STOCK TITAN

Liberty Media cuts Malone holders’ voting power to about 3%

The Malone Holders’ voting power was approximately 3% after the transaction, versus approximately 48% before, based on October 30, 2026 outstanding shares.

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Sentiment and the balance of points

Rhea-AI Sentiment reads the wording of the document, how positive or negative its language is on a 1 to 5 scale. The balance of points shown with the takes weighs what the document actually discloses, so the two can disagree, for example when a trial that missed its main goal is described in upbeat language.

Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Liberty Media Corp. completed an exchange in which entities related to John C. Malone, a significant stockholder, transferred 2,316,537 Series B shares to the company for 602,302 Series A and 5,420,699 Series C shares; the transferred Series B shares were cancelled. The company separately issued the JM Trust 12,298 Series A and 63,378 Series C adjustment shares. The Malone Holders’ voting power declined from approximately 48% to approximately 3%, based on outstanding common stock as of October 30, 2026.

The board adopted rights expiring November 3, 2027. Each right permits the purchase of one ten-thousandth of a Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock share for $426.00. Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date; generally, the Acquiring Person threshold is 10% of voting power, or 15% for passive institutional investors. An agreement with Robert R. Bennett, Chairman of the Board, provides for options covering 600,000 Series A and 60,000 Series C shares, vesting 20% on the Grant Date and 20% on each of the first four anniversaries. John C. Malone ceased to be Chairman Emeritus and will serve as Senior Advisor.

1 point · 1 major

How this balance works

Rhea-AI gives every point it takes from this document a weight. Minor counts 1, Moderate 3 and Major 9, so one Major point outweighs several Minor ones. The bar adds up the weights on each side, and when neither side holds more than 65% of the total the balance reads Mixed.

It reads the document as published, with the same rules for every company, and it does not look at what the market expected or at how the stock traded, so a point can be objectively good on a day the stock falls.

Rhea-AI Sentiment measures something else, the tone of the wording.

0 major · 1 point

Hollow bars mark forward-looking points. How the balance works

Positive

  • Major pointMalone Holders’ voting power declined to approximately 3%, from approximately 48%.

Negative

  • Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Rights may substantially dilute unapproved acquirers at 10% (15% for passive institutions).

Filing Explained

Bennett’s agreement pairs conditional cash cancellation of existing Series B options with planned Series A and Series C option grants.

The exchange agreement also commits Liberty Media to provide specified benefits for five years after closing to John C. Malone and, as applicable, his spouse and eligible dependents.

Under Robert R. Bennett’s signed option agreement, his outstanding Series B options are to vest in full and be canceled for cash equal to any excess of Grant Date fair market value over their exercise price, and the replacement Series A and Series C options are to have exercise prices equal to their respective Grant Date fair market values.

Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement Business
The company signed a significant contract such as a merger agreement, credit facility, or major partnership.
Item 1.02 Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement Business
A significant contract was terminated, which may affect business operations or revenue.
Item 3.02 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities Securities
The company sold equity securities in a private placement or other unregistered transaction.
Item 3.03 Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders Securities
A change was made that materially affects the rights of existing shareholders (e.g., dividend rights, voting rights).
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers Governance
Key personnel changes including departures, elections, or appointments of directors and executive officers.
Item 5.03 Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year Governance
The company amended its charter documents, bylaws, or changed its fiscal year.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure Disclosure
Material non-public information disclosed under Regulation Fair Disclosure, often investor presentations or guidance.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, or exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Series B shares transferred 2,316,537 shares Exchange with the Malone Holders
Series A shares issued 602,302 shares Exchange consideration
Series C shares issued 5,420,699 shares Exchange consideration
Malone Holders’ voting power before the transaction approximately 48% Based on outstanding common stock as of October 30, 2026
Malone Holders’ voting power after the transaction approximately 3% Based on outstanding common stock as of October 30, 2026
Acquiring Person threshold 10% of voting power General threshold under the Rights Agreement, subject to exceptions
Passive institutional investor threshold 15% of voting power Acquiring Person threshold under the Rights Agreement
New options provided for Robert R. Bennett 600,000 Series A options and 60,000 Series C options Options under the Stock Option Award and Settlement Agreement
Acquiring Person regulatory
"becomes an “Acquiring Person” upon acquiring beneficial ownership"
An acquiring person is an individual or entity that buys or otherwise gains a significant ownership stake in a publicly traded company, often enough to influence control, board composition, or corporate strategy. Think of it like a new homeowner who purchases enough rooms in a shared house to decide how the house is run; such a change can affect management decisions, dividend policies, and how the market values the company.
Distribution Date regulatory
"the close of business on the earlier of such dates"
The distribution date is the day a company, fund, or trust actually pays out cash or other assets to its shareholders or unitholders. Think of it as the payday when owners receive dividends, interest, or capital gains distributions; it matters to investors because it determines when you get the money, can affect the security’s price that day, and has tax and cash-flow consequences.
Flip-In Trigger financial
"If any person or group of affiliated or associated persons becomes an Acquiring Person"
nonqualified stock options financial
"grant Mr. Bennett nonqualified stock options"
A nonqualified stock option is a company-issued right that lets an employee or contractor buy shares later at a preset price, like a coupon to purchase stock regardless of the market price. It matters to investors because when the option is used the recipient owes ordinary-income tax on the difference between market and preset price, which affects the holder’s financial decisions and can change the company’s share count and reported expenses.

