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Grupo Clarín S.A.

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FY2016 Annual Report · Grupo Clarín S.A.
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ANNUAL 
REPORT 2016

To the Shareholders of  Grupo Clarín S.A. 

We  hereby  submit  for  your  consideration  the  Annual  Report  and  Exhibit,  the  Parent  Company  Only 

Balance  Sheet,  the  Parent  Company  Only  Comprehensive  Statement  of  Income,  the  Parent  Company 

Only  Statement  of  Changes  in  Shareholders'  Equity  and  the  Parent  Company  Only  Statement  of  Cash 

Flows and Notes of Grupo Clarín S.A. (hereinafter, “the Company” or “Grupo Clarín”) for fiscal year No. 18 

ended December 31, 2016 and the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2016. 

The main subsidiaries in which Grupo Clarín S.A. has a direct or indirect controlling interest are: Arte 

Gráfico  Editorial  Argentino  S.A.  (AGEA),  Artes  Gráficas  Rioplatense  S.A.  (AGR),  Compañía  Inversora 

en  Medios  de  Comunicación  S.A.  (CIMECO),  Cablevisión  S.A.  (Cablevisión),  Primera  Red  Interactiva 

de  Medios  Argentinos  S.A.  (PRIMA),  Compañía  de  Medios  Digitales  S.A.  (CMD),  Arte  Radiotelevisivo 

Argentino S.A. (ARTEAR), GC Gestión Compartida S.A., Inversora de Eventos S.A. (IESA) and Radio Mitre 

S.A., among others. 

Disclaimer

Some of the information in this Annual Report (the “Annual Report”) may contain projections or other 

forward-looking  statements  regarding  future  events  or  the  future  financial  performance  of  Grupo 

Clarín. You can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “expect”, “believe”, “anticipate”, 

“estimate”, “intend”, “will”, “could”, “may” or “might”, the negative of such terms or other similar 

expressions. These statements are only predictions and actual events or results may differ materially. 

Grupo Clarín does not intend to or undertake any obligation to update these statements to reflect events 
and circumstances occurring after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. 

Many factors could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contained in Grupo Clarín’s 

projections or forward-looking statements, including, among others, general economic conditions, Grupo 

Clarín’s competitive environment, risks associated with operating in Argentina, a rapid technological and 

market change, and other factors specifically related to Grupo Clarín and its operations.

The  Annual  Report  and  certain  boxes  and  charts  that  include  highlighted  information  for  illustrative 

purposes throughout this publication, include financial information as of and for the fiscal years ended 

December 31, 2016 and 2015, which was extracted from the Consolidated and the Parent Only Financial 

Statements as of December 31, 2016, presented on a comparative basis, and their related notes. The 

Annual  Report  and  the  Highlights  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  such  financial  statements  and 

related  notes,  the  report  of  Grupo  Clarín’s  independent  accountants,  Price  Waterhouse  &  Co.  S.R.L., 

Buenos  Aires,  Argentina  (a  member  firm  of  PriceWaterhouseCoopers)  relating  to  such  financial 

statements, and the report of Grupo Clarín’s Supervisory Committee.

Financial and Operational Highlights

2016 Macroeconomic Environment

Perspectives for the Upcoming Year

The Year 2016 and the Media Sector in Argentina and the World

Regulatory framework during 2016

The Company. Origin, Evolution and Profile

Grupo Clarín and its Business Segments in 2016

Supplementary Financial Information

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, ORGANIZATION 
AND INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM
Stock Information and Shareholder Structure

CABLE TELEVISION, INTERNET 
ACCESS & TELEPHONY
Cable Television and Internet Services

Commercialization and Customer Service

Competition

Telephony

BROADCASTING 
AND PROGRAMMING
ARTEAR

Radio Mitre

PRINTING 
AND PUBLISHING
Arte Gráfico Editorial Argentino

Diario Clarín

Products

Other Newspapers

Internet

DIGITAL CONTENT
AND OTHERS
Digital Content 

Other Services

Ferias y Exposiciones Argentinas

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY 
AND SUSTAINABILITY
Our Commitment

The Voice of the People

Social and Sustainability Coverage

Civic Involvement and Contribution to Development

Community Engagement and Social Advertising

Fostering Education and Culture

Media Literacy and Protection of Young Audiences

Excellence in Journalism Training

Our People

Environment

02

04

06

06

08

10

12

14

12

15

16

19

20

21

21

22

24

27

28

29

30

32

33

34

38

40

43

43

44

45

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

60

ANNUAL 
REPORT 2016

RISK FACTORS

64

BUSINESS PROJECTIONS AND PLANNING

72

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2016

74

1
2
3
4
5

6

41,178.1 

NET SALES 2016

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

(in million of ps.)

2016

2015

YOY

Net Sales

 41,178.1 

 27,791.5 

 48.2% 

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

 11,896.6 

 8,360.8 

 42.3% 

Adjusted EBITDA 

28.9%

30.1%

 (4.0%)

Margin(2)

Income for the period

4,179.6 

2,915.9 

43.3% 

(1)  We define Adjusted EBITDA as net sales minus cost of sales (excluding depreciation 

and  amortization)  and  selling  and  administrative  expenses  (excluding  depreciation 

and  amortization).  We  believe  that  Adjusted  EBITDA  is  a  meaningful  measure  of  our 

performance. It is commonly used to analyze and compare media companies on the basis 

of  operating  performance,  leverage  and  liquidity.  Nonetheless,  Adjusted  EBITDA  is  not  a 

measure of net income or cash flow from operations and should not be considered as an 

alternative to net income, an indication of our financial performance, an alternative to cash 

flow  from  operating  activities  or  a  measure  of  liquidity.  Other  companies  may  compute 

Adjusted EBITDA in a different manner; therefore, Adjusted EBITDA as reported by other 

companies may not be comparable to Adjusted EBITDA as we report it.

(2) We define Adjusted EBITDA Margin as Adjusted EBITDA over Net Sales.

2016

2

 
 
 
 3,912.2 

11,896.6 

UNIQUE SUBSCRIBERS 2016(1) 

TOTAL EBITDA 2016 

OPERATING RESULTS

ADJUSTED EBITDA

(in million of ps.)

2016

2015

YOY

(in million of ps.)

2016

2015

YOY

Unique Subscribers(1)

3,912.2

3,873.7 

1.0% 

Cable TV, Internet 

 10,930.9 

 7,294.7

  49.8% 

Cable TV 

- Consolidated 

Subscribers(2)(4)

3,527.7 

3,532.6 

(0.1%)

access and Telephony

Printing and 

Publishing

 (104.7)

 112.6

(193.1%)

- Total Internet 

 2,182.6 

 2,025.9 

 7.7% 

Broadcasting 

 1,201.6

 952.3

 26.2%

Subscribers(2)

Circulation(2)

Audience Share %(3)

- Prime Time

- Total Time

237.1 

261.7 

 (9.4%)

Digital Content 

 (131.1)

 1.3 

NA

and Programming

34.8%

37.3%

 (6.8%)

32.0%

30.4%

 5.0% 

and Others

Subtotal

Eliminations

Total

11,896.6 

8,360.8 

 42.3% 

-

-

 NA

11,896.6

8,360.8

42.3%

(1) Cable TV and Internet access.

(2) Figures in thousands.

(3) Share of broadcast TV audience according to IBOPE for AMBA. Prime Time is defined 

as  Monday  through  Friday  from  8  pm  to  12  am.  Total  Time  is  defined  as  Monday  through 

Sunday from 12 pm to 12 am.

(4)  Total  subscribers  consolidated  following  the  same  consolidation  methods  used  in  the 

financial statements as of each year end.

3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016 MACROECONOMIC 
ENVIRONMENT

The Argentine economy closed the year 2016 with 
advances in its normalization process but it also 
exhibited the costs associated with the measures 
implemented by the current Administration.

This was coupled with an external scenario that 
was less favorable than that of previous years. As 
a result, the goals set by the economic policy were 
only  partially  met  in  the  first  year  of  the  current 
Administration.

A brief overview of the events that took place on 
the  economic  front  shows  that  the  period  was 
conditioned  by  the  decision  to  normalize  at  an 
early stage certain strategic fronts. Consequently, 
the  current  Administration’s  decision  to  rapidly 
lift  foreign  currency  restrictions  and  eliminate 
the export taxes on agricultural goods and mining 
in  December  2015,  laid  the  ground  for  certain 
recovery of the country’s external competitiveness. 
In turn, the settlement of the claims with almost 
all  of  the  holdouts  that  had  not  participated  in 
any  of  the  previous  debt  restructurings  offered 
by  Argentina,  gave  the  country  access  to  the 
international  capital  markets.  The  country  still 
has to face the challenge of gradually unwinding 
its  fiscal  imbalance.  The  current  Administration 
also made progress in the reduction of the energy 
in  2015 
and  transportation  subsidies 
represented more than 3 percentage points of the 
GDP) through the partial reversion of the delay in 
the adjustment to the price of these utilities.

(which 

The impact on prices as a result of the unification 
of  the  exchange  rate  and  the  adjustment  to  the 
price  of  utilities  was  significant  and  brought 
about  a  reduction  in  the  level  of  consumption, 
activity  and  employment.  Inflation  accelerated 
until reaching over 45% year-on-year by mid-year 
and  ended  the  year  with  a  35%-40%  rise  in  the 
different  provinces  despite  the  anti-inflationary 
trend  of  the  Central  Bank’s  monetary  policy,  the 
partial adjustment to the prices of public utilities 
and the lower slide of the Ps./USD exchange rate. 
It  should  be  noted  that  even  though  the  annual 
measurement  showed  a  significant  acceleration 
against  the  average  28%  recorded  in  2015,  the 
rates  of  the  last  months  of  2016  reflect  a  clear 
progress made in the disinflationary process. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  contraction  of  economic 
activity  already  recorded  in  the  last  quarter  of 
2015  worsened  and  caused  the  GDP  to  shrink 
during  the  year  by  slightly  more  than  2%.  The 
overall decline in GDP aggregates such as private 
consumption  and  gross  domestic 
investment 
show how challenging the efforts to unwind the 
economy are.

In this complex environment, the country's primary 
fiscal deficit closed the year around 4.6% of GDP 
(excluding the revenues collected from the Central 
Bank / ANSES and the interest payments on the 
country's sovereign debt). Said figure includes the 
extraordinary fiscal revenues generated by the tax 
amnesty regime (which provides for the disclosure 
of  previously  unreported  assets)  accounting 
for  1.3%  of  the  Product,  which  offset  the  lower 
revenue collection as a result of the drop in certain 
taxes  for  approximately  the  same  amount,  and 
also  as  a  result  of  the  recession  and  the  higher 
expenses from subsidies and other social items.

The  above-mentioned  suggests  that  in  view  of 
its  magnitude,  the  unwinding  of  many  of  the 
imbalances  brewed  in  the  preceding  years  will 
take  more  time  than  expected.  The  following 
should  be  taken  into  consideration:  In  the  first 
place,  choosing  external  indebtedness  as  the 
main source of financing to bridge the fiscal gap 
involves risks amid a less favorable international 
scenario,  and  also  entails  side  effects  such  as 
the  circumstantial  appreciation  of  currency. 
On  the  external  front,  it  should  be  noted  that 
this 
indebtedness  delays  the  adaptation  of 
the  economy  to  its  lower  real  foreign  currency 
generation capacity. 

Secondly, even though the possibility of leveraging 
the economy allows the country to limit and spread 
over  time  the  adjustment  of  relative  prices,  the 
gradual convergence towards a balanced position 
in  public  accounts  is  key  to  make  sustainable 
progress along a path of disinflation, which may 
provide some predictability. As history shows, the 
presence  of  high  and  sustained  levels  of  fiscal 
deficits, whatever its source of financing, always 
represents  a  potential  source  of  imbalances  for 
the  rest  of  the  economic  fundamental  variables 
and threatens any improvements achieved. 

4

 
PERSPECTIVES FOR 
THE UPCOMING YEAR

Argentina still has to face significant challenges to 
turn the economy around, beyond the foundations 
that  the  current  Administration  began  to  lay  in 
2016. The forthcoming mid-term elections suggest 
that public policies will be focused on recovering, 
as  soon  as  possible,  the  dynamics  of  economic 
activity  and  the  generation  of  employment, 
preserving the disinflation process underway.

In  this  sense,  according  to  the  latest  review 
conducted  by  the  Central  Bank,  the  baseline 
scenario  for  2017  shows  a  recovery  of  the  GDP 
(+3.0%) and a significant inflationary deceleration 
(from  the  above-mentioned  35  -40%  range  to 
21%), which even if it exceeds the 12-17% range 
projected  by  the  Central  Bank,  in  year-on-year 
terms it would be almost halved compared to the 
figure observed in 2016.

The factors that could mark a reversal of the cycle 
include:
a.  The  increase  in  the  sown  area,  which  would 
be  reflected  in  a  record-high  harvest  above  120 
million tons, i.e. 10 million tons more than in 2016;
b. The recovery of the salaries purchasing power 
derived  from  a  series  of  changes  made  to  the 
income tax regime for full time employees and the 
very same inflationary deceleration;
c. The incorporation of almost 1 million pensioners 
to  a  regime  for  the  adjustment  of  underpaid 
pensions under a historic reparation law;
d. The impetus from the Brazilian economy, which 
is expected to experience a slight recovery after 
its stagnation in 2014 and its significant downturn 
in 2015 and 2016.

This  domestic  scenario,  which  is  expected  to 
be  more  favorable  than  that  observed  in  2016, 
contrasts  with  an  international  scenario  that 
is  starting  to  show  additional  restrictions  on 
emerging  countries  similar  to  Argentina.  As  a 
result,  the  government  has  suggested  that  it 
would seek to make progress in the reduction of 
both the extremely high fiscal imbalance and the 
tax pressure and in the improvement of the quality 
of public spending.

Meeting the new projected target for the country's 
primary  fiscal  deficit  (4.2%  of  GDP,  lower  than 
4.6%  in  2016,  though  higher  than  the  expected 
3.3%) amid an election year will represent a key 
indicator to assess the consistency in the medium 
term of the economic program underway.

5

 
 
c.  The  emergence  of  a  new  and  broad  variety 
of  “hybrid”  companies  built  upon  the  disruptive 
forces  derived  from  digital  transformation.  In 
this  sense,  while  traditional  content  generation 
companies  are  seeking  to  add  technological 
capabilities  and  knowledge,  there  is  a  large 
that  are, 
technology  companies 
number  of 
conversely, gradually beginning to generate their 
own contents.

The  above-mentioned  shows  that  the  recurring 
emergence  of  new  technologies  continues  to 
transform  society  and  to  provide  opportunities 
both  to  digitally  native  companies  and  to 
traditional  companies,  which  gradually  continue 
to  adapt  to  new  media  consumption  patterns. 
These  opportunities  entail  huge  challenges: 
those  media  companies  that  are  able  to  provide 
services and contents with the best combination 
of user experience, quality, access flexibility and 
customized  contents  and  an  intuitive  interaction 
with  social  networks  will  have  the  greatest 
growth potential in the future.

On the domestic front, the year 2016 was marked 
by a restructuring of the industry, conditioned by 
the  above-mentioned  macroeconomic  complex 
scenario.  However,  the  degree  of  penetration  of 
broadband Internet (fixed and mobile), higher than 
the  regional  average,  allowed  the  businesses 

related to the digital ecosystem, mainly advertising 
and connectivity, to experience genuine growth.

Other key aspects of the domestic scenario were 
the  changes  made  to  the  regulatory  framework 
derived  from  the  amendments  of  the 
laws 
that  govern  audiovisual  communication  and 
telecommunications  services.  These 
included 
the  creation  of  the  National  Communications 
Agency (ENACOM, for its Spanish acronym) which 
replaced the Audiovisual Communication Services 
Law  Federal  Enforcement  Authority  (AFSCA,  for 
its  Spanish  acronym)  and  the  Information  and 
Communications Technology Federal Enforcement 
Authority (AFTIC, for its Spanish acronym). Some 
of the main goals of the ENACOM are to drive the 
technological  convergence  process,  to  promote 
competition  and  to  guarantee  the  access  to 
quality Internet, fixed and mobile telephony, radio 
and television services.

Amid this scenario, the performance of the industry 
in the year under review was marked basically by 
three  movements,  two  of  them  were  structural 
(the significant growth of broadband consumption, 
mainly mobile and video streaming, and the growing 
share  of  digital  revenues  in  the  advertising  pie) 
and  one  was  circumstantial  (the  shrinkage  of  the 
advertising investments which, in percentage terms, 
grew during the year below the inflation rate).

THE YEAR 2016 AND THE MEDIA 
SECTOR IN ARGENTINA AND THE WORLD

The total revenues of the global communication, 
media and entertainment sector will grow over the 
next five years at an annual growth rate of 4.4%, 
according to the Global Entertainment and Media 
Outlook issued by Price Waterhouse & Co., which 
analyses the current and projected situation of the 
main segments of this sector in 54 countries. 

The high dynamics expected for the consumption 
of digital media will continue to play a significant 
role  in  the  evolution  of  this  sector  worldwide. 
Consequently, the businesses related to the digital 
ecosystem,  such  as  advertising  and  connectivity, 
will  continue  to  expand  at  a  rate  significantly 
above average. In this sense, consolidated digital 
advertising,  which  currently  accounts  for  almost 
30% of the total global advertising pie and which 
was already higher than that of the TV segment 
during the year under review, is expected to be the 
segment with the fastest growth rate worldwide 
over  the  next  five  years,  at  a  rate  slightly  above 
11%.

Said  Global  Entertainment  and  Media  Outlook 
identifies a series of changes that are reshaping 
this sector worldwide, among which the following 
stand out: 

a.  The  strong  correlation  in  demographic  terms 
between  the  relative  size  of  the  under-35 
population  and  the  growth  of  spending  in  this 
sector.  The  figures  reveal  that  those  countries 
with  the  largest  under-35  population  grow  up  to 
three times more rapidly than the oldest countries. 
Young  consumers  are  the  main  drivers  of  this 
sector’s global growth.

b. The growing adoption of the integrated offering 
packages  developed  by  traditional  and  by  OTT 
(over the top) service operators. These offerings, 
which  enrich  customer  experience  by  allowing 
consumers  to  have  access  to  linear  on-demand 
streaming from multiple devices at any time, have 
had  an  exponential  impact  on  the  demand  for 
broadband,  turning  Internet  infrastructure  into  a 
critical resource;

6

REGULATORY 
FRAMEWORK 2016

During  2016,  the  regulatory  framework  that 
governs  the  Company's  activities  underwent 
several changes.

Decree No. 267/15, issued on December 29, 2015 
and published in the Official Gazette on January 
4,  2016,  created  the  National  Communications 
Agency  (ENACOM,  for  its  Spanish  acronym)  and 
vested the new agency with authority to enforce 
Laws  Nos.  26,522  and  27,078,  as  amended  and 
regulated.

In  the  recitals,  Decree  No.  267/15  seeks  to 
promote the conversion of networks and services, 
in order to generate further competition, promote 
the development of infrastructure and improve the 
quality of communication services.

ratified  by 

The  decree,  subsequently 
the 
Argentine  Congress,  provides  that  physical  link 
television  service  providers  (cableoperators)  will 
be  governed  by  the  telecommunications  law, 
and,  therefore,  they  become  holders  of  a  sole 
telecommunications license. It also changed other 
aspects  of  the  above-mentioned  laws,  such  as 
the incompatibility to render in the same location 
broadcast  television  services  and  subscription 
television  services;  the  limit  of  10  licenses  for 
radio-electric  link  television  services  and  24 
licenses  for  physical  link  subscription  television 
services; and lifted the restriction to provide these 
services  to  more  than  35%  of  all  inhabitants  or 
subscribers nationwide.

With  a  focus  on  convergence,  Decree  No. 
267/15  establishes  guidelines  for  providers  of 
basic  telephony  services  to  render  physical  link 
television services. Prior to this Decree, they were 
originally  banned  from  rendering  those  services 
under  the  former  Entel  bidding  terms.  The  term 
for rendering those services was set at two years, 
with an option to extend it for an additional year.

Subsequently, the Executive Branch issued Decree 
No. 1,340/16 on December 30, 2016 and published 
it on the Official Gazette on January 2, 2017. This 
Decree  orders  that  a  Public  Bid  shall  be  called 
for  the  allocation  of  new  frequency  bands  for 
rendering  mobile  services;  establishes  the  terms 
for  the  reallocation  of  radio  electric  frequency 
bands that had been previously allocated to other 
services (ordering that there shall be an economic 
compensation and shared use of frequencies), and 
allocate  them  to  providers  of  ITC  Services  that 
request to reuse them to render services with LTE 

or  higher  technologies.  In  addition,  the  Decree 
imposes  deployment  obligations  on  service 
providers.  Pursuant  to  this  Decree,  fixed  and 
mobile  telephony  service  providers  may  use  LTE 
frequencies  for  uses  other  than  those  for  which 
they were already allowed.

In  addition,  it  orders  that  telephony  companies 
may begin to effectively provide cable television 
services  as  from  January  1st,  2018  in  highly 
populated  cities.  And  it  recognizes  that  satellite 
television  companies  that  as  of  December  29, 
2015  rendered  ITC  services  may  maintain  the 
ownership of both services.

Within the administrative proceedings filed by the 
Company and its subsidiaries before agencies of 
the National Government, it should be noted that, 
pursuant  to  the  powers  vested  on  the  ENACOM 
and under the new legal framework, this agency 
formalized  the  shareholder  structure  of  ARTEAR, 
Radio  Mitre  and  other  subsidiaries  of  Grupo 
Clarín,  rendering  without  effect  the  procedures 
carried  out  to  conform  to  the  provisions  of  Law 
No.  26,522  and  revoking  the  resolution  that  had 
annulled  the  merger  between  Cablevisión  and 
Multicanal. In this sense, the Decree also ratified 
the ownership of Fibertel’s license by Cablevisión.

Upon the acquisition by Nextel of the ITC Service 
licensees: Fibercomm S.A, Trixco S.A., Callbi S.A., 
Infotel S.A, Skyonline de Argentina S.A., Netizen 
S.A.  and  Eritown  Corporation  Argentina  S.A,  the 
ENACOM  approved  said  transfer  of  control  and 
authorized the new allocation of 900 Mhz and 2.5 
Ghz bands owned by them to provide 4G services 
with  economic  compensation,  return  of  the 
spectrum and coverage obligations beyond those 
proposed by the company. All of those conditions 
are  included  in  an  agreement  to  be  executed 
between the Company and that agency.

In February 2014, the Supreme Court of Argentina 
rendered a decision on the Claim for the protection 
of constitutional rights (acción de amparo) brought 
by Arte Radiotelevisivo Argentino S.A. requesting 
fairer  allocation  of  official  advertising, 
the 
whereby it ordered that official advertising should 
be allocated on a pro rata and fair basis. In 2016, 
the Secretariat of Public Communication, through 
Resolution  No.  247,  regulated  the  allocation  of 
official  advertising,  establishing  certain  criteria 
which were positively recognized by organizations 
focused on freedom of expression and access to 
information.

7

 
CLASS A SHARES

Principal
Shareholders

26.44%
64.25%

CLASS B SHARES

Principal
Shareholders

44.55%
21.65%

Float

CLASS B SHARES

20.26%
9.85%

CLASS C SHARES

8.75%
4.25%

GS Unidos

Arte Gràfico 
Editorial 
Argentino S.A.

100%
100%

Arte 
Radiotelevisivo 
Argentino S.A

99.2%
99.7%

Radio Mitre
S.A.

Inversora 
de Eventos S.A.

Compañía de
Medios digitales
(CMD) S.A.

GC Gestión 
Compartida S.A.

100%
100%

100%
100%

100%
100%

100%
100%

THE COMPANY. ORIGIN, EVOLUTION AND PROFILE 

Grupo Clarín is Argentina's most prominent and 
diversified  media  group  and  one  of  the  most 
important  in  the  Spanish-speaking  world.  The 
Company is organized and operates in Argentina 
and its controlling shareholders and management 
are  Argentine.  Grupo  Clarín  is  present  in  the 
Argentine  printed  media,  radio,  broadcast  and 
cable  television,  audiovisual  production,  and  in 
the printing industry. Its leadership in the different 
media  is  a  competitive  advantage  that  enables 
Grupo  Clarín  to  generate  significant  synergies 
and  expand  into  new  markets.  Substantially  all 
of Grupo Clarín's assets, operations and clients 
are  located  in  Argentina,  where  it  generates 
most of its revenues. The Company also carries 
out operations at a regional level. Today, Grupo 
Clarín  employs  around  18,000  people.  This 
makes Grupo Clarín one of the largest employers 
of Argentina.

Grupo Clarín's history dates back to 1945, the year 
in  which  Roberto  Noble  founded  the  newspaper 
Clarín  of  Buenos  Aires  (“Diario  Clarín”),  with 
the  goal  of  becoming  a  mass  distribution  and 
quality  newspaper,  privileging  information  and 
committing  to  the  comprehensive  development 
of the country. Since 1969, Diario Clarín has been 
led  by  his  wife,  Ernestina  Herrera  de  Noble.  It 

became  the  flagship  national  newspaper  and 
has  consolidated  its  position  throughout  the 
years  thanks  to  the  work  of  its  journalists  and 
the  loyalty  of  its  readers.  Diario  Clarín  is  now 
one  of  the  Spanish-language  newspapers  with 
the  highest  circulation  in  the  world.  In  2016, 
Diario Clarín became the most widely-read digital 
newspaper in the Spanish-speaking world.  Over 
the years, Grupo Clarín has been one of the main 
actors  in  the  changes  undergone  by  the  media 
worldwide. It incorporated new and varied printing 
activities  and  decided  to  embrace  technological 
developments,  investing  to  reach  its  audiences 
through new platforms and channels and through 
new audiovisual and digital languages.

In  this  way,  Grupo  Clarín  entered  the  radio  and 
television  sectors.  Today,  it  is  the  owner  of  one 
of the two leading broadcast television channels 
in  Argentina  (ARTEAR/El  Trece)  and  of  AM/
FM  broadcast  radio  stations.  Along  with  the 
newspaper,  these  media  are  recognized  as  the 
most credible and considered leaders of Argentine 
journalism  in  one  of  the  most  diverse  media 
markets  in  the  world.  For  example,  in  Buenos 
Aires, the Company's media compete in a market 
that  has  5  broadcast  television  stations,  550 
radios, and 12 national newspapers. 

