following the calendar year in which the IPO of the company occurs.

 

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2010 Director Compensation

As of December 31, 2010, the Supervisory Board of The Nielsen Company B.V. consisted of fourteen members (Mr. Hobbs resigned effective November 18, 2010). Ten of the 14 members are representatives of the original Sponsors and received no compensation for their services as board members.

The following table presents information regarding the compensation paid or accrued during 2010 to members or their affiliates of the Supervisory Board of The Nielsen Company B.V.

 

Name

   Fees Earned or Paid in
Cash as a Member of
Supervisory Board ($)
     Fees Earned or Paid in
Cash as a Member of the
Audit Committee ($)
     Stock
Awards
($)(1)
     Option
Awards
($)(1)
     Total ($)  

Gerald S. Hobbs

     52,908         10,582               63,490   

Michael S. Chae

     —           —                 —     

Patrick Healy

     —           —                 —     

Iain Leigh

     —           —                 —     

Alexander Navab

     —           —                 —     

Scott Schoen

     —           —                 —     

James A. Attwood

     —           —                 —     

Richard J. Bressler

     —           —                 —     

James Kilts

     52,908         —                 52,908   

Robert Pozen(2)

     40,000         6,667         120,000         146,250         312,917   

Robert Reid

     —           —                 —     

Eliot Merrill

     —           —                 —     

Simon Brown

     —           —                 —     

Javier G. Teruel(3)

     23,050         3,842               26,892   

Karen M. Hoguet(4)

     7,200         1,200               8,400   

 

Payments for Messrs. Hobbs and Kilts were paid in Euros but converted to US$ above at a rate of €1 = $1.3227 which is the average exchange rate for 2010. Payments for new Board members in 2010, including Messrs. Pozen, Teruel and Ms. Hoguet, were made in U.S.$.

 

(1) Represents the aggregate fair value of restricted stock unit and stock options awarded to the member of the Supervisory Board calculated in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation.

 

(2) Mr. Pozen became a member of the Supervisory Board effective May 1, 2010. Mr. Pozen was also appointed to the Audit Committee of the Supervisory Board. Effective May 1, 2010, as a member of the board, Mr. Pozen receives an annual retainer of $60,000. The Company will pay a meeting fee of $2,000 for each meeting of the board over the five regularly scheduled meetings. As a member of the Audit Committee, Mr. Pozen receives an annual retainer of $10,000. The Company will also issue annually a number of stock options having a value, as determined by the Company, of $100,000. On the date of his appointment 15,625 stock options were issued to Mr. Pozen at the fair market value as of such date which will vest in four quarterly installments and have a term of ten years from the date of grant. Mr. Pozen also received a one-time grant of 6,250 restricted stock units to fully vest in 18 months. On December 31, 2010, Mr. Pozen held 15,625 stock options and 6,250 restricted stock units.

 

(3)

Mr. Teruel became a member of the Supervisory Board effective August 13, 2010. Mr. Teruel was also appointed to the Audit Committee of the Supervisory Board. Effective August 13, 2010, as a member of the board, Mr. Teruel receives an annual retainer of $60,000. The Company will pay a meeting fee of $2,000 for each meeting of the board over the five regularly scheduled meetings. As a member of the Audit Committee, Mr. Teruel receives an annual retainer of $10,000. The Company will also issue annually a number of stock options having a value, as determined by the Company, of $100,000, which will be issued at the fair market value as of the date of grant, will vest in four quarterly installments, and will have a term of ten years from the date of grant. On January 25, 2011, options to purchase 12,515 shares of the Company’s common stock

 

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were granted to Mr. Teruel at the fair market value as of such date, which will vest in four substantially equal quarterly installments and have a term of 10 years from the date of grant.

 

(4) Ms. Hoguet became a member of the Supervisory Board effective November 18, 2010. Ms. Hoguet was also appointed to the Audit Committee of the Supervisory Board. Effective November 18, 2010, as a member of the board, Ms.Hoguet receives an annual retainer of $60,000. The Company will pay a meeting fee of $2,000 for each meeting of the board over the five regularly scheduled meetings. As a member of the Audit Committee, Ms. Hoguet receives an annual retainer of $10,000. The Company will also issue annually a number of stock options having a value, as determined by the Company, of $100,000, which will be issued at the fair market value as of the date of grant, will vest in four quarterly installments, and will have a term of ten years from the date of grant. On January 25, 2011, options to purchase 12,515 shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to Ms. Hoguet at the fair market value as of such date, which will vest in four substantially equal quarterly installments and have a term of 10 years from the date of grant.

 

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

As of March 31, 2011, Valcon Acquisition B.V., a private company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of The Netherlands (“Valcon”), owned 100% of our issued and outstanding share capital. Valcon is 100% owned by Holdings.

The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of Holdings’ capital stock as of March 31, 2011 with respect to:

 

   

each person or group of affiliated persons known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding shares of any class of Holdings’ capital stock, together with their addresses;

 

   

each of our and Holdings’ directors;

 

   

each of our and Holdings’ Named Executive Officers; and

 

   

all directors and nominees and executive officers as a group.

Investment funds associated with or designated by the Sponsors own shares of Holdings indirectly through their holdings in Luxco. As of February 1, 2011, Luxco owned 270,746,445 shares (or approximately 76%) of the common stock of Holdings. The Named Executive Officers own shares of Holdings directly.

Percentage computations are based on 358,202,191 shares of our common stock outstanding as of February 1, 2011. As of February 1, 2011, there were 8,334 holders of record of our common stock.

 

Name of Beneficial Owner

   Shares of Common
Stock Beneficially Owned
 
   Number      Percentage  

Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.à r.l.(1)

     270,746,445         75.6

AlpInvest Partners(2)

     18,773,239         5.2

The Blackstone Group(3)

     55,095,361         15.4

The Carlyle Group(4)

     55,095,354         15.4

Hellman & Friedman(5)

     26,527,387         7.4

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.(6)

     55,938,988         15.6

Thomas H. Lee Partners(7)

     55,938,990         15.6

James A. Attwood, Jr.

     —           —     

Richard J. Bressler

     —           —     

Simon Brown

     —           —     

Michael S. Chae

     —           —     

Patrick Healy

     —           —     

Karen M. Hoguet

     —           —     

James M. Kilts

     —           —     

Iain Leigh

     —           —     

Eliot P. S. Merrill

     —           —     

Alexander Navab

     —           —     

Robert Pozen

     11,719             

Robert Reid

     —           —     

Scott A. Schoen

     —           —     

Javier G. Teruel

     —           —     

David L. Calhoun

     4,014,583         1.1

Susan Whiting

     525,482             

Roberto Llamas(8)

     297,188             

Brian West

     417,188             

Mitchell Habib

     428,499             

All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (22 persons)

     6,853,029         1.9

 

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 * less than 1%

 

(1) Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.à r.l. (“Luxco”) is a private limited company incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg, the equity interests of which are held by the Sponsors. The address of Luxco is c/o Nielsen Holdings N.V., 770 Broadway Avenue, New York, NY 10003.

 

(2) AlpInvest Partners CS Investments 2006 C.V. (“Investments 2006”) beneficially owns 27,805 ordinary shares of Luxco (“Ordinary Shares”) and 8,962,078 Yield Free Convertible Preferred Equity Certificates of Luxco (“YFCPECs”). The YFCPECs are convertible into ordinary shares of Luxco at any time at the option of Luxco or at the option of the holders thereof. The general partner of Investments 2006 is AlpInvest Partners 2006 B.V., whose managing director is AlpInvest Partners N.V. (“AlpInvest NV”). AlpInvest NV, by virtue of the relationships described above, may be deemed to have voting or investment control with respect to the shares held by Investments 2006. AlpInvest NV disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares. AlpInvest Partners Later Stage Co-Investments IIA C.V. (“LS IIA CV”) beneficially owns 280 Ordinary Shares and 50,666 YFCPECs. AlpInvest Partners Later Stage Co-Investments Custodian IIA B.V. (“LS IIA BV”) holds the shares as a custodian for LS IIA CV. The general partner of LS IIA CV is AlpInvest Partners Later Stage Co-Investments Management IIA B.V., whose managing director is AlpInvest NV. AlpInvest NV, by virtue of the relationships described above, may be deemed to have voting or investment control with respect to the shares held by LS IIA BV. AlpInvest NV disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares. The address of each of the entities and persons identified in this footnote is Jachthavenweg 118, 1081 KJ Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Volkert Doeksen, Paul de Klerk, Wim Borgdorff and Erik Thyssen, in their capacities as managing directors of AlpInvest NV, effectively have the power to exercise voting and investment control over the shares held by Investments 2006 and LS IIA BV when two of them act jointly. Each of Messrs. Doeksen, De Klerk, Borgdorff and Thyssen disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares.

 

(3) Blackstone Capital Partners (Cayman) V L.P. (“BCP V”) beneficially owns 38,695 Ordinary Shares and 12,418,075 YFCPECs. Blackstone Family Investment Partnership (Cayman) V L.P. (“BFIP V”) beneficially owns 1,220 Ordinary Shares and 390,752 YFCPECs. Blackstone Family Investment Partnership (Cayman) V-SMD L.P. (“BFIP V-SMD”) beneficially owns 2,745 Ordinary Shares and 880,769 YFCPECs. Blackstone Participation Partnership (Cayman) V L.P. (“BPPV”) beneficially owns 250 Ordinary Shares and 80,442 YFCPECs. Blackstone Capital Partners (Cayman) V-A, L.P. (“BCP V-A”) beneficially owns 35,830 Ordinary Shares and 11,496,981 YFCPECs. BCP (Cayman) V-S L.P. (“BCP V-S”) beneficially owns 3,070 Ordinary Shares and 984,684 YFCPECs. BCP V Co-Investors (Cayman) L.P. (“BCPVC” and, collectively with BCP V, BFIP V, BFIP V-SMD, BPPV, BCP V-A and BCP V-S, the “Blackstone Funds”) beneficially owns 620 Ordinary Shares and 198,728 YFCPECs. Blackstone Management Associates (Cayman) V, L.P. (“BMA”) is the general partner of each of the Blackstone Funds. Blackstone LR Associates (Cayman) V Ltd. (“BLRA”) is the general partner of BMA and may, therefore, be deemed to have shared voting and investment power over the Ordinary Shares and YFCPECs of Luxco. Mr. Stephen A. Schwarzman is director and controlling person of BLRA and as such may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of the Ordinary Shares and YFCPECs of Luxco controlled by BLRA. Mr. Schwarzman disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares. The address of each of the Blackstone Funds, BMA and BLRA is c/o Walkers SPV Limited, P.O. Box 908 GT, George Town, Grand Cayman. The address of Mr. Schwarzman is c/o The Blackstone Group, 345 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10154.

 

(4)

Carlyle Partners IV Cayman, L.P. (“CP IV”) beneficially owns 64,970 Ordinary Shares and 20,847,394 YFCPECs. CP IV’s general partner is TC Group IV Cayman, L.P., whose general partner is CP IV GP, Ltd., which is wholly owned by TC Group Cayman Investment Holdings, L.P. CP IV Coinvestment Cayman, L.P (“CPIV Coinvest”) beneficially owns 2,620 Ordinary Shares and 841,958 YFCPECs. CPIV Coinvest’s general partner is TC Group IV Cayman, L.P., whose general partner is CP IV GP, Ltd., which is wholly owned by TC Group Cayman Investment Holdings, L.P. CEP II Participations S.à r.l. SICAR (“CEP II P”) beneficially owns 14,840 Ordinary Shares and 4,761,076 YFCPECs (the Ordinary Shares and YFCPECs beneficially owned by CP IV, CPIV Coinvest and CEP II P are collectively referred to as the “Carlyle

 

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Shares”). CEP II P is directly or indirectly owned by Carlyle Europe Partners II, L.P., whose general partner is CEP II Managing GP, L.P., whose general partner is CEP II Managing GP Holdings, Ltd., which is wholly owned by TC Group Cayman Investment Holdings, L.P. The general partner of TC Group Cayman Investment Holding, L.P. is TCG Holdings Cayman II, L.P. The general partner of TCG Holdings Cayman II, L.P. is DBD Cayman Ltd. The sole shareholder of DBD Cayman, Ltd. is DBD Cayman Holdings, Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted limited liability company. DBD Cayman Holdings, Ltd. has investment discretion and dispositive power over the Carlyle Shares. DBD Cayman Holdings, Ltd. is controlled by its ordinary members, William E. Conway, Jr., Daniel A. D’Aniello and David M. Rubenstein and all action relating to the investment and disposition of the Carlyle Shares requires their approval. William E. Conway, Jr., Daniel A. D’Aniello and David M. Rubenstein each disclaim beneficial ownership of the Carlyle Shares. The Class B member of DBD Cayman Holdings, Ltd. is Carlyle Offshore Partners II Ltd., which has voting power over the Carlyle Shares. The sole shareholder of Carlyle Offshore Partners II Ltd. is Carlyle Offshore Partners II Holdings, Ltd., which in turn has 13 members, each of whom disclaims beneficial ownership of the Carlyle Shares. The address of CEP II P is 2 Avenue Charles de Gaulle, Luxembourg L-1653, Luxembourg; the address of William E. Conway, Jr., Daniel A. D’Aniello and David M. Rubenstein is c/o The Carlyle Group, 1001 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 220 South, Washington, D.C. 20004; the address of all other entities listed is c/o Walker Corporate Services Limited, Walker House, Mary Street, George Town, Grand Cayman KY-1-9005 Cayman Islands.

 

(5) The Luxco shares shown as owned by Hellman & Friedman Investors V (Cayman), Ltd. are owned of record by (i) Hellman & Friedman Capital Partners V (Cayman), L.P., which owns 34,801 Ordinary Shares and 11,191,867 YFCPECs, (ii) Hellman & Friedman Capital Partners V (Cayman Parallel), L.P., which owns 4,874 Ordinary Shares and 1,537,166 YFCPECs, and (iii) Hellman & Friedman Capital Associates V (Cayman), L.P., which owns 10 Ordinary Shares and 6,359 YFCPECs. Hellman & Friedman Investors V (Cayman), Ltd. is the sole general partner of Hellman & Friedman Capital Associates V (Cayman), L.P. and Hellman & Friedman Investors V (Cayman), L.P. Hellman & Friedman Investors V (Cayman), L.P., in turn, is the sole general partner of each of Hellman & Friedman Capital Partners V (Cayman), L.P. and Hellman & Friedman Capital Partners V (Cayman Parallel), L.P. Hellman & Friedman Investors V (Cayman), Ltd. is owned and controlled by 12 shareholders, none of whom own more than 9.9% of Hellman & Friedman Investors V (Cayman), Ltd. Hellman & Friedman Investors V (Cayman), Ltd. has formed a five-member investment committee (the “Investment Committee”) that serves at the discretion of the company’s Board of Directors and makes recommendations to the Board with respect to matters presented to it. Members of the Investment Committee are F. Warren Hellman, Brian M. Powers, Philip U. Hammarskjold, Patrick J. Healy and Thomas F. Steyer. Each of the members of the Investment Committee and the shareholders of Hellman & Friedman Investors V (Cayman), Ltd. disclaim beneficial ownership of any Luxco shares beneficially owned by Hellman & Friedman Investors V (Cayman), Ltd. except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein. Mr. Healy serves as a Managing Director of Hellman & Friedman LLC, an affiliate of Hellman & Friedman Investors V (Cayman), Ltd., is a shareholder of Hellman & Friedman Investors V (Cayman), Ltd. and is a member of the Investment Committee. The address of Hellman & Friedman Capital Partners V (Cayman), Ltd. is c/o Walkers SPV Limited, Walker House, 87 Mary Street, Georgetown, Grand Cayman KY1-9005, Cayman Islands.

 

(6) KKR VNU Equity Investors, L.P. beneficially owns 13,655 Ordinary Shares and 4,455,265 YFCPECs and is controlled by its general partner, KKR VNU GP Limited. KKR VNU GP Limited is wholly-owned by KKR VNU (Millennium) Limited (“KKR VNU Limited”). KKR VNU (Millennium) L.P. beneficially owns 69,946 Ordinary Shares and 22,400,186 YFCPECs and is controlled by its general partner, KKR VNU Limited. Voting and investment control over the securities beneficially owned by KKR VNU Limited is exercised by its board of directors consisting of Messrs. Alexander Navab, Simon E. Brown and William J. Janetschek, who may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of any shares beneficially owned by KKR VNU Limited but disclaim such beneficial ownership. KKR Millennium Fund (Overseas), Limited Partnership (“Millennium Fund”) beneficially owns 84 Ordinary Shares, and is controlled by its general partner, KKR Associates Millennium (Overseas), Limited Partnership, which is controlled by its general partner, KKR Millennium Limited. KKR Associates Millennium (Overseas), Limited Partnership also holds a majority of the equity interests of KKR VNU Limited.

 

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Each of KKR SP Limited (“KKR SP”) (as the voting partner of KKR Associates Millennium (Overseas), Limited Partnership); KKR Fund Holdings L.P. (“KKR Fund Holdings”) (as the sole shareholder of KKR Millennium Limited); KKR Fund Holdings GP Limited (“KKR Fund Holdings GP”) (as a general partner of KKR Fund Holdings); KKR Group Holdings L.P. (“KKR Group Holdings”) (as the sole shareholder of KKR Fund Holdings GP and a general partner of KKR Fund Holdings); KKR Group Limited (“KKR Group”) (as the general partner of KKR Group Holdings); KKR & Co. L.P. (“KKR & Co.”) (as the sole shareholder of KKR Group); and KKR Management LLC (“KKR Management”) (as the general partner of KKR & Co.) may also be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the securities held by Millennium Fund, KKR VNU (Millennium) L.P. and KKR VNU Equity Investors, L.P., KKR SP, KKR Fund Holdings, KKR Fund Holdings GP, KKR Group Holdings, KKR Group, KKR & Co. and KKR Management disclaim beneficial ownership of such securities.

As the designated members of KKR Management, Messrs. Henry R. Kravis and George R. Roberts may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the securities held by Millennium Fund, KKR VNU (Millennium) L.P. and KKR VNU Equity Investors, L.P. but disclaim beneficial ownership of such securities. The principal business address of each of the entities and persons identified in this footnote except Mr. Roberts is c/o Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., 9 West 57th Street, New York, New York, 10019. The principal business office for Mr. Roberts is c/o Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., 2800 Sand Hill Road, Suite 200, Menlo Park, CA 94025.

 

(7)

The Luxco shares shown as owned by Thomas H. Lee Partners are owned of record by (i) Thomas H. Lee (Alternative) Fund VI, L.P. (“Alternative Fund VI”), Thomas H. Lee (Alternative) Parallel Fund VI, L.P. (“Alternative Parallel VI”) and Thomas H. Lee (Alternative) Parallel (DT) Fund VI, L.P. (“Alternative DT VI”); (ii) THL Equity Fund VI Investors (VNU), L.P., THL Equity Fund VI Investors (VNU) II, L.P., THL Equity Fund VI Investors (VNU) III, L.P. and THL Equity Fund VI Investors (VNU) IV, LLC; (iii) THL (Alternative) Fund V, L.P. (“Alternative Fund V”), Thomas H. Lee (Alternative) Parallel Fund V, L.P. (“Alternative Parallel V”) and Thomas H. Lee (Alternative) Cayman Fund V, L.P. (“Alternative Cayman V”) and (iv) THL Coinvestment Partners, L.P., Thomas H. Lee Investors Limited Partnership, Putnam Investments Holdings, LLC, Putnam Investments Employees’ Securities Company I LLC, Putnam Investments Employees’ Securities Company II LLC and Putnam Investments Employees’ Securities Company III LLC. THL Advisors (Alternative) VI, L.P. (“Advisors VI”) is the general partner of each of (a) Alternative Fund VI, which beneficially owns 24,920 Ordinary Shares and 7,996,953 YFCPECs, (b) Alternative Parallel VI, which beneficially owns 16,870 Ordinary Shares and 5,415,112 YFCPECs; and (c) Alternative DT VI, which beneficially owns 2,950 Ordinary Shares and 945,911 YFCPECs. Advisors VI is also the general partner of each of (x) THL Equity Fund VI Investors (VNU), L.P., which beneficially owns 17, 275 Ordinary Shares and 5,543,158 YFCPECs, (y) THL Equity Fund VI Investors (VNU) II, L.P. which beneficially owns 180 Ordinary Shares and 57,904 YFCPECs and (z) THL Equity Fund VI Investors (VNU) III, L.P., which beneficially owns 265 Ordinary Shares and 85,133 YFCPECs. Advisors VI is the managing member of THL Equity Fund VI Investors (VNU) IV, LLC, which beneficially owns 930 Ordinary Shares and 298,732 YFCPECs. Thomas H. Lee Advisors (Alternative) VI, Ltd. (“Advisors VI Ltd.”) is the general partner of Advisors VI and may, therefore, be deemed to have shared voting and investment power over the Ordinary Shares and YFCPECs of Luxco held by each of these entities. The address of each of these entities is c/o Walkers, Walker House, Mary Street, GeorgeTown, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, other than THL Equity Fund VI Investors (VNU) IV, LLC whose address is c/o Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., 100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. THL Advisors (Alternative) V, L.P. (“Advisors V”) is the general partner of each of (a) Alternative Fund V, which beneficially owns 15,225 Ordinary Shares and 4,885,230 YFCPECs; (b) Alternative Parallel V, which beneficially owns 3,950 Ordinary Shares and 1,267,521 YFCPECs and (c) Alternative Cayman V, which beneficially owns 210 Ordinary Shares and 67,312 YFCPECs. Thomas H. Lee Advisors (Alternative) V Limited LDC (“LDC”) is the general partner of Advisors V and may, therefore, be deemed to have shared voting and investment power over the Ordinary Shares and YFCPECs held by each of these entities. The address of each of these entities is c/o Walkers, Walker House, Mary Street, GeorgeTown, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Advisors VI Ltd. and LDC each have in excess of 15 shareholders or members, respectively, with no such

 

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shareholder or member controlling more than 8% of the vote. The controlling shareholders or members (the “Managing Directors”) are Anthony J. DiNovi, Scott A. Schoen, Scott M. Sperling, Seth W. Lawry, Thomas M. Hagerty, Kent R. Weldon, Todd M. Abbrecht, Charles A. Brizius, Scott L. Jaeckel, Soren L. Oberg and George Taylor, each of whom disclaims beneficial ownership of the Ordinary Shares and YFCPECs. The address of each of the Managing Directors is c/o Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., 100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. THL Coinvestment Partners, L.P. beneficially owns 45 Ordinary Shares and 14,671 YFCPECs. Thomas H. Lee Investors Limited Partnership beneficially owns 295 Ordinary Shares and 94,680 YFCPECs. Each of THL Coinvestment Partners, L.P. and Thomas H. Lee Investors Limited Partnership are indirectly controlled by the Managing Directors, each of whom disclaims beneficial ownership of the Ordinary Shares and YFCPECs. The address of each of THL Coinvestment Partners, L.P. and Thomas H. Lee Investors Limited Partnership is c/o Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., 100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Putnam Investments Holdings, LLC beneficially owns 250 Ordinary Shares and 79,486 YFCPECs; Putnam Investments Employees’ Securities Company I LLC beneficially owns 105 Ordinary Shares and 33,204 YFCPECs; Putnam Investments Employees’ Securities Company II LLC beneficially owns 90 Ordinary Shares and 29,646 YFCPECs and Putnam Investments Employees’ Securities Company III LLC beneficially owns 125 Ordinary Shares and 40,799 YFCPECs. Each of these entities is contractually obligated to coinvest alongside either Thomas H. Lee (Alternative) Fund VI, L.P. or Thomas H. Lee (Alternative) Fund V, L.P. Therefore, Advisors VI and LDC may be deemed to have shared voting and investment power over the Ordinary Shares and YFCPECs held by these entities. The address for each of these entities is One Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.

 

(8) Mr. Llamas’s employment with the Company terminated effective February 28, 2011.

 

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The agreements described in this section have been filed with the SEC, and the following descriptions are qualified by reference thereto.

Shareholders’ Agreement

Nielsen was purchased on May 24, 2006 (the “Acquisition”) by a consortium of private equity firms (AlpInvest Partners, The Blackstone Group, The Carlyle Group, Hellman & Friedman, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. and Thomas H. Lee Partners), who we collectively refer to as the “Original Sponsors.” Subsequently Centerview Partners invested in the Company. In connection with the Acquisition and related financing transactions, investment funds associated with or designated by the Original Sponsors acquired, indirectly, shares of Nielsen. On December 21, 2006, investment funds associated with or designated by the Original Sponsors and Holdings, Luxco and Valcon Acquisition B.V. (“Valcon”) entered into a shareholders’ agreement. The shareholders’ agreement contains agreements among the parties with respect to, among other matters, the election of the members of our board, restrictions on the issuance or transfer of securities (including tag-along rights, drag-along rights and public offering rights) and other special corporate governance provisions (including the right to approve various corporate actions and control committee composition). The shareholders’ agreement also provides for customary registration rights.

The shareholders’ agreement was amended and restated in connection with Holdings’ IPO in January 2011. The amended and restated shareholders’ provides our Sponsors with the contractual right to nominate for appointment one or more designees to Holdings’ board of directors based on their percentage of stock ownership. Initially, the Sponsors have the right to nominate for appointment the following number of directors: one director from AlpInvest Partners, two from The Blackstone Group, two from The Carlyle Group, one from Hellman & Friedman, two from Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., two from Thomas H. Lee Partners and one from Centerview, who must be James M. Kilts. In the event that the Sponsors collectively hold 50% or less, but greater than or equal to 25%, of the then outstanding shares of Holdings’ common stock directly or indirectly through Luxco, the Sponsors will have the right to nominate for appointment the following number of directors: one director each from The Blackstone Group, The Carlyle Group, Hellman & Friedman, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., Thomas H. Lee Partners and one from Centerview, who must be James M. Kilts, plus five additional directors who must be independent directors within the meaning of the corporate governance rules of the NYSE, which will be selected by AlpInvest Partners and one each by the four Sponsors owning the largest percentage of our common stock. In the event that the Sponsors collectively hold less than 25% of the then outstanding shares of Holdings’ common stock directly or indirectly through Luxco, each Sponsor that owns at least 3% of the then outstanding shares of Holdings’ common stock directly or indirectly through Luxco will have the right to nominate one director and each Sponsor that owns less than 3% will no longer have the right to nominate any directors.

Investment Agreement

On November 6, 2006, Centerview Partners, the investment funds associated with or designated by the Original Sponsors, Luxco and Valcon entered into an investment agreement. The investment agreement contains agreements among the parties with respect to, among other matters, the purchase by Centerview Partners of approximately $50 million of new or existing securities issued by Luxco, the exercise of voting rights associated with the securities, the election of Mr. Kilts to the supervisory board of TNC B.V. and the boards of Nielsen Finance Co. and Nielsen Finance LLC, restrictions on the transfer of securities and rights in connection with the sale or issuance of securities (including tag-along rights, drag-along rights and public offering rights). Since the investment by Centerview Partners, it has transferred all of the securities of Luxco that it purchased under the investment agreement to Centerview VNU LLC, which in turn has transferred a portion of the securities to Centerview Capital, L.P. and Centerview Employees, L.P. Centerview VNU LLC, Centerview Capital, L.P. and Centerview Employees, L.P. are investment funds associated with Centerview Partners.

In January 2011, the investment agreement was terminated as Centerview Partners became a party to the amended and restated shareholders’ agreement.

 

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Registration Rights Agreement

In connection with Holdings’ IPO, it entered into a registration rights agreement with each of the Sponsors and Luxco. Pursuant to this registration rights agreement, the Sponsors collectively have the right to an unlimited number of demand registrations, which may be exercised by Luxco at any time and from time to time after the expiration of lock-up agreements. Pursuant to such demand registration rights, Holdings is required to register the shares of common stock beneficially owned by them directly or through Luxco with the Securities and Exchange Commission for sale by them to the public, provided that any demand that will result in the imposition of a lock-up on Holdings and the Sponsors may not be made unless the shares requested to be sold by the demanding shareholders in such offering have an aggregate market value of at least $100 million. In addition, in the event that Holdings is registering additional shares of common stock for sale to the public, whether on its own behalf or on behalf of the Sponsors or other shareholders with registration rights, the Sponsors have piggyback registration rights providing them the right to have Holdings include the shares of common stock owned by them in any such registration. In each such event, Holdings is required to pay the registration expenses.

Advisory Agreements

TNC (US) Holdings, Inc. was party to an advisory agreement with Valcon pursuant to which affiliates of the Sponsors provided management services on behalf of Valcon, including to support and assist management with respect to analyzing and negotiating acquisitions and divestitures, preparing financial projections, analyzing and negotiating financing alternatives, monitoring compliance with financing agreements and searching and hiring executives. Pursuant to such agreement, Valcon received a quarterly management fee equal to (i) $1.625 million per fiscal quarter for our fiscal year 2006 and (ii) for each fiscal year after 2006, an amount per fiscal quarter equal to 105% of the quarterly fee for the immediately preceding fiscal year, and reimbursement for reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Valcon or its designees and the affiliates of the Sponsors in connection with the provision of services under the advisory agreement. The advisory agreement also provided that Valcon could be entitled to receive fees in connection with certain financing, acquisition, disposition and change in control transactions based on terms and conditions customary for transactions of similar size and scope. The advisory agreement included exculpation and indemnification provisions in favor of Valcon and the affiliates of the Sponsors. The advisory services referred to in the advisory agreement were provided by affiliates of the Sponsors and accordingly the fees received by Valcon that were described above were paid to such affiliates of the Sponsors under the terms of a similar advisory agreement among the affiliates of the Sponsors and Valcon.

ACN Holdings, Inc. was party to an advisory agreement with Valcon pursuant to which the affiliates of the Sponsors provided management services on behalf of Valcon. Pursuant to such agreement, Valcon received a quarterly management fee equal to (i) $0.875 million per fiscal quarter for our fiscal year 2006 and (ii) for each fiscal year after 2006, an amount per fiscal quarter equal to 105% of the quarterly fee for the immediately preceding fiscal year, and reimbursement for reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Valcon and the affiliates of the Sponsors in connection with the provision of services under the advisory agreement. The advisory agreement also provided that Valcon could be entitled to receive fees in connection with certain financing, acquisition, disposition and change in control transactions based on terms and conditions customary for transactions of similar size and scope. The advisory agreement included customary exculpation and indemnification provisions in favor of Valcon and the affiliates of the Sponsors. The advisory services referred to in the advisory agreement were provided by the Sponsors and accordingly the fees received by Valcon that were described above were paid to such affiliates of the Sponsors under the terms of a similar advisory agreement among the affiliates of the Sponsors and Valcon.

We recorded $12 million, $12 million and $11 million in selling, general and administrative expenses related to these management fees, sponsor travel and consulting for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

The advisory agreements were terminated upon the completion of the IPO in January 2011. The advisory agreements provided that upon the consummation of a change in control transaction or an initial public offering

 

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in excess of $200 million, each of the Sponsors would receive, in lieu of quarterly payments of the annual management fee, a fee equal to the net present value of the aggregate annual management fee that would be payable to the Sponsors during the remainder of the term of the agreements (assuming an eight-year term of the agreements), calculated using the treasury rate having a final maturity date that is closest to the eighth anniversary of the date of the agreements. Accordingly, upon the completion of the IPO, we paid a fee of approximately $102 million to the Sponsors in connection with the termination of such advisory agreements in accordance with their terms.

Sponsor-Held Debt

A portion of the borrowings under our senior secured credit facility as well as certain of our senior debenture loans have been purchased by certain of the Sponsors in market transactions not involving the Company. Based on information made available to the Company, amounts held by the Sponsors and their affiliates were $599 million, $554 million and $445 million as of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Interest expense associated with amounts held by the Sponsors and their affiliates approximated $29 million, $16 million and $22 million during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. At December 31, 2010, $564 million of the senior secured credit facilities and $35 million of senior debenture loans were held by the Sponsors and their affiliates. Of the $599 million of debt held by the Sponsors and their affiliates, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. and its affiliates held $258 million, The Blackstone Group and its affiliates held $204 million and The Carlyle Group and its affiliates held $137 million. The Sponsors, their subsidiaries, affiliates and controlling shareholders may, from time to time, depending on market conditions, seek to purchase debt securities issued by Nielsen or its subsidiaries or affiliates in open market or privately negotiated transactions or by other means. We make no undertaking to disclose any such transactions except as may be required by applicable laws and regulations.

Equity Healthcare Arrangement

Effective January 1, 2009, we entered into an employer health program arrangement with Equity Healthcare LLC (“Equity Healthcare”). Equity Healthcare negotiates with providers of standard administrative services for health benefit plans and other related services for cost discounts, quality of service monitoring, data services and clinical consulting and oversight by Equity Healthcare. Because of the combined purchasing power of its client participants, Equity Healthcare is able to negotiate pricing terms from providers that are believed to be more favorable than the companies could obtain for themselves on an individual basis. Equity Healthcare is an affiliate of The Blackstone Group with whom Messrs. Chae and Reid, members of the Board of Directors of Holdings and the Supervisory Board of TNC B.V., are affiliated and in which they may have an indirect pecuniary interest.

In consideration for Equity Healthcare’s provision of access to these favorable arrangements and its monitoring of the contracted third parties’ delivery of contracted services to us, we pay Equity Healthcare a fee of $2 per participating employee per month. As of each of December 31, 2010 and 2009, we had approximately 8,000 employees enrolled in our self-insured health benefit plans in the United States. Equity Healthcare may also receive a fee from one or more of the health plans with whom Equity Healthcare has contractual arrangements if the total number of employees joining such health plans from participating companies exceeds specified thresholds.

Scarborough Research

We and Scarborough Research, a joint venture with Arbitron, entered into various related party transactions in the ordinary course of business. We and our subsidiaries provide various services to Scarborough Research, including data collection, accounting, insurance administration, and the rental of real estate. We pay royalties to Scarborough Research for the right to include Scarborough Research data in our products sold directly to our customers. Additionally, we sell various Scarborough Research products directly to our clients, for which we receive a commission from Scarborough Research. The net cash payments from Scarborough Research to us as a

 

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result of these transactions were $7 million, $9 million and $9 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Obligations between us and Scarborough Research are net settled in cash on a monthly basis in the ordinary course of business; at each of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the related amounts outstanding were not significant.

Review, Approval or Ratification of Certain Transactions with Related Persons

We have a written code of conduct, applicable to directors, officers and employees that prohibits any action, investment or other interest that might interfere, or be thought to interfere, with the exercise of their judgment in our best interests. The types of transactions that will be covered by the code include financial and other transactions, arrangements or relationships in which we or any of our subsidiaries are a participant and in which any related person, including directors, officers and employees, have an interest.

Where a related party transaction could result in a conflict of interest, it will be reviewed and approved by our legal and human resources department and, where appropriate and material in nature, Holdings’ Audit Committee.

Only those related party transactions that are consistent with our best interests will be approved. In making this determination, all available and relevant facts and circumstance will be considered, including the benefits to us, the impact of the transaction on the related party’s independence, the availability of other sources of comparable products or services, the terms of the transaction and the terms available from unrelated third parties.

Director Independence

The Nielsen Company B.V. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings, and is not required to have a majority of its directors be independent. The board of directors of Holdings has determined that Messrs. Pozen and Teruel and Ms. Hoguet are independent directors of Holdings for purposes of Rule 10A-3(b)(i) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Section 303A.02 of the NYSE listing rules and under Holdings’ Corporate Governance Guidelines. We believe that Messrs. Pozen and Teruel and Ms. Hoguet would also be deemed independent directors of The Nielsen Company B.V. under the same standards.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF OTHER INDEBTEDNESS

2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities

General

Our 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities currently provide for senior secured financing of up to $4,631 million of U.S. dollar denominated financing and €500 million of Euro denominated financing, consisting of:

 

   

a senior secured term loan facility with an aggregate principal amount of up to $1,610 million and €227 million (the “Term Facility”) with a final maturity in 2013; and

 

   

a senior secured term loan facility with an aggregate principal amount of up to $2,386 million and €273 million (the “Term Facility”) with a final maturity in 2016; and

 

   

a senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $635 million (the “Revolving Facility”) with a final maturity in 2016, including both a letter of credit sub-facility and a swingline loan sub-facility.

In addition, we may request one or more incremental term loan facilities and/or increase commitments under our Revolving Facility, subject to certain conditions and receipt of commitments by existing or additional financial institutions or institutional lenders.

All borrowings under our Revolving Facility are subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including the absence of a default and the accuracy of representations and warranties. Loans under our Revolving Facility are available in U.S. dollars and Euros and to multiple borrowers.

Interest and Fees

Borrowings under the 2006 Term Facilities bear interest at a rate, as determined by the type of borrowing, equal to either (a) a base rate determined by reference to the higher of (1) the federal funds rate plus 0.5% or (2) the prime rate or (b) a LIBOR rate for the currency of such borrowing (collectively, the “Base Rate”), plus, in each case, an applicable margin. The applicable margins for the class A 2006 Term Facilities that mature in 2013 vary depending on our secured leverage ratio. The applicable margin for the class B 2006 Term Facilities that mature in 2016 is fixed. The applicable margins for the new class C term loans are tiered as set forth above.

Borrowings under the Revolving Facility bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus the Base Rate. The applicable margins for the Revolving Facility vary depending on our total leverage ratio.

In addition, on the last day of each calendar quarter we are required to pay each lender (i) a commitment fee in respect of any unused commitments under the Revolving Facility ranging from 0.375% to 0.75% depending on our total leverage ratio and (ii) a letter of credit fee in respect of the aggregate face amount of outstanding letters of credit under the Revolving Facility, which ranges from 2.25% to 3.50%, depending on our total leverage ratio.

Prepayments

Subject to exceptions, our 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities require mandatory prepayments of term loans in amounts equal to:

 

   

50% (as may be reduced based on our ratio of consolidated total net debt to consolidated EBITDA) of our annual excess cash flow (as defined in the credit agreement governing our 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities);

 

   

except as set forth below, 100% (as may be reduced based on our ratio of consolidated total net debt to consolidated EBITDA) of the net cash proceeds of all non-ordinary course asset sales or other dispositions of property, subject to reinvestment rights and certain other exceptions;

 

   

100% of the net cash proceeds from certain incurrences of debt.

 

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Amortization of Principal

Our class B 2006 Term Facilities which mature in 2016 require scheduled quarterly payments of 0.25% of their original principal amount, with the remaining amount payable on their maturity date. Our new class C 2006 Term Facilities which mature in 2016 will amortize in equal quarterly installments in aggregate annual amounts equal to 1.00% of the original principal amount. Our class A 2006 Term Facilities which mature in 2013 have no early scheduled amortization, and are fully due on their maturity date.

Collateral and Guarantors

Our 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities are guaranteed by Nielsen, VNU Intermediate Holding B.V., Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V., VNU International B.V., VNU Holdings B.V., ACN Holdings, Inc., VNU Services B.V. and The Nielsen Company (US), Inc., and certain of their material existing and subsequently acquired or organized wholly owned subsidiaries (other than non U.S. subsidiaries of ACN Holdings, Inc., The Nielsen Company (US), Inc. or other U.S. subsidiaries), and is secured by substantially all of the existing and future property and assets of our U.S. subsidiaries and by a pledge of the capital stock of the guarantors specified above, the capital stock of our U.S. subsidiaries and the guarantors and up to 65% of the capital stock of certain of our non U.S. subsidiaries.

Restrictive Covenants and Other Matters

Our 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities require that we comply on a quarterly basis with a maximum consolidated leverage ratio test and minimum interest coverage ratio test. In addition, our 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities include negative covenants, subject to significant exceptions, restricting or limiting our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to, among other things:

 

   

incur, assume or permit to exist additional indebtedness or guarantees;

 

   

incur liens and engage in sale and leaseback transactions;

 

   

make certain loans and investments;

 

   

declare dividends, make payments or redeem or repurchase capital stock;

 

   

engage in mergers, acquisitions and other business combinations;

 

   

prepay, redeem or purchase certain indebtedness, including the notes;

 

   

amend or otherwise alter terms of certain indebtedness, including the notes;

 

   

sell certain assets;

 

   

transact with affiliates;

 

   

enter into agreements limiting subsidiary distributions; and

 

   

alter the business that we conduct.

Nielsen is not bound by any financial or negative covenants contained in the credit agreement.

The 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities also contain certain customary affirmative covenants and events of default.

2009 Senior Secured Term Loan

In June 2009, we entered into a Senior Secured Loan Agreement with Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC, which provides for senior secured term loans in the aggregated principal amount of $500 million (the “2009 Term Loans”) bearing interest at a fixed rate of 8.50%. The 2009 Term Loans are secured on a pari passu

 

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basis with our existing obligations under our 2006 Senior Secured Credit Facilities and have a maturity of eight years. The net proceeds from the issuance of the 2009 Term Loans of approximately $481 million were used in their entirety to pay down the 2006 Term Facilities.

Prior to June 8, 2013, the borrowings under the 2009 Term Loans may be voluntarily prepaid at 100% of the principal amount plus a make whole premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest. On and after June 8, 2013, we may voluntarily prepay the 2009 Term Loans at the premiums set forth in the table below, plus accrued and unpaid interest:

 

Period

   Premium  

During the twelve months beginning on June 8, 2013

     104.250 %

During the twelve months beginning on June 8, 2014

     102.125 %

June 8, 2015 and thereafter

     100.000 %

We may be required to mandatorily prepay all or a portion of the 2009 Term Loans with the proceeds from the sale of certain of our assets at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount. Upon the occurrence of a change of control, we must prepay the 2009 Term Loans at a price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2009 Term Loans.

Our 2009 Term Loans are guaranteed by The Nielsen Company B.V., substantially all of our wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries and certain of our non-U.S. wholly-owned subsidiaries, and are secured by substantially all of the existing and future property and assets of Nielsen’s U.S. subsidiaries and by a pledge of substantially all of the capital stock of the guarantors, the capital stock of substantially all of Nielsen’s U.S. subsidiaries, and up to 65% of the capital stock of certain of Nielsen’s non-U.S. subsidiaries. Under a separate security agreement, substantially all of the assets of Nielsen are pledged as collateral for amounts outstanding under the 2009 Term Loans.

In addition, the 2009 Term Loans include negative covenants, subject to significant exceptions, restricting or limiting the ability of the Credit Facilities Covenant Parties to, among other things:

 

   

incur, assume or permit to exist additional indebtedness or guarantees;

 

   

make certain loans and investments;

 

   

declare dividends, make payments or redeem or repurchase capital stock;

 

   

engage in mergers, acquisitions and other business combinations;

 

   

prepay, redeem or purchase certain indebtedness;

 

   

sell certain assets;

 

   

transact with affiliates; and

 

   

enter into agreements limiting subsidiary distributions.

Neither Holdings nor The Nielsen Company B.V. is bound by any financial or negative covenants contained in the credit agreement.

The 2009 Term Loans also contain certain customary affirmative covenants and events of default.

 

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Other Senior Notes

General

On May 1, 2009, Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. consummated a private offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 11.5% Senior Notes due 2016 (the “11.5% Senior Notes”). The 11.5% Senior Notes mature on May 1, 2016. Cash interest accrues at a rate of 11.5% per annum from the issue date and is payable semi-annually from November 2009. In July 2009, we completed an exchange offer for the 11.5% Senior Notes. On February 9, 2011, we redeemed $175 million of the 11.5% Senior Notes, leaving $325 million aggregate principal amount outstanding.

In January 2009, Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. consummated a private offering of $330 million in aggregate principal amount of 11.625% Senior Notes due 2014 (the “11.625% Senior Notes” and, together with the 11.5% Senior Notes, the “Senior Notes”). The 11.625% Senior Notes mature on February 1, 2014. Cash interest accrues at a rate of 11.625% per annum from the issue date and is payable semi-annually from August 2009. In July 2009, we completed an exchange offer for the 11.625% Senior Notes. On February 9, 2011, we redeemed $115 million of the 11.625% Senior Notes, leaving $215 million aggregate principal amount outstanding.

Covenants

The indentures governing the Senior Notes limit Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. and its restricted subsidiaries (which together constitute most of Nielsen’s subsidiaries) ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase our capital stock, make certain investments, enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates, use assets as security in other transactions and sell certain assets or merge with or into other companies subject to certain exceptions. Upon a change in control, Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. are required to make an offer to redeem all of the Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to the 101% of the aggregate accreted principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Nielsen Finance Senior Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by Nielsen, all of our wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries, and certain of our non-U.S. wholly-owned subsidiaries.

Euro Medium Term Note Program

We have a Euro Medium Term Note (“EMTN”) program in place under which no further debenture loans and private placements can be issued. All debenture loans and most private placements are quoted on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, amounts with a carrying value of $162 million and $155 million, respectively, were outstanding under the EMTN program.

 

Outstanding Nielsen Euro Medium Term Note Program Securities (as of March 31, 2011)

 

Amount

   Interest
Rate
    Maturity  

¥4,000,000,000

     2.50     2011   

€30,000,000

     6.75     2012   

€25,000,000

     Floating        2012   

€25,000,000

     Floating        2012   

 

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DESCRIPTION OF NOTES

General

Certain terms used in this description are defined under the subheading “Certain Definitions.” In this description, (i) the term “Issuers” refers to Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. and not any of their subsidiaries, and (ii) the terms “we,” “our” and “us” each refer to the Covenant Parties and their consolidated Subsidiaries.

The Issuers issued $1,080 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Notes due 2018 under an indenture dated October 12, 2010 (as amended and restated from time to time, the “Indenture”), among the Issuers, the Guarantors and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (the “Trustee”). Except as set forth herein, the terms of the exchange notes will be substantially identical and will include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act.

The following description is only a summary of the material provisions of the Indenture and does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the Indenture including the definitions therein of certain terms used below. We urge you to read the Indenture because it, not this description, defines your rights as Holders of the Notes. You may request copies of the Indenture at our address set forth under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

Furthermore, the following description of the Indenture and the Notes contains references to the final Offering Memorandum (the “original offering memorandum”) of the Issuers, dated August 1, 2006, covering the Issuers’ $650 million in aggregate principal amount of 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and €150 million aggregate principal amount of 9% Senior Notes due 2014 issued on August 9, 2006 (collectively, the “Original Notes”), as certain disclosure in the original offering memorandum is relevant to covenants set forth in the Indenture and the Notes. Where indicated, such disclosure defines your rights as holders of the Notes.

Brief Description of Notes

The Notes are:

 

   

unsecured senior obligations of the Issuers;

 

   

pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future Senior Indebtedness (including the Senior Credit Facilities and the Existing Senior Notes) of the Issuers;

 

   

effectively subordinated to all secured Indebtedness of the Issuers (including the Senior Credit Facilities);

 

   

senior in right of payment to any existing and future Subordinated Indebtedness of the Issuers; and

 

   

guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by each of the Foreign Parents and Restricted Subsidiaries that guarantee the Senior Credit Facilities.

Guarantees

The Guarantors, as primary obligors and not merely as sureties, will jointly and severally irrevocably and unconditionally guarantee, on an unsecured senior basis, the performance and full and punctual payment when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, of all obligations of the Issuers under the Indenture and the Notes, whether for payment of principal of or interest on or Additional Interest in respect of the Notes, expenses, indemnification or otherwise, on the terms set forth in the Indenture.

The Foreign Parents and Restricted Subsidiaries that guarantee the Senior Credit Facilities will guarantee the Notes. Each of the Guarantees of the Notes will be a general unsecured obligation of each Guarantor, will be pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of each such entity, and will be

 

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effectively subordinated to all secured Indebtedness of each such entity and will be senior in right of payment to all existing and future Subordinated Indebtedness of each such entity. The Notes will be structurally subordinated to Indebtedness of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Covenant Parties that do not Guarantee the Notes.

Not all of the Restricted Subsidiaries will guarantee the Notes. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of any of these non-guarantor Subsidiaries, the non-guarantor Subsidiaries will pay the holders of their debt and their trade creditors before they will be able to distribute or contribute, as the case may be, any of their assets to a Guarantor. None of (a) the Foreign Subsidiaries of Domestic Subsidiaries, (b) non-Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of the Covenant Parties or any Receivables Subsidiary and (c) certain other Foreign Subsidiaries not required to guarantee the Senior Credit Facilities will guarantee the Notes. The non-guarantor Subsidiaries accounted for $2,567 million, or 50%, of The Nielsen Company B.V. (f/k/a VNU B.V., the “Parent”) total revenue and had total operating income of $454 million as compared to Parent’s operating income of $730 million for 2010, $645 million, or 50%, of Parent’s total revenue and had total operating income of $74 million as compared to Parent’s total operating income of $51 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and approximately $6,288 million, or 43%, of Parent’s total assets, and approximately $2,095 million, or 21%, of Parent’s total liabilities, in each case as of March 31, 2011.

The obligations of each Guarantor under its Guarantees will be limited as necessary to prevent the Guarantees from constituting a fraudulent conveyance under applicable law.

Any entity that makes a payment under its Guarantee will be entitled upon payment in full of all guaranteed obligations under the Indenture to a contribution from each other Guarantor in an amount equal to such other Guarantor’s pro rata portion of such payment based on the respective net assets of all the Guarantors at the time of such payment determined in accordance with GAAP.

If a Guarantee was rendered voidable, it could be subordinated by a court to all other indebtedness (including guarantees and other contingent liabilities) of the Guarantor, and, depending on the amount of such indebtedness, a Guarantor’s liability on its Guarantee could be reduced to zero. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to an Investment in the Notes—Federal and state statutes allow courts, under specific circumstances, to void notes and guarantees and require note holders to return payments received.”

A Guarantee by a Guarantor shall provide by its terms that it shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon:

(1)(a) any sale, exchange or transfer (by merger or otherwise) of (i) the Capital Stock of such Guarantor (other than VNU HF) (including any sale, exchange or transfer), after which the applicable Guarantor is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary or a Subsidiary of a Guarantor or (ii) all or substantially all the assets of such Guarantor (other than VNU HF) which sale, exchange or transfer is made in a manner not in violation of the applicable provisions of the Indenture;

(b) the release or discharge of the guarantee by such Guarantor (other than VNU HF) of the Senior Credit Facilities or the guarantee which resulted in the creation of such Guarantee, except a discharge or release by or as a result of payment under such guarantee;

(c) the proper designation of any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor (other than VNU HF) as an Unrestricted Subsidiary; or

(d) the Issuers exercising their legal defeasance option or covenant defeasance option as described under “Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance” or the Issuers’ obligations under the Indenture being discharged in a manner not in violation of the terms of the Indenture; and

(2) such Guarantor delivering to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for in the Indenture relating to such transaction have been complied with.

 

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Ranking

The payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes and the payment of any Guarantee will rank pari passu in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers or the relevant Guarantor, as the case may be, including the obligations of the Issuers and such Guarantor under the Senior Credit Facilities and the Existing Senior Notes.

