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:  December 5, 1995


                         GANNETT CO., INC.
     (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware                 1-6961                    16-0442930
(State or other       (Commission              (IRS Employer
 jurisdiction          File Number)           Identification No.)
 of incorporation)


         1100 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia  22234

         (Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

    Registrant's telephone number, including area code (703) 284-6000


ITEM 1.  ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF ASSETS

       On December 4, 1995, Gannett Co., Inc.  ("Gannett") completed the
acquisition of Multimedia, Inc., a South Carolina corporation, by means of a
merger of Gannett Multimedia Acquisition Subsidiary, a wholly owned subsidiary
of Gannett, with and into Multimedia, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement
and Plan of Merger dated as of July 24, 1995.

        As a result of the merger, each share of outstanding common stock of
Multimedia has been converted into the right to receive $45.25 in cash, without
adjustment.  On the Closing Date there were 38,734,078 shares of Multimedia
common stock outstanding for a total consideration for those shares of
$1,752,717,030.  As a result of the merger, Gannett will assume approximately
$501,500,000 of long-term indebtedness of Multimedia of which approximately
$440,500,000 will be immediately prepaid.  The purchase price and the debt
prepayment will be funded with available cash and the proceeds of the sale of
Gannett short term notes in the commercial paper market.

The principles followed in determining the amount of consideration to be paid
included management's determination of the fair market value of Multimedia
utilizing a projected net income analysis taking into account the economic
synergies arising from combining the business acquired with Gannett operations
and a projected cash flow analysis.

        On December 4, 1995, Gannett issued a press release relating to the
consummation of the merger, a copy of which is attached as exhibit 1 and is
incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM  7.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.

(a) Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired.

   (1)  Audited consolidated balance sheets of Multimedia, Inc. and subsidiaries
as of December 31, 1994 and 1993, and the related consolidated statements of
earnings, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three
years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992 (incorporated by reference to
Gannett's 8-k dated October 23, 1995 and filed as an exhibit hereto).

   (2) Unaudited consolidated balance sheet of Multimedia, Inc. And Subsidiaries
as of September 30, 1995; unaudited consolidated statements of earnings for the
three months and nine months ended September 30, 1995 and September 30, 1994,
and unaudited statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30,
1995 and September 30, 1994 (as filed with Multimedia's Quarterly Report on form
10Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1995 and filed as an exhibit
hereto.)

(b) The following pro forma combining financial statements of Gannett and its
pending acquisition are included in this report:

   (1) Unaudited pro forma consolidated condensed balance sheet as of September
24, 1995 and the unaudited pro forma consolidated condensed statements of
earnings for the year ended December 25, 1994 and the nine periods ended
September 24, 1995 (filed as an exhibit hereto).

(c) Exhibits.

    See Exhibit Index for list of exhibits.



                            SIGNATURES

      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 thereunto duly authorized.


                                GANNETT CO., INC.



Dated:   December 5, 1995

By:        /s/  Thomas L. Chapple
           -----------------------
                Thomas L. Chapple,
                General Counsel and Secretary



                           Exhibit Index


Exhibit
Number    Title or Description
- -----     --------------------
  1       Press Release

  99-1    Agreement and Plan of Merger dated          Incorporated by reference
          July 24, 1995                               to Gannett's form 8-K
                                                      dated July 26, 1995

  99-2    Audited consolidated balance sheets of      Incorporated by reference
          Multimedia, Inc. and subsidiaries as of     to Gannett's form 8-K
          December 31, 1994 and 1993, and the         dated October 23, 1995
          related consolidated statement of earn-
          ings, changes in stockholders' equity,
          and cash flows for each of the three
          years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and
          1992.

  99-3    Unaudited consolidated balance sheet of
          Multimedia, Inc. And Subsidiaries as of
          September 30, 1995; unaudited consolidated
          statements of operations for the three months
          and nine months ended September 30, 1995 and
          September 30, 1994 and unaudited statements
          of cash flows for the nine months ended
          September 30, 1995 and September 30, 1994 (as
          filed with Multimedia's Quarterly report on
          form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
          September 30, 1995 and filed as an exhibit
          hereto.