Grupo  Clarín  also  publishes  Olé,  the  first  and 
only  sports  newspaper  in  Argentina;  the  free 
newspaper  La  Razón  and  the  magazines  Ñ, 
Genios,  Jardín  de  Genios,  Pymes  and  Elle, 
among  other  publications.  Through  CIMECO,  the 
Company holds equity interests in the newspapers 
La  Voz  del  Interior,  Día  a  Día  and  Los  Andes,  in 
a market of approximately 200 regional and local 
newspapers.  The  Company  also  holds  an  equity 
interest  in  a  national  news  agency  (DyN).  In  the 
audiovisual front, it also produces 5 cable signals. 
A  news  signal,  (Todo  Noticias),  and  the  signals 
Volver, Magazine and Quiero Música en mi Idioma. 
It also produces sports channels and events (TyC 
Sports),  television  contents  and  motion  pictures 
(Pol-ka and Patagonik Film Group).

Another one of its strengths lies in the strategic 
focus  on  communications.  Since  the  beginning 
of  Multicanal's  operations  in  1992  and  after 
the  recent  acquisition  of  a  majority  interest  in 
Cablevisión, Grupo Clarín has created one of the 
largest cable television systems in Latin America 
in  terms  of  subscribers.  Cablevisión  is  the  first 
cable operator in Argentina among 700 operators 
and always competes with other cable or satellite 
options.  Through  Fibertel,  it  also  provides  high-
speed Internet services and has one of the largest 

8

CLASS A SHARES

Principal
Shareholders

26.44%
64.25%

Float

Fintech
Media

CLASS B SHARES

20.26%
9.85%

40%
40%

CLASS B SHARES

Principal
Shareholders

44.55%
21.65%

CLASS C SHARES

8.75%
4.25%

GS Unidos

60%
60%

100%
100%

subscriber bases in a highly competitive market.

In 2016, through Cablevisión, the Company acquired 
NEXTEL,  which  seeks  to  consolidate  as  the  fourth 
telephony and mobile Internet services in Argentina.

In  line  with  the  global  trend,  Grupo  Clarín  has 
committed  itself  to  expanding  digital  content 
production.  Grupo  Clarín's  Internet  portals  and 
sites  receive  more  than  half  of  the  visits  to 
Argentine websites. The Group's digital media are 
benchmarks  of  journalistic  quality  and  have  the 
best credibility rates of Argentina. Its social media 
accounts  have  the  largest  number  of  followers 
and  generate  significant  interaction.  Over  the 
last  years,  the  Group’s  media  and  journalists 
have received many awards for their ventures in 
different digital platforms. Recently, at the WAN-
IFRA LATAM Digital Media Awards, Grupo Clarín's 
media  received  three  awards.  It  also  received 
many  awards  from  the  Inter-American  Press 
Association and other international agencies.

In  1999,  Grupo  Clarín  was  incorporated  as  an 
Argentine  sociedad  anónima,  a  corporation  with 
limited liability. It gradually opened its capital to 
other  participants  and,  since  October  2007,  it  is 
listed  on  the  Buenos  Aires  Stock  Exchange  and 

on  the  London  Stock  Exchange.  It  takes  pride 
in  having  grown  in  Argentina,  in  being  a  source 
of  influence  on  a  local  level  in  an  increasingly 
transnational  market  with  a  size  that  enables  it 
to  compete  without  losing  strength  among  large 
international players.

Grupo  Clarín's  investments  in  Argentina  in  the 
last  20  years  have  been  very  significant,  always 
with  the  same  central  focus:  Journalism,  the 
media, production and distribution of contents and 
communications. Its activities have contributed to 
the  creation  of  an  important  Argentine  cultural 
industry  and  generate  qualified  and  genuine 
employment. 
Its  vision  and  business  model 
focus  on  investing,  producing,  informing  and 
entertaining,  preserving  Argentine  values  and 
identity, and preserving business independence in 
order to ensure journalistic independence.

In  addition,  since  its  foundation,  Grupo  Clarín 
has  undertaken  intense  community  activities. 
Grupo Clarín, together with the Noble Foundation, 
in  1966,  organizes 
which  was  established 
and  sponsors  several  programs  and  activities, 
particularly  focused  on  education,  culture  and 
citizen participation. Furthermore, as an indication 
of  its  social  responsibility,  Grupo  Clarín  focuses 

on  the  ongoing  improvement  of  its  processes, 
develops  initiatives  that  arise  from  discussions 
for 
with  different  stakeholders,  and  works 
sustainability.

In 2016, the Board of Directors proposed, and the 
Shareholders’  Meeting  approved,  the  spin-off  of 
its cable and telecommunications operations into 
a  new  company  that  will  be  called  Cablevisión 
Holding S.A.

As  a  result,  there  will  be  two  sociedades 
anónimas  (corporations  with  limited  liability), 
Grupo  Clarín  S.A.  and  Cablevisión  Holding  S.A.  
The shareholders of the current Grupo Clarín S.A. 
will maintain the same interest in both companies. 
Grupo  Clarín  S.A.’s  structure  will  retain  the 
journalistic  media  and  content  production.  This 
includes  AGEA,  ARTEAR,  Radio  Mitre,  IESA  and 
CMD,  among  others.  Cablevisión  Holding  S.A. 
will  hold  the  interest  that  Grupo  Clarín  holds  in 
Cablevisión and its subsidiaries, including Nextel.
The transaction is aimed at boosting the growth 
of  its  media  and  telecommunications  segments, 
having  more  appropriate  and  flexible  structures 
to  face  the  challenges  and  investments  required 
by each of them, and boosting their value for the 
audiences, customers and shareholders.

9

GRUPO CLARÍN AND ITS BUSINESS SEGMENTS IN 2016

Grupo  Clarín  and  its  business  segments  grew 
again  in  2016  in  a  highly  challenging  context. 
During  this  year,  the  Company  consolidated  the 
positive  economic  and  financial  performance 
trends of the previous years.

Grupo  Clarín’s  net  consolidated  sales  (including 
continuing and discontinued operations) increased 
by 48%, from Ps. 27,791.5 to Ps. 41,178.1 billion. 
The  growth  in  cable  modem  Internet  access 
subscribers played a key role in the performance 
of subscription revenues. Sales of the remainder 

of  the  Company's  products  and  services  also 
increased.

indebtedness 

By  the  end  of  2016,  Grupo  Clarín’s  gross 
consolidated  financial 
(including 
sellers  financing,  accrued  interest  and  fair  value 
adjustments)  was  approximately  Ps.  10,014 
billion. while net consolidated indebtedness was 
approximately  Ps.  6,663  billion,  representing  an 
increase of  44.4% and  57.5%, respectively. This 
arose mainly from the USD 500 million bond issued 
by Cablevisión, the fact that approximately 95% of 

the Company's indebtedness as of December 31, 
2016  is  denominated  in  US  dollars  and  that  the 
Argentine Peso depreciated by 18% in 2015, from 
Ps. 13.04 = USD 1 as of December 31, 2015 to Ps. 
15.89 = USD 1 as of December 31, 2016.

The  following  is  a  description  of  the  most 
significant  events  related  to  the  situation  and 
management  of  each  of  Grupo  Clarín's  business 
segments during 2016.

SALES BREAKDOWN BY SOURCE OF REVENUE - DECEMBER 2016 VS. DECEMBER 2015

CABLE TV, 
INTERNET ACCESS 
& TELEPHONY

PRINTING
& PUBLISHING

BROADCASTING 
& PROGRAMMING

DIGITAL CONTENT
& OTHERS 

ELIMINATIONS(1)

TOTAL

%

(in million of ps.)

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

 111.6 

118.9 

 2,374.8 

 1,744.6 

 3,513.1 

 2,622.7 

 103.9 

 80.3 

(269.1) 

(216.4) 

 5,834.3 

 4,349.9 

14.2%

15.7%

 -   

 -   

-

-

 2,548.3 

 1,995.5 

 361.5 

 322.5 

Video Subscriptions

 18,750.4 

 14,430.0 

Internet Subscriptions

 7,697.5 

 4,818.0 

Programming 

 -   

IDEN Telecommun.

2,804.4 

-

-

 -   

 -   

 -   

-

-

-

-

-

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

-

-

-

-

 942.5 

 395.6 

-

-

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(183.5)    

(0.1) 

 2,364.8 

 1,995.4 

(56.4) 

(43.6) 

 305.1 

 278.9 

 -   

 -   

 18,750.4 

14,430.0 

(29.3) 

(16.4) 

 7,668.2 

 4,801.6 

(216.5) 

(166.0) 

 726.0 

 229.6 

-

-

2,804.4 

-

Other Sales

 1,207.3

 758.4 

 491.1 

 240.9 

 444.3 

 583.1 

 1,164.1 

 680.7 

(582.0) 

(557.1) 

 2,724.8 

 1,706.0 

5.7%

0.7%

45.5%

18.6%

1.8%

6.8%

6.6%

7.2%

1.0%

51.9%

17.3%

0.8%

0,0%

6.1%

Advertising

Circulation

Printing 

Total Sales

30,571.2  

 20,125.4 

  5,775.8  

 4,303.4 

  4,899.9  

 3,601.4 

  1,268.0  

 761.0 

(1,336.7) 

(999.6) 

41,178.1  

27,791.5 

100.0%

100.0%

ADJUSTED EBITDA

(in million of ps.)

2016

2015

YOY

Cable TV, Internet access 
and Telephony

10,930.9

7,294.7

49.8%

Printing 
and Publishing

Broadcasting 
and Programming

Digital Content 
and Others

Subtotal
Eliminations

Total

 (104.7)

 112.6

(193.1%)

 1,201.6

 952.3

26.2%

 (131.1)

 1.3 

NA

11,896.6 
-

8,360.8 
-

 42.3% 
 NA

11,896.6

8,360.8

42.3%

Cost of sales (Excluding Depreciation and Amortization)
Reached  Ps.  18,227.7  million,  an  increase  of  48.7%  from  Ps. 
12,258.7 million reported for 2015 due to higher costs across all 
business segments, mainly in Cable TV and Internet access and 
Telephony because of the consolidation of the Mobile Argentine 
operations (Nextel Argentina). 

Selling and Administrative Expenses (Excluding 
Depreciation and Amortization)
Reached  Ps.  11,053.8  million,  an  increase  of  54.1%  from  Ps. 
7,172.0 million in 2015. This increase was mainly due to higher 
costs and the consolidation of Nextel in the Cable TV, Internet 
access and Telephony segment. 

Adjusted EBITDA
Reached  Ps.  11,896.6  million,  an  increase  of  42.3%  from  Ps. 
8,360.8 million reported for 2015, driven by higher sales in Cable 
TV,  Internet  access  and  Telephony  and  to  a  lesser  extent,  to 
higher EBITDA in the Broadcasting and Programming segment.

10

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Financial results net 
totaled Ps. (2,857.2) million compared to Ps. (3,064.4) million for 
2015.  The  decrease  of  the  negative  result  was  mainly  due  to 
lower peso depreciation during 2016, which went from Ps 13.04 
per dollar at the end of December 2015, to Ps 15.89 per dollar 
as of December 31th, 2016; compared with the 2015 with went 
from Ps 8.55 per dollar at the end of December 2014 to Ps. 13.04 
per dollar as of December 31th, 2015.

Equity in earnings from unconsolidated affiliates
in 2016 totaled Ps. 160.2 million, compared to Ps. 544.6 million 
for 2015. 

Other Income (expenses), net 
Ps. 158.1 million, compared to Ps. 99.9 million in 2015.

Income tax as
of  December  2016  reached  Ps.  (2,333.7)  million,  from  Ps. 
(1,229.5) million in December 2015.

Income for the period
totaled  Ps.  4,179.6  million,  an  increase  of  43.3%  from 
Ps.    2,915.9  million  reported  for  2015.  This  was  mainly  a 
consequence of higher EBITDA in the Cable TV, Internet access 
and  Telephony  and  Broadcasting  and  Programming  segments, 
and it was partially offset by negative EBITDA in the Printing 
and  Publishing  segment.  The  Equity  Shareholders  Income  for 
the period amounted to Ps.2,530.0 million, an increase of 34.2% 
compared with December 2015.

Cash used in acquisitions of property, plant and 
equipment (CAPEX)
totaled Ps. 9,024.0 million in 2016, an increase of 109.5% from 
Ps. 4,306.5 million reported for 2015. Out of the total CAPEX in 
2016, 96.5% was allocated to the Cable TV, Internet access and 
Telephony segment, 2.2% to the Broadcasting and Programming 
segment and the remaining 1.2% to other activities. Capex in 
the Cable TV, Internet access and Telephony segment pertains 
to subscriber growth, network upgrades and digitalization. 

Debt profile(1):
Debt coverage ratio for the period ended December 31th, 2016 
was .84x and the Net Debt at the end of this period totaled Ps. 
6,711.1 million.

(1) Debt Coverage Ratio is defined as Total Financial Debt divided by Adjusted 

EBITDA (Last Quarter Annualized). Total Financial debt is defined as financial 

loans and debt for acquisitions, including accrued interest.

DEBT AND LIQUIDITY

(In million of Ps.)

Dec 16

Dec 15 % Change

Sep 15 % Change

SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM DEBT 

CURRENT FINANCIAL DEBT

 1,300.9 

 2,897.8 

 (55.1%)

 1,357.6 

 (4.2%)

Financial loans

Negotiable obligations

Accrued interest

Acquisition of equipment

Sellers Financing Capital

Sellers Financing accrued interest

Related Parties Capital

Related Parties accrued interest

 239.8 

 532.8 

 (55.0%)

 220.1 

 8.9% 

 -   

 1,661.5 

(100.0%)

 -   

 NA 

 44.7 

 795.1 

 14.3 

 -   

 8.4 

 0.2 

 196.0 

 (77.2%)

 166.2 

 (73.1%)

 389.9 

 103.9% 

 755.0 

 5.3% 

 1.9 

 660.7% 

 16.3 

 (12.5%)

 -   

 NA 

 -   

 NA 

 21.0 

 (60.1%)

 3.4 

 147.1% 

 1.7 

 (88.8%)

 0.1 

 115.7% 

Bank overdraft

 198.6 

 93.0 

 113.5% 

 196.5 

 1.1% 

NON-CURRENT FINANCIAL DEBT

 8,760.9 

 4,071.9 

 115.2% 

 8,577.8 

 2.1% 

Financial loans

 83.4 

 149.5 

 (44.2%)

 108.2 

 (22.9%)

Negotiable obligations

 7,945.0 

 3,321.7 

 139.2% 

 7,655.0 

 3.8% 

Accrued interest

 -   

 -   

 NA 

 -   

 NA 

Acquisition of equipment

 723.0 

 591.4 

 22.3% 

 805.8 

 (10.3%)

Sellers Financing Capital

Sellers Financing accrued interest

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 NA 

 NA 

 -   

 -   

 NA 

 NA 

Related Parties Capital

 9.4 

 9.2 

 2.6% 

 8.8 

 6.8% 

Related Parties accrued interest

Bank overdraft

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 NA 

 NA 

 -   

 -   

 NA 

 NA 

TOTAL FINANCIAL DEBT(A)

 10,061.8 

 6,969.7 

 44.4% 

 9,935.4 

 1.3% 

Measurement at fair Value

 (47.9)

 (32.7)

 (46.6%)

 (47.3)

 (1.3%)

TOTAL SHORT TERM AND LONG 

 10,013.9 

 6.937,0 

 44.4% 

 9,888.1 

 1.3% 

TERM DEBT

Cash and Cash Equivalents(B)

 3,350.7 

 2,705.6 

 23.8% 

 3,311.4 

Net Debt(A) - (B)

 6,711.1 

 4,264.1 

 57.4% 

 6,624.0 

Net Debt/Adjusted EBITDA(1)

% USD Debt

% Ar. Ps. Debt

0.56x

95.1%

0.55x

 2.2% 

0.52x

88.3%

 7.6% 

95.1%

 (0.0%)

4.9%

11.7%  (57.8%)

4.9%

 0.0% 

 1.2% 

 1.3% 

 6.6% 

DEBT PROFILE AS OF DECEMBER 31TH, 2016

US$ MM, Balance Sheet

629

500

79

40

10

0

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

TOTAL

11

CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE, 
ORGANIZATION AND 
INTERNAL CONTROL 
SYSTEM 

12

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, ORGANIZATION AND INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM 

Grupo  Clarín's  Board  of  Directors  is  responsible 
for the Company's management and approves its 
policies and overall strategies. Pursuant to the By-
laws, the Board of Directors is comprised by ten 
permanent  directors  and  ten  alternate  directors 
who  are  elected  at  the  Ordinary  Shareholders' 
Meeting  on  an  annual  basis.  Four  of  them  (two 
permanent  and  two  alternate  members)  are 
required to be independent directors, appointed in 
accordance with the requirements provided under 
the CNV (Comisión Nacional de Valores) rules. 

MEMBERS OF THE 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Grupo  Clarín's  Board  of  Directors  is  comprised  by 
the  following  members,  appointed  at  the  Annual 
Ordinary  Shareholders'  Meeting  and  Special 
Meeting per Class of Shares, held on April 25, 2016: 

of  its  members  must  meet  the  independence 
requirement provided under CNV rules. 

SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE
Grupo Clarín's Supervisory Committee is comprised 
by the following members, appointed at the Annual 
Ordinary  Shareholders'  Meeting  and  Special 
Meeting per Class of Shares, held on April 25, 2016:

Raúl Antonio Morán1  

Carlos A. P. Di Candia1  

Pablo San Martín1 

Hugo Ernesto López1  

Rubén Suárez1 

Miguel Ángel Mazzei1 

Member  

Member  

Member  

Alternate Member 

 Alternate Member

Alternate Member

AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee is comprised as follows: 

Jorge Carlos Rendo 

Chairman 

Alejandro Alberto Urricelqui 

Vice Chairman 

Alberto César José Menzani  

Pablo César Casey  

Horacio E. Quirós 

Hector Mario Aranda  

Ignacio R. Driollet  

Lorenzo Calcagno   

Director 

Lorenzo Calcagno  

Director 

Alejandro Alberto Urricelqui  

Director 

Pablo César Casey 

Director 

Carlos Rebay  

Independent Director

Luis Germán Fernández   

Chairman  

Vice Chairman 

Member 

Alternate Member

Alternate Member

Alternate Member

Alberto César José Menzani  

Independent Director

Gonzalo Blaquier 

Sebastián Salaber  

Director 

 Director 

Martín Gonzalo Etchevers 

Alternate Director

Hernán Pablo Verdaguer  

Juan Ignacio Giglio  

Francisco Iván Acevedo  

Sebastián Bardengo 

Alternate Director

Alternate Director

Alternate Director

Alternate Director

Marcelo Alejandro Trivarelli 

Alternate Director

Gervasio Colombres 

Carlos Rebay   

Luis Germán Fernández   

Francisco Saravia  

Alternate Director

Alternate Director

Alternate Director

Alternate Director

Grupo  Clarín  organizes  its  activities  under  an 
executive structure comprising: External Relations 
Department;  Corporate  Finance  Department; 
Corporate Control Department; Corporate Strategy 
Department;  Audiovisual  Content  Department; 
Corporate  Human 
Resources  Department; 
Corporate  Affairs  Department;  Digital  Content 
Department. 

The overall criteria used to appoint managers are 
based  on  the  background  and  experience  in  the 
position  and  the  industry,  companies  they  have 
worked for, age, professional and moral aptitude, 
among other factors.

Grupo  Clarín  also  has  a  Supervisory  Committee 
comprised  of  3  permanent  members  and  3 
alternate  members,  who  are  also  appointed  on 
an  annual  basis  at  the  Ordinary  Shareholders' 
Meeting. The Board of Directors, through an Audit 
Committee, is in charge of the ongoing oversight of 
all matters related to control information systems 
and risk management, and issues an annual report 
on  these  topics.  The  members  of  the  Company's 
Audit  Committee  may  be  nominated  by  any 
member of the Board of Directors and a majority 

In  order  to  identify  opportunities  and  streamline 
structures and systems with the aim of improving 
processes and making informed decisions, Grupo 
Clarín  sets  forth  several  procedures  and  policies 
for  controlling  the  Company's  operations.  The 
areas  responsible  for  the  Company's  internal 
controls,  both  at  the  Company  level  and  at  the 
level  of  its  subsidiaries  and  affiliates,  contribute 
to  the  safeguarding  of  shareholders'  equity, 
the  reliability  of  financial  information  and  the 
compliance with laws and regulations.

1) Independent members of the Supervisory Committee.

13

 
 
 
COMPENSATION OF THE MEMBERS 
OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 
AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT 

Compensation  of  the  members  of  the  Board  of 
Directors is decided at the Shareholders' Meeting 
after the close of each fiscal year, considering the 
cap established by Section 261 of Law No. 19,550 
and related regulations of the CNV.

All of Grupo Clarín's subsidiaries have compensation 
arrangements with all of their officers in executive 
and  managerial  positions,  which  contemplate  a 
fixed  and  variable  remuneration  scheme.  Fixed 
compensation is tied to the level of responsibility 
attached  to  each  position,  prevailing  market 
salaries  and  performance.  The  annual  variable 
component is tied to performance during the fiscal 
year based on the objectives set at the beginning 
of the year. Grupo Clarín does not have any stock 
option plans in place for its personnel.

As  mentioned  in  Note  20  to  the  Consolidated 
Financial  Statements,  on  January  1,  2008  Grupo 
Clarín  began  to  implement  a  long-term  savings 
plan for certain executives of Grupo Clarín and its 
subsidiaries. Executives who adhere to such plan 
will contribute regularly a limited portion of their 
salary to a fund that will allow them to increase 
their income at the retirement age. Furthermore, 
each  company  matches  the  sum  contributed  by 
such  executives.  This  matching  contribution  will 
be  added  to  the  fund  raised  by  the  employees. 
Under certain conditions, employees may access 
such  fund  upon  retirement  or  upon  termination 
of  their  jobs  with  Grupo  Clarín.  This  long-term 
benefit has a strong withholding component and 
is considered as an integral part of the employee's 
total compensation for comparative purposes with 

prevailing  market  salaries.  During  2013,  certain 
changes  were  made  to  the  savings  system, 
although  its  operation  mechanism  and  the  main 
characteristics  with  regard  to  the  obligations 
undertaken  by  the  company  were  essentially 
maintained.

The parameters used in fixing compensations are 
in line with customary market practices followed 
by companies of the scale of Grupo Clarín. To this 
end, the Company assesses the relative weight of 
the several positions within the company, as well 
as the performance of the employee that holds the 
position. In order to assess positions and compare 

14

in  different  markets,  the  Company 
salaries 
uses  the  services  and  reports  of  prestigious  HR 
companies at the national and international level.

ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS' MEETING 
Grupo Clarín held its Annual Ordinary Shareholders' 
Meeting  on  April  25,  2016.  On  this  occasion, 
the  shareholders  reviewed  and  approved  the 
accounting  records  for  fiscal  year  No.  17  ended 
on December 31, 2015 and the performance and 
compensation  of  the  members  of  the  Board  of 
Directors and the Supervisory Committee. Among 
other things, they elected the permanent members 
and alternate members of the Board of Directors 
and the Supervisory Committee for the year 2016. 
In addition, said Shareholders’ Meeting approved 
the distribution of dividends in the amount of Ps. 
300,000,000, payable as from May 12, 2016.

DIVIDEND POLICY 
Grupo  Clarín  does  not  have  a  formal  dividend 
policy  governing  the  amount  and  payment  of 
dividends  or  other  distributions.  According  to  its 
By-laws and the Argentine Corporate Law, Grupo 
Clarín may lawfully pay and make declarations of 
dividends only out of the retained earnings stated 
in  the  Company's  annual  Financial  Statements 
prepared in accordance with Argentine GAAP and 
CNV regulations and approved at the Shareholders' 
Meeting. In such case, dividends must be paid on 
a pro rata basis to all holders of shares of common 
stock as of the relevant record date.

SET-UP OF RESERVES 
Pursuant to the Argentine Corporate Law and CNV 
resolutions,  Grupo  Clarín  is  required  to  set  up  a 
legal  reserve  of  no  less  than  5%  of  each  year's 
retained  earnings  until  such  reserve  reaches 
20%  of  its  outstanding  capital  stock  plus  the 
corresponding adjustment. The legal reserve is not 
available for distribution to shareholders. 

to 

CODE OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
In  addition 
in 
the  aforementioned  and 
conformity  with  the  CNV's  decisions  concerning 
the  filing  of  the  report  about  compliance  with 
the  Code  of  Corporate  Governance  (Resolution 
No. 606/12), Grupo Clarín prepared the report for 
the year under analysis, which is attached as an 
exhibit to this annual report.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, ORGANIZATION AND INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM 

STOCK INFORMATION AND SHAREHOLDER STRUCTURE

Grupo Clarín is listed in the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange where it trades its 
shares, and in the London Stock Exchanges, where it trades its shares in the 
form of GDS.

London Stock Exchange (LSE) - Ticker:

Bolsa de Comercio de Buenos Aires 
(BCBA) - Ticker:

GCLA (BCBA) Price per share, December 31, 2016

GCLA (LSE) Price per GDS, December 31, 2016

Total Shares

Total GDS 

EQUITY PARTICIPATION AT IPO(1)

70.9%

Controlling 
Shareholders(2)

 GCLA 

 GCLA

 Ps. 199.95 

 USD 22.60 

 287,418,584 

 143,709,292 

8.8%

GS Unidos, LLC(3)

20.3%

Free Float

THE ORIGINAL IPO ALLOCATION 
WAS 80% INTERNATIONAL AND 
20% LOCAL

SHAREHOLDER STRUCTURE

Numbers of Shares(4)

 Controlling Shareholders

 GS Unidos, LLC (RB)

 Free Float

 - International

 - Local

TOTAL

 204,030,277 

 25,156,869

 58,231,488

 29,460,064 (51%)

 28,771,424 (49%)

 287,418,584 

(1) Since the IPO, our shareholders and management acquired approximately 7.8 MM shares (13.7% of the free float).