The Notes are effectively subordinated to all of the existing and future Secured Indebtedness of each Issuer and each Guarantor to the extent of the value of the assets securing such Indebtedness. As of March 31, 2011, the Issuers and the Guarantors had $5,013 million of Secured Indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facilities and $611 million of unutilized capacity under the revolving credit facility, after giving effect to $24 million of outstanding letters of credit and bank guarantees. In addition, as of March 31, 2011, the non-Guarantor Subsidiaries had $2,095 million of liabilities that were structurally senior to the Notes.

Although the Indenture contains limitations on the amount of additional Indebtedness that the Issuers and the Guarantors may incur, under certain circumstances the amount of such Indebtedness could be substantial and, in any case, such Indebtedness may be Senior Indebtedness. See “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock.”

Paying Agent and Registrar for the Notes

The Issuers will maintain one or more paying agents for the Notes in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York. The paying agent for the Notes will be Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas.

The Issuers will also maintain a registrar with offices in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York in respect of the Notes. If the Issuers fail to appoint a registrar the Trustee will act as such. The registrar will maintain a register reflecting ownership of the Notes outstanding from time to time and will make payments on and facilitate transfer of Notes on behalf of the Issuers.

The Issuers may change the paying agents or the registrars without prior notice to the Holders. The Issuers, a Restricted Subsidiary or any Subsidiaries of a Restricted Subsidiary may act as a paying agent or registrar.

Transfer and Exchange

A Holder may transfer or exchange Notes in accordance with the Indenture. The registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents in connection with a transfer of Notes. Holders will be required to pay all taxes due on transfer. The Issuers will not be required to transfer or exchange any Note selected for redemption. Also, the Issuers will not be required to transfer or exchange any Note for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed.

Principal, Maturity and Interest

The Issuers have issued $1,080 million in aggregate principal amount of Notes. The Notes will mature on October 15, 2018. Subject to compliance with the covenant described below under the caption “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock,” the Issuers may issue additional Notes from time to time after this offering under the Indenture (“Additional Notes”). The Notes offered by the Issuers and any Additional Notes subsequently issued under the Indenture will be treated as a single class for all purposes under the Indenture, including waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase. Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “Notes” for all purposes of the Indenture and this “Description of Notes” include any Additional Notes that are actually issued.

The Notes bear interest at a rate of 7.75% per annum. Interest on the Notes is payable semiannually using a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months in cash to Holders of record at the close of business on the April 1 or October 1 immediately preceding the interest payment date on April 15 and October 15 of each year with the initial interest payment on the Notes being April 15, 2011.

 

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Mandatory Redemption; Offers to Purchase; Open Market Purchases

The Issuers are not required to make any mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes. However, under certain circumstances, the Issuers may be required to offer to purchase Notes as described under the caption “Repurchase at the Option of Holders.” We may at any time and from time to time purchase Notes in the open market or otherwise.

Optional Redemption

Except as set forth below, the Issuers will not be entitled to redeem the Notes at their option prior to maturity.

At any time prior to October 15, 2014, the Issuers may redeem all or a part of the Notes, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice mailed by first-class mail to the registered address of each Holder, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of the date of redemption (the “Redemption Date”), and, without duplication, accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the Redemption Date, subject to the rights of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.

On and after October 15, 2014 the Issuers may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, upon notice as described under the heading “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Selection and Notice” at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon and Additional Interest, if any, to the applicable Redemption Date, subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on October 15 of each of the years indicated below:

Year

   Dollar notes
percentage
 

2014

     103.875

2015

     101.938

2016 and thereafter

     100.000

In addition, until October 15, 2013, the Issuers may, at their option, redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes at a redemption price equal to 107.750% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon and Additional Interest, if any, to the applicable Redemption Date, with the net cash proceeds of (a) one or more Equity Offerings and /or (b) one or more sales of a business unit of Parent, in each case to the extent such net cash proceeds are received by or contributed to a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary of a Covenant Party; provided that at least 65% of the sum of the aggregate principal amount of Notes originally issued under the Indenture and any Additional Notes issued under the Indenture after the Issue Date remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption; provided further that each such redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of closing of each such Equity Offering or sale.

Notice of any redemption upon any Equity Offering may be given prior to the redemption thereof, and any such redemption or notice may, at the Issuers’ discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, completion of the related Equity Offering.

The Trustee shall select the Notes to be purchased in the manner described under “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Selection and Notice.”

 

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Repurchase at the Option of Holders

Change of Control

The Notes provide that if a Change of Control occurs, unless the Issuers have previously or concurrently mailed a redemption notice with respect to all the outstanding Notes as described under “Optional Redemption,” the Issuers will make an offer to purchase all of the Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the “Change of Control Offer”) at a price in cash (the “Change of Control Payment”) equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of purchase, subject to the right of Holders of the Notes of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date. Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Issuers will send notice of such Change of Control Offer by first-class mail, with a copy to the Trustee, to each Holder of Notes to the address of such Holder appearing in the security register with a copy to the Trustee, with the following information:

(1) that a Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to the covenant entitled “Change of Control,” and that all Notes properly tendered pursuant to such Change of Control Offer will be accepted for payment by the Issuers;

(2) the purchase price and the purchase date, which will be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed (the “Change of Control Payment Date”);

(3) that any Note not properly tendered will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest;

(4) that unless the Issuers default in the payment of the Change of Control Payment, all Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer will cease to accrue interest on the Change of Control Payment Date;

(5) that Holders electing to have any Notes purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender such Notes, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of such Notes completed, to the paying agent specified in the notice at the address specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the third Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date;

(6) that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their tendered Notes and their election to require the Issuers to purchase such Notes, provided that the paying agent receives, not later than the close of business on the 30th day following the date of the Change of Control notice, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder of the Notes, the principal amount of Notes tendered for purchase, and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing its tendered Notes and its election to have such Notes purchased;

(7) that if the Issuers are redeeming less than all of the Notes, the Holders of the remaining Notes will be issued Notes and such Notes will be equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered. The unpurchased portion of the Notes must be equal to a minimum of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in each case in principal amount; and

(8) the other instructions, as determined by the Issuers, consistent with the covenant described hereunder, that a Holder must follow.

The Issuers will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws or regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to a Change of Control Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of the Indenture, the Issuers will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations described in the Indenture by virtue thereof.

On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Issuers will, to the extent permitted by law,

(1) accept for payment all Notes issued by them or portions thereof properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer,

 

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(2) deposit with the paying agent an amount equal to the aggregate Change of Control Payment in respect of all Notes or portions thereof so tendered, and

(3) deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee for cancellation the Notes so accepted together with an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee stating that such Notes or portions thereof have been tendered to and purchased by the Issuers.

The Senior Credit Facilities and future credit agreements or other agreements relating to Senior Indebtedness to which the Covenant Parties become a party may provide that certain change of control events with respect to the Covenant Parties would constitute a default thereunder (including a Change of Control under the Indenture). If we experience a change of control that triggers a default under one or more of our Senior Credit Facilities, we could seek a waiver of such default or seek to refinance the applicable Senior Credit Facilities. In the event we do not obtain such a waiver or refinance the applicable Senior Credit Facilities, such default could result in amounts outstanding under our Senior Credit Facilities being declared due and payable and cause a Receivables Facility to be wound-down.

Our ability to pay cash to the Holders of Notes following the occurrence of a Change of Control may be limited by our then-existing financial resources. Therefore, sufficient funds may not be available when necessary to make any required repurchases.

The Change of Control purchase feature of the Notes may in certain circumstances make more difficult or discourage a sale or takeover of us and, thus, the removal of incumbent management. The Change of Control purchase feature is a result of negotiations between the Initial Purchasers and us. We have no present intention to engage in a transaction involving a Change of Control, although it is possible that we could decide to do so in the future. Subject to the limitations discussed below, we could, in the future, enter into certain transactions, including acquisitions, refinancings or other recapitalizations, that would not constitute a Change of Control under the Indenture, but that could increase the amount of indebtedness outstanding at such time or otherwise affect our capital structure or credit ratings. Restrictions on our ability to incur additional Indebtedness are contained in the covenants described under “Certain covenants—Limitation on incurrence of Indebtedness and issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” and “Certain covenants—Liens.” Such restrictions in the Indenture can be waived only with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding. Except for the limitations contained in such covenants, however, the Indenture does not contain any covenants or provisions that may afford Holders of the Notes protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction.

We will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer following a Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in the Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by us and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, a Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control, conditional upon such Change of Control, if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at the time of making of the Change of Control Offer.

The definition of “Change of Control” includes a disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Covenant Parties and their Restricted Subsidiaries to any Person. Although there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase “substantially all,” there is no precise established definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, in certain circumstances there may be a degree of uncertainty as to whether a particular transaction would involve a disposition of “all or substantially all” of the assets of the Covenant Parties and their Restricted Subsidiaries. As a result, it may be unclear as to whether a Change of Control has occurred and whether a Holder of Notes may require the Issuers to make an offer to repurchase the Notes as described above.

The provisions under the Indenture relative to the Issuers’ obligation to make an offer to repurchase the Notes as a result of a Change of Control may be waived or modified with the written consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes.

 

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Asset Sales

The Indenture will provide that the Covenant Parties will not, and will not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, cause, make or suffer to exist an Asset Sale, unless:

(1) a Covenant Party or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value (as determined in good faith by the Issuers) of the assets sold or otherwise disposed of; and

(2) except in the case of a Permitted Asset Swap, at least 75% of the consideration therefor received by a Covenant Party or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents; provided that the amount of:

(a) any liabilities (as shown on such Covenant Party’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s most recent balance sheet or in the footnotes thereto) of a Covenant Party or such Restricted Subsidiary, other than liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Notes, that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets and for which the Covenant Parties and all of the Restricted Subsidiaries have been validly released by all creditors in writing,

(b) any securities received by such Covenant Party or such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by such Covenant Party or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash (to the extent of the cash received) within 180 days following the closing of such Asset Sale, and

(c) any Designated Non-cash Consideration received by such Covenant Party or such Restricted Subsidiary in such Asset Sale having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Designated Non-cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (c) that is at that time outstanding, not to exceed 5.0% of Total Assets at the time of the receipt of such Designated Non-cash Consideration, with the fair market value of each item of Designated Non-cash Consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value, shall be deemed to be cash for purposes of this provision and for no other purpose.

Within 15 months after the receipt of any Net Proceeds of any Asset Sale, such Covenant Party or such Restricted Subsidiary, at its option, may apply the Net Proceeds from such Asset Sale,

(1) to permanently reduce:

(a) Obligations under the Senior Credit Facilities and to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto;

(b) Obligations under the Senior Indebtedness that is secured by a Lien, which Lien is permitted by the Indenture, and to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto;

(c) Obligations under (i) Notes (to the extent such purchases are at or above 100% of the principal amount thereof) or (ii) any other Senior Indebtedness of an Issuer or a Restricted Guarantor (and to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto); provided that the Issuers shall equally and ratably reduce Obligations under the Notes as provided under “Optional Redemption,” through open-market purchases (to the extent such purchases are at or above 100% of the principal amount thereof) or by making an offer (in accordance with the procedures set forth below for an Asset Sale Offer) to all Holders of Notes to purchase their Notes at 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus, in the case of each of clauses (i) and (ii), the amount of accrued but unpaid interest, if any, on the amount of Notes that would otherwise be prepaid,

(d) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, other than Indebtedness owed to a Covenant Party or another Restricted Subsidiary, or

(e) Obligations under Subordinated Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the Asset Sale Prepayment Amount; or

 

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(2) to make (a) an Investment in any one or more businesses, provided that such Investment in any business is in the form of the acquisition of Capital Stock and results in a Covenant Party or Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, owning an amount of the Capital Stock of such business such that it constitutes a Restricted Subsidiary, (b) properties, (c) capital expenditures or (d) acquisitions of other assets that, in the case of each of (a), (b), (c) and (d) are either (x) used or useful in a Similar Business or (y) replace the businesses, properties and/or assets that are the subject of such Asset Sale;

provided that, in the case of clause (2) above, a binding commitment shall be treated as a permitted application of the Net Proceeds from the date of such commitment so long as the Covenant Party, or such other Restricted Subsidiary enters into such commitment with the good faith expectation that such Net Proceeds will be applied to satisfy such commitment within 180 days of such commitment (an “Acceptable Commitment”) and, in the event any Acceptable Commitment is later cancelled or terminated for any reason before the Net Proceeds are applied in connection therewith, such Covenant Party or such Restricted Subsidiary enters into another Acceptable Commitment (a “Second Commitment”) within 180 days of such cancellation or termination; provided further that if any Second Commitment is later cancelled or terminated for any reason before such Net Proceeds are applied, then such Net Proceeds shall constitute Excess Proceeds. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, any Net Proceeds from the sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposal of all or substantially all of the assets of ACN and its Subsidiaries that are Restricted Subsidiaries to the extent otherwise permitted under the Indenture, will be applied in accordance with this paragraph within 12 months after receipt of such Net Proceeds, and the proviso to the previous sentence with respect to Acceptable Commitments and Second Commitments will not be applicable to the application of such Net Proceeds.

Any Net Proceeds from the Asset Sale that are not invested or applied as provided and within the time period set forth in the first sentence of the preceding paragraph will be deemed to constitute “Excess Proceeds.” When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $100 million, the Issuers shall make an offer to all Holders of the Notes and, if required by the terms of any Indebtedness that is pari passu with the Notes (“Pari Passu Indebtedness”), to the holders of such Pari Passu Indebtedness (an “Asset Sale Offer”), to purchase the maximum aggregate principal amount of the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness that is a minimum of $2,000 or €2,000, as applicable, or an integral multiple of $1,000 or €1,000, as applicable (in each case in aggregate principal amount), that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date fixed for the closing of such offer, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture. The Issuers will commence an Asset Sale Offer with respect to Excess Proceeds within ten Business Days after the date that Excess Proceeds exceed $100 million by mailing the notice required pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, with a copy to the Trustee.

To the extent that the aggregate principal amount of Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Issuers may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for general corporate purposes, subject to the other covenants contained in the Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of Notes and the Pari Passu Indebtedness surrendered in an Asset Sale Offer exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Trustee shall select the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis based on the principal amount of the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered. Upon completion of any such Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero.

Pending the final application of any Net Proceeds pursuant to this covenant, the holder of such Net Proceeds may apply such Net Proceeds temporarily to reduce Indebtedness outstanding under a revolving credit facility or otherwise invest such Net Proceeds in any manner not prohibited by the Indenture.

The Issuers will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws or regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Notes pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities

 

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laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of the Indenture, the Issuers will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations described in the Indenture by virtue thereof.

Selection and Notice

If the Issuers are redeeming less than all of the Notes at any time, the Trustee will select the Notes to be redeemed (a) if the Notes are listed on any national securities exchange, in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange on which the Notes are listed or (b) on a pro rata basis to the extent practicable.

Notices of purchase or redemption shall be mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid, at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the purchase or redemption date to each Holder of Notes at such Holder’s registered address, except that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the Notes or a satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture. If any Note is to be purchased or redeemed in part only, any notice of purchase or redemption that relates to such Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof that has been or is to be purchased or redeemed.

The Issuers will issue a new Note in a principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original Note in the name of the Holder upon cancellation of the original Note. Notes called for redemption become due on the date fixed for redemption. On and after the redemption date, interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions of them called for redemption.

Certain Covenants

Set forth below are summaries of certain covenants that are contained in the Indenture. Beginning on the day of a Covenant Suspension Event and ending on a Reversion Date (such period a “Suspension Period”) with respect to the Notes, the covenants specifically listed under the following captions in the “Description of Notes” will not be applicable to the Notes:

(1) “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales”;

(2) “—Limitation on Restricted Payments”;

(3) “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”;

(4) clause (4) of the first paragraph of “—Merger, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets”;

(5) “—Transactions with Affiliates”;

(6) “—Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries”; and

(7) “—Limitation on Guarantees of Indebtedness by Restricted Subsidiaries.”

On each Reversion Date, all Indebtedness Incurred, or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued, during the Suspension Period will be classified as having been Incurred or issued pursuant to the first paragraph of “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” below or one of the clauses set forth in the second paragraph of “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” below (to the extent such Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock would be permitted to be Incurred or issued thereunder as of the Reversion Date and after giving effect to Indebtedness Incurred or issued prior to the Suspension Period and outstanding on the Reversion Date). To the extent such Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock would not be so permitted to be Incurred or issued pursuant to the first or second paragraph of “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock,” such Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock will be deemed to have been outstanding on the Issue Date, so that it is classified as permitted under clause (3) of

 

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the second paragraph under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock.” Calculations made after the Reversion Date of the amount available to be made as Restricted Payments under “—Limitation on Restricted Payments” will be made as though the covenant described under “—Limitation on Restricted Payments” had been in effect since the Issue Date and throughout the Suspension Period. Accordingly, Restricted Payments made during the Suspension Period will reduce the amount available to be made as Restricted Payments under the second paragraph of “—Limitation on Restricted Payments.” As described above, however, no Default or Event of Default will be deemed to have occurred on the Reversion Date as a result of any actions taken by the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries during the Suspension Period.

For purposes of the “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales” covenant, on the Reversion Date, the unutilized Excess Proceeds amount will be reset to zero.

In addition, during any period of time that: (i) the Notes have Investment Grade Ratings from both Rating Agencies and (ii) no Default has occurred and is continuing under the Indenture (the occurrence of the events described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) being collectively referred to as a “Covenant Suspension Event”), the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries will not be subject to the covenant described under “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of Control” (the “Suspended Covenant”). In the event that the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries are not subject to the Suspended Covenant under the Indenture for any period of time as a result of the foregoing, and on any subsequent date (the “Reversion Date”) one or both of the Rating Agencies (a) withdraw their Investment Grade Rating or downgrade the rating assigned to the Notes below an Investment Grade Rating and/or (b) the Issuers or any of their Affiliates enter into an agreement to effect a transaction that would result in a Change of Control and one or more of the Rating Agencies indicate that if consummated, such transaction (alone or together with any related recapitalization or refinancing transactions) would cause such Rating Agency to withdraw its Investment Grade Rating or downgrade the ratings assigned to the Notes below an Investment Grade Rating, then the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries will thereafter again be subject to the Suspended Covenant under the Indenture with respect to future events, including, without limitation, a proposed transaction described in clause (b) above.

There can be no assurance that the Notes will ever achieve or maintain Investment Grade Ratings.

Limitation on Restricted Payments

The Covenant Parties will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly:

(I) declare or pay any dividend or make any payment or distribution on account of any Covenant Parties’ or any Restricted Subsidiaries’ Equity Interests, including any dividend or distribution payable in connection with any merger or consolidation other than:

(a) dividends or distributions payable solely in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary; or

(b) dividends or distributions by a Covenant Party (other than VNU HF) or a Restricted Subsidiary so long as, in the case of any dividend or distribution payable on or in respect of any class or series of securities issued by a Covenant Party (other than VNU HF) or such Restricted Subsidiary, a Covenant Party or another Restricted Subsidiary receives at least its pro rata share of such dividend or distribution in accordance with its Equity Interests in such class or series of securities;

(II) purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Equity Interests of VNU HF or any direct or indirect parent of VNU HF, including in connection with any merger or consolidation;

(III) make any principal payment on, or redeem, repurchase, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value in each case, prior to any scheduled repayment, sinking fund payment or maturity, any Subordinated Indebtedness, or make any interest or principal payment on, or redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire or retire for value the Parent Intercompany Debt, other than:

(a) Indebtedness permitted under clause (7) of the covenant described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”; or

 

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(b) the purchase, repurchase or other acquisition of Subordinated Indebtedness of the Covenant Parties and their Restricted Subsidiaries purchased in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case due within one year of the date of purchase, repurchase or acquisition; or

(IV) make any Restricted Investment

(all such payments and other actions set forth in clauses (I) through (IV) above being collectively referred to as “Restricted Payments”), unless, at the time of such Restricted Payment:

(1) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof;

(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction on a pro forma basis, the Issuers could incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Consolidated Leverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of the covenant described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”; and

(3) such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made by the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries after August 9, 2006 (including Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (1), (2) (with respect to the payment of dividends on Refunding Capital Stock (as defined below) pursuant to clause (b) thereof only), (6)(c), (9) and (14) of the next succeeding paragraph, but excluding all other Restricted Payments permitted by the next succeeding paragraph), is less than the sum of (without duplication):

(a) the EBITDA of the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for the period beginning July 1, 2006, to the end of the Issuers’ most recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment, less the product of 1.4 times the Consolidated Interest Expense of the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries for the same period; plus

(b) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds and the fair market value, as determined in good faith by the Issuers, of marketable securities or other property received by a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary since immediately after August 9, 2006 (other than net cash proceeds to the extent such net cash proceeds have been used to incur Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock pursuant to clause (11)(a) of the second paragraph of “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”) from the issue or sale of:

(i)(A) Equity Interests of VNU HF, or a direct or indirect parent company of VNU HF, including Treasury Capital Stock (as defined below), but excluding cash proceeds and the fair market value, as determined in good faith by the Issuers, of marketable securities or other property received from the sale of:

(x) Equity Interests to members of management, directors or consultants of Parent, the Covenant Parties, Restricted Subsidiaries and any direct or indirect parent company of VNU HF, after August 9, 2006 to the extent such amounts have been applied to Restricted Payments made in accordance with clause (4) of the next succeeding paragraph; and

(y) Designated Preferred Stock; and

    (B) to the extent such net cash proceeds are actually contributed to a Covenant Party or any Restricted Subsidiary, Equity Interests of VNU HF’s direct or indirect parent companies (excluding contributions of the proceeds from the sale of Designated Preferred Stock of such companies or contributions to the extent such amounts have been applied to Restricted Payments made in accordance with clause (4) of the next succeeding paragraph); or

(ii) debt securities of a Covenant Party or any Restricted Subsidiary that have been converted into or exchanged for such Equity Interests of VNU HF, or a direct or indirect parent company of VNU HF;

 

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provided, however, that this clause (b) shall not include the proceeds from (W) Refunding Capital Stock (as defined below), (X) Equity Interests or convertible debt securities sold to a Covenant Party or Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, (Y) Disqualified Stock or debt securities that have been converted into Disqualified Stock or (Z) Excluded Contributions; plus

(c) 100% of the aggregate amount of cash and the fair market value, as determined in good faith by the Issuers, of marketable securities or other property contributed to the capital of a Covenant Party following August 9, 2006 (other than net cash proceeds to the extent such net cash proceeds have been used to incur Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock pursuant to clause (11)(a) of the second paragraph of “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”) (other than by another Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary and other than any Excluded Contributions); plus

(d) 100% of the aggregate amount received in cash and the fair market value, as determined in good faith by the Issuers, of marketable securities or other property received by a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary means of:

(i) the sale or other disposition (other than to a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary) of Restricted Investments made by the Covenant Parties or the Restricted Subsidiaries and repurchases and redemptions of such Restricted Investments from the Covenant Parties or the Restricted Subsidiaries and repayments of loans or advances, and releases of guarantees, which constitute Restricted Investments by the Covenant Parties or the Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case after August 9, 2006; or

(ii) the sale (other than to a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary) of the stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary (other than to the extent the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary was made by a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to clause (7) of the next succeeding paragraph or to the extent such Investment constituted a Permitted Investment) or a dividend or distribution from an Unrestricted Subsidiary after August 9, 2006; plus

(e) in the case of the redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary after August 9, 2006, the fair market value of the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary, as determined by the Issuers in good faith or if such fair market value may exceed $150 million, in writing by an Independent Financial Advisor, at the time of the redesignation of such Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary, to the extent the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary was made by a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to clause (7) of the next succeeding paragraph or to the extent such Investment constituted a Permitted Investment.

As of the Issue Date, the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries would be permitted to make substantial Restricted Payments pursuant to the foregoing clause (3).

The foregoing provisions will not prohibit:

(1) the payment of any dividend within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof, if at the date of declaration such payment would have complied with the provisions of the Indenture;

(2)(a) the redemption, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition of any (i) Equity Interests (“Treasury Capital Stock”) or Subordinated Indebtedness of the Issuers or any Guarantor or the Parent Intercompany Debt or (ii) Equity Interests of any direct or indirect parent company of VNU HF, in the case of each of clause (i) and (ii), in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary) of, Equity Interests of VNU HF, or any direct or indirect parent company of VNU HF to the extent contributed to a Covenant Party or any Restricted Subsidiary (in each case, other than any Disqualified Stock) (“Refunding Capital Stock”), (b) the declaration and payment of dividends on the Treasury Capital Stock out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary) of the Refunding Capital Stock, and (c) if immediately prior

 

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to the retirement of Treasury Capital Stock, the declaration and payment of dividends thereon was permitted under clause (6) of this paragraph and not made pursuant to clause (2)(b), the declaration and payment of dividends on the Refunding Capital Stock (other than Refunding Capital Stock the proceeds of which were used to redeem, repurchase, retire or otherwise acquire any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect parent company of VNU HF) in an aggregate amount per year no greater than the aggregate amount of dividends per annum that were declarable and payable on such Treasury Capital Stock immediately prior to such retirement;

(3) the redemption, repurchase or other acquisition or retirement of Subordinated Indebtedness of an Issuer or a Restricted Guarantor made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, new Indebtedness of an Issuer or a Restricted Guarantor, as the case may be, which is incurred in compliance with “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” so long as:

(a) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of such new Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of (or accreted value, if applicable), plus any accrued and unpaid interest on, the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired for value, plus the amount of any premium required to be paid under the terms of the instrument governing the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired and any fees and expenses incurred in connection with the issuance of such new Indebtedness;

(b) such new Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes or the applicable Guarantee at least to the same extent as such Subordinated Indebtedness so purchased, exchanged, redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired for value;

(c) such new Indebtedness has a final scheduled maturity date equal to or later than the final scheduled maturity date of the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired; and

(d) such new Indebtedness has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired;

(4) a Restricted Payment to pay for the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement for value of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of VNU HF or any of its direct or indirect parent companies held by any future, present or former employee, director or consultant of a Covenant Party, any of their respective Subsidiaries or any of their respective direct or indirect parent companies pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement; provided, however, that the aggregate Restricted Payments made under this clause (4) do not exceed in any calendar year (plus, without duplication, “unused amounts” being carried over pursuant to the similar provision in the Existing Senior Notes Indenture) $25 million (which shall increase to $50 million subsequent to the consummation of an underwritten public Equity Offering of common stock) (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to succeeding calendar years subject to a maximum (without giving effect to the following proviso) of $50 million in any calendar year (which shall increase to $100 million subsequent to the consummation of an underwritten public Equity Offering of common stock)); provided further that such amount in any calendar year may be increased by an amount not to exceed:

(a) the cash proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of VNU HF and, to the extent contributed to a Covenant Party, Equity Interests of any of the direct or indirect parent companies of VNU HF, in each case to members of management, directors or consultants of the Covenant Parties, any of their respective Subsidiaries or any of their respective direct or indirect parent companies that occurs after August 9, 2006, to the extent the cash proceeds from the sale of such Equity Interests have not otherwise been applied to the payment of Restricted Payments by virtue of clause (3) of the preceding paragraph; plus

 

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(b) the cash proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by the Covenant Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries after August 9, 2006; plus

(c) the amount of any cash bonuses otherwise payable to members of management, directors or consultants of a Covenant Party, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its direct or indirect parent companies in connection with the Transactions that are foregone in return for the receipt of Equity Interests; less

(d) the amount of any Restricted Payments previously made with the cash proceeds described in clauses (a) and (b) of this clause (4);

and provided further that cancellation of Indebtedness owing to any Covenant Party or any Restricted Subsidiary from members of management of Parent, any of its Subsidiaries or its direct or indirect parent companies in connection with a repurchase of Equity Interests of Parent or any of Parent’s direct or indirect parent companies will not be deemed to constitute a Restricted Payment for purposes of this covenant or any other provision of the Indenture;

(5) the declaration and payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Disqualified Stock of any of the Covenant Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries issued in accordance with the covenant described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”;

(6)(a) the declaration and payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Designated Preferred Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) issued by any of the Covenant Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries after August 9, 2006, provided that the amount of dividends paid pursuant to this clause (a) shall not exceed the aggregate amount of cash actually received by a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary from the issuance of such Designated Preferred Stock;

(b) a Restricted Payment to a direct or indirect parent company of a Covenant Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, the proceeds of which will be used to fund the payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Designated Preferred Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of such parent corporation issued after August 9, 2006, provided that the amount of Restricted Payments paid pursuant to this clause (b) shall not exceed the aggregate amount of cash actually contributed to a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary from the sale of such Designated Preferred Stock; or

(c) the declaration and payment of dividends on Refunding Capital Stock that is Preferred Stock in excess of the dividends declarable and payable thereon pursuant to clause (2) of this paragraph;

provided, however, in the case of each of (a), (b) and (c) of this clause (6), that for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date of issuance of such Designated Preferred Stock or the declaration of such dividends on Refunding Capital Stock that is Preferred Stock, after giving effect to such issuance or declaration on a pro forma basis, the Consolidated Leverage Ratio shall be no greater than 6.75 to 1.00;

(7) Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (7) or after August 9, 2006, but before the Issue Date, under the similar provision in the Existing Senior Notes Indenture, that are at the time outstanding, without giving effect to the sale of an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent the proceeds of such sale do not consist of cash or marketable securities, not to exceed 1.25% of Total Assets, in each case, at the time of such Investment (with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);

(8) repurchases of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options or warrants if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options or warrants;

(9) the declaration and payment of dividends on a Covenant Party’s common stock (or a Restricted Payment to any direct or indirect parent entity to fund a payment of dividends on such entity’s common stock), following the first public Equity Offering of common stock after the Issue Date, of up to 6% per annum of the net cash proceeds received by or contributed to a Covenant Party in or from any such public Equity Offering;

 

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(10) Restricted Payments that are made with Excluded Contributions;

(11) other Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount taken together with all other Restricted Payments made pursuant to this clause (11) or after August 9, 2006, but before the Issue Date, under the similar provision in the Existing Senior Notes Indenture, not to exceed 2.00% of Total Assets at the time made;

(12) distributions or payments of Receivables Fees;

(13) any Restricted Payment used to fund the Transactions and the fees and expenses related thereto or owed to Affiliates, in each case to the extent permitted by the covenant described under “—Transactions with Affiliates”;

(14) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Subordinated Indebtedness (a) pursuant to the provisions similar to those described under the captions “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of Control” and “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales”; provided that all Notes tendered by Holders in connection with a Change of Control Offer or Asset Sale Offer, as applicable, have been repurchased, redeemed or acquired for value or (b) with the proceeds of Asset Sales in an amount not to exceed the Asset Sale Prepayment Amount;

(15) the declaration and payment of dividends by a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary to, or the making of loans to, any of their respective direct or indirect parents, or the making of any payment of interest or principal on, or redemption, repurchase, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value of, the Parent Intercompany Debt in amounts required for any direct or indirect parent companies to pay, in each case without duplication,

(a) franchise taxes and other fees, taxes and expenses required to maintain their corporate existence;

(b) federal, foreign, state and local income taxes provided that, in each fiscal year, the amount of such payments does not exceed the amount that the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries would be required to pay in respect of federal, foreign, state and local income taxes if such entities were corporations paying taxes separately from any parent entity at the highest combined applicable federal, foreign, state and local tax rate for such fiscal year;

(c) customary salary, bonus and other benefits payable to officers and employees of any direct or indirect parent company of the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries to the extent such salaries, bonuses and other benefits are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries;

(d) general corporate operating and overhead costs and expenses of any direct or indirect parent company of the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries to the extent such costs and expenses are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries;

(e) fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Transactions or owed to Affiliates, in each case to the extent permitted by the covenant described under “—Transactions with Affiliates”;

(f) interest payable on Holdings Debt;

(g) amounts payable to Valcon Acquisition, B.V. by Parent pursuant to the Sponsor Management Agreements; and

(h) fees and expenses other than to Affiliates of the Issuers related to any unsuccessful equity or debt offering of such parent entity;

(16) the distribution, by dividend or otherwise, of shares of Capital Stock of, or Indebtedness owed to a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary by Unrestricted Subsidiaries (other than Unrestricted Subsidiaries, the primary assets of which are cash and/or Cash Equivalents);

 

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(17) any Restricted Payment used to fund the redemption of VNU’s 7% preferred shares as in effect on August 9, 2006;

(18) any Restricted Payment of the proceeds of Indebtedness incurred to refinance the Sterling Notes or the VNU Senior Discount Notes and to pay accrued and unpaid interest, premium, fees and expenses related thereto;

(19) the forgiveness, cancellation, termination or disposition of the Transactions Intercompany Obligations; and

(20) payments or distributions to dissenting stockholders pursuant to applicable law, pursuant to or in connection with a consolidation, merger or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, that complies with the covenant described under “—Merger, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets”; provided that as a result of such consolidation, merger or transfer of assets, the Issuers shall have made a Change of Control Offer and that all Notes tendered by Holders in connection with such Change of Control Offer have been repurchased, redeemed or acquired for value;

provided, however, that at the time of, and after giving effect to, any Restricted Payment permitted under clauses (11), (16) and (18), no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof.

As of the date of Issuance of the Notes, all of the Subsidiaries of the Covenant Parties were Restricted Subsidiaries. The Issuers will not permit any Unrestricted Subsidiary to become a Restricted Subsidiary except pursuant to the last sentence of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary.” For purposes of designating any Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, all outstanding Investments by the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries (except to the extent repaid) in the Subsidiary so designated will be deemed to be Restricted Payments in an amount determined as set forth in the last sentence of the definition of “Investment.” Such designation will be permitted only if a Restricted Payment in such amount would be permitted at such time, whether pursuant to the first paragraph of this covenant or under clause (7), (10), (11) or (16) of the second paragraph of this covenant, or pursuant to the definition of “Permitted Investments,” and if such Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary. Unrestricted Subsidiaries will not be subject to any of the restrictive covenants set forth in the Indenture.

Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock

The Covenant Parties will not, and will not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently, or otherwise (collectively, “incur” and collectively, an “incurrence”) with respect to any Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) and the Issuers and the Restricted Guarantors will not issue any shares of Disqualified Stock and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor to issue any shares of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock; provided, however, that the Issuers and the Restricted Guarantors may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) or issue shares of Disqualified Stock, and any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness), issue shares of Disqualified Stock and issue shares of Preferred Stock, if the Consolidated Leverage Ratio at the time such additional Indebtedness is incurred or such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock is issued would have been no greater than 6.75 to 1.00, determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been incurred, or the Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock had been issued, as the case may be, and the application of proceeds therefrom had occurred at the beginning of the most recently ended four fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available.

The foregoing limitations will not apply to:

(1) the incurrence of Indebtedness under Credit Facilities by the Covenant Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries and the issuance and creation of letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances thereunder (with letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances being deemed to have a principal amount equal to the face amount thereof), up to an aggregate principal amount of $6,000 million outstanding at any one time;

 

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(2) the incurrence by the Issuers and any Restricted Guarantor of Indebtedness represented by the Notes (including any Guarantee) (other than any Additional Notes);

(3) Indebtedness of the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries in existence on the Issue Date (other than Indebtedness described in clauses (1) and (2));

(4) Indebtedness (including Capitalized Lease Obligations), Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock incurred by the Covenant Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, to finance the purchase, lease or improvement of property (real or personal) or equipment that is used or useful in a Similar Business, whether through the direct purchase of assets or the Capital Stock of any Person owning such assets;

(5) Indebtedness incurred by a Covenant Party or any Restricted Subsidiary constituting reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit issued in the ordinary course of business, including letters of credit in respect of workers’ compensation claims, or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement type obligations regarding workers’ compensation claims; provided, however, that upon the drawing of such letters of credit or the incurrence of such Indebtedness, such obligations are reimbursed within 30 days following such drawing or incurrence;

(6) Indebtedness arising from agreements of a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase price or similar obligations, in each case, incurred or assumed in connection with the disposition of any business, assets or a Subsidiary, other than guarantees of Indebtedness incurred by any Person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or a Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition; provided, however, that

(a) such Indebtedness is not reflected on the balance sheet (other than by application of FIN 45 as a result of an amendment to an obligation in existence on August 9, 2006) of a Covenant Party or any Restricted Subsidiary (contingent obligations referred to in a footnote to financial statements and not otherwise reflected on the balance sheet will not be deemed to be reflected on such balance sheet for purposes of this clause (6)(a)); and

(b) the maximum assumable liability in respect of all such Indebtedness shall at no time exceed the gross proceeds including non-cash proceeds (the fair market value of such non-cash proceeds being measured at the time received and without giving effect to any subsequent changes in value) actually received by the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with such disposition;

(7) Indebtedness of a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary to another Covenant Party or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any such Indebtedness owing by an Issuer or a Guarantor to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes; provided further that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event which results in any Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness (except to a Covenant Party or another Restricted Subsidiary or any pledge of such Indebtedness constituting a Permitted Lien) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an incurrence of such Indebtedness not permitted by this clause (7);

(8) shares of Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary issued to a Covenant Party or another Restricted Subsidiary, provided that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event which results in any such Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such shares of Preferred Stock (except to a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed in each case to be an issuance of such shares of Preferred Stock not permitted by this clause (8);

(9) Hedging Obligations (excluding Hedging Obligations entered into for speculative purposes) for the purpose of limiting interest rate risk with respect to any Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to this covenant, exchange rate risk or commodity pricing risk;

(10) obligations in respect of performance, bid, appeal and surety bonds and completion guarantees provided by any of the Covenant Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice;

 

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(11)(a) Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of an Issuer or any Restricted Guarantor and Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor in an aggregate principal amount or liquidation preference equal to 200.0% of the net cash proceeds received by the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries since immediately after August 9, 2006 from the issue or sale of Equity Interests of VNU HF or any direct or indirect parent entity of VNU HF (which proceeds are contributed to a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary) or cash contributed to the capital of a Covenant Party (in each case, other than proceeds of Disqualified Stock or sales of Equity Interests to, or contributions received from, any Covenant Party or any of their respective Subsidiaries) as determined in accordance with clauses (3)(b) and (3)(c) of the first paragraph of “—Limitation on Restricted Payments” to the extent such net cash proceeds or cash have not been applied pursuant to such clauses to make Restricted Payments or to make other Investments, payments or exchanges pursuant to the second paragraph of “—Limitation on Restricted Payments” or to make Permitted Investments (other than Permitted Investments specified in clauses (1) and (3) of the definition thereof) and (b) Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of an Issuer or a Restricted Guarantor and Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor not otherwise permitted hereunder in an aggregate principal amount or liquidation preference, which when aggregated with the principal amount and liquidation preference of all other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock then outstanding and incurred pursuant to this clause (11)(b), does not at any one time outstanding exceed $400 million (it being understood that any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock incurred pursuant to this clause (11)(b) shall cease to be deemed incurred or outstanding for purposes of this clause (11)(b) but shall be deemed incurred for the purposes of the first paragraph of this covenant from and after the first date on which a Covenant Party or such Restricted Subsidiary could have incurred such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock under the first paragraph of this covenant without reliance on this clause (11)(b));

(12) the incurrence by a Covenant Party or any Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock which serves to refund or refinance:

(a) any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock incurred as permitted under the first paragraph of this covenant and clauses (2), (3) and (11)(a) above, this clause (12) and clause (13) below, or

(b) any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued to so refund or refinance the Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock described in clause (a) above,

including, in each case, additional Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock incurred to pay premiums (including tender premiums), defeasance costs and fees and expenses in connection therewith (collectively, the “Refinancing Indebtedness”) prior to its respective maturity; provided, however, that such Refinancing Indebtedness:

(A) has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity at the time such Refinancing Indebtedness is incurred which is not less than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock being refunded or refinanced,

(B) to the extent such Refinancing Indebtedness refinances (i) Indebtedness subordinated or pari passu to the Notes or any Guarantee thereof, such Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated or pari passu to the Notes or the Guarantee at least to the same extent as the Indebtedness being refinanced or refunded or (ii) Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, such Refinancing Indebtedness must be Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, respectively, and

(C) shall not include:

(i) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor that refinances Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of an Issuer;

(ii) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor that refinances Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of a Restricted Guarantor; or

 

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(iii) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary that refinances Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

and provided further that subclause (A) of this clause (12) will not apply to any refunding or refinancing of Indebtedness under a Credit Facility;

(13) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of (x) a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary incurred to finance an acquisition or (y) Persons that are acquired by a Covenant Party or any Restricted Subsidiary or merged into a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of the Indenture; provided that either

(i) such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock:

(a) is not Secured Indebtedness and is subordinated to the Notes on terms no less favorable to the holders thereof than the subordination terms set forth in the indenture governing the Senior Subordinated Discount Notes as in effect on August 9, 2006;

(b) is not incurred while a Default exists and no Default shall result therefrom; and

(c) matures and does not require any payment of principal prior to the final maturity or the Notes (other than in a manner consistent with the terms of the Indenture); or

(ii) after giving effect to such acquisition or merger, either

(a) the Issuers would be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Consolidated Leverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of this covenant, or

(b) the Consolidated Leverage Ratio is less than immediately prior to such acquisition or merger;

(14) Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business, provided that such Indebtedness is extinguished within two Business Days of its incurrence;

(15) Indebtedness of a Covenant Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries supported by a letter of credit issued pursuant to the Credit Facilities, in a principal amount not in excess of the stated amount of such letter of credit;

(16)(a) any guarantee by a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness or other obligations of any Covenant Party that is not an Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary so long as the incurrence of such Indebtedness incurred by such Restricted Subsidiary is permitted under the terms of the Indenture, or

(b) any guarantee by a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness of the Issuers; provided that such guarantee is incurred in accordance with the covenant described below under “—Limitation on Guarantees of Indebtedness by Restricted Subsidiaries”;

(17) Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries of a Covenant Party or any Restricted Subsidiary incurred not to exceed at any one time outstanding and together with any other Indebtedness incurred under this clause (17) 5.0% of the Total Assets of the Foreign Subsidiaries (it being understood that any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (17) shall cease to be deemed incurred or outstanding for purposes of this clause (17) but shall be deemed incurred for the purposes of the first paragraph of this covenant from and after the first date on which such Foreign Subsidiary could have incurred such Indebtedness under the first paragraph of this covenant without reliance on this clause (17));

(18) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary incurred to finance or assumed in connection with an acquisition in a principal amount not to exceed $200 million in the aggregate at any one time outstanding together with all other Indebtedness, Disqualified

 

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Stock and/or Preferred Stock issued under this clause (18) (it being understood that any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock incurred pursuant to this clause (18) shall cease to be deemed incurred or outstanding for purposes of this clause (18) but shall be deemed incurred for the purposes of the first paragraph of this covenant from and after the first date on which such Restricted Subsidiary could have incurred such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock under the first paragraph of this covenant without reliance on this clause (18));

(19) Indebtedness of a Covenant Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries consisting of (i) the financing of insurance premiums or (ii) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements in each case, incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(20) Indebtedness consisting of Indebtedness issued by a Covenant Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to current or former officers, directors and employees thereof or any direct or indirect parent thereof, their respective estates, spouses or former spouses, in each case to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of a Covenant Party, a Restricted Subsidiary or any of their respective direct or indirect parent companies to the extent described in clause (4) of the second paragraph under the caption “Limitation on Restricted Payments”; and

(21) Indebtedness incurred on behalf of, or representing Guarantees of Indebtedness of, joint ventures of a Covenant Party or any Restricted Subsidiary not in excess of $25 million at any time outstanding.

For purposes of determining compliance with this covenant:

(1) in the event that an item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of permitted Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock described in clauses (1) through (21) above or is entitled to be incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of this covenant, the Issuers, in their sole discretion, will classify or reclassify such item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) and will only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock in one of the above clauses; provided that all Indebtedness outstanding under the Credit Facilities on the Issue Date will be treated as incurred on the Issue Date under clause (1) of the preceding paragraph; and

(2) at the time of incurrence, the Issuers will be entitled to divide and classify an item of Indebtedness in more than one of the types of Indebtedness described in the first and second paragraphs above.

As of the date of this prospectus, there were no amounts outstanding under the baskets in the Existing Senior Notes Indenture that are similar to clauses (11), (17), (18) or (21) set forth above.

Accrual of interest, the accretion of accreted value and the payment of interest or dividends in the form of additional Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as applicable, will not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock for purposes of this covenant.

For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction on the incurrence of Indebtedness, the U.S. dollar-equivalent principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was incurred, in the case of term debt, or first committed, in the case of revolving credit debt; provided that if such Indebtedness is incurred to refinance other Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and such refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar-denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such refinancing, such U.S. dollar-denominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of such Indebtedness being refinanced.

The principal amount of any Indebtedness incurred to refinance other Indebtedness, if incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness being refinanced, shall be calculated based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which such respective Indebtedness is denominated that is in effect on the date of such refinancing.

 

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The Indenture will provide that the Issuers will not, and will not permit any Restricted Guarantor to, directly or indirectly, incur any Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) that is subordinated or junior in right of payment to any Indebtedness of the Issuers or such Restricted Guarantor, as the case may be, unless such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or such Restricted Guarantor’s Guarantee to the extent and in the same manner as such Indebtedness is subordinated to other Indebtedness of the Issuers or such Restricted Guarantor, as the case may be.

The Indenture will not treat (1) unsecured Indebtedness as subordinated or junior to Secured Indebtedness merely because it is unsecured or (2) Senior Indebtedness as subordinated or junior to any other Senior Indebtedness merely because it has a junior priority with respect to the same collateral.

Liens

The Covenant Parties will not, and will not permit any Restricted Guarantor to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien (except Permitted Liens) that secures obligations under any Indebtedness or any related Guarantee, on any asset or property of the Issuers or any Restricted Guarantor, or any income or profits therefrom, or assign or convey any right to receive income therefrom, unless:

(1) in the case of Liens securing Subordinated Indebtedness, the Notes and related Guarantees are secured by a Lien on such property, assets or proceeds that is senior in priority to such Liens; or

(2) in all other cases, the Notes or the Guarantees are equally and ratably secured.

The foregoing shall not apply to (a) Liens securing the Notes and the related Guarantees, (b) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under Credit Facilities, including any letter of credit facility relating thereto, that was permitted by the terms of the Indenture to be incurred pursuant to clause (1) of the second paragraph under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” and (c) Liens incurred to secure Obligations in respect of any Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to the covenant described above under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”; provided that, with respect to Liens securing Obligations permitted under this subclause (c), at the time of incurrence and after giving pro forma effect thereto, the Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio would be no greater than 4.75 to 1.0.

Merger, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets

Neither Issuer nor VNU HF may consolidate or merge with or into or wind up into (whether or not such Person is the surviving corporation), and VNU HF may not sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in one or more related transactions, to any Person unless:

(1) such Issuer or VNU HF, as applicable, is the surviving corporation or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than such Issuer or VNU HF, as applicable) or the Person to whom such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been made is organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof (such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “Successor Company”);

(2) the Successor Company, if other than such Issuer or VNU HF, as applicable, expressly assumes all the obligations of such Issuer under the Notes or VNU HF under its Guarantee, as applicable, pursuant to supplemental indentures or other documents or instruments in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee;

(3) immediately after such transaction, no Default exists;

(4) immediately after giving pro forma effect to such transaction and any related financing transactions, as if such transactions had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period,

 

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(a) the Successor Company would be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Consolidated Leverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of the covenant described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock,” or

(b) the Consolidated Leverage Ratio would be less than such Ratio immediately prior to such transaction;

(5) each Guarantor, unless it is the other party to the transactions described above, in which case clause (1)(b) of the second succeeding paragraph shall apply, shall have by supplemental indenture confirmed that its Guarantee shall apply to such Person’s obligations under the Indenture, the Notes and the Registration Rights Agreement; and

(6) the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indentures, if any, comply with the Indenture.

The Successor Company will succeed to, and be substituted for such Issuer or VNU HF, as applicable, as the case may be, under the Indenture, the Guarantees and the Notes, as applicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing clauses (3) and (4),

(1) any Covenant Party or Restricted Subsidiary may consolidate with or merge into or transfer all or part of its properties and assets to an Issuer or Restricted Guarantor; and

(2) an Issuer may merge with an Affiliate of such Issuer, as the case may be, solely for the purpose of reorganizing such Issuer in a State of the United States so long as the amount of Indebtedness of the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries is not increased thereby.

Subject to certain limitations described in the Indenture governing release of a Guarantee upon the sale, disposition or transfer of a guarantor, no Restricted Guarantor will, and the Covenant Parties will not permit any Restricted Guarantor to, consolidate or merge with or into or wind up into (whether or not an Issuer or Restricted Guarantor is the surviving corporation), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets, in one or more related transactions, to any Person unless:

(1)(a) such Restricted Guarantor is the surviving corporation or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than such Restricted Guarantor) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been made is a corporation organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of such Restricted Guarantor, as the case may be, or the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof (such Restricted Guarantor or such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “Successor Person”);

(b) the Successor Person, if other than such Restricted Guarantor, expressly assumes all the obligations of such Restricted Guarantor under the Indenture and such Restricted Guarantor’s related Guarantee pursuant to supplemental indentures or other documents or instruments in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee;

(c) immediately after such transaction, no Default exists; and

(d) the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indentures, if any, comply with the Indenture; or

(2) in the case of any Restricted Guarantor other than VNU HF, the transaction does not violate the covenant described under “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales.”

In the case of clause (1) above, the Successor Person will succeed to, and be substituted for, such Restricted Guarantor under the Indenture and such Restricted Guarantor’s Guarantee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Restricted Guarantor may merge into or transfer all or part of its properties and assets to another Restricted Guarantor or an Issuer.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, solely for purposes of this covenant, the sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposal of ACN and its Subsidiaries that are Restricted Subsidiaries shall not constitute a sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposal of all or substantially all of the assets of the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, so long as, at the time of such transaction, (a) the EBITDA of ACN and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for the four most recently ended fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available represented less than 45% of the EBITDA of the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for the same four-quarter period and (b) the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries would be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Consolidated Leverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of the covenant described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock.”

Transactions with Affiliates

The Covenant Parties will not, and will not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of the Issuers (each of the foregoing, an “Affiliate Transaction”) involving aggregate payments or consideration in excess of $20 million, unless:

(1) such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are not materially less favorable to the relevant Covenant Party or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by such Covenant Party or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person on an arm’s-length basis; and

(2) the Issuers deliver to the Trustee with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate payments or consideration in excess of $50 million, a resolution adopted by the majority of the board of directors of the Issuers approving such Affiliate Transaction and set forth in an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (1) above.

