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The Athletic Media Company UK Ltd.
Registered number: 11992602
Annual Report
For the year ended 31 December 2024
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
COMPANY INFORMATION
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Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditor
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
CONTENTS
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Independent auditor's report
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Statement of comprehensive income
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Statement of financial position
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Statement of changes in equity
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Notes to the financial statements
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The directors present their Strategic report on The Athletic Media Company UK Ltd. ("the company") for the year ended 31 December 2024.
The company operates from its offices in London and is part of The New York Times Company and its consolidated subsidiaries ("the group"). The group’s principal business consists of distributing content generated by our newsroom through its digital and print platforms. The group also distributes selected content on third-party platforms. The company’s principal activity in the UK is the provision of services to the group.
The turnover in 2024 increased by 2% driven by additional charges relating to the services provided to the group during the year.
Principal risks and uncertainties
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Because the company's revenue is dependent on the continued demand for its services by the group's business, the principal risks affecting the company are tied to the risks of the group, changes in the business and competitive environment in which the group operates, the impact of national and local economic and other conditions and developments in technology, each of which could influence (rate and volume) of the group's subscriptions and advertising, the growth of its business and the implementation of its strategic initiatives.
Financial key performance indicators
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The above financial key performance indicators are reviewed regularly.
This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf by:
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The directors present their report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.
The principal activity of the company is creating content and providing sales and marketing services to its immediate parent company, The Athletic Media Company.
The profit for the year, after taxation, amounted to £760,249 (2023: £807,595).
The directors did not recommend the payment of a dividend in the year (2023: £nil).
The directors who served during the year and to the date of this report were:
Directors' responsibilities statement
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The directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic report, the Directors' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including Financial Reporting Standard 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’. Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period.
In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:
∙select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
∙make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
∙state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
∙prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Qualifying third party indemnity provisions
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The company has made qualifying third party indemnity provisions for the benefit of its directors which were made during the year and remain in force at the date of this report. No claim or notice of claim in respect of these indemnities has been received in the period.
The company's principal activity in the UK will remain as providing intra-company services to the group.
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis. The company remains assured of the financial support by the ultimate parent company. The directors have received confirmation that the ultimate parent company will continue to support the company and provide it with adequate funds when necessary to enable it to meet its debts as they fall due in the foreseeable future. On this basis, the directors consider it appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.
Economic impact of global events
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UK businesses are facing many uncertainties and challenges caused by political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental factors. These uncertainties have contributed to an environment where there exists a range of issues and risks, including inflation, rising interest rates, labour shortages, disrupted supply chains and new ways of working.
The directors have carried out an assessment of the potential impact of these uncertainties on the business, including the impact of mitigation measures, and concluded that the greatest impact on the business is expected to be from the economic ripple effect on the global economy. The directors have taken account of these potential impacts in their going concern assessment.
The company continues to work with its partners to minimise any impacts of these events and maximise the realisation of any opportunities they may provide to the business.
Provision of information to auditor
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Each of the persons who are directors at the time when this Directors' report is approved has confirmed that:
∙so far as the director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company's auditor is unaware, and
∙the director has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a director in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company's auditor is aware of that information.
Post balance sheet events
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There have been no significant events affecting the company since the year end.
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The auditor, Forvis Mazars LLP, will be proposed for reappointment in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006.
This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf by:
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of The Athletic Media Company UK Ltd. (the ‘company’) for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the Statement of comprehensive income, the Statement of financial position, the Statement of changes in equity and notes to the financial statements, including material accounting policy information.
The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework” (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the financial statements:
∙give a true and fair view of the state of the company’s affairs as at 31 December 2024 and of its profit for the year then ended;
∙have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
∙have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the "Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements" section of our report. We are independent of the company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
∙the information given in the Strategic report and the Directors' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
∙the Strategic report and the Directors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic report or the Directors' report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
∙adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
∙the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
∙certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
∙we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
Responsibilities of Directors
As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement set out on page 2, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors intend either to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud.
Based on our understanding of the company and its industry, we considered that non-compliance with the following laws and regulations might have a material effect on the financial statements: employment regulation, health and safety regulation, and anti-money laundering regulation.