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

How many shares did FWONA issue in the Malone exchange?

The Malone Holders transferred 2,316,537 Series B shares and received 602,302 Series A shares and 5,420,699 Series C shares; Liberty Media cancelled the transferred Series B shares. The company also issued the JM Trust 12,298 Series A and 63,378 Series C adjustment shares.

What ownership level triggers FWONA’s rights plan?

Generally, a person or group becomes an Acquiring Person at 10% or more of voting power, or 15% for a passive institutional investor, subject to exceptions in the Rights Agreement. Certain synthetic interests from derivative contracts may also count as beneficial ownership when a counterparty beneficially owns the corresponding actual shares. Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date.

What options is FWONA granting Robert R. Bennett?

The agreement provides for options to purchase 600,000 Series A shares and 60,000 Series C shares, with exercise prices equal to the fair market value of each applicable series on the Grant Date. The options vest 20% on the Grant Date and 20% on each of the first four anniversaries.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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false --12-31 0001560385 0001560385 2026-11-04 2026-11-04 0001560385 lmca:LibertyFormulaOneGroupCommonClassAMember 2026-11-04 2026-11-04 0001560385 lmca:LibertyFormulaOneGroupCommonClassCMember 2026-11-04 2026-11-04 iso4217:USD xbrli:shares iso4217:USD xbrli:shares

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

 

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): November 4, 2026

 

 

 

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Nevada  001-35707  37-1699499
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (Commission
File Number)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

12300 Liberty Blvd.

Englewood, Colorado 80112

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

 

(720) 875-5400

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

Not Applicable
(Former name or address, if changed since last report)

 

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which
registered
Series A Common Stock   FWONA   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Series C Common Stock   FWONK   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company  ¨

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ¨

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.01Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

Exchange Agreement

 

On November 4, 2026, Liberty Media Corporation (the “Company”) entered into an Exchange Agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) with John C. Malone, a significant stockholder of the Company, and certain related entities (the “Malone Holders”). Pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, the Malone Holders transferred to the Company an aggregate of 2,316,537 shares of Series B Common Stock of the Company, par value $0.01 per share (the “Series B Common Stock”), and, in exchange therefor (the “Exchange”), the Company issued to the Malone Holders an aggregate of 602,302 shares of Series A Common Stock of the Company, par value $0.01 per share (the “Series A Common Stock”), and 5,420,699 shares of Series C Common Stock of the Company, par value $0.01 per share (the “Series C Common Stock” and, together with the Series A Common Stock and the Series B Common Stock, the “Common Stock”). The shares of Series B Common Stock transferred to the Company in the Exchange were cancelled and retired. Immediately following the Exchange, the Company issued to a revocable trust of which Dr. Malone is the sole trustee and beneficiary (the “JM Trust”) an additional 12,298 shares of Series A Common Stock and 63,378 shares of Series C Common Stock (collectively, the “Adjustment Shares”) with respect to the 47,297 shares of Series C Common Stock held by the JM Trust that were exchangeable into Series B Common Stock in certain circumstances under the Existing Exchange Agreement (as defined below). Those 47,297 shares of Series C Common Stock remain outstanding and were retained by the JM Trust. The Exchange and the issuance of the Adjustment Shares were completed concurrently with execution of the Exchange Agreement.