The foregoing provisions will not apply to the following:

(1) transactions between or among the Covenant Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries;

(2) Restricted Payments permitted by the provisions of the Indenture described above under the covenant “—Limitation on Restricted Payments” and Permitted Investments;

(3) the payment of management, consulting, monitoring, transaction, advisory and termination fees and related expenses to Valcon Acquisition, B.V., in each case pursuant to the Sponsor Management Agreements;

(4) the payment of reasonable and customary fees paid to, and indemnities provided on behalf of, Officers, directors, employees or consultants of Covenant Parties, any of their direct or indirect parent companies or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries;

(5) transactions in which any of the Covenant Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, delivers to the Trustee a letter from an Independent Financial Advisor stating that such transaction is fair to such Covenant Party or such Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view or stating that the terms are not materially less favorable to such Covenant Party or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by such Covenant Party or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person on an arm’s-length basis;

(6) any agreement as in effect as of August 9, 2006 or any amendment thereto (so long as any such amendment is not disadvantageous to the Holders when taken as a whole as compared to the applicable agreement as in effect on August 9, 2006);

(7) the existence of, or the performance by the Covenant Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries of its obligations under the terms of, any stockholders agreement (including any registration rights agreement

 

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or purchase agreement related thereto) to which it is a party as of August 9, 2006 and any similar agreements which it may enter into thereafter; provided, however, that the existence of, or the performance by the Covenant Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries of obligations under any future amendment to any such existing agreement or under any similar agreement entered into after August 9, 2006 shall only be permitted by this clause (7) to the extent that the terms of any such amendment or new agreement are not otherwise disadvantageous to the Holders when taken as a whole;

(8) the Transactions and the payment of all fees and expenses related to the Transactions, in each case as disclosed in the original offering memorandum;

(9) transactions with customers, clients, suppliers, or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course of business and otherwise in compliance with the terms of the Indenture which are fair to the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries, in the reasonable determination of the board of directors of the Issuers or the senior management thereof, or are on terms at least as favorable as might reasonably have been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated party;

(10) the issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of VNU HF to its direct or indirect parent or to any Permitted Holder or the contribution to the common equity of any Covenant Party or Restricted Subsidiary;

(11) sales of accounts receivable, or participations therein, in connection with any Receivables Facility;

(12) payments by a Covenant Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to any of the Investors made for any financial advisory, financing, underwriting or placement services or in respect of other investment banking activities, including, without limitation, in connection with acquisitions or divestitures which payments are approved by a majority of the board of directors of the Issuers in good faith;

(13) payments or loans (or cancellation of loans) to employees or consultants of the Covenant Parties, any of their direct or indirect parent companies or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries and employment agreements, stock option plans and other similar arrangements with such employees or consultants which, in each case, are approved by the Issuers in good faith; and

(14) Investments by the Investors, a Foreign Parent or any direct or indirect parent of a Foreign Parent in securities of the Covenant Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries so long as (i) the investment is being offered generally to other investors on the same or more favorable terms and (ii) the investment constitutes less than 5% of the proposed or outstanding issue amount of such class of securities.

Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries

The Covenant Parties will not, and will not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or consensual restriction on the ability of any such Restricted Subsidiary to:

(1)(a) pay dividends or make any other distributions to the Covenant Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries on its Capital Stock or with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits, or

(b) pay any Indebtedness owed to the Covenant Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries;

(2) make loans or advances to the Covenant Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries; or

(3) sell, lease or transfer any of its properties or assets to the Covenant Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries,

except (in each case) for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:

(a) contractual encumbrances or restrictions in effect on August 9, 2006 including pursuant to the Senior Credit Facilities in effect on such date and the related documentation and the Senior Subordinated Discount Notes and the related indenture;

 

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(b) the Indenture and the Notes;

(c) purchase money obligations for property acquired in the ordinary course of business that impose restrictions of the nature discussed in clause (3) above on the property so acquired;

(d) applicable law or any applicable rule, regulation or order;

(e) any agreement or other instrument of a Person acquired by any of the Covenant Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in existence at the time of such acquisition (but not created in contemplation thereof), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person and its Subsidiaries, or the property or assets of the Person and its Subsidiaries, so acquired;

(f) contracts for the sale of assets, including customary restrictions with respect to a Subsidiary of (i) a Covenant Party or (ii) a Restricted Subsidiary, pursuant to an agreement that has been entered into for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Capital Stock or assets of such Subsidiary that impose restrictions on the assets to be sold;

(g) Secured Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be incurred pursuant to the covenants described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” and “—Liens” that limit the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets securing such Indebtedness;

(h) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(i) other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of Foreign Subsidiaries permitted to be incurred subsequent to August 9, 2006 pursuant to the provisions of the covenant described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”;

(j) customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements relating solely to such joint venture;

(k) customary provisions contained in leases or licenses of intellectual property and other agreements, in each case, entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(l) any encumbrances or restrictions of the type referred to in clauses (1), (2) and (3) above imposed by any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of the contracts, instruments or obligations referred to in clauses (a) through (k) above; provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings are, in the good faith judgment of the Issuers, no more restrictive with respect to such encumbrance and other restrictions taken as a whole than those prior to such amendment, modification, restatement, renewal, increase, supplement, refunding, replacement or refinancing; and

(m) restrictions created in connection with any Receivables Facility that, in the good faith determination of the Issuers are necessary or advisable to effect such Receivables Facility.

Limitation on Guarantees of Indebtedness by Restricted Subsidiaries

The Covenant Parties will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of a Covenant Party (and non-Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries if such non-Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries guarantee other capital markets debt securities), other than a Guarantor or a Foreign Subsidiary of a Domestic Subsidiary, to guarantee the payment of any Indebtedness of the Issuers or any other Guarantor unless:

(1) such Restricted Subsidiary within 30 days executes and delivers a supplemental indenture to the Indenture providing for a Guarantee by such Restricted Subsidiary, except that with respect to a guarantee of Indebtedness of the Issuers or any Guarantor:

 

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(a) if the Notes or such Guarantor’s Guarantee are subordinated in right of payment to such Indebtedness, the Guarantee under the supplemental indenture shall be subordinated to such Restricted Subsidiary’s guarantee with respect to such Indebtedness substantially to the same extent as the Notes are subordinated to such Indebtedness; and

(b) if such Indebtedness is by its express terms subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or such Guarantor’s Guarantee, any such guarantee by such Restricted Subsidiary with respect to such Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment to such Guarantee substantially to the same extent as such Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes or such Guarantor’s Guarantee; and

(2) such Restricted Subsidiary shall within 30 days deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee;

provided that this covenant shall not be applicable to any guarantee of any Restricted Subsidiary that existed at the time such Person became a Restricted Subsidiary and was not incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary.

Reports and Other Information

Notwithstanding that the Covenant Parties may not be subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or otherwise report on an annual and quarterly basis on forms provided for such annual and quarterly reporting pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, the Indenture will require VNU HF to file with the SEC (and make available to the Trustee and Holders of the Notes (without exhibits), without cost to any Holder, within 15 days after it files them with the SEC) from and after the Issue Date,

(1) within the time period then in effect under the rules and regulations of the Exchange Act with respect to the filing of a Form 10-K by a non-accelerated filer, annual reports on Form 10-K, or any successor or comparable form, containing the information required to be contained therein, or required in such successor or comparable form;

(2) within the time period then in effect under the rules and regulations of the Exchange Act with respect to the filing of a Form 10-Q by a non-accelerated filer, for each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year, reports on Form 10-Q containing all quarterly information that would be required to be contained in Form 10-Q, or any successor or comparable form;

(3) promptly from time to time after the occurrence of an event required to be therein reported, such other reports on Form 8-K, or any successor or comparable form; and

(4) any other information, documents and other reports which the Issuers would be required to file with the SEC if it were subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act;

in each case, in a manner that complies in all material respects with the requirements specified in such form; provided that VNU HF shall not be so obligated to file such reports with the SEC if the SEC does not permit such filing, in which event VNU HF will make available such information to prospective purchasers of Notes, in addition to providing such information to the Trustee and the Holders of the Note, in each case within 15 days after the time the Issuers would be required to file such information with the SEC, if it were subject to Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act; provided, further, that, with respect to (i) the quarter ended June 30, 2006 and (ii) the quarter with respect to which the Issuers notify the Trustee in writing that Parent intends to switch the currency in which its financial statements are reported, VNU HF shall not be required to make available such information to prospective purchasers of Notes or provide such information to the Trustee and the Holders of the Notes until 90 days after the end of such quarter. In addition, to the extent not satisfied by the foregoing, the Covenant Parties have agreed that, for so long as any Notes are outstanding, they will furnish to Holders and to securities analysts and prospective investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Covenant Parties shall not be required to furnish any information, certificates or reports required by Items 307 or 308 of Regulation S-K prior to the effectiveness of the exchange offer registration statement or shelf registration statement.

If any direct or indirect parent company of VNU HF is a Guarantor of the Notes, the Indenture will permit the Covenant Parties to satisfy their obligations in this covenant with respect to financial information relating to the Covenant Parties by furnishing financial information relating to such parent; provided that the same is accompanied by consolidating information that explains in reasonable detail the differences between the information relating to such parent, on the one hand, and the information relating to the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a standalone basis, on the other hand.

Events of Default and Remedies

The Indenture provides that each of the following is an Event of Default:

(1) default in payment when due and payable, upon redemption, acceleration or otherwise, of principal of, or premium, if any, on the Notes;

(2) default for 30 days or more in the payment when due of interest or Additional Interest on or with respect to the Notes;

(3) failure by the Issuers or any Guarantor for 60 days after receipt of written notice given by the Trustee or the Holders of not less 30% in principal amount of the Notes to comply with any of its obligations, covenants or agreements (other than a default referred to in clauses (1) and (2) above) contained in the Indenture or the Notes;

(4) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there is issued or by which there is secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by any Covenant Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries or the payment of which is guaranteed by any Covenant Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, other than Indebtedness owed to a Covenant Parties or a Restricted Subsidiary, whether such Indebtedness or guarantee now exists or is created after the issuance of the Notes, if both:

(a) such default either results from the failure to pay any principal of such Indebtedness at its stated final maturity (after giving effect to any applicable grace periods) or relates to an obligation other than the obligation to pay principal of any such Indebtedness at its stated final maturity and results in the holder or holders of such Indebtedness causing such Indebtedness to become due prior to its stated maturity; and

(b) the principal amount of such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness in default for failure to pay principal at stated final maturity (after giving effect to any applicable grace periods), or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregate $100 million or more at any one time outstanding;

(5) failure by a Covenant Party or any Significant Party to pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $100 million, which final judgments remain unpaid, undischarged and unstayed for a period of more than 60 days after such judgment becomes final, and in the event such judgment is covered by insurance, an enforcement proceeding have been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or decree which is not promptly stayed;

(6) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Issuers or any Significant Party; or

(7) the Guarantee of any Significant Party shall for any reason cease to be in full force and effect or be declared null and void or any responsible officer of any Guarantor that is a Significant Party, as the case may be, denies that it has any further liability under its Guarantee or gives notice to such effect, other than by reason of the termination of the Indenture or the release of any such Guarantee in accordance with the Indenture.

 

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If any Event of Default (other than of a type specified in clause (6) above) occurs and is continuing under the Indenture, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 30% in principal amount of the then total outstanding Notes may declare the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other monetary obligations on all the then outstanding Notes to be due and payable immediately; provided, however, that so long as any Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under the Indenture as part of the Senior Credit Facilities shall be outstanding, no such acceleration shall be effective until the earlier of:

(1) acceleration of any such Indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facilities; or

(2) five Business Days after the giving of written notice of such acceleration to the Issuers and the administrative agent under the Senior Credit Facilities.

Upon the effectiveness of such declaration, such principal and interest will be due and payable immediately. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of Default arising under clause (6) of the first paragraph of this section, all outstanding Notes will become due and payable without further action or notice. The Indenture will provide that the Trustee may withhold from the Holders notice of any continuing Default, except a Default relating to the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest. In addition, the Trustee shall have no obligation to accelerate the Notes if in the best judgment of the Trustee acceleration is not in the best interest of the Holders of the Notes.

The Indenture will provide that the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive any existing Default and its consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default in the payment of interest on, premium, if any, or the principal of any Note held by a non-consenting Holder. In the event of any Event of Default specified in clause (4) above, such Event of Default and all consequences thereof (excluding any resulting payment default, other than as a result of acceleration of the Notes) shall be annulled, waived and rescinded, automatically and without any action by the Trustee or the Holders, if within 20 days after such, Event of Default arose:

(1) the Indebtedness or guarantee that is the basis for such Event of Default has been discharged; or

(2) holders thereof have rescinded or waived the acceleration, notice or action (as the case may be) giving rise to such Event of Default; or

(3) the default that is the basis for such Event of Default has been cured.

Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the Trustee thereunder, in case an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders of the Notes unless the Holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity or security against any loss, liability or expense. Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal, premium (if any) or interest when due, no Holder of a Note may pursue any remedy with respect to the Indenture or the Notes unless:

(1) such Holder has previously given the Trustee notice that an Event of Default is continuing;

(2) Holders of at least 30% in principal amount of the total outstanding Notes have requested the Trustee to pursue the remedy;

(3) Holders of the Notes have offered the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against any loss, liability or expense;

(4) the Trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the receipt thereof and the offer of security or indemnity; and

(5) Holders of a majority in principal amount at maturity of the total outstanding Notes have not given the Trustee a direction inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period.

 

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Subject to certain restrictions, under the Indenture the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the total outstanding Notes are given the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee. The Trustee, however, may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or the Indenture or that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other Holder of a Note or that would involve the Trustee in personal liability.

The Indenture will provide that the Issuers are required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the Indenture, and the Issuers are required, within five Business Days after becoming aware of any Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default.

No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders

No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Issuers or any Guarantor or any of their parent companies shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuers or the Guarantors under the Notes, the Guarantees or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting Notes waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.

Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

The obligations of the Issuers and the Guarantors under the Indenture will terminate (other than certain obligations) and will be released upon payment in full of all of the Notes. The Issuers may, at their option and at any time, elect to have all of their obligations discharged with respect to the Notes and have the Issuers’ and each Guarantor’s Obligation discharged with respect to its Guarantee (“Legal Defeasance”) and cure all then existing Events of Default except for:

(1) the rights of Holders of Notes to receive payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes when such payments are due solely out of the trust created pursuant to the Indenture;

(2) the Issuers’ obligations with respect to Notes concerning issuing temporary Notes, registration of such Notes, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes and the maintenance of an office or agency for payment and money for security payments held in trust;

(3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee, and the Issuers’ obligations in connection therewith; and

(4) the Legal Defeasance provisions of the Indenture.

In addition, the Issuers may, at their option and at any time, elect to have their obligations and those of each Guarantor released with respect to substantially all of the restrictive covenants in the Indenture (“Covenant Defeasance”) and thereafter any omission to comply with such obligations shall not constitute a Default with respect to the Notes. In the event Covenant Defeasance occurs, certain events (not including bankruptcy, receivership, rehabilitation and insolvency events pertaining to the Issuers) described under “Events of Default and remedies” will no longer constitute an Event of Default with respect to the Notes.

In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance with respect to the Notes:

(1) the Issuers must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes cash in U.S. dollars, Government Securities, or a combination thereof in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal amount of, premium, if any, and interest due on the Notes on the stated maturity date or on the redemption date, as the case may be, of such principal amount, premium, if any, or interest on such Notes and the Issuers must specify whether such Notes are being defeased to maturity or to a particular redemption date;

 

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(2) in the case of Legal Defeasance, the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that, subject to customary assumptions and exclusions,

(a) the Issuers have received from, or there has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or

(b) since the issuance of the Notes, there has been a change in the applicable U.S. federal income tax law,

in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, subject to customary assumptions and exclusions, the Holders of the Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as applicable, as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;

(3) in the case of Covenant Defeasance, the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that, subject to customary assumptions and exclusions, the Holders of the Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to such tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;

(4) no Default (other than that resulting from borrowing funds to be applied to make such deposit and the granting of Liens in connection therewith) shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit;

(5) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under the Senior Credit Facilities, the Existing Senior Notes, the Senior Subordinated Notes or the indentures pursuant to which the Existing Senior Notes or Senior Subordinated Notes were issued or any other material agreement or instrument (other than the Indenture) to which, the Issuers or any Restricted Guarantor is a party or by which the Issuers or any Restricted Guarantor is bound;

(6) the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion and subject to customary assumptions and exclusions following the deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of Section 547 of Title 11 of the United States Code;

(7) the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Issuers with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding any creditors of an Issuer or any Restricted Guarantor or others; and

(8) the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel (which Opinion of Counsel may be subject to customary assumptions and exclusions) each stating that all conditions precedent provided for or relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance, as the case may be, have been complied with.

Satisfaction and Discharge

The Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect as to all Notes, when either:

(1) all Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered, except lost, stolen or destroyed Notes which have been replaced or paid and Notes for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust, have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

(2)(a) all Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation have become due and payable by reason of the making of a notice of redemption or otherwise, will become due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption and redeemed within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the

 

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Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuers, and an Issuer or any Guarantor have irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust solely for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes cash in U.S. dollars, Government Securities, or a combination thereof in such amounts as will be sufficient without consideration of any reinvestment of interest to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation for principal, premium, if any, and accrued interest to the date of maturity or redemption;

(b) no Default (other than that resulting from borrowing funds to be applied to make such deposit) with respect to the Indenture or the Notes shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or shall occur as a result of such deposit and such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under the Senior Credit Facilities, the indentures governing the Existing Senior Notes or Senior Subordinated Notes or any other material agreement or instrument governing Indebtedness (other than the Indenture) to which an Issuer or any Guarantor is a party or by which an Issuer or any Guarantor is bound;

(c) the Issuers have paid or caused to be paid all sums payable by it under the Indenture; and

(d) the Issuers have delivered irrevocable instructions to the Trustee to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the Notes at maturity or the redemption date, as the case may be.

In addition, the Issuers must deliver an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the Trustee stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge have been satisfied.

Amendment, Supplement and Waiver

Except as provided in the next two succeeding paragraphs, the Indenture, any Guarantee and the Notes may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for Notes, and any existing Default or compliance with any provision of the Indenture or the Notes issued thereunder may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes, other than Notes beneficially owned by an Issuer or its Affiliates (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of or tender offer or exchange offer for the Notes).

The Indenture will provide that, without the consent of each affected Holder of Notes, an amendment or waiver may not, with respect to any Notes held by a non-consenting Holder:

(1) reduce the principal amount of such Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

(2) reduce the principal amount of or change the fixed final maturity of any such Note or alter or waive the provisions with respect to the redemption of such Notes (other than provisions relating to the covenants described above under the caption “Repurchase at the Option of Holders”);

(3) reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on any Note;

(4) waive a Default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Notes, except a rescission of acceleration of the Notes by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration, or in respect of a covenant or provision contained in the Indenture or any Guarantee which cannot be amended or modified without the consent of all Holders;

(5) make any Note payable in money other than that stated therein;

(6) make any change in the provisions of the Indenture relating to waivers of past Defaults or the rights of Holders to receive payments of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Notes;

 

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(7) make any change in these amendment and waiver provisions;

(8) impair the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of, or interest on such Holder’s Notes on or after the due dates therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such Holder’s Notes;

(9) make any change to the ranking of the Notes that would adversely affect the Holders; or

(10) except as expressly permitted by the Indenture, modify the Guarantees of any Significant Party in any manner adverse to the Holders of the Notes.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Issuers, any Guarantor (with respect to a Guarantee or the Indenture to which it is a party) and the Trustee may amend or supplement the Indenture and any Guarantee or Notes without the consent of any Holder;

(1) to cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect or inconsistency;

(2) to provide for uncertificated Notes of such series in addition to or in place of certificated Notes;

(3) to comply with the covenant relating to mergers, consolidations and sales of assets;

(4) to provide the assumption of an Issuer’s or any Guarantor’s obligations to the Holders;

(5) to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the Indenture of any such Holder;

(6) to add covenants for the benefit of the Holders or to surrender any right or power conferred upon an Issuer or any Guarantor;

(7) to comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;

(8) to evidence and provide for the acceptance and appointment under the Indenture of a successor Trustee thereunder pursuant to the requirements thereof;

(9) to provide for the issuance of exchange notes or private exchange notes, which are identical to exchange notes except that they are not freely transferable;

(10) to add a Guarantor under the Indenture;

(11) to conform the text of the Indenture, Guarantees or the Notes to any provision of the section “Description of Notes” in the offering memorandum dated September 30, 2010 relating to the Notes to the extent that such provision was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of the Indenture, Guarantee or Notes; or

(12) making any amendment to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of Notes as permitted by the Indenture, including, without limitation to facilitate the issuance and administration of the Notes; provided, however, that (i) compliance with the Indenture as so amended would not result in Notes being transferred in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable securities law and (ii) such amendment does not materially and adversely affect the rights of Holders to transfer Notes.

The consent of the Holders is not necessary under the Indenture to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment. It is sufficient if such consent approves the substance of the proposed amendment.

Notices

Notices given by publication will be deemed given on the first date on which publication is made and notices given by first-class mail, postage prepaid, will be deemed given five calendar days after mailing.

 

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Concerning the Trustee

The Indenture contains certain limitations on the rights of the Trustee thereunder, should it become a creditor of an Issuer, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The Trustee will be permitted to engage in other transactions; however, if it acquires any conflicting interest it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the SEC for permission to continue or resign.

The Indenture provides that the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee, subject to certain exceptions. The Indenture provides that in case an Event of Default shall occur (which shall not be cured), the Trustee will be required, in the exercise of its power, to use the degree of care of a prudent person in the conduct of his own affairs. Subject to such provisions, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request of any Holder of the Notes, unless such Holder shall have offered to the Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.

Consent to Jurisdiction and Service

In relation to any legal action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with the Indenture and the notes, each of the Guarantors that is not a U.S. Person in the Indenture irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the federal and state courts in the Borough of Manhattan in the City of New York, County and State of New York, United States of America.

Governing Law

The Indenture, the Notes and any Guarantee are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

Certain Definitions

Set forth below are certain defined terms used in the Indenture. For purposes of the Indenture, unless otherwise specifically indicated, the term “consolidated” with respect to any Person refers to such Person consolidated with the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries, and excludes from such consolidation any Unrestricted Subsidiary as if such Unrestricted Subsidiary were not an Affiliate of such Person.

11 1/2% Senior Notes” means the Issuers’ 11 1/2% Senior Notes due May 1, 2016 issued May 1, 2009.

11 1/2% Senior Notes Indenture” means the indenture dated as of May 1, 2009 governing the 11 1/2% Senior Notes.

11 5/8% Senior Notes” means the Issuers’ 11 5/8% Senior Notes due 2014 issued January 27, 2009.

11 5/8% Senior Notes Indenture” means the indenture dated as of January 27, 2009 governing the 11 5/8% Senior Notes.

ACN” means ACN Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

Acquired Indebtedness” means, with respect to any specified Person,

(1) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is merged with or into or became a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person, including Indebtedness incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person merging with or into or becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person, and

 

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(2) Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person.

Additional Interest” means all additional interest then owing pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.

Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise.

Applicable Premium” means, with respect to any Note on any Redemption Date, the greater of:

(a) 1.0% of the principal amount of such Note on such Redemption Date; and

(b) the excess, if any, of (i) the present value at such Redemption Date of (A) the redemption price of such Note at October 15, 2014 (such redemption price being set forth in the table above under the caption “Optional Redemption”), plus (B) all required interest payments due on such Note through October 15, 2014 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the Redemption Date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of such Redemption Date plus 50 basis points; over (ii) the principal amount of such Note.

Asset Sale” means:

(1) the sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition, whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, of property or assets (including by way of a Sale and Lease-Back Transaction) of a Covenant Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries (each referred to in this definition as a “disposition”); or

(2) the issuance or sale of Equity Interests of any Covenant Party or any Restricted Subsidiary, whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions;

in each case, other than:

(a) any disposition of Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities or obsolete or worn out equipment in the ordinary course of business or any disposition of inventory or goods (or other assets) held for sale in the ordinary course of business;

(b) the disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries in a manner permitted pursuant to the provisions described above under “Certain Covenants—Merger, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets” or any disposition that constitutes a Change of Control pursuant to the Indenture;

(c) the making of any Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment that is permitted to be made, and is made, under the covenant described above under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments”;

(d) any disposition of assets or issuance or sale of Equity Interests of any Covenant Party or Restricted Subsidiary in any transaction or series of transactions with an aggregate fair market value of less than $50 million;

(e) any disposition of property or assets or issuance of securities by a Restricted Subsidiary or a Covenant Party to another Covenant Party or by a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary to another Restricted Subsidiary;

(f) to the extent allowable under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, any exchange of like property (excluding any boot thereon) for use in a Similar Business;

 

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(g) the lease, assignment or sub-lease of any real or personal property in the ordinary course of business;

(h) any issuance or sale of Equity Interests in, or Indebtedness or other securities of, an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

(i) any issuance or sale of Equity Interests of VNU HF;

(j) foreclosures on assets;

(k) sales of accounts receivable, or participations therein, in connection with any Receivables Facility;

(l) any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of the Transactions Intercompany Obligations; and

(m) any financing transaction with respect to property built or acquired by a Covenant Party or any Restricted Subsidiary after August 9, 2006 including Sale and Lease-Back Transactions and asset securitizations permitted by the Indenture.

Asset Sale Prepayment Amount” means:

(1) at any time after the Issue Date and prior to the repayment, redemption, repurchase, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of at least $150 million of Indebtedness under Credit Facilities and $100 million aggregate principal amount of Notes with the Net Proceeds of Asset Sales, $0;

(2) at any time after the repayment, redemption, repurchase, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of at least $150 million (but less than $650 million) of Indebtedness under Credit Facilities and $100 million (but less than $200 million) aggregate principal amount of Notes with the Net Proceeds of Asset Sales, $50 million less the amount of Net Proceeds, if any, previously applied to the repayment, redemption, repurchase, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of Subordinated Indebtedness pursuant to this clause (2);

(3) at any time after the repayment, redemption, repurchase, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of at least $650 million of Indebtedness under Credit Facilities and $200 million aggregate principal amount of Notes with the Net Proceeds of Asset Sales, $100 million less, without duplication, the amount of Net Proceeds, if any, previously applied to the repayment, redemption, repurchase, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of Subordinated Indebtedness pursuant to clause (2) above and/or this clause (3).

Business Day” means each day which is not a Legal Holiday.

Capital Stock” means:

(1) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock;

(2) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock;

(3) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited); and

(4) any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person.

Capitalized Lease Obligation” means, at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at such time be required to be capitalized and reflected as a liability on a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) in accordance with GAAP.

 

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Capitalized Software Expenditures” means, for any period, the aggregate of all expenditures (whether paid in cash or accrued as liabilities) by a Person and its Subsidiaries that are Covenants Parties or Restricted Subsidiaries during such period in respect of purchased software or internally developed software and software enhancements that, in conformity with GAAP, are or are required to be reflected as capitalized costs on the consolidated balance sheet of such Person and such Subsidiaries.

Cash Equivalents” means:

(1) United States dollars;

(2)(a) euro, or any national currency of any participating member state of the EMU; or

 (b) in the case of any Covenant Party or Restricted Subsidiary, such local currencies held by them from time to time in the ordinary course of business;

(3) securities issued or directly and fully and unconditionally guaranteed or insured by the U.S. government, any member of the European Union or any agency or instrumentality thereof the securities of which are unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation of such government with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(4) certificates of deposit, time deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition, bankers’ acceptances with maturities not exceeding one year and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any commercial bank having capital and surplus of not less than $500 million in the case of U.S. banks and $100 million (or the U.S. dollar equivalent as of the date of determination) in the case of non-U.S. banks;

(5) repurchase obligations for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (3) and (4) entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (4) above;

(6) commercial paper rated at least P-1 by Moody’s or at least A-1 by S&P and in each case maturing within 24 months after the date of creation thereof;

(7) marketable short-term money market and similar securities having a rating of at least P-2 or A-2 from either Moody’s or S&P, respectively (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another Rating Agency) and in each case maturing within 24 months after the date of creation thereof;

(8) investment funds investing 95% of their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (1) through (7) above;

(9) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof having an Investment Grade Rating from either Moody’s or S&P with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(10) Indebtedness or Preferred Stock issued by Persons with a rating of “A” or higher from S&P or “A2” or higher from Moody’s with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition; and

(11) Investments with average maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition in money market funds rated AAA– (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P or Aaa3 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moody’s.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cash Equivalents shall include amounts denominated in currencies other than those set forth in clauses (1) and (2) above, provided that such amounts are converted into any currency listed in clauses (1) and (2) as promptly as practicable and in any event within ten Business Days following the receipt of such amounts.

 

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Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following:

(1) the sale, lease or transfer, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any Person other than a Permitted Holder; or

(2) the Issuers become aware of (by way of a report or any other filing pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, proxy, vote, written notice or otherwise) the acquisition by any Person or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provision), including any group acting for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act), other than the Permitted Holders, in a single transaction or in a related series of transactions, by way of merger, consolidation or other business combination or purchase of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, or any successor provision) of a majority or more of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of an Issuer.

Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense” means, with respect to any Person, for any period, the total amount of depreciation and amortization expense, including the amortization of deferred financing fees and Capitalized Software Expenditures and amortization of unrecognized prior service costs and actuarial gains and losses related to pensions and other post-employment benefits, of such Person and its Subsidiaries that are Covenant Parties or Restricted Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Indebtedness” means, as of any date of determination, the sum, without duplication, of (1) the total amount of Indebtedness of the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries, plus (2) the aggregate liquidation value of all Disqualified Stock of the Issuers and the Restricted Guarantors and all Preferred Stock of the Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors, in each case, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Interest Expense” means, with respect to any Person for any period, without duplication, the sum of:

(1) consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Subsidiaries that are Covenant Parties or Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent such expense was deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income (including (a) amortization of original issue discount resulting from the issuance of Indebtedness at less than par, (b) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit or bankers acceptances, (c) non-cash interest expense (but excluding any non-cash interest expense attributable to the movement in the mark to market valuation of Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments pursuant to GAAP), (d) the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations, and (e) net payments, if any, pursuant to interest rate Hedging Obligations with respect to Indebtedness, and excluding (w) any Additional Interest and any “additional interest” with respect to the Notes, (x) amortization of deferred financing fees, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses, (y) any expensing of bridge, commitment and other financing fees and (z) commissions, discounts, yield and other fees and charges (including any interest expense) related to any Receivables Facility); plus

(2) consolidated capitalized interest of such Person and such Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued; plus

(3) Restricted Payments made by such Person of the type permitted to be made by clause (15)(f) of the second paragraph of the provisions described above under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments”; less

(4) interest income of such Person and such Subsidiaries for such period.

For purposes of this definition, interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by the Issuers to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP.

 

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Consolidated Leverage Ratio” means, as of the date of determination, the ratio of (a) the Consolidated Indebtedness of the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries on such date less the amount of cash and Cash Equivalents in excess of any Restricted Cash that would be stated on the balance sheet of the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries and held by the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date of determination, as determined in accordance with GAAP, to (b) EBITDA of the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries for the most recently ended four fiscal quarters ending immediately prior to such date for which internal financial statements are available.

In the event that a Covenant Party or any Restricted Subsidiary (i) incurs, assumes, guarantees, redeems, retires or extinguishes any Indebtedness (other than, for purposes of calculating EBITDA only, Indebtedness incurred under any revolving credit facility unless such Indebtedness has been permanently repaid and has not been replaced) or (ii) issues or redeems Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Consolidated Leverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to or simultaneously with the event for which the calculation of the Consolidated Leverage Ratio is made (the “Consolidated Leverage Ratio Calculation Date”), then the Consolidated Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, assumption, guarantee, redemption, retirement or extinguishment of Indebtedness, or such issuance or redemption of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period.

For purposes of making the computation referred to above, Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, amalgamations, consolidations and discontinued operations (as determined in accordance with GAAP), in each case with respect to an operating unit of a business, and other operational changes that a Covenant Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries has determined to make and/or made during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to or simultaneously with the Consolidated Leverage Ratio Calculation Date shall be calculated on a pro forma basis in accordance with GAAP assuming that all such Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, amalgamations, consolidations, discontinued operations and other operational changes (and the change in any associated Fixed Charge obligations and the change in EBITDA resulting therefrom) had occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period. If since the beginning of such period any Person that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into a Covenant Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries since the beginning of such period shall have made any Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger, amalgamation, consolidation, discontinued operation or operational change, in each case with respect to an operating unit of a business, that would have required adjustment pursuant to this definition, then the Consolidated Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto for such period as if such Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger, consolidation, discontinued operation or operational change had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period.

For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to a transaction, the pro forma calculations shall be made in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of an Issuer. If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the Consolidated Leverage Ratio Calculation Date had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Hedging Obligations applicable to such Indebtedness). Interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by a responsible financial or accounting officer of an Issuer to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP. For purposes of making the computation referred to above, interest on any Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility computed on a pro forma basis shall be computed based upon the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during the applicable period except as set forth in the first paragraph of this definition. Interest on Indebtedness that may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rate, shall be deemed to have been based upon the rate actually chosen, or, if none, then based upon such optional rate chosen as the Issuers may designate. Any such pro forma calculation may include adjustments appropriate, in the reasonable determination of the Issuers as set forth in an Officer’s Certificate, to reflect (1) operating expense reductions and other operating improvements or synergies reasonably expected to result from any acquisition,

 

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amalgamation, merger or operational change (including, to the extent applicable, from the Transactions) and (2) all adjustments of the nature used in connection with the calculation of “Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA” as set forth in footnote 8 to the “Summary Historical and Pro Forma Financial Information” under “Offering Memorandum Summary” in the original offering memorandum to the extent such adjustments, without duplication, continue to be applicable to such four-quarter period. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the aggregate amount of projected operating expense reductions, operating improvements and synergies included in any such pro forma calculation shall not exceed $125 million for any four consecutive quarter period (which adjustments may be incremental to pro forma adjustments made pursuant to the immediately preceding paragraph).

For the purposes of this definition, any amount in a currency other than U.S. dollars will be converted to U.S. dollars based on the average exchange rate for such currency for the most recent twelve month period immediately prior to the date of determination determined in a manner consistent with that used in calculating EBITDA for the applicable period.

Consolidated Net Income” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Subsidiaries that are Covenant Parties or Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP; provided, however, that, without duplication,

(1) any after-tax effect of extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) or expenses (including relating to the Transactions), duplicative running costs associated with the European Data Factory, severance, relocation costs and curtailments or modifications to pension and post-retirement employee benefit plans shall be excluded,

(2) the Net Income for such period shall not include the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles during such period, including changes from international financial reporting standards to United States financial reporting standards,

(3) any after-tax effect of income (loss) from disposed or discontinued operations and any net after-tax gains or losses on disposal of disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations shall be excluded,

(4) any after-tax effect of gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) attributable to asset dispositions other than in the ordinary course of business, as determined in good faith by the Issuers, shall be excluded,

(5) the Net Income for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary, or is an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting, shall be excluded; provided that Consolidated Net Income of such Person shall be increased by the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments that are actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) to such Person or a Subsidiary thereof that is a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary in respect of such period,

(6) solely for the purpose of determining the amount available for Restricted Payments under clause (3)(a) of the first paragraph of “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments,” the Net Income for such period of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than any Guarantor) shall be excluded if the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of its Net Income is not at the date of determination wholly permitted without any prior governmental approval (which has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by the operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule, or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders, unless such restriction with respect to the payment of dividends or similar distributions has been legally waived, provided that Consolidated Net Income of the Covenant Parties will be increased by the amount of dividends or other distributions or other payments actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) to a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period, to the extent not already included therein,

 

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(7) effects of purchase accounting adjustments (including the effects of such adjustments pushed down to such Person and such Subsidiaries) in component amounts required or permitted by GAAP, resulting from the application of purchase accounting in relation to the Transactions or any consummated acquisition or the amortization or write-off of any amounts thereof, net of taxes, shall be excluded,

(8) any after-tax effect of income (loss) from the early extinguishment of Indebtedness or Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments shall be excluded,

(9) any impairment charge or asset write-off, in each case, pursuant to GAAP and the amortization of intangibles arising pursuant to GAAP shall be excluded,

(10) any non-cash compensation expense recorded from grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock or other rights shall be excluded,

(11) any fees and expenses incurred during such period, or any amortization thereof for such period, in connection with the Transactions and any acquisition, Investment, Asset Sale, issuance or repayment of Indebtedness, issuance of Equity Interests, refinancing transaction or amendment or modification of any debt instrument (in each case, including any such transaction consummated prior to August 9, 2006 and any such transaction undertaken but not completed) and any charges or non-recurring merger costs incurred during such period as a result of any such transaction shall be excluded, and

(12) accruals and reserves that are established within twelve months after August 9, 2006 that are so required to be established as a result of the Transactions in accordance with GAAP shall be excluded.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the purpose of the covenant described under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments” only (other than clause (3)(d) thereof), there shall be excluded from Consolidated Net Income any income arising from any sale or other disposition of Restricted Investments made by the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries, any repurchases and redemptions of Restricted Investments from the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries, any repayments of loans and advances which constitute Restricted Investments by any of the Covenant Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, any sale of the stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any distribution or dividend from an Unrestricted Subsidiary, in each case only to the extent such amounts increase the amount of Restricted Payments permitted under such covenant pursuant to clause (3)(d) thereof.

Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio” means, as of the date of determination, the ratio of (a) the Consolidated Indebtedness of the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries on such date that is secured by Liens less the amount of cash and Cash Equivalents in excess of any Restricted Cash that would be stated on the balance sheet of the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries and held by the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date of determination, as determined in accordance with GAAP, to (b) EBITDA of the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries for the most recently ended four fiscal quarters ending immediately prior to such date for which internal financial statements are available.

In the event that a Covenant Party or any Restricted Subsidiary (i) incurs, assumes, guarantees, redeems, retires or extinguishes any Indebtedness (other than, for purposes of calculating EBITDA only, Indebtedness incurred under any revolving credit facility unless such Indebtedness has been permanently repaid and has not been replaced) or (ii) issues or redeems Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio is being calculated but prior to or simultaneously with the event for which the calculation of the Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio is made (the “Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio Calculation Date”), then the Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, assumption, guarantee, redemption, retirement or extinguishment of Indebtedness, or such issuance or redemption of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period.

For purposes of making the computation referred to above, Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, amalgamations, consolidations and discontinued operations (as determined in accordance with GAAP), in each

 

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case with respect to an operating unit of a business, and other operational changes that a Covenant Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries has determined to make and/or made during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to or simultaneously with the Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio Calculation Date shall be calculated on a pro forma basis in accordance with GAAP assuming that all such Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, amalgamations, consolidations, discontinued operations and other operational changes (and the change in any associated Fixed Charge obligations and the change in EBITDA resulting therefrom) had occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period. If since the beginning of such period any Person that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into a Covenant Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries since the beginning of such period shall have made any Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger, amalgamation, consolidation, discontinued operation or operational change, in each case with respect to an operating unit of a business, that would have required adjustment pursuant to this definition, then the Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto for such period as if such Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger, consolidation, discontinued operation or operational change had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period.

For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to a transaction, the pro forma calculations shall be made in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of an Issuer. If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio Calculation Date had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Hedging Obligations applicable to such Indebtedness). Interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by a responsible financial or accounting officer of an Issuer to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP. For purposes of making the computation referred to above, interest on any Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility computed on a pro forma basis shall be computed based upon the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during the applicable period except as set forth in the first paragraph of this definition. Interest on Indebtedness that may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rate, shall be deemed to have been based upon the rate actually chosen, or, if none, then based upon such optional rate chosen as the Issuers may designate. Any such pro forma calculation may include adjustments appropriate, in the reasonable determination of the Issuers as set forth in an Officer’s Certificate, to reflect (1) operating expense reductions and other operating improvements or synergies reasonably expected to result from any acquisition, amalgamation, merger or operational change (including, to the extent applicable, from the Transactions); and (2) all adjustments of the nature used in connection with the calculation of “Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA” as set forth in footnote 8 to the “Summary Historical and Pro Forma Financial Information” under “Offering Memorandum Summary” in the original offering memorandum to the extent such adjustments, without duplication, continue to be applicable to such four-quarter period. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the aggregate amount of projected operating expense reductions, operating improvements and synergies included in any such pro forma calculation shall not exceed $125 million for any four consecutive quarter period (which adjustments may be incremental to pro forma adjustments made pursuant to the immediately preceding paragraph).

For the purposes of this definition, any amount in a currency other than U.S. dollars will be converted to U.S. dollars based on the average exchange rate for such currency for the most recent twelve month period immediately prior to the date of determination determined in a manner consistent with that used in calculating EBITDA for the applicable period.

Contingent Obligations” means, with respect to any Person, any obligation of such Person guaranteeing any leases, dividends or other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness (“primary obligations”) of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, any obligation of such Person, whether or not contingent,

(1) to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor,

 

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(2) to advance or supply funds

(a) for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation, or

(b) to maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of the primary obligor, or

(3) to purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof.

Covenant Parties” means each of VNU HF, VNU International, B.V., and the Issuers.

Credit Facilities” means, with respect to a Covenant Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, one or more debt facilities, including the Senior Credit Facilities, or other financing arrangements (including, without limitation, commercial paper facilities or indentures) providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, letters of credit or other long-term indebtedness, including any notes, mortgages, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and any amendments, supplements, modifications, extensions, renewals, restatements or refundings thereof and any indentures or credit facilities or commercial paper facilities that replace, refund or refinance any part of the loans, notes, other credit facilities or commitments thereunder, including any such replacement, refunding or refinancing facility or indenture that increases the amount permitted to be borrowed thereunder or alters the maturity thereof (provided that such increase in borrowings is permitted under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”) or adds Restricted Subsidiaries as additional borrowers or guarantors thereunder and whether by the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders.

Default” means any event that is, or with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would be, an Event of Default.

Designated Non-cash Consideration” means the fair market value of non-cash consideration received by a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with an Asset Sale that is so designated as Designated Non-cash Consideration pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate, setting forth the basis of such valuation, executed by the principal financial officer of an Issuer, less the amount of cash or Cash Equivalents received in connection with a subsequent sale of or collection on such Designated Non-cash Consideration.

Designated Preferred Stock” means Preferred Stock of a Covenant Party, a Restricted Subsidiary or any direct or indirect parent corporation thereof (in each case other than Disqualified Stock) that is issued for cash (other than to a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary or an employee stock ownership plan or trust established by a Covenant Party or any their respective Subsidiaries) and is so designated as Designated Preferred Stock, pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate executed by the principal financial officer of the Issuers, on the issuance date thereof, the cash proceeds of which are excluded from the calculation set forth in clause (3) of the first paragraph of the “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments” covenant.

Disqualified Stock” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock of such Person which, by its terms, or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is putable or exchangeable, or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than solely as a result of a change of control or asset sale) pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than solely as a result of a change of control or asset sale), in whole or in part, in each case prior to the date 91 days after the earlier of the maturity date of the Notes or the date the Notes are no longer outstanding; provided, however, that if such Capital Stock is issued to any plan for the benefit of employees of the Covenant Parties or their respective Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Capital Stock shall not constitute Disqualified Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations.

 

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Domestic Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of a Covenant Party that is organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof.

EBITDA” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person and its Subsidiaries that are Covenant Parties or Restricted Subsidiaries for such period

(1) increased (without duplication) by:

(a) provision for taxes based on income or profits or capital, including, without limitation, state, franchise and similar taxes and foreign withholding taxes of such Person and such Subsidiaries paid or accrued during such period deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(b) Fixed Charges (other than clause (3) of the definition of Consolidated Interest Expense, except to the extent that such amount has been deducted in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income) of such Person and such Subsidiaries for such period (including (x) net losses on Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments entered into for the purpose of hedging interest rate risk and (y) costs of surety bonds in connection with financing activities, in each case, to the extent included in Fixed Charges) to the extent the same was deducted (and not added back) in calculating such Consolidated Net Income; plus

(c) Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense of such Person and such Subsidiaries for such period to the extent the same were deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(d) any expenses or charges (other than depreciation or amortization expense) related to any Equity Offering, Permitted Investment, acquisition, disposition, recapitalization or the incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by the Indenture (including a refinancing thereof) (whether or not successful), including (i) such fees, expenses or charges related to the offering of the Notes and the Senior Subordinated Discount Notes and the Credit Facilities, (ii) any amendment or other modification of the Notes, and, in each case, deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income, (iii) any Additional Interest and any “additional interest” with respect to the Senior Subordinated Discount Notes and (iv) commissions, discounts, yield and other fees and charges (including any interest expense) related to any Receivables Facility; plus

(e) the amount of any business optimization expense and restructuring charge or reserve deducted (and not added back) in such period in computing Consolidated Net Income, including any restructuring costs incurred in connection with acquisitions after August 9, 2006 costs related to the closure and/or consolidation of facilities, retention charges, systems establishment costs and excess pension charges; plus

(f) any other non-cash charges, including any write offs or write downs, reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period (provided that if any such non-cash charges represent an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future period shall be subtracted from EBITDA in such future period to the extent paid, but excluding from this proviso, for the avoidance of doubt, amortization of a prepaid cash item that was paid in a prior period); plus

(g) the amount of any minority interest expense consisting of Subsidiary income attributable to minority equity interests of third parties in any non-Wholly-Owned Subsidiary deducted (and not added back) in such period in calculating Consolidated Net Income; plus

(h) the amount of management, monitoring, consulting, transaction and advisory fees and related expenses paid in such period to the Investors to the extent otherwise permitted under “Certain Covenants—Transactions with Affiliates”; plus

(i) the amount of loss on sale of receivables and related assets to the Receivables Subsidiary in connection with a Receivables Facility; plus

 

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(j) any costs or expense incurred by such Person or any such Subsidiary pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement or any stock subscription or shareholder agreement, to the extent that such cost or expenses are funded with cash proceeds contributed to the capital of an Issuer or a Restricted Guarantor or net cash proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interest of an Issuer or Restricted Guarantor (other than Disqualified Stock) solely to the extent that such net cash proceeds are excluded from the calculation set forth in clause (3) of the first paragraph under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments”;

(2) decreased by (without duplication) (a) non-cash gains increasing Consolidated Net Income of such Person and such Subsidiaries for such period, excluding any non-cash gains to the extent they represent the reversal of an accrual or reserve for a potential cash item that reduced EBITDA in any prior period and (b) solely for the purpose of calculating EBITDA on a cumulative basis for purposes of clause (3)(a) of the first paragraph under the heading “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments” the amount of cost savings set forth in the adjustments used in connection with the calculation of “Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA” as set forth in footnote 8 to the “Summary Historical and Pro Forma Financial Information” under “Offering Memorandum Summary” in the original offering memorandum; and

(3) increased or decreased by (without duplication):

(a) any net gain or loss resulting in such period from Hedging Obligations and the application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 and International Accounting Standards No. 39 and their respective related pronouncements and interpretations; plus or minus, as applicable,

(b) any net gain or loss resulting in such period from currency translation gains or losses related to currency remeasurements of indebtedness (including any net loss or gain resulting from hedge agreements for currency exchange risk).

EMU” means economic and monetary union as contemplated in the Treaty on European Union.

Equity Interests” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock, but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock.

Equity Offering” means any public or private sale of common stock or Preferred Stock of VNU HF or of a direct or indirect parent of VNU HF (excluding Disqualified Stock), other than:

(1) public offerings with respect to any such Person’s common stock registered on Form S-8;

(2) issuances to a Covenant Party or any Subsidiary of a Covenant Party; and

(3) any such public or private sale that constitutes an Excluded Contribution.

euro” means the single currency of participating member states of the EMU.

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

Excluded Contribution” means net cash proceeds, marketable securities or Qualified Proceeds received by or contributed to a Covenant Party from,

(1) contributions to its common equity capital, and

(2) the sale (other than to a Covenant Party or a Subsidiary of a Covenant Party or to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement of a Covenant Party or a Subsidiary of a Covenant Party) of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock and Designated Preferred Stock) of VNU HF or any direct or indirect parent of VNU HF,

in each case designated as Excluded Contributions pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate on the date such capital contributions are made or the date such Equity Interests are sold, as the case may be, which are excluded

 

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from the calculation set forth in clause (3) of the first paragraph under “Certain covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments.”

Existing Senior Notes” means the 11 5/8% Senior Notes and the 11 1/2% Senior Notes.

Existing Senior Notes Indenture” means the 11 5/8% Senior Notes Indenture and the 11 1/2% Senior Notes Indenture.

Fixed Charges” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum, without duplication, of:

(1) Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person and its Subsidiaries that are Covenant Parties or Restricted Subsidiaries for such period; plus

(2) all cash dividends or other distributions paid to any Person other than such Person or any such Subsidiary (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Preferred Stock of a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary during such period; plus

(3) all cash dividends or other distributions paid to any Person other than such Person or any such Subsidiary (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Disqualified Stock of a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary during such period.

Foreign Parent” means The Nielsen Company B.V. (f/k/a VNU Group B.V.), VNU Intermediate Holding B.V. and any other direct or indirect parent organization of a Covenant Party that is a subsidiary of The Nielsen Company B.V.

Foreign Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor and that is not organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof and any Restricted Subsidiary of such Foreign Subsidiary.

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States which are in effect on August 9, 2006.

Government Securities” means securities that are:

(1) direct obligations of the United States of America for the timely payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged; or

(2) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America,

which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuers thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act), as custodian with respect to any such Government Securities or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any such Government Securities held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such depository receipt; provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the Government Securities or the specific payment of principal of or interest on the Government Securities evidenced by such depository receipt.

guarantee” means a guarantee (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business), direct or indirect, in any manner (including letters of credit and reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), of all or any part of any Indebtedness or other obligations.

 

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Guarantee” means the guarantee by any Guarantor of the Issuers’ Obligations under the Indenture.

Guarantor” means, each Person that Guarantees the Notes in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.

Hedging Obligations” means, with respect to any Person, the obligations of such Person under any interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement, commodity swap agreement, commodity cap agreement, commodity collar agreement, foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement or similar agreement providing for the transfer or mitigation of interest rate or currency risks either generally or under specific contingencies.

Holder” means the Person in whose name a Note is registered on the registrar’s books.

Holdings Debt” means Indebtedness of Parent outstanding on August 9, 2006 (after giving pro forma effect to the Transactions) as reflected in Parent’s balance sheet and refinancings thereof that do not increase the aggregate principal amount thereof, except to the extent of additional Indebtedness incurred to pay premiums (including tender premiums), defeasance costs and fees and expenses in connection therewith.

Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication:

(1) any indebtedness (including principal and premium) of such Person, whether or not contingent:

(a) in respect of borrowed money;

(b) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances (or, without duplication, reimbursement agreements in respect thereof);

(c) representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property (including Capitalized Lease Obligations), except (i) any such balance that constitutes a trade payable or similar obligation to a trade creditor, in each case accrued in the ordinary course of business, (ii) any earn-out obligations until such obligation becomes a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP, and (iii) liabilities accrued in the ordinary course of business; or

(d) representing any Hedging Obligations;

if and to the extent that any of the foregoing Indebtedness (other than letters of credit and Hedging Obligations) would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP;

(2) to the extent not otherwise included, any obligation by such Person to be liable for, or to pay, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, on the obligations of the type referred to in clause (1) of a third Person (whether or not such items would appear upon the balance sheet of such obligor or guarantor), other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business; and

(3) to the extent not otherwise included, the obligations of the type referred to in clause (1) of a third Person secured by a Lien on any asset owned by such first Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such first Person;

provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, Indebtedness shall be deemed not to include (a) Contingent Obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business, (b) obligations under or in respect of Receivables Facilities, (c) any intercompany indebtedness (including intercompany indebtedness to a Foreign Parent) having a term not exceeding 364 days (inclusive of any rollover or extensions of terms) and made in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and (d) the Parent Intercompany Debt.

Independent Financial Advisor” means an accounting, appraisal, investment banking firm or consultant to Persons engaged in Similar Businesses of nationally recognized standing that is, in the good faith judgment of the Issuers, qualified to perform the task for which it has been engaged.

 

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Investment Grade Rating” means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s and BBB– (or the equivalent) by S&P, or an equivalent rating by any other Rating Agency.

Investment Grade Securities” means:

(1) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof (other than Cash Equivalents);

(2) debt securities or debt instruments with an Investment Grade Rating, but excluding any debt securities or instruments constituting loans or advances among the Issuers and the Subsidiaries of any Covenant Party;

(3) investments in any fund that invests exclusively in investments of the type described in clauses (1) and (2) which fund may also hold immaterial amounts of cash pending investment or distribution; and

(4) corresponding instruments in countries other than the United States customarily utilized for high quality investments.

Investments” means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the form of loans (including guarantees), advances or capital contributions (excluding accounts receivable, trade credit, advances to customers, commission, travel and similar advances to officers and employees, in each case made in the ordinary course of business), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities issued by any other Person and investments that are required by GAAP to be classified on the balance sheet (excluding the footnotes) of such Person in the same manner as the other investments included in this definition to the extent such transactions involve the transfer of cash or other property. For purposes of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary” and the covenant described under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments”:

(1) “Investments” shall include the portion (proportionate to the applicable Covenant Party’s direct or indirect equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of a Subsidiary of a Covenant Party at the time that such Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that upon a redesignation of such Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, the Issuers or applicable Restricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to continue to have a permanent “Investment” in an Unrestricted Subsidiary in an amount (if positive) equal to:

(a) the Covenant Party’s direct or indirect “Investment” in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; less

(b) the portion (proportionate to the Covenant Party’s direct or indirect equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; and

(2) any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at its fair market value at the time of such transfer, in each case as determined in good faith by the Issuers.

Investors” means AlpInvest Partners, The Blackstone Group, The Carlyle Group, Hellman & Friedman, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., Thomas H. Lee Partners and each of their respective Affiliates but not including, however, any operating portfolio companies of any of the foregoing.

Issue Date” means the October 12, 2011

Issuers” has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph under “General.”

Legal Holiday” means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which commercial banking institutions are not required to be open in the State of New York.

 

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Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien (statutory or otherwise), pledge, hypothecation, charge, security interest, preference, priority or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law, including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction; provided that in no event shall an operating lease be deemed to constitute a Lien.

Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor to its rating agency business.

Net Income” means, with respect to any Person, the net income (loss) of such Person and its Subsidiaries that are Covenant Parties or Restricted Subsidiaries, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of Preferred Stock dividends.

Net Proceeds” means the aggregate cash proceeds received by any of the Covenant Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale, including any cash received upon the sale or other disposition of any Designated Non-cash Consideration received in any Asset Sale, net of the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale and the sale or disposition of such Designated Non-cash Consideration, including legal, accounting and investment banking fees, and brokerage and sales commissions, any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof, taxes paid or payable as a result thereof (after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements), amounts required to be applied to the repayment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on Senior Indebtedness required (other than required by clause (1) of the second paragraph of “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales”) to be paid as a result of such transaction and any deduction of appropriate amounts to be provided by a Covenant Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries as a reserve in accordance with GAAP against any liabilities associated with the asset disposed of in such transaction and retained by a Covenant Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries after such sale or other disposition thereof, including pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations associated with such transaction.

Obligations” means any principal (including any accretion), interest (including any interest accruing subsequent to the filing of a petition in bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, whether or not such interest is an allowed claim under applicable state, federal or foreign law), penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements (including reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit and banker’s acceptances), damages and other liabilities, and guarantees of payment of such principal (including any accretion), interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities, payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.

Officer” means the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, any Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President or Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary of the Issuers.

Officer’s Certificate” means a certificate signed on behalf of the Issuers by an Officer of the Issuers, who must be the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer, the treasurer or the principal accounting officer of the Issuers, that meets the requirements set forth in the Indenture.

Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel who is acceptable to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Issuers or the Trustee.

Parent Intercompany Debt” means the intercompany loan of Parent to VNU HF, as in effect on August 9, 2006 after giving effect to the Transactions.

Permitted Asset Swap” means the concurrent purchase and sale or exchange of Related Business Assets or a combination of Related Business Assets and cash or Cash Equivalents between a Covenant Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries and another Person; provided, that any cash or Cash Equivalents received must be applied in accordance with the “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales” covenant.

 

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Permitted Holders” means each of the Investors and members of management of a Covenant Party, a Restricted Subsidiary or any direct or indirect parent entity of the foregoing who are holders of Equity Interests of Parent or its direct or indirect parent organizations on August 9, 2006 and any group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act or any successor provision) of which any of the foregoing are members; provided, that, in the case of such group and without giving effect to the existence of such group or any other group, such Investors and members of management, collectively, have beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of Parent or any of its direct or indirect parent companies.

Permitted Investments” means:

(1) any Investment in a Covenant Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries;

(2) any Investment in cash and Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities;

(3) any Investment by a Covenant Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in a Person that is engaged in a Similar Business if as a result of such Investment:

(a) such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; or

(b) such Person, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, is merged or consolidated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary,

and, in each case, any Investment held by such Person; provided, that such Investment was not acquired by such Person in contemplation of such acquisition, merger, consolidation or transfer;

(4) any Investment in securities or other assets not constituting cash, Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities and received in connection with an Asset Sale made pursuant to the provisions of “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales” or any other disposition of assets not constituting an Asset Sale;

(5) any Investment existing on August 9, 2006 or made pursuant to binding commitments in effect on August 9, 2006 or an Investment consisting of any extension, modification or renewal of any Investment existing on August 9, 2006; provided that the amount of any such Investment may be increased (x) as required by the terms of such Investment as in existence on August 9, 2006 or (y) as otherwise permitted under this Indenture;

(6) any Investment acquired by a Covenant Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries:

(a) in exchange for any other Investment or accounts receivable held by such Covenant Party or any such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with or as a result of a bankruptcy workout, reorganization or recapitalization of the issuer of such other Investment or accounts receivable; or

(b) as a result of a foreclosure by a Covenant Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment in default;

(7) Hedging Obligations permitted under clause (9) of the covenant described in “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”;

(8) any Investment in a Similar Business having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (8) or prior to the Issue Date pursuant to the similar provision of the Existing Senior Notes Indenture (without duplication) that are at that time outstanding, not to exceed 2.5% of Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);

(9) Investments the payment for which consists of Equity Interests (exclusive of Disqualified Stock) of a Covenant Party or any of their respective direct or indirect parent companies; provided, however, that such

 

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Equity Interests will not increase the amount available for Restricted Payments under clause (3) of the first paragraph under the covenant described in “Certain Covenants—Limitations on Restricted Payments”;

(10) guarantees of Indebtedness permitted under the covenant described in “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”;

(11) any transaction to the extent it constitutes an Investment that is permitted and made in accordance with the provisions of the second paragraph of the covenant described under “Certain Covenants—Transactions with Affiliates” (except transactions described in clauses (2), (5) and (9) of such paragraph);

(12) Investments consisting of purchases and acquisitions of inventory, supplies, material or equipment;

(13) additional Investments having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (13) or prior to the Issue Date pursuant to the similar provision of the Existing Senior Notes Indenture (without duplication) that are at that time outstanding (without giving effect to the sale of an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent the proceeds of such sale do not consist of cash or marketable securities), not to exceed 2.5% of Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);

(14) Investments relating to a Receivables Subsidiary that, in the good faith determination of the Issuers are necessary or advisable to effect any Receivables Facility;

(15) advances to, or guarantees of Indebtedness of, employees not in excess of $15 million outstanding at any one time, in the aggregate;

(16) loans and advances to officers, directors and employees for business-related travel expenses, moving expenses and other similar expenses, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practices or to fund such Person’s purchase of Equity Interests of the Issuers or any direct or indirect parent company thereof; and

(17) Investments in joint ventures in an aggregate amount not to exceed $25 million outstanding at any one time, in the aggregate.

Permitted Liens” means, with respect to any Person:

(1) pledges or deposits by such Person under workmen’s compensation laws, unemployment insurance laws or similar legislation, or good faith deposits in connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of Indebtedness) or leases to which such Person is a party, or deposits to secure public or statutory obligations of such Person or deposits of cash or U.S. government bonds to secure surety or appeal bonds to which such Person is a party, or deposits as security for contested taxes or import duties or for the payment of rent, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(2) Liens imposed by law, such as carriers’, warehousemen’s and mechanics’ Liens, in each case for sums not yet overdue for a period of more than 30 days or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or other Liens arising out of judgments or awards against such Person with respect to which such Person shall then be proceeding with an appeal or other proceedings for review if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of such Person in accordance with GAAP;

(3) Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges not yet overdue for a period of more than 30 days or payable or subject to penalties for nonpayment or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of such Person in accordance with GAAP;

(4) Liens in favor of issuers of performance and surety bonds or bid bonds or with respect to other regulatory requirements or letters of credit issued pursuant to the request of and for the account of such Person in the ordinary course of its business;

 

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(5) minor survey exceptions, minor encumbrances, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights-of-way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes, or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of real properties or Liens incidental, to the conduct of the business of such Person or to the ownership of its properties which were not incurred in connection with Indebtedness and which do not in the aggregate materially adversely affect the value of said properties or materially impair their use in the operation of the business of such Person;

(6) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to clause (4), (11)(b), (17) or (18) of the second paragraph under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”; provided that Liens securing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to clause (17) extend only to the assets of Foreign Subsidiaries and Liens securing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to clause (18) are solely on acquired property or assets of the acquired entity, as the case may be;

(7) Liens existing on August 9, 2006;

(8) Liens on property or shares of stock of a Person at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary; provided, however, such Liens are not created or incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person becoming such a Subsidiary; provided, further, however, that such Liens may not extend to any other property owned by a Covenant Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries;

(9) Liens on property at the time a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary acquired the property, including any acquisition by means of a merger or consolidation with or into a Covenant Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, however, that such Liens are not created or incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such acquisition; provided, further, however, that the Liens may not extend to any other property owned by a Covenant Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries;

(10) Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations of a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary owing to a Covenant Party or another Restricted Subsidiary permitted to be incurred in accordance with the covenant described under “Certain covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”;

(11) Liens securing Hedging Obligations so long as, in the case of Hedging Obligations related to interest, the related Indebtedness is, and is permitted to be under the Indenture, secured by a Lien on the same property securing such Hedging Obligations;

(12) Liens on specific items of inventory of other goods and proceeds of any Person securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods;

(13) leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses granted to others in the ordinary course of business which do not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Covenant Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries and do not secure any Indebtedness;

(14) Liens arising from Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filings regarding operating leases entered into by the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(15) Liens in favor of an Issuer or any Restricted Guarantor;

(16) Liens on equipment of a Covenant Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries granted in the ordinary course of business;

(17) Liens on accounts receivable and related assets incurred in connection with a Receivables Facility;

(18) Liens to secure any refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement (or successive refinancing, refunding, extensions, renewals or replacements) as a whole, or in part, of any Indebtedness secured by any Lien referred to in the foregoing clauses (6), (7), (8) and (9); provided, however, that

 

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(a) such new Lien shall be limited to all or part of the same property that secured the original Lien (plus improvements on such property), and (b) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien at such time is not increased to any amount greater than the sum of (i) the outstanding principal amount or, if greater, committed amount of the Indebtedness described under clauses (6), (7), (8) and (9) at the time the original Lien became a Permitted Lien under the Indenture, and (ii) an amount necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums, related to such refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement;

(19) deposits made in the ordinary course of business to secure liability to insurance carriers;

(20) other Liens securing obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business which obligations do not exceed $50 million at any one time outstanding;

(21) Liens securing judgments for the payment of money not constituting an Event of Default under clause (5) under the caption “Events of Default and Remedies” so long as such Liens are adequately bonded and any appropriate legal proceedings that may have been duly initiated for the review of such judgment have not been finally terminated or the period within which such proceedings may be initiated has not expired;

(22) Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods in the ordinary course of business;

(23) Liens (i) of a collection bank arising under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code on items in the course of collection, (ii) attaching to commodity trading accounts or other commodity brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business, and (iii) in favor of banking institutions arising as a matter of law encumbering deposits (including the right of set-off) and which are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry;

(24) Liens deemed to exist in connection with Investments in repurchase agreements permitted under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”; provided that such Liens do not extend to any assets other than those that are the subject of such repurchase agreement;

(25) Liens encumbering reasonable customary initial deposits and margin deposits and similar Liens attaching to commodity trading accounts or other brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes; and

(26) Liens that are contractual rights of set-off (i) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness, (ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Covenant Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries or (iii) relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of the Covenant Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.

For purposes of this definition, the term “Indebtedness” shall be deemed to include interest on and the costs in respect of such Indebtedness.

Person” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity.

Preferred Stock” means any Equity Interest with preferential rights of payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding up.

Qualified Proceeds” means assets that are used or useful in, or Capital Stock of any Person engaged in, a Similar Business; provided that the fair market value of any such assets or Capital Stock shall be determined by the Issuers in good faith.

 

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Rating Agencies” means Moody’s and S&P or if Moody’s or S&P or both shall not make a rating on the Notes publicly available, a nationally recognized statistical rating agency or agencies, as the case may be, selected by the Issuers which shall be substituted for Moody’s or S&P or both, as the case may be.

Receivables Facility” means any of one or more receivables financing facilities as amended, supplemented, modified, extended, renewed, restated or refunded from time to time, the Obligations of which are non-recourse (except for customary representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities made in connection with such facilities) to the Covenant Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a Receivables Subsidiary) pursuant to which the Covenant Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries sells their accounts receivable to either (a) a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary or (b) a Receivables Subsidiary that in turn sells its accounts receivable to a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary.

Receivables Fees” means distributions or payments made directly or by means of discounts with respect to any accounts receivable or participation interest therein issued or sold in connection with, and other fees paid to a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with, any Receivables Facility.

Receivables Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary formed for the purpose of, and that solely engages only in one or more Receivables Facilities and other activities reasonably related thereto.

Registration Rights Agreement” means the Registration Rights Agreement with respect to the Notes dated as of the Issue Date, among the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers, as such agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time and, with respect to any Additional Notes, one or more registration rights agreements between the Issuers and the other parties thereto, as such agreement(s) may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, relating to rights given by the Issuers to the purchasers of Additional Notes to register such Additional Notes under the Securities Act.

Related Business Assets” means assets (other than cash or Cash Equivalents) used or useful in a Similar Business, provided that any assets received by the Covenant Parties or a Restricted Subsidiary in exchange for assets transferred by the Covenant Parties or a Restricted Subsidiary shall not be deemed to be Related Business Assets if they consist of securities of a Person, unless upon receipt of the securities of such Person, such Person would become a Restricted Subsidiary.

Restricted Cash” means cash and Cash Equivalents held by Restricted Subsidiaries that is contractually restricted from being distributed to the Covenant Parties, except for such restrictions that are contained in agreements governing Indebtedness permitted under the Indenture and that is secured by such cash or Cash Equivalents.

Restricted Guarantor” means a Guarantor that is a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary.

Restricted Investment” means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.

Restricted Subsidiary” means, at any time, each direct and indirect Subsidiary of each Covenant Party (including any Foreign Subsidiary) that is not an Issuer or that is not then an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that upon the occurrence of an Unrestricted Subsidiary ceasing to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary, such Subsidiary shall be included in the definition of “Restricted Subsidiary.”

S&P” means Standard & Poor’s, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and any successor to its rating agency business.

Sale and Lease-Back Transaction” means any arrangement providing for the leasing by a Covenant Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries of any real or tangible personal property, which property has been or is to be sold or transferred by such Covenant Party or such Restricted Subsidiary to a third Person in contemplation of such leasing.

 

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SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Secured Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness of a Covenant Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries secured by a Lien.

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

Senior Credit Facilities” means, collectively, the Credit Facility under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 23, 2009 by and among the Issuers, the Guarantors, the lenders party thereto in their capacities as lenders thereunder and Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (the “Original Senior Credit Facilities”), and the Senior Secured Loan Agreement, dated June 8, 2009, by and among Nielsen Finance LLC, the guarantors party thereto from time to time, Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC and the other lenders party thereto from time to time, including any guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and any amendments, supplements, modifications, extensions, renewals, restatements, refundings or refinancings thereof and any indentures or credit facilities or commercial paper facilities with banks or other institutional lenders or investors that replace, refund or refinance any part of the loans, notes, other credit facilities or commitments thereunder, including any such replacement, refunding or refinancing facility or indenture that increases the amount borrowable thereunder or alters the maturity thereof (provided that such increase in borrowings is permitted under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” above).

Senior Indebtedness” means:

(1) all Indebtedness of the Issuers or any Guarantor outstanding under the Senior Credit Facilities, the Existing Senior Notes or Notes and related Guarantees (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or similar proceeding or for reorganization of the Issuers or any Guarantor (at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, regardless of whether or not a claim for post-filing interest is allowed in such proceedings)), and any and all other fees, expense reimbursement obligations, indemnification amounts, penalties, and other amounts (whether existing on the Issue Date or thereafter created or incurred) and all obligations of the Issuers or any Guarantor to reimburse any bank or other Person in respect of amounts paid under letters of credit, acceptances or other similar instruments;

(2) all Hedging Obligations (and guarantees thereof) owing to a Lender (as defined in the Original Senior Credit Facilities) or any Affiliate of such Lender (or any Person that was a Lender or an Affiliate of such Lender at the time the applicable agreement giving rise to such Hedging Obligation was entered into), provided that such Hedging Obligations are permitted to be incurred under the terms of the Indenture;

(3) any other Indebtedness of the Issuers or any Guarantor permitted to be incurred under the terms of the Indenture, unless the instrument under which such Indebtedness is incurred expressly provides that it is on a parity with or subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or any related Guarantee; and

(4) all Obligations with respect to the items listed in the preceding clauses (1), (2) and (3);

provided, however, that Senior Indebtedness shall not include:

(a) any obligation of such Person to the Covenant Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries;

(b) any liability for federal, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by such Person;

(c) any accounts payable or other liability to trade creditors arising in the ordinary course of business; provided that obligations incurred pursuant to the Credit Facilities shall not be excluded pursuant to this clause (c);

(d) any Indebtedness or other Obligation of such Person which is subordinate or junior in any respect to any other Indebtedness or other Obligation of such Person; or

 

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(e) that portion of any Indebtedness which at the time of incurrence is incurred in violation of the Indenture.

Senior Subordinated Discount Notes” means the Issuers’ 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 issued on August 9, 2006.

Significant Party” means any Guarantor or Restricted Subsidiary that would be a “significant subsidiary” as defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X, promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act, as such regulation is in effect on August 9, 2006.

Similar Business” means any business conducted or proposed to be conducted by the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries on August 9, 2006 or any business that is similar, reasonably related, incidental or ancillary thereto.

Sponsor Management Agreements” means the advisory agreements between each of ACN and VNU, Inc. and Valcon, in each case as in effect on August 9, 2006 and giving effect to amendments thereto that, taken as a whole, are not materially adverse to the interests of the holders of the Notes.

Sterling Notes” means the Parent’s £149 million 5.63% Senior Notes due 2010.

Subordinated Indebtedness” means,

(1) any Indebtedness of the Issuers which is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Notes, and

(2) any Indebtedness of any Guarantor which is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Guarantee of such entity of the Notes.

Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person:

(1) any corporation, association, or other business entity (other than a partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar entity) of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time of determination owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof; and

(2) any partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar entity of which

(x) more than 50% of the capital accounts, distribution rights, total equity and voting interests or general or limited partnership interests, as applicable, are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof whether in the form of membership, general, special or limited partnership or otherwise, and

(y) such Person or any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person is a controlling general partner or otherwise controls such entity.

Total Assets” means total assets of the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, shown on the most recent balance sheet of the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries as may be expressly stated without giving effect to any amortization of the amount of intangible assets since August 9, 2006; provided that in no event shall the Transactions Intercompany Obligations constitute part of Total Assets.

Transactions” means the transactions described under “Offering Memorandum Summary—The Transactions” in the original offering memorandum.

Transactions Intercompany Obligations” means any intercompany loan made by a Covenant Party or a Restricted Subsidiary to a Foreign Parent outstanding on August 9, 2006 or made for the purpose of consummating the Transactions.

 

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Treasury Rate” means, as of any Redemption Date, the yield to maturity as of such Redemption Date of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) that has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to the Redemption Date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from the Redemption Date to October 15, 2014; provided, however, that if the period from the Redemption Date to October 15, 2014 is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year will be used.

Trust Indenture Act” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S.C §§ 77aaa-77bbbb).

Unrestricted Subsidiary” means:

(1) any Subsidiary of a Covenant Party which at the time of determination is an Unrestricted Subsidiary (as designated by the Issuers, as provided below);

(2) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary; and

(3) from August 9, 2006 through the date on which they were redesignated as Restricted Subsidiaries under the Existing Senior Notes Indenture each of NetRatings, Inc. and BuzzMetrics, Inc.

The Issuers may designate any Subsidiary of a Covenant Party (including any existing Subsidiary and any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries owns any Equity Interests or Indebtedness of, or owns or holds any Lien on, any property of, a Covenant Party or any Restricted Subsidiary of a Covenant Party (other than solely any Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated); provided that

(1) any Unrestricted Subsidiary must be an entity of which the Equity Interests entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes that may be cast by all Equity Interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or Persons performing a similar function are owned, directly or indirectly, by a Covenant Party;

(2) such designation complies with the covenants described under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments”; and

(3) each of:

(a) the Subsidiary to be so designated; and

(b) its Subsidiaries

has not at the time of designation, and does not thereafter, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable with respect to any Indebtedness pursuant to which the lender has recourse to any of the assets of any Covenant Party or any Restricted Subsidiary.

The Issuers may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that, immediately after giving effect to such designation, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing and either:

(1) the Issuers could incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Consolidated Leverage Ratio test described in the first paragraph under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”; or

(2) the Consolidated Leverage Ratio for the Covenant Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries would be less than such ratio immediately prior to such designation,

in each case on a pro forma basis taking into account such designation.

Any such designation by the Issuers shall be notified by the Issuers to the Trustee by promptly filing with the Trustee a copy of the resolution of the board of directors of the Issuers or any committee thereof giving effect to such designation and an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing provisions.

 

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Voting Stock” of any Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person that is at the time entitled to vote in the election of the board of directors of such Person.

VNU HF” means Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. (f/k/a VNU Holding and Finance B.V.).

VNU Senior Discount Notes” means the 11 1/8% Senior Discount Notes due 2016 issued by Parent on August 9, 2006.

Weighted Average Life to Maturity” means, when applied to any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as the case may be, at any date, the quotient obtained by dividing:

(1) the sum of the products of the number of years from the date of determination to the date of each successive scheduled principal payment of such Indebtedness or redemption or similar payment with respect to such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock multiplied by the amount of such payment; by

(2) the sum of all such payments.

Wholly-Owned Subsidiary” of any Person means a Subsidiary of such Person, 100% of the outstanding Equity Interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

 

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U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER

The exchange of old notes for exchange notes in the exchange offer will not constitute a taxable event to holders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Consequently, no gain or loss will be recognized by a holder upon receipt of an exchange note, the holding period of the exchange note will include the holding period of the old note exchanged therefor, and the basis of the exchange note will be the same as the basis of the old note immediately before the exchange.

In any event, persons considering the exchange of old notes for exchange notes should consult their own tax advisors concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences in light of their particular situations as well as any consequences arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

Until 90 days after the date of this prospectus, all dealers effecting transactions in the exchange notes, whether or not participating in this distribution, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the obligation of dealers to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.

Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of exchange notes received in exchange for old notes only where such old notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. We and the guarantors of the notes have agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the consummation of the exchange offer, we and the guarantors of the notes will make this prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. In addition, until                     , 2011, all dealers effecting transactions in the exchange notes may be required to deliver a prospectus.

We and the guarantors of the notes will not receive any proceeds from any sale of exchange notes by broker-dealers. Exchange notes received by broker-dealers for their own account pursuant to the exchange offer may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the exchange notes or a combination of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any such broker-dealer and/or the purchasers of any such exchange notes. Any broker-dealer that resells exchange notes that were received by it for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer and any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of such exchange notes may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit of any such resale of exchange notes and any commissions or concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The letter of transmittal states that by acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is and “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

For a period of 180 days after the consummation of the exchange offer, we will promptly send additional copies of this prospectus and any amendments or supplements to this prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such documents in the letter of transmittal. We and the guarantors of the notes have agreed to pay all expenses incident to the exchange offer (including the expenses of one counsel for the holders of the notes), other than commissions or concessions of any brokers or dealers and will indemnify the holders of the old notes (including any broker-dealers), against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the exchange notes and the enforceability of the obligations under the exchange notes to be issued will be passed upon for us by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, New York, New York.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements and schedule of The Nielsen Company B.V. as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010, appearing in this Prospectus and Registration Statement have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We are required to file annual and quarterly reports and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C., 20549. Please call 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room. Our filings will also be available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and at the web site maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Our reports and other information that we have filed, or may in the future file, with the SEC are not incorporated by reference into and do not constitute part of this prospectus.

We have filed a registration statement on Form S-4 to register with the SEC the exchange notes to be issued in exchange for the old notes. This prospectus is part of that registration statement. As allowed by the SEC’s rules, this prospectus does not contain all of the information you can find in the registration statement or the exhibits to the registration statement. You should note that where we summarize in this prospectus the material terms of any contract, agreement or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, the summary information provided in the prospectus is less complete than the actual contract, agreement or document. You should refer to the exhibits filed to the registration statement for copies of the actual contract, agreement or document.

We have not authorized anyone to give you any information or to make any representations about us or the transactions we discuss in this prospectus other than those contained in this prospectus. If you are given any information or representations about these matters that is not discussed in this prospectus, you must not rely on that information. This prospectus is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities anywhere or to anyone where or to whom we are not permitted to offer or sell securities under applicable law.

 

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SERVICE OF PROCESS AND ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

The Nielsen Company B.V. is a Netherlands besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid, or private company with limited liability. Certain of its officers and directors may be residents of various jurisdictions outside the United States. In addition, certain of The Nielsen Company B.V.’s assets, are located outside the United States. The Nielsen Company B.V. has agreed, in accordance with the terms of the indenture under which the exchange notes will be issued, to accept service of process in any suit, action or proceeding with respect to the indenture, the notes or the security documents brought in any federal or state court located in New York City by an agent designated for such purpose, and to submit to the jurisdiction of such courts in connection with such suits, actions or proceedings. However, it may be difficult for holders of the notes to effect service within the United States upon directors, officers and experts who are not residents of the United States or to realize or enforce in the United States upon judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon civil liability under U.S. federal securities laws. We have been advised by our Dutch counsel that there is doubt as to the enforceability in the Netherlands against The Nielsen Company B.V. or against its directors, officers and experts who are not residents of the United States, in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments of courts of the United States, of liabilities predicated solely upon U.S. federal securities laws.

 

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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     PAGE  

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2011 (unaudited) and December 31, 2010

     F-2   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010

     F-3   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010

     F-4   

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-5   

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements

  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-24   

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009

     F-25   

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

     F-26   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

     F-27   

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income for the year ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

     F-28   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-31   

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

     F-87   

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)

  March 31,
2011
    December 31,
2010
 
    (Unaudited)        

Assets:

   

Current assets

   

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 391      $ 418   

Trade and other receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns of $36 as of March 31, 2011 and $31 as of December 31, 2010

    996        1,014   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    250        219   
               

Total current assets

    1,637        1,651   

Non-current assets

   

Property, plant and equipment, net

    586        599   

Goodwill

    7,242        7,096   

Other intangible assets, net

    4,610        4,607   

Deferred tax assets

    222        61   

Other non-current assets

    377        411   
               

Total assets

  $ 14,674      $ 14,425   
               

Liabilities and equity:

   

Current liabilities

   

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

  $ 913      $ 990   

Deferred revenues

    447        452   

Income tax liabilities

    78        73   

Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings

    149        94   
               

Total current liabilities

    1,587        1,609   

Non-current liabilities

   

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations

    6,762        8,464   

Deferred tax liabilities

    934        942   

Other non-current liabilities

    550        520   
               

Total liabilities

    9,833        11,535   
               

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)

   

Equity:

   

Stockholders’ equity

   

7% preferred stock, €8.00 par value, 150,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding

    1        1   

Common stock, €0.20 par value, 550,000,000 shares authorized and 258,463,857 shares issued at both March 31, 2011 and
December 31, 2010

    58        58   

Additional paid-in capital

    6,452        4,373   

Accumulated deficit

    (1,643     (1,465

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes

    (38     (86
               

Total Nielsen stockholders’ equity

    4,830        2,881   

Noncontrolling interests

    11        9   
               

Total equity

    4,841        2,890   
               

Total liabilities and equity

  $ 14,674      $ 14,425   
               

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March  31,
 

(IN MILLIONS)

   2011     2010  

Revenues

   $ 1,302      $ 1,196   
                

Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below

     549        520   

Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below

     543        400   

Depreciation and amortization

     136        141   

Restructuring charges

     23        3   
                

Operating income

     51        132   
                

Interest income

     1        1   

Interest expense

     (136     (162

Loss on derivative instruments

     (1     (10

Foreign currency exchange transaction gains, net

     7        78   

Other (expense)/income, net

     (230     9   
                

(Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net loss of affiliates

     (308     48   

Benefit for income taxes

     134        1   

Equity in net loss of affiliates

     (2     (2
                

(Loss)/income from continuing operations

     (176     47   

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (1     (5
                

Net (loss)/income

     (177     42   

Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     1        1   
                

Net (loss)/income attributable to The Nielsen Company B.V.

   $ (178   $ 41   
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 

(IN MILLIONS)

       2011             2010      

Operating Activities

    

Net (loss)/income

   $ (177   $ 42   

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss)/income to net cash used in operating activities:

    

Stock-based compensation expense

     4        5   

Loss on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax

     —          3   

Currency exchange rate differences on financial transactions and other gains

     (8     (87

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     231        —     

Loss on derivative instruments

     1        10   

Equity in net loss of affiliates, net of dividends received

     6        5   

Depreciation and amortization

     136        141   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired and divested:

    

Trade and other receivables, net

     57        25   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (24     (11

Accounts payable and other current liabilities and deferred revenues

     (158     (137

Other non-current liabilities

     2        (8

Interest payable

     43        14   

Income taxes

     (167     (30
                

Net cash used in operating activities

     (54     (28
                

Investing Activities

    

Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired

     (60     (14

Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net

     —          29   

Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets

     (20     (26

Additions to intangible assets

     (32     (27

Other investing activities

     (1     6   
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (113     (32
                

Financing Activities

    

Contributions from parent

     2,076        —     

Repayment of debt

     (1,751     (28

Increase/(decrease) in other short-term borrowings

     12        (3

Other financing activities including debt extinguishment costs

     (212     (1
                

Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities

     125        (32
                

Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     15        (11
                

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (27     (103

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     418        511   
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 391      $ 408   
                

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

    

Cash paid for income taxes

   $ (31   $ (27

Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized

   $ (93   $ (147

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Background and Basis of Presentation

Background

The Nielsen Company B.V. (“Nielsen” or the “Company”), together with its subsidiaries, is a leading global information and measurement company that provides clients with a comprehensive understanding of consumers and consumer behavior. Nielsen is aligned into three reporting segments: What Consumers Buy (“Buy”), What Consumers Watch (“Watch”) and Expositions. Nielsen has a presence in approximately 100 countries, with its headquarters located in Diemen, the Netherlands and New York, USA. Nielsen’s parent company, Valcon Acquisition B.V. (“Valcon”), is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nielsen Holdings N.V. (“Holdings”).

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, contain all the adjustments (consisting of those of a normal recurring nature) considered necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) applicable to interim periods. For a more complete discussion of significant accounting policies, commitments and contingencies and certain other information, refer to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. All amounts are presented in U.S. Dollars (“$”), except for share data or where expressly stated as being in other currencies, e.g., Euros (“€”). The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nielsen and all subsidiaries and other controlled entities. The Company has evaluated events occurring subsequent to March 31, 2011 for potential recognition or disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements and concluded there were no subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure other than those provided.

2. Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue Recognition

In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements amending ASC 605. ASU 2009-13 requires entities to allocate revenue in an arrangement using estimated selling prices of the delivered goods and services based on a selling price hierarchy. ASU 2009-13 eliminates the residual method of revenue allocation and requires revenue to be allocated using the relative selling price method. ASU 2009-13 was effective as of January 1, 2011 for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. The adoption of ASU 2009-13 did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2011 or for the three months then ended.

3. Business Acquisitions

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $60 million associated with both current period and previously executed acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had the current period acquisition occurred as of January 1, 2011, the impact on Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations would not have been material.

For the three months ended March 31, 2010, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $14 million associated with both current period and previously executed acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had that period’s acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2010, the impact on Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations would not have been material.

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

4. Business Divestitures

Nielsen Publications

In December 2009 Nielsen substantially completed the planned exit of its Publications operating segment through the sale of its media properties, including The Hollywood Reporter and Billboard, to e5 Global Media LLC. The condensed consolidated statements of operations reflect the Publications operating segment as a discontinued operation. During the three months ended March 31, 2010, Nielsen completed the exit of the remaining properties and recorded a net loss on sale of $3 million associated with these divestitures.

Summarized results of operations for discontinued operations are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 

(IN MILLIONS)

       2011             2010      

Revenues

   $ —        $ 7   

Operating loss

     (2     (4

Loss from operations before income taxes

     (2     (4

Benefit for income taxes

     1        2   
                

Loss from operations

     (1     (2

Loss on sale, net of tax

     —          (3
                

Loss from discontinued operations

   $ (1   $ (5
                

5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The table below summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Buy      Watch      Expositions      Total  

Balance, December 31, 2010

   $ 3,104       $ 3,432       $ 560       $ 7,096   

Acquisitions, divestitures and purchase price adjustments

     63         —           —           63   

Effect of foreign currency translation

     75         8         —           83   
                                   

Balance, March 31, 2011

   $ 3,242       $ 3,440       $ 560       $ 7,242   
                                   

At March 31, 2011, $187 million of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Other Intangible Assets

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Gross Amounts      Accumulated Amortization  
   March 31,
2011
     December 31,
2010
     March 31,
2011
    December 31,
2010
 

Indefinite-lived intangibles:

          

Trade names and trademarks

   $ 1,921       $ 1,921       $ —        $ —     
                                  

Amortized intangibles:

          

Trade names and trademarks

   $ 111       $ 110       $ (31   $ (29

Customer-related intangibles

     2,841         2,789         (656     (617

Covenants-not-to-compete

     22         22         (20     (20

Computer software

     988         952         (592     (551

Patents and other

     64         64         (38     (34
                                  

Total

   $ 4,026       $ 3,937       $ (1,337   $ (1,251
                                  

 

F-6


Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

The amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $79 million and $85 million, respectively.

Certain of the trade names associated with Nielsen are deemed indefinite-lived intangible assets, as their associated Nielsen brand awareness and recognition has existed for over 50 years and the Company intends to continue to utilize these trade names. There are also no legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors that may limit their estimated useful lives. Nielsen reconsiders the remaining estimated useful life of indefinite-lived intangible assets each reporting period.

6. Restructuring Activities

A summary of the changes in the liabilities for restructuring activities is provided below:

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Total Initiatives  

Balance at December 31, 2010

   $ 65   

Charges

     23   

Payments

     (19

Effect of foreign currency translation and reclassification adjustments

     2   
        

Balance at March 31, 2011

   $ 71   
        

Nielsen recorded $23 million and $3 million in restructuring charges, primarily relating to severance costs, for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Of the $71 million in remaining liabilities for restructuring actions, $61 million is expected to be paid within one year and is classified as a current liability within the consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2011.

7. Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which the Company would transact, and also considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of non-performance.

There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

        Level 1:

Quoted market prices available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.

 

        Level 2:

Pricing inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date.

 

        Level 3:

Pricing inputs that are generally unobservable and may not be corroborated by market data.

Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities are measured and recorded at fair value, except for equity method investments, cost method investments, and long-term debt. Financial assets and liabilities are classified

 

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Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurements requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured and their placement within the fair value hierarchy. The following table summarizes the valuation of the Company’s material financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   March 31,
2011
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Assets:

           

Investments in mutual funds(1)

   $ 2       $ 2       $ —         $ —     

Plan assets for deferred compensation(2)

     20         20         —           —     

Interest rate swap arrangements(3)

     19         —           19         —     
                                   

Total

   $ 41       $ 22       $ 19       $ —     
                                   

Liabilities:

           

Interest rate swap arrangements(3)

   $ 48       $ —         $ 48       $ —     

Deferred compensation liabilities(4)

     20         20         —           —     
                                   

Total

   $ 68       $ 20       $ 48       $ —     
                                   

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   December 31,
2010
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Assets:

           

Investments in mutual funds(1)

   $ 2       $ 2       $ —         $ —     

Plan assets for deferred compensation(2)

     19         19         —           —     

Interest rate swap arrangements(3)

     16         —           16         —     
                                   

Total

   $ 37       $ 21       $ 16       $ —     
                                   

Liabilities:

           

Interest rate swap arrangements(3)

   $ 60       $ —         $ 60       $ —     

Deferred compensation liabilities(4)

     19         19         —           —     
                                   

Total

   $ 79       $ 19       $ 60       $ —     
                                   

 

 

(1) Investments in mutual funds are money-market accounts held with the intention of funding certain specific retirement plans.
(2) Plan assets are comprised of investments in mutual funds, which are intended to fund liabilities arising from deferred compensation plans. These investments are carried at fair value, which is based on quoted market prices at period end in active markets. These investments are classified as trading securities with any gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recorded in other (expense)/income, net in the consolidated financial statements.
(3) Derivative financial instruments include interest rate swap arrangements recorded at fair value based on externally-developed valuation models that use readily observable market parameters and the consideration of counterparty risk.
(4) The Company offers certain employees the opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation plan. A participant’s deferrals are invested in a variety of participant directed stock and bond mutual funds and are classified as trading securities. Changes in the fair value of these securities are measured using quoted prices in active markets based on the market price per unit multiplied by the number of units held exclusive of any transaction costs. A corresponding adjustment for changes in fair value of the trading securities is also reflected in the changes in fair value of the deferred compensation obligation.

 

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Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

Nielsen uses interest rate swap derivative instruments principally to manage the risk that changes in interest rates will affect the cash flows of its underlying debt obligations.

To qualify for hedge accounting, the hedging relationship must meet several conditions with respect to documentation, probability of occurrence, hedge effectiveness and reliability of measurement. Nielsen documents the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions as well as the hedge effectiveness assessment, both at the hedge inception and on an ongoing basis. Nielsen recognizes all derivatives at fair value either as assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and changes in the fair values of such instruments are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. If specific cash flow hedge accounting criteria are met, Nielsen recognizes the changes in fair value of these instruments in accumulated other comprehensive income/loss.

Nielsen manages exposure to possible defaults on derivative financial instruments by monitoring the concentration of risk that Nielsen has with any individual bank and through the use of minimum credit quality standards for all counterparties. Nielsen does not require collateral or other security in relation to derivative financial instruments. A derivative contract entered into between Nielsen or certain of its subsidiaries and a counterparty that was also a lender under Nielsen’s senior secured credit facilities at the time the derivative contract was entered into is guaranteed under the senior secured credit facilities by Nielsen and certain of its subsidiaries (see Note 8 “Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements” for more information). Since it is Nielsen’s policy to only enter into derivative contracts with banks of internationally acknowledged standing, Nielsen considers the counterparty risk to be remote.

It is Nielsen’s policy to have an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) Master Agreement established with every bank with which it has entered into any derivative contract. Under each of these ISDA Master Agreements, Nielsen agrees to settle only the net amount of the combined market values of all derivative contracts outstanding with any one counterparty should that counterparty default. Certain of the ISDA Master Agreements contain cross-default provisions where if the Company either defaults in payment obligations under its credit facility or if such obligations are accelerated by the lenders, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations. At March 31, 2011, Nielsen had no material exposure to potential economic losses due to counterparty credit default risk or cross-default risk on its derivative financial instruments.

Interest Rate Risk

Nielsen is exposed to cash flow interest rate risk on the floating-rate U.S. Dollar and Euro Term Loans, and uses floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps to hedge this exposure. For these derivatives, Nielsen reports the after-tax gain or loss from the effective portion of the hedge as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/loss and reclassifies it into earnings in the same period or periods in which the hedged transaction affects earnings, and within the same income statement line item as the impact of the hedged transaction.

 

F-9


Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

As of March 31, 2011 the Company had the following outstanding interest rate swaps utilized in the management of its interest rate risk:

 

     Notional Amount      Maturity Date      Currency  

Interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments

        

US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps

   $ 500,000,000         November 2012         US Dollar   

US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps

   $ 250,000,000         March 2013         US Dollar   

US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps

   $ 1,000,000,000         November 2013         US Dollar   

US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps

   $ 250,000,000         November 2014         US Dollar   

Interest rate swaps not designated as hedging instruments

        

US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps

   $ 800,000,000         November 2011         US Dollar   

Nielsen expects to recognize approximately $31 million of net pre-tax losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense in the next 12 months associated with its interest-related derivative financial instruments.

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets

The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were as follows:

 

     March 31, 2011      December 31, 2010  

(IN MILLIONS)

   Other
Non-
Current
Assets
     Accounts
Payable and
Other
Current
Liabilities
     Other
Non-
Current
Liabilities
     Other
Non-
Current
Assets
     Accounts
Payable and
Other
Current
Liabilities
     Other
Non-
Current
Liabilities
 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

                 

Interest rate swaps

   $ 19       $ —         $ 20       $ 16       $ —         $ 23   
                                                     

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

                 

Interest rate swaps

   $ —         $ 28       $ —         $ —         $ 37       $ —     
                                                     

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was as follows (amounts in millions):

 

Derivatives in Cash Flow

Hedging Relationships

   Amount of
Gain/(Loss)
Recognized in OCI
(Effective Portion)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Location of Gain/(Loss)
Reclassified from OCI
into Income  (Effective Portion)
   Amount of Loss
Reclassified from
OCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Amount of Loss
Recognized in
Income
(Ineffective Portion
and Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness
Testing)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2011      2010        2011     2010     2011     2010  

Interest Rate Swaps

   $ 1       $ (7   Interest expense    $ (5   $ (3   $ (5   $ (14
                                                    

 

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Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments not designated as hedges for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was as follows (amounts in millions):

 

Derivatives Not Designated

as Hedging Instruments

  

Location of Loss Recognized

in Statement of Operations on

Derivatives

   Three Months  Ended
March 31,
 
      2011      2010  

Interest rate swaps

   Loss on derivative instruments    $ 1       $ 10   
                    

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

The Company is required, on a nonrecurring basis, to adjust the carrying value or provide valuation allowances for certain assets using fair value measurements. The Company’s equity method investments, cost method investments, and non-financial assets, such as goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant and equipment, are measured at fair value when there is an indicator of impairment and recorded at fair value only when an impairment charge is recognized.

The Company did not measure any material non-financial assets or liabilities at fair value during the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

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Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

8. Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements

Unless otherwise stated, interest rates are as of March 31, 2011.

 

(IN MILLIONS)

  March 31, 2011     December 31, 2010  
  Weighted
Interest
Rate
    Carrying
Amount
    Fair
Value
    Weighted
Interest
Rate
    Carrying
Amount
    Fair
Value
 

Senior secured term loan ($1,610 million at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010) (LIBOR based variable rate of 2.26%) due 2013

    $ 1,490      $ 1,480        $ 1,490      $ 1,472   

Senior secured term loan ($2,386 million at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010) (LIBOR based weighted-average variable rate of 3.86%) due 2016

      2,356        2,353          2,362        2,348   

Senior secured term loan (€227 million at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010) (EURIBOR based variable rate of 2.86%) due 2013

      289        287          272        267   

Senior secured term loan (€273 million at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010) (EURIBOR based weighted-average variable rate of 4.52%) due 2016p

      378        375          357        346   

$500 million 8.50% senior secured term loan due 2017

      500        500          500        497   

$635 million senior secured revolving credit facility (EURIBOR or LIBOR based variable rate) due 2016

      —          —            —          —     
                                               

Total senior secured credit facilities (with weighted-average interest rate)

    4.07     5,013        4,995        4.16     4,981        4,930   

$1,070 million 12.50% senior subordinated discount debenture loan due 2016

      —          —            999        1,049   

$325 million 11.50% senior debenture loan due 2016 ($500 million at December 31, 2010)

      304        358          467        540   

$215 million 11.625% senior debenture loan due 2014 ($330 million at December 31, 2010)

      201        236          307        355   

$1,080 million 7.75% senior debenture loan due 2018

      1,084        1,160          1,084        1,122   

€343 million 11.125% senior discount debenture loan due 2016

      —          —            427        434   

€50 million private placement debenture loan (EMTN) (3-month EURIBOR based variable rate of 2.43%) due 2012

      70        70          66        62   

€30 million 6.75% private placement debenture loan (EMTN) due 2012

      43        44          40        40   

JPY 4,000 million 2.50% private placement debenture loan (EMTN) due 2011

      49        49          49        47   
                                               

Total debenture loans (with weighted-average interest rate)

    9.67     1,751        1,917        11.33     3,439        3,649   

Other loans

      4        4          5        5   
                                               

Total long-term debt

    5.52     6,768        6,916        7.09     8,425        8,584   

Capital lease and other financing obligations

      124            125     

Bank overdrafts

      19            8     
                       

Total debt and other financing arrangements

      6,911            8,558     
                       

Less: Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings

      149            94     
                       

Non-current portion of long-term debt and capital lease and other financing obligations

    $ 6,762          $ 8,464     
                       

The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt instruments was based on the yield on public debt where available or current borrowing rates available for financings with similar terms and maturities.

 

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Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Annual maturities of Nielsen’s long-term debt are as follows:

 

(IN MILLIONS)

      

For April 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011

   $ 69   

2012

     143   

2013

     1,808   

2014

     229   

2015

     28   

2016

     2,907   

Thereafter

     1,584   
        
   $ 6,768   
        

Initial public offering and use of proceeds

On January 31, 2011, Holdings completed an initial public offering of 82,142,858 shares of its €0.07 par value common stock at a price of $23.00 per share, generating proceeds of approximately $1,801 million, net of $88 million of underwriter discounts and other issuance costs.

Concurrent with its offering of common stock, Holdings issued $288 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.25% Mandatory Convertible Subordinated Bonds due February 1, 2013, generating proceeds of approximately $277 million, net of $11 million of underwriter discounts and other issuance costs.

Holdings contributed substantially all of the combined net proceeds associated with the aforementioned transactions to the Company, through Valcon, and the Company utilized substantially all of the contributed amount to redeem and retire certain issuances of the Company’s long-term indebtedness as follows:

 

   

On February 9, 2011, the Company paid approximately $201 million to redeem $164 million of its outstanding $467 million ($500 million aggregate principal amount) 11.50% Senior Discount Notes Due 2016 with a redemption cost of the stated rate applied to the principal amount being redeemed plus a proportionate amount of accrued interest to the principal amount.

 

   

On February 9, 2011, the Company paid approximately $129 million to redeem $107 million of its outstanding $307 million ($330 million aggregate principal amount) 11.625% Senior Discount Notes Due 2014 with a redemption cost of the stated rate applied to the principal amount being redeemed plus a proportionate amount of accrued interest to the principal amount.

 

   

On February 25, 2011, the Company paid approximately $1,133 million to redeem all of its outstanding $999 million ($1,070 million aggregate principal amount) 12.50% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes Due 2016 at a price of 105.89% of the aggregate principal amount.

 

   

On February 25, 2011, the Company paid approximately $251 million to redeem €163 million (€174 million aggregate principal amount) of its 11.125% Senior Discount Debenture Notes due 2016 at a price of 104.87% of the aggregate principal amount.

 

   

On March 2, 2011 the Company paid approximately $244 million to redeem €159 million (€169 million aggregate principal amount) of its 11.125% Senior Discount Debenture Notes due 2016 at a price of 104.87% of the aggregate principal amount.

The Company recorded a total debt extinguishment charge of approximately $145 million (net of tax of $86 million) in its condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 associated with these redemptions. The pre-tax amount of this charge was recorded in other (expense)/income, net in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Amendment to Senior Secured Credit Facility

On March 23, 2011, Nielsen entered into an amendment (the “Amendment Agreement”) to its Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated August 9, 2006 and amended and restated as of June 23, 2009 (the “Credit Agreement”), among the Company, the other borrowers and guarantors party thereto, the lenders and other parties from time to time party thereto, and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent. The Amendment Agreement documents the terms of new revolving credit commitments obtained by the Company in connection with a revolving credit commitment extension offer. In connection with the Amendment Agreement, the Company terminated the existing revolving credit commitments totaling $688 million, which had a final maturity date of August 9, 2012, and replaced them with new revolving credit commitments totaling $635 million with a final maturity date of April 1, 2016.

Revolving loans made pursuant to the new revolving credit commitments may be drawn in U.S. Dollars or Euros (at the election of the borrowers) and bear a tiered floating interest rate of LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 2.25% to 3.50% based on the Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement). Margins on base rate loans range from 1.25% to 2.50% also based on the Total Leverage Ratio. A commitment fee is payable on the unused portion of the new revolving credit commitments ranging from 0.375% to 0.75% depending on the Total Leverage Ratio.

9. Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

The following table sets forth the components of comprehensive income/(loss), net of income tax expense:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 

(IN MILLIONS)

       2011             2010      

Net (loss)/income

   $ (177   $ 42   

Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax

    

Unrealized gains/(losses) on:

    

Currency translation adjustments

     43        (48

Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges

     7        6   

Pension liability

     (1     —     
                

Total other comprehensive income/(loss)

     49        (42
                

Total comprehensive loss

     (128     —     

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     2        —     
                

Total other comprehensive loss attributable to The Nielsen Company B.V.