  99-4    Unaudited pro forma consolidated condensed
          balance sheet as of September 24, 1995 and
          the unaudited pro forma consolidated condensed
          statements of earnings for the year ended
          December 25, 1994 and the nine month period
          ended September 24, 1995.



                                                                Exhibit 1

                                                        Monday, December 4, 1995


       ARLINGTON, Va.  -- The previously announced merger of Gannett Co., Inc.
and Multimedia, Inc. was completed today.

       Gannett paid Multimedia shareholders $45.25 per share, for a total price
in excess of $1.7 billion.  Gannett will also assume or retire Multimedia's
existing debt.

       Already the nation's largest newspaper publisher, Gannett is gaining 10
daily newspapers, including three in the thriving markets of Greenville, S.C.,
Asheville, N.C., and Montgomery Ala.  This will bring the daily circulation of
Gannett newspapers to 6.6 million.

        With the addition of Multimedia's five network-affiliated television
stations in Cleveland, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Knoxville, and Macon, Ga.,
Gannett's television stations now reach 14 percent of U.S. television
households.

        The acquisition marks Gannett's entry into cable, with Multimedia's
cable television system reaching 454,000 subscribers in five states.  Gannett
also is acquiring two radio stations, several syndicated talk shows and
Multimedia Security Service, which monitors more than 82,000 security alarm
subscribers.

        In 1994, Multimedia reported operating revenues of $630.5 million and
operating income of $189.4 million.  Gannett's 1994 operating revenues totaled
$3.8 billion, while operating income was $812.8 million.

                                                                Exhibit 99-3

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1 - Financial statements

The following condensed financial statements are incorporated by reference to
the Report to Shareholders for the quarter ended September 30, 1995.

        Consolidated Statement of Earnings, three months and nine months ended
        September 30, 1995 and 1994.

        Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 1995 and December 31,
        1994.

        Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, nine months ended September 30,
        1995 and 1994.

The information furnished reflects all adjustments consisting of normally
recurring accruals which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair
statement of the results for the interim period.