 

The Exchange Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby were approved by a special committee (the “Special Committee”) of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) consisting solely of disinterested and independent directors for purposes of Nevada law, advised by its own independent financial and legal advisors.

 

The Exchange Agreement contains representations and warranties of certain parties thereto that are customary for a transaction of this type. The Exchange Agreement also provides for, among other things, (i) a commitment by the Company to provide, for five years following the closing of the Exchange, certain specified benefits to Dr. Malone and, as applicable, his spouse and eligible dependents, (ii) subject to specified exceptions and limitations, indemnification by the Company of each of the Malone Holders and certain related persons for certain losses to the extent arising out of the Exchange Agreement, the Exchange or the issuance of the Adjustment Shares, and (iii) a mutual release of claims to the extent arising out of the Exchange Agreement, the Exchange or the issuance of the Adjustment Shares. Effective immediately following the Exchange, the issuance of the Adjustment Shares and the termination of the Existing Exchange Agreement, Dr. Malone ceased to hold the title of Chairman Emeritus of the Company, and his employment agreement was amended to provide that he will serve the Company as Senior Advisor. Except as so amended, his employment agreement remains in effect. The foregoing description of the Exchange Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Exchange Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Rights Agreement

 

On November 4, 2026, the Board, acting on the recommendation of the Special Committee, declared a dividend of (i) one preferred share purchase right (a “Series A Right”) for each outstanding share of Series A Common Stock, (ii) one preferred share purchase right (a “Series B Right”) for each outstanding share of Series B Common Stock and (iii) one preferred share purchase right (a “Series C Right” and, together with each Series A Right and Series B Right, each a “Right”) for each outstanding share of Series C Common Stock, in each case, to purchase from the Company one ten-thousandth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the “Preferred Stock”), at a price of $426.00 per one ten-thousandth of a share of Preferred Stock (the “Purchase Price”), subject to adjustment as provided in the Rights Agreement (as defined below). The dividend is payable to stockholders of record at the close of business on November 16, 2026 (the “Record Date”). The description and terms of the Rights are set forth in a Rights Agreement, dated as of November 4, 2026 (as the same may be amended from time to time, the “Rights Agreement”), between the Company and Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, LLC, as Rights Agent.

 

By adopting the Rights Agreement, the Board, acting on the recommendation of the Special Committee, is seeking to allow stockholders of the Company to realize the long-term value of their investments by reducing the likelihood that any person or group would gain control of the Company through open market accumulation of shares of Common Stock, or other coercive takeover tactics, without appropriately compensating the Company’s stockholders for such control or providing the Board with sufficient time to make informed judgments. The Rights Agreement is intended to protect the Company and its stockholders from efforts to capitalize on market volatility and macroeconomic conditions to obtain control of the Company on terms that the Board may determine are not in the interests of the Company and its stockholders. The Rights may cause substantial dilution to any person or group that attempts to acquire the Company without the approval of the Board. As a result, the overall effect of the Rights Agreement and the issuance of the Rights may be to render more difficult or discourage a merger, tender or exchange offer or other business combination involving the Company that is not approved by the Board.

 

 

 

 

The following is a summary of the terms of the Rights Agreement. The summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Rights Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 4.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Effectiveness

 

The Rights Agreement became effective on November 4, 2026 (the “Effective Date”). Upon and following the Effective Date, Rights will be issued in respect of all (i) outstanding shares of Common Stock as of the close of business on the Record Date and (ii) shares of Common Stock issued after the Record Date and, subject to the terms described in the Rights Agreement, prior to the earliest of the Distribution Date (as defined below), the redemption of the Rights, the expiration of the Rights or the occurrence of certain transactions.

 

Distribution and Transfer of Rights; Distribution Date; Expiration; Rights Certificates

 

The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date. The Rights will expire at the close of business on November 3, 2027, unless the Rights are earlier redeemed or exchanged by the Company, in each case as described below, or upon the occurrence of certain transactions. The distribution of Rights should not be taxable for federal income tax purposes. However, following an event that renders the Rights exercisable or upon redemption of the Rights, stockholders may recognize taxable income.