(2) Controlling Shareholders: Ernestina H. de Noble, Héctor H. Magnetto, José Antonio Aranda and Lucio Rafael Pagliaro.

(3) GS Unidos, LLC, a company under the indirect control of  The 1999 Ernestina Laura Herrera de Noble New York Trust, 

HHM Media New York Trust, The LRP New York Trust and José Antonio Aranda. 

(4) As of March 9th, 2016.

15

CABLE TELEVISION, 
INTERNET ACCESS 
& TELEPHONY

16

CABLE TELEVISION, INTERNET ACCESS AND TELEPHONY

Grupo Clarín operates, through Cablevisión, one of 
the main regional cable television and broadband 
systems.  This  segment's  revenues  mainly  derive 
from  monthly  subscriptions  to  cable  television 
service  and  high-speed  Internet  access,  through 
Fibertel. Its revenues also derive from connection 
and  advertising  charges,  sales  of  premium  and 
pay-per-view programming, digital packages, DVR, 
high definition (HD) signal packages, VOD (Video 
On Demand) services, the recently launched Flow 
services, and the magazine.

During  2016,  Cablevisión  acquired  the  mobile 
telephony operator Nextel, the fourth operator in 
terms of the number of customers in the Argentine 
market. Nextel is now a subsidiary of Cablevisión.

Out  of  Grupo  Clarín's  total  sales  in  2016,  the 
Cable  TV  and  Internet  access  segment  was  the 
Company's main revenue driver, with sales of Ps. 
30,571 billion, considering intersegment sales.

ADJUSTED EBITDA

(In millions of Ps.)

10,930.9

7,294.7

%
8
.
9
4

Y
o
Y

2016

2015

Y
N
O
H
P
E
L
E
T
D
N
A
S
S
E
C
C
A
T
E
N
R
E
T
N

I

,

N
O
I
S
I
V
E
L
E
T
E
L
B
A
C

NET SALES

(In millions of Ps.)

 30,571.2 

Y
N
O
H
P
E
L
E
T
D
N
A
S
S
E
C
C
A
T
E
N
R
E
T
N

I

,

N
O
I
S
I
V
E
L
E
T
E
L
B
A
C

20,125.4 

%
9
.
1
5

Y
o
Y

2016

2015

17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Udn CENTRO

Udn LITORAL

Udn INTERNACIONAL

Udn AMBA

Udn BUENOS AIRES

Udn SUR

OPERATING STATISTICS - CABLE TV AND INTERNET ACCESS

Homes Passed(1) 

Bidirectional Homes Passed 

Unique Subscribers 

CABLE TV

Total Consolidated Subscribers(1)(3)

Subscribers - Argentina

Subscribers - International (Uruguay)

% over Homes Passed

Total Equity Subscribers(4)

Churn Rate %

DIGITAL VIDEO 

Digital Ready Pay TV Subs(1) 

Total Digital Decoders

- Argentina

- International

Penetration over Digital Ready TV Subs 

INTERNET SUBSCRIBERS

Total Internet Subscribers(1)

- Cablemodem(1)

- ADSL(1)

- Dial Up(1)

% over Bidirectional Homes Passed 

TOTAL ARPU(2)

TELEPHONY

Mobile Postpaid Subs(1)

Postpaid ARPU(2)

2016
7,832.9 

75.1%

3,912.2

2015

7,795.4

72.1%

3,873.7

3,527.7 

3,532.6

3,385.5 

3,395.3 

142.2 

45.0%

137.3 

45.3%

3,658.2 

3,664.1

YoY

0.5%

4.2%

1.0%

(0.1%)

(0.3%)

3.6% 

(0.6%)

(0.2%)

13.8%

12.6%

9.1% 

3,014.7

2,891.8

1,828.6 

1,642.1 

1,605.7

1,444.2 

222.9 

60.7%

197.9 

56.8%

2,182.6 

2,025.9 

2,180.2 

2,018.1 

 2.42 

0.0 

36.0%

643.5 

3.3 

4.5 

34.9%

477.6 

4.2%

11.4% 

11.2% 

12.6% 

6.8% 

7.7% 

8.0% 

(26.7%)

(99.8%)

3.2% 

34.8% 

2016
730.9 

4Q16

3Q16

QoQ

7,795.4

807.5

(9.5%)

243.0

72.1%

251.3

4.4%

(1) Figures in thousands.

(2) Net Sales / Average Pay TV Subscribers.

(3) Total subscribers consolidated following the same consolidation 

methods used in the financial statements as of each year end.

(4) Total subscribers considering the equity share in each subsidiary.

18

CABLE TELEVISION, INTERNET ACCESS AND TELEPHONY

As  of  December  31,  2016,  Cablevisión  cable 
network  passed 
through  approximately  7.8 
million  households  and  provided  a  bi-directional 
broadband  capacity  of  more  than  750  MHz 
at  approximately  77%  of  cabled  households. 
Through  these  networks,  it  offers  not  only  cable 
and broadband Internet access services, but also 
value-added products and services.

Cablevisión has cable networks in the metropolitan 
area  of  Buenos  Aires,  a  unit  that  includes  the 
City  of  Buenos  Aires,  suburban  areas  and  that, 
together  with  the  City  of  La  Plata,  make  up  the 
“AMBA Region”. In addition, it operates in other 
cities  of  the  provinces  of  Buenos  Aires,  Santa 
Fe,  Entre  Ríos,  Córdoba,  Corrientes,  Formosa, 
Misiones, Salta, Chaco, Neuquén and Río Negro. 
In  addition,  through  its  subsidiary  Telemás  S.A., 
the Company provides services in Uruguay.

As  of  December  31,  2016,  Cablevisión  had  3,91 
(2,19  million 
million  customers 
customers received broadband services, and 3,52 
million, cable television), and 142,200 in Uruguay.

in  Argentina 

CABLE TELEVISION 
AND INTERNET SERVICES
Cablevisión  offers  different  services:  A  basic 
service  that  includes  the  main  signals  of  the 
programming  grid  and  also  premium  packages. 
These  packages  offer  additional  signals,  with 
exclusive  contents  not  available  for  the  basic 
service,  differentiated  by  genre.  Cablevisión’s 
programming comes from more than 50 providers 
and transmits broadcast television stations of the 
different locations where it operates.

Cablevisión  also  offers  its  subscribers  a  basic 
digital package, a High Definition (HD) package and 
a  Video  On  Demand  (VOD)  package.  Cablevisión 
offers  the  digital  services  in  the  AMBA  region, 
in the City of La Plata and in the main locations 
of the provinces. This service enables to broaden 
the  signal  offering  and  features  an  on-screen 
programming guide. In addition, as from 2015 and 
through  its  HD  platform,  Cablevisión  has  issued 
3D events for the Premium HD service subscribers.

In  November  2016,  Cablevisión  launched  a  new 
online  content  service,  Flow.  The  distribution  of 
contents  is  based  on  IP  infrastructure  and  QAM 
Digital  TV  with  the  possibility  of  using  new 
functionalities  such  as  linear  streaming,  Start 
Over, Reverse EPG, Cloud DVR and access to VOD 
contents, among others. There functionalities are 

supported from a new user interface supplemented 
with  advanced  search  and 
recommendation 
systems available in any type of device. It is the 
first  platform  of  this  kind  in  Latin  America  and 
required strong investments, not only to develop 
the product, but also to adequate the Company’s 
networks.

Cablevisión  has  been  offering  high-speed  cable 
modem  Internet  access  through  its  networks 
under  the  Fibertel  brand  since  September  1997. 
Cablevisión's  Internet  access  products  provide 
specific  solutions,  virtual  private  network  (VPN), 
traditional  Internet  Protocol  (IP)  connections  and 
corporate products. Currently, its subscribers have 
access to its network at average speeds of 6-12 
megabytes.

In  2010, 
the  Company  created  FiberCorp, 
Fibertel’s  corporate  business  unit  that  provides 
comprehensive  telecommunications  solutions  to 
large,  medium-sized  and  small-sized  companies. 
It  has  a  broad  communication  network  for  data, 
voice  and  video  transport.  This  enables  it  to 
provide  dedicated 
Internet  access  solutions, 
dynamic  connections,  symmetric  access,  and  IP 
video surveillance, among other services.

19

COMMERCIALIZATION 
AND CUSTOMER SERVICE
Cablevisión  uses  several  market  positioning 
mechanisms. These include promotions, customer 
locations,  newsletters  about 
service  center 
the  company, 
information  and 
institutional 
programming  through  its  websites.  It  advertises 
its services in the printed media and over its own 
broadcasting  signals.  In  addition,  it  publishes  a 
monthly magazine called “Miradas”, which is sold 
to a portion of its subscribers. 

Customer service is provided through an integrated 
Contact Center that offers round-the-clock support. 
Customers  can  contact  the  Company  by  phone, 
email  and  chat  through  Cablevisión’s  website. 
Subscribers  may  also  post  their  comments  via 
social  networks,  mainly  Twitter  and  Facebook.  
Cablevisión  is  certified  under  the  model  of  the 
COPC (Customer Operations Performance Center) 
standards,  which  foster  improvements  in  the 
processing of customer's inquiries.

The  satisfaction  indicators  remained  above  the 
target  of  85%,  according  to  Top  Two  Box.  Its 
customer service is an attribute that differentiates 
Cablevisión  from  its  competitors  and  is  highly 
valued by its customers.

20

COMPETITION 
Cablevisión  competes  in  the  cable  television 
segment against other cable television operators 
and providers of other television services. These 
services  include  direct,  satellite  and  broadcast 
transmission.  Given  the  fact  that  licenses  are 
granted  on  a  non-exclusive  basis,  Cablevisión's 
systems  are  frequently  subject  to  overlapping 
of  one  or  multiple  competing  cable  networks,  in 
addition  to  the  satellite  service  that  is  available 
throughout the company's entire coverage area. It 
also competes with the free broadcasting services 
available in Argentina. In the AMBA region, these 
services  primarily  include  four  private  television 
signals (one of them is controlled by Grupo Clarín) 
and their local affiliates and a national and public 
television  signal.  Additionally,  with  the  aim  of 
implementing  the  Argentine  Terrestrial  Digital 
TV  System,  the  National  Government  handed 
out digital set-top units that allow free access to 
certain signals. 

The  Argentine  cable  television 
industry  has 
more  than  700  operators.  The  most  significant 
competitors  are  Telecentro  S.A.  located  in  the 
AMBA region and DIRECTV that compete against 
Cablevisión  nationwide.  Cablevisión  competes 
against Internet video streaming systems (Netflix, 
Arnet play and On Video), among others.

Cablevisión  competes  based  on  competitive 
prices,  higher  number  of  quality  programs,  a 
wide  range  of  additional  services,  technological 
leadership  and  high  customer  service  standards 
through its Contact Center. 

Two other major competitors (Arnet and Speedy) 
in  Argentina  in  the  high-speed  Internet  access 
segment,  is  owned  by  one  of  the  country's  two 
fixed-telephony  providers.  These  companies  also 
render  3G  and  4G  services  through  their  brands 
Personal and Movistar, respectively. Claro - which 
also provides 3G and 4G technology, offers high-
speed  Internet  services  through  optical  fiber  in 
certain areas of the country. 

As from January 1, 2018, all the operators will be 
able to compete freely in the 4 main businesses: 
Cable TV, broadband, fixed and mobile telephony 
services. In this way, the level of competitiveness 
will  become  more  stringent  and  will  provide 
new  opportunities  for  Cablevisión  and  Nextel 
to  increase  the  number  of  customers  and  its 
revenues.

TELEPHONY 
Grupo Clarín provides mobile telecommunications 
services 
Communications 
Argentina, a subsidiary of Cablevisión. 

through  Nextel 

for 

its  Spanish  acronym), 

Nextel uses, to render its Radio Electric Trunking 
(“SRECE”, 
iDEN 
technology 
Enhanced 
(Integrated  Dispatch 
Network) developed by Motorola. This allows the 
company  to  unify  in  only  one  equipment  Direct 
Connection  services 
(two-way  digital  radio), 
telephone  interconnection,  messaging,  and  data 
transmission.

As  of  December  31,  2016,  Nextel  had  a  total  of 
1.1  million  customers  between  the  postpaid  and 
prepaid segments.

Nextel  is  based  in  the  City  of  Buenos  Aires  and 
has  regional  offices  in  the  main  cities  of  the 
country.  Its  coverage  area  includes  the  cities 
of  Buenos  Aires,  Mar  del  Plata,  Bahía  Blanca, 
Córdoba,  Rosario,  San  Luis,  Santa  Fe,  San  Juan 
and  Mendoza,  as  well  as  the  corridors  among 
those cities and surroundings.

CABLE TELEVISION, INTERNET ACCESS AND TELEPHONY

On  September  11,  2015,  Cablevisión  acquired 
49%  of  the  capital  stock  of  Nextel.  On  January 
27,  2016,  Cablevisión  completed  the  acquisition 
of the remaining 51% of the membership interests 
of  Nextel.  On  March  7,  2016,  the  ENACOM 
authorized the change of control of Nextel in favor 
of Cablevisión.

On  June  22,  Nextel  acquired,  together  with 
Cablevisión,  100%  of  Fibercomm  S.A.  and 
Gridley  Investments  S.A.,  owners  of  Trixco  S.A., 
holder  of  the  radio-electric  spectrum  900Mhz 
bands.  They  also  acquired  all  the  capital  stock 
of  WX  Telecommunications  LCC  and  Greenmax 
Telecommunications  LCC,  which 
its 
subsidiaries rendered wireless telecommunication 
services  and  radio-electric  spectrum  services 
in  2.5  Ghz  bands.  These  transactions  will  allow 
Nextel  to  enhance 
its  current  services  and 
incorporate  new  value-added  services,  such  as 
wireless Internet with 4G technology.

through 

21

BROADCASTING 
AND PROGRAMMING

22

BROADCASTING AND PROGRAMMING

Grupo  Clarín  is  the  leading  company  in  the 
audiovisual  broadcasting  and  programming 
segment.  Through  ARTEAR,  it  holds  the  license 
(LS85 TV Canal 13 Buenos Aires) to El Trece, one 
of  the  two  largest  broadcast  television  channels 
in  Argentina, 
in  terms  of  advertising  share 
and  audience  share.  It  also  has  a  presence  in 
broadcast television stations in Córdoba (Telecor), 
Bahía  Blanca  (Telba),  and  Bariloche  (Bariloche 
TV).  Grupo  Clarín  also  produces  cable  television 
signals.

Its  audiovisual  broadcasting  and  programming 
array  includes  agreements  and  equity  interests 

in the main television and film producers, such as 
Pol-ka  Producciones,  and  Patagonik  Film  Group. 
Grupo Clarín also owns prominent radio stations, 
such as Mitre AM 790, La 100 (FM 99.9), both in 
Buenos Aires, and Mitre AM 810 in the province 
of Córdoba. Grupo Clarín also has a strong stake in 
sports commercialization and broadcasting rights, 
directly and through joint ventures.

Out  of  Grupo  Clarín's  total  sales 
in  2016, 
the  Broadcasting  and  Programming  segment 
accounted for Ps. 4,900 billion, taking into account 
intersegment sales.

ADJUSTED EBITDA

(In millions of Ps.)

1,201.6 

 952.3 

%
2
.
6
2

Y
o
Y

2016

2015

NET SALES

(In millions of Ps.)

4,899.9 

3,601.4 

I

G
N
M
M
A
R
G
O
R
P
D
N
A
G
N
I
T
S
A
C
D
A
O
R
B

%
1
.
6
3

Y
o
Y

2016

2015

I

G
N
M
M
A
R
G
O
R
P
D
N
A
G
N
I
T
S
A
C
D
A
O
R
B

23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ARTEAR

In a scenario marked by industry challenges and 
strong competition, ARTEAR was able to achieve 
its goals in 2016.

Total audience share for the year 2016 stood at 0.8% 
up on the previous year reaching 52.2 rating points. 
Cable  TV  drove  that  improvement  with  a  3.6% 
increase. Broadcast TV decreased by 3.9%. In terms 
of  audience  share,  between  broadcast  television 
and  cable  television,  the  latter  exceeds  50%  with 
a  current  consumption  of  51.6  rating  points,  4.2% 
higher than the figures observed in 2015.

Telefe  led  audience  ratings  during  2016  in  the 
Mondays through Sundays audience shares from 12 
AM through 12 PM, with an annual average of 8,9 
rating, El Trece followed its competitor close behind 
with 8,5 rating points, but leading prime time.

During  2016,  El  Trece  combined  news,  fiction 
and  entertainment  programs.  The  highlights  in 
terms of audience share were: ShowMatch (17.0), 
Periodismo  para  Todos  (14.4)  and  Los  ricos  no 
piden  permiso  (13.3).  In  addition,  football  stood 
out as the event with the highest audience ratings 
of broadcast television. 

The  Company  continued  to  produce  journalistic 
contents. El Trece airs four daily news programs 
Mondays  through  Fridays:  Arriba  Argentinos, 

Noticiero Trece, Telenoche and Síntesis. For many 
years now, they all stand out for their journalistic 
rigor and for the quality of its productions. Jorge 
Lanata  and  his  team  continued  with  Periodismo 
Para  Todos,  a  weekly  program  that  produces 
investigative journalism.

As  to  entertainment  shows,  the  following  stood 
out: the show ShowMatch, the fiction Los ricos no 
piden permiso produced by Pol-Ka, and Lunch and 
Dinner with Mirtha Legrand. 

The signal TN, ARTEAR's news signal, once again 
lead audience ratings with an average of 2,56 rating 
points,  thus  reaching  its  maximum  historic  record 
high. The signal introduced several changes to its 
programming but without compromising the quality 
of its productions. The highlights were A Dos Voces, 
co-hosted by Edgardo Alfano and Marcelo Bonelli; 
Desde  el  Llano,  hosted  by  Joaquín  Morales  Solá; 
Juego Limpio, hosted by Nelson Castro; TN Central; 
and Odisea Argentina, hosted by Carlos Pagni.  

informative  and  entertainment 
ARTEAR  has 
signals.  The  Spanish  language  music  “Quiero 
Música en mi Idioma”, was quick to lead audience 
ratings  in  the  music  genre.  “Volver”  offers  the 
best  of  classic  and  vintage  Argentine  films  and 
television  shows.  Magazine  offers  its  in-house 
programs with broadcast TV technology. 

24

BROADCASTING AND PROGRAMMING

OPERATING STATISTICS - BROADCASTING AND PROGRAMMING

Advertising Share %(1)

Audience Share %(2)

Prime Time

Total Time

2016
39.5%

34.8%

32.0%

2015

32.0%

37.3%

30.4%

YoY

 1.3% 

 (6.8%)

 5.0% 

(1) Company estimate, over ad spend in Ps. In broadcast TV for AMBA region.

(2) Share of broadcast TV audience according to IBOPE for AMBA. PrimeTime is defined as Monday through Friday from 8 pm to 12 am. 

Total Time is defined as Monday through Sunday from 12 pm to 12 am.

25

The sites El Trece, TN, Ciudad.com and FashionTV 
lead  each  of  the  categories  to  which  they 
belong  and  its  mobile  applications,  which  offer 
multimedia  contents,  are  the  most  downloaded 
applications  in  their  respective  categories.  The 
social  media  accounts  of  ARTEAR’s  media  are 
the most active ones, with the largest number of 
followers and with the highest interaction in the 
industry. TN news are read by more than 5 million 
people every day on its networks and more than 
1  million  users  interact  day  after  day  through 
the  respective  profiles  in  the  social  networks 
of  Ciudad.com.  During  2016, 
the  Company 
consolidated the migration of contents to mobile 
services and social media. Facebook became the 
main traffic driver. In addition, TN platforms were 
redesigned (web, web mobile and apps) with new 
advertising  formats,  rankings,  and  performance. 
ARTEAR also developed the first application of a 
Latin American TV channel for Apple TV.

The  highlight  of  the  year  in  terms  of  technology 
was the construction of a new production center. 
It  is  the  most  ambitious  infrastructure  project  in 
the history of ARTEAR. This space adds 2,600 m2 
to the building, with a 9-m height, over 300 m2 of 
glass walls, more than 200 workplaces, including 
video  edit  bays,  conference  rooms  and  common 
spaces.  In  addition,  it  extended  the  size  of  the 

26

and  Volver,  all  of  them  until  October  1,  2016.  On 
the other hand, it continued with its activity related 
to  the  sports  audiovisual  contents  through  its 
companies Tele Red Imagen (holder of the signal 
TyC Sports), Television Satelital Codificada SA and 
Auto  Sports  S.A./  Carburando  SA  (motor  racing).  
On August 19, 2016, IESA and ARTEAR executed a 
pre-spin-off-merger commitment whereby ARTEAR 
absorbed certain assets spun off from IESA’s equity 
- the signals Quiero Música en Mi Idioma, Volver, 
Magazine and El Trece Satelital.

studios with a series of refurbishment projects. In 
this extended area, ARTEAR installed new sets.
In  2016,  Pol-Ka  produced  the  daily  fiction  Los 
ricos no piden permiso for El Trece’s prime time, 
starring  Luciano  Castro,  Araceli  González  and 
Juan  Darthés.  More  than  200  episodes  were 
produced.  It  also  produced  the  weekly  single 
episodes  Silencios  de  Familia  starring  Adrián 
Suar,  Julieta  Diaz  and  Florencia  Bertotti,  among 
others. ARTEAR launched the first of four fictions 
aimed at children and teens under an agreement 
of  a  co-production  with  Televisa  Internacional, 
ARTEAR  Love,  Divina,  which  will  be  launched 
worldwide at the beginning of 2017. 

Pol-Ka  has  set  important  goals  to  increase  its 
leading  position  among  the  largest  producers  of 
the region.

ARTEAR  controls  Canal  12  of  Córdoba,  6  of 
Bariloche  and  7  of  Bahía  Blanca.  All  of  those 
signals 
journalistic  and 
entertainment contents. They have solid audience 
shares and a good outlook. 

invest  heavily 

in 

During  2016,  Inversora  de  Eventos  S.A.  (IESA) 
exploited  its  two  main  businesses.  On  the  one 
hand,  the  distribution  of  the  signals  El  Trece 
Satelital, Quiero Música en mi Idioma, Magazine 

BROADCASTING AND PROGRAMMING

RADIO MITRE 

Mitre AM 790 focuses its programming on strong 
journalistic  productions  supported  by  the  high 
credibility and professionalism of its team.

The  first  morning  radio  talk  show  is  hosted 
by  Marcelo  Longobardi  and  the  team  of  Cada 
Mañana  from  6  AM  through  10  AM.  It  has 
maintained its leadership since the first day and 
reached  unprecedented  peaks  in  audience  share 
of  more  than  50  points,  a  record  high  for  Radio 
Mitre.  After  that  show,  Radio  Mitre  airs  Lanata 
sin  Filtro  from  10  AM  through  2  PM,  hosted  by 
Jorge  Lanata,  Diego  Leuco  and  a  large  team  of 
specialists, which lead audience shares. The show 
can also be watched in high-definition at mitrehd.
com.ar.  In  addition,  in  the  afternoon  slot  (from  2 
pm to 5 pm), Encendidos en tarde, hosted by María 
Isabel Sánchez, Rolo Villar and Tato Young, is a fun 
afternoon show that combines information, humor 
and interviews.

From 5 PM to 7 PM, Alfredo Leuco hosts Le Doy 
Mi  Palabra.    His  editorials  are  very  popular  and 
his  show  achieved  high  audience  levels  during 
the  year.  Pensándolo  Bien,  hosted  by  Jorge 
Fernández Díaz, begins at 8 PM. It stands out for 
his committed editorials and a thorough analysis 
of reality.

On December 26, La 100 changed the programming 
of  the  morning  slots.  Santiago  del  Moro  began 
hosting from 6 AM through 9 AM El Club del Moro, 
co-hosted by Maju Lozano.

La  100  closed  the  year  2016  leading  audience 
shares.  It  combines  famous  artists  and  an  ideal 

mix of music and constant innovation. During the 
year, Guido Kaczka and Claudia Fontán continued 
to  host  the  show  No  está  todo  dicho  in  the 
first  slot.  In  the  second  morning  slot,  Lalo  Mir 
continued  to  host  his  show  Lalo  por  Hecho,from 
9 am to 1 pm, co-hosted by Maju Lozano. Ronnie 
Arias hosts Sarasa, from 1 pm to 5 pm, a casual 
radio  magazine  with  a  fresh  style.  Afterwards, 
Sergio Lapegüe hosts Atardecer de un día agitado. 
The show Románticos, aired from 8 PM to 12 AM, 
ranked first or second in audience ratings within 
its time In addition, La 100 hosts acoustic concerts 
with the most renowned musicians.

Cienradios  is  the  most  prominent  on-line  radio 
content  platform  in  Latin  America.  It  offers  500 
playlists  of  all  the  singers  and  genres.  Users 
can  choose  their  favorite  music  and  receive 
recommendations  related  to  their  preferences.  It 
offers broadcast radio stations and has alliances 
with third parties.

Mitre  AM  810  has  consolidated  itself  in  the 
province of Córdoba as the radio with the second 
highest audience share. With a permanent team 
in the city and its own news service, Mitre informa 
primero,  Mitre  AM  810  develops  comprehensive 
coverage of news comprising Córdoba, Argentina 
and  the  world.  Its  programming  includes  hosts, 
such  as,  Jorge  "Petete"  Martínez,  Rebeca 
Bortoletto, and Juan A. Mateyko.

27

PRINTING &
PUBLISHING

28

PRINTING AND PUBLISHING

Grupo  Clarín,  through  Arte  Gráfico  Editorial 
Argentino S.A. (“AGEA”), is the main newspaper 
publisher  in  Argentina  and  one  of  the  most 
prominent  editorial  content  producers  in  Latin 
America.

Out  of  Grupo  Clarín's  total  sales  in  2016,  the 
Printing and Publishing segment accounted for Ps. 
5,776 billion, considering intersegment sales. This 
segment derives revenues primarily from the sale 
of advertising, newspaper copies and magazines 
and optional products.