                           MULTIMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

                   THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND 1994
Three Months Nine Months (Unaudited) (In thousands except per-share data) 1995 1994 1995 1994 Operating revenues: Newspapers $ 40,382 37,196 118,737 108,297 Broadcasting 37,340 33,216 112,552 100,071 Cable 44,308 40,912 129,758 124,114 Entertainment 33,362 34,883 107,739 107,738 Security 7,463 6,443 20,843 18,080 Total operating revenues 162,855 152,650 489,629 458,300 Operating costs and expenses: Production 60,212 53,242 186,208 162,121 Selling, general and administrative 38,380 39,040 118,148 115,719 Depreciation 9,320 9,082 29,769 30,713 Amortization 3,578 3,573 10,815 11,265 Total operating costs and expenses 111,490 104,937 344,940 319,818 Operating profit 51,365 47,713 144,689 138,482 Interest expense 13,928 14,829 42,790 44,604 Other income (expense), net (452) 19,115 (557) 21,292 Earnings before income taxes and minority interest 36,985 51,999 101,342 115,170 Income taxes 15,348 21,580 42,057 47,796 Minority interest in subsidiaries' losses (income), net (757) 50 (2,394) (128) Net earnings $ 20,880 30,469 56,891 67,246 Per share of common stock: Net earnings $ .54 .80 1.47 1.76 Cash dividends - - - - Weighted average shares 39,025 38,285 38,824 38,282
MULTIMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND DECEMBER 31, 1994
September 30, December 31, (Unaudited) (In thousands) 1995 1994 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 7,843 6,202 Net trade accounts receivable 90,041 93,426 Inventories 7,276 4,643 Deferred income tax benefits 10,915 9,581 Program rights 11,166 7,570 Deferred program costs 5,198 10,923 Prepaid expenses and other 7,471 6,795 Total current assets 139,910 139,140 Property , plant and equipment, at cost 615,626 558,749 Less accumulated depreciation 301,659 283,522 Net property , plant and equipment 313,967 275,227 Intangible assets, net 246,219 242,078 Other assets 30,817 27,533 $ 730,913 683,978 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) Current liabilities: Current installments of long-term debt $ 30,237 30,254 Accounts payable 19,595 24,512 Accrued interest 11,720 2,671 Accrued payroll 7,821 8,386 Accrued expenses 39,494 38,148 Income taxes payable 12,289 10,202 Program rights payable 11,632 7,793 Unearned income 22,975 20,556 Total current liabilities 155,763 142,522 Long-term debt 508,301 542,303 Deferred income taxes 57,391 54,090 Other liabilities 3,316 3,294 Minority interest 21,078 18,684 Stockholders' equity (deficit): Common stock 3,788 3,762 Additional paid-in capital 193,286 188,224 Retained earnings (deficit) (212,010) (268,901) Total stockholders' equity (deficit) (14,936) (76,915) $ 730,913 683,978
MULTIMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND 1994
(Unaudited) (In thousands) 1995 1994 Net cash provided by operating activities $127,852 139,583 Additions to property, plant and equipment (65,152) (58,379) Acquisitions of properties (24,008) (10,713) Other 2,489 20,067 Net cash used for investing activities (86,671) (49,025) Addition (reduction) in revolving credit, net 15,906 (48,168) Long-term debt retired (50,040) (41,169) Other (5,406) (5,255) Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities (39,540) (94,592) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 1,641 (4,034) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 6,202 11,034 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 7,843 7,000 NOTE: NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES IS FURTHER ANALYZED AS FOLLOWS: Operating profit plus depreciation and amortization and amortization of stock options: Newspapers $ 41,643 35,362 Broadcasting 53,670 38,957 Cable 66,106 62,972 Entertainment 25,405 47,832 Security 7,050 6,753 Corporate (8,379) (8,789) 185,495 183,087 Interest expense less amortization of debt issue costs (41,973) (43,767) Change in current assets and liabilities 17,092 15,493 Other (32,762) (15,230) Net cash provided by operating activities $127,852 139,583
THREE MONTHS HIGHLIGHTS
(Unaudited)(In thousands) 1995 1994 REVENUES: Newspapers $ 40,382 37,196 Broadcasting 37,340 33,216 Cable 44,308 40,912 Entertainment 33,362 34,883 Security 7,463 6,443 $ 162,855 152,650 OPERATING PROFITS: Newspapers $ 13,871 10,283 Broadcasting 15,419 10,043 Cable 14,741 12,965 Entertainment 9,842 17,151 Security 235 885 Corporate (2,743) (3,614) $ 51,365 47,713
                                                        Exhibit 99-4



       UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


     The following unaudited pro forma combined financial statements give effect
to the exchange of $45.25 in cash by Gannett Co., Inc. (the Company) for each
share of issued and outstanding common stock of Multimedia, Inc. (Multimedia)
pursuant to the Merger Agreement.  As a result of the merger, Gannett will also
assume or incur the long-term debt of Multimedia.  This transaction will be
accounted for as a purchase.

     The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet presents the financial
position of Gannett and Multimedia as of September 24, 1995, assuming that the
proposed merger with Multimedia occurred as of that date.  Such pro forma
information is based on the historical balance sheets of the Company at
September 24, 1995 and of Multimedia at September 30, 1995.

     As required by rule 11-02 of regulation S-X, the unaudited pro forma
combined statements of income have been prepared assuming that the proposed
merger occurred as of the beginning of the periods presented.  The unaudited
combined statements of income reflect the historical results of operations for
Gannett and Multimedia for their respective 1994 fiscal years and first nine
periods of 1995.

     The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements give effect to
certain pro forma adjustments which are described in the notes to these
statements.  Certain nonrecurring amounts, which principally include legal
fees, investment banker fees and other professional fees, severance costs for
certain Multimedia executives and debt prepayment penalties are not included
in the unaudited pro forma combined financial statements.  The Company does not
believe that the aggregate after tax cost of such nonrecurring items will be
in excess of 5% of the purchase price.  These items are not of an operating
nature but rather are directly attributable to the acquisition and, as such,
will be considered an adjustment to the purchase price in accordance with
paragraph 76 of APB 16, "Business Combinations".  The company does not believe
that there will be any significant additional non-recurring operating costs of
the combined entity which are not reflected in the unaudited pro forma combined
statements of earnings.