   $ (130   $ —     
                

10. Income Taxes

Nielsen has a presence in approximately 100 countries around the world and its earnings are taxed at the applicable local country income tax rate in effect.

The effective tax benefit rates for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 were 44% and 2%, respectively. The tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was higher than the statutory expense rate primarily due to the favorable impact of certain financing activities and the tax rate differences in other jurisdictions where the Company files tax returns. The tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was significantly different from the statutory expense rate primarily due to the favorable effect of certain foreign exchange gains and financing activities.

 

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Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Liabilities for unrecognized income tax benefits totaled $114 million as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. If the Company’s tax positions are favorably sustained by the taxing authorities, the reversal of the underlying liabilities would reduce the Company’s effective tax rate in future periods.

The Company files numerous consolidated and separate income tax returns in the U.S. Federal jurisdiction and in many state and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal income tax examinations for 2006 and prior periods. In addition, the Company has subsidiaries in various states, provinces and countries that are currently under audit for years ranging from 2001 through 2008.

In 2010, the IRS concluded its audit of the 2006 and 2007 tax years. The Company is under Canadian audit for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008. It is anticipated that these examinations will be completed within the next twelve months. To date, the Company is not aware of any material adjustments not already accrued related to any of the current Federal, state or foreign audits under examination

11. Related Party Transactions

On January 31, 2011, each of Nielsen’s subsidiaries party to the Advisory Agreements agreed, along with the Sponsors, to terminate all such agreements in exchange for a settlement of $102 million and the Company recorded a charge of $61 million (net of tax of $41 million). The pre-tax amount of this charge was recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in our condensed consolidated statement of operations. The Company recorded $3 million in selling, general and administrative expenses related to management fees, travel and consulting attributable to a number of the Sponsors for the three months ended March 31, 2010.

12. Commitments and Contingencies

Sunbeam Television Corp.

Sunbeam Television Corp. (“Sunbeam”) filed a lawsuit in Federal District Court in Miami, Florida on April 30, 2009. The lawsuit alleged that Nielsen Media Research, Inc. violated Federal and Florida state antitrust laws and Florida’s unfair trade practices laws by attempting to maintain a monopoly and abuse its position in the market, and breached its contract with Sunbeam by producing defective ratings data through its sampling methodology. The complaint did not specify the amount of damages sought and also sought declaratory and equitable relief. On January 13, 2011 the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Florida dismissed all federal and state antitrust claims brought against the Company by Sunbeam stating that Sunbeam failed to show that any competitor was “willing and able” to enter the local television ratings market in Miami and was excluded from that market by Nielsen. The Court also determined that Sunbeam could not prove that the current ratings for Sunbeam’s local station WSVN are less accurate than they would be under a prospective competitor’s methodology. The Court deferred ruling on the remaining ancillary claims, including breach of contract and violation of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. Subsequent to the court’s decision, Sunbeam voluntarily dismissed with prejudice the remaining claims in the case so that all claims have been dismissed. Sunbeam has appealed the court’s dismissal of the antitrust claims.

Other Legal Proceedings and Contingencies

Nielsen is subject to litigation and other claims in the ordinary course of business, some of which include claims for substantial sums. Accruals have been recorded when the outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated. While the ultimate results of claims and litigation cannot be determined, the Company does expect that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its operations or financial condition. However, depending on the amount and the timing, an unfavorable resolution of some or all of these matters could materially affect the Company’s future results of operations or cash flows in a particular period.

 

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Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

13. Segments

The Company aligns its operating segments in order to conform to management’s internal reporting structure, which is reflective of service offerings by industry. Management aggregates such operating segments into three reporting segments: What Consumers Buy (“Buy”), consisting principally of market research information and analytical services; What Consumers Watch (“Watch”), consisting principally of television, online and mobile audience and advertising measurement and corresponding analytics and Expositions, consisting principally of trade shows, events and conferences. Corporate consists principally of unallocated items such as certain facilities and infrastructure costs as well as intersegment eliminations.

Certain corporate costs, other than those described above, including those related to selling, finance, legal, human resources, and information technology systems, are considered operating costs and are allocated to our segments based on either the actual amount of costs incurred or on a basis consistent with the operations of the underlying segment. Information with respect to the operations of each of Nielsen’s business segments is set forth below based on the nature of the products and services offered and geographic areas of operations.

Business Segment Information

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Buy      Watch     Expositions      Corporate     Total  

Three Months Ended March 31, 2011

            

Revenues

   $ 815       $ 431      $ 56       $ —        $ 1,302   

Depreciation and amortization

   $ 51       $ 76      $ 7       $ 2      $ 136   

Restructuring costs

   $ 17       $ 4      $ —         $ 2      $ 23   

Stock-based compensation

   $ 2       $ 1      $ —         $ 1      $ 4   

Operating income/(loss)

   $ 64       $ 82      $ 26       $ (121   $ 51   

Total assets as of March 31, 2011

   $ 6,943       $ 6,463      $ 827       $ 441      $ 14,674   

(IN MILLIONS)

   Buy      Watch     Expositions      Corporate     Total  

Three Months Ended March 31, 2010

            

Revenues

   $ 742       $ 405      $ 49       $ —        $ 1,196   

Depreciation and amortization

   $ 57       $ 72      $ 8       $ 4      $ 141   

Restructuring costs

   $ 2       $ (1   $ 1       $ 1      $ 3   

Stock-based compensation

   $ 2       $ 1      $ —         $ 2      $ 5   

Operating income/(loss)

   $ 62       $ 71      $ 18       $ (19   $ 132   

Total assets as of December 31, 2010

   $ 6,759       $ 6,504      $ 825       $ 337      $ 14,425   

14. Guarantor Financial Information

The following supplemental financial information sets forth for the Company, its subsidiaries that have issued certain debt securities (the “Issuers”) and its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries, all as defined in the credit agreements, the condensed consolidating balance sheet as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 and condensed consolidating statements of operations and cash flows for three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. The Senior Notes and the Senior Subordinated Discount Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed on an unconditional basis by Nielsen and, each of the direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of Nielsen, including VNU Intermediate Holding B.V., Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V., VNU International B.V., Nielsen Business Media Holding Company, TNC (US) Holdings, Inc., VNU Marketing Information, Inc. and ACN Holdings, Inc., and the wholly-owned subsidiaries thereof, including the wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries of ACN Holdings, Inc. and Nielsen Business Media Holding Company, in each case to the extent that such entities

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

provide a guarantee under the senior secured credit facilities. The issuers are the Company and the subsidiary issuers (Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co.), both wholly-owned subsidiaries of ACN Holdings, Inc. and subsidiary guarantors of the debt issued by Nielsen.

Nielsen is a holding company and does not have any material assets or operations other than ownership of the capital stock of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. All of Nielsen’s operations are conducted through its subsidiaries, and, therefore, Nielsen is expected to continue to be dependent upon the cash flows of its subsidiaries to meet its obligations.

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations (Unaudited)

For the three months ended March 31, 2011

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Parent     Issuer     Guarantor     Non-
Guarantor
    Elimination     Consolidated  

Revenues

   $ —        $ —        $ 657      $ 645      $ —        $ 1,302   

Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below

     —          —          247        302        —          549   

Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below

     —          —          319        224        —          543   

Depreciation and amortization

     —          —          105        31        —          136   

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

     —          —          —          —          —          —     

Restructuring charges

     —          —          9        14        —          23   
                                                

Operating (loss)/income

     —          —          (23     74        —          51   
                                                

Interest income

     2        135        7        6        (149     1   

Interest expense

     (9     (124     (145     (7     149        (136

Loss on derivative instruments

     —          (1     —          —          —          (1

Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net

     —          —          9        (2     —          7   

Other (expense)/income, net

     (52 )     (181 )     (5     8        —          (230
                                                

(Loss)/income from continuing operatings before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates

     (59     (171     (157     79        —          (308

Benefit/(Provision) for income taxes

     15        69        71        (21     —          134   

Equity in net (loss)/income of subsidiaries

     (134     —          (45     —          179        —     

Equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates

     —          —          (2     —          —          (2
                                                

(Loss)/income from continuing operations

     (178     (102     (133     58        179        (176

Discontinued operations, net of tax

     —          —          (1     —          —          (1
                                                

Net (loss)/income

     (178     (102     (134     58        179        (177

Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests

     —          —          —          1        —          1   
                                                

Net (Loss)/income attributable to controlling interests

   $ (178   $ (102   $ (134   $ 57      $ 179      $ (178
                                                

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations (Unaudited)

For the three months ended March 31, 2010

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Parent     Issuers     Guarantor     Non-
Guarantor
    Elimination     Consolidated  

Revenues

   $ —        $ —        $ 610      $ 586      $ —        $ 1,196   
                                                

Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below

     —          —          248        272        —          520   

Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below

     —          —          202        198        —          400   

Depreciation and amortization

     —          —          109        32        —          141   

Restructuring charges

     —          —          2        1        —          3   
                                                

Operating income

     —          —          49        83        —          132   
                                                

Interest income

     2        120        10        5        (136     1   

Interest expense

     (13     (146     (129     (10     136        (162

Loss on derivative instruments

     —          (10     —          —          —          (10

Foreign currency exchange transaction gains, net

     —          60        (16     34        —          78   

Other (expense)/income, net

     —          —          (5     14        —          9   
                                                

(Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net loss of affiliates

     (11     24        (91     126        —          48   

Benefit/(provision) for income taxes

     3        (10     (3     11        —          1   

Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries

     49        —          150        —          (199     —     

Equity in net loss of affiliates

     —          —          (2     —          —          (2
                                                

Income/(loss) from continuing operations

     41        14        54        137        (199     47   

Discontinued operations, net of tax

     —          —          (5     —          —          (5
                                                

Net income/(loss)

     41        14        49        137        (199     42   

Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     —          —          —          1        —          1   
                                                

Net income/(loss) attributable to controlling interests

   $ 41      $ 14      $ 49      $ 136      $ (199   $ 41   
                                                

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Unaudited)

March 31, 2011

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Parent      Issuer      Guarantor      Non-
Guarantor
     Elimination     Consolidated  

Assets:

                

Current assets

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1       $ —         $ 47       $ 343       $ —        $ 391   

Trade and other receivables, net

     —           —           338         658         —          996   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     —           16         102         132         —          250   

Intercompany receivables

     323         94         690         361         (1,468     —     
                                                    

Total current assets

     324         110         1,177         1,494         (1,468     1,637   

Non-current assets

                

Property, plant and equipment, net

     —           —           345         241         —          586   

Goodwill

     —           —           4,933         2,309         —          7,242   

Other intangible assets, net

     —           —           4,113         497           4,610   

Deferred tax assets

     —           185         146         65         (174     222   

Other non-current assets

     —           83         169         125         —          377   

Equity investment in subsidiaries

     4,488         —           5,365         —           (9,854     —     

Intercompany loans

     210         7,678         623         1,557         (10,068     —     
                                                    

Total assets

   $ 5,022       $ 8,056       $ 16,871       $ 6,288       $ (21,563   $ 14,674   
                                                    

Liabilities and equity

                

Current liabilities

                

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

     30         100         237         546         —          913   

Deferred revenues

     —           —           274         173         —          447   

Income tax liabilities

     —           —           27         51         —          78   

Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations and other short-term borrowings

     92         27         10         20         —          149   

Intercompany payables

     —           152         1,105         211         (1,468     —     
                                                    

Total current liabilities

     122         279         1,653         1,001         (1,468     1,587   

Non-current liabilities

                

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations

     70         6,575         100         17         —          6,762   

Deferred tax liabilities

     —           —           950         158         (174     934   

Intercompany loans

     —           —           9,447         621         (10,068     —     

Other non-current liabilities

     —           19         233         298         —          550   
                                                    

Total liabilities

     192         6,873         12,383         2,095         (11,710     9,833   
                                                    

Total stockholders’ equity

     4,830         1,183         4,488         4,182         (9,853     4,830   

Noncontrolling interests

     —           —           —           11         —          11   

Total equity

     4,830         1,183         4,488         4,193         (9,853     4,841   
                                                    

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 5,022       $ 8,056       $ 16,871       $ 6,288       $ (21,563   $ 14,674   
                                                    

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

December 31, 2010

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Parent      Issuers     Guarantor      Non-
Guarantor
     Elimination     Consolidated  

Assets:

               

Current assets

               

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1       $ —        $ 65       $ 352       $ —        $ 418   

Trade and other receivables, net

     —           —          391         623         —          1,014   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     1         18        87         113         —          219   

Intercompany receivables

     306         115        749         346         (1,516     —     
                                                   

Total current assets

     308         133        1,292         1,434         (1,516     1,651   

Non-current assets

               

Property, plant and equipment, net

     —           —          356         243         —          599   

Goodwill

     —           —          4,935         2,161         —          7,096   

Other intangible assets, net

     —           —          4,149         458         —          4,607   

Deferred tax assets

     —           174        1         60         (174     61   

Other non-current assets

     7         94        184         126         —          411   

Equity investment in subsidiaries

     2,980         —          3,750         —           (6,730     —     

Intercompany loans

     198         7,634        617         1,469         (9,918     —     
                                                   

Total assets

   $ 3,493       $ 8,035      $ 15,284       $ 5,951       $ (18,338   $ 14,425   
                                                   

Liabilities and equity:

               

Current liabilities

               

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

   $ 30       $ 94      $ 327       $ 539       $ —        $ 990   

Deferred revenues

     —           —          265         187         —          452   

Income tax liabilities

     —           —          27         46         —          73   

Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings

     49         27        10         8         —          94   

Intercompany payables

     —           192        1,093         231         (1,516     —     
                                                   

Total current liabilities

     79         313        1,722         1,011         (1,516     1,609   

Non-current liabilities

               

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations

     533         7,812        102         17         —          8,464   

Deferred tax liabilities

     —           —          968         148         (174     942   

Intercompany loans

     —           —          9,302         616         (9,918     —     

Other non-current liabilities

     —           22        210         288         —          520   
                                                   

Total liabilities

     612         8,147        12,304         2,080         (11,608     11,535   
                                                   

Total shareholders’ equity

     2,881         (112     2,980         3,862         (6,730     2,881   

Noncontrolling interests

     —           —          —           9         —          9   
                                                   

Total equity

     2,881         (112     2,980         3,871         (6,730     2,890   
                                                   

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 3,493       $ 8,035      $ 15,284       $ 5,951       $ (18,338   $ 14,425   
                                                   

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

For the three months ended March 31, 2011

 

(IN MILLIONS)

  Parent     Issuers     Guarantor     Non-Guarantor     Consolidated  

Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities

  $ —        $ 67      $ (147   $ 26      $ (54
                                       

Investing activities:

         

Acquisitions of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired

    —          —          (62     2        (60

Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets

    —          —          (13     (7     (20

Additions to intangible assets

    —          —          (29     (3     (32

Other investing activities

    —          —          (2     1        (1
                                       

Net cash used in investing activities

    —          —          (106     (7     (113
                                       

Financing activities:

         

Contribution from Valcon

    2,076        —          —          —          2,076   

Repayments of other debt

    (453     (1,295     (3     —          (1,751

Decrease in other short-term borrowings

    —          —          (2     14        12   

Settlement of derivatives and other financing activities

    (1,628     1,228        239        (51     (212
                                       

Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities

    (5     (67     234        (37     125   
                                       

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

    5        —          1        9        15   
                                       

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

    —          —          (18     (9     (27
                                       

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    1        —          65        352        418   
                                       

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $ 1      $ —        $ 47      $ 343      $ 391   
                                       

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

For the three months ended March 31, 2010

 

(IN MILLIONS)

  Parent     Issuers     Guarantor     Non-Guarantor     Consolidated  

Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities

  $ —        $ 5      $ (68   $ 35      $ (28
                                       

Investing activities:

         

Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired

    —         —         (10     (4     (14

Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net

        29        —          29   

Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets

    —         —         (18     (8     (26

Additions to intangible assets

    —         —         (25     (2     (27

Other investing activities

    —         —         —         6        6   
                                       

Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities

    —          —          (24     (8     (32
                                       

Financing activities:

         

Repayments of debt

    —         (28     —         —         (28

Increase/(decrease) in other short-term borrowings

    —         —         2        (5     (3

Stock activity of subsidiaries, settlement of derivatives and other financing activities

    —         21        10        (32     (1
                                       

Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities

    —         (7     12        (37     (32
                                       

Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

    —         —         —         (11     (11
                                       

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

    —         (2     (80     (21     (103

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    2        2        160        347        511   
                                       

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $ 2      $ —       $ 80      $ 326      $ 408   
                                       

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board and Stockholders

The Nielsen Company B.V.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Nielsen Company B.V. as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and changes in equity and accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-1. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of The Nielsen Company B.V. at December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

New York, New York

March 1, 2011

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

     December 31,  

(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)

   2010     2009  

Assets:

    

Current assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 418      $ 511   

Trade and other receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns of $31 as of both December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively

     1,014        936   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     219        195   
                

Total current assets

     1,651        1,642   

Non-current assets

    

Property, plant and equipment, net

     599        593   

Goodwill

     7,096        7,056   

Other intangible assets, net

     4,607        4,757   

Deferred tax assets

     61        48   

Other non-current assets

     411        493   
                

Total assets

   $ 14,425      $ 14,589   
                

Liabilities and equity:

    

Current liabilities

    

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

   $ 990      $ 999   

Deferred revenues

     452        435   

Income tax liabilities

     73        82   

Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings

     94        110   
                

Total current liabilities

     1,609        1,626   

Non-current liabilities

    

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations

     8,464        8,548   

Deferred tax liabilities

     942        1,065   

Other non-current liabilities

     520        551   
                

Total liabilities

     11,535        11,790   
                

Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)

    

Equity:

    

Stockholders’ equity

    

7% preferred stock, €8.00 par value, 150,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding

     1        1   

Common stock, €0.20 par value, 550,000,000 shares authorized and 258,463,857 shares issued at December 31, 2010 and 2009

     58        58   

Additional paid-in capital

     4,373        4,353   

Accumulated deficit

     (1,465     (1,585

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes

     (86     (42
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     2,881        2,785   

Noncontrolling interests

     9        14   
                

Total equity

     2,890        2,799   
                

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 14,425      $ 14,589   
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
 

(IN MILLIONS)

   2010     2009     2008  

Revenues

   $ 5,126      $ 4,808      $ 4,806   
                        

Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below

     2,129        2,023        2,057   

Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below

     1,648        1,523        1,615   

Depreciation and amortization

     558        557        499   

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

     —          527        96   

Restructuring costs

     61        62        118   
                        

Operating income

     730        116        421   
                        

Interest income

     5        7        17   

Interest expense

     (660     (644     (617

Loss on derivative instruments

     (27     (60     (15

Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net

     135        (2     22   

Other expense, net

     (81     (17     (12
                        

Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates

     102        (600     (184

Benefit/(provision) for income taxes

     46        195        (36

Equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates

     5        (22     (7
                        

Income/(loss) from continuing operations

     153        (427     (227

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (22     (61     (275
                        

Net income/(loss)

     131        (488     (502

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     2        2        —     
                        

Net income/(loss) attributable to The Nielsen Company B.V.

   $ 129      $ (490   $ (502
                        

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
 

(IN MILLIONS)

   2010     2009     2008  

Operating Activities

      

Net income/(loss)

   $ 131      $ (488   $ (502

Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Stock-based compensation expense

     18        14        18   

Loss/(gain) on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax

     5        14        (19

Deferred income taxes

     (185     (302     (126

Currency exchange rate differences on financial transactions and other (gains)/losses

     (54     23        (8

Loss on derivative instruments

     27        60        15   

Equity in net income/(loss) from affiliates, net of dividends received

     6        33        18   

Depreciation and amortization

     558        562        504   

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

     —          582        432   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired and divested:

      

Trade and other receivables, net

     (77     40        (68

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (18     (23     (7

Accounts payable and other current liabilities and deferred revenues

     11        (96     (131

Other non-current liabilities

     (8     (4     2   

Interest receivable

     —          —          4   

Interest payable

     129        149        145   

Income taxes payable

     1        (49     39   
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     544        515        316   
                        

Investing Activities

      

Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired

     (55     (50     (238

Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net

     17        84        23   

Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets

     (178     (139     (224

Additions to intangible assets

     (156     (143     (146

Other investing activities

     7        21        (6
                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     (365     (227     (591
                        

Financing Activities

      

Net (repayments)/borrowings from revolving credit facility

     —          (295     285   

Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs

     1,065        1,223        217   

Repayment of debt

     (1,228     (976     (184

Decrease in other short-term borrowings

     (6     (49     (13

Cash dividends paid to parent

     (9     —          —     

Valcon capital (return)/contribution

     —          (1     79   

Activity under stock plans

     (4     —          (1

Stock activity of subsidiaries, net

     —          (3     (2

Settlement of derivatives and other financing activities

     (82     (170     (11
                        

Net cash provided (used in)/provided by financing activities

     (264     (271     370   
                        

Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (8     28        (28
                        

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (93     45        67   
                        

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     511        466        399   
                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 418      $ 511      $ 466   
                        

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

      

Cash paid for income taxes

   $ (129   $ (139   $ (91

Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized

   $ (531   $ (495   $ (494

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

 

(IN MILLIONS)

  Total
Preferred
Stock
    Common
Stock
    Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Accumulated
Deficit
    Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income/ (Loss), Net
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
    Noncontrolling
Interests
    Total
Equity
 
          Currency
Translation
Adjustments
    Net
Unrealized
Gains/
(Losses) on
Securities
    Net
Unrealized
Gain/
(Loss)
on Cash
Flow
Hedges
    Post
Employment
Adjustments
       

Balance, December 31, 2007

  $ 1      $ 58      $ 4,180      $ (593   $ 318      $ (4   $ (42   $ 39      $ 3,957      $ 4      $ 3,961   
                                                                                       

Comprehensive income/(loss):

                     

Net loss

          (502             (502       (502

Other comprehensive income:

                     

Currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $11

            (564           (564     1        (563

Unrealized loss on pension liability, net of tax of $49

                  (143     (143       (143

Realized loss on available-for-sale securities

              4            4          4   

Cash flow hedges, net of tax of $29

                (39       (39       (39
                                       

Total other comprehensive loss

                    (742     1        (741
                                       

Total comprehensive loss

                    (1,244     1        (1,243

Noncontrolling interests acquired in business combination

                      11        11   

Valcon Capital Contribution

        79                  79          79   

Valcon noncontrolling interest Squeeze-out

        65                  65          65   

Activity under stock plans

        (1               (1       (1

Options issued in business acquisitions

        1                  1          1   

Stock-based compensation expense

        18                  18          18   
                                                                                       

Balance, December 31, 2008

  $ 1      $ 58      $ 4,342      $ (1,095   $ (246   $ —        $ (81   $ (104   $ 2,875      $ 16      $ 2,891   
                                                                                       

 

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Table of Contents

(IN MILLIONS)

  Total
Preferred
Stock
    Common
Stock
    Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Accumulated
Deficit
    Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income/(Loss), Net
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
    Noncontrolling
Interests
    Total
Equity
 
          Currency
Translation
Adjustments
    Net
Unrealized
Gain/
(Loss)
on Cash
Flow
Hedges
    Post
Employment
Adjustments
       

Balance, December 31, 2008

  $ 1      $ 58      $ 4,342      $ (1,095   $ (246   $ (81   $ (104   $ 2,875      $ 16      $ 2,891   
                                                                               

Comprehensive income/(loss):

                   

Net loss

          (490           (490     2        (488

Other comprehensive income:

                   

Currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $2

            332            332        1        333   

Unrealized gain on pension liability, net of tax

                23        23          23   

Cash flow hedges, net of tax of $33

              34          34          34   
                                     

Total other comprehensive income

                  389        1        390   
                                     

Total comprehensive (loss)/income

                  (101     3        (98

Noncontrolling interests acquired in business combination

                    (2     (2

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests

                    (3     (3

Valcon capital (return)/contribution

        (1             (1       (1

Stock-based compensation expense

        12                12          12   
                                                                               

Balance, December 31, 2009

  $ 1      $ 58      $ 4,353      $ (1,585   $ 86      $ (47   $ (81   $ 2,785      $ 14      $ 2,799   
                                                                               

 

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Table of Contents

(IN MILLIONS)

  Total
Preferred
Stock
    Common
Stock
    Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Accumulated
Deficit
    Accumulated Other  Comprehensive
Income/ (Loss), Net
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
    Noncontrolling
Interests
    Total
Equity
 
          Currency
Translation
Adjustments
    Net
Unrealized
Gain/
(Loss)
on Cash
Flow
Hedges
    Post
Employment
Adjustments
       

Balance, December 31, 2009

  $ 1      $ 58      $ 4,353      $ (1,585   $ 86      $ (47   $ (81   $ 2,785      $ 14      $ 2,799   
                                                                               

Comprehensive income:

                   

Net income

          129              129        2        131   

Other comprehensive loss:

                   

Currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $17

            (36         (36       (36

Unrealized loss on pension liability, net of tax of $10

                (40     (40       (40

Cash flow hedges, net of tax of $20

              32          32          32   
                                     

Total other comprehensive loss

                  (44     —          (44
                                     

Total comprehensive income

                  85        2        87   

Acquisition of noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries, net

        (4             (4     (4     (8

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests

                    (3     (3

Common stock option redemptions

        (4             (4       (4

Shares of common stock issued in business combinations

        11                11          11   

Stock-based compensation expense

        17                17          17   

Cash dividends paid to parent

          (9           (9       (9
                                                                               

Balance, December 31, 2010

  $ 1      $ 58      $ 4,373      $ (1,465   $ 50      $ (15   $ (121   $ 2,881      $ 9      $ 2,890   
                                                                               

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

On May 24, 2006, The Nielsen Company B.V. (“Nielsen” or “the Company”) was acquired through a tender offer to shareholders by Valcon Acquisition B.V. (“Valcon”), an entity formed by investment funds associated with AlpInvest Partners, The Blackstone Group, The Carlyle Group, Hellman & Friedman, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., and Thomas H. Lee Partners (collectively, the “Sponsors”). Valcon’s cumulative purchases totaled 99.4% of Nielsen’s outstanding common shares as of December 31, 2007. In May 2008, Valcon acquired the remaining Nielsen common shares through a statutory squeeze-out procedure pursuant to Dutch legal and regulatory requirements and therefore currently holds 100% of the Company’s outstanding common shares. Valcon also acquired 100% of the preferred B shares which were subsequently canceled during 2006.

Nielsen, together with its subsidiaries, is a leading global information and measurement company that provides clients with a comprehensive understanding of consumers and consumer behavior. Nielsen is aligned into three reporting segments: What Consumers Buy (“Buy”), What Consumers Watch (“Watch”) and Expositions. Nielsen has a presence in approximately 100 countries, with its headquarters located in Diemen, the Netherlands and New York, USA. See Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements “Segments” for a discussion of the Company’s reporting segments.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). All amounts are presented in U.S. Dollars (“$”), except for share and per share data or where expressly stated as being in other currencies, e.g., Euros (“€”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nielsen and all subsidiaries and other controlled entities. The Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows do not reflect the presentation of the Publications operating segment as a discontinued operation. Supplemental cash flows from discontinued operations are presented in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements “Business Divestitures.” The Company has evaluated events occurring subsequent to December 31, 2010 for potential recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements and concluded there were no subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure other than those provided.

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nielsen and all subsidiaries and other controlled entities. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in affiliates and joint ventures where Nielsen has significant influence but not control, usually supported by a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Investments in which Nielsen owns less than 20% are accounted for either as available-for-sale securities if the shares are publicly traded or as cost method investments. Intercompany accounts and transactions between consolidated companies have been eliminated in consolidation.

Foreign Currency Translation

Nielsen has significant investments outside the United States, primarily in the Euro-zone and the United Kingdom. Therefore, changes in the value of foreign currencies affect the consolidated financial statements when translated into U.S. Dollars. The functional currency for substantially all subsidiaries outside the U.S. is the local currency. Financial statements for these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. Dollars at period-end exchange rates as to the assets and liabilities and monthly average exchange rates as to revenues, expenses and cash flows. For these countries, currency translation adjustments are recognized in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), whereas transaction gains and losses are recognized in foreign exchange transaction gains/(losses), net.

 

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Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Investments

Investments include available-for-sale securities carried at fair value, or at cost if not publicly traded, investments in affiliates, and a trading asset portfolio maintained to generate returns to offset changes in certain liabilities related to deferred compensation arrangements. For the available-for-sale securities, any unrealized holding gains and losses, net of deferred income taxes, are excluded from operating results and are recognized in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) until realized. Nielsen assesses declines in the value of individual investments to determine whether such decline is other than temporary and thus the investment is impaired by considering available evidence. Nielsen determined that the decline in value of an investment in a publicly listed company and accounted for as an available-for-sale security was other than temporary and therefore recognized losses of $4 million and $12 million as a component of other (expense)/income in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Nielsen sold the investment during 2010 and no significant gains or losses were recognized for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Financial Instruments

Nielsen’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, investments, long-term debt and derivative financial instruments. These financial instruments potentially subject Nielsen to concentrations of credit risk. To minimize the risk of credit loss, these financial instruments are primarily held with acknowledged financial institutions. The carrying value of Nielsen’s financial instruments approximate fair value, except for differences with respect to long-term, fixed and variable-rate debt and certain differences relating to investments accounted for at cost. The fair value of financial instruments is generally determined by reference to market values resulting from trading on a national securities exchange or in an over-the-counter market. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Cash equivalents have original maturities of three months or less.

In addition, the Company has accounts receivable that are not collateralized. The Buy and Watch segments service high quality clients dispersed across many geographic areas and the customer base within the Expositions segment consists of a large number of diverse customers. The Company analyzes the aging of accounts receivable, historical bad debts, customer creditworthiness and current economic trends in determining the allowance for doubtful accounts.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Nielsen uses derivative instruments principally to manage the risk associated with movements in foreign currency exchange rates and the risk that changes in interest rates will affect the fair value or cash flows of its debt obligations.

To qualify for hedge accounting, the hedging relationship must meet several conditions with respect to documentation, probability of occurrence, hedge effectiveness and reliability of measurement. Nielsen documents the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management

 

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Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions as well as the hedge effectiveness assessment, both at the hedge inception and on an ongoing basis.

Nielsen recognizes all derivatives at fair value either as assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and changes in the fair values of such instruments are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. If specific cash flow hedge accounting criteria are met, Nielsen recognizes the changes in fair value of these instruments in other comprehensive income.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are stated at historical cost less accumulated impairment losses, if any.

Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, consisting of certain trade names and trademarks, are each tested for impairment on an annual basis and whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such asset may not be recoverable. Nielsen has designated October 1st as the date in which the annual assessment is performed as this timing corresponds with the development of the Company’s formal budget and business plan review. Nielsen reviews the recoverability of its goodwill by comparing the estimated fair values of reporting units with their respective carrying amounts. The Company established, and continues to evaluate, its reporting units based on its internal reporting structure and generally defines such reporting units at its operating segment level or one level below. The estimates of fair value of a reporting unit are determined using a combination of valuation techniques, primarily an income approach using a discounted cash flow analysis and a market-based approach.

A discounted cash flow analysis requires the use of various assumptions, including expectations of future cash flows, growth rates, discount rates and tax rates in developing the present value of future cash flow projections. Nielsen also uses a market-based approach in estimating the fair value of its reporting units. The market-based approach utilizes available market comparisons such as indicative industry multiples that are applied to current year revenue and earnings as well as recent comparable transactions.

The impairment test for other indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The estimates of fair value of trade names and trademarks are determined using a “relief from royalty” discounted cash flow valuation methodology. Significant assumptions inherent in this methodology include estimates of royalty rates and discount rates. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the respective intangible assets. Assumptions about royalty rates are based on the rates at which comparable trade names and trademarks are being licensed in the marketplace.

As discussed further below (See Note 5, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”) there was no impairment noted in 2010 with respect to either the Company’s goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets. Nielsen’s operating results for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 include aggregate goodwill impairment charges of $282 and $96 million, respectively. The Company also recorded goodwill impairment charges of $55 million and $336 million for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, relating to its Publications operating segment, which has been accounted for as a discontinued operation. There was no impairment noted in 2009 and 2008 with respect to the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets.

 

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Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Software and Other Amortized Intangible Assets

Intangible assets with finite lives are stated at historical cost, less accumulated amortization and impairment losses. These intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives, which are reviewed annually:

 

            Weighted
Average
 

Trade names and trademarks (with finite lives)

     5 - 20 years         18   

Customer-related intangibles

     6 - 25 years         22   

Covenants-not-to-compete

     2 - 7 years         5   

Computer software

     3 - 7 years         4   

Patents and other

     3 - 10 years         5   

Nielsen has purchased and internally developed software to facilitate its global information processing, financial reporting and client access needs. Costs that are related to the conceptual formulation and design of software programs are expensed as incurred; costs that are incurred to produce the finished product after technological feasibility has been established are capitalized as an intangible asset and are amortized over the estimated useful life.

Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs, which were not material for any periods presented, are expensed as incurred.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are carried at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of 25 to 50 years for buildings and related leasehold improvements and 3 to 10 years for equipment, which includes computer hardware, metering equipment and office furniture.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Other than Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Long-lived assets other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets held and used by Nielsen, including property, plant and equipment and amortized intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. Nielsen evaluates recoverability of assets to be held and used by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to the future net undiscounted cash flows to be generated by the asset. If such asset is considered to be impaired, the impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. No impairment indicators were noted by the Company during 2010. In 2009 the Company determined that the carrying amounts of certain customer related intangible assets within its Watch and Expositions segments were not recoverable and therefore recorded an impairment charge of $245 million.

Revenue Recognition

Nielsen recognizes revenues when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, services have been rendered or information has been delivered, the fee is fixed or determinable and the collectibility of the related revenue is reasonably assured.

 

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Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

A significant portion of the Company’s revenue is generated from information (primarily retail measurement and consumer panel services) and measurement (primarily from television, internet and mobile audiences) services. The Company generally recognizes revenue from the sale of services based upon fair value as the services are performed, which is usually ratably over the term of the contract(s). Invoiced amounts are recorded as deferred revenue until earned. Substantially all of the Company’s customer contracts are non-cancellable and non-refundable.

The Company’s revenue arrangements may include multiple deliverables and in these arrangements, the individual deliverables within the contract are separated and recognized upon delivery based upon their fair values relative to the total contract value, to the extent that the fair values are readily determinable and the deliverables have stand-alone value to the customer. In certain cases, software is included as part of these arrangements to allow Nielsen’s customers to supplementally view delivered information and is provided for the term of the arrangement and is not significant to the marketing effort and is not sold separately. Accordingly, software provided to Nielsen’s customers is considered to be incidental to the arrangements and is not recognized as a separate element.

A discussion of Nielsen’s revenue recognition policies, by segment, follows:

Buy

Revenue from the Buy segment, primarily from retail measurement services and consumer panel services, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the period during which the services are performed and information is delivered to the customer.

The Company provides insights and solutions to customers through analytical studies that are recognized into revenue as value is delivered to the customer. The pattern of revenue recognition for these contracts varies depending on the terms of the individual contracts, and may be recognized proportionally or deferred until the end of the contract term and recognized when the information has been delivered to the customer.

Watch

Revenue from the Watch segment is primarily generated from television, internet and mobile measurement services and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract period, as the service is delivered to the customer.

Expositions

Revenue and certain costs within the Expositions segment are recognized upon completion of each event.

Discontinued Operations

Revenue for publications, sold in single copies via newsstands and/or dealers, is recognized in the month in which the magazine goes on sale. Revenue from printed circulation and advertisements included therein is recognized on the date it is available to the consumer. Revenue from electronic circulation and advertising is recognized over the period during which both are electronically available. The unearned portion of paid magazine subscriptions is deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis with monthly amounts recognized on the magazines’ cover dates.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Deferred Costs

Incremental direct costs incurred related to establishing an electronic metered sample/panel in a market, are deferred. Deferred metered market assets are amortized over the original contract period, generally five years, beginning when the electronic metered sample/panel is ready for its intended use.

Advertising and Marketing Costs

Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred and are reflected as selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. These costs include all brand advertising, telemarketing, direct mail and other sales promotion associated with Nielsen’s exhibitions, and marketing/media research services and products. Advertising and marketing costs totaled $20 million, $18 million and $54 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation

Nielsen measures the cost of all stock-based payments, including stock options, at fair value on the grant date and recognizes such costs within the Consolidated Statements of Operations; however, no expense is recognized for options that do not ultimately vest. Nielsen recognizes the expense of its options that cliff vest using the straight-line method. For those that vest over time, an accelerated graded vesting is used. The Company recorded $18 million, $14 million and $18 million of expense associated with stock-based compensation for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Income Taxes

Nielsen provides for income taxes utilizing the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recorded to reflect the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each balance sheet date, based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that future tax benefits associated with a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is provided. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in the tax rates is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as an adjustment to income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company records a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. See Note 13, “Income Taxes” for further discussion of income taxes.

Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

Comprehensive income/(loss) is reported in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) and consists of net income or loss and other gains and losses affecting equity that are excluded from net income or loss.

 

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

2. Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Business Combinations

In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued a revised standard for accounting for business combinations, which was effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and applies to all business combinations. The standard provides that, upon initially obtaining control, an acquirer shall recognize 100 percent of the fair values of acquired assets, including goodwill, and assumed liabilities, with only limited exceptions, even if the acquirer has not acquired 100 percent of its target. As a consequence, the prior step acquisition model was eliminated. Additionally, the standard changed prior practice, in part, as follows: (i) contingent consideration arrangements are fair valued at the acquisition date and included on that basis in the purchase price consideration; (ii) transaction costs are expensed as incurred, rather than capitalized as part of the purchase price; (iii) pre-acquisition contingencies, such as those relating to legal matters, are generally accounted for in purchase accounting at fair value; (iv) in order to accrue for a restructuring plan in purchase accounting, the requirements for accounting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities have to be met at the acquisition date; and (v) changes to valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets and adjustments to unrecognized tax benefits generally are recognized as adjustments to income tax expense rather than goodwill. The Company adopted the new standard effective January 1, 2009 and such adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Measurements

In January 2010, the FASB issued updates to its fair value measurement standards that require entities to provide new disclosures and clarify existing disclosures relating to fair value measurements. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in Level 3 fair value measurements, which are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. The Company does not currently have fair value measurements within the Level 3 category and therefore the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In addition, effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted the standard for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. The required fair value disclosures are included in Note 7, “Fair Value Measurements.”

Consolidation

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued updates to its consolidation accounting standards to clarify that the scope of the decrease in ownership provisions applies to: (1) a subsidiary or group of assets that is a business; (2) a subsidiary that is a business that is transferred to an equity method investee or joint venture and (3) an exchange of a group of assets that constitutes a business for a noncontrolling interest in an entity (including an equity method investee or joint venture). If a decrease in ownership occurs in a subsidiary that is not a business, an entity first needs to consider whether the substance of the transaction causing the decrease in ownership is addressed in other U.S. GAAP. This guidance was effective for Nielsen retroactive to January 1, 2009, however, the guidance did not have an impact on previously issued consolidated financial statements and did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2010 or for the three and nine months then ended.

Changes in the Consolidation Model for Variable Interest Entities

In June 2009, the FASB issued an update that amends the consolidation guidance applicable to variable interest entities (“VIE”) and changes how a reporting entity evaluates whether an entity is considered the primary beneficiary of a VIE and is therefore required to consolidate such VIE and will also require assessments at each

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

reporting period of which party within the VIE is considered the primary beneficiary and will require a number of new disclosures. These updates are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The adoption of this guidance, effective January 1, 2010, did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

In October 2009, the FASB issued updates to its accounting standards pertaining to multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements requiring entities to allocate revenue in an arrangement using estimated selling prices of the delivered goods and services based on a selling price hierarchy. The guidance eliminates the residual method of revenue allocation and requires revenue to be allocated using the relative selling price method and is effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. The Company has evaluated the impact of the revised accounting standard and does not believe it will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

3. Business Acquisitions

For the year ended December 31, 2010, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $55 million associated with both current period and previously executed acquisitions, net of cash acquired. In conjunction with these acquisitions, Nielsen recorded deferred consideration of $20 million, which is payable through 2013. Had the current period acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2010, the impact on Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations would not have been material.

For the year ended December 31, 2009, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $50 million associated with both current period and previously executed acquisitions and investments in affiliates, net of cash acquired. In conjunction with these acquisitions, Nielsen recorded deferred consideration of $25 million, of which $22 million was attributable to a March 2009 acquisition, which in March 2010, was agreed to be settled by a cash payment of $11 million in April 2010 and the issuance of $11 million in equity. Had the current period acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2009, the impact on Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations would not have been material.

On December 19, 2008, the Company completed the purchase of the remaining 50% interest in AGB Nielsen Media Research (“AGBNMR”), a leading international television audience media measurement business, from WPP Group plc (“WPP”). With full ownership of AGBNMR, the Company is able to better leverage its global media product portfolio. In exchange for the remaining 50% interest in AGBNMR, the Company transferred business assets and ownership interests transferred with an aggregate fair value of $72 million. No material gain or loss was recorded on the business assets and ownerships transferred. The Company’s valuation of purchase price resulted in an allocation to intangible assets of $29 million and to goodwill of $36 million. The Company also reclassified $108 million from investment in affiliates to goodwill. In connection with the transaction, the Company allocated $57 million of goodwill and intangible assets to the business assets and ownership interests transferred based on the relative fair value of the corresponding reporting unit. Net cash acquired in this transaction was $23 million.

On May 15, 2008, the Company completed the acquisition of IAG Research, Inc (“IAG”), for $223 million (including non-cash consideration of $1 million), which was net of $12 million of cash acquired. The acquisition expands the Company’s television and internet analytics services through IAG’s measurement of consumer engagement with television programs, national commercials and product placements. The Company’s valuation of the purchase price resulted in an allocation to identifiable intangible assets of $78 million and an allocation to goodwill of $147 million, net of tax adjustments.

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

For the year ended December 31, 2008, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $39 million associated with other acquisitions and investments in affiliates, net of cash acquired. In conjunction with these acquisitions and as of December 31, 2008, Nielsen has recorded deferred consideration of $12 million, which was subsequently paid in January 2009. Had the AGBNMR, IAG and other acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2008, the impact on Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations would not have been material.

4. Business Divestitures

During the year ended December 31, 2010, Nielsen received net cash proceeds of $17 million associated with business divestitures, including the sale of its box-office tracking business as well as the remaining properties within the Publications operating segment discussed within discontinued operations below.

During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company received $84 million in net proceeds associated with business divestitures, primarily associated with the sale of its media properties within the Publications operating segment. The Company’s consolidated financial statements reflect the Publications operating segment as a discontinued operation (discussed further below). The impact of the remaining divestiture transactions on Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations was not material.

During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company received $23 million in net proceeds primarily associated with two divestitures within its Business Media segment and the final settlement of the sale of its Directories segment to World Directories. The impact of these divestitures on Nielsen’s consolidated statement of operations was not material for all periods presented.

Discontinued Operations

In December 2009, the Company substantially completed its planned exit of the Publications operating segment through the sale of its media properties, including The Hollywood Reporter and Billboard, to e5 Global Media LLC. The transaction resulted in a loss of approximately $14 million, net of taxes of $3 million. The net loss included $10 million of liabilities for certain obligations associated with transition services that were contractually retained by Nielsen. Nielsen has completed the exit of the remaining properties.

In October 2010, the Company reached an agreement with the plaintiff in a lawsuit associated with its former Publications operating segment for a $12 million cash settlement, which was paid on October 26, 2010. The Company recorded a $7 million charge (net of tax of $5 million) associated with this settlement, which has been reported as a component of discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Summarized results of operations for discontinued operations are as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  

(IN MILLIONS)

     2010         2009         2008    

Revenues

   $ 8      $ 132      $ 206   

Goodwill impairment charges

     —          55        336   

Operating loss

     (26     (66     (303

Loss from operations before income taxes

     (26     (77     (325

Benefit for income taxes

     9        28        31   
                        

Loss from operations

     (17     (49     (294

(Loss)/gain on sale, net of tax(1)

     (5     (12     19   
                        

Loss from discontinued operations

   $ (22   $ (61   $ (275
                        

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

 

(1) (Loss)/gain on sale, net of tax of $5 million (net of a tax benefit of $3 million) for the year ended December 31, 2010 includes the net loss on the sale of the remaining Publications properties. The amount for the year ended December 31, 2009 includes a loss of $14 million (net of a tax benefit of $3 million) as well as a gain of $2 million associated with the expiration of certain contingencies related to prior discontinued operations. The amount for the year ended December 31, 2008 primarily relates to the settlement of tax contingencies associated with the sale of Nielsen’s Directories segment to World Directories.

Nielsen allocated interest to discontinued operations based upon interest expense on debt that was assumed by the acquirers of Nielsen’s discontinued operations and a portion of the consolidated interest expense of Nielsen, based on the ratio of net assets sold as a proportion of consolidated net assets. No interest was allocated to discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2010. For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 interest expense of $8 million and $22 million, respectively, was allocated to discontinued operations.

Following are the major categories of cash flows from discontinued operations, as included in Nielsen’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  

(IN MILLIONS)

   2010     2009     2008  

Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities

   $ (17   $ 5      $ 31   

Net cash used in investing activities

     —          (1     (3

Net cash used in financing activities

     —          —          —     
                        
   $ (17   $ 4      $ 28   
                        

5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The Company’s 2010 annual assessment did not result in any indicators of impairment for any of its underlying reporting units.

The Company’s 2009 impairment assessments resulted in the recognition of a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $282 million and a non-cash customer-related intangible asset impairment charge of $245 million relating to the affected reporting units during the third quarter of 2009. A deferred tax benefit of $103 million was recognized during the period as a result of these impairment charges.

Nielsen’s 2008 annual assessment resulted in the recognition of a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $96 million within its Watch segment. A deferred tax benefit of $7 million was recognized as a result of the impairment charge.

Goodwill

The table below summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   What
Consumers
Buy
     What
Consumers
Watch
    Expositions     Total  

Balance December 31, 2008

   $ 2,851         3,704        630        7,185   

Acquisitions, divestitures and purchase price adjustments

     9         4        (17     (4

Impairments

     —           (280     (57     (337

Effect of foreign currency translation

     206         6        —          212   
                                 

Balance December 31, 2009

   $ 3,066       $ 3,434      $ 556      $ 7,056   

Acquisitions, divestitures and purchase price adjustments

     2         8        4        14   

Effect of foreign currency translation

     36         (10     —          26   
                                 

Balance December 31, 2010

   $ 3,104       $ 3,432      $ 560      $ 7,096   
                                 

Cumulative impairments

   $ —         $ 376      $ 2      $ 378   
                                 

For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company also incurred impairment charges of $55 million and $336 million, respectively, relating to the Publications reporting unit, which has been accounted for as a discontinued operation.

At December 31, 2010, $199 million of goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Other Intangible Assets

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Gross Amounts            Accumulated Amortization  
   December 31,
2010
     December 31,
2009
           December 31,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 

Indefinite-lived intangibles:

              

Trade names and trademarks

   $ 1,921       $ 1,949           $ —        $ —     
                                      

Amortized intangibles:

              

Trade names and trademarks

   $ 110       $ 112           $ (29   $ (22

Customer-related intangibles

     2,789         2,747             (617     (480

Covenants-not-to-compete

     22         21             (20     (15

Computer software

     952         826             (551     (421

Patents and other

     64         63             (34     (23
                                      

Total

   $ 3,937       $ 3,769           $ (1,251   $ (961
                                      

The amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $319 million, $335 million and $302 million, respectively.

Certain of the trade names associated with Nielsen are deemed indefinite-lived intangible assets, as their associated Nielsen brand awareness and recognition has existed for over 50 years and the Company intends to continue to utilize these trade names. There are also no legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors that may limit their estimated useful lives. Nielsen reconsiders the remaining estimated useful life of indefinite-lived intangible assets each reporting period.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

All other intangible assets are subject to amortization. Future amortization expense is estimated to be as follows:

 

(IN MILLIONS)

      

For the year ending December 31:

  

2011

   $ 302   

2012

     262   

2013

     220   

2014

     177   

2015

     161   

Thereafter

     1,564   
        

Total

   $ 2,686   
        

6. Property, Plant and Equipment

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   December 31,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 

Land and buildings

   $ 353      $ 343   

Information and communication equipment

     647        540   

Furniture, equipment and other

     161        157   
                
     1,161        1,040   

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (562     (447
                
   $ 599      $ 593   
                

Depreciation and amortization expense from continuing operations related to property, plant and equipment was $168 million, $158 million and $139 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

The above amounts include amortization expense on assets under capital leases and other financing obligations of $7 million, $6 million and $6 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The net book value of assets under capital leases and other financing obligations was $153 million and $160 million as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Capital leases and other financing obligations are comprised primarily of buildings.

7. Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which the Company would transact, and also considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of non-performance.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1:   Quoted market prices available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.
Level 2:   Pricing inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date.
Level 3:   Pricing inputs that are generally unobservable and may not be corroborated by market data.

Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities are measured and recorded at fair value, except for equity method investments, cost method investments, and long-term debt. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurements requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured and their placement within the fair value hierarchy. The following table summarizes the valuation of the Company’s material financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2010 and 2009:

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   December 31,
2010
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Assets:

           

Investments in mutual funds(1)

   $ 2       $ 2       $ —         $ —     

Plan assets for deferred compensation(2)

     19         19         —           —     

Interest rate swap arrangements(4)

     16         —           16         —     
                                   

Total

   $ 37       $ 21       $ 16       $ —     
                                   

Liabilities:

           

Interest rate swap arrangements(4)

   $ 60       $ —         $ 60       $ —     

Deferred compensation liabilities(5)

     19         19         —           —     
                                   

Total

   $ 79       $ 19       $ 60       $ —     
                                   

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   December 31,
2009
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Assets:

           

Investments in mutual funds(1)

   $ 2       $ 2       $ —         $ —     

Plan assets for deferred compensation(2)

     16         16         —           —     

Investments in equity securities(3)

     6         6         —           —     
                                   

Total

   $ 24       $ 24       $ —         $ —     
                                   

Liabilities:

           

Interest rate swap arrangements(4)

   $ 117       $       $ 117       $ —     

Deferred compensation liabilities(5)

     16         16         —           —     
                                   

Total

   $ 133       $ 16       $ 117       $ —     
                                   

 

(1) Investments in mutual funds are money-market accounts held with the intention of funding certain specific retirement plans.

 

(2)

Plan assets are comprised of investments in mutual funds, which are intended to fund liabilities arising from deferred compensation plans. These investments are carried at fair value, which is based on quoted market

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

 

prices at period end in active markets. These investments are classified as trading securities with any gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recorded in other expense, net.