ARTE GRÁFICO 
EDITORIAL ARGENTINO 
Arte  Gráfico  Editorial  Argentino  S.A.  (AGEA) 
publishes  three  national  newspapers.  In  the 
first  place,  AGEA  publishes  Clarín,  the  flagship 
Argentine  newspaper  and  one  of  the  most 
important  in  terms  of  circulation  in  the  Spanish-

speaking world. Olé, founded in 1996, the first and 
only sports newspaper of its kind in the Argentine 
market. And Diario La Razón, a pioneer in the free 
newspaper  segment.  It  also  publishes  regional 
newspapers.  In  addition,  it  publishes  Genios,  a 
very  popular  magazine  among  schoolchildren; 
Jardín  de  Genios,  aimed  at  children  between  2 
and 5 years of age that comes with a supplement 
for  parents;  Ñ,  a  cultural  magazine;  Revista 
Pymes,  aimed  at  small-  and  medium-sized 
businesses; and Diario de Arquitectura, aimed at 
the construction world, architects, designers and 
building  contractors,  and  Revista  Rural  aimed  at 
the agricultural sector, among other products.

AGEA  has  a  strong  presence  in  the  on-line 
classified  ads  segment  through  vertical  sites, 
including  Autos,  Inmuebles  y  Empleos  and  in 
the Internet content market through its websites 
clarin.com, ole.com.ar and entremujeres.com. 

NET SALES

(In millions of Ps.)

5,775.8  

4,303.4  

ADJUSTED EBITDA

I

G
N
H
S
I
L
B
U
P
&
G
N
I
T
N
I
R
P

%
2
.
4
3

Y
o
Y

2016

2015

(In millions of Ps.)

112.6  

2016

A
N

Y
o
Y

2015

I

G
N
H
S
I
L
B
U
P
&
G
N
I
T
N
I
R
P

(104.7)

29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIARIO CLARÍN

With a long-standing journalistic and commercial 
leadership  consolidated  over  its  72-year  track 
record,  Clarín  is  the  most  prominent  Argentine 
newspaper  in  terms  of  outreach  to  its  readers, 
circulation and advertising.

The  success  of  its  prestigious  editorial  line  lies 
in its identification with the interests, needs and 
emotions  of  its  audience  through  a  plural  and 
independent journalistic style.

30

PRINTING AND PUBLISHING

31

During 2016, Clarín engaged in a significant redesign 
During 2016, Clarín engaged in a significant redesign 
of its printed newspaper. It created a new section 
of its printed newspaper. It created a new section 
called  Spot  published  from  Mondays  through 
Fridays  with  show  business,  culture  and  trends 
news. The Sunday edition offers the new Economic 
supplement.  Clarín  created  a  multi-platform 
newsroom  that  works  simultaneously  for  the 
different versions of the newspaper -printed version, 
mobile and web-. All of its journalists work for all 
the platforms, seeking to maintain its leadership in 
the printing, digital and mobile markets. 

During the year, Diario Clarín’s daily average sales 
stood  at  209,000  copies.  Its  circulation  is  1.5 
higher than its closest competitor, while Sunday's 
sales  stood  at  480,000  daily  copies.  This  places 
Clarín among the major Sunday newspapers of the 
world. Clarín has a 40.9% share of the newspaper 
market in the City of Buenos Aires and the Greater 
Buenos  Aires  area,  and  a  24.9%  share  at  a 
national level. Having its own printing facilities is 
a very important competitive advantage.

The Zepita facility, located in the City of Buenos 

Aires,  has  a  surface  area  of  35,000  m2  and 
Aires,  has  a  surface  area  of  35,000  m2  and 
capacity  to  store  12,000  tons  of  newsprint.  It 
capacity  to  store  12,000  tons  of  newsprint.  It 
has  five  Goss  Metrocolor  rotary  offset  printing 
presses that enable it to print 300,000 copies of 
80 full-color pages per hour. AGL's printing facility, 
located in the province of Santa Fe, has a surface 
area of 3,000 m2 and has a Goss Uniliner rotary 
offset  printing  press  which  enables  it  to  print 
40,000  copies  per  hour.  The  entire  production 
process is developed in accordance with leading 
industrial  criteria  -such  as  computer  to  plate 
(CTP)-  and  environment  preservation  standards, 
such as, ISO 14001.

Clarín  365,  is  a  readers  club  created  in  2010  to 
build  loyalty  among  readers  and  to  reinforce 
its  close  bond  with  them,  as  well  as  to  retain 
circulation.  397,000  subscribers  enjoy  a  program 
that offers discounts, promotions and benefits in 
more than 1,200 brands and 5.2 thousand stores 
nationwide. The year 2016 was pivotal for Clarín 
365: It became the leading benefits program both 
in terms of the use of the card and in terms of the 
number of subscribers.

OPERATING STATISTICS - PRINTING AND PUBLISHING

Circulation(1)

Circulation share %(2)

Advertising share %(3)

2016
 237.1 

40.9%

52.6%

2015

261.7 

39.4%

51.2%

YoY

(9.4%)

3.7% 

2.8% 

(1) Average number of copies according to IVC (including Diario Clarín and Olé)

(2) Share in Buenos Aires and Greater Buenos Aires Area (AMBA) Diario Clarín. Source: AGEA and IVC.

(3) Share in Buenos Aires and Greater Buenos Aires Area (AMBA) Diario Clarín. Source: Monitor de Medios Publicitarios S.A.

PRODUCTS
The basic offer of the newspaper is comprised by 
the main body and its Spot, Sports and Classified 
ads  supplements.  Weekly  supplements,  such  as, 
Rural,  Countries,  Económico,  Autos,  Viajes  and 
New  York  Times,  make  Diario  Clarín  one  of  the 
most comprehensive newspapers in the market.

As  from  January  28,  the  Company  reorganized 
the  structure  of  the  regional  newspapers,  from 
9  to  8  weekly  newspapers.  La  Matanza  regional 
newspaper is now part of the Morón / Ituzaingó 
/ Hurlingham regional newspaper. These regional 
newspapers  maintain  the  concept  of  proximity 
and  symmetry  with  their  readers.  The  product 
continues to support, in terms of circulation, the 
Thursdays’  edition  of  the  newspaper  in  several 
locations of the surrounding areas of the City of 
Buenos Aires.

In  2016,  Diario  Clarín's  sports  section  covered 
both  in  the  print  and  in  the  digital  formats  the 
most prominent sports events.

Diario  Clarín’s  Economic  Supplement  offers  its 
readers a thorough analysis of the economy, the 
secrets of leading companies, personal finances, 
labor  market  with  valuable 
marketing  and 
information, easy-reading texts and the opinion of 
national and international prestigious columnists.
The  Rural  supplement  is  a  management  tool  for 
the production sector. It offers all the information 
about agricultural businesses. It is published once 
a week and has a digital platform. The Company 
was present in 2016 Expoagro, the agro-industrial 
fair which is held every year in March.

Clarín  constantly  keeps  up  to  date  and  offers  a 
wide range of editorial products together with the 
core product.  The following are among the most 
prominent collectible products for the period: “Las 
100 mejores obras de pintura”, “Tejidos”, “Running 
II”,  “Bodegones”,  “Jardinería”,  “Neurociencia”, 
“Ingles”,  “Mandalas”,  “Matemática  en  casa”, 
“Tolkien”, “Sandro”, “Paul Auster”, among others. 

32

MAGAZINES
During  2016,  the  cultural  Magazine  Ñ,  together 
with Clarín, was the sponsor and main supporter 
of the Buenos Aires Book Fair. With a stand that 
renewed  its  stake,  it  offered  cultural  contents, 
artistic  events,  reading  spaces,  talks,  debates 
and workshops. Along the year, it sponsored and 
supported  several  cultural  events  in  the  country. 
Through  the  Premio  Clarín  Novela,  Magazine  Ñ 
promotes the production and publishing of literary 
fiction in Spanish language.

Since  2002,  Diario  de  Arquitectura  has  been 
published  every  Tuesday  and  offers  professionals 
a benchmark editorial product. It develops optional 
supplements, which are highly valued by its readers. 
It  covers  the  most  important  events  such  as  Casa 
Foa and the Ibero-American Biennial of Architecture. 
This year, it launched products such as “MAS Casas 
de verano”, “MAS Hoteles” and “DNI”.

is  a  high-end  magazine 

Revista  ELLE 
for 
women  focused  on  fashion  and  beauty.  It  was 
incorporated in 1994 to AGEA's product portfolio 
and in 2016 it sold more than 25,000 copies per 
month countrywide. 

Tiki  Tiki,  published  every  other  week,  has  an 
empathetic approach and provides all the relevant 
information  for  children.  It  is  aimed  at  children 
aged 7 through 14 and offers information, fun and 
entertainment. 

The  graphic  characteristics  and  appearance  of 
the Magazine Shop & Co make it one of the top-
of-the-line  women  magazines  with  the  features 
of  a  consumption  magazine.  It  offers  several 
productions  to  guide  and  facilitate  monthly 
purchase  decisions  regarding  several  items  such 

PRINTING AND PUBLISHING

as  clothing,  makeup  and  beauty,  technology, 
automobiles, leisure and decoration. 

in 

its 

The  magazine  Genios,  published  once  a  week, 
continued to provide education and entertainment 
for children with a clear and up-to-date language. 
In  2016,  its  average  sales  exceeded  36,000 
copies.  The  monthly  edition  of  Jardín  de  Genios 
the  category 
leadership 
maintained 
children's magazine with over 52,000 copies sold. 
The  magazine  Clarín  Rural  -published  every  two 
months-  offers  all  the  necessary  keys  to  embark 
on  agricultural  projects.  It  publishes  thorough 
articles, advice from specialists, training offerings 
and innovation for the agricultural sector, as well 
as contents related to livestock, dairy, machinery 
and  technology  applied  to  the  production  in  the 
countryside.

OTHER NEWSPAPERS 
The  newspaper  La  Razón  is  the  first  ever  free 
newspaper.  It  is  mainly  distributed  in  the  public 
transportation network of the City of Buenos Aires. 
It  is  also  distributed  in  more  than  200  locations 
including  universities,  hotels,  coffee  shops  and 
through an exclusive mailing to opinion leaders.

Diario Olé is the first and only sports newspaper 
in Argentina. Since its launch in 1996, it has been 
a  benchmark  in  sports  information.  Its  editorial 
offering  provides  the  most  comprehensive  and 
full  coverage  of  football  and  other  sports  like 
tennis,  basketball,  rugby  and  motor  racing.  In 
2016,  Olé  celebrated  its  20th  anniversary,  with 
an  annual  sales  average  of  25,000  daily  copies 
and  consolidating  itself  as  a  leader  in  its  digital 
version  -www.ole.com.ar-  and  applications  for 
mobile devices.

33

INTERNET BUSINESS 
Clarín  has  a  strong  share  in  every  large  social 
platform  and  all  of 
its  products  follow  an 
innovative  communication  strategy.  In  this  way, 
it has achieved a leading position in social media 
journalism.

Clarín.com  addresses  the  significant  changes 
derived  from  the  Internet  in  the  way  people 
consume  news  and  information.  The  website, 
with  a  large  display  of  images,  sections  and  a 
structure  that  reconfigures  the  traditional  news 
categories,  is  constantly  updated  through  an 
integrated newsroom. In addition, Clarin.com has 
several versions for mobile devices through web 
applications  that  allow  users  of  mobile  phones 
and tablets, with any operating system, to access 
the site. 

During  2016,  Clarín  continued  to  work  on  the 
access  to  the  web  version  through  a  user 
registration  system  in  order  to  provide  a  better 
service  and  generate  greater  interaction  with 
the reader. As of November 2016, the number of 
people registered reached 1.1 million. Clarín.com 

Extrashow!  was  created  with  the  redesign  of 
Clarin.com,  with  a  new  way  of  working  and 
generating  an  average  of  over  30  million  page 
views  in  2016.  It  offers  contents  focused  on  its 
users so that they may enjoy the best information 
related to show business.

todoviajes.com  ended  the  year  with  over  1.2 
million unique visits over the last months. 

El Gran DT is the most popular game in Argentina 
and  has  engaged  5.5  million  people  in  its  17 
editions. Each on-line edition engages more than 
500,000 participants who have the chance to build 
their fantasy teams and win prizes.

is still the news site with the highest market share 
in  Latin  America  with  31  million  unique  visitors 
and more than 394 million page views per month. 

The  Electronic  Edition  faithfully  reproduces  the 
design  of  the  printed  newspaper,  with  the  same 
design,  photos,  infographics  and  ads,  exploiting 
the  benefits  of  digital  technology.  The  service  is 
offered under a subscription program through its 
web site.

With 
its  sites  “Deautos”,  “Argenprop”  and 
“Empleos  Clarín”;  the  company  has  a  strong 
presence in the on-line classified ads for cars, real 
estate and jobs. 

On  the  other  hand,  Entremujeres.com  had  over 
3.8 million unique users, thus becoming the most 
visited website aimed at women, with a leading 
position in its segment. 

34

PRINTING AND PUBLISHING

Over  the  last  years,  AGR  has  unsuccessfully 
attempted to explore new ways of mitigating the 
effects  of  the  drop  in  mass  commercial  printing, 
and preserve, at least partially, the sustainability 
of  the  Pompeya  facility.  Unfortunately,  the  huge 
challenge entailed by this change in the industry 
(now 
focused  on  segmented,  personalized 
and  distributed  printing)  was  not  supported 
by  the  delegates  internal  commission,  which 
systematically rejected all the proposals made by 
that company. 

In  the  morning  of  January  16,  a  group  of 
approximately 40 people, including the members of 
said internal commission, broke into the Pompeya 
facility,  breaking  entrance  doors,  windows, 
furniture  and  security  cameras,  and  violently 
removed  the  employees  that  were  inside  the 
facility. As of the date of issuance of this Annual 
Report,  many  of  them  were  still  at  the  facility, 
although  the  great  majority  of  the  employees 
(80%) had already agreed on their redundancy and 
collected their severance payments. 

TINTA FRESCA
Tinta  Fresca  Ediciones  S.A.  is  an  Argentine 
publishing company that was founded in 2004 and 
is  engaged  in  textbook  publishing  for  all  stages 
of  the  Argentine  education  system.  Tinta  Fresca 
seeks to place books at the heart of the teaching 
and  learning  processes  and  have  teachers  and 
students  use  them  as  an  effective  and  updated 
learning  tool.  In  addition,  apart  from  textbooks, 
the editorial offers a broad range of publications 
aimed at teachers and learners, such as children 
and  youth  literature,  dictionaries  and  reference 
books.  Since  its  foundation,  Tinta  Fresca  has 
published more than 390 titles.

The  Digital  Development  Unit,  created  in  2011, 
seeks to engage in the several modalities in which 
Information  Technology  and  Communications 
will  be  introduced  in  the  classrooms  and  in  the 
education  system  in  general.  This  allowed  for 
the  development  and  launch  of  the  first  digital 
books  for  secondary  education.  They  are  sold  at 
Bajalibros.com. The Company has also developed 
a new on-line sale channel.

Ríos  de  Tinta,  founded  in  Mexico  in  2007,  in 
association  with  the  Mexican  group  MILENIO, 
offered  14  titles  for  public  schools  and  16  titles 
for private schools during 2016. During 2016, the 
company  strove  to  increase  the  number  of  titles 
for private schools with language books.

ARTES GRÁFICAS RIOPLANTENSE 
Artes  Gráficas  Rioplatense  S.A. 
is  a 
(AGR) 
comprehensive  printing  production  company 
that  was  founded  in  1976.  During  its  first  three 
decades, it increased its production capacity and, 
through  investments  in  modern  technologies,  it 
widened  the  variety  of  products  it  prints.  Over 
the  last  ten  years,  upon  the  huge  changes  in 
consumption patterns derived from the emergence 
of  new  technologies,  AGR’s  traditional  business 
has shrunk while the variable printing, distribution 
and  logistics  segments  have  grown  and  have 
higher future prospects.

AGR  complies  with  international  quality  and 
services  standards  and  achieved 
ISO  9000, 
14000  and  FSC  (Forest  Stewardship  Council) 
certifications.

During  2016,  and  in  line  with  a  lower  level  of 
economic activity as a whole, deliveries showed a 
generalized drop in all of AGR's product lines. The 
traditional graphic sector has been competing for 
many  years  now  with  the  new  technologies  and 
means  of  communication  (digital  platforms),  for 
which the large print runs are being replaced by 
more segmented and specific publications.

Therefore,  and  due  to  the  strong  reconfiguration 
of  the  commercial  printing  sector,  a  global 
phenomenon  that  also  takes  place  in  Argentina, 
at the beginning of 2017 AGR had to restructure 
its  activities.  On  January  16,  AGR  announced 
that it had ceased to operate its printing facility 
located  in  the  neighborhood  of  Pompeya,  which 
was  engaged  in  the  mass  commercial  printing 
business. 

35

IMPRIPOST
Impripost  Tecnologías  S.A.  is  a  company  mainly 
engaged  in  production  and  variable  printing, 
including  invoices,  advertising  brochures,  forms, 
labels and cards. It also provides envelope-stuffing 
services. Today, it is one of the main companies in 
the market of variable data printing and finishing 
in large volumes.

During 2016, Impripost gained new customers with 
different needs and proposals. It also continued to 
render document digitalization services with very 
good results and a growing customer base. 

CÚSPIDE
CÚSPIDE is a company engaged in the distribution 
of  books.  Today,  it  has  two  business  areas:  A 
retail  business  area,  with  30  branches  located 
throughout 
the  country;  and  a  wholesale 
distribution  business  area.  The  wholesale  area 
serves  more  than  1,500  customers.  Cuspide.com 
leads the on-line bookstore market in Argentina.

During  2016,  it  opened  a  new  branch  in  the  city 
of  Santiago  del  Estero  and  launched  two  new 
ventures  in  the  summer  season  in  the  cities  of 
Mar del Plata and Cariló. By mid-December, that 
company opened the first Cúspide franchise in the 
City of La Plata.

UNIR
UNIR S.A. is a company engaged in mail reception, 
classification, 
transportation, 
scheduling, 
warehouse,  logistics,  distribution,  and  delivery 
services  throughout  the  country,  in  all  product 
categories.

UNIR has its own distribution network in the City 
of  Buenos  Aires  and  its  surrounding  areas.  The 
rest of the country is served through agreements 
with other companies.

It works together with Artes Gráficas Rioplatense 
and Impripost, both subsidiaries of Grupo Clarín, 
which  allows  UNIR  to  complete  the  process 
ranging from the printing of invoices and brochures 
to the delivery to the final consumer. During this 
year, the logistics unit has increased its share in 
the general business.

During  2016,  UNIR  increased  its  total  sales  by 
86%.  During  this  year,  UNIR  S.A.  increased  its 
storage  capacity  by  incorporating  a  2,500  m2 
warehouse in the City of Córdoba.

CIMECO 
CIMECO  S.A.  was  organized  in  1997  with  the 
aim  of  acquiring  equity  interests  in  Argentine 
and foreign newspapers, seeking to preserve the 

regional journalism industry, blending experience, 
synergy  and  economies  of  scale,  and  preserving 
its  editorial  principles.  CIMECO  holds  a  majority 
interest  in  two  of  the  three  largest  regional 
newspapers  in  Argentina:  La  Voz  del  Interior 
(Córdoba) and Los Andes (Mendoza).

La  Voz  del  Interior  S.A.  leads  the  printed  and 
digital market in the central region of the country. 
Its two printed newspapers, La Voz del Interior and 
Día a Día, have a significant market share in the 
province of Córdoba. 

During this year, CIMECO focused on redesigning 
all  of  its  editorial  products.  It  has  been  the 
most  significant  change  of  format  for  La  Voz  del 
Interior  since  it  was  founded  in  1904.  It  used  to 
be a broadsheet newspaper and now it is a long 
tabloid. The change was well received among its 
readers.

The  redesign  was  more  than  just  a  cosmetic 
one: The goal was a change of focus giving more 
depth  to  the  contents  and  supplement  those 
contents with the information published in other 
journalistic  platforms.  In  addition,  La  Voz  made 
a comprehensive redesign of its news sites. This 
was  very  well  received  by  its  readers  and  there 
was  a  12%  growth  in  the  traffic  from  desktop 
computers and 30% from mobile sites, with higher 
figures in social networks. 

Club  La  Voz,  the  benefit  and  subscription  sales 
club, recorded a strong growth. 35% of the total 
newspaper  sales  during  2016  were  sold  through 
this subscription system. 

reporting 
Los  Andes  newspaper  has  been 
Mendoza’s  news  since  1882.  In  that  year,  the 
Calle family founded one of the oldest journalistic 
companies 
is  a 
benchmark brand in its market. 

in  the  country.  Los  Andes 

During  2016,  Los  Andres  also  worked  on  the 
redesign  of  its  printed  version,  which  was  well 
received  among  its  readers.  Los  Andes  Pass, 
the  newspaper’s  loyalty  program,  recorded  a 
18.7% increase as compared to 2015. In addition, 
the  newspaper  participated  actively  in  all  the 
important  provincial  events  and  focused  on  the 
growth  of  its  on-line  version  and  on  increasing 
the  value-added  products  that  are  sold  with  the 
newspaper.

36

PRINTING AND PUBLISHING

COMERCIALIZADORA 
DE MEDIOS DEL INTERIOR S.A.
During  2016,  Comercializadora  de  Medios  del 
Interior  S.A. 
(CMI)  continued  to  consolidate 
itself  as  the  major  advertising  selling  network 
in  the  interior  of  the  country.  During  this  year, 
the  Company  intensified  the  adaptation  of  its 
traditional  businesses  to  the  new  technologies 
preserving its profitability model. 
The  site  Rumbos,  a  little  more  than  three  years 
after  being  launched,  had  more  than  580,000 
unique visitors, registering an 81% increase in the 
last twelve months. Revenues from CMI's digital 
activities  accounted  for  16%  of  its  aggregate 
advertising  revenues.  Rumbos  magazine,  which 
celebrated  its  13th  anniversary  in  the  market,  is 
one of its remarkable products, and consolidated 
as the leading Sunday magazine in the provinces 
in terms of the volume and quality of units sold. 

PAPEL PRENSA 
Papel Prensa S.A.I.C.F. y de M. is the first producer 
of  newsprint  that  is  wholly  owned  by  Argentine 
capital.  It  started  its  operations  in  1978  and 
is  currently  Argentina's  major  producer.  As  of 
December  31,  2016,  the  shareholders  of  Papel 
Prensa were AGEA (37%), CIMECO (12%), S.A. La 
Nación (22.5%), the Argentine federal government 
(27.5%), and other minor investors (1%).

37

DIGITAL CONTENT
& OTHERS

38

DIGITAL CONTENT AND OTHERS

Revenues  in  this  segment  are  derived  from  the 
sale  of  advertising  on  some  Internet  web  sites 
and  portals  and  the  provision  of  administrative 
and  corporate  services  by  Grupo  Clarín  and  its 
subsidiary GC Gestión Compartida S.A. (“GCGC”) 
to  third  parties  and  other  subsidiaries.  They 

also  include  digital  content  production  through 
Compañía de Medios Digitales S.A. (“CMD”). 

Out  of  Grupo  Clarín's  total  sales  in  2016,  this 
segment  accounted  for  Ps.  1,268  billion,  taking 
into account intersegment sales.

ADJUSTED EBITDA

(In millions of Ps.)

2016

 1.3  

2015

A
N

Y
o
Y

I

G
N
M
M
A
R
G
O
R
P
D
N
A
G
N
I
T
S
A
C
D
A
O
R
B

(131.1) 

NET SALES

(In millions of Ps.)

1,268.0 

761.0 

I

G
N
M
M
A
R
G
O
R
P
D
N
A
G
N
I
T
S
A
C
D
A
O
R
B

%
6
.
6
6

Y
o
Y

2016

2015

39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIGITAL CONTENT

CMD  holds  a  93.32%  equity  interest  in  Interwa 
S.A.,  a  company  dedicated  to  the  creation  and 
maintenance  of  tourism  web  sites.  In  addition, 
through its 51% interest in Clawi S.A., it develops 
Mundo Gaturro, a successful on-line game, which 
has  become  the  largest  on-line  community  of 
children  in  Argentine  history  with  more  than 
12  million  registered  users  and  more  than  1.3 
million children playing each month. It continued 
with its expansion process to other countries and 
increased traffic in Chile, Peru, Mexico, Colombia 
and  Spain.  During  2015,  the  company  launched 
Mundo Gaturro App, which allows users to switch 

from their computers to their mobile devices. This 
project was fully developed in-company.

Tecdia S.A., in which CMD holds a 97.93% interest, 
is fully engaged in e-business development, with 
a  special  focus  on  tourism  platforms  and  on  the 
digital photo development business. 

QB9  S.A.  is  a  leading  company  engaged  in  the 
development  of  casual  video  games  in  Latin 
America, with a team of professionals that design 
and  produce  on-line  games,  as  well  as  desktop, 
PSP and iOS games.

Electropuntonet  S.A. 
the  first  Argentine 
is 
company  that  sells  100%  of  its  home  appliance 
products  online  (Pure  Player).  Its  website  offers 
its  customers  mechanisms  to  purchase,  securely 
pay  and  receive  their  products.  In  addition, 
Electropuntonet  acquired  in  2016  certain  assets 
of Meroli S.A., a renowned chain of the province 
of  Córdoba  specialized  in  the  off-line  sale  of 
home  appliances.  This  allows  it  to  manage  and 
consolidate  the  exploitation  and  engage  in  a 
change of scale in that business niche.

OPERATING STATISTICS - DIGITAL CONTENT AND OTHERS

Page Views(1)

Unique Visitors(1)

(1) In millions. Average. Source IAB and Company Estimates.

2016
 895.8 

64.5 

2015

 783.9  

 65.1  

YoY

  14.3%  

 (0.9%) 

40

DIGITAL CONTENT AND OTHERS

ArgenProp

Buscainmueble

Canal 13

Clasificados 

Clarin.com

Cienradios

Ciudad

Clarín Blogs

ClubCupón

Confronte

De Autos

De Motos

Entremujeres

Espectáculos

Genios

Guía de la Industria 

Grupo Clarín

iEco

Imagena

Interpatagonia 

La Razón

Más Oportunidades

Mundo Gaturro

Nimbuzz

Mublet

Olé

Quieromimúsica

Revista Ñ

Shop1 

Tangocity

Tipete

TN

TN y la Gente

Toda Pasión

T&C Sports

Ubbi

Vía Restó

Yuisy

VXV

Welcome Argentina

41

42

DIGITAL CONTENT AND OTHERS

fairs.  This  year,  the  twelfth  edition  was  held  in 
July  at  La  Rural,  with  the  participation  of  more 
than 400 stands and 70,000 visitors.  