To help us identify instances of non-compliance with these laws and regulations, and in identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect to non-compliance, our procedures included, but were not limited to:
∙Inquiring of management and, where appropriate, those charged with governance, as to whether the company is in compliance with laws and regulations, and discussing their policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations;
∙Inspecting correspondence, if any, with relevant licensing or regulatory authorities;
∙Communicating identified laws and regulations to the engagement team and remaining alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout our audit; and
∙Considering the risk of acts by the company which were contrary to applicable laws and regulations, including fraud.
We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct effect on the preparation of the financial statements, such as tax legislation, pension legislation, and the Companies Act 2006.
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
In addition, we evaluated the directors' and management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements, including the risk of override of controls, and determined that the principal risks were related to posting manual journal entries to manipulate financial performance, management bias through judgements and assumptions in significant accounting estimates, in particular in relation to revenue recognition (which we pinpointed to the valuation assertion) and significant one-off or unusual transactions.
Our audit procedures in relation to fraud included but were not limited to:
∙Making enquiries of the directors and management on whether they had knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;
∙Gaining an understanding of the internal controls established to mitigate risks related to fraud;
∙Discussing amongst the engagement team the risks of fraud; and
∙Addressing the risks of fraud through management override of controls by performing journal entry testing.
There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of irregularities including fraud rests with management. As with any audit, there remained a risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations or the override of internal controls.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.
Use of the audit report
This report is made solely to the company's members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as a body for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Elisabeth Maxwell (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of Forvis Mazars LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
2nd Floor
6 Sutton Plaza
Sutton Court Road
Sutton
Surrey
SM1 4FS
23 September 2025
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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Interest payable and similar expenses
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Profit for the financial year
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Other comprehensive income
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Total comprehensive income for the year
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The Statement of comprehensive income has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
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The notes on pages 12 to 29 form part of these financial statements.
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
REGISTERED NUMBER: 11992602
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
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Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
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Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
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Total assets less current liabilities
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Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
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Provisions for liabilities
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The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf by:
The notes on pages 12 to 29 form part of these financial statements.
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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Comprehensive income for the year
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Total comprehensive income for the year
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Comprehensive income for the year
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Total comprehensive income for the year
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The notes on pages 12 to 29 form part of these financial statements.
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The Athletic Media Company UK Ltd. is a private company limited by shares and incorporated in England and Wales. The registered number of the company is 11992602. The registered office address is 5 New Street Square, London, United Kingdom, EC4A 3TW.
The principal activity of the company is creating content and providing sales and marketing services to its immediate parent company, The Athletic Media Company.
2.Accounting policies
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Basis of preparation of financial statements
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The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention unless otherwise specified within these accounting policies and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 'Reduced Disclosure Framework' and the Companies Act 2006.
The preparation of financial statements in compliance with FRS 101 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgement in applying the company's accounting policies (see note 3).
The financial statements have been presented in Pound Sterling as this is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the company operates and is rounded to the nearest pound.
The following principal accounting policies have been applied:
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Financial Reporting Standard 101 - reduced disclosure exemptions
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The company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions under FRS 101:
∙the requirements of IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures
∙the requirements of paragraph 52, the second sentence of paragraph 89, and paragraphs 90, 91 and 93 of IFRS 16 Leases. The requirements of paragraph 58 of IFRS 16, provided that the disclosure of details in indebtedness relating to amounts payable after 5 years required by company law is presented separately for lease liabilities and other liabilities, and in total
∙the requirement in paragraph 38 of IAS 1 'Presentation of Financial Statements' to present comparative information in respect of:
- paragraph 79(a)(iv) of IAS 1;
- paragraph 73(e) of IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment;
∙the requirements of paragraphs 10(d), 10(f), 16, 38A, 38B, 38C, 38D, 111 and 134-136 of IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements
∙the requirements of IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows
∙the requirements of paragraphs 30 and 31 of IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors
∙the requirements of paragraph 17 and 18A of IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures
∙the requirements in IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures to disclose related party transactions entered into between two or more members of a group, provided that any subsidiary which is a party to the transaction is wholly owned by such a member
∙the requirements of paragraphs 130(f)(ii), 130(f)(iii), 134(d)-134(f) and 135(c)-135(e) of IAS 36 Impairment of Assets.
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
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Financial Reporting Standard 101 - reduced disclosure exemptions (continued)
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This information is included in the consolidated financial statements of The New York Times Company as at 31 December 2024 and these financial statements may be obtained from www.nytco.com.