 

Subject to certain exceptions specified in the Rights Agreement, the Rights will separate from the underlying shares of the applicable series of Common Stock and become exercisable following the earlier of the close of business on (i) the tenth business day following the public announcement that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons has become an Acquiring Person (as defined below) or such earlier date on which a majority of the Board becomes aware of the existence of an Acquiring Person or (ii) such date (prior to such time as any person or group of affiliated or associated persons becomes an Acquiring Person), if any, as may be determined by action of the Board following the commencement of, or public announcement of an intention to commence, a tender or exchange offer the consummation of which would result in any person or group of affiliated or associated persons being or becoming an Acquiring Person (the close of business on the earlier of such dates, the “Distribution Date”). Except in certain situations, a person or group of affiliated or associated persons becomes an “Acquiring Person” upon acquiring beneficial ownership (as defined in the Rights Agreement) of 10% (15% in the case of a passive institutional investor) or more of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company. Certain synthetic interests in securities created by derivative contracts—whether or not such interests are considered to be ownership of the underlying Common Stock or are reportable for purposes of Regulation 13D of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)—are treated as beneficial ownership of the number of shares of Common Stock equivalent to the economic exposure created by the applicable derivative contracts, to the extent actual shares of Common Stock are beneficially owned by a counterparty to any such derivative contract.

 

The Rights Agreement provides that, until the Distribution Date (or earlier redemption or expiration of the Rights), the Rights will be transferable with, and only with, the underlying shares of the applicable series of Common Stock. Until the Distribution Date (or earlier redemption or expiration of the Rights), new Common Stock certificates issued (i) after the Record Date upon transfer or (ii) in connection with new issuances of Common Stock will, in each case, contain a legend incorporating the Rights Agreement by reference (and notice of such legend will be furnished to the applicable holders of book entry shares). Until the Distribution Date (or earlier redemption or expiration of the Rights), the surrender for transfer of any certificate for shares of Common Stock (or of any book entry shares of Common Stock) outstanding as of the Record Date will also constitute the transfer of the Rights associated with the shares of Common Stock represented by such certificate (or book entry shares). As soon as practicable following the Distribution Date, separate certificates evidencing the Rights (“Right Certificates”) will be mailed to holders of record of Common Stock as of the Distribution Date and as of and after the Distribution Date such separate Right Certificates alone will evidence the Rights.

 

Preferred Stock Purchasable Upon Exercise of Rights

 

Because of the nature of the Preferred Stock’s dividend, liquidation and voting rights, the value of the one ten-thousandth interest in a share of Preferred Stock purchasable upon exercise of each Right should approximate the value of one share of Series A Common Stock.

 

Flip-In Trigger

 

If any person or group of affiliated or associated persons becomes an Acquiring Person, each holder of a Right (other than Rights beneficially owned by such Acquiring Person, affiliates and associates of such Acquiring Person and certain transferees thereof, which will thereupon become null and void) will thereafter have the right to receive upon exercise of such Right that number of shares of the applicable series of Common Stock having a market value of two times the exercise price of such Right.

 

 

 

 

Flip-Over Trigger

 

If, after a person or group of affiliated or associated persons has become an Acquiring Person, the Company is acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction or 50% or more of its consolidated assets or earning power are sold or transferred, proper provisions will be made so that each holder of a Right (other than Rights beneficially owned by an Acquiring Person, affiliates and associates of such Acquiring Person and certain transferees thereof, which will have become null and void) will thereafter have the right to receive upon the exercise of such Right that number of shares of common stock of the person with whom the Company has engaged in the foregoing transaction (or its parent) that at the time of such transaction have a market value of two times the exercise price of such Right.

 

Exchange Provision

 

At any time after any person or group of affiliated or associated persons becomes an Acquiring Person and prior to the earlier of one of the events described in the previous paragraph or the acquisition by such Acquiring Person of 50% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company, the Board may cause the Company to exchange the Rights (other than Rights owned by such Acquiring Person, affiliates and associates of the Acquiring Person and certain transferees thereof, which will have become null and void), in whole or in part, for shares of the applicable series of Common Stock or Preferred Stock (or a series of the Company’s preferred stock having equivalent rights, preferences and privileges), at an exchange ratio of one share of the applicable series of Common Stock, or a fractional share of Preferred Stock (or other preferred stock) equivalent in value thereto, per Right.