In 2012, FEASA executed an agreement with S.A. 
La Nación for the creation of a joint venture (UTE, 
for  its  Spanish  acronym)  to  organize  Expoagro, 
the annual outdoor agro-industrial fair, gathering 
agricultural  producers  from  Latin  America  and 
highlights  the  production  potential  of  Argentina. 
Hundreds of agricultural state-of-the-art machines 
and equipment are tested at the fair. In 2016, the 
10th edition of this fair was organized in the City 
of  Ramallo  revalidating  its  position  as  the  main 
Argentine  agricultural  exhibition  in  a  natural 
environment.

in  2015,  Exponenciar  S.A.’s  main 
Created 
shareholders are Ferias y Exposiciones Argentinas 
S.A.  and  Publirevistas  S.A.,  with  equal  equity 
interests,  and 
in  the 
organization  of  Expoagro.  The  fair  will  be  held 
once a year in the City of San Nicolás at a fixed 
location for 15 years.

is  mainly  engaged 

it 

is  company  engaged 

OTHER SERVICES
in 
Gestión  Compartida 
providing  comprehensive  solutions  to  meet  the 
management and operational needs of companies, 
which allows its customers to focus their efforts 
and resources on the activities that represent their 
core  business.  Each  area  has  professional  and 
technological resources and operates in Argentina 
and  several  countries  of  South  America,  with  a 
working team of more than 500 professionals.

focused  on  systematically 

The  company  has  internal  quality  and  process 
areas 
identifying 
opportunities for improvement in the services we 
provide.

FERIAS Y EXPOSICIONES ARGENTINAS
Ferias  y  Exposiciones  Argentinas  S.A.  (FEASA) 
is  mainly  engaged  in  the  organization  of  events, 
conferences  and  fairs.  Since  2007,  Ferias  y 
Exposiciones Argentinas has been mainly engaged 
in  the  organization  of  Caminos  y  Sabores,  a  fair 
intended  to  foster  Argentina's  gastronomy  and 
handicrafts  and  to  promote  the  region's  major 
tourist  destinations.  Caminos  y  Sabores  has 
consolidated itself as one of the fastest growing 

43

CORPORATE 
RESPONSIBILITY AND 
SUSTAINABILITY 

44

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY 

OUR COMMITMENT

Since  our  foundation,  Grupo  Clarín  has  been 
aware  of  its  social  responsibility  as  a  company 
and  as  media.  Its  commitment  to  society  is  an 
inherent  part  of  Grupo  Clarín's  activities  and  is 
reflected in its vision and statement of principles. 

Grupo  Clarín's  media  and  journalists  work  day 
after day towards fulfilling and consolidating the 
citizens' right to information, fulfilling its duty to 
inform with honesty and accuracy and combining 
high credibility with a comprehensive journalistic 
and  entertainment  offering,  based  on  a  deep 
knowledge  of  the  audience.  The  Company  has 
established multiple channels for communicating 
and interacting with its different stakeholders in 
order to respond to their expectations and boost 
the positive impacts of its initiatives.

TRANSPARENCY, STANDARDS 
AND GUIDELINES  
Grupo Clarín's values and principles are outlined in 
the Company's Code of Ethics and in the Guía para 
la  Acción,  a  document  that  proposes  models  for 
management, organization and roles, and outlines 
Grupo Clarín's policies and procedures concerning 
labor, the environment and human rights.

Style  guides,  ethics  manuals  and  news  coverage 
guidelines, including internal rules and commitments 
to journalistic quality and journalist responsibility, 

are the guiding principles of the several activities 
developed by news and entertainment companies.

During  2016,  the  Company  implemented  the 
main pillars of its Social Corporate Responsibility 
and  Sustainability  Policy  in  order  to  extend  best 
practices  and  set  common  goals  within  the 
organization and its subsidiaries.

Since  2004,  the  Company  has  adhered  to  the 
United  Nations  Global  Compact 
in  order  to 
systematically  address  the  10  guiding  principles 
to sustainable management.

In 2016, the Company issued its first Sustainability 
Report.  This  was  the  first  report  issued  by  a 
journalistic  company  in  Argentina,  which  gives 
Grupo  Clarín  a  leading  position  in  its  sector.  The 
report reflects the Group's environmental, social and 
economic performance and followed the guidelines 
of  the  Global  Compact,  the  Global  Reporting 
Initiative  (GRI)  G4  Guide  and  its  Media  Sector 
Supplement. The Company identified its contribution 
to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the 
United  Nations  and  used  the  ISO  26,000  Social 
Responsibility  International  Standard  to  integrate 
social responsibility into its management. In order to 
identify the most relevant issues to its business and 
to  its  stakeholders,  it  followed  the  AccountAbility 
1000:AA1000SES 
Engagement 
Standard. The material indicators were verified by 
an external independent auditor. 

Stakeholder 

45

INDEPENDENCE AND TRANSPARENCY
Independence  is  at  the  core  of  Grupo  Clarín  as  a 
guarantee of the freedom to exercise the journalistic 
role  of  its  media  in  the  Argentine  democracy. 
Independence  is  also  an  assumed  responsibility,  a 
way of exercising and guaranteeing rights and a view 
of sustainability from the Company's standpoint.

Independence  requires  transparency.  Hence,  the 
information about Grupo Clarín and its subsidiaries, 
media,  shareholders,  activities,  revenues  and 
investments is public and is available at its web 
site,  at  the  web  site  of  the  Argentine  Securities 
Commission (Comisión Nacional de Valores), and 
at  the  diverse  communication  channels  with  the 
public, audiences and readers. In this regard, the 
Company  stands  out  in  an  environment  where 
most Argentine media companies fail to publicly 
disclose their financial statements, the sources of 
their revenues, and in some cases, fail to reveal 
the identity of their respective owners.

Advertising is one of the sources of revenues of the 
media.  Historically,  due  to  the  scale  and  diversity 
of Grupo Clarín's revenues, the relative significance 
of  official  advertising  revenues  and  individual 
advertisers  has  always  been  limited  with  respect 
to  the  Company's  total  sales.  This  contributes  to 
generate conditions that allowed the Company to 
inform without any conditioning factors.

Business  and  editorial  functions  are  clearly 
separated  at  Grupo  Clarín's  media.  Special 
emphasis is placed on the fact that journalists are 
completely detached from the sale of advertising 
so as to allow for the exercise of journalism, free 
of  any  conditioning  factor.  In  addition,  Grupo 
Clarín's media specifically focus on the distinction 
between advertising and editorial space.

46

INFORMATION ON SUSTAINABILITY
In  line  with  its  Social  Corporate  Responsibility 
and  Sustainability  Policy,  Grupo  Clarín  identifies 
the  material  aspects  of  its  activities  following 
responsibility  standards 
international  social 
applicable 
the 
GRI's  guidelines,  and  in  accordance  with  the 
expectations of its multiple stakeholders.

the  media,  particularly, 

to 

As  to  the  scope  of  the  information  provided 
in  this  section,  labor  indicators  include  all  of 
Grupo  Clarín's  subsidiaries,  pursuant  to  the 
in  the  financial 
accounting  criteria  followed 
statements  presented 
this 
Annual  Report,  with  the  addition  of  Trisa  S.A. 
Environmental  performance  refers  to  production 
or  scale  operations  in  which  disclosing  this  kind 

together  with 

in 

the  current  year 

of  information  is  material.  Those  indicators  may 
present  differences  against  previous  periods, 
since 
includes  NEXTEL's 
operations. 
  Similarly,  some  content-related 
indicators  are  exclusively  applied  to  subsidiaries 
journalistic  or  entertainment 
engaged 
broadcasting  and  programming  activities.  As 
to  other  indicators,  for  instance,  those  related 
to  certain  community  engagement  programs 
of  Grupo  Clarín  or  its  subsidiaries  that  require 
comprehensive and detailed impact assessments, 
the information provided is mostly related to the 
core of the activities inherent to the Metropolitan 
Area of Buenos Aires, due to the complexity and 
extension of the processes involved in reviewing 
and verifying periodic information.

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY 

THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE

Grupo  Clarín's  media  companies  have  assumed 
a  long-standing  commitment  to  audiences  and 
readers.  Grupo  Clarín's  sustained  leadership 
and  the  privileged  position  of  its  products  as 
the  people's  preferred  choice  are  attributable 
to  its  ability  to  anticipate  trends  and  its  vast 
knowledge of media consumption trends, paired 
with its capacity to understand their needs and 
meet their requirements.

Grupo Clarín's media foster the interaction with 
its  public  and  audiences,  enhancing  listening 
and discussion channels and tools. Applications, 
social networks, letters from the readers, surveys, 
contests,  spaces  for  opinion,  suggestions  and 
comments are expressed through multiple open 
spaces  for  content  created  by  the  people  and 
for the free expression of the entire diverse and 
plural society.

During  this  period,  at  a  corporate  level,  Grupo 
Clarín  also  offered  multiple  communication 
and  interaction  channels  to  discuss  specific 
institutional issues, such as weekly newsletters 
and  websites  and  social  networks,  in  order  to 
share  the  latest  updates  with  accuracy  and 
transparency.

Grupo Clarín also intends to give a voice to small 
communities  and  to  foster  the  development 
of  local  content.  Through  the  program  Somos, 
Cablevisión  and  ARTEAR  have  been  working 
together  in  order  to  take  part  in  the  gradual 
renewal of TV signals and local news programs in 
many locations of Argentina. To date, the program 
has  37  Somos  signals.  The  program  is  based  on 
the concepts of access to information and cultural 
proximity  with  the  people,  and  introduces  state-
of-the-art  technology  and  ongoing  training  to 
improve local coverage and develop local talents.

47

to  guarantee 

SOCIAL AND SUSTAINABILITY 
COVERAGE
Grupo  Clarín  sets  goals 
the 
quality  and  pluralism  of  its  contents.  Grupo 
Clarín’s  newspapers  and  news  programs  offer 
comprehensive  coverage  of  news  and  relevant 
social  and  environmental  issues.  They  also  have 
a  long-standing  and  respected  reputation  for 
journalistic research.

Special  supplements,  experts'  and  scholars' 
journalistic 
opinions,  on-site  news  coverage, 
images  and 
talent  and  the  quality  of  the 
infographics complete the broad variety of issues 
addressed by Grupo Clarín. These include health, 
consumption and development, science, education 
and preservation.

the 

importance  of 

Acknowledging 
reflecting 
diversity,  fostering  social  justice,  protecting  the 
youth,  encouraging  minority  recognition  and 
avoiding  discrimination  on  the  basis  of  race  and 
gender  are  key  actions  to  create  content  in  the 
media in a responsible fashion.

An  example  of  this  commitment  is  the  value 
provided to the coverage of social issues, such as 
the  program  aired  during  2016,  Esta  es  mi  villa, 

48

by Todo Noticias. Clarín.com promoted El Otro, el 
Mismo,  a  blog  aimed  at  the  inclusion  of  people 
with  disabilities,  developed  in  association  with 
the  Universidad  Católica  Argentina  and  social 
organizations.

Also  during  this  period,  Grupo  Clarín  published 
the supplement Gestión Sustentable (Sustainable 
Management),  together  with  Diario  La  Razón,  to 
make  readers  think  about  the  most  prominent 
issues  of  the  sustainable  development  global 
agenda and to report on social and environmental 
responsibility  actions  carried  out  by  companies 
and organizations of the civil society.

In  this  regard,  the  Calendario  del  Compromiso 
con  la  Comunidad  (Calendar  of  Commitment  to 
the  Community)  was  published  for  the  eleventh 
consecutive year in Revista Viva. This is a weekly 
section sponsored by Clarín, the Noble Foundation 
and  Red  Solidaria  that  provides  an  overview  of 
the  social  challenges  Argentina  currently  faces, 
with an emphasis on the potential positive effect 
that  contributions  made  by  individuals  and  the 
organizations  of  the  civil  society  may  have  in 
addressing such challenges.

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY 

Grupo  Clarín  also  renewed  its  support  for  the 
traditional  campaign  Un  sol  para  los  chicos, 
together  with  ARTEAR  and  UNICEF.  In  2016, 
the  Company  held  the  25th  edition  and  raised 
Ps.  52,827,793  among  contributions  made  by 
individuals, companies and others, to be used in 
education and social programs aimed at children 
and  young  people.  The  campaign  is  one  of 
UNICEF's main sources of revenues in the country 
and seeks to boost individual donations to social 
causes in Argentina.

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT AND 
CONTRIBUTION TO DEVELOPMENT
Grupo Clarín seeks permanently to improve its role 
in the promotion of the public debate by fostering 
individual involvement and further describing the 
social,  economic  and  environmental  challenges 
faced by society with diversity of opinion. 

During  each  day  of  September  2016,  as  an 
initiative  of  Fundación  Noble,  Diario  Clarín 
published  Hay  un  solo  camino,  la  educación,  a 
page solely dedicated to the analysis and debate 
of  the  main  challenges  faced  by  the  Argentine 
education  system.  The  proposal  sought  to  raise 
awareness  and  create  reviews  to  address  all 
aspects of education. 

In  addition,  the  Company  held  the  Innovación 
educativa  para  la  sociedad  del  conocimiento 
conference  with  over  300  attendees  and 
presentations made by six ministers of education, 
international experts and local referents.

During  2016,  the  Company  also  focused  on  the 
contributions to sustainability made by the country 
and the region building upon social innovation and 
the  promotion  of  entrepreneurs.  In  November, 
Diario  Clarín  issued  a  special  supplement  in 

alliance  with  the  Inter-American  Development 
Bank. The supplement covered the project contests 
made at the event Idear Soluciones para Mejorar 
Vidas,  hosted  at  La  Usina  del  Arte.  It  reflected 
innovative solutions to address persistent issues 
in the region in the health, water and sanitation 
areas.  In  addition,  the  Company  promoted  We 
Exchange,  an  initiative  that  seeks  to  empower 
female entrepreneurs. 

The  Company  also  sought  to  foster  values, 
such  as  solidarity  and  community  commitment. 
Through ARTEAR, in 2016 the Company launched 
a  new  edition  of  Abanderados  de  la  Argentina 
Solidaria,  an  award  that  recognizes  the  work—
that  would  otherwise  go  unnoticed—  done  by 
social  entrepreneurs  and  community  leaders,  by 
communicating  valuable  initiatives,  that  foster 
social transformation and may be replicated. The 
initiative  is  supported  by  Ashoka  and  Fundación 
Navarro Viola and a panel of outstanding people 
from  the  social,  academic  and  cultural  sectors. 
Alicia  Félix  received  the  Abanderada  del  Año 
Award,  thanks  to  votes  from  the  public  and 
obtained a Ps. 250,000 prize for her work Hospice 
La Piedad.

49

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 
AND SOCIAL ADVERTISING 
Grupo Clarín's impact on and relationship with the 
community and people goes beyond the boundaries 
of its editorial coverage. The support to vulnerable 
communities,  the  coordination  of  educational 
projects,  and  the  organization  of  campaigns  to 
address social issues or to help areas that were 
hit by natural disasters, paired with Grupo Clarín's 
sustained  commitment  evidenced  by  several 
types  of  donations  and  knowledge  transfer,  are 
just  some  examples  of  the  initiatives  organized 
and fostered by Grupo Clarín's media companies, 
either jointly or individually.

With  respect  to  social  advertising,  during  2016, 
its  media 
Grupo  Clarín,  through  several  of 
companies,  donated  a  significant  amount  of 
advertising  time  and  space  to  foster  causes 
related to social, civic and environmental issues. 
The Company achieved this through its own social 
investment programs or within the framework of 
strategic alliances with organizations of the civil 
society.

Within this framework, Cablevisión organized the 
program Segundos para Todos in order to donate 
free advertising time to organizations of the civil 
society.  In  2016,  this  initiative  donated  117,733 
advertising seconds to broadcast public adds.

The estimated impact of these in-kind contributions 
allocated  to  public  welfare  messages  accounts 

for  the  equivalent  to  a  social  investment  of  Ps. 
124,470,476. 

Grupo Clarín has also undertaken a sustained and 
strategic commitment to bridging the digital gap 
and promoting the responsible use of the Internet, 
through  Cablevisión  and  Fibertel.  Cablevisión 
designed  Connections  that  transform,  its  2016-
2020 Sustainability Strategy. 

This commitment is undertaken in 3 ecosystems: 
1.  Economic  NODE:  Promote  employment  and 
productive development.
2. Social LAB: Promote digital inclusion and social 
innovation.
3.  Environmental  BIO:  Manage  the  infrastructure 
and  environmental  aspects,  boosting  positive 
impacts and mitigating negative impacts. 

to  contribute 

Within  the  digital  ecosystem,  one  of  the  main 
programs is called Puente Digital, which provides 
free  cable  TV  and  Internet  services  to  schools, 
hospitals  and  community  organizations,  whereby 
to  digital 
Cablevisión  seeks 
inclusion  and  social 
innovation.  The  actions 
carried  out  in  connection  with  this  program 
include  comprehensive  design  and  donation  of 
connectivity, development of cloud technology to 
face education, health, emergency and citizenship 
challenges,  digital  training  and  literacy  so  that 
women  and  girls  can  have  access  to  technology 

In  2016,  Cablevisión 

and young people can have access to employment 
opportunities. 
installed 
20,707 free connections, of which 14,386 belong 
to  the  program  Puente  Digital.  This  represents 
Ps. 81,752,726 of cable TV and Internet services 
donated  by  Cablevisión.  This  was  supplemented 
with  specific  programs  such  as  the  service 
Cablevisión  Flex,  which  offers  social  reduced 
prices  for 
low-income  areas,  which  reached 
168,579 connections in 2016.

The impact of donated advertising space and free 
connectivity services may be added to the Noble 
Foundation’s  budget  and  special  projects  which 
reached Ps. 5 million in 2016, and to the amount 
set  aside  for  other  sustainability  programs  in 
several  subsidiaries,  which,  in-kind  and  in  cash, 
reached Ps. 93,292,131 million in 2016. Hence, the 
total  cash  and  in-kind  contributions  represent  in 
the aggregate a contribution of approximately Ps 
222,762 million.

In  addition  to  providing  financing,  resources, 
capacity  and  experience  in  the  promotion  of 
socially  valuable  initiatives,  Grupo  Clarín  also 
relies  upon  third  parties  to  secure  regular 
sponsorships and donations within the framework 
of  strategic  alliances  related  to  the  sponsored 
initiatives.

RADIO

BROADCAST

CABLE TV

PAGES IN
NEWSPAPERS

PAGES IN
MAGAZINES

ADVERTISING SPACE DONATED IN 2016 ON GRUPO CLARÍN'S

Radio and Broadcast and Cable TV

Pages in newspapers and magazines  

608,429 seconds

195.06 pages

THE ESTIMATED IMPACT OF 

THESE IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS 

ALLOCATED TO PUBLIC ADDS 

ACCOUNTS FOR THE EQUIVALENT 

TO A SOCIAL INVESTMENT OF 

APPROXIMATELY PS. 125 MILLION.

* The figures of the indicators in this Report may defer from those reported 

in the Sustainability Report 2015 due to changes in the method of calculation.

50

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY 

BOOKS

MAGAZINES

MANUALS

NOBLE FOUNDATION'S DONATIONS OF EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL

Books

Magazines 

Manuals

2016
39,022

9,325

1,250

2015

43,391

7,212

420

2014

49,603

4,177

310

FOSTERING EDUCATION AND CULTURE
As  part  of  its  initiatives  in  support  of  education, 
Grupo  Clarín  used  its  cross-segment  position  and 
its  ability  to  communicate  with  society  to  raise 
awareness  of  the  importance  of  education  as 
a  right  and  as  a  critical  element  in  Argentina's 
future  social  development.  In  this  sense,  it  tried 
to foster equal opportunities in education through 
its  publishing  company  Tinta  Fresca  with  the 
generation  of  updated,  affordable  and  quality 
educational  materials  for  students,  teachers  and 
schools throughout the country.

The  Company  has  renewed  its  support  for  the 
8th  Educational  Quality  Forum,  under  the  motto 
"Learning and Innovation". The forum is a massive 
event  organized  by  the  civil  association  Educar 
2050. This entity combines the field work related to 
training delivered to principals of schools attended 
by low-income children with extensive public policy 
advocacy activities. 

One of the most prominent initiatives resulting from 
a collective effort is the award “Premio Clarín- Zúrich 
a la Educación”. The eighth edition recognized the 
best projects of “reading, writing and oral work” as 
learning practices for all the subjects of secondary” 
school.  The  first  prize  consisted  of  Ps.  230,000 
and was granted to a public school to develop its 
project.  In  addition,  there  were  three  honorable 
mentions  which  received  Ps.  70,000  each.  During 
this  period,  through  the  Noble  Foundation,  the 
Company  continued  to  donate  bibliographical 
material, and renewed its long-standing support of 
Escuelas Roberto Noble, named after the founder of 
Diario Clarín, Roberto Noble.

Again  this  year,  the  Company  sponsored  the 
annual  Maratón  de  Lectura  (Readathon)  initiative, 
organized by Fundación Leer with the participation 
of  over  4  million  children.  The  event  received  the 
donation  of  22,000  books  published  by  Clarín 

and  the  initiative  was  promoted  through  a  broad 
advertising campaign. 

Grupo  Clarín  and  its  subsidiaries  have  renewed 
their  commitment  to  culture  through  several 
sponsorships to important events and entities, such 
as,  Feria  del  Libro  (Book  Fair),  Faena  Art  Center 
and  Teatro  Colón.  The  Company  sponsored  the 
2016  season  of  Teatro  Maipo,  the  presentations 
in  Argentina  of  Les  Luthiers,  and  the  campaign 
Vení  al  teatro  organized  by  Asociación  Argentina 
de  Empresarios  Teatrales  (AADET,  for  its  Spanish 
acronym),  aimed  at  developing,  promoting  and 
reinforcing the emotional bond between the public 
and  the  theatre.  The  Company  also  sponsored 
the  movie  El  Ciudadano 
Ilustre  directed  by 
Gastón  Duprat  and  Mariano  Cohn,  an  Argentine 
dramatic  comedy  which  received  several  awards 
at 
international  festivals.  The  Company  also 
sponsored  the  movie  Gilda  directed  by  Lorena 
Muñoz,  starring  Natalia  Oreiro.  For  the  first  time, 
the  Company  participated  in  the  master  classes 
given by Al Pacino and Gerard Depardieu. In 2016, 
Clarín held a new annual edition of Premio Clarín 
de  Novela,  awarded  to  Carlos  Bernatek,  for  his 
book  El  Canario,  a  story  about  the  scars  caused 
in  the  darkest  years  of  recent  Argentine  history. 
The winner received Ps. 300,000 and got his book 
published.  Grupo  Clarín  also  sponsored  a  series 
of  concerts  organized  by  Buenos  Aires  Lírica 
Foundation and the V International Ballet Gala and 
Centro Histórico Teatro Colón.

Through its cable and broadcast TV signals, Grupo 
Clarín's  companies  make  significant  efforts  to 
promote the most relevant cultural, motion picture 
and  sports  events.  Such  efforts  are  an  increasing 
contribution to cultural diversity and local identity. 
Of  particular  note  are  initiatives  such  as  Volver, 
the  cable  TV  signal  that  keeps  Argentina's  most 
complete programming archive. 

51

MEDIA LITERACY AND PROTECTION 
OF YOUNG AUDIENCES
Through several programs, Grupo Clarín encourages 
children  and  young  people  to  develop  media 
access  tools  through  critical  thinking  and  to 
leverage the opportunities provided by the media 
and technology to explore their identity, creatively 
express their ideas and make their voices heard. 
Media literacy is generally defined as the ability to 
access to, analyze, respond with critical thinking 
and benefit from, the media. Grupo Clarín's main 
tool to foster media literacy is its support of Los 
medios de comunicación y la educación, (Education 
and  the  Media),  a  pioneer  program  recognized 
internationally,  that  has  been  developed  for 
more than 30 years by the Noble Foundation. The 
program  consists  of  classroom  workshops  and 
special educational content suited to the needs of 
teachers and students oriented to foster a critical 
approach to the media and their use as resources 
that  supplement  formal  education.  In  2016,  over 
7,200 students and over 800 teachers participated 
in the workshops. 

In 2016, the Noble Foundation celebrated its 50-
year anniversary. For its celebration, the Foundation 
decided  to  boost  the  scope  and  impact  of  its 
teacher training programs. To this end, it designed 
a  virtual  training  platform  which  enhanced  its 
coverage to include all the country and the world. 
To  such  end,  the  Foundation  reconfigured  the 
number  of  face-to-face  workshops,  as  compared 
to  previous  periods,  to  extend  the  scope  of  this 
new  platform.  The  program  consists  of  six-week 
courses for different education levels. There were 
seven editions around three themes: “Planificar un 
medio digital”, “Narrar en Ciencias Sociales” and 
“Aprender a Convivir”. The training themes were 
targeted at teachers, technical-educational teams 
and  social  agents  related  to  education.  There 

52

were  340  participants  in  the  interchange  forums 
enriched with the involvement of the coaches. 

tool, users may filter the access to certain web sites 
deemed inappropriate and customize the protection 
level for each family member, among other things. 

These 
initiatives  program  are  supplemented 
through other initiatives related to the promotion 
of  responsible  content  consumption.  Within  the 
Cable  Television  and  Internet  Access  segment, 
the  Company  helps 
to  protect  vulnerable 
audiences by providing parents with the tools to 
make  decisions  about  the  content  their  children 
are allowed to access. 

This  includes  several  parental  control  options. 
For cable TV services, the on-screen guide allows 
parents to easily block content that is not suitable 
for  children  by  introducing  a  PIN.  The  Video  On 
Demand  platform  includes  the  identification  of 
adults-only  services  with  access  control  systems 
that may be enabled by the subscribers. Cablevisión 
Flow also developed a profile system so that each 
member of the family can have his own profile. 

