New York Times gets new lifeline

Bloomberg

Banco Inbursa and Inmobiliaria Carso will issue senior unsecured notes due in 2015 with detachable warrants, New York Times said in a statement yesterday. The publisher plans to use the funds to refinance existing debt, including money borrowed under a revolving credit facility that matures in May. The loan gives New York Times increased financial flexibility, and the company will continue to work toward reducing debt, Chief Executive Janet Robinson said in the statement. New York Times slashed its dividend last year and is pursuing asset sales to raise cash.

The company is grappling with an industrywide migration of advertisers and readers to the Internet, coupled with a recession that’s forcing U.S. businesses to reduce marketing. Last week the Minneapolis Star Tribune filed for bankruptcy, joining Tribune Co., which sought protection from creditors on Dec. 8.

New York Times, with a $400 million credit line expiring in May, is trying to raise $225 million from a sale-leaseback of its Manhattan headquarters and last month said it’s open to funding options including revolving debt, public offerings and private placements. The company is seeking a buyer for its stake in the Boston Red Sox baseball team.