UNITED STATES

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

 

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE 13D/A

 

 

Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. 18)*

 

DISH NETWORK CORPORATION

(Name of Issuer)

 

CLASS A COMMON STOCK, $0.01 PAR VALUE PER SHARE

(Title of Class of Securities)

 

25470M 109

(CUSIP Number)

 

R. Stanton Dodge

Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

DISH Network Corporation

9601 S. Meridian Blvd.

Englewood, Colorado 80112

(303) 723-1000

(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person
Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

 

June 1, 2015

(Date of Event Which Requires Filing of this Statement)

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of §§240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box. o

 

Note: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See §240.13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.

 

* The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person's initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

 

The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Act") or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).

 

Persons who respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB control number.

 



 

CUSIP No. 25470M 109

 

 

1.

Name of Reporting Person
Charles W. Ergen

 

 

2.

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group:

 

 

(a)

 o

 

 

(b)

 x

 

 

3.

SEC Use Only

 

 

4.

Source of Funds
OO

 

 

5.

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)     o

 

 

6.

Citizenship or Place of Organization
U.S.A.

 

Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned by
Each
Reporting
Person With

7.

Sole Voting Power
167,779,147 VOTING SHARES (1)
1,237,000 SIXTY DAY SHARES (2)

 

8.

Shared Voting Power
47,679,520 OTHER SHARES (3)

 

9.

Sole Dispositive Power
167,779,147 VOTING SHARES (1)
1,237,000 SIXTY DAY SHARES (2)

 

10.

Shared Dispositive Power
47,679,520 OTHER SHARES (3)

 

 

11.

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by the Reporting Person
216,695,667

 

 

12.

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares   o

 

 

13.

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11)
Approximately 49.4% (4)

 

 

14.

Type of Reporting Person
IN

 


(1) “Voting Shares” include all shares of Class A Common Stock (“Class A Common Stock”) and Class B Common Stock (“Class B Common Stock”) of DISH Network Corporation (“DISH Network”) of which Mr. Ergen is the sole beneficial owner.  The shares of Class B Common Stock are convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis at any time.  The Voting Shares represent:  (i) 2,146,891 shares of Class A Common Stock owned beneficially directly by Mr. Ergen; (ii) 19,604 shares of Class A Common Stock owned beneficially indirectly by Mr. Ergen through DISH Network’s 401(k) Employee Savings Plan; (iii) 15,890 shares of Class A Common Stock owned beneficially by Mr. Ergen as custodian for his minor children; (iv) 27,000 shares of Class A Common Stock held by a charitable foundation; and (vi) 165,569,762 shares of Class B Common Stock owned beneficially directly by Mr. Ergen.

 

(2) “Sixty Day Shares” are shares of Class A Common Stock deemed to be owned beneficially under Rule 13d- 3(d)(1) because Mr. Ergen has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of such shares within 60 days of the date hereof.  Upon acquisition by Mr. Ergen, these shares will become Voting Shares.

 

(3) “Other Shares” represent: (i) 235 shares of Class A Common Stock owned beneficially by Mr. Ergen’s spouse Cantey M. Ergen; (ii) 2,043 shares of Class A Common Stock owned beneficially indirectly by Mrs. Ergen through DISH Network’s 401(k) Employee Savings Plan; (iii) 9,694,505 shares of Class B Common Stock owned beneficially by Mrs. Ergen solely by virtue of her position as trustee of the Ergen Five-Year 2010 DISH GRAT; and (iv) 37,982,737 shares of Class B Common Stock owned beneficially by Mrs. Ergen solely by virtue of her position as trustee of the Ergen Three-Year 2014 DISH GRAT.

 

(4) Based on 224,419,139 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding on May 29, 2015 and assuming conversion of the shares of Class B Common Stock held by Mr. Ergen into Class A Common Stock. Because such Class B Common Stock is convertible on a one-for-one basis into Class A Common Stock, assuming conversion of all shares of outstanding Class B Common Stock into Class A Common Stock, the percentage of the Class A Common Stock that Mr. Ergen may be deemed to own beneficially would be approximately 46.7%.  Because each share of Class B Common Stock is entitled to 10 votes per share, Mr. Ergen owns beneficially equity securities of DISH Network representing approximately 81.8% of the voting power of DISH Network (assuming no conversion of the Class B Common Stock).