In terms of protection of audiences in Internet, the 
Company  developed  Fibertel  Security.  With  this 

These  tools  are  provided  with  information  and 
criteria  on  how  to  use  Internet.  Cablevisión 
developed  the  Compás  para  el  uso  de  Internet 
in  partnership  with  UNICEF  and  Chicos.net.  This 
project,  specifically  addressed  to  families  and 
teachers,  is  intended  to  provide  proposals  to 
teach  children  and  teens  about  the  proactive, 
responsible and safe use of technology. 

responsibly 
The  Company  also  addresses 
children's  artistic  participation  in  the  television 
and film industry; a category that was embraced 
by the ILO as a valid form of participation in labor 
activities  by  children  in  these  age  categories. 
To  such  end,  special  emphasis  is  placed  on 
compliance  with  the  applicable  standards  in 
force,  while  adhering  to 
internal  guidelines 
that  set  limited  activity  schedules,  protection 
and  promotion  of  school  education  and  active 
involvement of parents and tutors. 

WORKSHOPS 
FOR TEACHERS

WORKSHOPS 
FOR STUDENTS 

THE PROGRAM “LA EDUCACIÓN Y LOS MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN”

Workshops for teachers

Workshops for students 

2016
37

207

2015

100

294

2014

102

233

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY 

EXCELLENCE IN 
JOURNALISTIC TRAINING 
In order to reaffirm the commitment to journalistic 
excellence, Grupo Clarín also carried out activities 
aimed at consolidating the training and excellence 
of current and future communicators. 

In  this  sense,  the  Company  created  the  Masters 
Degree  in  Journalism,  an  international  graduate 
course with the highest academic level, organized 
by Grupo Clarín and the University of San Andrés, 
with the participation of the School of Journalism 
at  Columbia  University  and  the  University  of 
Bologna.  It  is  led  by  renowned  national  and 
international journalists and academics. 

The  Company  sponsored  the  Graduate  Program 
in  Digital  Journalism  organized  by  Universitat 
Pompeu  Fabra,  TN.com.ar  and  Google.  This 
reinforces our commitment to enhance the quality 
of professionals in the 2.0 world.

In  connection  with 
journalistic  training  and 
within  the  framework  of  the  program  Somos 
channels, developed by ARTEAR and Cablevisión, 
regional 
during  2016,  Grupo  Clarín  offered 
training sessions. Training sessions focus on the 
journalistic and technical training of professionals 
from regional signals nationwide, to improve local 
coverage and align them with national signals. 

53

OUR PEOPLE

54

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY / OUR PEOPLE

Grupo Clarín's success and leadership are mostly 
the  result  of  the  efforts,  talent,  professionalism 
and  creativity  of  its  employees.  Grupo  Clarín's 
media  companies  are  among  the  preferred 
workplaces of most communication professionals.

EMPLOYEES BROKEN 
DOWN BY GENDER 2016

13,738

TOTAL HEADCOUNT 
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2016
17,990

4,252 

N
E
M

N
E
M
O
W

EMPLOYEES BROKEN DOWN BY AGE GROUPS AND SEX

Up to 30 years old

Women

Men

Between 30 and 50 years old

Women

Men

Over 50 years old

Women

Men

941

2,517

2,869

9,147

442

2,074

TURNOVER RATE 2016*

11.28%*

EMPLOYEE DISTRIBUTION BY CATEGORY 2016*

Managerial Positions

Middle Management

Analysts and Administrative Staff

Technical Staff

Other (for example, journalists)

263

2,568

6,551

6,993

1,615

* The year-on-year percentage difference arises from a methodological change in 

the way this indicator is calculated. 

55

In  order  to  work  in  line  with  the  identity  and 
diversity  of  the  subsidiaries  of  Grupo  Clarín,  in 
2016,  the  Company  consolidated  the  concept  of 
the  Multicultural  Social  Ecosystem  (ESM,  for  its 
Spanish acronym), driven by the human resources 
community.  This  program  seeks  to  align  the 
actions and practices, knowledge and experiences 
of all the subsidiaries of Grupo Clarín, creating 25 
cross-cutting projects. Among them, the following 
stand out: the development of a leadership model, 
optimization of benefits, talent, remuneration, and 
quality of work life, among others.

The new leadership talent model was the result of 
a long process with the engagement of directors 
and managers between the years 2013 and 2016. 
They were faced with the challenge posed by new 
generations,  the  changes  in  consumption  habits 
and  the digital challenge in the ways things  are 
done and in the way people live. 

Another  key  project,  with  the  aim  of  facing  the 
digital challenge, was the installation of the human 
resources Big Data. To this end, 10 companies are 
migrating to a state-of-the-art Human Resources 
Management System called Success Factors. This 
system follows the parameters prevailing in digital 
businesses:  social,  mobile,  analytical  potential 
and cloud storage. In this way, management has 
received  a  great  boost,  and  its  implementation 
will end in 2018. 

The  Company  has  its  own  structure  in  terms  of 
the  age  and  gender  diversity  of  its  employees. 
With  respect  to  gender,  there  is  a  noticeably 
higher  proportion  of  male  employees,  mostly  on 
account of the high number of employees required 
in  the  technical  areas  of  printing  facilities  and 
of the cable TV  and Internet access segment. In 
Argentina, technical specialties are predominantly 
elected by men, and that pattern is reflected in the 
payroll of this type of industry. 

The  gender  structure  in  the  rest  of  the  business 
is  well-balanced 
segments  of  Grupo  Clarín 
considering  the  total  workforce,  with  a  deficit 
in  managerial  positions,  which  are  still  mainly 
occupied  by  men.  However,  the  Company  has 
in  content-related 
attained  excellent  results 
activities,  particularly  in  the  areas  related  to 
journalism and audiovisual production, where the 
workforce is more diverse.

During  2016,  the  Company  created  a  Diversity 
Committee,  which  is  working  on  active  policies, 
new  proposals  and  processes  that  may  further 
the  path  towards  a  workforce 
increasingly 
proportionate  and  representative  of  the  genre 
diversity existing in the community.

On the other hand, the Company continued to work 
on promoting the incorporation of age groups that 
find it difficult to enter the labor market: first-time 

job seekers and people in the upper age group. 

Employee turnover is among the market’s average 
rates, although the digital disruption has required 
the  adaptation  of  our  staffing  and  change  of 
profiles to suit this new stage of news production.

The  Company  has  an  open  dialog  with  union 
representatives to facilitate mutual understanding 
and conflict resolution. Employees freely exercise 
their right to unionize and are currently represented 
by several unions related to each of the activities 
developed  by  Grupo  Clarín  and  its  subsidiaries. 
Out  of  Grupo  Clarín's  total  employees  72%  is 
covered by collective bargaining agreements. 

Taking  care  of  the  work  environment  and 
conditions,  health  and  job  safety  and  employee 
training  to  enhance  their  professional  skills 
are  some  of  the  actions  aimed  at  consolidating 
the  sense  of  integration  and  achievement  of 
organizational goals. During the year, the Company 
created a safety and health committee. 

The Internal Opinion Survey (EIO) was conducted 
once again in 2016. It has been conducted every 
other  year  since  1994  uninterruptedly.  This 
process  focuses  on  management  in  order  to 
identify  opportunities  for  improvement  on  the 
internal environment and sustained commitment. 
In  2016,  the  response  rate  reached  93%,  above 

56

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY / OUR PEOPLE

the  market  average  for  companies  of  equivalent 
sizes, which shows the trust this tool has gained 
and the soundness of the process for improvement 
that the Company has been undertaking.

Our  corporate  volunteer  program  called  Vos 
también  continued  during  2016,  with  actions 
conducted by each of the Company's subsidiaries. 
They  develop  valuable  initiatives  for  employees’ 
solidarity actions in which the volunteers had the 
chance  to  participate  in  programs  with  different 
themes. 

The main projects carried out during the year were 
the  following:  Blood  drives,  a  project  that  seeks 
to foster solidarity in the area of health; volunteer 
actions to help people affected by floods, repairs 
at  schools,  awareness  actions  about  the  Animal 
Day,  among  others.  A  cross-cutting  action  was 
proposed to all of Grupo Clarín's business units: Fin 
de año en Familia, a family support program that 
consists of delivering Christmas gift boxes to low 
income families. The program Vos También had a 
very  high  satisfaction  level  among  participants: 
99% of the participants found it rewarding or very 
rewarding  and  a  similar  percentage  stated  that 
they would participate again. 

“VOS TAMBIÉN” VOLUNTEER PROGRAM IN 2016*

Volunteers

Participating social organizations

Direct beneficiaries

Hours of volunteer work

Employee's engagement

Provinces included

1340

22

1496

3326

7%

11

57

BENEFITS AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT 
Even  though  a  large  number  of  benefits  are 
common  to  all  employees,  each  Business  Unit 
grants additional benefits, which may differ based 
on  their  respective  activities.  During  2016,  the 
Company  made  progress  with  the  subscription 
of  its  executive  management  to  the  long-term 
savings plan, effective since 2008.

During  2016,  the  Company  continued  to  offer 
“Nuestros  Beneficios”,  a  benefit  platform  aimed 
at all the employees of Grupo Clarín. It combines 
proposals from its business units to offer benefits 
and discounts.

In order to encourage a greater commitment and 
identity  with  the  Company,  it  provided  the  365 
Plus card together with Diario Clarín.

In  addition,  the  Company  enhanced  the  scope 
of 
its  performance  management  program 
Crecimiento  de  la  Efectividad  Laboral  (CEL,  for 
its  Spanish  acronym)  to  include  more  business 
units. Of particular note is the case of La Voz del 
Interior,  which  achieved  an  80%  participation  of 
its employees.

Grupo Clarín focuses on investing in the training 
and  development  of  its  employees  with  two 
kinds of programs: On the one hand, the training 
programs of each Business Unit, focusing on the 
specific  needs  of  each  activity,  whereby  Grupo 
Clarín  employees  and  professional  staff  can 
update  and  enhance  their  knowledge  and  skills 
through seminars, courses, graduate studies and 
master's degrees.

On  the  other  hand,  Grupo  Clarín  offers  the 
Corporate  Training  Program  (PCF,  for  its  Spanish 
acronym), which includes a wide range of training 
proposals.  During  2016,  the  Company  offered 
new  alternatives  to  improve  the  performance  of 
the  analysts  and  middle  management  of  all  the 
companies  of  Grupo  Clarín.  During  the  year,  570 
employees participated in the 28 courses given as 
part of the Corporate Training Program.

in  order 

to  adequately 

Training is focused on new tools and technological 
developments 
train 
employees on how to face the challenges imposed 
by the changes in the media industry. During this 
period, the Company offered more sessions of the 
course Inducción a la Era Digital, which seeks to 

58

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY / OUR PEOPLE

The  goal  is  to  open  every  year  a  new  space  for 
breastfeeding and reach 100% of our subsidiaries. 
In addition, this issue is reflected in the contents 
of our media, through campaigns and journalistic 
coverage.  In  this  sense,  this  initiative  follows 
our  policy  of  the  responsible  management  of 
contents  which,  together  with  the  development 
of  the  positive  effect  of  the  social  impact  of 
communication, make up the key pillars of Grupo 
Clarín’s sustainability strategy. 

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE VALUE 
CHAIN
Grupo  Clarín's  social  responsibility  management 
is embedded in its value chain. During 2016, the 
Company  continued  to  explore  alternatives  of 
interaction  or  joint  approach  to  common-interest 
issues at the various levels of relationship with its 
suppliers.

During the year, the Company implemented a new 
procurement  policy  with  sustainability  criteria. 
Grupo  Clarín  focused  on  the  implementation  of 
systems and procedures aimed at the application 
of best practices for purchases, employee hiring, 
and contracting with suppliers within a framework 
of supervision and transparency.

Through  Gestión  Compartida,  a  subsidiary 
engaged 
in  managing  the  relationship  with 
most  of  the  Company's  suppliers,  the  Company 
continued  with  the  requirement  for  100%  of  the 
new suppliers to undertake a commitment to the 
sustainability of their operations, with a focus on 
respect  for  human  rights,  the  environment  and 
compliance  with  effective  regulations.  This  was 
combined with the development of a pilot program 
of joint efforts with protected workshops for the 
assembly of an input used by Cablevisión. These 
workshops  encourage  the  social  and  economic 
autonomy of disabled workers. 

shed  light  on  the  way  in  which  technology  has 
changed  the  world  of  business,  generating  big 
opportunities  and  challenges  for  the  companies. 
In this sense, two other proposals stood out: One 
was  conducted  in  association  with  Universidad 
de  Palermo:  Negocios  del  Mundo  Digital  and 
Modelos  de  Innovación  en  Negocios  Digitales, 
given to managers and directors of the Group in 
association with Universidad de San Andrés.

2016,  six  subsidiaries  of  Grupo  Clarín  provided 
their employees free annual medical check-ups. 

In  order  to  contribute  to  the  personal  safety  of 
our  employees,  40%  of  our  subsidiaries  -  such 
as  AGEA,  Autosports,  the  corporate  areas  and 
Cablevisión-,  provide 
their  employees  a 
to 
transportation  service  to  the  main  access  points 
of public transportation.

During  2016,  the  Company  held  for  the  first 
time  the  Grupo  Clarín  Olympic  Games,  an  event 
attended  by  more  than  400  employees  from 
different subsidiaries.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE
In  order  to  continue  developing  work  flexibility 
actions,  during  2016,  the  Company  implemented 
as  a  benefit  for  employees  the  Flexible  Friday 
in  the  corporate  areas.  This  is  added  to  the  five 
subsidiaries  of  the  Group  that  already  include 
similar 
time  compensation  schemes.  Other 
eight  companies  offer  the  possibility  of  doing 
teleworking. This is a growing trend and is being 
increasingly used by the companies. The goal of 
this modality is to strengthen the bond between 
the employees and the Company.

the  Company  promoted 

During  2016, 
the 
implementation of spaces for breastfeeding at the 
corporate offices. This is a key step in our goals 
regarding  diversity  and  work-life  balance.  These 
initiatives  allow  the  development  of  women  at 
work and also promote the creation of a diverse 
workforce,  apart  from  having  a  positive  impact 
on  the  health  of  babies  and  in  family  bonds. 
Diversity provides for a combination of skills and 
intellectual, technical and emotional competences 
that  have  proved  to  be  essential  to  boost  the 
results achieved by organizations.

In  order  to  train  middle  management  and  upper 
management  and  promote  their  key  managerial 
competences  and  skills,  in  2016,  once  again  the 
Company  offered  the  Management  Development 
Program,  at  UADE  Business  School.  Over 
200  leaders  of  the  Group’s  subsidiaries  have 
graduated  over  7  years.  It  offers  knowledge 
and  tools  to  improve  management  performance 
and  strengthens  the  sharing  of  practices  among 
company  leaders.  The  Company  also  organized 
several  training  sessions,  breakfast  and  lunch 
meetings  and 
integration  activities  among 
different areas of the Company that work together 
in  order  to  strengthen  internal  communication 
and  knowledge.  In  addition,  during  the  period, 
the Company continued with the foreign language 
training  program.  In  addition,  different  groups 
were  created  to  provide  group  classes  in  a 
dynamic and easy fashion so that participants may 
share  their  knowledge,  grow  together  and  boost 
their development.

In  order  to  promote  transparency  in  the  filling 
of  vacancies  and  promote  the  development  of 
our  employees,  the  Company  implemented  a 
program  called  Open  In-House  Job  posting.  This 
allows  us  to  stimulate  in-house  motility  among 
the  subsidiaries  of  the  Group,  providing  equity 
and  transparency  during  the  process  for  all 
participants.

As  to  the  quality  of  work  life,  Grupo  Clarín 
offered  seminars  and  training  programs  about 
health  issues  and  the  prevention  of  illnesses 
and  accidents,  as  well  as  other  relevant  topics, 
the  campaigns  about 
which  supplemented 
health  issues  and  medical  check-ups.  Several 
initiatives  were  implemented  to  promote  safety 
and healthy lifestyle habits: Influenza vaccination 
and blood drives, meditation and yoga workshops, 
placement  of  bicycle  racks  and  locker  rooms, 
soccer  tournaments,  evacuation  drills,  healthy 
menus and talks about first aid. In addition, during 

59

ENVIRONMENT

6060

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY / ENVIRONMENT

CONSUMPTION OF MATERIALS
Within  the  framework  of  an  environmental 
management policy oriented to eco-efficiency, the 
Company and its subsidiaries mainly use energy, 
newsprint,  cable  and  other  technology-related 
elements.

CONSUMPTION IN 2016 

Paper related to the production 

42,961.05 Tons

of newspapers 

Office paper

Ink

Aluminum plates

Residential connection cables

CPE (Set-top units and 

customer's equipment)

85.15 Tons

885.49 Tons

161.52 Tons

2984.04 Tons

1491.74 Tons

identify,  plan  for  and 

During 2016, the Company continued to implement 
measures  to 
improve 
production processes in order to optimize results 
and react to potential impacts. Progress was made 
in  achieving  the  period's  goals  by  introducing 
sustainable methods to obtain and use resources, 
developing  equipment 
investment  policies, 
raising  active  awareness  on  the  appropriate 
use  of  supplies  and  technologies  and  promoting 
the  adoption  and  certification  of  environmental 
standards.

Since 2004, Grupo Clarín has adhered to the United 
Nations  Global  Compact  that  sets  forth  several 
environmental  protection  standards.  In  addition, 
Grupo  Clarín's  Social  Corporate  Responsibility 
and Sustainability Policy serves as a management 
guideline and drives the definition of goals for its 
subsidiaries. This is reflected in the environmental 
policies adopted by its subsidiaries, such as the one 
implemented  by  AGEA  in  2012,  which  combines 
the  improvement  of  environmental  management 
with  ISO  14001  certification  and  implementation 
for its production processes. Cablevisión also sets 
environmental management goals at the different 
stages of its activities. During 2016, it maintained 
its ISO 14001 certification at its facilities located 
in Rosario.

* The figures of the indicators in this Report may defer from those reported 

in the Sustainability Report 2015 due to changes in the method of calculation.

61

At  the  printing  plants,  the  Company  followed 
established  guidelines  to  ensure  the  provision 
of  materials  at  quality  levels  compatible  with 
international  standards  for  newsprint,  inks  and 
other specific inputs. 

Papel Prensa, a subsidiary in which Grupo Clarín 
owns an indirect minority interest, supplies most 
of the newsprint used in newspaper printing. 

studies 

research 

Papel Prensa has put in place production policies 
based  on  the  procurement  of  strategic  inputs 
without depleting natural resources. Fiber comes 
from  sustainable  plantations.  This  is  combined 
with  ongoing 
conducted 
concerning  genetic  enhancement  of  tree  species 
in  order  to  boost  productivity,  cut  costs  and 
guarantee  ecosystem  sustainability.  As  part  of 
the  sustainable  process,  the  quantity  of  virgin 
raw  materials  is  reduced  through  the  recycling 
of  returned  newspapers  and  recovered  paper 
acquired locally and regionally. 

As  to  the  types  of  inks  used  at  the  printing 
facilities,  the  diverse  variety  of  printed  products 
requires  a  varied  approach  from  the  perspective 
of resources. For instance, the use of vegetable-
based coldset ink at the Company's main printing 
facility,  accounts  for  84.4%  of  total  use  of  the 
input. This type of ink, which can be used in bond 
paper,  is  environmentally  friendlier  due  to  its 
vegetable components and its efficiency in terms 
of the amount of ink required to print, which may 
be 10%-15% lower than other inks. 

62

On the other hand, the newspaper size adjustments 
introduced  in  previous  years  continue  to  reduce 
the use of newsprint and other materials.

The Cable Television and Internet Access segment 
is engaged in service activities, which essentially 
do  not  require  the  use  of  raw  materials. 
Nevertheless, given the scale of operations, Grupo 
Clarín's companies use certain materials produced 
by their respective value chains, such as the cable 
for  residential  services  installed,  top-set  units 
delivered  under  loan  for  use  and  poles  used  as 
part of the distribution network. 

Power  is  the  main  additional  resource  used  by 
Grupo  Clarín  and  its  subsidiaries.  Grupo  Clarín 
uses  power  from  direct  and  indirect  sources. 
Even though the Company has alternative power 
generators  in  place  for  offices  and  industrial 
facilities  that  require  fuel,  the  main  indirect 
consumption  is  the  electricity  provided  by  the 
power supply network.

The  subsidiaries  engaged  in  printing  activities 
are  the  heaviest  users  of  power,  followed  by 
the  business  units  that  use  technology  in  their 
operations,  such  as  the  cable  TV  and  Internet 
access  distribution  services  and  audiovisual 
programming.

During  2016,  within  the  framework  of  the  joint 
efforts  of  the  Environmental  Committee,  the 
Company  conducted  a  systematic  assessment 
to  identify  opportunities  for  improvement  and 
It  also  analyzed 
reduction  of  consumption. 
alternatives to incorporate renewable sources of 
energy.

At  the  main  subsidiaries,  such  as  ARTEAR, 
Cablevisión  and  AGEA,  the  Company  conducted 
building refurbishments taking into consideration 
energy-consumption  reduction  factors,  such  as 
insulation  materials,  better  use  of  natural  light, 
use of cold lighting systems and replacing halogen 
lighting with LED systems.

DIRECT AND INDIRECT USE OF POWER BY 

PRIMARY SOURCE IN 2016: 

Electricity

Natural gas

Gasoline 

Gas oil 

CNG

LP gas

1,072,826.87 MWh

87,729.95 GJ 

82,243.22 GJ

114,355.97 GJ 

146.92 GJ

0 GJ 

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY / ENVIRONMENT

WASTE AND EMISSIONS
Grupo Clarín's subsidiaries develop most of their 
activities  in  urban  areas  that  are  not  in  contact 
with natural areas and that meet effective urban 
planning standards.

As  to  emissions,  printing  activities  have  the 
most  significant  impact  on  the  carbon  footprint 
among  other  services  rendered  by  the  Company. 
Therefore, the Company is exploring alternatives 
to  improve  processes  and  efficiency  in  these 
areas. 
is  further 
deepening  its  analysis  and  inventory  of  CO2 
emissions  generated  by  the  activities  developed 
by  is  subsidiaries,  especially  those  related  to 
logistics and transportation.

In  addition,  the  Company 

Each  subsidiary  of  Grupo  Clarín  identifies  and 
manages waste production and disposal.

As part of the treatment of industrial waste from 
printing  processes,  the  Company's  subsidiaries 
collect  and  separate  certain  waste  materials, 
such as ink, oil, grease and solvents, that are sent 
to third party facilities for their recycling, reuse or 
safe final disposal. Hazardous waste is subject to 
a  rigorous  treatment  handled  by  licensed  waste 
management companies. Fully reusable materials 
are used in the printing process, such as aluminum 
plates. At the same time, the Company continues 
to develop strategies to reduce hazardous waste, 
with measured goals and progress. 

In  the  Cable  TV  and  Internet  access  segment, 
waste is separated at origin in order to add social 
or  environmental  value,  where  practicable.  With 
respect  to  recycling,  the  Company  keeps  strict 
control of the recovery of equipment delivered to 
subscribers  under  loans  for  use,  such  as  top-set 

units and remote controls, in order to reuse them 
or ensure its safe final disposal, and also to reduce 
the consumption of this type of equipment.

Effluents  resulting  from  the  printing  facilities' 
development  processes  are  subject  to  rigorous 
treatments  and  measurements  before  disposal. 
A  water  re-usage  system  was  put  in  place  at 
AGEA’s  Printing  facility.  Under  its  Environmental 
Management  System,  the  Company  significantly 
reduced  effluents,  which  are  only  discharged  in 
exceptional cases. At La Voz del Interior's printing 
facilities,  waste  water  is  subject  to  treatment 
and is then reused for irrigation at the Company's 
facilities.  The  figures  in  cubic  meters  disclosed 
below  are  mostly  attributable  to  processed 
water that can be safely used for irrigation. The 
Company's  office  buildings  and  other  facilities 
only discharge domestic waste water.

TOTAL GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS 

BY WEIGHT IN 2016

Direct emissions

Indirect emissions

Total emissions

18,321.47 Tn of CO2

570,845.08 Tn of CO2

589,166.55 Tn of CO2

TOTAL WASTE WEIGHT BY TYPE IN 2016

Urban or non-

hazardous waste

Hazardous waste

493.68 Tn

8,870.22 Tn

TOTAL WASTE WATER DISCHARGE 

at printing 

facilities in 2016

13,909.62 m3

63

RISK FACTORS

64

As  an  Argentine  multimedia  company,  Grupo 
Clarín is exposed to a wide range of risks related 
to the country and to its operations. The Company 
relies  on  a  strong  internal  control  system.  The 
identification of risk and its assessment is part of 
each unit’s business plans, and is also addressed 
by  a  corporate  based  control  department  and  by 
the Board on a regular basis. 

ARGENTINA’S ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 
Substantially all of our operations are conducted in 
Argentina and are therefore affected by changes 
in Argentina’s economic environment. 

Sustainable  economic  growth  depends  on  a 
variety of factors, including international demand 
for  Argentine  export  commodities  and  their 
prevailing prices, stability and competitiveness of 
the Peso against foreign currencies, confidence of 
consumers and local and foreign investors and a 
low rate of inflation.

The  Argentine  economy  might  be  adversely 
affected by the following factors: 

- exchange rate volatility; 

increase 

- 
competitiveness and economic growth; 

current 

in 

inflation  affecting 

-  recession,  low  economic  growth  or  economic 
uncertainties  affecting  Argentina’s  main  trading 
partners; 

- insufficient levels of investment; 

-  poor  development  of  the  Argentine  credit 
market and limited ability to obtain financing from 
international markets; 

-  a  reduction  of  the  payment  capacity  of  the 
Argentine  public  sector  and  the  possibilities  of 
procuring international financing; 

- increase in current public expenditure affecting 
fiscal accounts; 

-  possible  reduction  or  reversal  in  the  trade 
balance due to significant decrease in agricultural 
prices in general and soy in particular or adverse 
climatic  conditions  affecting  the  production  of 
agricultural commodities; 

-  government  imposed  restrictions  on  imports  or 
exports; 

RISK FACTORS

- wage, price and foreign exchange controls; 

- political and social tensions; 

- continued instability of the financial systems of 
the main developed economies; 

-  abrupt  changes  in  the  monetary  and  fiscal 
policies of the main economies worldwide; and 

-  reversal  of  capital  flows  due  to  domestic  and 
international uncertainty. 