     The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements do not reflect any
synergies anticipated by the Company as a result of the merger.

     The unaudited pro forma data is presented for informational purposes only
and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations or financial
position which would have been achieved had the transaction been completed as of
the beginning of the earliest period presented, nor is it necessarily indicative
of Gannett's future results of operations or financial position.

     The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the historical financial statements of the Company and of
Multimedia, including the related notes thereto.






                                          GANNETT CO., INC.
                        UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
                                           SEPTEMBER 24, 1995

(In thousands) Gannett Multimedia(*) Pro forma Pro forma Adjustments Combined ASSETS Cash and marketable securities $ 35,537 $ 7,843 $ 43,380 Accounts receivable, net 468,278 90,041 558,319 Inventories 101,042 7,276 108,318 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 70,750 34,750 105,500 --------- ------- --------- --------- Total current assets 675,607 139,910 815,517 Property, plant and equipment, net 1,413,786 313,967 $ 318,921 (1) 2,046,674 Excess of acquisition cost over the value of assets acquired 1,442,304 246,219 (318,921)(1)(7) 3,292,276 30,817 (2)(7) (22,600)(3)(7) 128,521 (4)(7) 1,771,000 (5)(7) 14,936 (6)(7) Other assets 193,859 30,817 (30,817)(2) 193,859 --------- ------- --------- --------- Total assets $3,725,556 $730,913 $ 1,891,857 $6,348,326 ========= ======= ========= ========= Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity Current maturities of long-term debt $ 59,824 $ 30,237 $ 90,061 Accounts payable and current portion of film contracts payable 223,062 31,227 254,289 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 244,483 82,010 326,493 Dividends payable 49,158 49,158 Income taxes 18,612 12,289 $ (22,600)(3) 8,301 --------- ------- --------- --------- Total current liabilities 595,139 155,763 (22,600) 728,302 Deferred income taxes 151,522 57,391 128,521 (4) 337,434 Long-term debt, less current portion 541,536 508,301 1,771,000 (5) 2,820,837 Postretirement medical and life insurance liabilities 308,714 2,312 311,026 Other long-term liabilities 108,776 22,082 130,858 Total shareholders' equity 2,019,869 (14,936) 14,936 (6) 2,019,869 --------- ------- --------- --------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $3,725,556 $730,913 $ 1,891,857 $6,348,326 ========= ======= ========= =========
* For comparability, Multimedia amounts, which are as of September 30, 1995, have been reclassified to conform with Gannett's presentation. See accompanying notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements. GANNETT CO., INC. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 24, 1995
(In thousands except Pro forma Pro forma per share data) Gannett Multimedia(*) Adjustments Combined Net Operating Revenues: Newspapers $2,350,790 $118,737 $2,469,527 Broadcasting 322,650 112,552 435,202 Outdoor 186,562 186,562 Cable 129,758 129,758 Entertainment 107,739 107,739 Security 20,843 20,843 --------- ------- ------ --------- Total 2,860,002 489,629 3,349,631 --------- ------- ------ --------- Operating Expenses: Cost of sales and operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation 1,622,790 186,208 1,808,998 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation 513,536 118,148 631,684 Depreciation 116,578 29,769 $(29,769)(1) 152,119 35,541 (2) Amortization of intangible assets 34,118 10,815 (10,815)(3) 70,918 36,800 (4) --------- ------- ------ --------- Total 2,287,022 344,940 31,757 2,663,719 --------- ------- ------ --------- Operating income 572,980 144,689 (31,757) 685,912 --------- ------- ------ --------- Non-operating income (expense): Interest expense (31,723) (42,790) (79,400)(5) (153,913) Other income (expense) (627) (557) (1,184) --------- ------- ------ --------- Total (32,350) (43,347) (79,400) (155,097) --------- ------- ------ --------- Income before income taxes 540,630 101,342 (111,157) 530,815 Provision for income taxes 218,900 42,057 (34,100)(6) 226,857 Minority interest, net (2,394) (2,394) --------- ------- ------ --------- Net income $ 321,730 $ 56,891 $(77,057) $ 301,564 ========= ======= ====== ========= Net income per share $2.30 $1.47 $2.15 Average number of outstanding shares 140,103 140,103
* For comparability, Multimedia amounts, which are for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 have been reclassified to conform with Gannett's presentation. See accompanying notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements. GANNETT CO., INC. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 25, 1994