 

2



 

CUSIP No. 25470M 109

 

 

1.

Name of Reporting Person
Cantey M. Ergen

 

 

2.

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group:

 

 

(a)

 o

 

 

(b)

 x

 

 

3.

SEC Use Only

 

 

4.

Source of Funds
OO

 

 

5.

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)     o

 

 

6.

Citizenship or Place of Organization
U.S.A.

 

Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned by
Each
Reporting
Person With

7.

Sole Voting Power
47,679,520 VOTING SHARES (1)

 

8.

Shared Voting Power
167,779,147 OTHER SHARES (2)

 

9.

Sole Dispositive Power
47,679,520 VOTING SHARES (1)

 

10.

Shared Dispositive Power
167,779,147 OTHER SHARES (2)

 

 

11.

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by the Reporting Person
215,458,667

 

 

12.

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares   o

 

 

13.

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11)
Approximately 49.2% (3)

 

 

14.

Type of Reporting Person
IN

 


(1) “Voting Shares” include all shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of DISH Network of which Mrs. Ergen is the sole beneficial owner.  The shares of Class B Common Stock are convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis at any time.  The Voting Shares represent:  (i) 235 shares of Class A Common Stock owned beneficially directly by Mrs. Ergen; (ii) 2,043 shares of Class A Common Stock owned beneficially indirectly by Mrs. Ergen through DISH Network’s 401(k) Employee Savings Plan; (iii) 9,694,505 shares of Class B Common Stock owned beneficially by Mrs. Ergen solely by virtue of her position as trustee of the Ergen Five-Year 2010 DISH GRAT; and (iv) 37,982,737 shares of Class B Common Stock owned beneficially by Mrs. Ergen solely by virtue of her position as trustee of the Ergen Three-Year 2014 DISH GRAT.  There is no arrangement or agreement between any of the trusts identified in clauses (iii) and (iv) above to vote or dispose of any shares of DISH Network.  Mrs. Ergen exercises voting and dispositive power with respect to each such trust independently and in accordance with her fiduciary responsibilities to the beneficiaries of such trusts.

 

(2) “Other Shares” represent: (i) 2,146,891 shares of Class A Common Stock owned beneficially directly by Mr. Ergen, Mrs. Ergen’s spouse; (ii) 19,604 shares of Class A Common Stock owned beneficially indirectly by Mr. Ergen through DISH Network’s 401(k) Employee Savings Plan; (iii) 15,890 shares of Class A Common Stock owned beneficially by Mr. Ergen as custodian for his minor children; (iv) 27,000 shares of Class A Common Stock held by a charitable foundation; and (v) 165,569,762 shares of Class B Common Stock owned beneficially directly by Mr. Ergen.

 

(3) Based on 224,419,139 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding on May 29, 2015 and assuming conversion of the shares of Class B Common Stock held by Mrs. Ergen into Class A Common Stock. Because such Class B Common Stock is convertible on a one-for-one basis into Class A Common Stock, assuming conversion of all shares of outstanding Class B Common Stock into Class A Common Stock, the percentage of the Class A Common Stock that Mrs. Ergen may be deemed to own beneficially would be approximately 46.6%.  Because each share of Class B Common Stock is entitled to 10 votes per share, Mrs. Ergen owns beneficially equity securities of DISH Network representing approximately 81.8% of the voting power of DISH Network (assuming no conversion of the Class B Common Stock).

 

3



 

CUSIP No. 25470M 109

 

 

1.

Name of Reporting Person
Ergen Five-Year 2010 DISH GRAT

 

 

2.

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group:

 

 

(a)

 o

 

 

(b)

 x

 

 

3.

SEC Use Only

 

 

4.

Source of Funds
OO

 

 

5.

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)     o

 

 

6.

Citizenship or Place of Organization
Colorado

 

Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned by
Each
Reporting
Person With

7.

Sole Voting Power
9,694,505 VOTING SHARES (1)

 

8.

Shared Voting Power
0

 

9.

Sole Dispositive Power
9,694,505 VOTING SHARES (1)

 

10.

Shared Dispositive Power
0

 

 

11.