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis. The company remains assured of the financial support by the ultimate parent company. The directors have received confirmation that the ultimate parent company will continue to support the company and provide it with adequate funds when necessary to enable it to meet its debts as they fall due in the foreseeable future. On this basis, the directors consider it appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.
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Foreign currency translation
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Functional and presentation currency
The company's functional and presentation currency is GBP.
Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the spot exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.
At each period end foreign currency monetary items are translated using the closing rate. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction and non-monetary items measured at fair value are measured using the exchange rate when fair value was determined.
Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of transactions and from the translation at period-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in profit or loss.
All foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in the profit or loss within ‘Administrative expenses’.
The turnover shown in the profit or loss represents amounts receivable from the parent company, The Athletic Media Company, for the provision of sales and marketing services. Turnover in respect of services provided to The Athletic Media Company, is calculated as attributable costs plus a mark up in accordance with an intercompany agreement between The Athletic Media Company and The Athletic Media Company UK Limited.
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Interest payable and similar expenses
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Interest payable and similar expenses are charged to profit or loss over the term of the debt using the effective interest method so that the amount charged is at a constant rate on the carrying amount. Issue costs are initially recognised as a reduction in the proceeds of the associated capital instrument.
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
The company as a lessee
The company assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease, at inception of a contract. The company recognises a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability with respect to all lease agreements in which it is the lessee, except for short-term leases (defined as leases with a lease term of 12 months or less) and leases of low value assets. For these leases, the company recognises the lease payments as an operating expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease unless another systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed.
The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted by using the rate implicit in the lease. If this rate cannot be readily determined, the company uses its incremental borrowing rate as per note 3.
Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise:
∙fixed lease payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less any lease incentives;
The lease liability is included in 'Creditors' on the Statement of financial position.
The lease liability is subsequently measured by increasing the carrying amount to reflect interest on the lease liability (using the effective interest method) and by reducing the carrying amount to reflect the lease payments made.
The company did not make any such adjustments during the periods presented.
The right-of-use assets comprise the initial measurement of the corresponding lease liability, lease payments made at or before the commencement day and any initial direct costs. They are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.
Right-of-use assets are depreciated over the shorter period of lease term and useful life of the underlying asset. If a lease transfers ownership of the underlying asset or the cost of the right-of-use asset reflects that the company expects to exercise a purchase option, the related right-of-use asset is depreciated over the useful life of the underlying asset. The depreciation starts at the commencement date of the lease.
The company applies IAS 36 to determine whether a right-of-use asset is impaired and accounts for any identified impairment loss as described in note 2.8.
As a practical expedient, IFRS 16 permits a lessee not to separate non-lease components, and instead account for any lease and associated non-lease components as a single arrangement. The company has used this practical expedient.
Rentals paid on short term leases
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the profit or loss on a straight line basis over the lease term.
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Tangible fixed assets under the cost model are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management.
The company adds to the carrying amount of an item of fixed assets the cost of replacing part of such an item when that cost is incurred, if the replacement part is expected to provide incremental future benefits to the company. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognised. Repairs and maintenance are charged to profit or loss during the period in which they are incurred.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.
Depreciation is provided on the following basis:
The assets' residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted prospectively if appropriate, or if there is an indication of a significant change since the last reporting date.
Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in profit or loss.
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Impairment of fixed assets
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Assets that are subject to depreciation are assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication that the assets are impaired. Where there is any indication that an asset may be impaired, the carrying value of the asset is tested for impairment. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which they are separately identifiable cash flows. Non-financial assets that have been previously impaired are reviewed at each reporting date to assess whether there is any indication that the impairment losses recognised in prior periods may no longer exist or may have decreased.
Short-term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
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Cash and cash equivalents
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Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions repayable without penalty on notice of not more than 24 hours. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insignificant risk of change in value.
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
The company recognises financial instruments when it becomes a party to the contractual arrangements of the instrument. Financial instruments are de-recognised when they are discharged or when the contractual terms expire. The company's accounting policies in respect of financial instruments transactions are explained below:
Financial assets and financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value.
Financial assets
All recognised financial assets are subsequently measured in their entirety at either fair value or amortised cost, depending on the classification of the financial assets.
Fair value through profit or loss
All of the company's financial assets are subsequently measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period, with any fair value gains or losses being recognised in the profit or loss to the extent they are not part of a designated hedging relationship. The net gain or loss recognised in the profit or loss includes any dividend or interest earned on the financial asset.