 

Redemption of the Rights

 

At any time prior to the time any person or group of affiliated or associated persons becomes an Acquiring Person, the Board may cause the Company to redeem the Rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $0.0001 per Right (the “Redemption Price”), payable, at the option of the Company, in cash, shares of the applicable series of Common Stock or such other form of consideration as the Board shall determine. The redemption of the Rights may be made effective at such time, on such basis and with such conditions as the Board in its sole discretion may establish. Immediately upon any redemption of the Rights, the right to exercise the Rights will terminate and the only right of each holder of a Right will be to receive the Redemption Price.

 

Amendment of Terms of Rights Agreement and Rights

 

For so long as the Rights are then redeemable, the Company may, except with respect to the Redemption Price, amend the Rights Agreement in any manner. After the Rights are no longer redeemable, the Company may, except with respect to the Redemption Price, amend the Rights Agreement in any manner that does not adversely affect the interests of holders of the Rights (other than those of an Acquiring Person, affiliates and associates of the Acquiring Person and certain transferees thereof), cause the Rights Agreement again to become amendable other than in accordance with this sentence or cause the Rights again to become redeemable.

 

Voting Rights; Other Stockholder Rights

 

Until a Right is exercised or exchanged, the holder thereof, in its capacity as a holder of a Right, will have no rights as a stockholder of the Company, including, without limitation, the right to vote or to receive dividends.

 

Anti-Dilution Provisions

 

The Purchase Price payable, and the number of shares of Preferred Stock or other securities or property issuable, upon exercise of the Rights is subject to adjustment from time to time to prevent dilution (i) in the event of a stock dividend on, or a subdivision, combination or reclassification of, the Preferred Stock, (ii) upon the grant to holders of the Preferred Stock of certain rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase Preferred Stock at a price, or securities convertible into Preferred Stock with a conversion price, less than the then-current market price of the Preferred Stock or (iii) upon the distribution to holders of the Preferred Stock of evidences of indebtedness or assets (other than regular periodic cash dividends or dividends payable in Preferred Stock) or of subscription rights or warrants (other than those referred to above).

 

The number of outstanding Rights is subject to adjustment in the event of a stock dividend on the Common Stock payable in shares of Common Stock or subdivisions, consolidations or combinations of Common Stock occurring, in any such case, prior to the Distribution Date.

 

 

 

 

Certificate of Designation

 

In connection with the adoption of the Rights Agreement, on November 4, 2026, the Company filed a Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”) with the Nevada Secretary of State. The Certificate of Designation became effective on November 4, 2026. A copy of the Certificate of Designation is attached hereto as Exhibit 3.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 1.02Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

The information set forth under “Exchange Agreement” in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

The Exchange Agreement, dated as of July 28, 2021, by and among the Company, John C. Malone and the John C. Malone 1995 Revocable Trust (the “Existing Exchange Agreement”) was terminated immediately following the issuance of the Adjustment Shares at the closing thereof, other than certain provisions that survive in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Agreement. The terms of the Existing Exchange Agreement were previously disclosed under Item 1.01 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 30, 2021, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 3.02Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

 

The information set forth under “Exchange Agreement” in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

The shares of Series A Common Stock and Series C Common Stock issued by the Company to the Malone Holders pursuant to the Exchange Agreement have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and have been issued in reliance on the exemption from registration provided in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. Each Malone Holder receiving shares of Series A Common Stock or Series C Common Stock pursuant to the Exchange Agreement represented in the Exchange Agreement that such holder (i) is receiving such shares for such holder’s own account and not with a view towards, or for resale in connection with, the public sale or distribution thereof, except pursuant to sales registered or exempted under the Securities Act, (ii) is an “accredited investor,” as that term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act, and (iii) can bear the economic risk and complete loss of such holder’s investment in such shares, and has such knowledge and experience in financial or business matters that such holder is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such investment.

 

Item 3.03Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders.