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by the Reporting Person
9,694,505

 

 

12.

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares   o

 

 

13.

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11)
Approximately 4.1% (2)

 

 

14.

Type of Reporting Person
OO

 


(1) All of the shares beneficially held by the Ergen Five-Year 2010 DISH GRAT are shares of Class B Common Stock. The shares of Class B Common Stock are convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis at any time.

 

(2) Based on 224,419,139 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding on May 29, 2015 and assuming conversion of the shares of Class B Common Stock held by the Ergen Five-Year 2010 DISH GRAT into Class A Common Stock. Because such Class B Common Stock is convertible on a one-for-one basis into Class A Common Stock, assuming conversion of all shares of outstanding Class B Common Stock into Class A Common Stock, the percentage of the Class A Common Stock that the Ergen Five-Year 2010 DISH GRAT may be deemed to own beneficially would be approximately 2.1%.  Because each share of Class B Common Stock is entitled to 10 votes per share, the Ergen Five-Year 2010 DISH GRAT owns beneficially equity securities of DISH Network representing approximately 3.7% of the voting power of DISH Network (assuming no conversion of the Class B Common Stock).

 

4



 

CUSIP No. 25470M 109

 

 

1.

Name of Reporting Person
Ergen Three-Year 2014 DISH GRAT

 

 

2.

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group:

 

 

(a)

 o

 

 

(b)

 x

 

 

3.

SEC Use Only

 

 

4.

Source of Funds
OO

 

 

5.

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)     o

 

 

6.

Citizenship or Place of Organization
Colorado

 

Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned by
Each
Reporting
Person With

7.

Sole Voting Power
37,982,737 VOTING SHARES (1)

 

8.

Shared Voting Power
0

 

9.

Sole Dispositive Power
37,982,737 VOTING SHARES (1)

 

10.

Shared Dispositive Power
0

 

 

11.

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by the Reporting Person
37,982,737

 

 

12.

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares   o

 

 

13.

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11)
Approximately 14.5% (2)

 

 

14.

Type of Reporting Person
OO

 


(1) All of the shares beneficially held by the Ergen Three-Year 2014 DISH GRAT are shares of Class B Common Stock. The shares of Class B Common Stock are convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis at any time.

 

(2) Based on 224,419,139 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding on May 29, 2015 and assuming conversion of the shares of Class B Common Stock held by the Ergen Three-Year 2014 DISH GRAT into Class A Common Stock. Because such Class B Common Stock is convertible on a one-for-one basis into Class A Common Stock, assuming conversion of all shares of outstanding Class B Common Stock into Class A Common Stock, the percentage of the Class A Common Stock that the Ergen Three-Year 2014 DISH GRAT may be deemed to own beneficially would be approximately 8.2%.  Because each share of Class B Common Stock is entitled to 10 votes per share, the Ergen Three-Year 2014 DISH GRAT owns beneficially equity securities of DISH Network representing approximately 14.6% of the voting power of DISH Network (assuming no conversion of the Class B Common Stock).

 

5



 

Item 2.                                                         Identity and Background.

 

Item 2 is amended and restated as follows:

 

This statement is being filed jointly by: (a) Charles W. Ergen; (b) Cantey M. Ergen; (c) the Ergen Five-Year 2010 DISH GRAT (“2010 Five-Year GRAT”); and (d) the Ergen Three-Year 2014 DISH GRAT (the “2014 GRAT”), who are together referred to as the “Reporting Persons.” This Schedule 13D relates solely to, and is being filed for, shares held by Mr. and Mrs. Ergen, the 2010 Five-Year GRAT, and the 2014 GRAT.

 

(A) Charles W. Ergen

 

Mr. Ergen’s principal occupation is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of DISH Network and Chairman of EchoStar Corporation, and his principal address is 9601 S. Meridian Blvd., Englewood, Colorado 80112. Mr. Ergen has not, during the last five years, (i) been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors) or (ii) been a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding been subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activity subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws. Mr. Ergen is a citizen of the United States.