 

(3) Investments in equity securities are carried at fair value, which is based on quoted market prices at period end in active markets. These investments are classified as available-for-sale with any unrealized gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recorded net of tax as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/loss until realized.

 

(4) Derivative financial instruments include interest rate swap arrangements recorded at fair value based on externally-developed valuation models that use readily observable market parameters and the consideration of counterparty risk.

 

(5) The Company offers certain employees the opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation plan. A participant’s deferrals are invested in a variety of participant directed stock and bond mutual funds and are classified as trading securities. Changes in the fair value of these securities are measured using quoted prices in active markets based on the market price per unit multiplied by the number of units held exclusive of any transaction costs. A corresponding adjustment for changes in fair value of the trading securities is also reflected in the changes in fair value of the deferred compensation obligation.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Nielsen uses interest rate swap derivative instruments principally to manage the risk that changes in interest rates will affect the cash flows of its underlying debt obligations.

To qualify for hedge accounting, the hedging relationship must meet several conditions with respect to documentation, probability of occurrence, hedge effectiveness and reliability of measurement. Nielsen documents the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions as well as the hedge effectiveness assessment, both at the hedge inception and on an ongoing basis. Nielsen recognizes all derivatives at fair value either as assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and changes in the fair values of such instruments are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. If specific cash flow hedge accounting criteria are met, Nielsen recognizes the changes in fair value of these instruments in accumulated other comprehensive income/loss.

Nielsen manages exposure to possible defaults on derivative financial instruments by monitoring the concentration of risk that Nielsen has with any individual bank and through the use of minimum credit quality standards for all counterparties. Nielsen does not require collateral or other security in relation to derivative financial instruments. A derivative contract entered into between Nielsen or certain of its subsidiaries and a counterparty that was also a lender under Nielsen’s senior secured credit facilities at the time the derivative contract was entered into is guaranteed under the senior secured credit facilities by Nielsen and certain of its subsidiaries (see Note 10 “Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements” for more information). Since it is Nielsen’s policy to only enter into derivative contracts with banks of internationally acknowledged standing, Nielsen considers the counterparty risk to be remote.

It is Nielsen’s policy to have an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) Master Agreement established with every bank with which it has entered into any derivative contract. Under each of these ISDA Master Agreements, Nielsen agrees to settle only the net amount of the combined market values of all derivative contracts outstanding with any one counterparty should that counterparty default. Certain of the ISDA Master Agreements contain cross-default provisions where if the Company either defaults in payment obligations under its credit facility or if such obligations are accelerated by the lenders, then the Company could

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

also be declared in default on its derivative obligations. At December 31, 2010, Nielsen had no material exposure to potential economic losses due to counterparty credit default risk or cross-default risk on its derivative financial instruments.

Interest Rate Risk

Nielsen is exposed to cash flow interest rate risk on the floating-rate U.S. Dollar and Euro Term Loans, and uses floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps to hedge this exposure. These interest rate swaps have various maturity dates through November 2014. For these derivatives, Nielsen reports the after-tax gain or loss from the effective portion of the hedge as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/loss and reclassifies it into earnings in the same period or periods in which the hedged transaction affects earnings, and within the same income statement line item as the impact of the hedged transaction.

In October and November 2010, the Company entered into an aggregate of $1 billion notional amount of three-year forward interest rate swap agreements with starting dates of November 9, 2010. These agreements fix the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 0.72%. The commencement date of the interest rate swaps coincides with the $1 billion notional amount of interest rate swaps that matured on November 9, 2010. Additionally, on November 1, 2010 the Company entered into a $250 million notional amount three-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of November 9, 2011, which fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at a rate of 1.26%. These derivative instruments have been designated as interest rate cash flow hedges.

On March 9, 2010, Nielsen entered into a three-year interest swap to fix the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates for $250 million of the Company’s variable-rate debt at 1.69%. This swap replaced the $500 million notional amount interest rate swap that matured on February 9, 2010. This derivative instrument has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

In February 2009, Nielsen entered into two three-year forward interest rate swap agreements with starting dates of November 9, 2009. These agreements fix the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates for $500 million of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 2.47%. The commencement date of the interest rate swaps coincided with the $1 billion notional amount interest rate swap that matured on November 9, 2009. These derivative instruments have been designated as interest rate cash flow hedges.

In February 2009, Nielsen modified the reset interest rate underlying its $4,525 million senior secured term loan and, as a result, the related floating-to-fixed interest rate swap derivative financial instruments became ineffective. Cumulative losses deferred as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss will be recognized in interest expense over the remaining term of the senior secured term loan being hedged. Beginning in February 2009, Nielsen began recording all changes in fair value of the floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps currently in earnings as a component of loss on derivative instruments.

Nielsen expects to recognize approximately $37 million of net pre-tax losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense in the next 12 months associated with its interest-related derivative financial instruments, which includes the aforementioned modification.

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

As of December 31, 2010 the Company had the following outstanding interest rate swaps utilized in the management of its interest rate risk:

 

     Notional Amount      Maturity Date      Currency  

Interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments

        

US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps

   $ 500,000,000         November 2012         US Dollar   

US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps

   $ 250,000,000         March 2013         US Dollar   

US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps

   $ 1,000,000,000         November 2013         US Dollar   

US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps

   $ 250,000,000         November 2014         US Dollar   

Interest rate swaps not designated as hedging instruments

        

US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps

   $ 800,000,000         November 2011         US Dollar   

Foreign Currency Risk

Nielsen has managed its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates attributable to certain of its long-term debt through the use of foreign currency swap derivative instruments. When the derivative financial instrument is deemed to be highly effective in offsetting variability in the hedged item, changes in its fair value are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and recognized contemporaneously with the earnings effects of the hedged item.

Nielsen held a foreign currency swap, which had been designated as a foreign currency cash flow hedge, maturing in May 2010 to hedge its exposure to foreign currency exchange rate movements on its GBP 250 million outstanding 5.625% EMTN debenture notes. In March 2009, the Company purchased and cancelled approximately GBP 101 million of the total GBP 250 million outstanding 5.625% EMTN debenture notes through a tender offer and unwound a portion of the existing swap. Subsequent to the March 2009 tender offer, a notional amount of GBP 149 million with a fixed interest rate of 5.625% had been swapped to a notional amount of €227 million with a fixed interest rate of 4.033%. The swap was fully terminated in June 2009 in conjunction with the Company’s completion of a tender offer for these remaining outstanding debenture notes.

During the year ended December 31, 2007, Nielsen entered into a cross-currency swap maturing February 2010 to convert part of its Euro-denominated external debt to U.S. Dollar-denominated debt. With this transaction a notional amount of €200 million with a 3-month EURIBOR based interest rate was swapped to a notional amount of $259 million with an interest rate based on 3-month USD-LIBOR minus a spread. No hedge designation had been made for this swap. In March 2009, Nielsen terminated a foreign currency swap, which converted a portion of its Euro-denominated external debt to U.S. Dollar-denominated debt and had an original maturity in February 2010. Nielsen received a cash settlement of approximately $2 million associated with this termination.

During the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, Nielsen entered into several foreign currency forward contracts with notional amounts aggregating $33 million and $83 million, respectively, to hedge exposure to fluctuations in various currencies. These contracts expired ratably during the periods presented. The Company terminated all existing contracts during the first quarter of 2009. Since no hedge designation was made for these currency exchange contracts, Nielsen recorded a net loss of $5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 and a net gain of $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, based on quoted market prices, for contracts with similar terms and maturity dates.

In conjunction with the Company’s December 2010 redemption of all €150 million principal amount of its 9% Senior Notes due 2014, in October 2010, Nielsen entered into a foreign currency forward contract to

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

purchase approximately €162 million and deliver an amount of US Dollars in November 2010 at a fixed exchange rate. The transaction resulted in a loss of approximately $9 million during the fourth quarter of 2010. The transaction was not designated as a foreign currency cash flow hedge.

See Note 10 “Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements” for more information on the 2010 and 2009 long-term debt transactions referenced in this note.

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets

The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments as of December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were as follows:

 

     December 31, 2010      December 31, 2009  

(IN MILLIONS)

   Other
Non-
Current
Assets
     Accounts
Payable and
Other
Current
Liabilities
     Other
Non-
Current
Liabilities
     Accounts
Payable and
Other
Current
Liabilities
     Other
Non-
Current
Liabilities
 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

              

Interest rate swaps

   $ 16       $ —         $ 23       $ —         $ 9   
                                            

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments

   $ 16       $ —         $ 23       $ —         $ 9   
                                            

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

              

Interest rate swaps

   $ —         $ 37       $ —         $ 48       $ 60   
                                            

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

   $ —         $ 37       $ —         $ 48       $ 60   
                                            

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was as follows (amounts in millions):

 

Derivatives in

Cash Flow

Hedging

Relationships

  Amount of
Gain/(Loss)
Recognized in OCI
on Derivatives
(Effective Portion)
December 31,
   

Location of

Gain/(Loss)

Reclassified from

OCI

into Income
(Effective Portion)

  Amount of Gain/
(Loss)
Reclassified from
OCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
December 31,
    Amount of Gain/
(Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivatives
(Ineffective Portion
and Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness
Testing)
December 31,
 
  2010     2009     2008         2010     2009     2008     2010     2009     2008  

Interest rate swaps

  $ (12   $ (27   $ 125      Interest expense   $ (14   $ (26   $ 52      $ (50   $ (80   $ 2   

Foreign currency swap

    —          23        86     

Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net

    —          28        100        —          —          —     
                                                                         

Total

  $ (12   $ (4   $ 211        $ (14   $ 2      $ 152      $ (50   $ (80   $ 2   
                                                                         

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments not designated as hedges for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was as follows (amounts in millions):

 

Derivatives Not Designated

as Hedging Instruments

  

Location of Gain/(Loss) Recognized

in Statement of Operations on

Derivatives

   Amount of Gain/(Loss)
Recognized in Statement of
Operations  on Derivatives
For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
      2010     2009     2008  

Interest rate swaps

   (Loss)/gain on derivative instruments    $ (18   $ (36   $ (4

Foreign currency swaps

   (Loss)/gain on derivative instruments      —          (19     (13

Foreign currency forward contracts

   (Loss)/gain on derivative instruments      (9     (5     2   
                           

Total

      $ (27   $ (60   $ (15
                           

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

The Company is required, on a nonrecurring basis, to adjust the carrying value or provide valuation allowances for certain assets using fair value measurements. The Company’s equity method investments, cost method investments, and non-financial assets, such as goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant and equipment, are measured at fair value when there is an indicator of impairment and recorded at fair value only when an impairment charge is recognized.

The Company did not measure any material non-financial assets or liabilities at fair value during the year ended December 31, 2010. The following table summarizes the valuation of the Company’s material non-financial assets previously measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2009 as a result of impairment indicators:

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   December 31,
2009
     (Level 1)      (Level 2)      (Level 3)      Total
impairment
losses
 

Goodwill(1)

   $ 7,056       $ —         $ —         $ 7,056       $ 378   

Customer-related intangibles

     2,267         —           —           2,267         245   

Equity method investments(2)

     82         —           —           82         44   
                                            

Total

   $ 9,405       $ —         $ —         $ 9,405       $ 667   
                                            

 

(1) Total impairment losses exclude $391 million attributable to the Company’s Publications operating segment, which has been accounted for as a discontinued operation. See Note 4 “Business Divestitures” for more information.

 

(2) Total impairment losses associated with equity method investments were recorded as a component of equity in net loss of affiliates, net of tax, within the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 14 “Investments in Affiliates and Related Party Transactions” for more information.

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

8. Restructuring Activities

A summary of the changes in the liabilities for restructuring activities is provided below:

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Transformation
Initiative
    Other
Productivity
Initiatives and
Legacy Programs
    Total  

Balance at December 31, 2007

   $ 95      $ 4        99   
                        

Charges

     118        —          118   

Payments

     (105     (1     (106

Non-cash charges and other adjustments

     (10     —          (10

Effect of foreign currency translation

     (3     (1     (4
                        

Balance at December 31, 2008

     95        2        97   
                        

Charges

     33        29        62   

Payments

     (84     (1     (85

Non-cash charges and other adjustments

     1        (1     —     

Effect of foreign currency translation

     1        —          1   
                        

Balance at December 31, 2009

     46        29        75   
                        

Charges

     (9     70        61   

Payments

     (37     (33     (70

Non-cash charges and other adjustments

     3        (1     2   

Effect of foreign currency translation

     (1     (2     (3
                        

Balance at December 31, 2010

   $ 2      $ 63      $ 65   
                        

Of the $65 million in remaining liabilities for restructuring actions, $56 million is expected to be paid within one year and is classified as a current liability within the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2010.

Transformation Initiative

In December 2006, Nielsen announced its intention to expand current cost-saving programs to all areas of Nielsen’s operations worldwide. The Company further announced strategic changes as part of a major corporate transformation (“Transformation Initiative”). The Transformation Initiative is designed to make the Company a more successful and efficient enterprise. As such, the Company continues to execute cost-reduction programs by streamlining and centralizing corporate, operational and information technology functions, leveraging global procurement, consolidating real estate, and expanding, outsourcing or off shoring certain other operational and production processes. The Transformation Initiative has been substantially completed in all respects as of December 31, 2010.

Nielsen recorded net credits of $9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 associated with adjustments to previously established liabilities for employee severance and other benefits.

Nielsen recorded $33 million in restructuring charges for the year ended December 31, 2009. The charges primarily related to severance costs.

Nielsen recorded $118 million in restructuring charges for the year ended December 31, 2008. The charges included severance costs as well as $24 million of contractual termination costs and asset write-offs.

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Other Productivity Initiatives and Legacy Programs

In December 2009, Nielsen commenced certain specific restructuring actions attributable to defined cost-reduction programs directed towards achieving increased productivity in future periods primarily through targeted employee terminations.

The Company recorded $70 million in restructuring charges associated with these initiatives during the year ended December 31, 2010. Of these amounts, approximately $11 million related to property lease termination charges with the remainder relating to severance charges associated with employee terminations.

The Company recorded $29 million in restructuring charges associated with these initiatives during 2009. The charges included severance costs of $22 million, primarily in Europe as well as $7 million of contractual termination costs and asset write-offs.

9. Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits

Nielsen sponsors both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans for some of its employees in the Netherlands, the United States and other international locations.

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

A summary of the activity for Nielsen’s defined benefit pension plans follows:

 

     Pension Benefits Year ended
December 31, 2010
 

(IN MILLIONS)

   The
Netherlands
    United
States
    Other     Total  

Change in projected benefit obligation

        

Benefit obligation at beginning of period

   $ 580      $ 248      $ 467      $ 1,295   

Service cost

     4        —          10        14   

Interest cost

     29        15        25        69   

Plan participants’ contributions

     1        —          2        3   

Actuarial losses

     59        13        44        116   

Benefits paid

     (33     (9     (19     (61

Expenses paid

     (2     —          (1     (3

Premiums paid

     —          —          (1     (1

Curtailments

     —          —          (2     (2

Settlements

     —          —          (1     (1

Effect of foreign currency translation

     (44     —          (7     (51
                                

Benefit obligation at end of period

     594        267        517        1,378   
                                

Change in plan assets

        

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period

     656        188        362        1,206   

Actual return on plan assets

     63        21        37        121   

Employer contributions

     4        4        21        29   

Plan participants’ contributions

     1        —          2        3   

Benefits paid

     (33     (9     (19     (61

Expenses paid

     (2     —          (1     (3

Premiums paid

     —          —          (1     (1

Settlements

     —          —          (1     (1

Insurance

     24        —          —          24   

Effect of foreign currency translation

     (50     —          (4     (54
                                

Fair value of plan assets at end of period

     663        204        396        1,263   
                                

Funded status

   $ 69      $ (63   $ (121   $ (115
                                

Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets

        

Pension assets included in other non-current assets

   $ 69      $ —        $ 8      $ 77   

Current liabilities

     —          —          (2     (2

Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities

     —          (63     (127     (190
                                

Net amount recognized

   $ 69      $ (63   $ (121   $ (115
                                

Amounts recognized in Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax

        

Net loss

   $ 4      $ 9      $ 35      $ 48   

Impact of Curtailments/Settlements

     1       —          —          1   
                                

Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)

   $ 5      $ 9      $ 35      $ 49   
                                

Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax

        

Unrecognized losses

   $ 64      $ 62      $ 42      $ 168   
                                

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

     Pension Benefits Year ended
December 31, 2009
 

(IN MILLIONS)

   The
Netherlands
    United
States
    Other     Total  

Change in projected benefit obligation

        

Benefit obligation at beginning of period

   $ 548      $ 240      $ 399      $ 1,187   

Service cost

     3        —          9        12   

Interest cost

     31        14        24        69   

Plan participants’ contributions

     1        —          2        3   

Actuarial losses

     19        3        32        54   

Benefits paid

     (37     (8     (21     (66

Expenses paid

     (1     —          (1     (2

Premiums paid

     —          —          (1     (1

Curtailments

     —          —          (1     (1

Settlements

     —          (1     (8     (9

Effect of foreign currency translation

     16          33        49   
                                

Benefit obligation at end of period

     580        248        467        1,295   
                                

Change in plan assets

        

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period

     588        151        292        1,031   

Actual return on plan assets

     82        27        51        160   

Employer contributions

     3        19        21        43   

Plan participants’ contributions

     1        —          2        3   

Benefits paid

     (37     (8     (21     (66

Expenses paid

     (1     —          (1     (2

Premiums paid

     —          —          (1     (1

Settlements

     —          (1     (8     (9

Effect of foreign currency translation

     20        —          27        47   
                                

Fair value of plan assets at end of period

     656        188        362        1,206   
                                

Funded status

   $ 76      $ (60   $ (105   $ (89
                                

Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets

        

Pension assets included in other non-current assets

   $ 76      $ —        $ 5      $ 81   

Current liabilities

     —          —          (2     (2

Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities

     —          (60     (108     (168
                                

Net amount recognized

   $ 76      $ (60   $ (105   $ (89
                                

Amounts recognized in Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax

        

Net (income)/loss

   $ (24   $ (6   $ 5      $ (25

Impact of Curtailments/Settlements

     1        —          3        4   
                                

Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)

   $ (23   $ (6   $ 8      $ (21
                                

Amounts not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax

        

Unrecognized losses

   $ 59      $ 53      $ 7      $ 119   
                                

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

The total accumulated benefit obligation and minimum liability changes for all defined benefit plans were as follows:

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Year Ended
December 31,
2010
     Year Ended
December 31,
2009
     Year Ended
December 31,
2008
 

Accumulated benefit obligation.

   $ 1,318       $ 1,241       $ 1,148   

 

     Pension Plans with Accumulated
Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan
Assets at December 31, 2010
 

(IN MILLIONS)

   The
Netherlands
     United
States
     Other      Total  

Projected benefit obligation

   $ —         $ 267       $ 389       $ 656   

Accumulated benefit obligation

     —           267         355         622   

Fair value of plan assets

     —           204         280         484   

 

     Pension Plans with Projected
Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan
Assets at December 31, 2010
 

(IN MILLIONS)

   The
Netherlands
     United
States
     Other      Total  

Projected benefit obligation

   $ —         $ 267       $ 486       $ 753   

Accumulated benefit obligation

     —           267         431         698   

Fair value of plan assets

     —           204         357         561   

 

     Pension Plans with Accumulated
Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan
Assets at December 31, 2009
 

(IN MILLIONS)

   The
Netherlands
     United
States
     Other      Total  

Projected benefit obligation

   $ —         $ 248       $ 376       $ 624   

Accumulated benefit obligation

     —           248         339         587   

Fair value of plan assets

     —           188         272         460   

 

     Pension Plans with Projected
Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan
Assets at December 31, 2009
 

(IN MILLIONS)

   The
Netherlands
     United
States
     Other      Total  

Projected benefit obligation

   $ —         $ 248       $ 441       $ 689   

Accumulated benefit obligation

     —           248         391         639   

Fair value of plan assets

     —           188         331         519   

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, includes the following components:

 

     Net Periodic Pension Cost  

(IN MILLIONS)

   The
Netherlands
    United
States
    Other     Total  

Year ended December 31, 2010

        

Service cost

   $ 4      $ —        $ 10      $ 14   

Interest cost

     29        15        25        69   

Expected return on plan assets

     (37     (18     (26     (81

Amortization of net gain

     (1     —          —          (1

Curtailment gain

     —          —          (2     (2
                                

Net periodic pension cost

   $ (5   $ (3   $ 7      $ (1
                                

Year ended December 31, 2009

        

Service cost

   $ 3      $ —        $ 9      $ 12   

Interest cost

     31        14        24        69   

Expected return on plan assets

     (39     (17     (25     (81

Amortization of net gain

     (1     —          (3     (4

Curtailment gain

     —          —          (1     (1
                                

Net periodic pension cost

   $ (6   $ (3   $ 4      $ (5
                                

Year ended December 31, 2008

        

Service cost

   $ 4      $ —        $ 12      $ 16   

Interest cost

     33        15        29        77   

Expected return on plan assets

     (43     (15     (28     (86

Amortization of net gain

     —          —          (2     (2

Curtailment loss

     —          1        —          1   
                                

Net periodic pension cost

   $ (6   $ 1      $ 11      $ 6   
                                

The curtailment gains of $2 million and $1 million in 2010 and 2009 resulted from employee terminations primarily in Europe. The curtailment loss of $1 million in the U.S. in 2008 resulted from employee terminations.

The deferred income included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) that is expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost during 2011 is as follows:

 

     The
Netherlands
     United
States
    Other            Total  

Net actuarial loss

   $ —         $ (2 )   $ (1 )        $ (3

 

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Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

The weighted-average assumptions underlying the pension computations were as follows:

 

     Year ended
December 31,
2010
    Year ended
December 31,
2009
    Year ended
December 31,
2008
 

Pension benefit obligation:

      

—discount rate

     5.2     5.7     5.9

—rate of compensation increase

     2.1        2.1        2.1   

Net periodic pension costs:

      

—discount rate

     5.7        5.9        5.7   

—rate of compensation increase

     2.1        2.1        2.3   

—expected long-term return on plan assets

     6.5        6.4        6.4   

The assumptions for the expected return on plan assets for pension plans were based on a review of the historical returns of the asset classes in which the assets of the pension plans are invested. The historical returns on these asset classes were weighted based on the expected long-term allocation of the assets of the pension plans.

Nielsen’s pension plans’ weighted-average asset allocations by asset category are as follows:

 

     The
Netherlands
    United
States
    Other     Total  

At December 31, 2010

        

Equity securities

     21     62     51     37

Fixed income securities

     63        37        45        53   

Other

     16        1        4        10   
                                

Total

     100     100     100     100
                                

At December 31, 2009

        

Equity securities

     22     63     53     38

Fixed income securities

     68        36        44        56   

Other

     10        1        3        6   
                                

Total

     100     100     100     100
                                

No Nielsen shares are held by the pension plans.

Nielsen’s primary objective with regard to the investment of pension plan assets is to ensure that in each individual plan, sufficient funds are available to satisfy future benefit obligations. For this purpose, asset and liability management studies are made periodically at each pension fund. For each of the pension plans, an appropriate mix is determined on the basis of the outcome of these studies, taking into account the national rules and regulations. The overall target asset allocation among all plans for 2010 was 37% equity securities and 60% long-term interest-earning investments (debt or fixed income securities), and 3% other securities.

Equity securities primarily include investments in U.S. and non U.S. companies. Fixed income securities include corporate bonds of companies from diversified industries, mortgage-backed securities, and government securities. Other types of investments are primarily insurance contracts.

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Assets at fair value (See Note 7—“Fair Value Measurements” for additional information on fair value measurement and the underlying fair value hierarchy) as of December 31, 2010 are as follows:

 

Asset Category

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3            Total  

Cash

   $ 15       $ —         $ —             $ 15   

Equity securities – U.S.

     29         98         —               127   

Equity securities – Non-U.S.

     47         292         —               339   

Real estate

     —           —           32             32   

Fixed income securities – Corporate

     19         468         —               487   

Fixed income securities - Government

     41         146         —               187   

Other

     3         20         53             76   
                                       

Total Assets at Fair Value

   $ 154       $ 1,024       $ 85           $ 1,263   
                                       

The following is a summary of changes in the fair value of the fair value of the Plan’s level 3 assets for the year ended December 31, 2010:

 

     Real Estate     Other            Total  

Balance, beginning of year

   $ 31      $ 29           $ 60   

Actual return on plan assets:

           

Unrealized gains/(losses)

     3        26             29   

Effect of foreign currency translation

     (2     (2          (4
                             

Balance, end of year

   $ 32      $ 53           $ 85   
                             

Contributions to the pension plans in 2011 are expected to be approximately $4 million for the Dutch plan, $18 million for the U.S. plan and $24 million for other plans.

Estimated future benefit payments are as follows:

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   The
Netherlands
     United
States
     Other      Total  

For the years ending December 31,

           

2011

   $ 33       $ 9       $ 19       $ 61   

2012

     35         9         21         65   

2013

     36         10         20         66   

2014

     37         10         22         69   

2015

     37         10         23         70   

2016-2020

     192         62         127         381   

Defined Contribution Plans

Nielsen also offers defined contribution plans to certain participants, primarily in the United States. Nielsen’s expense related to these plans was $35 million, $38 million and $42 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. In the United States, Nielsen contributes cash to each employee’s account in an amount up to 3% of compensation (subject to IRS limitations); this contribution was increased to 4% upon the freeze of the U.S. defined benefit pension plan in 2006, and was decreased to 3% effective June 8, 2009. No contributions are made in shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

10. Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements

Unless otherwise stated, interest rates are as of December 31, 2010.

 

(IN MILLIONS)

  December 31, 2010     December 31, 2009  
  Weighted
Interest
Rate
    Carrying
Amount
    Fair
Value
    Weighted
Interest
Rate
    Carrying
Amount
    Fair
Value
 

Senior secured term loan ($1,610 million at December 31, 2010 and $2,983 million at December 31, 2009) (LIBOR based variable rate of 2.26%) due 2013

    $ 1,490      $ 1,472        $ 2,918      $ 2,715   

Senior secured term loan $2,386 million at December 31, 2010 and $1,013 million at December 31, 2009 (LIBOR based variable rate of 4.01%) due 2016

      2,362        2,348          1,005        948   

Senior secured term loan (€227 million at December 31, 2010 and €321 million at December 31, 2009) (EURIBOR based variable rate of 2.77%) due 2013

      272        267          451        423   

Senior secured term loan (€273 million at December 31, 2010 and €179 million at December 31, 2009) (EURIBOR based variable rate of 4.52%) due 2016

      357        346          254        238   

$500 million 8.50% senior secured term loan due 2017

      500        497          500        493   

$688 million senior secured revolving credit facility (EURIBOR or LIBOR based variable rate) due 2012

      —          —            —          —     
                                               

Total senior secured credit facilities (with weighted average interest rate)

    4.16     4,981        4,930        3.51     5,128        4,817   

$1,070 million 12.50% senior subordinated discount debenture loan due 2016

      999        1,049          885        809   

$870 million 10.00% senior debenture loan due 2014

      —          —            869        905   

$500 million 11.50% senior debenture loan due 2016

      467        540          463        517   

$330 million 11.625% senior debenture loan due 2014

      307        355          301        337   

$1,080 million 7.75% senior debenture loan due 2018

      1,084        1,122          —          —     

€343 million 11.125% senior discount debenture loan due 2016

      427        434          415        359   

€150 million 9.00% senior debenture loan due 2014

      —          —            215        217   

€50 million private placement debenture loan (EMTN) (3-month EURIBOR based variable rate) due 2010

      —          —            72        67   

€50 million private placement debenture loan (EMTN) (3-month EURIBOR based variable rate of 2.43%) due 2012

      66        62          72        66   

€30 million 6.75% private placement debenture loan (EMTN) due 2012

      40        40          44        43   

JPY 4,000 million 2.50% private placement debenture loan (EMTN) due 2011

      49        47          45        40   
                                               

Total debenture loans (with weighted average interest rate)

    11.33     3,439        3,649        12.06     3,381        3,360   

Other loans

      5        5          —          —     
                                               

Total long-term debt

    7.09     8,425        8,584        6.91     8,509        8,177   

Capital lease and other financing obligations

      125            131     

Bank overdrafts

      8            15     

Short-term debt

      —              3     
                       

Total debt and other financing arrangements

      8,558            8,658     
                       

Less: Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings

      94            110     
                       

Non-current portion of long-term debt and capital lease and other financing obligations

    $ 8,464          $ 8,548     
                       

The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt instruments was based on the yield on public debt where available or current borrowing rates available for financings with similar terms and maturities.

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

The carrying amounts of Nielsen’s long-term debt are denominated in the following currencies:

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   December 31,
2010
     December 31,
2009
 

U.S. Dollars

   $ 7,214       $ 6,941   

Euro

     1,162         1,523   

Japanese Yen

     49         45   
                 
   $ 8,425       $ 8,509   
                 

Annual maturities of Nielsen’s long-term debt are as follows:

 

(IN MILLIONS)

      

2011

   $ 78   

2012

     136   

2013

     1,791   

2014

     334   

2015

     27   

Thereafter

     6,059   
        
   $ 8,425   
        

Senior secured credit facilities

In August 2006, certain of Nielsen’s subsidiaries entered into two senior secured credit facilities. In June 2009 Nielsen received the requisite consent to amend its senior secured credit facilities to permit, among other things: (i) future issuances of additional secured notes or loans, which may include, in each case, indebtedness secured on a pari passu basis with Nielsen’s obligations under the senior secured credit facilities, so long as (a) the net cash proceeds from any such issuance are used to prepay term loans under the senior secured credit facilities at par until $500 million of term loans have been paid, and (b) 90% of the net cash proceeds in excess of the first $500 million from any such issuance (but all of the net cash proceeds after the first $2.0 billion) are used to prepay term loans under the senior secured credit facilities at par; and (ii) allow Nielsen to agree with lenders to extend the maturity of their term loans and revolving commitments and for it to pay increased interest rates or otherwise modify the terms of their loans in connection with such an extension (subject to certain limitations, including mandatory increases of interest rates under certain circumstances) (collectively, the “Amendment”). In connection with the Amendment, Nielsen extended the maturity of $1.26 billion of their existing term loans from August 9, 2013 to May 1, 2016. The interest rate margins of term loans that were extended were increased to 3.75%. The Amendment and the subsequent extension of maturity of a portion of the existing term loans is considered a modification of the Company’s existing obligations and has been reflected as such in the consolidated financial statements. The Company recorded a charge of approximately $4 million in June 2009 as a component of other expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations primarily relating to the write-off of previously deferred debt issuance costs as a result of this modification.

Outstanding borrowings under these senior secured term loan facilities at December 31, 2010 and 2009 were $4,481 million and $4,628 million, respectively.

In August 2006, Nielsen also entered into a six-year $688 million senior secured revolving credit facility, of which no borrowings were outstanding at December 31, 2010 or 2009. The senior secured revolving credit facility can be used for revolving loans, letters of credit, guarantees and swingline loans, and is available in U.S.

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Dollars, Euros and certain other currencies. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $20 million and $17 million, respectively, and therefore, as of December 31, 2010, the Company had $668 million available for borrowing under this facility.

Nielsen is required to repay installments only on the borrowings under the senior secured term loan facilities maturing in 2016 in quarterly principal amounts of 0.25% of their original principal amount, with the remaining amount payable on the maturity date of the term loan facilities. Borrowings under the senior secured credit facilities bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at Nielsen’s option, various base rates. The applicable margin for borrowings under the senior secured revolving credit facility may be reduced subject to Nielsen attaining certain leverage ratios. Nielsen pays a quarterly commitment fee of (currently 0.375%) on unused commitments under the senior secured revolving credit facility. The applicable commitment fee rate may be reduced subject to Nielsen attaining certain leverage ratios.

In June 2009, Nielsen entered into a Senior Secured Loan Agreement with Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC, which provides for senior secured term loans in the aggregate principal amount of $500 million (the “New Term Loans”) bearing interest at a fixed rate of 8.50%. The New Term Loans are secured on a pari passu basis with the Company’s existing obligations under its senior secured credit facilities and have a maturity of eight years. The net proceeds from the issuance of the New Term Loans of approximately $481 million were used in their entirety to pay down senior secured term loan obligations under the Company’s existing senior secured credit facilities.

On August 12, 2010, Nielsen completed a term loan extension offer in accordance with the terms of its senior secured credit facilities pursuant to which the maturity of $1,373 million and €94 million (collectively approximately $1,495 million) of existing term loans due August 9, 2013 were extended to May 1, 2016. The interest rate margin of term loans that have been extended were increased to 3.75%, subject to a 0.25% decrease based upon the Company attaining certain specified financial metrics, and, separately, subject to a further 0.25% reduction based upon the Company attaining certain credit ratings. This modification resulted in no significant impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The Senior Secured Credit Facilities are guaranteed by Nielsen, substantially all of the wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries of Nielsen and certain of the non-U.S. wholly-owned subsidiaries of Nielsen, and are secured by substantially all of the existing and future property and assets of the U.S. subsidiaries of Nielsen and by a pledge of substantially all of the capital stock of the guarantors, the capital stock of substantially all of the U.S. subsidiaries of Nielsen, and up to 65% of the capital stock of certain of the non-U.S. subsidiaries of Nielsen Under a separate security agreement, substantially all of the assets of Nielsen are pledged as collateral for amounts outstanding under the senior secured credit facilities.

The senior secured credit facilities contain a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, Nielsen and most of its subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional indebtedness or guarantees, incur liens and engage in sale and leaseback transactions, make certain loans and investments, declare dividends, make payments or redeem or repurchase capital stock, engage in certain mergers, acquisitions and other business combinations, prepay, redeem or purchase certain indebtedness, amend or otherwise alter terms of certain indebtedness, sell certain assets, transact with affiliates, enter into agreements limiting subsidiary distributions and alter the business that Nielsen conducts. The Company’s subsidiaries are restricted in their ability to transfer their net assets to the Parent Company (The Nielsen Company B.V.). Such restricted net assets amounted to approximately $2.9 billion at December 31, 2010. Nielsen is required to maintain a maximum total leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio. The senior secured credit facilities also contain certain customary affirmative covenants and events of default. Nielsen is in compliance with all such covenants.

 

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Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Debenture loans

In August 2006, Nielsen issued $650 million 10% and €150 million 9% senior notes due 2014. On April 16, 2008, Nielsen issued $220 million aggregate principal amount of additional 10% Senior Notes due 2014. In November and December 2010 the Company redeemed all $870 million aggregate principal amount of its 10% Senior Notes due 2014 at a price of 105% of the amount redeemed as well as all €150 million aggregate principal amount of its 9% Senior Notes due 2014 at a price of 104.5% of the amount redeemed. The redemption and subsequent retirement of these collective notes resulted in a loss of $90 million associated with the redemption option premium and recognition of previously deferred debt issuance costs recorded as a component of other expense/(income) in the consolidated statement of operations in the fourth quarter of 2010. These redemptions were consummated using the proceeds from the issuance of a combined $1,080 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Notes due 2018 discussed further below.

In August 2006, Nielsen also issued $1,070 million 12.5% senior subordinated discount notes due 2016 (“Senior Subordinated Discount Notes”). Interest accretes through 2011 and is payable semi-annually commencing February 2012. The Senior Subordinated Discount Notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations and are subordinated in right of payment to all Nielsen’s existing and future senior indebtedness, including the Senior Notes and the senior secured credit facilities.

During 2009 the Company purchased and cancelled all of its outstanding GBP 250 million 5.625% EMTN debenture notes through two separate cash tender offer transactions. This transaction was pursuant to a cash tender offer, whereby the Company paid, and participating note holders received, a specified price per GBP 1,000 in principal amount of the notes, plus accrued interest. In conjunction with the GBP note cancellation the Company satisfied, and paid in cash, the remarketing settlement value associated with the cancelled notes to the two holders of a remarketing option associated with the notes. In addition, the Company unwound its existing GBP/Euro foreign currency swap, which was previously designated as a foreign currency cash flow hedge. The Company recorded a net loss of $15 million as a result of the combined elements of these transactions during the year ended December 31, 2009 as a component of other expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations. The net cash paid for the combined elements of these transactions was approximately $527 million.

In January 2009 Nielsen issued $330 million in aggregate principal amount of 11.625 % Senior Notes due 2014 at an issue price of $297 million with cash proceeds of approximately $290 million, net of fees and expenses.

In April 2009 Nielsen issued $500 million in aggregate principal amount of 11.5% Senior Notes due 2016 at an issue price of $461 million with cash proceeds of approximately $452 million, net of fees and expenses.

In October and November 2010, the Company issued a combined $1,080 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Notes due 2018 at an issue price of $1,085 million with cash proceeds of approximately $1,065 million, net of fees and expenses.

The indentures governing the Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Discount Notes limit the majority of Nielsen’s subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase its capital stock, make certain investments, enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates, use assets as security in other transactions and sell certain assets or merge with or into other companies subject to certain exceptions. Upon a change in control, Nielsen is required to make an offer to redeem all of the Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Discount Notes at a redemption price equal to the 101% of the aggregate accreted principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Discount Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by Nielsen, substantially all of the wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries of Nielsen, and certain of the non-U.S. wholly-owned subsidiaries of Nielsen.

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

In August 2006, Nielsen issued €343 million 11.125% senior discount notes due 2016 (“Senior Discount Notes”). Interest accretes through 2011 and is payable semi-annually commencing February 2012. The Senior Discount Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equal in right of payment to all of Nielsen’s existing and future senior indebtedness. The notes are effectively subordinated to Nielsen’s existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the assets securing such indebtedness and will be structurally subordinated to all obligations of Nielsen’s subsidiaries.

Nielsen has a Euro Medium Term Note (“EMTN”) program in place under which no further debenture loans and private placements can be issued. All debenture loans and most private placements are quoted on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. In May 2010, Nielsen’s €50 million variable rate EMTN matured and was repaid.

Other Transactions

Effective July 1, 2010, the Company designated its Euro denominated variable rate senior secured term loans due 2013 and 2016 as non-derivative hedges of its net investment in a European subsidiary. Beginning on July 1, 2010, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the Euro as compared to the U.S. Dollar associated with this debenture were recorded to the cumulative translation adjustment within stockholders’ equity, net of income tax. The Company recorded losses of $43 million (net of tax of $17 million) to the cumulative translation adjustment during the second half of 2010 associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates attributable to these loans and therefore no gains or losses were recorded within the Company’s net income/(loss) during that period. The Company’s net income/(loss) reflected foreign currency exchange gains of $96 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, losses of $21 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 and gains of $38 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 associated with these loans.

Deferred financing costs

The costs related to the issuance of debt are capitalized and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the life of the related debt. Deferred financing costs are $103 million and $135 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Related party lenders

A portion of the borrowings under the senior secured credit facility as well as certain of the Company’s senior debentures loans have been purchased by certain of the Sponsors in market transactions not involving the Company. Amounts held by the Sponsors were $599 million and $554 million as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Interest expense associated with amounts held by the Sponsors approximated $29 million, $16 million and $22 million during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Capital Lease and Other Obligations

Nielsen finances certain computer equipment, software, buildings and automobiles under capital leases and related transactions. These arrangements do not include terms of renewal, purchase options, or escalation clauses.

Assets under capital lease are recorded within property, plant and equipment See Note 6 “Property, Plant and Equipment.”

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Future minimum capital lease payments under non-cancelable capital leases at December 31, 2010 are as follows:

 

(IN MILLIONS)

      

2011

   $ 19   

2012

     19   

2013

     19   

2014

     15   

2015

     15   

Thereafter

     117   
        

Total

     204   

Less: amount representing interest

     79   
        

Present value of minimum lease payments

   $ 125   
        

Current portion

   $ 9   

Total non-current portion

     116   
        

Present value of minimum lease payments

   $ 125   
        

Capital leases and other financing transactions have effective interest rates ranging from 4% to 10%. Interest expense recorded related to capital leases and other financing transactions during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $11 million, $11 million and $10 million, respectively.

Subsequent Events

See Note 20 “Subsequent Events” for information associated with changes to the Company’s long-term debt occurring subsequent to December 31, 2010.

11. Stockholders’ Equity

Outstanding common shares were 258,463,857 as of December 31, 2010 and 2009. Each share of common stock has the right to one vote and a dividend determined at the general meeting of shareholders. During 2010, Nielsen paid cash dividends of €7 million (approximately $9 million) to its indirect parent, Nielsen Holdings N.V. (“Holdings”), in order to fund Holdings’ redemption of shares of Holdings’ common stock held by certain former employees. No dividends were declared or paid on the common stock in 2009 or 2008.

12. Stock-Based Compensation

In connection with the Valcon Acquisition, Holdings implemented an equity-based, management compensation plan (“Equity Participation Plan” or “EPP”) to align compensation for certain key executives with the performance of the Company. Under this plan, certain executives of Holdings and its subsidiaries may be granted stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and dividend equivalent rights in the shares of Holdings or purchase its shares. In connection with the completion of Holdings initial public offering of common stock on January 31, 2011 (See Note 20—“Subsequent Events” for additional information), Holdings implemented the Nielsen Holdings 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Stock Incentive Plan”) and suspended further grants under the EPP. The Stock Incentive Plan will be the source of new equity-based awards permitting Holdings to grant to key employees, directors and other service providers of Holdings and its subsidiaries the following types of awards: incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other awards valued in whole or in part by reference to shares of Holdings common stock and performance-based awards denominated in shares or cash. There were no awards granted under the Stock Incentive Plan during the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Holdings granted 919,052, 554,653 and 861,936 time-based and 175,301, 554,653 and 861,936 performance-based stock options to purchase shares during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. As of December 31, 2010, the total number of shares authorized for award of options or other equity-based awards was 34,795,000 under the Stock Incentive Plan. The majority of the 2010 time-based awards become exercisable over a three-year vesting period tied to the executives’ continuing employment as follows: 33 1/3% per year on the anniversary day of the award. In addition, in 2010 certain time based awards become exercisable over a four-year vesting period tied to the executives’ continuing employment as follows: 25% were vested on December 31, 2010 and 25% will vest on the last day of each of the next three calendar years. The 2009 time-based awards become exercisable over a four-year vesting period tied to the executives’ continuing employment as follows: 50% were vested as of December 31, 2010 and 25% will vest on the last day of each of the next two calendar years. The 2008 time-based awards become exercisable over a four-year vesting period tied to the executives’ continuing employment as follows: 75% were vested on December 31, 2010 and 25% will vest on December 31, 2011. The 2007 time-based awards become exercisable over a five-year vesting period to the executives’ continuing employment as follows: 81% was vested as of December 31, 2010 and 19% will vest on December 31, 2011. The 2010, 2009 and 2008 performance options are tied to the executives’ continued employment and become vested and exercisable based on the achievement of certain annual EBITDA targets over a four-year vesting period. The 2007 and 2006 performance options are tied to the executives’ targets over a five-year vesting period. If the annual EBITDA targets are achieved on a cumulative basis for any current year and prior years, the options become vested as to a pro-rata portion for any prior year installments which were not vested because of failure to achieve the applicable annual EBITDA target. Both option tranches expire ten years from date of grant. Upon a change in control, any then-unvested time options will fully vest and any then-unvested performance options can vest, subject to certain conditions.

Holdings share option plan activity is summarized below:

 

     Number of Options
(Time Based and
Performance Based)
    Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 

Share Option Plan activity

    

Outstanding at December 31, 2007

     15,212,025      $ 17.41   
                

Granted

     1,723,872        19.58   

Replacement Awards

     238,885        4.40   

Forfeited

     (675,335     (18.53

Exercised

     (193,289     (10.45
                

Outstanding at December 31, 2008

     16,306,158        17.49   
                

Granted

     1,109,306        18.24   

Forfeited

     (1,027,690     (18.29

Exercised

     (32,977     (4.05
                

Outstanding at December 31, 2009

     16,354,797        17.52   
                

Granted

     1,094,353        18.76   

Forfeited

     (703,387     (20.46

Exercised

     (625,554     (13.42
                

Outstanding at December 31, 2010

     16,120,209      $ 17.63   
                

Exercisable at December 31, 2010

     9,455,884      $ 17.06   
                

The weighted-average remaining contractual term for the options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2010 was 6.51 years and 6.21 years, respectively.

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

On May 15, 2008, Nielsen completed the acquisition of IAG and concurrently provided 238,885 replacement awards under Nielsen’s existing Equity Participation Plan. The replacement awards granted on May 15, 2008, have exercise prices of $4.40 and a weighted average fair value of $13.20. All replacement options are vested under the identical terms applicable to Nielsen IAG options for which they were exchanged and the fair values of such awards which were vested were allocated as part of the preliminary purchase price allocation.

The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was used to evaluate the fair value of the replacement awards with the assumptions consistent with the options granted under Holdings Equity Participation Plan.

Time-based and performance-based options, excluding the replacement awards, have weighted-average exercise prices of $18.41 and $36.80 per share for the year ended December 31, 2010, $16 and $32 per share for the year ended December 31, 2009 and $17.60 and $35.20 per share for the year ended December 31, 2008. As of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the fair values of the time-based and performance-based awards were estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Expected volatility is based primarily on a combination of the estimates of implied volatility of the Company’s peer-group and the Company’s historical volatility adjusted for its leverage.

The following assumption ranges were used during 2010, 2009 and 2008:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010     2009     2008  

Expected life (years)

     2.85-4.17        3.42-4.08        2.93-3.02   

Risk-free interest rate

     1.28-2.12     1.70-2.07     2.77

Expected dividend yield

     0     0     0

Expected volatility

     58.00-63.00     54.00-62.00     39.00

Weighted-average volatility

     60.05     57.77     39.00

The weighted-average grant date fair values for the time-based and performance-based options granted during the year ended December 31, 2010 were $7.97 and $8.50, respectively.

The Company recorded stock compensation expense of $18 million, $14 million and $18 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The tax benefit related to the stock compensation expense was $8 million, $4 million and $6 million, for the respective periods.

In the second quarter of 2009, the Company determined that it is not probable that the performance options that were expected to vest in December 31, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 would vest. In 2009, because the performance options were no longer expected to vest, the cumulative share based compensation expense of $10 million related to these options were reversed; including $8 million recorded in prior years, and was accounted for as a change in estimate. Further, on June 2, 2009, a modification was made to the vesting provisions of the performance options scheduled to vest on December 31, 2010 and 2011. If the respective performance targets are not achieved, the modification will allow those performance options to convert to time based options, subject to continued employment, with a stated vesting date of December 31, 2012 and 2013, for the 2010 and 2011 options. The compensation expense related to the modification of the performance-based awards to time based awards scheduled to vest in 2012 through 2013 was recorded on a graded vesting method as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 since the Company believes that the achievement of the financial performance goals is not probable. The expense in 2008 included the reversal of $4 million recorded in prior years for 1,492,591 performance options that did not vest as the Company did not meet its performance targets.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

In June 2009, Holdings granted 218,750 time-based stock options to affiliates of Centerview Partners (“Centerview”), a stockholder of Nielsen’s indirect parent, in connection with one of its partners being elected Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Nielsen. As of December 31, 2010, Centerview collectively holds 312,500 performance-based options and 218,750 time-based options to purchase shares in Holdings. Cumulative expense related to these outstanding options amounted to approximately $3 million through December 31, 2010.

At December 31, 2010, there is approximately $21 million of unearned share-based compensation which the Company expects to record as share based compensation expense over the next five years. The compensation expense related to the time-based awards is amortized over the term of the award using the graded vesting method.

As of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the weighted-average grant date fair value of the options granted was $8.05, $6.66 and $5.86, respectively, and the aggregate fair value of options vested was $12 million, $24 million and $13 million, respectively.

The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2010 was $77 million and $51 million, respectively.

There were 625,554 options exercised for the year ended December 31, 2010. The intrinsic value of the options exercised during 2010 was $4 million.

In 2010, 2009 and 2007, respectively, 6,250, 62,500 and 62,500 restricted stock units (RSUs) ultimately payable in shares of common stock were granted under the existing Equity Participation Plan. No RSUs were granted in 2008. The 2010 awards fully vest on November 1, 2011. One third of the 2009 awards vested on December 31, 2010 and the remaining vest ratably at thirty three and one-third percent on December 31, 2011 and 2012. Twenty percent of the 2007 awards vested upon the date of grant and the remaining vest ratably at twenty percent per year beginning with the first anniversary of the grant date. The restrictions on the awards lapse consistently along with the vesting terms and become 100 percent vested immediately prior to a change in control. The estimated grant date fair value of these units in 2010, 2009 and 2007 were $19.20, $16.00 and $16.00, respectively. The impact of these grants was not material to the consolidated financial statements for any of the periods presented.

On March 17, 2009, Nielsen completed an acquisition and allocated 426,136 shares to the selling stockholders. The shares vest ratably over three years on the annual anniversary date of the acquisition, subject to certain conditions.

13. Income Taxes

The components of loss from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates, were:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
 

(IN MILLIONS)

   2010     2009     2008  

Dutch

   $ 146      $ 356      $ 41   

Non-Dutch

     (44     (956     (225
                        

Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates

   $ 102      $ (600   $ (184
                        

The above amounts for Dutch and non-Dutch activities were determined based on the location of the taxing authorities.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

The provision/(benefit) for income taxes attributable to the income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates consisted of:

 

     Year ended December 31,  

(IN MILLIONS)

   2010     2009     2008  

Current:

      

Dutch

   $ 13      $ 4      $ —     

Non-Dutch

     117        86        130   
                        
     130        90        130   
                        

Deferred:

      

Dutch

     (3     17        16   

Non-Dutch

     (173     (302     (110
                        
     (176     (285     (94
                        

Total

   $ (46   $ (195   $ 36   
                        

The Company’s provision/(benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was different from the amount computed by applying the statutory Dutch federal income tax rates to the underlying income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates as a result of the following:

 

     Year ended December 31,  

(IN MILLIONS)

   2010     2009     2008  

Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates

   $ 102      $ (600   $ (184
                        

Dutch statutory tax rate

     25.5     25.5     25.5
                        

Provision/(benefit) for income taxes at the Dutch statutory rate

   $ 26      $ (153   $ (47

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

       70        20   

Basis difference in sale of subsidiary

     —          —          6   

Tax impact on distributions from foreign subsidiaries

     —          —          13   

Effect of operations in non-Dutch jurisdictions, including foreign tax credits

     (35     (61     (19

U.S. state and local taxation

     5        (26     11   

Effect of Dutch financing activities

     (28     (6     —     

Changes in estimates for uncertain tax positions

     2        (5     37   

Changes in valuation allowances

     (15     8        4   

Other, net

     (1     (22     11   
                        

Total (benefit)/provision for income taxes

   $ (46   $ (195   $ 36   
                        

Effective tax rate

     (45.1 )%      32.5     (19.6 )% 
                        

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

The components of current and non-current deferred income tax assets/(liabilities) were:

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   December 31,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 

Deferred tax assets (on balance):

    

Net operating loss carryforwards

   $ 463      $ 535   

Interest expense limitation

     264        146   

Deferred compensation

     27        30   

Financial instruments

     174        181   

Employee benefits

     61        44   

Fixed asset depreciation

     12        28   

Tax credit carryforwards

     58        58   

Share-based payments

     34        28   

Accrued expenses

     31        33   

Other assets

     20        33   
                
     1,144        1,116   

Valuation allowances

     (215     (233
                

Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances

     929        883   
                

Deferred tax liabilities (on balance):

    

Intangible assets

     (1,666     (1,733

Deferred revenues / costs

     (17     (45

Computer software

     (116     (141
                
     (1,799     (1,919
                

Net deferred tax liability

   $ (870   $ (1,036
                

Recognized as:

    

Deferred income taxes, current

   $ 11      $ (19

Deferred income taxes, non-current

     (881     (1,017
                

Total

   $ (870   $ (1,036
                

At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $1,296 million and $1,593 million, respectively, which began to expire in 2011, of which approximately $849 million relates to the U.S. In addition, the Company had tax credit carryforwards of approximately $58 million and $58 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, which will begin to expire in 2014. In certain jurisdictions, the Company has operating losses and other tax attributes that due to the uncertainty of achieving sufficient profits to utilize these operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards, the Company currently believes it is more likely than not that a portion of these losses will not be realized. Therefore, the Company has a valuation allowance of approximately $194 million and $203 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, related to these net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards. In addition, the Company has valuation allowances of $21 million and $30 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, on deferred tax assets related to other temporary differences, which the Company currently believes will not be realized.