 

The information set forth under “Rights Agreement” in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 5.02Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

 

The information set forth under “Exchange Agreement” in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

On November 4, 2026, the Company entered into a Stock Option Award and Settlement Agreement (the “Option Agreement”) with Robert R. Bennett, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company. Under the Option Agreement, effective on the date specified therein (the “Grant Date”), (i) each of Mr. Bennett’s outstanding stock options to purchase Series B Common Stock will vest in full and be cancelled in exchange for a cash payment equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of a share of Series B Common Stock on the Grant Date over the applicable exercise price, and (ii) the Company will grant Mr. Bennett nonqualified stock options under the Company’s 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan to purchase 600,000 shares of Series A Common Stock and 60,000 shares of Series C Common Stock, with each such option having an exercise price equal to the fair market value of a share of the applicable series on the Grant Date. The new options will vest 20% on the Grant Date and 20% on each of the first four anniversaries thereof.

 

Item 5.03Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.

 

The information set forth under “Rights Agreement” in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

In connection with the adoption of the Rights Agreement, on November 4, 2026, the Company filed the Certificate of Designation with the Nevada Secretary of State of the State. The Certificate of Designation became effective on November 4, 2026. The summary of the rights, powers, and preferences of the Preferred Stock set forth in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.03. A copy of the Certificate of Designation is attached hereto as Exhibit 3.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

 

Item 7.01Regulation FD Disclosure.

 

The information set forth under “Exchange Agreement” in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

On November 5, 2026, the Company issued a press release announcing the execution of the Exchange Agreement and the consummation of the Exchange and the issuance of the Adjustment Shares. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

The information contained in this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act, or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

 

Item 9.01Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit
Number

  Description
3.1   Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of Liberty Media Corporation.
4.1   Rights Agreement, dated as of November 4, 2026, by and between Liberty Media Corporation and Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, LLC, as Rights Agent.
10.1*†   Exchange Agreement, dated as of November 4, 2026, by and among Liberty Media Corporation, John C. Malone and the persons named therein.
99.1   Press Release, dated November 5, 2026.
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

 

* Certain portions of this exhibit (indicated by “[Separately Provided]”) have been omitted in accordance with Regulation S-K Item 601(b)(10)(iv) because the omitted information is not material and is the type of information that the registrant customarily and actually treats as private or confidential. The Company agrees to furnish an unredacted copy of the exhibit to the SEC upon its request.

 

† Certain schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. A copy of any omitted schedule will be furnished supplementally to the SEC upon request.

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

  LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION
     
  By:  /s/ Philip J. Boeckman
  Name: Philip J. Boeckman
  Title: Chief Legal Officer

 

Date: November 5, 2026

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

November 5, 2026

 

Liberty Media Corporation Announces Acquisition of High-Vote Series B Common Stock from

 

John C. Malone-Related Entities

 

Transaction Reduces Voting Concentration and Better Aligns Malone’s Voting Power with his Economic Interest

 

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)—Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty Media”) (Nasdaq: FWONA, FWONK) today announced that it has acquired all shares of Liberty Media’s high-vote Series B common stock held by certain entities related to John C. Malone (the “Malone Holders”) in exchange for shares of Liberty Media’s low-vote Series A common stock and shares of Liberty Media’s non-voting Series C common stock (the “Transaction”). The Transaction closed concurrently with the execution of the Exchange Agreement (the “Agreement”) among Liberty Media, John C. Malone and the Malone Holders. As a result of the Transaction, the Malone Holders’ aggregate voting power in Liberty Media declined to approximately 3%, and no holder of Liberty Media common stock holds more than 9% of Liberty Media’s voting power, in each case, based on Liberty Media’s outstanding common stock as of October 30, 2026.

 

Immediately prior to the closing of the Transaction, the Malone Holders held approximately 2.3 million shares of Series B common stock, representing approximately 97% of the outstanding shares of Series B common stock, and approximately 48% of the voting power of Liberty Media. Pursuant to the Agreement, each share of Series B common stock held by the Malone Holders was exchanged for 0.26 shares of Series A common stock and 2.34 shares of Series C common stock (the “Exchange Consideration”), subject to rounding up to the nearest whole share following aggregation, representing an exchange ratio (the “Exchange Ratio”) of 2.6 shares of Liberty Media’s common stock per share of Series B common stock. The Transaction was intended to qualify as a tax-free transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

The aggregate value of the premium reflected in the Exchange Ratio represents approximately 1.5% of Liberty Media’s equity market capitalization, as of October 30, 2026. The Transaction was negotiated and approved by a special committee (the “Special Committee”) of Liberty Media’s board of directors (the “Board”) consisting solely of disinterested and independent directors for purposes of Nevada law, advised by its own independent financial and legal advisors.