 

(B) Cantey M. Ergen

 

Mrs. Ergen is a Senior Advisor and member of the Board of Directors of DISH Network and her principal address is 9601 S. Meridian Blvd., Englewood, Colorado 80112. Mrs. Ergen has not, during the last five years, (i) been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors) or (ii) been a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding been subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activity subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws. Mrs. Ergen is a citizen of the United States.

 

(C) 2010 Five-Year GRAT

 

The 2010 Five-Year GRAT was formed under the laws of the State of Colorado and its principal business is to hold a portion of the assets and estate of Mr. Ergen. Its address is c/o Cantey M. Ergen, as Trustee, at 9601 S. Meridian Blvd., Englewood, Colorado 80112. The 2010 Five-Year GRAT has not, during the last five years, (i) been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors) or (ii) been a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding been subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activity subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws. As trustee of the 2010 Five-Year GRAT, Mrs. Ergen is vested with sole voting and investment power over the 9,694,505 shares of Class B Common Stock held by the 2010 Five-Year GRAT, except as set forth in Item 6 below.

 

(D) 2014 GRAT

 

The 2014 GRAT was formed under the laws of the State of Colorado and its principal business is to hold a portion of the assets and estate of Mr. Ergen. Its address is c/o Cantey M. Ergen, as Trustee, at 9601 S. Meridian Blvd., Englewood, Colorado 80112. The 2014 GRAT has not, during the last five years, (i) been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors) or (ii) been a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding been subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activity subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws. As trustee of the 2014 GRAT, Mrs. Ergen is vested with sole voting and investment

 

6



 

power over the 37,982,737 shares of Class B Common Stock held by the 2014 GRAT, except as set forth in Item 6 below.

 

Item 4.                                                         Purpose of Transaction.

 

Item 4 is hereby amended and supplemented as follows:

 

During the second quarter of each year, Mr. Ergen receives an annuity amount from the 2014 GRAT under the trust agreement governing the 2014 GRAT, assuming that the 2014 GRAT has not expired.  The number of shares of Class B Common Stock to be distributed as an annuity payment is based in part on the price of the Class A Common Stock on the distribution date and therefore cannot be calculated until the date of distribution.  In addition to shares of Class B Common Stock, the annuity payments (and their associated timing) may include, and be based upon, amounts generated from the holdings of the 2014 GRAT including, among other things, stock recapitalizations or dividends paid or payable with respect to the Class B Common Stock held by the 2014 GRAT.  On June 1, 2015, the 2014 GRAT distributed 12,017,263 shares of Class B Common Stock held by the 2014 GRAT to Mr. Ergen as an annuity payment.  Therefore, the 2014 GRAT currently has beneficial ownership of 37,982,737 shares of Class B Common Stock.  The 2014 GRAT will expire in accordance with its terms on May 30, 2017.

 

Item 5.                                                         Interest in Securities of the Issuer.

 

Item 5 is amended and supplemented as follows:

 

(a)  This filing is for the cumulative share holdings of an affiliated group as of the close of business on June 1, 2015.  See Items 11 and 13 of the cover pages to this Amendment No. 18 for the aggregate number of shares of Class A Common Stock and percentage of Class A Common Stock beneficially owned by each of the Reporting Persons.  The Reporting Persons’ beneficial ownership of shares of Class A Common Stock excludes: (i) 8,184 shares of Class A Common Stock held by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family; and (ii) 25,188,204 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock held by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family.

 

(b)  See Items 7 through 10 of the cover pages to this Amendment No. 18 for the number of shares of Class A Common Stock beneficially owned by each of the Reporting Persons as to which there is sole power to vote or to direct the vote, shared power to vote or to direct the vote and sole or shared power to dispose or to direct the disposition.

 

(c) The Reporting Persons have not effected any transactions in the Class A Common Stock of DISH Network in the last sixty days other than as described herein.

 

(d) Not applicable.

 

(e) Not applicable.

 

Item 6.                                                         Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships with Respect to Securities of the Issuer.

 

Item 6 is amended and supplemented as follows:

 

The trust agreements for the 2010 Five-Year GRAT and the 2014 GRAT contain an irrevocable provision that provides that the trustee will not dispose of any shares of DISH Network held by the 2010 Five-Year GRAT or the 2014 GRAT unless a Change of Control Event occurs.  If a Change of Control Event occurs, the trustee of the 2010 Five-Year GRAT and the 2014 GRAT will have sole discretion with respect to the disposition of any shares of DISH Network held by the 2010 Five-Year GRAT and the 2014 GRAT.