A downturn in economic activity is likely to result 
in  increased  subscriber  churn  and  bad  debt, 
subscriber losses as well as decreased advertising 
revenues. We seek to address the cycles affecting 
the Argentine economy by diversifying the scope 
of our business and managing our foreign currency 
liabilities.  

POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC 

UNCERTAINTIES  
On November 22, 2015, Mr. Mauricio Macri was 
elected  President  of  Argentina,  signaling  the 
first change in the political party in charge of the 
country’s administration in twelve years. 

Since  assuming  office  on  December  10,  2015, 
the  Macri  administration  has  adopted  several 
significant economic and policy reforms.

reforms 

•  INDEC  reforms.  On  January  8,  2016,  the 
Argentine  government 
issued  Decree  No. 
55/2016,  declaring  a  state  of  administrative 
emergency on the national statistical system and 
on  the  official  agency  in  charge  of  the  system, 
the INDEC, until December 31, 2016. The INDEC 
implemented  methodological 
and 
adjusted  macroeconomic  statistics  on  the  basis 
of  these  reforms.  On  June  29,  2016,  the  INDEC 
published its first INDEC Report, including revised 
GDP  data  for  the  years  2004  through  2015.  On 
August  31,  2016,  the  IMF  Executive  Board  met 
to  consider  the  progress  made  by  Argentina  in 
improving the quality of official GDP and CPI data. 
The  IMF  Executive  Board  noted  the  important 
progress  made  in  strengthening  the  accuracy  of 
Argentina’s statistics. On November 10, 2016, the 
IMF lifted the existing censure on Argentina. See 
“Inflation,” below.

•  Agreement  with  holdout  creditors.  The  Macri 
administration  has  reached  agreements  with 
a  large  majority  of  holdout  creditors  (in  terms 
of  claims)  and  has  regained  access  to  the 

65

RISK FACTORS

international  financial  markets  for  the  country. 
For  more  information  on  these  agreements,  see 
“Sovereign litigation,” below.

•  Foreign  exchange  reforms.  In  addition,  the 
current  administration  eliminated  substantially 
all foreign exchange restrictions, including certain 
currency  controls  that  were  imposed  under  the 
Kirchner  administration.  On  August  9,  2016, 
through  the  issuance  of  Communication  “A” 
6037, the Central Bank substantially changed the 
existing  legal  framework  and  eliminated  certain 
restrictions  limiting  the  access  to  the  MULC  (as 
defined below). As a result of  the elimination of 
these  restrictions,  on  December  17,  2015,  the 
Peso depreciated against the U.S. dollar. 

•  Foreign  trade  reforms.  The  Kirchner  and 
Fernández  de  Kirchner  administrations  imposed 
export  duties  and  other  restrictions  on  several 
sectors,  particularly  the  agricultural  sector.  The 
Argentine  government  eliminated  export  duties 
on  wheat,  corn,  beef  and  regional  products, 
and  reduced  the  duty  on  soybeans  exports  from 
35% to 30%. Further, a 5% export duty on most 
industrial exports was eliminated. With respect to 
payments for imports of goods and services, the 
Macri administration eliminatedo the restrictions 
on access to the MULC.

•  National  electricity  state  of  emergency 
and  reforms.  Following  years  of  very  limited 
investment  in  the  energy  sector,  as  well  as  the 
continued  freeze  on  electricity  and  natural  gas 
tariffs  since  the  2001  2002  economic  crisis, 
Argentina began to experience energy shortages 
in 2011. In response to the growing energy crisis, 
the  Macri  administration  declared  a  state  of 
emergency with respect to the national electricity 
system, which will remain in effect until December 
31,  2017.  The  state  of  emergency  enables  the 
Government  to  take  actions  designed  to  ensure 
the supply of electricity to the country. In addition, 
through Resolution No. 6/2016 of the Ministry of 
Energy  and  Mining  and  Resolution  No.  1/2016 
of  the  National  Electricity  Regulatory  Agency 
(Ente Nacional Regulador de la Electricidad), the 
Macri  administration  announced  the  elimination 
of a portion of energy subsidies currently in effect 
and a substantial increase in electricity rates. As 
a  result,  average  electricity  prices  have  already 
increased and could increase further. By correcting 
tariffs,  modifying  the  regulatory  framework  and 
reducing  the  Government’s  role  as  an  active 
market participant, the Macri administration aims 
to  correct  distortions  in  the  energy  sector  and 

stimulate  investment.  However,  certain  of  the 
Government’s  initiatives  have  been  challenged 
in  the  Argentine  courts  and  resulted  in  judicial 
injunctions  or  rulings  limiting  the  Government’s 
initiatives.

Tariff  increases.  With  the  aim  of  encouraging 
companies  to  invest  and  improve  the  services 
they offer and enabling the Government to assist 
those in need, the Macri administration has begun 
updating the tariffs for electricity, transportation, 
gas  and  water  services.  Each  of  the  announced 
tariff increases contemplates a tarifa social (social 
tariff),  which  is  designed  to  provide  support  to 
vulnerable  groups.  Subsequent  modifications  to 
these  announced  tariff  increases  were  made  to 
reduce the application of the increases to certain 
sectors. On August 18, 2016, the Supreme Court 
of  Argentina  confirmed  lower  court  injunctions 
suspending  end  user  gas 
increases 
sanctioned  as  of  April  1,  2016  and  instructed 
the  Ministry  of  Energy  and  Mining  to  conduct  a 
non  binding  public  hearing  prior  to  sanctioning 
any  such  increases.  On  September  16,  2016  the 
Ministry of Energy and Mining conducted a non-
binding  public  hearing.  Pursuant  to  the  holding 
by the Supreme Court, the Gas Regulatory Entity 
(“Enargas”) issued Resolution No. 3960 and 3961 
ordering  the  reestablishment  of  the  prior  tariff 
scheme as of March 31, 2016, and implemented 
an installment regime for the payment of overdue 
bills. 

tariff 

•  Tax  Amnesty  Law:  On  June  29,  2016,  the 
Régimen  de  Sinceramiento  Fiscal  (Tax  Amnesty 
Law)  was  introduced  to  promote  the  voluntary 
declaration of assets by Argentine residents (the 
“Tax  Amnesty  Law”).  The  law  allows  Argentine 
tax residents holding undeclared funds or assets 
located in Argentina or abroad to (i) declare such 
property  until  March  31,  2017  without  facing 
prosecution  for  tax  evasion  or  being  required  to 
pay  outstanding  tax  liabilities  on  the  assets,  if 
they  can  provide  evidence  that  the  assets  were 
held by certain specified cut off dates, and (ii) keep 
the  declared  property  outside  Argentina  and  not 
repatriate such property to Argentina. 

• Retiree Programs: On June 29, 2016, Congress 
passed  a  bill  approving  the  Ley  de  Reparación 
Histórica  a  los  Jubilados  (Historical  Reparations 
Program for Retirees and Pensioners), which took 
effect upon its publication in the official gazette. 
The  main  aspects  of  this  program,  which  is 
designed  to  conform  government  social  security 
policies to Supreme Court rulings. The Historical 

66

Reparations Program for Retirees and Pensioners 
will give retroactive compensation to retirees in an 
aggregate amount of more than Ps. 47.0 billion and 
involve expenses of an estimated Ps. 75.0 billion 
adjusted  per  annum,  to  cover  adjusted  pensions 
going forward for all potential beneficiaries.

• Fiscal policy: The Macri administration took steps 
to anchor the fiscal accounts, reducing the primary 
fiscal  deficit  through  the  cut  of  some  subsidies 
and  reorganization  of  certain  expenduitures  and 
the generation of increased revenue through the 
tax admisty. The Macri andministratin’s aim is to 
achieve a balanced primary budget by 2019. 

• Correction of monetary imbalances: The Macri 
administration  announced  the  adoption  of  an 
inflation  targeting  regime  in  parallel  with  the 
floating  exchange  rate  regime  and  set  inflation 
targets  through  2019.  The  inflation  rate  target 
for 2016 was in the range of 20% to 25%.  The 
INDEC did not publish annual inflation statistics, 
because it began to measure prices under its new 
methodology  in  May  2016  with  respect  to  April 
2016.    However,  the  Government  of  the  City  of 
Buenos Aires published that the local increase in 
consumer prices for 2016 had been of 41%.  The 
Central Bank has increased sterilisation efforts to 
reduce excess monetary imbalances and reduced 
Peso interest rates to offset inflationary pressure. 
In  October  2016  the  Central  Bank  announced  its 
intention  to  use  the  seven-day  repo  reference 
rate  as  the  anchor  of  its  inflation  targeting 
regime  beginning  in  January  2017.  Short  term 
notes issued by the CB (LEBAC) would be used to 
manage liquidity.

In  January  2017,  following  the  resignation  of 
Mr.  Alfonso  Prat  Gay  as  Minister  of  Treasury 
and Public Finance as of December 31, 2016, the 
Ministry of Treasury and Public Finances was split 
into the Ministry of Treasury and the Ministry of 
Public  Finances,  conducted  by  Nicolás  Dujovne 
and Luis Caputo, respectively.

As of the date of this Annual Report, the impact 
that  these  measures  and  any  future  measures 
taken by the Macri administration will have on the 
Argentine economy as a whole and the financial 
sector in particular cannot be predicted. 

to 

parties 

Political 
the  Macri 
opposed 
administration retained a majority in the Argentine 
Congress in the recent elections.  This will require 
the Macri administration to seek political support 
from  the  opposition  for  its  economic  proposals 

and creates further uncertainty about the ability of 
the Macri administration to pass any law that may 
be necessary to implement its intended policies. 

quarter of 2016, noting that real GDP contracted 
by  2.4%  during  the  nine  month  period  ended 
September  30,  2016,  compared  to  a  growth  of 
2.6% during the same period in 2015.

A  decline  in  international  demand  for  Argentine 
products,  a  lack  of  stability  and  competitiveness 
of  the  Peso  against  other  currencies,  a  decline 
in confidence among consumers and foreign and 
domestic investors, a higher rate of inflation and 
future political uncertainties, among other factors, 
may  affect  the  development  of  the  Argentine 
economy,  which  could  lead  to  reduced  demand 
for our services and adversely affect our business, 
financial condition and results of operations.

b. Inflation
Argentina  has  confronted  inflationary  pressures 
since 2007, evidenced by significantly higher fuel, 
energy  and  food  prices,  among  other  indicators. 
According  to  inflation  data  published  by  the 
INDEC, from 2010 to 2014 the Argentine consumer 
price  index  increased  by  10.9%,  9.5%,  10.8%, 
10.9%,  23.9%,  respectively,  and  increased  by 
11.9% in the ten month period ended October 31, 
2015, after which measurements were temporarily 
unavailable.

released  an 
The  Macri  administration  has 
alternative CPI index based on data from the City 
of  Buenos  Aires  and  the  Province  of  San  Luis 
while  INDEC  worked  on  a  new  inflation  index. 

Our  financial  condition  and  results  of  operations 
depend to a significant extent on macroeconomic 
and  political  conditions  prevailing  in  Argentina. 
Measures  adopted  by  the  Argentine  government 
that  impact  upon  the  economy,  including  those 
measures  related  to  monetary  policy,  inflation, 
interest rates, price controls, exchange controls and 
taxes, have affected and could continue to affect 
Argentine companies like ours.  Uncertainty about 
the possible success or failure of the measures to 
be adopted by the new administration could lead 
to  volatility  in  the  market  prices  of  securities  of 
Argentine companies, including companies in the 
media sector, such as ours. We have also been the 
target of legislation passed to regulate the Media 
Industry  and  capital  markets,  which  has  also 
affected our activities in recent years.  

a. Economic Growth
After recovering significantly from the 2001 2002 
crisis, the pace of growth of Argentina’s economy 
diminished, suggesting uncertainty as to whether 
the growth experienced between 2003 and 2011 
was  sustainable.  Economic  growth  was  initially 
fueled by a significant devaluation of the Peso, the 
availability of excess production capacity resulting 
from  a  long  period  of  deep  recession  and  high 
commodity prices. In spite of the growth following 
the 2001 2002 crisis, the economy has suffered a 
sustained erosion of direct investment and capital 
investment. The global economic crisis of 2008 led 
to a sudden economic decline in Argentina during 
2009,  accompanied  by  inflationary  pressures, 
depreciation of the Peso and a drop in consumer 
and investor confidence.

The  Argentine  economy  has  experienced 
significant  volatility 
in  recent  decades,  with 
periods of low or negative growth, high inflation 
and  currency  devaluation.  After  six  years  of 
sustained  economic  growth, 
the  Argentine 
economy slowed down in the second half of 2008 
and throughout 2009, affected by the international 
crisis  as  well  as  internal  political  developments. 
According  to  the  revised  calculation  of  the  2004 
GDP  published  by  INDEC  on  June  24,  2016,  in 
2010  and  2011,  GDP  grew  10.1%  and  6.0%, 
respectively  and  decreased  1.0%  in  2012.  GDP 
grew 2.4% in 2013, contracted 2.5% in 2014 and 
grew 2.5% in 2015. Additionally, on December 22, 
2016, the INDEC published preliminary estimates 
for the level of economic activity during the third 

RISK FACTORS

According  to  the  publicly  available  information 
based on data from the City of Buenos Aires, CPI 
grew  26.6%  in  2013,  38.0%  in  2014,  26.9%  in 
2015, and 39.3% during the eleventh month period 
ended November 30, 2016, while according to the 
Province  of  San  Luis,  CPI  grew  31.9%  in  2013, 
39.0% in 2014, 31.6% in 2015, and 41% in 2016. 

On June 15, 2016, the INDEC resumed publishing 
inflation  rates,  which  had  been  suspended  due 
to  the  state  of  administrative  emergency  on  the 
national statistical system. 

(i)  undermine 

inflation  may  also 

In  the  past,  inflation  has  materially  undermined 
the  Argentine  economy  and  Argentina’s  ability 
to  create  conditions  that  would  permit  growth. 
High 
the 
competitiveness  of  Argentina’s  manufacturing 
and  service 
inter  alia, 
industries  producing, 
an  increase  in  unemployment  levels  and  (ii) 
negatively  impact  the  country’s  long-term  credit 
markets.  There can be no assurance that inflation 
rates will not continue to escalate in the future or 
that the measures adopted or that may be adopted 
by  the  Argentine  government  to  control  inflation 
will be effective or successful. Inflation remains a 
challenge for Argentina. Significant inflation could 
have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  Argentina’s 
economy and in turn could increase our costs of 
operation, in particular labor costs and access to 
financing, and may negatively impact our financial 
condition and results of operations. 

67

RISK FACTORS

c. Foreign Exchange Controls and 

issued 

in  2012  subject 

Devaluation
During the second half of 2011 and in 2012, the 
increased  controls  on 
Argentine  government 
the  incurrence  of  foreign  currency-denominated 
indebtedness,  and  the  sale  and  acquisition 
of  foreign  currency  by  local  residents.  New 
foreign 
regulations 
exchange  transactions  to  prior  approval  by 
Argentine  tax  authorities.  Formal  and  informal 
foreign  exchange  controls  continued  throughout 
until  December  2015,  practically  closing  the 
foreign  exchange  market  to  retail  transactions. 
Until mid-December 2015, it was widely reported 
that  the  peso/U.S.  dollar  exchange  rate  in  the 
unofficial  market  and  in  neighboring  markets 
where the peso was traded differed substantially 
from the official foreign exchange.

In  December  2015,  the  Government  introduced 
foreign  exchange 
to 
additional  flexibility 
regulations, allowing the Argentine peso to float 
freely  against  other  currencies.    This  resulted  in 
a  devaluation  from  Ps.  9.83  per  U.S.  dollar  on 
December  16,  2015  to  Ps.13.01  on  December 
31,  2015.    Since  then,  the  Argentine  peso  has 
continued to fluctuate. On December 31, 2016, the 
Argentine peso / U.S. dollar exchange rate was at 
Ps. 16.1 per U.S. dollar.

Notwithstanding  the  measures  recently  adopted 
by 
the  Macri  administration  eliminating  a 
significant  portion  of  the  foreign  exchange 
restrictions  that  developed  under  the  Kirchner 
administration, 
in  the  future  the  Argentine 
government or the Central Bank could reintroduce 
exchange  controls  and  impose  restrictions  on 
capital  transfers,  such  measures  may  negatively 
affect  Argentina’s  international  competitiveness, 
discouraging  foreign  investments  and  lending 
by foreign investors or increasing foreign capital 
outflow  which  could  have  an  adverse  effect  on 
economic activity in Argentina.

Foreign exchange reforms could have a negative 
effect  on  the  economy  and  on  private  sector 
companies,  including  our  business  and/or  lead 
to  volatility  in  the  market  prices  of  securities  of 
Argentine companies. 

d. International Trade Restrictions
In  2012,  the  Argentine  government  introduced 
a  procedure  pursuant  to  which  local  authorities 
must  pre-approve  the  import  of  products  and 
services to Argentina as a pre-condition to permit 
such  import  and  the  consequent  access  to  the 

68

foreign  exchange  market  for  the  payment  of  the 
imported products or services.

social unrest could adversely and materially affect 
the economy, and therefore our business, result of 
operations and financial condition.

The  Macri  administration  has  announced  that 
international trade restrictions shall be gradually 
reduced  and/or  eliminated.  Some  of 
these 
measures,  such  as  the  elimination  export  duties 
on  wheat,  corn,  beef  and  regional  products,  and 
the reduction of the duty on soybeans from 35% 
to 30% have been already implemented. Further, 
a 5% export duty on most industrial exports was 
also  eliminated.  With  respect  to  payments  for 
imports and services to be performed abroad, the 
Government eliminated the restrictions on access 
to the MULC.

In  the  past,  increased  government  control  over 
foreign trade has resulted in a shortage of inputs 
and spare parts and in production disruptions. The 
continuation  of  these  shortages  may  affect  the 
growth of the economy and, consequently, could 
affect our business, financial condition and results 
of  operations.  We  cannot  assure  that  measures 
adopted by the new Government are permanent, 
that they will be pursued as announced nor that 
new trade restrictions to international commerce 
shall  be 
implemented.  Repeated  complaints 
from  other  countries  against  import  restrictions 
implemented  by  Argentina,  suspension  of  export 
preferences  or  retaliations  by  trading  partners 
may have an adverse effect on Argentine exports, 
affect  the  trade  balance  and,  consequently, 
adversely impact Argentina’s economy.

e. Other forms of government 

intervention
It  is  widely  reported  by  private  economists  that 
expropriations,  price  controls,  exchange  controls 
and  other  direct  involvement  by  the  Argentine 
government  in  the  economy,  particularly  until 
December  2015,  have  had  an  adverse  impact  on 
the  level  of  investment  in  Argentina,  the  access 
of  Argentine  companies  to  the 
international 
capital  markets  and  Argentina’s  commercial  and 
diplomatic  relations  with  other  countries.  Further, 
the  Argentine  government 
actions 
concerning  the  economy,  including  decisions  with 
respect  to  interest  rates,  taxes,  price  controls, 
salary increases, provision of additional employee 
benefits  foreign  exchange  controls  and  potential 
changes in the foreign exchange market, have had 
and could continue to have a material adverse effect 
on Argentina’s economic growth and in turn affect 
our  financial  condition  and  results  of  operations. 
Moreover,  any  additional  Argentine  government 
policies established to preempt, or in response to, 

taken  by 

f. Vulnerability to external shocks
Weak,  flat  or  negative  economic  growth  of  any 
of  Argentina’s  major  trading  partners,  such  as 
Brazil, could adversely affect Argentina’s balance 
of payments and, consequently, economic growth.

The economy of Brazil, Argentina’s largest export 
market  and  the  principal  source  of  imports,  is 
currently  experiencing  heightened  negative 
pressure  due  to  the  uncertainties  stemming 
from  the  ongoing  political  crisis.  The  Brazilian 
economy contracted by 3.8% during 2015, mainly 
due  to  a  8.3%  decrease  in  industrial  production 
and  an  increase  in  inflation  and  unemployment. 
Additionally,  the  Brazilian  currency  devalued 
against  the  U.S.  dollar  by  approximately  49.1% 
from January 2015 to February 2016, the steepest 
depreciation  in  over  a  decade,  in  its  attempt 
to 
increase  exports.  Although  the  Brazilian 
currency  appreciated  between  March  1,  2016, 
and December 31, 2016, a further deterioration of 
economic conditions in Brazil may reduce demand 
for  Argentine  exports  and  increase  demand  for 
Brazilian  imports.  While  the  impact  of  Brazil’s 
downturn  on  Argentina  or  our  operations  cannot 
be  predicted,  we  cannot  exclude  the  possibility 
that  the  Brazilian  political  and  economic  crisis 
could  have  further  negative 
impact  on  the 
Argentine economy and our operations.

International 

The  Argentine  economy  may  be  affected  by 
“contagion”  effects. 
investors’ 
reactions  to  events  occurring  in  one  developing 
country sometimes appear to follow a “contagion” 
pattern,  in  which  an  entire  region  or  investment 
class  is  disfavored  by  international  investors. 
In  the  past,  the  Argentine  economy  has  been 
adversely affected by such contagion effects on a 
number of occasions, including the 1994 Mexican 
financial crisis, the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the 
1998 Russian financial crisis, the 1999 devaluation 
of the Brazilian real, the 2001 collapse of Turkey’s 
fixed exchange rate regime and the global financial 
crisis that began in 2008.

The  Argentine  economy  may  also  be  affected  by 
conditions  in  developed  economies,  such  as  the 
United States, that are significant trading partners 
of Argentina or have influence over world economic 
cycles.  On  June  23,  2016,  the  United  Kingdom 
voted  in  favor  of  the  United  Kingdom  exiting  the 
European  Union  (“Brexit”).  The  effects  of  the 

Brexit  vote  and  the  perceptions  as  to  the  impact 
of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the 
European  Union  may  adversely  affect  business 
activity and economic and market conditions in the 
United  Kingdom,  the  Eurozone  and  globally,  and 
could  contribute  to  instability  in  global  financial 
and 
In  addition, 
Brexit could lead to additional political, legal and 
economic instability in the European Union.

foreign  exchange  markets. 

The  Argentine  economy  and  securities  markets 
could be adversely affected by events in developed 
countries’ economies or events in other emerging 
markets.  A  slowdown  in  economic  activity  in 
Argentina  would  adversely  affect  our  business, 
financial condition and results of operations.

on  the  levels  of  government  revenues  and  the 
government’s  ability  to  service  its  sovereign 
debt,  and  could  either  generate  recessionary 
inflationary  pressures,  depending  on  the 
or 
government’s  reaction.  Either  of  these  results 
would  adversely  impact  Argentina’s  economy 
and, therefore, our business, results of operations 
and  financial  condition.  As  of  the  date  of  this 
offering  memorandum,  the  Macri  administration 
has eliminated export taxes on many agricultural 
products and reduced the export taxes on soy from 
35% to 30%. While the measure was intended to 
encourage  exports,  reductions  in  export  taxes  in 
the future, unless replaced with other sources of 
revenues, may negatively impact on the Republic’s 
public finances.

g. Government expenditure
During the last years of the Fernández de Kirchner 
administration, 
government 
increased  public  expenditure, 
substantially 
resorting to the Central Bank and to the ANSES to 
source part of its funding requirements. 

the  Argentine 

As  of  the  date  of  this  Annual  Report,  although 
the  Macri  administration  is  currently  reviewing 
certain public sector contracts, there is uncertainty 
as to what actions the Macri administration will 
take  with  respect  to  public  expenditure  and  its 
financing.

If the Macri administration were to seek to finance 
its  deficit  by  increasing  the  exposure  of  local 
financial  institutions  to  the  public  sector,  their 
liquidity and assets quality could be affected, with 
a  potential  adverse  impact  on  credit  supply,  and 
therefore on the growth of the Argentine economy 
and on our business.

h. Decline in commodity prices
Argentina’s financial recovery from the 2001 2002 
crisis occurred in a context of price increases for 
Argentina’s  commodity  exports.  High  commodity 
prices  contributed  to  the  increase  in  Argentine 
exports  since  the  third  quarter  of  2002  and 
to  high  government  tax  revenues  from  export 
withholdings.  Consequently, 
the  Argentine 
economy  has  remained  relatively  dependent 
on  the  price  of  its  main  agricultural  products, 
primarily soy. This dependence, has rendered the 
Argentine economy more vulnerable to commodity 
price fluctuations. International commodity prices 
decreased during 2015.

A  continuing  decline  in  the  international  prices 
of  commodities  could  have  a  negative  impact 

i. Perceived institutional deterioration 

and corruption
A  lack  of  a  solid  institutional  framework  and 
corruption  have  been  identified  as,  and  continue 
to  be,  a  significant  problem  for  Argentina.  In 
International’s  2015  Corruption 
Transparency 
Perceptions 
Index  survey  of  167  countries, 
Argentina was ranked 107, the same position that 
it held in 2014. In the World Bank’s Doing Business 
2016  report,  Argentina  ranked  121  out  of  189 
countries,  up  from  124  in  2015.  Recognising  that 
the failure to address these issues could increase 
the  risk  of  political  instability,  distort  decision 
making processes and adversely affect Argentina’s 
international  reputation  and  ability  to  attract 
investment,  the  Macri  administration 
foreign 
has  announced  several  measures  aimed  at 
strengthening Argentina’s institutions and reducing 
corruption. These measures include the reduction 
of criminal sentences in exchange for cooperation 
with the Government in corruption investigations, 
increased  access  to  public 
information,  the 
seizing of assets from corrupt officials, increasing 
the  powers  of  the  Anticorruption  Office  (Oficina 
Anticorrupción)  and  the  passing  of  a  new  public 
ethics 
law,  among  others.  The  Government’s 
ability to implement these initiatives is uncertain 
as  it  would  require  the  involvement  of  the 
judiciary branch, which is independent, as well as 
legislative support from opposition parties. There 
can be no assurances that the implementation of 
such measures will be successful.

j. Energy Sector Crisis
Economic policies since the 2001 2002 crisis have 
had an adverse effect on Argentina’s energy sector. 
The  failure  to  reverse  the  freeze  on  electricity 
and  natural  gas  tariffs  imposed  during  the  2001 
2002  economic  crisis  created  a  disincentive  for 

RISK FACTORS

to 

ineffective  and  operated 

investments  in  the  energy  sector.  Instead,  the 
Government  sought  to  encourage 
investment 
by  subsidising  energy  consumption.  The  policy 
further 
proved 
discourage  investment  in  the  energy  sector  and 
caused  production  of  oil  and  gas  and  electricity 
generation, 
to 
stagnate  while  consumption  continued  to  rise. 
To  address  energy  shortages  starting  in  2011, 
the  Government  engaged  in  increasing  imports 
of energy, with adverse implications for the trade 
balance and the international reserves.

transmission  and  distribution 

In response to the growing energy crisis, the Macri 
administration declared a state of emergency with 
respect  to  the  national  electricity  system,  which 
will  be  in  effect  until  December  31,  2017.  The 
Ministry of Energy and Mining issued Resolution 
No.  6/16  increasing  the  electricity  tariff  as  of 
February  1,  2016.  This  Resolution  was  later 
complemented  by  Resolution  No.  7/16  which, 
among other things, determined the requirements 
needed to be fulfilled in order to apply for a social 
tariff (“tarifa social”).