Impairment of financial assets
The company always recognises lifetime ECL for trade receivables and amounts owed by group companies, where applicable. The expected credit losses on these financial assets are estimated based on the company's historical credit loss experience, adjusted for factors that are specific to the debtors, general economic conditions and an assessment of both the current as well as the forecast direction of conditions at the reporting date, including time value of money where appropriate. Lifetime ECL represents the expected credit losses that will result from all possible default events over the expected life of a financial instrument. The directors do not deem it necessary to recognise ECL's on amounts due by group companies as no historic bad debts have been incurred.
Financial liabilities
Fair value through profit or loss
Financial liabilities are classified as at fair value through the profit or loss, when the financial liability is held for trading, or is designated as at fair value through profit or loss. This designation may be made if such designation eliminates or significantly reduces a measurement or recognition inconsistency that would otherwise arise, or the financial liability forms part of a group of financial instruments which is managed and its performance is evaluated on a fair value basis, or the financial liability forms part of a contract containing one or more embedded derivatives, and IFRS 9 permits the entire combined contract to be designated as at fair value through profit or loss. Any gains or losses arising on changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss to the extent that they are not part of a designated hedging relationship.
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
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Financial instruments (continued)
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At amortised cost
Financial liabilities which are neither contingent consideration of an acquirer in a business combination, held for trading, nor designated as at fair value through the profit or loss are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. This is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial liability and of allocating interest expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments through the expected life of the financial liability, or where appropriate a shorter period, to the amortised cost of a financial liability.
Creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers.
Creditors are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Defined contribution pension plan
The company operates a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the company pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the company has no further payment obligations.
The contributions are recognised as an expense in profit or loss when the services are rendered. Amounts not paid are shown in other creditors as a liability in the Statement of financial position. The assets of the plan are held separately from the company in independently administered funds.
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Provisions for liabilities
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Provisions are recognised when an event has taken place that gives rise to a legal or constructive obligation, a transfer of economic benefits is probable and a reliable estimate can be made.
Provisions are measured as the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation, taking into account the related risks and uncertainties.
Increases in provisions are generally charged as an expense to profit or loss.
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
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Current and deferred taxation
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The tax expense for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in profit or loss except that a charge attributable to an item of income and expense recognised as other comprehensive income or to an item recognised directly in equity is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively.
The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date in the countries where the company operates and generates income.
Deferred tax balances are recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed by the reporting date, except that:
∙The recognition of deferred tax assets is limited to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits; and
∙Any deferred tax balances are reversed if and when all conditions for retaining associated tax allowances have been met.
Deferred tax balances are not recognised in respect of permanent differences except in respect of business combinations, when deferred tax is recognised on the differences between the fair values of assets acquired and the future tax deductions available for them and the differences between the fair values of liabilities acquired and the amount that will be assessed for tax. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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Judgements in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty
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In applying the company’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions in determining the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities. The directors’ judgements, estimates and assumptions are based on the best and most reliable evidence available at the time when the decisions are made and are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be applicable. Due to the inherent subjectivity involved in making such judgements, estimates and assumptions, the actual results and outcomes may differ.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the year in which the estimate is revised, if the revision affects only that year, or in the year of the revision and future years, if the revision affects both current and future years.
Critical judgements in applying the company’s accounting policies
The directors do not consider there to be any critical judgements made in the process of applying the company’s accounting policies.
Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.
(i) Incremental borrowing rate in lease liabilities
The interest rate used to calculate the finance charge on the lease liabilities is the same as the interest rate used by the parent company on loans to the company. This being the cost of money to the company if it were to borrow funds to satisfy the lease obligation and is determined with reference to the yield curve of the US Communications index of a BB-rating, adjusted to that of one notch higher rating to factor in the fact that the index is unsecured. The spread is then added as premium to treasury rates.
(ii) Provision for dilapidations
Provisions have been estimated for dilapidations. These provisions represent the best estimate of the liability at the time of the statement of financial position date, the actual liability being dependent on future events such as economic environment and marketplace demand. Expectations will be revised each period until the actual liability arises, with any difference accounted for in the period in which the revision is made.