 

In connection with the Transaction, Dr. Malone will step down from his position as Chairman Emeritus of the Company, but will remain a Senior Advisor to the Company.

 

Background and Rationale

 

Following receipt of a number of unsolicited offers from third parties to acquire the shares of Series B common stock beneficially owned by him, Dr. Malone and Liberty Media began discussing a transaction in which Liberty Media would instead acquire such shares. The Special Committee, with the assistance of its financial and legal advisors, was formed to consider, negotiate and approve (if appropriate) such a transaction. The Transaction eliminates the possibility of a transfer of the Malone Holders’ voting power in Liberty Media to a third party and better aligns Dr. Malone’s voting power with his economic ownership of Liberty Media.

 

“The acquisition of the Malone Holders’ shares of high-vote Series B common stock helps to align John’s voting power with his economic ownership of Liberty Media while avoiding the potential transfer of a significant voting position in Liberty Media to a third party in a transaction in which other Liberty Media shareholders would not participate,” said Chase Carey, Chair of the Special Committee.

 

“I continue to have great confidence in Liberty Media’s management team and fully support them and Liberty Media’s strategy,” said Dr. Malone. “The Transaction allows me to increase my economic ownership of Liberty Media while distributing voting power more broadly among Liberty Media’s other shareholders.”

 

“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank John for facilitating another step in the evolution of Liberty Media,” said Robert R. Bennett, Chairman of the Board. “This Transaction simplifies our capital structure and will give us flexibility as we enter our next chapter. We are pleased that the Special Committee and John were able to reach an agreement that serves the long-term interests of the Company and its shareholders. We look forward to continuing to benefit from John’s counsel for years to come.”

 

 

 

 

Transaction Benefits

 

The Transaction is expected to, among other things:

 

·reduce the ability of the Malone Holders or successors thereof to exercise significant influence over matters submitted to Liberty Media’s shareholders for a vote and distribute voting power more broadly among Liberty Media’s other shareholders;

 

·eliminate the risk that the Malone Holders’ significant voting power could be transferred to a third party in a transaction in which other Liberty Media shareholders do not participate; and

 

·potentially broaden the institutional investor base in Liberty Media’s shares.

 

Rights Plan

 

In connection with the closing of the Transaction and the resulting substantial reduction in the Malone Holders’ aggregate voting power in Liberty Media, the Board, acting on the recommendation of the Special Committee, adopted a rights plan, pursuant to a Rights Agreement (the “Rights Agreement”), to protect the interests of the Company and its shareholders by promoting stability following the closing of the Transaction and reducing the likelihood that any person or group could acquire a significant voting position in, or obtain control of, the Company without the Board having an opportunity to evaluate such acquisition and take appropriate action in the interests of the Company and its shareholders.

 

The rights to be issued pursuant to the Rights Agreement will expire on November 3, 2027, unless earlier redeemed, exchanged or terminated in accordance with its terms. Additional details regarding the Rights Agreement will be included in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by Liberty Media with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Advisors

 

Lazard is serving as exclusive financial advisor, and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP is serving as legal counsel, to the Special Committee in connection with the Transaction. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is serving as tax counsel to Liberty Media in connection with the Transaction. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is serving as legal counsel to Dr. Malone in connection with the Transaction.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This press release includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about the anticipated benefits of the Transaction; Liberty Media’s capital structure and corporate structure; the Rights Agreement; and other matters that are not historical facts.

 

These forward-looking statements involve many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including risks relating to the tax treatment of the Transaction, the outcome of any litigation relating to the Transaction, the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Transaction, regulatory matters affecting Liberty Media’s businesses and changes in law.

 

These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and Liberty Media expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein. Please refer to the publicly filed documents of Liberty Media, including its most recent Forms 10-K and 10-Q, for additional information about Liberty Media and the risks and uncertainties related to Liberty Media’s business.

 

 

 

 

About Liberty Media Corporation

 

Liberty Media operates and owns interests in media, sports and entertainment businesses. The portfolio of assets includes Liberty Media’s subsidiaries Formula 1, MotoGP and other minority investments.

 

Liberty Media Corporation
Hooper Stevens, +1 720-875-5406

 

Source: Liberty Media Corporation

 

Released November 5, 2026

 

 

 

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