(In thousands except Per share date) Pro forma Pro forma Gannett Multimedia(*) Adjustments Combined Net Operating Revenues: Newspaper advertising $3,176,787 $150,140 $3,326,927 Broadcasting 406,608 142,841 549,449 Outdoor 241,128 241,128 Cable 165,406 165,406 Entertainment 147,512 147,512 Security 24,584 24,584 --------- ------- ------ --------- Total 3,824,523 630,483 4,455,006 --------- ------- ------ --------- Operating Expenses: Cost of sales and operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation 2,106,810 229,390 2,336,200 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation 696,139 158,248 854,387 Depreciation 163,242 39,025 $(39,025)(1) 207,382 44,140 (2) Amortization of intangible assets 45,554 14,377 (14,377)(3) 94,654 49,100 (4) --------- ------- ------ --------- Total 3,011,745 441,040 39,838 3,492,623 --------- ------- ------ --------- Operating income 812,778 189,443 (39,838) 962,383 --------- ------- ------ --------- Non-operating income (expense): Interest expense (45,624) (59,142) (74,400)(5) (179,166) Other income (expense) 14,945 25,584 40,529 --------- ------- ------ --------- Total (30,679) (33,558) (74,400) (138,637) --------- ------- ------ --------- Income before income taxes 782,099 155,885 (114,238) 823,746 Provision for income taxes 316,700 64,693 (31,800)(6) 349,593 Minority interest, net (1,163) (1,163) --------- ------- ------ --------- Net income $ 465,399 $ 90,029 $(82,438) $ 472,990 ========= ======= ====== ========= Net income per share $3.23 $2.35 $3.28 Average number of outstanding shares 144,276 144,276
* For comparability, Multimedia amounts, which are for the year-ended December 31, 1994, have been reclassified to conform with Gannett's presentation. See accompanying notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements. NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 1 - Basis of Presentation The unaudited combined pro forma balance sheet has been prepared to reflect the acquisition of Multimedia for an aggregate price of approximately $1.8 billion plus the assumption of approximately $538 million of Multimedia's long-term debt. The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet presents the financial position of the Company and Multimedia as of September 24, 1995 assuming that the transaction occurred as of September 24, 1995. Such pro forma information is based on the historical balance sheets of Gannett as of September 24, 1995 and of Multimedia as of September 30, 1995. As required by rule 11-02 of regulation S-X, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of income assume that the transaction occurred as of the beginning of the earliest period presented. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of income reflect Multimedia's historical results of operations for the 12 month period ended December 31, 1994 and for the nine month period ended September 30, 1995. The Company believes that the assumptions used in preparing the unaudited pro forma combined financial statements provide a reasonable basis for presenting all of the significant effects of the merger (other than any synergies anticipated by Gannett, nonrecurring charges directly attributable to the merger and nonrecurring charges that will result from combining operations), and that the pro forma adjustments give effect to those assumptions in the unaudited pro forma combined financial statements. Note 2 - Pro forma Adjustments A. Pro forma adjustments to the unaudited condensed combined balance sheet are made to reflect the following: (1) Adjustment to record the fixed assets of Multimedia at estimated fair value at the acquisition date. The fair value of fixed assets was estimated on a property-by-property basis using certain information provided by Multimedia, and in general consideration of the age, condition and replacement value of the assets. Estimated useful lives for depreciation purposes have been assigned which give appropriate effect to the age, condition and productiveness of the assets. (2) Write-off Multimedia's deferred costs which have no carryforward value to the combined entity. (3) Tax benefit of exercise and settlement of stock options. The effective tax rate for this adjustment assumes that all of the compensation element of the options will be deductible for federal and state income tax purposes. (4) Deferred tax on step-up of fixed assets, using the Company's combined federal and state tax rate of 40.5%. (5) The issuance of $1.77 billion in commercial paper necessary to finance the merger. (6) The elimination of the shareholders' equity accounts of Multimedia. (7) Adjustment to record the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of assets acquired (goodwill). The acquisition cost was allocated to each business segment based on the value of the segment, which was estimated by the Company using internal and external valuation reports. Goodwill for each business segment was calculated as the excess of allocated purchase price over the estimated fair value of the assets of the segment. For purposes of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of income, goodwill is being amortized over various lives ranging from ten to forty years. B. Pro forma adjustments to the September 24, 1995 unaudited condensed combined statement of income are made to reflect the following: (1) Elimination of Multimedia's historical depreciation expense. (2) Depreciation expense based on estimated fair market value and useful lives of Multimedia assets (see note A.1.) (3) Elimination of Multimedia's historical amortization expense. (4) Amortization expense on the estimated excess of acquisition cost over fair value of assets, assuming lives ranging from ten to forty years. (5) Interest expense on amount assumed borrowed for consideration paid ($1.77 billion). The rate used to calculate interest expense, 5.98%, is based on the weighted average rate paid by Gannett for commercial paper during the nine-month period ended September 24, 1995. Multimedia's weighted average interest rate for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 was substantially higher than Gannett's. Had the merger been completed at the beginning of the period presented and had Gannett been able to replace Multimedia's debt with a like amount of debt at the Company's lower rates, interest savings of approximately $10 million would have been realized (exclusive of prepayment penalties that would be incurred upon retirement of Multimedia's debt which would be treated as part of the acquisition price). Immediately following the acquisition, Gannett prepaid the majority of Multimedia's long-term debt and has plans to repay substantially all of the remaining amounts. The Company also terminated Multimedia's interest rate swap agreements and its bank credit facility. (6) Record income tax effect of pro forma adjustments. The effective tax rate on pro forma combined income before taxes of 42.7% differs from the Company's statutory tax rate of 35% due primarily to non-deductible goodwill and state income taxes. C. Pro forma adjustments to the December 25, 1994 unaudited condensed combined statement of income are made to reflect the following: (1) Elimination of Multimedia's historical depreciation expense. (2) Depreciation expense based on estimated fair market value and useful lives of Multimedia assets (see note A.1.) (3) Elimination of Multimedia's historical amortization expense. (4) Amortization expense on the estimated excess of acquisition cost over fair value of assets acquired (goodwill). The acquisition cost was allocated to each business segment based on the value of the segment, which was estimated by the Company using internal and external valuation reports. Goodwill for each business segment was calculated as the excess of allocated purchase price over the estimated fair value of the assets of the segment. For purposes of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of income, goodwill is being amortized over various lives ranging from ten to forty years. (5) Interest expense on amount assumed borrowed for consideration paid ($1.77 billion). The rate used to calculate interest expense, 4.2%, is based on the weighted average rate paid by Gannett for commercial paper in 1994. Multimedia's weighted average interest rate for the year ended December 31, 1994 was substantially higher than Gannett's. Had the merger been completed at the beginning of the period presented and had Gannett been able to replace Multimedia's debt with a like amount of debt at the Company's lower rates, interest savings of approximately $33 million would have been realized (exclusive of prepayment penalties that would be incurred upon retirement of Multimedia's debt which would be treated as part of the acquisition price). See note B(5) for further information regarding Multimedia debt. (6) Record income tax effect of pro forma adjustments. The effective tax rate on pro forma combined income before taxes of 42.4% differs from the Company's statutory tax rate of 35% due primarily to non-deductible goodwill and state income taxes. Note 3 - Other Matters As of September 30, 1995, Multimedia had commitments for purchases of syndicated television programming of approximately $29 million through the year 2000 and commitments relating to rebuilds and upgrades to cable franchise facilities, to be performed through 1996, totaling approximately $9 million. Commitments for purchases of other property, plant and equipment were less than $1 million.