As a consequence of the significant restructuring of the ownership of the Nielsen non-U.S. subsidiaries in 2007 and 2008 the Company has determined that as of December 31, 2010 no income taxes are required to be provided for on the approximately $4 billion, which is the excess of the book value of its investment in non-U.S. subsidiaries over the corresponding tax basis. Certain of these differences can be eliminated at a future date

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

without tax consequences and the remaining difference which is equal to the undistributed historic earnings of such subsidiaries are indefinitely reinvested. It is not practical to estimate the additional income taxes and applicable withholding that would be payable on the remittance of such undistributed historic earnings.

At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company had gross uncertain tax positions of $114 million and $129 million, respectively. The Company has also accrued interest and penalties associated with these unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 of $25 million and $23 million, respectively. Estimated interest and penalties related to the underpayment of income taxes is classified as a component of Benefit (provision) for income taxes in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of uncertain tax positions is as follows:

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   December 31,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 

Balance as of the beginning of period

   $ 129      $ 187   

Additions for current year tax positions

     3        7   

Additions for tax positions of prior years

     5        7   

Reductions for lapses of statute of limitations

     (22     (74

Effect of foreign currency translation

     (1     2   
                

Balance as of the end of the period

   $ 114      $ 129   
                

These gross contingency additions do not take into account offsetting tax benefits associated with the correlative effects of potential adjustments. If the balance of the Company’s uncertain tax positions is sustained by the taxing authorities in the Company’s favor, the reversal of the entire balance would reduce the Company’s effective tax rate in future periods.

The Company files numerous consolidated and separate income tax returns in the U.S. Federal jurisdiction and in many state and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal income tax examinations for 2006 and prior periods. In addition, the Company has subsidiaries in various states, provinces and countries that are currently under audit for years ranging from 2001 through 2008.

In 2010, the IRS concluded its audit of the 2006 and 2007 tax years. The Company is under Canadian audit for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008. It is anticipated that these examinations will be completed within the next twelve months. To date, the Company is not aware of any material adjustments not already accrued related to any of the current Federal, state or foreign audits under examination. It is reasonably possible that a reduction in a range of $7 million to $16 million of uncertain tax positions may occur within 12 months as a result of projected resolutions of worldwide tax disputes.

14. Investments in Affiliates and Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions with Affiliates

As of both December 31, 2010 and 2009, Nielsen had investments in affiliates of $82 million. Nielsen’s only significant investment, and its percentage of ownership as of December 31, 2010, was its 51% non-controlling ownership interest in Scarborough Research (“Scarborough”). During the third quarter of 2009,

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

the Company concluded that the carrying value of its non-controlling ownership interest in Scarborough was impaired as a result of continued declines in customer discretionary spending and the related impact on the launch of new performance tracking and marketing products. The Company deemed this impairment to be other than temporary and, accordingly, recorded an after-tax non-cash impairment charge of $26 million (net of tax of $18 million) during the period in “Equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates” in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. As of December 31, 2010, the carrying value of the Company’s investment in Scarborough was $53 million.

Nielsen and Scarborough enter into various related party transactions in the ordinary course of business, including Nielsen’s providing certain general and administrative services to Scarborough. Nielsen pays royalties to Scarborough for the right to include Scarborough data in Nielsen products sold directly to Nielsen customers. Additionally, Nielsen sells various Scarborough products directly to its clients, for which it receives a commission from Scarborough. As a result of these transactions Nielsen received net payments from Scarborough of $7 million, $9 million and $9 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008. Obligations between Nielsen and its affiliates, including Scarborough, are regularly settled in cash in the ordinary course of business. Nielsen had net receivables from its affiliates of approximately $9 million and $4 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Transactions with Sponsors

In connection with the Valcon Acquisition, two of Nielsen’s subsidiaries and the Sponsors entered into Advisory Agreements, which provide for an annual management fee, in connection with planning, strategy, oversight and support to management, and are payable quarterly and in advance to each Sponsor, on a pro rata basis, for the eight year duration of the agreements, as well as reimbursements for each Sponsor’s respective out-of-pocket expenses in connection with the management services provided under the agreement. Annual management fees are $10 million in the first year starting on the effective date of the Valcon Acquisition, and increases by 5% annually thereafter.

The Advisory Agreements provide that upon the consummation of a change in control transaction or an initial public offering in excess of $200 million, each of the Sponsors will receive, in lieu of quarterly payments of the annual management fee, a fee equal to the net present value of the aggregate annual management fee that would have been payable to the Sponsors during the remainder of the term of the agreements (assuming an eight year term of the agreements), calculated using the treasury rate having a final maturity date that is closest to the eighth anniversary of the date of the agreements.

The Advisory Agreements also provide that Nielsen will indemnify the Sponsors against all losses, claims, damages and liabilities arising in connection with the management services provided by the Sponsors under the fee agreement.

For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company recorded $12 million, $12 million and $11 million, respectively in selling, general and administrative expenses related to these management fees, sponsor travel and consulting.

In January 2011 in conjunction with Holdings’ initial public offering of common stock, the Advisory Agreements with the Sponsors were terminated for a settlement amount of $102 million. Refer to Note 20 “Subsequent Events” for additional information.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Equity Healthcare LLC

Effective January 1, 2009, Nielsen entered into an employer health program arrangement with Equity Healthcare LLC (“Equity Healthcare”). Equity Healthcare negotiates with providers of standard administrative services for health benefit plans and other related services for cost discounts, quality of service monitoring, data services and clinical consulting and oversight by Equity Healthcare. Because of the combined purchasing power of its client participants, Equity Healthcare is able to negotiate pricing terms from providers that are believed to be more favorable than the companies could obtain for themselves on an individual basis. Equity Healthcare is an affiliate of The Blackstone Group, one of the Sponsors.

In consideration for Equity Healthcare’s provision of access to these favorable arrangements and its monitoring of the contracted third parties’ delivery of contracted services to Nielsen, the Company pays Equity Healthcare a fee of $2 per participating employee per month (“PEPM Fee”). As of December 31, 2010, Nielsen had approximately 8,000 employees enrolled in its self-insured health benefit plans in the United States. Equity Healthcare may also receive a fee (“Health Plan Fees”) from one or more of the health plans with whom Equity Healthcare has contractual arrangements if the total number of employees joining such health plans from participating companies exceeds specified thresholds.

15. Commitments and Contingencies

Leases and Other Contractual Arrangements

On February 19, 2008, Nielsen amended and restated its Master Services Agreement dated June 16, 2004 (“MSA”), with Tata America International Corporation and Tata Consultancy Services Limited (jointly “TCS”). The term of the amended and restated MSA is for ten years, effective October 1, 2007; with a one year renewal option granted to Nielsen, during which ten year period (or if Nielsen exercises its renewal option, eleven year period) Nielsen has committed to purchase at least $1 billion in services from TCS. Unless mutually agreed, the payment rates for services under the amended and restated MSA are not subject to adjustment due to inflation or changes in foreign currency exchange rates. TCS will provide Nielsen with Information Technology, Applications Development and Maintenance and Business Process Outsourcing services globally. The amount of the purchase commitment may be reduced upon the occurrence of certain events, some of which also provides the Company with the right to terminate the agreement.

In addition, in 2008, Nielsen entered into an agreement with TCS to outsource the Company’s global IT Infrastructure services. The agreement has an initial term of seven years, and provides for TCS to manage Nielsen’s infrastructure costs at an agreed upon level and to provide Nielsen’s infrastructure services globally for an annual service charge of $39 million per year, which applies towards the satisfaction of Nielsen’s aforementioned purchased services commitment with TCS of at least $1 billion over the term of the amended and restated MSA. The agreement is subject to earlier termination under certain limited conditions.

Nielsen has also entered into operating leases and other contractual obligations to secure real estate facilities, agreements to purchase data processing services and leases of computers and other equipment used in the ordinary course of business and various outsourcing contracts. These agreements are not unilaterally cancelable by Nielsen, are legally enforceable and specify fixed or minimum amounts or quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

The amounts presented below represent the minimum annual payments under Nielsen’s purchase obligations that have initial or remaining non-cancelable terms in excess of one year. These purchase obligations include data processing, building maintenance, trade show venues, equipment purchasing, photocopiers, land and mobile telephone service, computer software and hardware maintenance, and outsourcing.

 

     For the Years Ending December 31,  

(IN MILLIONS)

   2011      2012      2013      2014      2015      Thereafter      Total  

Operating leases

   $ 98       $ 77       $ 59       $ 50       $ 35       $ 70       $ 389   

Other contractual obligations

     340         274         113         11         1         —           739   
                                                              

Total

   $ 438       $ 351       $ 172       $ 61       $ 36       $ 70       $ 1,128   
                                                              

Total expenses incurred under operating leases were $96 million, $107 million and $108 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Nielsen recognized rental income received under subleases of $13 million, $12 million and $10 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. At December 31, 2010, Nielsen had aggregate future proceeds to be received under non-cancelable subleases of $56 million.

Nielsen also has minimum commitments under non-cancelable capital leases. See Note 10 “Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements” for further discussion.

Guarantees and Other Contingent Commitments

At December 31, 2010, Nielsen was committed under the following significant guarantee arrangements:

Sub-lease guarantees

Nielsen provides sub-lease guarantees in accordance with certain agreements pursuant to which Nielsen guarantees all rental payments upon default of rental payment by the sub-lessee. To date, the Company has not been required to perform under such arrangements, does not anticipate making any significant payments related to such guarantees and, accordingly, no amounts have been recorded.

Letters of credit

Letters of credit issued and outstanding amount to $20 million and $17 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Sunbeam Television Corp.

Sunbeam Television Corp. (“Sunbeam”) filed a lawsuit in Federal District Court in Miami, Florida on April 30, 2009. The lawsuit alleged that Nielsen Media Research, Inc. violated Federal and Florida state antitrust laws and Florida’s unfair trade practices laws by attempting to maintain a monopoly and abuse its position in the market, and breached its contract with Sunbeam by producing defective ratings data through its sampling methodology. The complaint did not specify the amount of damages sought and also sought declaratory and equitable relief. On January 13, 2011 the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Florida dismissed all federal and state antitrust claims brought against the Company by Sunbeam stating that Sunbeam failed to show that any competitor was “willing and able” to enter the local television ratings market in Miami and was excluded from that market by Nielsen. The Court also determined that Sunbeam could not prove that the current ratings for Sunbeam’s local station WSVN are less accurate than they would be under a prospective competitor’s

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

methodology. The Court deferred ruling on the remaining ancillary claims, including breach of contract and violation of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. Subsequent to the court’s decision, Sunbeam voluntarily dismissed with prejudice the remaining claims in the case so that all claims have been dismissed. Sunbeam has appealed the court’s dismissal of the antitrust claims.

Other Legal Proceedings and Contingencies

Nielsen is subject to litigation and other claims in the ordinary course of business, some of which include claims for substantial sums. Accruals have been recorded when the outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated. While the ultimate results of claims and litigation cannot be determined, the Company does expect that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its operations or financial condition. However, depending on the amount and the timing, an unfavorable resolution of some or all of these matters could materially affect the Company’s future results of operations or cash flows in a particular period.

16. Segments

The Company aligns its operating segments in order to conform to management’s internal reporting structure, which is reflective of service offerings by industry. Management aggregates such operating segments into three reporting segments: What Consumers Buy (“Buy”), consisting principally of market research information and analytical services; What Consumers Watch (“Watch”), consisting principally of television, online and mobile audience and advertising measurement and corresponding analytics and Expositions, consisting principally of trade shows, events and conferences. Corporate consists principally of unallocated items such as certain facilities and infrastructure costs as well as intersegment eliminations.

Certain corporate costs, other than those described above, including those related to selling, finance, legal, human resources, and information technology systems, are considered operating costs and are allocated to our segments based on either the actual amount of costs incurred or on a basis consistent with the operations of the underlying segment. Information with respect to the operations of each of Nielsen’s business segments is set forth below based on the nature of the products and services offered and geographic areas of operations.

Business Segment Information

 

     Year Ended December 31,  

(IN MILLIONS)

   2010      2009      2008  

Revenues

        

Buy

   $ 3,260       $ 2,993       $ 3,084   

Watch

     1,698         1,635         1,480   

Expositions

     168         180         240   

Corporate and eliminations

     —           —           2   
                          

Total

   $ 5,126       $ 4,808       $ 4,806   
                          

 

     Year Ended December 31,  

(IN MILLIONS)

   2010      2009      2008  

Depreciation and amortization

        

Buy

   $ 215       $ 230       $ 206   

Watch

     304         279         245   

Expositions

     27         40         40   

Corporate and eliminations

     12         8         8   
                          

Total

   $ 558       $ 557       $ 499   
                          

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  

(IN MILLIONS)

   2010     2009     2008  

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

      

Buy

   $ —        $ —        $ —     

Watch

     —          402        96   

Expositions

     —          125        —     

Corporate and eliminations

     —          —          —     
                        

Total

   $ —        $ 527      $ 96   
                        
     Year Ended December 31,  

(IN MILLIONS)

   2010     2009     2008  

Restructuring costs

      

Buy

   $ 29      $ 39      $ 74   

Watch

     13        9        14   

Expositions

     2        3        1   

Corporate and eliminations

     17        11        29   
                        

Total

   $ 61      $ 62      $ 118   
                        
     Year Ended December 31,  

(IN MILLIONS)

   2010     2009     2008  

Stock-based compensation expense

      

Buy

   $ 7      $ 6      $ 4   

Watch

     3        3        7   

Expositions

     —          —          1   

Corporate and eliminations

     8        5        6   
                        

Total

   $ 18      $ 14      $ 18   
                        
     Year Ended December 31,  

(IN MILLIONS)

   2010     2009     2008  

Operating income/(loss)

      

Buy

   $ 454      $ 361      $ 315   

Watch

     327        (73     171   

Expositions

     49        (105     50   

Corporate and eliminations

     (100     (67     (115
                        

Total

   $ 730      $ 116      $ 421   
                        

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   December 31,
2010
     December 31,
2009
 

Total assets

     

Buy

   $ 6,759       $ 6,706   

Watch

     6,504         6,556   

Expositions

     825         857   

Corporate and eliminations(1)

     337         470   
                 

Total

   $ 14,425       $ 14,589   
                 

 

(1) Includes cash of $62 million and $151 million and deferred financing costs of $103 million and $135 million as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

      Year ended December 31,  

(IN MILLIONS)

   2010      2009      2008  

Capital expenditures

        

Buy

   $ 156       $ 136       $ 166   

Watch

     164         127         167   

Expositions

     6         16         23   

Corporate and eliminations

     8         3         14   
                          

Total

   $ 334       $ 282       $ 370   
                          

Geographic Segment Information

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Revenues(1)      Operating
Income/
(Loss)
    Long-
lived
Assets(2)
 

2010

       

United States

   $ 2,575       $ 294      $ 9,493   

North and South America, excluding the United States

     551         157        1,293   

The Netherlands

     41         (5     6   

Other Europe, Middle East & Africa

     1,332         192        1,016   

Asia Pacific

     627         92        494   
                         

Total

   $ 5,126       $ 730      $ 12,302   
                         

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Revenues(1)      Operating
Income/
(Loss)
    Long-
lived
Assets(2)
 

2009

       

United States(3)

   $ 2,478       $ (260   $ 8,804   

North and South America, excluding the United States

     477         145        1,627   

The Netherlands

     43         —          5   

Other Europe, Middle East & Africa

     1,298         159        1,424   

Asia Pacific

     512         72        546   
                         

Total

   $ 4,808       $ 116      $ 12,406   
                         

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Revenues(1)      Operating
Income
 

2008

     

United States(3)

   $ 2,485       $ 123   

North and South America, excluding the United States

     497         121   

The Netherlands

     46         7   

Other Europe, Middle East & Africa

     1,292         124   

Asia Pacific

     486         46   
                 

Total

   $ 4,806       $ 421   
                 

 

(1) Revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of customers.

 

(2) Long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets.

 

(3) Operating income/(loss) includes charges for the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets of $527 million in 2009 and a goodwill impairment charge of $96 million in 2008.

 

F-74


Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

17. Additional Financial Information

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   December 31,
2010
     December 31,
2009
 

Trade payables

   $ 138       $ 117   

Personnel costs

     310         305   

Current portion of restructuring liabilities

     56         66   

Data and professional services

     160         169   

Interest payable

     64         97   

Other current liabilities(1)

     262         245   
                 

Total accounts payable and other current liabilities

   $ 990       $ 999   
                 

 

(1) Other includes multiple items, none of which is individually significant.

18. Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   First
Quarter
    Second
Quarter
    Third
Quarter
    Fourth
Quarter
 

2010

        

Revenues

   $ 1,196      $ 1,270      $ 1,289      $ 1,371   

Operating income

     132        182        201        215   

Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates(1)

     48        88        23        (57

Discontinued operations, net of tax(2)

     (5     (3     (11     (3

Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders

   $ 41      $ 74      $ 11      $ 3   

(IN MILLIONS)

   First
Quarter
    Second
Quarter
    Third
Quarter
    Fourth
Quarter
 

2009

        

Revenues

   $ 1,102      $ 1,182      $ 1,227      $ 1,297   

Operating income/(loss)(3)

     112        172        (326     158   

Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates

     6        (43     (534     (29

Discontinued operations, net of tax(4)

     (4     4        (58     (3

Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen stockholders

   $ 4      $ (9   $ (527   $ 42   

 

(1) Includes charges of $90 million in the fourth quarter of 2010 associated with the extinguishment of long-term debt discussed in Note 10—Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements

 

(2) Includes a $7 million charge (net of tax of $5 million) in the third quarter of 2010 for the settlement of a lawsuit associated with its former Publications operating segment for $12 million in cash, which was paid in October 2010.

 

(3) Includes restructuring charges of $56 million in the fourth quarter of 2009. The third quarter of 2009 also includes charges for the impairment of goodwill impairment and intangible assets of $527 million.

 

(4) Includes a net loss after taxes of $14 million relating to the sale of the media properties within the Company’s Publications operating segment during the fourth quarter of 2009. The third quarter of 2009 includes a goodwill impairment charge relating to the Publications operating segment of $55 million.

 

F-75


Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

19. Guarantor Financial Information

The following supplemental financial information sets forth for the Company, its subsidiaries that have issued certain debt securities (the “Issuers”) and its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries, all as defined in the credit agreements, the consolidating balance sheet as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 and consolidating statements of operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008. The Senior Notes and the Senior Subordinated Discount Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed on an unconditional basis by Nielsen and, each of the direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of Nielsen, including VNU Intermediate Holding B.V., Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V., VNU International B.V., Nielsen Business Media Holding Company, TNC (US) Holdings, Inc., VNU Marketing Information, Inc. and ACN Holdings, Inc., and the wholly-owned subsidiaries thereof, including the wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries of ACN Holdings, Inc. and Nielsen Business Media Holding Company, in each case to the extent that such entities provide a guarantee under the senior secured credit facilities. The issuers are the Company and the subsidiary issuers (Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co.), both wholly-owned subsidiaries of ACN Holdings, Inc. and subsidiary guarantors of the debt issued by Nielsen.

Nielsen is a holding company and does not have any material assets or operations other than ownership of the capital stock of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. All of Nielsen’s operations are conducted through its subsidiaries, and, therefore, Nielsen is expected to continue to be dependent upon the cash flows of its subsidiaries to meet its obligations.

 

F-76


Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the year ended December 31, 2010

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Parent     Issuers     Guarantor     Non-Guarantor     Elimination     Consolidated  

Revenues

   $ —        $ —        $ 2,559      $ 2,567      $ —        $ 5,126   
                                                

Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below

     —          —          987        1,142        —          2,129   

Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below

     —          —          817        831        —          1,648   

Depreciation and amortization

     —          —          437        121        —          558   

Restructuring costs

     —          —          42        19        —          61   
                                                

Operating income

     —          —          276        454        —          730   
                                                

Interest income

     7        501        31        23        (557     5   

Interest expense

     (49     (597     (538     (33     557        (660

Loss on derivative instruments

     —          (27     —          —          —          (27

Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net

     —          111        (26     50        —          135   

Other (expense)/income, net

     —          (91     45        (35     —          (81
                                                

(Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net loss of affiliates

     (42     (103     (212     459        —          102   

Benefit/(provision) for income taxes

     1        36        81        (72     —          46   

Equity in net income of subsidiaries

     170        —          322        —          (492     —     

Equity in net income of affiliates

     —          —          1        4        —          5   
                                                

Income/(loss) from continuing operations

     129        (67     192        391        (492     153   

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

     —          —          (22     —          —          (22
                                                

Net income/(loss)

     129        (67     170        391        (492     131   

Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     —          —          —          2        —          2   
                                                

Net income/(loss) attributable to controlling interests

   $ 129      $ (67   $ 170      $ 389      $ (492   $ 129   
                                                

 

F-77


Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the year ended December 31, 2009

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Parent     Issuers     Guarantor     Non-Guarantor     Elimination     Consolidated  

Revenues

   $ —        $ —        $ 2,463      $ 2,345      $ —        $ 4,808   
                                                

Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below

     —          —          998        1,025        —          2,023   

Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below

     —          —          767        756        —          1,523   

Depreciation and amortization

     —          —          428        129        —          557   

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

     —          —          527        —          —          527   

Restructuring costs

     —          —          22        40        —          62   
                                                

Operating (loss)/income

     —          —          (279     395        —          116   
                                                

Interest income

     19        446        60        66        (584     7   

Interest expense

     (56     (580     (529     (63     584        (644

Loss on derivative instruments

     —          (56     (4     —          —          (60

Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net

     1        (26     26        (3     —          (2

Other (expense)/income, net

     (14     (6     128        (125     —          (17
                                                

(Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net loss of affiliates

     (50     (222     (598     270        —          (600

(Provision)/benefit for income taxes

     (14     84        217        (92     —          195   

Equity in net (loss)/income of subsidiaries

     (426     —          40        —          386        —     

Equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates

     —          —          (24     2        —          (22
                                                

(Loss)/income from continuing operations

     (490     (138     (365     180        386        (427

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

     —          —          (61     —          —          (61
                                                

Net (loss)/income

     (490     (138     (426     180        386        (488

Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     —          —          —          2        —          2   
                                                

Net (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests

   $ (490   $ (138   $ (426   $ 178      $ 386      $ (490
                                                

 

F-78


Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the year ended December 31, 2008

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Parent     Issuers     Guarantor     Non-Guarantor     Elimination     Consolidated  

Revenues

   $ —        $ —        $ 2,485      $ 2,331      $ (10   $ 4,806   
                                                

Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below

     —          —          996        1,071        (10     2,057   

Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below

     —          —          846        769        —          1,615   

Depreciation and amortization

     —          —          383        116        —          499   

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

     —          —          96        —          —          96   

Restructuring costs

     —          —          41        77        —          118   
                                                

Operating income

     —          —          123        298        —          421   
                                                

Interest income

     44        461        72        90        (650     17   

Interest expense

     (78     (535     (580     (74     650        (617

(Loss)/gain on derivative instruments

     —          (20     5        —          —          (15

Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net

     —          48        (21     (5     —          22   

Other income/(expense), net

     —          —          11        (23     —          (12
                                                

(Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net loss of affiliates

     (34     (46     (390     286        —          (184

(Provision)/benefit for income taxes

     (15     13        70        (104     —          (36

Equity in net (loss)/income of subsidiaries

     (453     —          149        —          304        —     

Equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates

     —          —          (9     2        —          (7
                                                

(Loss)/income from continuing operations

     (502     (33     (180     184        304        (227

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

     —          —          (273     (2     —          (275
                                                

Net (loss)/income

     (502     (33     (453     182        304        (502

Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     —          —          —          —          —          —     
                                                

Net (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests

   $ (502   $ (33   $ (453   $ 182      $ 304      $ (502
                                                

 

F-79


Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Consolidating Balance Sheet

December 31, 2010

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Parent      Issuers     Guarantor      Non-Guarantor      Elimination     Consolidated  

Assets:

               

Current assets

               

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1       $ —        $ 65       $ 352       $ —        $ 418   

Trade and other receivables, net

     —           —          391         623         —          1,014   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     1         18        87         113         —          219   

Intercompany receivables

     306         115        749         346         (1,516     —     
                                                   

Total current assets

     308         133        1,292         1,434         (1,516     1,651   

Non-current assets

               

Property, plant and equipment, net

     —           —          356         243         —          599   

Goodwill

     —           —          4,935         2,161         —          7,096   

Other intangible assets, net

     —           —          4,149         458         —          4,607   

Deferred tax assets

     —           174        1         60         (174     61   

Other non-current assets

     7         94        184         126         —          411   

Equity investment in subsidiaries

     2,980         —          3,750         —           (6,730     —     

Intercompany loans

     198         7,634        617         1,469         (9,918     —     
                                                   

Total assets

   $ 3,493       $ 8,035      $ 15,284       $ 5,951       $ (18,338   $ 14,425   
                                                   

Liabilities and equity:

               

Current liabilities

               

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

   $ 30       $ 94      $ 327       $ 539       $ —        $ 990   

Deferred revenues

     —           —          265         187         —          452   

Income tax liabilities

     —           —          27         46         —          73   

Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings

     49         27        10         8         —          94   

Intercompany payables

     —           192        1,093         231         (1,516     —     
                                                   

Total current liabilities

     79         313        1,722         1,011         (1,516     1,609   

Non-current liabilities

               

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations

     533         7,812        102         17         —          8,464   

Deferred tax liabilities

     —           —          968         148         (174     942   

Intercompany loans

     —           —          9,302         616         (9,918     —     

Other non-current liabilities

     —           22        210         288         —          520   
                                                   

Total liabilities

     612         8,147        12,304         2,080         (11,608     11,535   
                                                   

Total shareholders’ equity

     2,881         (112     2,980         3,862         (6,730     2,881   

Noncontrolling interests

     —           —          —           9         —          9   
                                                   

Total equity

     2,881         (112     2,980         3,871         (6,730     2,890   
                                                   

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 3,493       $ 8,035      $ 15,284       $ 5,951       $ (18,338   $ 14,425   
                                                   

 

F-80


Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

December 31, 2009

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Parent      Issuers     Guarantor      Non-Guarantor      Elimination     Consolidated  

Assets:

               

Current assets

               

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 2       $ 2      $ 160       $ 347       $ —        $ 511   

Trade and other receivables, net

     —           —          366         570         —          936   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     1         23        88         83         —          195   

Intercompany receivables

     332         114        442         369         (1,257     —     
                                                   

Total current assets

     335         139        1,056         1,369         (1,257     1,642   

Non-current assets

               

Property, plant and equipment, net

     —           —          354         239         —          593   

Goodwill

     —           —          4,939         2,117         —          7,056   

Other intangible assets, net

     —           —          3,464         1,293         —          4,757   

Deferred tax assets

     —           196        —           48         (196     48   

Other non-current assets

     8         104        240         141         —          493   

Equity investment in subsidiaries

     2,832         —          4,333         —           (7,165     —     

Intercompany loans

     275         7,673        836         1,564         (10,348     —     
                                                   

Total assets

   $ 3,450       $ 8,112      $ 15,222       $ 6,771       $ (18,966   $ 14,589   
                                                   

Liabilities and equity:

               

Current liabilities

               

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

   $ 3       $ 134      $ 311       $ 551       $ —        $ 999   

Deferred revenues

     —           —          249         186         —          435   

Income tax liabilities

     —           —          53         29         —          82   

Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings

     72         13        9         16         —          110   

Intercompany payables

     —           187        818         252         (1,257     —     
                                                   

Total current liabilities

     75         334        1,440         1,034         (1,257     1,626   

Non-current liabilities

               

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations

     576         7,848        106         18         —          8,548   

Deferred tax liabilities

     12         —          1,110         139         (196     1,065   

Intercompany loans

     —           —          9,500         848         (10,348     —     

Other non-current liabilities

     2         63        234         252         —          551   
                                                   

Total liabilities

     665         8,245        12,390         2,291         (11,801     11,790   
                                                   

Total shareholders’ equity

     2,785         (133     2,832         4,466         (7,165     2,785   

Noncontrolling interests

     —           —          —           14         —          14   
                                                   

Total equity

     2,785         (133     2,832         4,480         (7,165     2,799   
                                                   

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 3,450       $ 8,112      $ 15,222       $ 6,771       $ (18,966   $ 14,589   
                                                   

 

F-81


Table of Contents

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended December 31, 2010

 

    Parent     Issuers     Guarantor     Non-Guarantor     Consolidated  

Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities

  $ 3      $ (15   $ 185      $ 371      $ 544   
                                       

Investing activities:

         

Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired

    —          —          (35     (20     (55

Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net

    —          —          17        —          17   

Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets

    —          —          (112     (66     (178

Additions to intangible assets

    —          —          (143     (13     (156

Other investing activities

    —          —          2        5        7   
                                       

Net cash used in investing activities

    —          —          (271     (94     (365
                                       

Financing activities:

         

Proceeds from issuances of debt

    —          1,065        —          —          1,065   

Repayments of debt

    (64     (1,161     (3     —          (1,228

Increase/(decrease) in other short-term borrowings

    —          —          4        (10     (6

Cash dividends paid to parent

    (9     —          —          —          (9

Activity under stock plans

    —          —          (4     —          (4

Settlement of derivatives, intercompany and other financing activities

    69        109        —          (260     (82
                                       

Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities

    (4     13        (3     (270     (264
                                       

Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

    —          —          (6     (2     (8
                                       

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

    (1     (2     (95     5        (93
                                       

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    2        2        160        347        511   
                                       

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $ 1      $ —        $ 65      $ 352      $ 418   
                                       

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended December 31, 2009

 

    Parent     Issuers     Guarantor     Non-Guarantor     Consolidated  

Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities

  $ 5      $ (14   $ 197      $ 327      $ 515   
                                       

Investing activities:

         

Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired

    —          —          (42     (8     (50

Proceeds/payments from sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net

    —          —          84        —          84   

Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets

    —          —          (85     (54     (139

Additions to intangible assets

    —          —          (98     (45     (143

Other investing activities

    15        —          1        5        21   
                                       

Net cash provided by/(used) in investing activities

    15        —          (140     (102     (227
                                       

Financing activities:

         

Repayments of revolving credit facility

    —          —          (295     —          (295

Proceeds from issuances of debt

    —          1,223        —          —          1,223   

Repayments of debt

    (390     (577     —          (9     (976

(Decrease)/increase in other short-term borrowings

    —          —          (59     10        (49

Stock activity of subsidiaries, net

    —          —          —          (3     (3

Valcon capital return

    (1     —          —          —          (1

Settlement of derivatives, intercompany and other financing activities

    372        (630     285        (197     (170
                                       

Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities

    (19     16        (69     (199     (271
                                       

Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

    —          —          10        18        28   
                                       

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    1        2        (2     44        45   
                                       

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    1        —          162        303        466   
                                       

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $ 2      $ 2      $ 160      $ 347      $ 511   
                                       

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended December 31, 2008

 

    Parent     Issuers     Guarantor     Non-Guarantor     Consolidated  

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 35      $ 37      $ 27      $ 217      $ 316   
                                       

Investing activities:

         

Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired

    —          —          (258     20        (238

Proceeds/payments from sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net

    —          —          18        5        23   

Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets

    —          —          (183     (41     (224

Additions to intangible assets

    —          —          (130     (16     (146

Other investing activities

    (2     —          (8     4        (6
                                       

Net cash used in investing activities

    (2     —          (561     (28     (591
                                       

Financing activities:

         

Net borrowings from revolving credit facility

    —          —          285        —          285   

Proceeds from issuances of debt

    —          213        3        1        217   

Repayments of debt

    —          (45     (139     —          (184

(Decrease)/increase in other short-term borrowings

    (6     —          11        (18     (13

Stock activity of subsidiaries, net

    —          —          —          (2     (2

Valcon capital contribution

    79        —          —          —          79   

Activity under stock plans

    —          —          (1     —          (1

Settlement of derivatives, intercompany and other financing activities

    (105     (205     472        (173     (11
                                       

Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities

    (32     (37     631        (192     370   
                                       

Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

    (1     —          —          (27     (28
                                       

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    —          —          97        (30     67   
                                       

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    1        —          65        333        399   
                                       

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $ 1      $ —        $ 162      $ 303      $ 466   
                                       

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

20. Subsequent Events

On January 31, 2011, Holdings completed an initial public offering of 82,142,858 shares of its €0.07 par value common stock at a price of $23.00 per share, generating proceeds of approximately $1,804 million, net of $85 million of underwriter discounts.

Concurrent with its offering of common stock, Holdings issued $288 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.25% Mandatory Convertible Subordinated Bonds due February 1, 2013 (“the Bonds”), generating proceeds of approximately $277 million, net of $11 million of underwriter discounts. Interest on the Bonds will be payable quarterly in arrears in February, May, August and November of each year, commencing in May 2011. The Bonds will be mandatorily converted into between 10,416,700 and 12,499,925 shares of Nielsen’s common stock on February 1, 2013 at a conversion rate per $50.00 principal amount of the bonds of not more than 2.1739 shares and not less than 1.8116 shares depending on the market value of its common stock (the average of the volume weighted-average price of its common stock for a 20 consecutive trading day period beginning on the 25th trading day immediately preceding February 1, 2013) relative to the initial price and the threshold appreciation price per share of $23.00 and $27.60, respectively.

Holdings contributed substantially all of the combined net proceeds of approximately $2,081 million associated with the aforementioned transactions to the Company and the Company utilized the contributed amount to settle the Advisory Agreements with the Sponsors and redeem and retire certain issuances of the Company’s long-term indebtedness as follows:

 

   

On January 31, 2011, each of Nielsen’s subsidiaries party to the Advisory Agreements agreed, along with the Sponsors, to terminate all such agreements in exchange for a settlement of $102 million. The Company will record this pre-tax amount as an expense in its consolidated statement of operations in the first quarter of 2011.

 

   

On February 9, 2011, the Company paid approximately $201 million to redeem $164 million of its outstanding $467 million ($500 million aggregate principal amount) 11.50% Senior Discount Notes Due 2016 with a redemption cost of the stated rate applied to the principal amount being redeemed plus a proportionate amount of accrued interest to the principal amount. The Company will record a pre-tax debt extinguishment charge of approximately $34 million in its consolidated statement of operations in the first quarter of 2011 associated with this redemption.

 

   

On February 9, 2011, the Company paid approximately $129 million to redeem $107 million of its outstanding $307 million ($330 million aggregate principal amount) 11.625% Senior Discount Notes Due 2014 with a redemption cost of the stated rate applied to the principal amount being redeemed plus a proportionate amount of accrued interest to the principal amount. The Company will record a pre-tax debt extinguishment charge of approximately $23 million in its consolidated statement of operations in the first quarter of 2011 associated with this redemption.

 

   

On February 25, 2011, the Company paid approximately $1,133 million to redeem all of its outstanding $999 million ($1,070 million aggregate principal amount) 12.50% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes Due 2016 at a price of 105.89% of the aggregate principal amount. The Company will record a pre-tax debt extinguishment charge of approximately $123 million in its consolidated statement of operations in the first quarter of 2011 associated with this redemption.

 

   

On February 25, 2011, the Company paid approximately $251 million to redeem €163 million (€174 million aggregate principal amount) of its 11.125% Senior Discount Debenture Notes due 2016 at a price of 104.87% of the aggregate principal amount. The Company will record a pre-tax debt extinguishment charge of approximately $26 million in its consolidated statement of operations in the first quarter of 2011 associated with this redemption.

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

On March 2, 2011 the Company anticipates paying approximately $244 million to redeem €159 million (€169 million aggregate principal amount) of its 11.125% Senior Discount Debenture Notes due 2016 at a price of 104.87% of the aggregate principal amount. The Company will record a pre-tax debt extinguishment charge of approximately $25 million in its consolidated statement of operations in the first quarter of 2011 associated with this redemption. Following this transaction all of the Company’s outstanding 11.125% Senior Discount Debenture Notes will have been redeemed.

 

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The Nielsen Company B.V.

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

For the Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

 

(IN MILLIONS)

   Balance
Beginning of
Period
     Charges to
Expense
    Acquisitions
and
Divestitures
    Deductions     Effect of
Foreign
Currency
Translation
    Balance at
End of
Period
 

Allowance for accounts receivable and sales returns

             

For the year ended December 31, 2008

   $ 27       $ 11      $ 3      $ (7   $ (1   $ 33   

For the year ended December 31, 2009

   $ 33       $ 14      $ (2   $ (15   $ 1      $ 31   

For the year ended December 31, 2010

   $ 31       $ 4      $ —        $ (4   $ —        $ 31   

(IN MILLIONS)

   Balance
Beginning of
Period
     Charges/
(Credits)
to Expense
    Charged to
Other
Accounts
    Acquisitions
and
Divestitures
    Effect of
Foreign
Currency
Translation
    Balance at
End of
Period
 

Valuation allowance for deferred taxes

             

For the year ended December 31, 2008

   $ 199       $ 4      $ 26      $ 4      $ (1   $ 232   

For the year ended December 31, 2009

   $ 232       $ 8      $ (7   $ —        $ —        $ 233   

For the year ended December 31, 2010

   $ 233       $ (15   $ 4      $ —        $ (7   $ 215   

 

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PART II: INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS

 

Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

The Nielsen Company B.V.

Pursuant to our Articles of Association, we indemnify our directors and officers acting in their capacity on behalf of us against reasonable costs and expenses incurred by them in connection with any suit, proceeding or action instituted by a third party unless it is determined that such amounts were incurred as a result of their willful misconduct or gross negligence.

Registrants Incorporated in Delaware

With respect to the registrants incorporated in Delaware, Section 145(a) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) provides that a Delaware corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, other than an action by or in the right of the corporation, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was unlawful.

Section 145(b) of the DGCL provides that a Delaware corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person acted in any of the capacities set forth above, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation, unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the court shall deem proper.

Further subsections of DGCL Section 145 provide that:

 

   

to the extent a present or former director or officer of a corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 145 or in the defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith;

 

   

the indemnification and advancement of expenses provided for pursuant to Section 145 shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise; and

 

   

the corporation shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance of behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under Section 145.

 

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As used in this Item 20, the term “proceeding” means any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether or not by or in the right of Registrant, and whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or otherwise.

Section 145 of the DGCL makes provision for the indemnification of officers and directors in terms sufficiently broad to indemnify officers and directors of each of the registrants incorporated in Delaware under certain circumstances from liabilities (including reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”). Each of the registrants incorporated in Delaware may, in their discretion, similarly indemnify their employees and agents. The Bylaws of each of the registrants incorporated in Delaware provide, in effect, that, to the fullest extent and under the circumstances permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL, each of the registrants incorporated in Delaware will indemnify any and all of its officers, directors, employees and agents. In addition, the Certificate of Incorporation of each of the registrants incorporated in Delaware relieves its directors from monetary damages to it or its stockholders for breach of such director’s fiduciary duty as a director to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. Under Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL, a corporation may relieve its directors from personal liability to such corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of their fiduciary duty as directors except (i) for a breach of the duty of loyalty, (ii) for failure to act in good faith, (iii) for intentional misconduct or knowing violation of law, (iv) for willful or negligent violations of certain provisions in the DGCL imposing certain requirements with respect to stock repurchases, redemptions and dividends, or (v) for any transactions from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

Insurance

Each of the Registrants currently maintains an insurance policy which, within the limits and subject to the terms and conditions thereof, covers certain expenses and liabilities that may be incurred by directors and officers in connection with proceedings that may be brought against them as a result of an act or omission committed or suffered while acting as a director or officer of this Registrant.

 

Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statements Schedules.

 

(a) The following exhibits are attached hereto:

 

EXHIBIT

NUMBER

  

DESCRIPTION

3.1*    Articles of Association of The Nielsen Company B.V. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.2*    Certificate of Formation of Nielsen Finance LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.3*    Limited Liability Company Agreement of Nielsen Finance LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.4*    Certificate of Incorporation of Nielsen Finance Co. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.5*    Bylaws of Nielsen Finance Co. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.6*    Certificate of Incorporation of A.C. Nielsen (Argentina) S.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))

 

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EXHIBIT

NUMBER

  

DESCRIPTION

3.7*    Bylaws of A.C. Nielsen (Argentina) S.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.7 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.8*    Certificate of Incorporation of A.C. Nielsen Company, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.8 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.10*    Certificate of Incorporation of The Nielsen Company (US), LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.10 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.11*    Certificate of Incorporation of ACN Holdings, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.14 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.12*    Bylaws of ACN Holdings, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.15 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.13*    Certificate of Incorporation of ACNielsen Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.16 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.14*    Bylaws of ACNielsen Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.17 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.15*    Certificate of Formation of ART Holding, L.L.C. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.20 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.16*    Certificate of Incorporation of Athenian Leasing Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.21 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.17*    Bylaws of Athenian Leasing Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.22 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.18*    Certificate of Formation of CZT/ACN Trademarks, L.L.C. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.33 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.19*    Limited Liability Company Agreement of CZT/ACN Trademarks, L.L.C. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.34 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.20*    Articles of Incorporation of Foremost Exhibits, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.39 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.21*    Certificate of Incorporation of NetRatings, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.45 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 4, 2008 (File No. 333-151408-28))
3.22*    Certificate of Incorporation of Nielsen Business Media, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.46 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.23*    Bylaws of Nielsen Business Media, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.47 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))

 

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EXHIBIT

NUMBER

  

DESCRIPTION

3.24*    Certificate of Incorporation of TNC (US) Holdings, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.48 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.25*    Certificate of Incorporation of Nielsen Business Media Holding Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.50 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 4, 2008 (File No. 333-151408-28))
3.26*    Bylaws of Nielsen Business Media Holding Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.51 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 4, 2008 (File No. 333-151408-28))
3.27*    Bylaws of TNC (US) Holdings, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.49 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.28*    Articles of Association of Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. (unofficial English translation) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.86 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.29*    Certificate of Incorporation of Nielsen Mobile, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.66 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed June 4, 2008 (File No. 333-151408-28)
3.30*    Articles of Incorporation of Nielsen National Research Group, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.60 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.31*    Bylaws of Nielsen National Research Group, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.61 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.32*    Certificate of Incorporation of NMR Investing I, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.62 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.33*    Bylaws of NMR Investing I, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.63 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.34*    Certificate of Limited Partnership of NMR Licensing Associates, L.P. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.64 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.35*    Agreement of Limited Partnership of NMR Licensing Associates, L.P. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.64 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.36*    Deed of Incorporation of VNU Intermediate Holding B.V. (unofficial English translation) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.88 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.37*    Articles of Association of VNU International B.V. (unofficial English translation) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.89 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.38*    Certificate of Incorporation of VNU Marketing Information, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.78 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))

 

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EXHIBIT

NUMBER

 

DESCRIPTION

3.39*   Bylaws of VNU Marketing Information, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.79 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.40*     Amendment to the Articles of Association of AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V. (unofficial English translation) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.96 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on April 23, 2009 (File No. 333-158730))
3.41*     Certificate of Conversion of A.C. Nielsen (US), Inc. to The Nielsen Company (US), LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.101 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on April 23, 2009 (File No. 333-158730))
3.42*     Certificate of Conversion of NetRatings, Inc. to NetRatings, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.102 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on April 23, 2009 (File No. 333-158730))
3.43*     Certificate of Conversion of Nielsen Mobile, Inc. to Nielsen Mobile, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.104 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on April 23, 2009 (File No. 333-158730))
3.44*     Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of The Nielsen Company (US), Inc. (changing its name to TNC (US) Holdings, Inc.) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.105 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on April 23, 2009 (File No. 333-158730))
3.45*     Certificate of Conversion of Nielsen Holdings, Inc. to Nielsen Holdings, L.L.C. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.106 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on April 23, 2009 (File No. 333-158730))
3.46*     Articles of Incorporation of The Cambridge Group, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.107 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 2, 2009 (File No. 333-158730))
3.47*     Bylaws of The Cambridge Group, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.108 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 2, 2009 (File No. 333-158730))
3.48   Certificate of Incorporation of ACNielsen eRatings.com
3.49   Bylaws of ACNielsen eRatings.com
3.50   Articles of Association of The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S.à r.l.
3.51   Articles of Association of The Nielsen Company Finance (Ireland) Limited
4.1(a)*   Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated August 9, 2006 and amended and restated as of June 23, 2009, among Nielsen Finance LLC, as a U.S. Borrower, TNC (US) Holdings Inc., as a U.S. Borrower, Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V., as Dutch Borrower, the Guarantors party thereto from time to time, Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, ABN AMRO Bank N.V., as Swing Line Lender, the other Lenders party thereto from time to time, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as Syndication Agent and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and ING Bank N.V., as Co-Documentation Agents (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(h) to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on July 30, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))
4.1(b)*   Amended and Restated Security Agreement, dated as of August 9, 2006 and amended and restated as of June 23, 2009, among Nielsen Finance LLC, the other Grantors identified therein, and Citibank, N.A., as Collateral Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(j) to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on July 30, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))

 

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4.1(c)*    Intellectual Property Security Agreement, dated as of August 9, 2006, among Nielsen Finance LLC, the other Grantors identified therein and Citibank, N.A. as Collateral Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(c) to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on July 30, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))
4.1(d)*    Senior Secured Loan Agreement, dated June 8, 2009, by and among Nielsen Finance LLC, the Guarantors party thereto from time to time, Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC and the other Lenders party thereto from time to time (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(g) to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on July 30, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))
4.1(e)*    First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2009, among Citibank, N.A., as Collateral Agent and Authorized Representative under the Credit Agreement, Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC, as the Initial Additional Authorized Representative, and each additional Authorized Representative from time to time party thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(c) to the Form 8-K/A of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 26, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
4.1(f)*    Amendment No. 1, dated as of August 13, 2010, to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated August 9, 2006 and amended and restated as of June 23, 2009, among Nielsen Finance LLC, as a U.S. Borrower, TNC (US) Holdings Inc., as a U.S. Borrower, Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V., as Dutch Borrower, the Guarantors party thereto from time to time, Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, ABN AMRO Bank N.V., as Swing Line Lender, the other Lenders party thereto from time to time, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as Syndication Agent and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and ING Bank N.V., as Co-Documentation Agents (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on August 16, 2010 (File No. 333-142546))
4.2*    Indenture, dated as of August 9, 2006, between VNU Group B.V. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the 11 1/8% Senior Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
4.3(a)*    Indenture, dated as of August 9, 2006, among Nielsen Finance LLC, Nielsen Finance Co., the Guarantors named on the signature pages thereto and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the U.S. Dollar denominated 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and the Euro denominated 9% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4(a) to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
4.3(b)*    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 16, 2006, among Radio and Records, Inc., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the U.S. Dollar denominated 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and the Euro denominated 9% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4(b) to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
4.3(c)*    Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 15, 2007, among NetRatings, Inc., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the U.S. Dollar denominated 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and the Euro denominated 9% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on November 14, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))

 

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4.3(d)*    Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 15, 2007, among Telephia, Inc., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the U.S. Dollar denominated 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and the Euro denominated 9% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on November 14, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
4.3(e)*    Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 28, 2007, among Nielsen Business Media Holding Company, an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the U.S. Dollar denominated 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and the Euro denominated 9% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4(e) to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 4, 2008 (File No. 333-151408-28))
4.3(f)*    Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 9, 2008, among Audience Analytics, L.L.C., Cannon Holdings, L.L.C., both affiliates of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the U.S. Dollar denominated 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and the Euro denominated 9% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4(f) to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 4, 2008 (File No. 333-151408-28))
4.3(g)*    Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 16, 2008, among Nielsen Finance LLC, Nielsen Finance Co., the Guarantors named in the Indenture thereto and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the U.S. Dollar denominated 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and the Euro denominated 9% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on April 21, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
4.3(h)*    Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 15, 2008, among Nielsen IAG, Inc. an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the U.S. Dollar denominated 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and the Euro denominated 9% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
4.3(i)*    Eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 15, 2008, among RewardTV, Inc., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the U.S. Dollar denominated 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and the Euro denominated 9% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
4.3(j)*    Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 24, 2008, among ACNielsen eRatings.com, an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the U.S. Dollar denominated 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and the Euro denominated 9% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
4.3(k)*    Tenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 13, 2009, among AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the U.S. Dollar denominated 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and the Euro denominated 9% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4(k) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))

 

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4.3(l)*    Eleventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 21, 2009, among The Cambridge Group, Inc., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for U.S. Dollar denominated 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and the Euro denominated 9% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6(l) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
4.4(a)*    Indenture, dated as of August 9, 2006, among Nielsen Finance LLC, Nielsen Finance Co., the Guarantors named on the signature pages thereto and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6(a) to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
4.4(b)*    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 16, 2006, among Radio and Records, Inc., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6(b) to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
4.4(c)*    Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 15, 2007, among NetRatings, Inc., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2007 (File No. 333- 142546))
4.4(d)*    Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 15, 2007, among Telephia, Inc., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2007 (File No. 333- 142546))
4.4(e)*    Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 28, 2007, among Nielsen Business Media Holding Company, an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the 12   1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
4.4(f)*    Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 9, 2008, among Audience Analytics, L.L.C., Cannon Holdings, L.L.C., both affiliates of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the 12  1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
4.4(g)*    Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 15, 2008, among Nielsen IAG, Inc., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
4.4(h)*    Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 15, 2008, among RewardTV, Inc., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))