 

7



 

A “Change of Control Event” will occur if (i) as the result of a transaction or a series of transactions any person other than Charles W. Ergen (or a Related Party) individually owns more than fifty percent (50%) of the total Equity Interests of either (A) DISH Network or (B) the surviving entity in any such transaction(s) or a controlling affiliate of such surviving entity in such transaction(s); and (ii) a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of DISH Network are no longer Continuing Directors; and (iii) as the result of a transaction or a series of transactions any person other than Charles W. Ergen (or a Related Party) individually owns more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of either (A) DISH Network or (B) the surviving entity in any such transaction(s) or a controlling affiliate of such surviving entity in such transaction(s); and (iv) Charles W. Ergen sells Equity Interests of DISH Network such that he owns beneficially less than 50% of the total Equity Interests that he owned beneficially immediately following the grant of shares to the 2010 Five-Year GRAT or the 2014 GRAT, as applicable.

 

For purposes of the definition of “Change of Control Event”:

 

“Continuing Director” means, as of any date of determination, any member of the Board of Directors of DISH Network who:  (a) was a member of such Board of Directors on the date on which the applicable grantor retained annuity trust was established; or (b) was nominated for election or elected to such Board of Directors either (x) with the affirmative vote of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of such Board of Directors at the time of such nomination or election or (y) by Charles W. Ergen and his Related Parties.

 

“Equity Interest” means any capital stock of DISH Network and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire capital stock of DISH Network (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, capital stock of DISH Network).

 

“Related Party” means, (a) Charles W. Ergen’s spouse and each of his immediate family members; (b) each trust, corporation, partnership or other entity of which Charles W. Ergen beneficially holds an eighty percent (80%) or more controlling interest or that was created for estate planning purposes including without limitation the grantor retained annuity trusts dated November 30, 2010 and May 30, 2014; and (c) the personal representatives, administrators, executor, guardians, or any person(s) or entit(ies) to which Charles W. Ergen’s shares of DISH Network are transferred as a result of a transfer by will or the applicable laws of descent and distribution.

 

Item 7.                                                         Material to be Filed as Exhibits

 

Exhibit A: Agreement of Joint Filing

 

8



 

SIGNATURE

 

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

 

 

CHARLES W. ERGEN

 

 

 

/s/ Charles W. Ergen

Dated: June 2, 2015

Charles W. Ergen

 

 

 

CANTEY M. ERGEN

 

 

 

/s/ Cantey M. Ergen

Dated: June 2, 2015

Cantey M. Ergen

 

 

 

2010 Five-Year GRAT

 

 

 

/s/ Cantey M. Ergen

Dated: June 2, 2015

Cantey M. Ergen, Trustee

 

 

 

2014 GRAT

 

 

 

/s/ Cantey M. Ergen

Dated: June 2, 2015

Cantey M. Ergen, Trustee

 

Attention:  Intentional misstatements or omissions of fact

constitutes Federal criminal violations (See 18 U.S.C. 1001)

 

9



 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit A: Agreement of Joint Filing

 

10



 

EXHIBIT A

 

Agreement of Joint Filing

 

Pursuant to Rule 13d-1(k)(l)(iii) of Regulation 13D-G of the General Rules and Regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the undersigned agree that the statement on Schedule 13D/A to which this Exhibit is attached is filed on behalf of each of them in the capacities set forth below.

 

 

CHARLES W. ERGEN

 

 

 

/s/ Charles W. Ergen

Dated: June 2, 2015

Charles W. Ergen

 

 

 

CANTEY M. ERGEN

 

 

 

/s/ Cantey M. Ergen

Dated: June 2, 2015

Cantey M. Ergen

 

 

 

2010 Five-Year GRAT

 

 

 

/s/ Cantey M. Ergen

Dated: June 2, 2015

Cantey M. Ergen, Trustee

 

 

 

2014 GRAT

 

 

 

/s/ Cantey M. Ergen

Dated: June 2, 2015

Cantey M. Ergen, Trustee

 

11