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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An analysis of turnover by class of business is as follows:
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Analysis of turnover by country of destination:
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The operating profit is stated after charging/(crediting):
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Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
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Foreign exchange losses/(gains)
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Fees payable to the company's auditor for the audit of the company's financial statements
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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Staff costs were as follows:
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Cost of defined contribution scheme
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The average monthly number of employees, excluding the directors, during the year was as follows:
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The company paid no emoluments to the directors in respect of their services during the year (2023: £nil).
The directors were remunerated by the other group company and it was not possible to reliably estimate the proportion of remuneration that is attributable to the services carried out within the United Kingdom.
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Interest payable and similar expenses
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Interest on lease liabilities
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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Current tax on profits for the year
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Adjustments in respect of previous periods
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Origination and reversal of timing differences
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Adjustments in respect of prior periods
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Factors affecting tax charge for the year
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The tax assessed for the year is higher than (2023: higher than) the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of25% (2023: 23.52%). The differences are explained below:
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Profit on ordinary activities before tax
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Profit before tax on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2023: 23.52%)
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Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
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Adjustments to tax charge in respect of previous periods
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Adjustments to tax charge in respect of previous periods - deferred tax
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Remeasurement of deferred tax for changes in tax rates
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Other temporary differences
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Total tax charge for the year
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
10.Taxation (continued)
From 1 April 2023, the rate of corporation tax in the UK increased from 19% to 25%, resulting in a 'standard rate' of corporation tax in the above reconciliation of 23.5% for 2023. Deferred tax in the current and prior year is calculated at 25%.
Pillar Two Disclosures
The Group, headed by The New York Times Company, falls within the scope of the OECD's Pillar Two GloBE Model Rules. The UK has enacted Pillar Two legislation, where the company is incorporated, including the Income Inclusion Rule (IIR) and a Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (QDMTT), effective in 2024. The company does not anticipate incurring any material tax liability in relation to Pillar Two Rules. The company applies the exception to recognizing and disclosing information about deferred tax assets and liabilities related to Pillar Two income taxes, as provided in the amendments to IAS 12 issued in May 2023.
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Charge for the year on right-of-use assets
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
11.Tangible fixed assets (continued)
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The net book value of owned and leased assets included as "Tangible fixed assets" in the Statement of financial position is as follows:
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Tangible fixed assets owned
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Right-of-use tangible fixed assets
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Information about right-of-use assets is summarised below:
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Depreciation charge for the year ended
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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The company has lease contracts for a property used in the operations of the company with a fixed term of 5 years with 1 year and 2 months remaining on the lease.
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Lease liabilities are due as follows:
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Between one year and five years
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The following amounts in respect of leases, where the company is a lessee, have been recognised in profit or loss:
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Interest expense on lease liabilities
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The total cash outflow for leases during the year was £820,000 (2023: £820,000).
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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Amounts owed by group undertakings
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Amounts owed by group undertakings are unsecured, interest free and payable on demand.
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Cash and cash equivalents
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Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
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Amounts owed to group undertakings
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Other taxation and social security
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Amounts owed by group undertakings are unsecured, interest free and payable on demand.
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Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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The deferred tax asset is made up as follows:
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Accelerated capital allowances
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A dilapidation provision has been recognised in relation to an estimate of costs to be incurred by the company in restoring the underlying asset to the condition required by the terms and conditions of the lease of buildings. These costs are recognised as part of the cost of the leasehold improvements when it incurs an obligation for those costs.
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THE ATHLETIC MEDIA COMPANY UK LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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Allotted, called up and fully paid
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1,000 (2023: 1,000) ordinary shares of £1 each
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The company has one class of ordinary shares; each share has attached to it full voting, dividend and capital distribution rights.
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The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the company to the fund and amounted to £674,999 (2023: £584,591). Contributions payable to the fund at the year end amounted to £82,611 (2023: £79,741).
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Related party transactions
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The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of The New York Times Company and has taken advantage of the exemption offered by FRS 101 from the requirements of IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures not to disclose related party transactions entered into between two or more members of the group.
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Post balance sheet events
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There have been no significant events affecting the company since the year end.
The immediate parent company is The Athletic Media Company, incorporated in the United States, which is the parent company of the smallest group to include the company in its consolidated financial statements. The Athletic Media Company's registered office is 332 Pine Street, Penthouse, San Francisco, CA 94104, United States of America.
The ultimate parent company is The New York Times Company, incorporated in the United States, which is the parent company of the largest group to include the company in its consolidated financial statements, these financial statements can be obtained from its website www.nytco.com.
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