 

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4.4(i)*    Eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 24, 2008, among ACNielsen eRatings.com, an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
4.4(j)*    Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 13, 2009, among AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6(j) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
4.4(k)*    Tenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 21, 2009, among The Cambridge Group, Inc., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee for U.S. Dollar denominated 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6(k) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
4.4(l)*    Eleventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2010, among The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S.à r.l., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for U.S. Dollar denominated 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on January 5, 2011 (File No. 333-142546))
4.4(m)*    Twelfth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2010, among Hamilton Hes Limited in the process of changing its name to The Nielsen Company Finance (Ireland) Limited, an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for U.S. Dollar denominated 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(b) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on January 5, 2011 (File No. 333-142546))
4.5(a)*    Amended and Restated Trust Deed, dated October 29, 2002, by and between VNU N.V. and Deutsche Trustee Company Limited relating to the VNU N.V. €200,000,000 Euro Medium Term Note Programme (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.8(a) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement of The Nielsen Company B.V. on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
4.5(b)*    Supplemental Trust Deed, dated October 27, 2003, by and between VNU N.V. and Deutsche Trustee Company Limited relating to the €250,000,000 Euro Medium Term Note Programme (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.8(b) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement of The Nielsen Company B.V. on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333- 142546))
4.6(a)*    Indenture, dated as of January 27, 2009, among Nielsen Finance LLC, Nielsen Finance Co., the Guarantors and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York for the 11.625% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on January 28, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
4.6(b)*    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 13, 2009, among AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the 11.625% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.9(a) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))

 

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4.6(c)*    Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 21, 2009, among The Cambridge Group, Inc., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee for U.S. Dollar denominated 11.625% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.9(b) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
4.6(d)*    Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 19, 2009, among ACNielsen eRatings.com, an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC, and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee for the 11.625% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.9(c) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
  4.6(e)*    Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2010, among The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S.à r.l., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee for the 11.625% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2(a) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on January 5, 2011 (File No. 333-142546))
  4.6(f)*    Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2010, among Hamilton Hes Limited in the process of changing its name to The Nielsen Company Finance (Ireland) Limited, an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee for the 11.625% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2(b) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on January 5, 2011 (File No. 333-142546))
  4.7(a)*    Indenture, dated as of May 1, 2009, among Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee for the 11 1/2% Senior Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to the current report on Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on May 1, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
  4.7(b)*    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 21, 2009, among The Cambridge Group, Inc, an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee for the 11 1/2% Senior Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.10(a) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2009, incorporated herein by reference (File No. 333-142546))
  4.7(c)*    Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 19, 2009, among ACNielsenRatings.com, an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC, and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee for the 11  1/2% Senior Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.10(b) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2009, incorporated herein by reference (File No. 333-142546))
  4.7(d)*    Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2010, among The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S.à r.l., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee for the 11  1/2% Senior Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3(a) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on January 5, 2011 (File No. 333-142546))
  4.7(e)*    Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2010, among Hamilton Hes Limited in the process of changing its name to The Nielsen Company Finance (Ireland) Limited, an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee for the 11 1/2% Senior Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3(b) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on January 5, 2011 (File No. 333-142546))

 

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  4.8(a)*    Indenture, dated as of October 12, 2010, among Nielsen Finance LLC, Nielsen Finance Co., the Guarantors and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on October 14, 2010 (File No. 333-142546))
  4.8(b)*    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 12, 2010, among Nielsen Finance LLC, Nielsen Finance Co., the Guarantors (as defined therein), Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on October 14, 2010 (File No. 333-142546))
  4.8(c)*    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 9, 2010, among Nielsen Finance LLC, Nielsen Finance Co., the Guarantors and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on October 14, 2010 (File No. 333-142546))
  4.8(d)*    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 9, 2010, among Nielsen Finance LLC, Nielsen Finance Co., the Guarantors (as defined therein), and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on October 14, 2010 (File No. 333-142546))
  4.8(e)*    Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2010, among The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S.à r.l., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4(a) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on January 5, 2011 (File No. 333-142546))
  4.8(f)*    Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2010, among Hamilton Hes Limited in the process of changing its name to The Nielsen Company Finance (Ireland) Limited, an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4(b) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on January 5, 2011 (File No. 333-142546))
  5.1    Opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
10.1*    Amended and Restated Shareholders’ Agreement regarding Nielsen Holdings N.V., dated January 31, 2011, among AlpInvest, Blackstone, Carlyle, Hellman & Friedman, KKR, Thomas H. Lee Partners, Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.à r.l., Nielsen Holdings N.V., Valcon Acquisition B.V. and The Nielsen Company B.V. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on February 1, 2011 (file No. 001-35042)
10.2*    Employment Agreement, as amended and restated, dated as of December 15, 2008, by and among David L. Calhoun, Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.à r.l. and TNC (US) Holdings, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5(c) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
10.3*    Employment Arrangement, dated December 4, 2006, between VNU Group B.V. and Susan D. Whiting (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.4(a)*    Form of Severance Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10(b) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.4(b)*    Severance Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2007, by and between VNU Group B.V., VNU, Inc. and Susan D. Whiting (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10(c) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))

 

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10.4(c)*    Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, dated as of January 15, 2007, between Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V. and Susan D. Whiting (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10(d) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.4(d)*    Stock Option Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2007, between Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V. and Susan D. Whiting (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10(e) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.4(e)*    Sale Participation Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2007, between Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V. and Susan D. Whiting (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10(f) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.4(f)*    Management Stockholder’s Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2007, between Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V., Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.à r.l. and Susan D. Whiting (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10(g) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.4(g)*    Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, dated as of June 19, 2009, between Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V. and Mitchell Habib (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10(h) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
10.5(a)*    VNU Excess Plan, as amended and restated, effective April 1, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12(a) to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.5(b)*    Amendment to the VNU Excess Plan, effective August 31, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12(b) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.5(c)*    Second Amendment to the VNU Excess Plan, effective January 23, 2007 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12(c) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.6(a)*    VNU Deferred Compensation Plan, dated April 1, 2003 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13(a) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.6(b)*    Amendment to VNU, ACNielsen Corporation and VNU USA, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, dated May 10, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13(b) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.6(c)*    The Nielsen Company Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated, effective October 28, 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13(c) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2008, incorporated herein by reference (File No. 333-142546))
10.7*    2006 Stock Acquisition and Option Plan for Key Employees of Nielsen Holding N.V. and its Subsidiaries, as amended and restated, effective August 23, 2010 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form S-8 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on February 14, 2011 (File No. 333-172256))

 

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EXHIBIT

NUMBER

  

DESCRIPTION

10.8*    Form of Management Stockholder’s Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on March 31, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
10.9*    Form of Sale Participation Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on March 31, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
10.10*    Form of Stock Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on March 31, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
10.11*    Form of Offer Letter, dated October 24, 2006, by and between VNU and James W. Cuminale (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on March 31, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
10.12*    Form of Offer Letter, dated February 20, 2007, by and between The Nielsen Company B.V. and Brian J. West (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on March 31, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
10.13*    Form of Offer Letter, dated March 22, 2007, by and between The Nielsen Company B.V. and Mitchell J. Habib (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on March 31, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
10.14(a)*†    Amended and Restated Master Services Agreement, effective as of October 1, 2007, by and between Tata America International Corporation & Tata Consultancy Services Limited and ACNielsen (US), Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16(a) to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on November 1, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))
10.14(b)*†    Amendment Number 1 to the Amended and Restated Master Services Agreement, effective as of March 31, 2008, by and between Tata America International Corporation, Tata Consultancy Services Limited and ACNielsen (US), Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16(b) to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on January July 8, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))
10.14(c)*    Amendment Number 2 to the Amended and Restated Master Services Agreement, effective as of October 31, 2007, by and between Tata America International Corporation, Tata Consultancy Services Limited and ACNielsen (US), Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16(c) to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on July 8, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))
10.14(d)*†    Amendment Number 3 to the Amended and Restated Master Services Agreement, effective as of May 11, 2009, by and between Tata America International Corporation, Tata Consultancy Services Limited and ACNielsen (US), Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16(d) to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on July 8, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))
10.15(a)*    Severance Agreement, dated as of June 4, 2007, by and between The Nielsen Company B.V., The Nielsen Company (US), Inc. and Itzhak Fisher (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22(a) to Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on March 27, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
10.15(b)*    Stock Option Agreement, dated as of June 4, 2007, between Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V. and Pereg Holdings LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22(b) to Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on March 27, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
10.15(c)*    Rollover Stock Option Agreement, dated as of June 4, 2007, between Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V. and Pereg Holdings LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22(c) to Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on March 27, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))

 

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EXHIBIT

NUMBER

  

DESCRIPTION

10.15(d)*    Sale Participation Agreement, dated as of June 4, 2007, Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V., Pereg Holdings LLC and Itzhak Fisher (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22(d) to Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on March 27, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
10.15(e)*    Management Stockholder’s Agreement, dated as of June 4, 2007, between Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V., Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.à r.l, Pereg Holdings LLC and Itzhak Fisher (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22(e) to Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on March 27, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
10.16*    Form of Offer Letter, dated as of February 27, 2009, by and between The Nielsen Company B.V. and Itzhak Fisher (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on March 27, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
10.17(a)*    Form of Centerview Stock Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22(f) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2009, incorporated herein by reference (File No. 333-142546))
10.17(b)*    Form of Stock Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.24(b) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2010 (File No. 333-142546))
10.18*    Form of Offer Letter, dated May 8, 2007, by and between The Nielsen Company B.V. and Roberto Llamas (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on July 8, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))
10.19*    Investment Agreement regarding Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.á r.l., made as of November 6, 2006, among each of the AlpInvest Funds, each of the Blackstone Funds, each of the Carlyle Funds, each of the Hellman & Friedman Funds, each of the KKR Funds, each of the Thomas H. Lee Funds (all as listed on Schedule 1 thereto), Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.A.R.L. and Centerview Partners Holdings L.L.C. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.20*    Management Stockholder’s Agreement, dated as of November 22, 2006, between Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V., Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.à r.l and David L. Calhoun (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on November 1, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))
10.21*    Form of Termination Protection Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.22*    Nielsen Holdings 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form S-8 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on February 14, 2011 (File No. 333-172256))
10.23*    Nielsen Holdings Executive Annual Incentive Plan for Nielsen Holdings B.V. and its Subsidiaries (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on July 30, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))
10.24*    Form of Stock Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on July 30, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))
10.25*    Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on July 30, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))

 

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EXHIBIT

NUMBER

  

DESCRIPTION

10.26*    Registration Rights Agreement, dated January 31, 2011, among Nielsen Holdings N.V., Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.à r.l., AlpInvest Partners CS Investments 2006 C.V., Blackstone Capital Partners (Cayman) V L.P., Carlyle Partners IV Cayman, L.P., Hellman & Friedman Capital Partners V (Cayman), L.P., KKR VNU (Millennium) Limited, THL Fund VI Alternative Corp. and Centerview Partners Holdings L.L.C. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on February 1, 2011) (File No. 001-35042))
10.27*    Stock Option Agreement, dated as of November 22, 2006, between Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V. and David L. Calhoun (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on November 1, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))
10.28*    Amendment No. 1, dated as of October 27, 2010, to the Management Stockholders’ Agreement by and among Nielsen Holdings B.V. (f/k/a Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V. a private company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of The Netherlands, Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.à r.l., a private limited company incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg and David L. Calhoun (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on October 27, 2010 (File No. 333-142546))
10.29*    Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of October 27, 2010, by and among David L. Calhoun and Nielsen Holdings, B.V., The Nielsen Company B.V., a Netherlands corporation, and TNC (US) Holdings, Inc. (formerly VNU, Inc.), a Delaware corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on October 27, 2010 (File No. 333-142546))
12.1    Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
21.1*    The Nielsen Holdings N.V. Active Subsidiaries (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 21 to Nielsen Holdings N.V.’s Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2011 (File No. 001-35042))
23.1    Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, an Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
23.3    Consent of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
24.1    Powers of Attorney of the Directors and Officers of the Registrants (attached to signature pages)
25.1    Form T-1 (Law Debenture Trust Company of New York)
99.1    Letter to Clients regarding the Exchange Offer
99.2    Letter to Brokers regarding the Exchange Offer

 

* Incorporated by reference.
The schedules and exhibits to these agreements are omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Company agrees to furnish supplementally to the SEC, upon request, a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit.

 

(b) Financial Statement Schedule

 

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Item 22. Undertakings.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually of in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;

(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4) That, for purposes of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:

(i) Each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of the registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of securities:

The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

 

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(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

The undersigned Registrants hereby undertake to respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Item 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.

The undersigned Registrants hereby undertake to supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on July 6, 2011.

 

Nielsen Finance LLC

By:

 

/S/    DAVID L. CALHOUN        

Name:   David L. Calhoun
Title:   Chief Executive Officer and Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    DAVID L. CALHOUN        

David L. Calhoun

  

Chief Executive Officer and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

  July 6, 2011

/S/    JEFFREY R. CHARLTON        

Jeffrey R. Charlton

  

Senior Vice President and Controller

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

  July 6, 2011

/S/    JAMES A. ATTWOOD, JR.        

James A. Attwood, Jr.

   Director   July 6, 2011

/S/    RICHARD J. BRESSLER        

Richard J. Bressler

   Director   July 6, 2011

/S/    MICHAEL S. CHAE        

Michael S. Chae

   Director   July 6, 2011

/S/    PATRICK J. HEALY        

Patrick J. Healy

   Director   July 6, 2011

/S/    SIMON BROWN        

Simon Brown

   Director   July 6, 2011

 

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/S/    IAIN LEIGH        

Iain Leigh

   Director   July 6, 2011

/S/    ELIOT P.S. MERRILL        

Eliot P.S. Merrill

   Director   July 6, 2011

/S/    ALEXANDER NAVAB        

Alexander Navab

   Director   June 28, 2011

/S/    SCOTT A. SCHOEN        

Scott A. Schoen

   Director   July 6, 2011

/S/    ROBERT REID        

Robert Reid

   Director   July 6, 2011

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on July 6, 2011.

 

Nielsen Finance Co.

By:

 

/S/    DAVID L. CALHOUN        

Name:   David L. Calhoun
Title:   Chief Executive Officer and Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    DAVID L. CALHOUN        

David L. Calhoun

  

Chief Executive Officer and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

  July 6, 2011

/S/    JEFFREY R. CHARLTON        

Jeffrey R. Charlton

  

Senior Vice President and Controller

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

  July 6, 2011

/S/    JAMES A. ATTWOOD, JR.        

James A. Attwood, Jr.

   Director   July 6, 2011

/S/    RICHARD J. BRESSLER        

Richard J. Bressler

   Director   July 6, 2011

/S/    MICHAEL S. CHAE        

Michael S. Chae

   Director   July 6, 2011

/S/    PATRICK J. HEALY        

Patrick J. Healy

   Director   July 6, 2011

/S/    SIMON BROWN        

Simon Brown

   Director   July 6, 2011

 

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/S/    IAIN LEIGH        

Iain Leigh

   Director   July 6, 2011

/S/    ELIOT P.S. MERRILL        

Eliot P.S. Merrill

   Director   July 6, 2011

/S/    ALEXANDER NAVAB        

Alexander Navab

   Director   June 28, 2011

/S/    SCOTT A. SCHOEN        

Scott A. Schoen

   Director   July 6, 2011

/S/    ROBERT REID        

Robert Reid

   Director   July 6, 2011

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on July 6, 2011.

 

A. C. Nielsen (Argentina) S.A.

By:

 

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

Name:  

James W. Cuminale

Title:  

President and Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

James W. Cuminale

  

President and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

  July 6, 2011

/S/    JEFFREY R. CHARLTON        

Jeffrey R. Charlton

  

Vice President, Finance

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

  July 6, 2011

/S/    HARRIS BLACK        

Harris Black

   Director   July 6, 2011

/S/    MICHAEL E. ELIAS

Michael E. Elias

  

Director

  July 6, 2011

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on July 6, 2011.

 

A. C. Nielsen Company, LLC

By:

 

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

Name:   James W. Cuminale
Title:   President

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

James W. Cuminale

  

President

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

July 6, 2011

/S/    JEFFREY R. CHARLTON        

Jeffrey R. Charlton

  

Vice President, Finance

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

July 6, 2011

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on July 6, 2011.

 

ACN Holdings Inc.

By:

 

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

Name:   James W. Cuminale
Title:   President and Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

James W. Cuminale

  

President and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

July 6, 2011

/S/    JEFFREY R. CHARLTON        

Jeffrey R. Charlton

  

Vice President, Finance

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

July 6, 2011

/S/    HARRIS BLACK        

Harris Black

   Director  

July 6, 2011

/S/    MICHAEL E. ELIAS        

Michael E. Elias

  

Director

 

July 6, 2011

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on July 6, 2011.

 

ACNielsen Corporation

By:

 

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

Name:   James W. Cuminale
Title:   President and Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

James W. Cuminale

  

President and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

July 6, 2011

/S/    JEFFREY R. CHARLTON        

Jeffrey R. Charlton

  

Vice President, Finance

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

July 6, 2011

/S/    HARRIS BLACK        

Harris Black

   Director  

July 6, 2011

/S/    MICHAEL E. ELIAS        

Michael E. Elias

  

Director

 

July 6, 2011

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on July 6, 2011.

 

ACNielsen eRatings.com

By:

 

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

Name:   James W. Cuminale
Title:   President and Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

James W. Cuminale

  

President and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

July 6, 2011

/S/    JEFFREY R. CHARLTON        

Jeffrey R. Charlton

  

Vice President, Finance

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

July 6, 2011

/S/    HARRIS BLACK        

Harris Black

   Director  

July 6, 2011

/S/    MICHAEL E. ELIAS        

Michael E. Elias

  

Director

 

July 6, 2011

 

 

 

II-26


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on June 30, 2011 .

 

AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V.

By:

 

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

Name:  

James W. Cuminale

Title:   Managing Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

James W. Cuminale

  

Managing Director

(Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

  June 30, 2011

/S/    REMCO VAN DER PIJL        

Remco van der Pijl

  

Managing Director

  June 30, 2011

/S/    MARCEL J.B. RUTTE        

Marcel J.B. Rutte

  

Managing Director

  June 30, 2011

 

II-27


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on July 6, 2011.

 

ART Holding, L.L.C.

By:

 

A. C. Nielsen Company, LLC,

its sole member

By:  

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

Name:  

James W. Cuminale

Title:  

President

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

James W. Cuminale

  

President

(Principal Executive Officer)

  July 6, 2011

/S/    JEFFREY R. CHARLTON        

Jeffrey R. Charlton

  

Vice President, Finance

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

  July 6, 2011
A. C. Nielsen Company, LLC    Sole Member   July 6, 2011

 

By:

 

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

Name:  

James W. Cuminale

Title:  

President

 

 

 

II-28


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on July 6, 2011.

 

Athenian Leasing Corporation

By:

 

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

Name:   James W. Cuminale
Title:   President and Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

James W. Cuminale

  

President and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

July 6, 2011

/S/    JEFFREY R. CHARLTON        

Jeffrey R. Charlton

  

Vice President, Finance

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

July 6, 2011

/S/    HARRIS BLACK        

Harris Black

   Director  

July 6, 2011

/S/    MICHAEL E. ELIAS        

Michael E. Elias

  

Director

 

July 6, 2011

 

II-29


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on June 28, 2011.

 

The Cambridge Group, Inc.

By:  

/S/    MARK LEITER        

Name:   Mark Leiter
Title:  

Chief Executive Officer and President

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    MARK LEITER        

Mark Leiter

  

Chief Executive Officer and President

(Principal Executive Officer)

  June 28, 2011

/S/    BRIAN J. WEST        

Brian J. West

  

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

  July 6, 2011

/S/    HARRIS BLACK        

Harris Black

   Director   July 6, 2011

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

James W. Cuminale

  

Director

  July 6, 2011

/S/    MICHAEL E. ELIAS        

Michael E. Elias

   Director   July 6, 2011

 

 

 

 

II-30


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on July 6, 2011.

 

CZT/ACN Trademarks, L.L.C.

By:  

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

Name:  

James W. Cuminale

Title:  

President

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

James W. Cuminale

  

President

(Principal Executive Officer)

  July 6, 2011

/S/    JEFFREY R. CHARLTON        

Jeffrey R. Charlton

  

Vice President, Finance

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

  July 6, 2011
A. C. Nielsen Company, LLC    Member   July 6, 2011

 

By:  

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

Name:  

James W. Cuminale

Title:  

President

 

The Nielsen Company (US), LLC

  Member   July 6, 2011

 

By:  

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

Name:  

James W. Cuminale

Title:  

President

 

II-31


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on July 6, 2011.

 

Foremost Exhibits, Inc.

By:  

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

Name:  

James W. Cuminale

Title:  

President and Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

James W. Cuminale

  

President and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

  July 6, 2011

/S/    JEFFREY R. CHARLTON        

Jeffrey R. Charlton

  

Vice President, Finance

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

  July 6, 2011

/S/    HARRIS BLACK        

Harris Black

  

Director

  July 6, 2011

/S/    MICHAEL E. ELIAS        

Michael E. Elias

  

Director

  July 6, 2011

 

II-32


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on July 6, 2011.

 

NetRatings, LLC

By:  

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

Name:  

James W. Cuminale

Title:  

President

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

James W. Cuminale

  

President

(Principal Executive Officer)

  July 6, 2011

/S/    JEFFREY R. CHARLTON        

Jeffrey R. Charlton

  

Vice President, Finance

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

  July 6, 2011

 

 

 

 

II-33


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on July 6, 2011.

 

Nielsen Business Media, Inc.

By:  

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

Name:  

James W. Cuminale

Title:  

President and Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

James W. Cuminale

  

President and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

  July 6, 2011

/S/    JEFFREY R. CHARLTON        

Jeffrey R. Charlton

  

Vice President, Finance

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

  July 6, 2011

/S/    HARRIS BLACK        

Harris Black

  

Director

  July 6, 2011

/S/    MICHAEL E. ELIAS        

Michael E. Elias

  

Director

  July 6, 2011

 

II-34


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on July 6, 2011.

 

Nielsen Business Media Holding Company

By:

Name:

 

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE      

James W. Cuminale

Title:   President and Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE      

James W. Cuminale

  

President and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

  July 6, 2011

/S/    JEFFREY R. CHARLTON      

Jeffrey R. Charlton

  

Vice President, Finance

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

  July 6, 2011

/S/    HARRIS BLACK      

Harris Black

  

Director

  July 6, 2011

/S/    MICHAEL E. ELIAS      

Michael E. Elias

  

Director

  July 6, 2011

 

II-35


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on June 30, 2011.

 

The Nielsen Company B.V.

By:

 

/S/    DAVID L. CALHOUN        

Name:  

David L. Calhoun

Title:  

Managing Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    DAVID L. CALHOUN        

David L. Calhoun

  

Managing Director

(principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

  June 30, 2011

/S/    MARCEL RUTTE        

Marcel Rutte

  

Managing Director

  June 30, 2011

 

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Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Dublin, Ireland, on June 29, 2011.

 

The Nielsen Company Finance (Ireland) Limited

By:

 

/S/    TIM FARMER        

Name:   Tim Farmer
Title:   Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    TIM FARMER        

Tim Farmer

  

Director

(Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

June 29, 2011

/S/    MAUREEN MOONEY        

Maureen Mooney

   Director  

June 29, 2011

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on June 29, 2011.

 

The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S.à r.l.

By:  

/S/    RUTH BRAND        

Name:  

Ruth Brand

Title:  

Manager A

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    RUTH BRAND        

Ruth Brand

  

Manager A

 

June 29, 2011

/S/    JEAN-CHRISTOPHE DAUPHIN        

Jean-Christophe Dauphin

  

Manager A

 

June 29, 2011

/S/    LISA LONGO        

Lisa Longo

  

Manager B

 

June 29, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

II-38


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on July 6, 2011.

 

The Nielsen Company (US), LLC

By:

 

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

Name:  

James W. Cuminale

Title:  

President

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

James W. Cuminale

  

President

(Principal Executive Officer)

  July 6, 2011

/S/    JEFFREY R. CHARLTON        

Jeffrey R. Charlton

  

Vice President, Finance

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

  July 6, 2011

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Diemen, country of The Netherlands, on June 30, 2011.

 

Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V.

By:

 

/S/    REMCO VAN DER PIJL        

Name:   Remco van der Pijl
Title:  

Managing Director

By:   /S/    MARCEL RUTTE        
Name:  

Marcel Rutte

Title:  

Managing Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    REMCO VAN DER PIJL        

Remco van der Pijl

  

Managing Director

(Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

  June 30, 2011

/S/    MARCEL RUTTE        

Marcel Rutte

  

Managing Director

  June 30, 2011

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on July 6, 2011.

 

Nielsen Mobile, LLC

By:

 

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE      

Name:  

James W. Cuminale

Title:  

President

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE      

James W. Cuminale

  

President

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

July 6, 2011

/S/    JEFFREY R. CHARLTON      

Jeffrey R. Charlton

  

Vice President, Finance

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer )

 

July 6, 2011

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on July 6, 2011.

 

Nielsen National Research Group, Inc.

By:

 

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE      

Name:   James W. Cuminale
Title:   President and Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE      

James W. Cuminale

  

President and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

July 6, 2011

/S/    JEFFREY R. CHARLTON      

Jeffrey R. Charlton

  

Vice President, Finance

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

July 6, 2011

/S/    HARRIS BLACK      

Harris Black

   Director  

July 6, 2011

/S/    MICHAEL E. ELIAS      

Michael E. Elias

   Director  

July 6, 2011

 

 

 

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on July 6, 2011.

 

NMR Investing I, Inc.

By:

 

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE      

Name:   James W. Cuminale
Title:   President and Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE      

James W. Cuminale

  

President and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

July 6, 2011

/S/    JEFFREY R. CHARLTON      

Jeffrey R. Charlton

  

Vice President, Finance

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

July 6, 2011

/S/    HARRIS BLACK      

Harris Black

   Director  

July 6, 2011

/S/    MICHAEL E. ELIAS      

Michael E. Elias

   Director  

July 6, 2011

 

 

 

 

II-43


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on July 6, 2011.

 

NMR Licensing Associates, L.P.

By:   NMR Investing I, Inc., its general partner
By:  

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

Name:   James W. Cuminale
Title:   President and Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

James W. Cuminale

  

President

(Principal Executive Officer)

  July 6, 2011

/S/    JEFFREY R. CHARLTON        

Jeffrey R. Charlton

  

Vice President, Finance

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

  July 6, 2011

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE        

James W. Cuminale

  

Director of the general partner,

NMR Investing I, Inc.

  July 6, 2011

/S/    HARRIS BLACK        

Harris Black

  

Director of the general partner,

NMR Investing I, Inc.

  July 6, 2011

/S/    MICHAEL E. ELIAS        

Michael E. Elias

  

Director of the general partner,

NMR Investing I, Inc.

  July 6, 2011

 

II-44


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on July 6, 2011.

 

TNC (US) Holdings, Inc.

By:

 

/S/    DAVID L. CALHOUN      

Name:  

David L. Calhoun

Title:  

President and Chief Executive Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    DAVID L. CALHOUN      

David L. Calhoun

  

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

  July 6, 2011

/S/    JEFFREY R. CHARLTON      

Jeffrey R. Charlton

  

Vice President, Finance

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

  July 6, 2011

/S/    HARRIS BLACK      

Harris Black

  

Director

  July 6, 2011

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE      

James W. Cuminale

  

Director

  July 6, 2011

/S/    MICHAEL E. ELIAS      

Michael E. Elias

  

Director

  July 6, 2011

 

 

 

 

II-45


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Diemen, country of The Netherlands, on June 30, 2011.

 

VNU Intermediate Holding B.V.

By:

  VNU International B.V., its Managing Director

By:

 

/S/    REMCO VAN DER PIJL        

Name:   Remco van der Pijl
Title:  

Managing Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    REMCO VAN DER PIJL        

Remco van der Pijl

  

Managing Director

(Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

June 30, 2011

/S/    MARCEL RUTTE        

Marcel Rutte

  

Managing Director

 

June 30, 2011

VNU International B.V.   

Managing Director

  June 30, 2011

 

By:

 

/S/    REMCO VAN DER PIJL        

Name:   Remco van der Pijl
Title:  

Managing Director

 

 

 

 

II-46


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Diemen, country of The Netherlands, on June 30, 2011.

 

VNU International B.V.

By:

 

/S/    REMCO VAN DER PIJL        

Name:  

Remco van der Pijl

Title:  

Managing Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    REMCO VAN DER PIJL        

Remco van der Pijl

  

Managing Director

(Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer )

 

June 30, 2011

/S/    MARCEL RUTTE        

Marcel Rutte

  

Managing Director

 

June 30, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

II-47


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on July 6, 2011.

 

VNU Marketing Information, Inc.

By:  

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE      

Name:  

James W. Cuminale

Title:  

President and Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Harris A. Black his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    JAMES W. CUMINALE      

James W. Cuminale

  

President and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

July 6, 2011

/S/    JEFFREY R. CHARLTON      

Jeffrey R. Charlton

  

Vice President, Finance

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

July 6, 2011

/S/    HARRIS BLACK      

Harris Black

  

Director

 

July 6, 2011

/S/    MICHAEL E. ELIAS      

Michael E. Elias

  

Director

 

July 6, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

II-48


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

EXHIBIT

NUMBER

  

DESCRIPTION

3.1*    Articles of Association of The Nielsen Company B.V. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.2*    Certificate of Formation of Nielsen Finance LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.3*    Limited Liability Company Agreement of Nielsen Finance LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.4*    Certificate of Incorporation of Nielsen Finance Co. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.5*    Bylaws of Nielsen Finance Co. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.6*    Certificate of Incorporation of A.C. Nielsen (Argentina) S.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.7*    Bylaws of A.C. Nielsen (Argentina) S.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.7 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.8*    Certificate of Incorporation of A.C. Nielsen Company, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.8 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.10*    Certificate of Incorporation of The Nielsen Company (US), LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.10 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.11*    Certificate of Incorporation of ACN Holdings, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.14 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.12*    Bylaws of ACN Holdings, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.15 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.13*    Certificate of Incorporation of ACNielsen Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.16 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.14*    Bylaws of ACNielsen Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.17 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.15*    Certificate of Formation of ART Holding, L.L.C. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.20 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.16*    Certificate of Incorporation of Athenian Leasing Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.21 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))

 

1


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT

NUMBER

  

DESCRIPTION

3.17*    Bylaws of Athenian Leasing Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.22 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.18*    Certificate of Formation of CZT/ACN Trademarks, L.L.C. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.33 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.19*    Limited Liability Company Agreement of CZT/ACN Trademarks, L.L.C. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.34 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.20*    Articles of Incorporation of Foremost Exhibits, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.39 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.21*    Certificate of Incorporation of NetRatings, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.45 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 4, 2008 (File No. 333-151408-28))
3.22*    Certificate of Incorporation of Nielsen Business Media, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.46 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.23*    Bylaws of Nielsen Business Media, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.47 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.24*    Certificate of Incorporation of TNC (US) Holdings, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.48 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.25*    Certificate of Incorporation of Nielsen Business Media Holding Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.50 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 4, 2008 (File No. 333-151408-28))
3.26*    Bylaws of Nielsen Business Media Holding Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.51 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 4, 2008 (File No. 333-151408-28))
3.27*    Bylaws of TNC (US) Holdings, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.49 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.28*    Articles of Association of Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. (unofficial English translation) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.86 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.29*    Certificate of Incorporation of Nielsen Mobile, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.66 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed June 4, 2008 (File No. 333-151408-28)
3.30*    Articles of Incorporation of Nielsen National Research Group, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.60 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.31*    Bylaws of Nielsen National Research Group, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.61 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))

 

2


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT

NUMBER

 

DESCRIPTION

3.32*   Certificate of Incorporation of NMR Investing I, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.62 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.33*   Bylaws of NMR Investing I, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.63 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.34*   Certificate of Limited Partnership of NMR Licensing Associates, L.P. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.64 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.35*   Agreement of Limited Partnership of NMR Licensing Associates, L.P. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.64 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.36*   Deed of Incorporation of VNU Intermediate Holding B.V. (unofficial English translation) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.88 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.37*   Articles of Association of VNU International B.V. (unofficial English translation) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.89 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.38*   Certificate of Incorporation of VNU Marketing Information, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.78 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.39*   Bylaws of VNU Marketing Information, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.79 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
3.40*     Amendment to the Articles of Association of AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V. (unofficial English translation) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.96 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on April 23, 2009 (File No. 333-158730))
3.41*     Certificate of Conversion of A.C. Nielsen (US), Inc. to The Nielsen Company (US), LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.101 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on April 23, 2009 (File No. 333-158730))
3.42*     Certificate of Conversion of NetRatings, Inc. to NetRatings, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.102 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on April 23, 2009 (File No. 333-158730))
3.43*     Certificate of Conversion of Nielsen Mobile, Inc. to Nielsen Mobile, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.104 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on April 23, 2009 (File No. 333-158730))
3.44*     Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of The Nielsen Company (US), Inc. (changing its name to TNC (US) Holdings, Inc.) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.105 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on April 23, 2009 (File No. 333-158730))
3.45*     Certificate of Conversion of Nielsen Holdings, Inc. to Nielsen Holdings, L.L.C. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.106 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on April 23, 2009 (File No. 333-158730))
3.46*     Articles of Incorporation of The Cambridge Group, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.107 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 2, 2009 (File No. 333-158730))

 

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3.47*     Bylaws of The Cambridge Group, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.108 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on June 2, 2009 (File No. 333-158730))
3.48   Certificate of Incorporation of ACNielsen eRatings.com
3.49   Bylaws of ACNielsen eRatings.com
3.50   Articles of Association of The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S.à r.l.
3.51   Articles of Association of The Nielsen Company Finance (Ireland) Limited
4.1(a)*   Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated August 9, 2006 and amended and restated as of June 23, 2009, among Nielsen Finance LLC, as a U.S. Borrower, TNC (US) Holdings Inc., as a U.S. Borrower, Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V., as Dutch Borrower, the Guarantors party thereto from time to time, Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, ABN AMRO Bank N.V., as Swing Line Lender, the other Lenders party thereto from time to time, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as Syndication Agent and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and ING Bank N.V., as Co-Documentation Agents (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(h) to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on July 30, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))
4.1(b)*   Amended and Restated Security Agreement, dated as of August 9, 2006 and amended and restated as of June 23, 2009, among Nielsen Finance LLC, the other Grantors identified therein, and Citibank, N.A., as Collateral Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(j) to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on July 30, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))
4.1(c)*   Intellectual Property Security Agreement, dated as of August 9, 2006, among Nielsen Finance LLC, the other Grantors identified therein and Citibank, N.A. as Collateral Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(c) to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on July 30, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))
4.1(d)*   Senior Secured Loan Agreement, dated June 8, 2009, by and among Nielsen Finance LLC, the Guarantors party thereto from time to time, Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC and the other Lenders party thereto from time to time (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(g) to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on July 30, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))
4.1(e)*   First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2009, among Citibank, N.A., as Collateral Agent and Authorized Representative under the Credit Agreement, Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC, as the Initial Additional Authorized Representative, and each additional Authorized Representative from time to time party thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(c) to the Form 8-K/A of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 26, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
4.1(f)*   Amendment No. 1, dated as of August 13, 2010, to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated August 9, 2006 and amended and restated as of June 23, 2009, among Nielsen Finance LLC, as a U.S. Borrower, TNC (US) Holdings Inc., as a U.S. Borrower, Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V., as Dutch Borrower, the Guarantors party thereto from time to time, Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, ABN AMRO Bank N.V., as Swing Line Lender, the other Lenders party thereto from time to time, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as Syndication Agent and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and ING Bank N.V., as Co-Documentation Agents (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on August 16, 2010 (File No. 333-142546))
4.2*   Indenture, dated as of August 9, 2006, between VNU Group B.V. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the 11 1/8% Senior Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))

 

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4.3(a)*    Indenture, dated as of August 9, 2006, among Nielsen Finance LLC, Nielsen Finance Co., the Guarantors named on the signature pages thereto and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the U.S. Dollar denominated 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and the Euro denominated 9% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4(a) to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
4.3(b)*    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 16, 2006, among Radio and Records, Inc., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the U.S. Dollar denominated 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and the Euro denominated 9% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4(b) to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
4.3(c)*    Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 15, 2007, among NetRatings, Inc., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the U.S. Dollar denominated 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and the Euro denominated 9% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on November 14, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
4.3(d)*    Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 15, 2007, among Telephia, Inc., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the U.S. Dollar denominated 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and the Euro denominated 9% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on November 14, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
4.3(e)*    Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 28, 2007, among Nielsen Business Media Holding Company, an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the U.S. Dollar denominated 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and the Euro denominated 9% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4(e) to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 4, 2008 (File No. 333-151408-28))
4.3(f)*    Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 9, 2008, among Audience Analytics, L.L.C., Cannon Holdings, L.L.C., both affiliates of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the U.S. Dollar denominated 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and the Euro denominated 9% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4(f) to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 4, 2008 (File No. 333-151408-28))
4.3(g)*    Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 16, 2008, among Nielsen Finance LLC, Nielsen Finance Co., the Guarantors named in the Indenture thereto and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the U.S. Dollar denominated 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and the Euro denominated 9% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on April 21, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
4.3(h)*    Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 15, 2008, among Nielsen IAG, Inc. an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the U.S. Dollar denominated 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and the Euro denominated 9% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))

 

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4.3(i)*    Eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 15, 2008, among RewardTV, Inc., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the U.S. Dollar denominated 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and the Euro denominated 9% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
4.3(j)*    Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 24, 2008, among ACNielsen eRatings.com, an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the U.S. Dollar denominated 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and the Euro denominated 9% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
4.3(k)*    Tenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 13, 2009, among AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the U.S. Dollar denominated 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and the Euro denominated 9% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4(k) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
4.3(l)*    Eleventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 21, 2009, among The Cambridge Group, Inc., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for U.S. Dollar denominated 10% Senior Notes due 2014 and the Euro denominated 9% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6(l) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
4.4(a)*    Indenture, dated as of August 9, 2006, among Nielsen Finance LLC, Nielsen Finance Co., the Guarantors named on the signature pages thereto and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6(a) to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
4.4(b)*    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 16, 2006, among Radio and Records, Inc., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6(b) to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
4.4(c)*    Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 15, 2007, among NetRatings, Inc., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2007 (File No. 333- 142546))
4.4(d)*    Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 15, 2007, among Telephia, Inc., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2007 (File No. 333- 142546))

 

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4.4(e)*    Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 28, 2007, among Nielsen Business Media Holding Company, an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
4.4(f)*    Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 9, 2008, among Audience Analytics, L.L.C., Cannon Holdings, L.L.C., both affiliates of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
4.4(g)*    Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 15, 2008, among Nielsen IAG, Inc., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
4.4(h)*    Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 15, 2008, among RewardTV, Inc., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
4.4(i)*    Eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 24, 2008, among ACNielsen eRatings.com, an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
4.4(j)*    Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 13, 2009, among AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6(j) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
4.4(k)*    Tenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 21, 2009, among The Cambridge Group, Inc., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee for U.S. Dollar denominated 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6(k) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
4.4(l)*    Eleventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2010, among The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S.à r.l., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for U.S. Dollar denominated 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on January 5, 2011 (File No. 333-142546))
4.4(m)*    Twelfth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2010, among Hamilton Hes Limited in the process of changing its name to The Nielsen Company Finance (Ireland) Limited, an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for U.S. Dollar denominated 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(b) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on January 5, 2011 (File No. 333-142546))

 

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4.5(a)*    Amended and Restated Trust Deed, dated October 29, 2002, by and between VNU N.V. and Deutsche Trustee Company Limited relating to the VNU N.V. €200,000,000 Euro Medium Term Note Programme (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.8(a) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement of The Nielsen Company B.V. on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
4.5(b)*    Supplemental Trust Deed, dated October 27, 2003, by and between VNU N.V. and Deutsche Trustee Company Limited relating to the €250,000,000 Euro Medium Term Note Programme (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.8(b) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement of The Nielsen Company B.V. on Form S-4 filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333- 142546))
4.6(a)*    Indenture, dated as of January 27, 2009, among Nielsen Finance LLC, Nielsen Finance Co., the Guarantors and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York for the 11.625% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on January 28, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
4.6(b)*    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 13, 2009, among AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the 11.625% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.9(a) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
4.6(c)*    Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 21, 2009, among The Cambridge Group, Inc., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee for U.S. Dollar denominated 11.625% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.9(b) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
4.6(d)*    Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 19, 2009, among ACNielsen eRatings.com, an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC, and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee for the 11.625% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.9(c) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
  4.6(e)*    Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2010, among The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S.à r.l., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee for the 11.625% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2(a) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on January 5, 2011 (File No. 333-142546))
  4.6(f)*    Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2010, among Hamilton Hes Limited in the process of changing its name to The Nielsen Company Finance (Ireland) Limited, an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee for the 11.625% Senior Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2(b) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on January 5, 2011 (File No. 333-142546))
  4.7(a)*    Indenture, dated as of May 1, 2009, among Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee for the 11 1/2% Senior Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to the current report on Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on May 1, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
  4.7(b)*    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 21, 2009, among The Cambridge Group, Inc, an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee for the 11 1/2% Senior Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.10(a) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2009, incorporated herein by reference (File No. 333-142546))

 

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  4.7(c)*    Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 19, 2009, among ACNielsenRatings.com, an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC, and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee for the 11 1/2% Senior Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.10(b) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2009, incorporated herein by reference (File No. 333-142546))
  4.7(d)*    Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2010, among The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S.à r.l., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee for the 11  1/2% Senior Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3(a) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on January 5, 2011 (File No. 333-142546))
  4.7(e)*    Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2010, among Hamilton Hes Limited in the process of changing its name to The Nielsen Company Finance (Ireland) Limited, an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee for the 11 1/2% Senior Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3(b) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on January 5, 2011 (File No. 333-142546))
  4.8(a)*    Indenture, dated as of October 12, 2010, among Nielsen Finance LLC, Nielsen Finance Co., the Guarantors and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on October 14, 2010 (File No. 333-142546))
  4.8(b)*    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 12, 2010, among Nielsen Finance LLC, Nielsen Finance Co., the Guarantors (as defined therein), Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on October 14, 2010 (File No. 333-142546))
  4.8(c)*    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 9, 2010, among Nielsen Finance LLC, Nielsen Finance Co., the Guarantors and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on October 14, 2010 (File No. 333-142546))
  4.8(d)*    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 9, 2010, among Nielsen Finance LLC, Nielsen Finance Co., the Guarantors (as defined therein), and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on October 14, 2010 (File No. 333-142546))
  4.8(e)*    Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2010, among The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S.à r.l., an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4(a) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on January 5, 2011 (File No. 333-142546))
  4.8(f)*    Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2010, among Hamilton Hes Limited in the process of changing its name to The Nielsen Company Finance (Ireland) Limited, an affiliate of Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4(b) to the Form 8-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on January 5, 2011 (File No. 333-142546))
  5.1    Opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
10.1*    Amended and Restated Shareholders’ Agreement regarding Nielsen Holdings N.V., dated January 31, 2011, among AlpInvest, Blackstone, Carlyle, Hellman & Friedman, KKR, Thomas H. Lee Partners, Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.à r.l., Nielsen Holdings N.V., Valcon Acquisition B.V. and The Nielsen Company B.V. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on February 1, 2011 (file No. 001-35042)

 

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10.2*    Employment Agreement, as amended and restated, dated as of December 15, 2008, by and among David L. Calhoun, Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.à r.l. and TNC (US) Holdings, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5(c) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
10.3*    Employment Arrangement, dated December 4, 2006, between VNU Group B.V. and Susan D. Whiting (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.4(a)*    Form of Severance Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10(b) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.4(b)*    Severance Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2007, by and between VNU Group B.V., VNU, Inc. and Susan D. Whiting (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10(c) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.4(c)*    Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, dated as of January 15, 2007, between Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V. and Susan D. Whiting (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10(d) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.4(d)*    Stock Option Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2007, between Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V. and Susan D. Whiting (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10(e) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.4(e)*    Sale Participation Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2007, between Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V. and Susan D. Whiting (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10(f) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.4(f)*    Management Stockholder’s Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2007, between Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V., Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.à r.l. and Susan D. Whiting (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10(g) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.4(g)*    Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, dated as of June 19, 2009, between Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V. and Mitchell Habib (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10(h) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
10.5(a)*    VNU Excess Plan, as amended and restated, effective April 1, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12(a) to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.5(b)*    Amendment to the VNU Excess Plan, effective August 31, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12(b) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.5(c)*    Second Amendment to the VNU Excess Plan, effective January 23, 2007 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12(c) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))

 

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NUMBER

  

DESCRIPTION

10.6(a)*    VNU Deferred Compensation Plan, dated April 1, 2003 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13(a) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.6(b)*    Amendment to VNU, ACNielsen Corporation and VNU USA, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, dated May 10, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13(b) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.6(c)*    The Nielsen Company Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated, effective October 28, 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13(c) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2008, incorporated herein by reference (File No. 333-142546))
10.7*    2006 Stock Acquisition and Option Plan for Key Employees of Nielsen Holding N.V. and its Subsidiaries, as amended and restated, effective August 23, 2010 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form S-8 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on February 14, 2011 (File No. 333-172256))
10.8*    Form of Management Stockholder’s Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on March 31, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
10.9*    Form of Sale Participation Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on March 31, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
10.10*    Form of Stock Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on March 31, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
10.11*    Form of Offer Letter, dated October 24, 2006, by and between VNU and James W. Cuminale (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on March 31, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
10.12*    Form of Offer Letter, dated February 20, 2007, by and between The Nielsen Company B.V. and Brian J. West (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on March 31, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
10.13*    Form of Offer Letter, dated March 22, 2007, by and between The Nielsen Company B.V. and Mitchell J. Habib (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on March 31, 2008 (File No. 333-142546))
10.14(a)*†    Amended and Restated Master Services Agreement, effective as of October 1, 2007, by and between Tata America International Corporation & Tata Consultancy Services Limited and ACNielsen (US), Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16(a) to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on November 1, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))
10.14(b)*†    Amendment Number 1 to the Amended and Restated Master Services Agreement, effective as of March 31, 2008, by and between Tata America International Corporation, Tata Consultancy Services Limited and ACNielsen (US), Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16(b) to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on January July 8, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))
10.14(c)*    Amendment Number 2 to the Amended and Restated Master Services Agreement, effective as of October 31, 2007, by and between Tata America International Corporation, Tata Consultancy Services Limited and ACNielsen (US), Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16(c) to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on July 8, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))
10.14(d)*†    Amendment Number 3 to the Amended and Restated Master Services Agreement, effective as of May 11, 2009, by and between Tata America International Corporation, Tata Consultancy Services Limited and ACNielsen (US), Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16(d) to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on July 8, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))

 

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NUMBER

  

DESCRIPTION

10.15(a)*    Severance Agreement, dated as of June 4, 2007, by and between The Nielsen Company B.V., The Nielsen Company (US), Inc. and Itzhak Fisher (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22(a) to Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on March 27, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
10.15(b)*    Stock Option Agreement, dated as of June 4, 2007, between Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V. and Pereg Holdings LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22(b) to Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on March 27, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
10.15(c)*    Rollover Stock Option Agreement, dated as of June 4, 2007, between Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V. and Pereg Holdings LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22(c) to Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on March 27, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
10.15(d)*    Sale Participation Agreement, dated as of June 4, 2007, Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V., Pereg Holdings LLC and Itzhak Fisher (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22(d) to Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on March 27, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
10.15(e)*    Management Stockholder’s Agreement, dated as of June 4, 2007, between Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V., Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.à r.l, Pereg Holdings LLC and Itzhak Fisher (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22(e) to Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on March 27, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
10.16*    Form of Offer Letter, dated as of February 27, 2009, by and between The Nielsen Company B.V. and Itzhak Fisher (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to Form 10-K of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on March 27, 2009 (File No. 333-142546))
10.17(a)*    Form of Centerview Stock Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22(f) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2009, incorporated herein by reference (File No. 333-142546))
10.17(b)*    Form of Stock Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.24(b) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2010 (File No. 333-142546))
10.18*    Form of Offer Letter, dated May 8, 2007, by and between The Nielsen Company B.V. and Roberto Llamas (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on July 8, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))
10.19*    Investment Agreement regarding Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.á r.l., made as of November 6, 2006, among each of the AlpInvest Funds, each of the Blackstone Funds, each of the Carlyle Funds, each of the Hellman & Friedman Funds, each of the KKR Funds, each of the Thomas H. Lee Funds (all as listed on Schedule 1 thereto), Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.A.R.L. and Centerview Partners Holdings L.L.C. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on May 2, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.20*    Management Stockholder’s Agreement, dated as of November 22, 2006, between Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V., Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.à r.l and David L. Calhoun (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on November 1, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))
10.21*    Form of Termination Protection Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546))
10.22*    Nielsen Holdings 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form S-8 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on February 14, 2011 (File No. 333-172256))

 

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NUMBER

  

DESCRIPTION

10.23*    Nielsen Holdings Executive Annual Incentive Plan for Nielsen Holdings B.V. and its Subsidiaries (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on July 30, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))
10.24*    Form of Stock Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on July 30, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))
10.25*    Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on July 30, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))
10.26*    Registration Rights Agreement, dated January 31, 2011, among Nielsen Holdings N.V., Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.à r.l., AlpInvest Partners CS Investments 2006 C.V., Blackstone Capital Partners (Cayman) V L.P., Carlyle Partners IV Cayman, L.P., Hellman & Friedman Capital Partners V (Cayman), L.P., KKR VNU (Millennium) Limited, THL Fund VI Alternative Corp. and Centerview Partners Holdings L.L.C. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on February 1, 2011) (File No. 001-35042))
10.27*    Stock Option Agreement, dated as of November 22, 2006, between Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V. and David L. Calhoun (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on November 1, 2010) (File No. 333-167271))
10.28*    Amendment No. 1, dated as of October 27, 2010, to the Management Stockholders’ Agreement by and among Nielsen Holdings B.V. (f/k/a Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V. a private company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of The Netherlands, Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.à r.l., a private limited company incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg and David L. Calhoun (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on October 27, 2010 (File No. 333-142546))
10.29*    Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of October 27, 2010, by and among David L. Calhoun and Nielsen Holdings, B.V., The Nielsen Company B.V., a Netherlands corporation, and TNC (US) Holdings, Inc. (formerly VNU, Inc.), a Delaware corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on October 27, 2010 (File No. 333-142546))
12.1    Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
21.1*    The Nielsen Holdings N.V. Active Subsidiaries (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 21 to Nielsen Holdings N.V.’s Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2011 (File No. 001-35042))
23.1    Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, an Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
23.3    Consent of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
24.1    Powers of Attorney of the Directors and Officers of the Registrants (attached to signature pages)
25.1    Form T-1 (Law Debenture Trust Company of New York)
99.1    Letter to Clients regarding the Exchange Offer
99.2    Letter to Brokers regarding the Exchange Offer

 

* Incorporated by reference.
The schedules and exhibits to these agreements are omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Company agrees to furnish supplementally to the SEC, upon request, a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit.

 

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