As a result, average electricity prices are expected 
to increase by 500% or more. By correcting tariffs, 
modifying the regulatory framework and reducing 
government’s role as an active market participant, 
the  Macri  administration  aims 
to  correct 
distortions  in  the  energy  sector  and  stimulate 
investment.  In  June  2016,  a  federal  court  in  the 
city  of  La  Plata  suspended  the  increase  in  gas 
tariffs  across  the  Province  of  Buenos  Aires.  In 
addition,  on  August  3,  2016,  a  federal  court  in 
San Martin suspended the increase in gas tariffs 
across the country until a public hearing to discuss 
the electricity tariffs increase is set. The case was 
brought  before  the  Supreme  Court  of  Argentina, 
and  on  August  18,  2016,  the  Supreme  Court  of 
Argentina confirmed the suspension of gas tariffs 
increase to residential customers.  On October 7, 
2016,  ENARGAS  and  the  Ministry  of  Energy  and 
Mining  issued  a  series  of  resolutions,  including 
Resolution  212,  approving  and  implementing  the 
new tariff scheme.

The  Macri  administration  has  taken  steps  and 
announced  measures  to  address  the  energy 
sector  crisis  while  taking  into  consideration  the 
implications  of  these  price  increases  for  the 
poorest segments of society, approving subsidised 
tariffs  for  qualifying  users.  Failing  to  address 
the  negative  effects  on  energy  generation, 
transportation  and  distribution  in  Argentina  with 
respect  to  both  the  residential  and  industrial 

69

supply, resulting in part from the pricing policies 
of  the  prior  administrations,  could  weaken 
confidence in and adversely affect the Argentine 
economy  and  financial  condition,  lead  to  social 
unrest  and  political  instability,  and  adversely 
affect  our  results  of  operations.  There  can  be 
no  assurance  that  the  measures  adopted  by  the 
Macri administration to address the energy crisis 
will  not  continue  to  be  challenged  in  the  local 
courts  and/or  be  sufficient  to  restore  production 
of energy in Argentina within the short or medium 
term.

LEGISLATION AND REGULATION OF THE 

MEDIA INDUSTRY  

a. New Regulatory Framework. 
In  Argentina,  the  legal  system,  including  the 
Constitution,  protects  the  independence  of  the 
free press. As a media company, we are vigilant 
as  to  the  attempts  to  curtail  freedom  of  speech 
and  the  free  press  that  might  arise  and  widely 
cooperate with journalistic associations and other 
NGOs  that  advocate  for  the  protection  of  these 
and other fundamental constitutional rights.

From 2009 until December 2015, the government 
conducted an overt policy designed to restrict the 
activities  of  the  free  press.    During  2013,  2014 
and  most  of  2015,  private  media  in  general  and 
Grupo  Clarín  in  particular  faced  an  escalating 
level  of  harassment,  involving  the  use  of  official 
and  para-official  means  and  resources  with  the 
clear  intention  of  damaging  the  private  media’s 
reputation  and  directly  and  indirectly  limiting  its 
journalistic activities.

Since  December  2015,  the  new  government 
under 
the  Macri  administration  has  made 
announcements in favor of an independent media 
and  against  censorship,  passed  legislation  and 
improved  communication  channels  with  private 
media in general, which evidences major changes 
in media related governmental policies.

On December 29, 2015, the National Government 
issued Decree No. 267/2015 pursuant to which it 
intends, among other things, gradually to converge 
the  audiovisual  media  and  telecommunications 
industries  under  the  same  regulatory  framework 
(the  “New  Media  Decree”).  Among  other 
provisions,  the  New  Media  Decree  (i)    repealed 
Section  161  of  the  Audiovisual  Communication 
Services  Law,  which  required  the  filing  by  the 
Company  and  some  of  its  subsidiaries  of  a 
reorganisation and divestment plan, (ii) amended 
the  multiple  license  regime,  (iii)  amended  the 

35% limit applicable to total inhabitants for open 
services and the 35% total subscription limit for 
subscription television services, (iv) eliminated the 
restriction to provide open broadcasting television 
services and subscription television services in the 
same area, (v) expanded services to be provided 
and registered by Information and Communication 
Technology licensees to include pay broadcasting 
service  by  physical  and/or  by  radio-electric  link, 
i.e.  cable  operators  such  as  Cablevisión  and  its 
subsidiaries;  and,  (vi)  provides  that  telephone 
service  operators  with  licenses  granted  under 
Decree  No.  62/90  and  Sections  5.1  and  5.2  of 
Decree No. 264/98 and mobile telephone service 
operators  with  licenses  granted  under  Decree 
1461/93  may  render  pay  television  services 
by  means  of  physical  and/or  radio-electric  link 
starting on or after January 1, 2018 (or January 1, 
2019, if the waiting period is extended).

The  New  Media  Decree  affects  the  regulatory 
frameworks  applicable 
to  both  audiovisual 
communication  services  and  telecommunication 
services.    The  reversal  of  any  decisions  adopted 
by  the  Argentine  government  pursuant  to  the 
New  Media  Decree  could  materially  affect  the 
recoverability  of  the  Company’s  relevant  assets, 
its  business,  results  of  operations  and  financial 
condition.

b. Other government action relating to 

the  previous  administration 

the Company and the media industry.
Other  government  or  para-official  actions 
against  the  Company  and  media  in  general 
under 
included: 
(i)  an  exponential  increase  and  discriminatory 
allocation  of  official  advertising,  (ii)  the  use  of 
public  funds  and  media  on  a  discretionary  basis 
to  generate  content  and  shows  that  display 
political propaganda, (iii) an aggressive campaign 
to  destroy  non-partisan  media  by  compromising 
their  economic  sustainability  and  credibility, 
(iv)  abuse  of  bureaucratic  controls  or  controls 
by  public  agencies  in  the  form  of  administrative 
persecutions,  groundless  arbitrary  resolutions, 
disproportionate tax controls and recurring audits, 
(v)  blockades  to  printing  facilities  to  prevent  the 
distribution of certain newspapers and magazines, 
and (vi) government interference and regulation of 
the newsprint industry. 

While  both  the  political  scenario  and  the 
regulation applicable to the media industry have 
changed  positively  since  December  2015,  we 
cannot  assure  that  actions  by  the  Government 
or the new political opposition will not continue. 

Increased government action against the Company 
could  materially  affect  our  business,  results  of 
operations and financial condition.  

REORGANISATION OF THE COMPANY
On  28  September  2016,  the  Company  held  an 
Extraordinary  Shareholders’  Meeting  at  which 
the shareholders of the Company decided, among 
other things, to approve (a) the Board of Directors’ 
proposal  for  the  partial  split-up  of  the  Company 
pursuant to the terms of the Prospectus dated as 
of  14  September  2016  (the  “Prospectus”);  (b)  the 
creation of Cablevisión Holding S.A., (“Cablevisión 
Holding”),  a  new company  that  would be formed 
by  the  direct  (post  merger)  and  indirect  share 
in  Cablevisión  S.A.  and  other 
participations 
assets,  liabilities,  rights  and  obligations  that  the 
shareholders of the Company shall allocate to the 
spun  off  company,  and  (c)  after  the  registration 
of  both  the  split-up  and  the  incorporation  of 
Cablevisión  Holding  with  the  Inspección  General 
de  Justicia  de  la  Ciudad  Autónoma  de  Buenos 
Aires,  and  once  authorization  has  been  obtained 
for  its  admission  to  the  public  offering  regime 
and the listing of the Class B and Class C shares 
and the trading of its Class B shares on the stock 
exchange  and/or  securities  market,  the  Company 
will announce a share distribution date on which 
certain  class  A,  class  B  and  class  C  shares  of 
the  Company  will  be  cancelled,  and  shares  of 
Cablevisión Holding will be issued and delivered to 
the holders of the cancelled shares in accordance 
with the split-ratio announced by the Company.

The  proposed  spinoff  has  the  following  inherent 
risks, which were detailed in the Prospectus:

a. the proposed spinoff may affect the price of the 
shares of the Company;

b. there may not be a liquid market for the shares 
of Cablevisión Holding

c.  the  historical  performance  of  Cablevisión  S.A. 
may not be representative of the performance of 
Cablevision Holding S.A. as an independent entity

d. Cablevisión Holding S.A. will be a new company 
that  has  never  operated  independently  from  the 
Company

e. Cablevisión Holding S.A. may face difficulties to 
finance its operations and capital investment after 
the spinoff, which could have an adverse impact 
on its business and its results; and

70

impossibility  of 

the  difficulties  or 

f. 
the 
subsidiaries  of  Cablevisión  Holding  S.A.  to  pay 
dividends  or  other  distributions  may  adversely 
affect  Cablevision  Holding  S.A.  and  its  ability  to 
pay dividends to its shareholders.

CAPITAL MARKETS REGULATIONS
On  November  29,  2012  Congress  passed  Capital 
Markets  Law  No.  26,831  (the  “Capital  Markets 
Law”),  which  became  effective  on  January  28, 
2013.  The  Capital  Markets  Law  provides  for  a 
comprehensive amendment of the public offering 
regime,  previously  governed  by  Law  No.  17,811 
and,  among  other  things,  enhances  the  National 
Government’s  oversight  powers  over  publicly 
traded companies.

On July 29, 2013, the National Government issued 
Decree  No.  1023/2013  to  regulate  partially  the 
Capital  Markets  Law.  Among  other  provisions, 
the Decree provides that the CNV may appoint an 
overseer with veto rights over the decisions made 
by the boards of directors of entities subject to the 
public  offering  regime,  or  otherwise  remove  the 
boards from such entities for up to 180 days until all 
deficiencies found by the CNV are solved, without 
prior judicial authorisation or control. The Decree 
also  vests  with  the  CNV  the  power  to  appoint 
the  administrators  or  co-administrators  that  will 
hold office after a board of directors of an issuer 
is removed. The Company is of the view that the 
Decree amends the Law it seeks to regulate and, 
therefore, is not a valid implementing regulation. 

The Macri administration has publicly stated that 
it  intends  to  present  a  bill  to  Congress  in  2017, 
with  substantial  amendments  to  the  Capital 
Markets Law, including restrictions to the current 
powers of the CNV.  However, in order to obtain 
the  majorities  necessary  to  amend  the  existing 
law,  the  Macri  administration  depends  on  the 
support of opposition parties.

Direct  intervention  of  our  management  by  the 
CNV could materially affect our business, results 
of operations and financial condition.

SECTOR DEVELOPMENT AND 

COMPETITION 
resources 
The  Company  devotes  significant 
to  analyzing  emerging  trends  and  has  vast 
experience  and  a  solid  track  record  in  reading 
consumer  demands  and  successfully  developing 
new products and services, adapting its business 
model in time.

RISK FACTORS

our ability to make payments on our debt on a 
timely basis.

in  an  active 

liability 
We  have  engaged 
management policy, and improved our debt to 
free cashflow ratio to limit our need to access 
the  market  as  a  means  of  repayment  of  our 
financial obligations.

Certain  of  our  costs,  including  a  significant 
portion  of  our  financial  expenses,  are  dollar 
denominated. Currency fluctuations, such as a 
considerable  devaluation  of  the  Peso  against 
the U.S. dollar are likely to affect adversely the 
Argentine economy and will impact negatively 
on our financial condition.

Among other provisions, the New Media Decree 
provides  that  telephone  service  operators  with 
licenses  granted  under  Decree  No.  62/90  and 
Sections  5.1  and  5.2  of  Decree  No.  264/98  and 
mobile telephone service operators with licenses 
granted  under  Decree  1461/93  may  provide  pay 
television  services  by  means  of  physical  and/or 
radio-electric  link  starting  on  or  after  January  1, 
2018  (or  January  1,  2019,  if  the  waiting  period 
is  extended).  By  means  of  decree  No.  1340/16, 
the  Argentine  Government  confirmed  that  fixed 
and  mobile  telephony  companies  could  register 
as providers of pay television services and could 
start rendering such services in highly populated 
areas as from January 1, 2018 without extension 
of  the  waiting  period.  The  entry  of  the  large 
fixed  and  mobile  telephony  providers  into  the 
cable  television  market  will  lead  to  increased 
competition  in  that  market,  which  may  result  in 
an  increase  in  subscriber  churn  and  adversely 
affect  the  Cable  Television,  Internet  Access  and 
Telephony Services segment.

In  addition,  the  media 
industry  and  certain 
maturing  markets  to  which  our  services  are 
catered,  are  dynamic  and  constantly  undergo 
significant  developments  at  a  pace  that  may 
differ  from  our  current  expectations  affecting 
our  growth.  Increased  competition  through  new 
technological developments may adversely affect 
our business if our analysis of industry trends is 
not accurate or if we are not able to adapt readily 
our operations. 

PROGRAMMING AND PERSONNEL  
We may not be able to renew our rights to certain 
programming and our results of operations may be 
adversely affected by the loss of key personnel.

The production of content is part of our strategy 
and  we  dedicate  significant  resources  to  the 
identification  of  market  trends  and  new  figures 
and  matters  of  public  interest,  to  preserve  the 
position  of  leadership  we  have  acquired  in  the 
market. 

is  denominated 

LIQUIDITY AND FUNDING
We have financial debt outstanding, a significant 
portion  of  which 
in  foreign 
currency.  Financial  markets  remain  practically 
closed for Argentine companies, and we must rely 
primarily  on  our  cash  flow  generation  to  service 
our  debt.    While  we  have  been  able  to  access 
the  official  foreign  exchange  market  to  make 
debt  payments  to  date,  we  cannot  exclude  that 
foreign  exchange  controls  could  adversely  affect 

71

 
 
 
BUSINESS 
PROJECTIONS AND 
PLANNING

72

BUSINESS PROJECTIONS AND PLANNING

Grupo  Clarín  seeks  to  maintain  and  consolidate 
its  presence  in  the  local  and  regional  markets, 
focusing  on  the  production  of  quality  contents 
both  in  the  traditional  media  and  in  new  digital 
media.

All  of  the  Group’s  business  units  will  strive  to 
seize opportunities, seeking to reinforce, improve 
and  expand  the  range  of  products  and  services 
increase  market  share;  reach  new 
offered; 
audiences and promote permanent innovations in 
all of its activities.

Grupo Clarín will continue to optimize even more 
the productivity and efficiency levels in all of its 
areas and companies. It will seek to develop and 
apply best practices in each of its processes.

At a corporate level, it will continue to focus on the 
main  processes  that  allow  sustainable,  healthy 
and  efficient  growth  from  different  perspectives: 
financial structure, management control, business 
innovation  and 
resources, 
strategy,  human 
corporate  social  responsibility.  Grupo  Clarín  will 
continue  to  analyze  alternative  new  ventures 
related to its mission and strategic objectives both 
in Argentina and abroad, as long as they add value 
to shareholders and are feasible and viable under 
the prevailing economic environment.

Grupo  Clarín  remains  committed  to  traditional 
media, but with a growing focus on digital media, 
which  are  one  of  the  largest  strategic  stakes  of 
the Company. To this end, it will rely on the value 
and prestige of its brands, which have the largest 
rates of credibility and acceptance. The Company 
will  use  its  broad  experience  in  the  creation  of 
contents, recognized worldwide -especially in the 
Spanish-speaking world-, to boost the success of 
its new platforms.

The spin-off plans seek to deepen the specialization 
of  each  of  the  organizations.  In  this  way,  each 
company  will  be  able  to  adjust  even  further  its 
strategic,  financial  and  operational  focus  with 
the  global  demands  of  each  of  these  markets, 
allowing them to enhance their competitiveness. 
The  new  structure  will  allow  the  Company  to 
strengthen  two  teams  of  management  highly 
focused on reaching the potential of its respective 
businesses, and will have capital structures more 
suited to their needs.

Grupo  Clarín  renews  its  sustained  commitment 
to  regulatory  compliance,  its  readers,  audiences 
and  the  country.  In  its  daily  work,  Grupo  Clarín 
seeks to assume with strength and responsibility 
the role that the media are called to play through 
independent journalism and through the defense 
and  promotion  of  universal  and  fundamental 
rights, such as freedom of speech, because these 
are pillars that extol the quality of democracy and 
the welfare of Argentine society as a whole.

73

FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS AS 
OF DECEMBER 31, 
2016

74

76

Glossary of Selected Terms

77
78

79

80

82

84

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

183

SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

192

  INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

195
196

197

198

200

202

272

PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Parent Company only Statement of Comprehensive Income

Parent Company only Balance Sheet

Parent Company only Statement of Changes in Equity

Parent Company only Statements of Cash Flows

Notes to the Parent Company only Financial Statements

Additional Information to the Notes to the Financial 

Statements - Section No. 68 of the Regulations issued 

by the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange and Section No. 12 

Title IV Chapter III of General Resolution No. 622/13 of 

the Argentine Securities Commission

274

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

276

SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE’S REPORT

75

ADIRA Association of Provincial Newspapers of the
Republic of Argentina
AEDBA Association of Newspaper Publishers of the City
of Buenos Aires
AFA Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (Argentine Football
Association)
AFIP Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos
(Argentine Federal Revenue Service)
AFSCA Autoridad Federal de Servicios de Comunicación
Audiovisual (Audiovisual Communication Services Law
Federal Enforcement Authority) 
AGEA Arte Gráfico Editorial Argentino S.A.
AGR Artes Gráficas Rioplatense S.A.
ANA Administración Nacional de Aduanas (National
Customs Administration)
APE Acuerdo preventivo extrajudicial (pre-packaged
insolvency plan)
ARPA Association of Argentine Private Broadcasters
ARTEAR Arte Radiotelevisivo Argentino S.A.
Auto Sports Auto Sports S.A. (now Carburando S.A.)
Bariloche TV Bariloche TV S.A.
BCBA Bolsa de Comercio de Buenos Aires (Buenos Aires
Stock Exchange).
Cablevisión Cablevisión S.A.
Canal Rural Canal Rural Satelital S.A.
CER Coeficiente de Estabilización de Referencia
(Reference Stabilization Coefficient, a consumer price
inflation coefficient)
CIMECO Compañía Inversora en Medios de
Comunicación (CIMECO) S.A.
CLC Compañía Latinoamericana de Cable S.A.
CMD Compañía de Medios Digitales (CMD) S.A.
(former PRIMA Internacional)
CMI Comercializadora de Medios del Interior S.A.
CNDC Comisión Nacional de Defensa de la
Competencia (National Antitrust Commission);
CNV Comisión Nacional de Valores (Argentine
Securities Commission)
CPCECABA Consejo Profesional de Ciencias
Económicas de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires
(Professional Council in Economic Sciences of the City
of Buenos Aires)
COMFER Comité Federal de Radiodifusión (Federal
Broadcasting Committee)
CSJN Supreme Court of Argentina
CUSPIDE Cúspide Libros S.A.
CVB CV B Holding S.A.
Dinero Mail Dinero Mail LLC
Adjusted EBITDA Revenues less cost of sales and selling
and administrative expenses (excluding depreciation and
amortization). Additionally, the segment "Cable
Television, Internet Access and Telephony Services"
includes adjustments related to the recognition of
revenues from installation services and transactions
including separate items and the non-consolidation of
special purpose entities.
Editorial Atlántida Editorial Atlántida S.A.
FACPCE Federación Argentina de Consejos Profesionales
de Ciencias Económicas (Argentine Federation of
Professional Councils in Economic Sciences)
FADRA Fundación de Automovilismo Deportivo de la
República Argentina (Argentine Motor Racing
Foundation)
Fintech Fintech Advisory, Inc. together with its affiliates

GCGC GC Gestión Compartida S.A.
GCSA Investments GCSA Investments, LLC
GC Minor GC Minor S.A.
GC Services Grupo Clarín Services, LLC
GDS Global Depositary Shares
Grupo Carburando Carburando S.A.P.I.C.A.F.I., Mundo
Show S.A. and Mundo Show TV S.A.
Grupo Clarín, or the Company Grupo Clarín S.A. 
Grupo Radio Noticias Grupo Radio Noticias S.R.L.
Holding Teledigital Holding Teledigital Cable S.A.
IASB International Accounting Standards Board
Ideas del Sur Ideas del Sur S.A.
IESA Inversora de Eventos S.A.
IFRIC International Financial Reporting Interpretations
Committee
IFRS International Financial Reporting Standards
IGJ Inspección General de Justicia (Argentine
Superintendency of Legal Entities)
Impripost Impripost Tecnologías S.A.
VAT Value Added Tax
La Razón Editorial La Razón S.A.
La Capital Cable La Capital Cable S.A.
Antitrust Law Law No. 25,156, as amended
Broadcasting Law Law No. 22,285 and its regulations
Audiovisual Communication Services Law Law No.
26,522 and its regulations
LSE London Stock Exchange
Multicanal Multicanal S.A.
IAS International Accounting Standards
NCP ARG Argentine Professional Accounting Standards,
except for Technical Resolutions No. 26 and 29 which
adopt IFRS.
OSA Oportunidades S.A.
Papel Prensa Papel Prensa S.A.I.C.F. y de M.
Patagonik Patagonik Film Group S.A.
Pol-Ka Pol-Ka Producciones S.A.
PRIMA Primera Red Interactiva de Medios Argentinos
(PRIMA) S.A.
PRIMA Internacional Primera Red Interactiva de Medios
Americanos (PRIMA) Internacional S.A. (now CMD)
NEXTEL NEXTEL Communications Argentina S.R.L.
Radio Mitre Radio Mitre S.A.
SCI Secretaría de Comercio Interior (Secretariat of
Domestic Trade)
SECOM Secretaría de Comunicaciones (Argentine
Secretariat of Communications)
SHOSA Southtel Holdings S.A.
SMC Secretaría de Medios de Comunicación (Media
Secretariat)
Supercanal Supercanal Holding S.A.
TATC Tres Arroyos Televisora Color S.A.
TCM TC Marketing S.A.
Telba Teledifusora Bahiense S.A.
Telecor Telecor S.A.C.I.
Teledigital Teledigital Cable S.A.
TFN Tribunal Fiscal de la Nación (National Tax Court)
Tinta Fresca Tinta Fresca Ediciones S.A.
TPO Televisora Privada del Oeste S.A.
TRISA Tele Red Imagen S.A.
TSC Televisión Satelital Codificada S.A.
TSMA Teledifusora San Miguel Arcángel S.A.
UNIR Unir S.A.
Vistone Vistone S.A.
VLG VLG Argentina, LLC

Glossary of 
Selected Terms

Consolidated Financial 
Statements as of 
December 31, 2016 
Presented on a 
comparative basis

76

Grupo Clarín S.A.

Consolidated Financial Statements 
as of December 31, 2016
Presented on a comparative basis

In Argentine Pesos (Ps.) – Notes 2.1 and 2.12
to the consolidated financial statements and
Notes 2.1 and 2.8 to the parent company only
financial statements.

Registered office: 
Piedras 1743, 
Buenos Aires, Argentina

Main corporate business: 
Investing and financing

Date of incorporation: 
July 16, 1999

Date of registration with the 
Public Registry of Commerce:
- Of the by-laws: August 30, 1999
- Of the latest amendment: October 10, 2007

Registration number with the IGJ: 
1,669,733

Expiration of articles of incorporation: 
August 29, 2098

Information on Parent company:
Name: GC Dominio S.A.
Registered office: Piedras 1743, 
Buenos Aires, Argentina

Information on the subsidiaries in Note 2.4 
to the consolidated financial statements 
and Note 4.3 to the parent company only
financial statements.

Capital structure

Type

Number of votes

Subscribed, registered

per share

and paid-in capital

Class “A” Common shares, with nominal value of Ps. 1
Class “B” Common shares, with nominal value of Ps. 1

Class “C” Common shares, with nominal value of Ps. 1

5
1

1

Total as of December 31, 2016

Total as of December 31, 2015

75,980,304
186,281,411

25,156,869

287,418,584

287,418,584

Signed for identification purposes 
with the report dated March 10, 2017

See our report dated March 10, 2017
Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L.
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 1 - FOL. 17

Carlos Alberto Pedro Di Candia
Chairman of the Supervisory Committee

Dr. Carlos A. Pace (Partner)
Certified Public Accountant (UBA)
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 150 - FOL. 106

Alejandro A. Urricelqui
Vice Chairman  and acting Chairman

77

Consolidated 
Statement of
Comprehensive 
Income

For the years ended 
December 31, 2016 and 2015 
In Argentine Pesos (Ps.)

78

Notes

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Revenues 
Cost of Sales (1)
Subtotal - Gross Profit

Selling Expenses (1)
Administrative Expenses (1)
Other Income and Expenses, net

Financial Costs

Other Financial Results, net

Financial Results

6.1

6.2

6.3

6.3

6.6

6.4

6.5

Equity in Earnings from Affiliates and Subsidiaries

5.4

Income before Income Tax and Tax on Assets

Income Tax and Tax on Assets

Income for the period from continuing operations

Discontinued Operations

Net Income from Discontinued Operations

7

13

11,378,887,347

(7,003,551,922)

4,375,335,425

(1,728,968,802)

(1,864,144,211)

55,465,753

(267,623,007)

(130,553,073)

(398,176,080)

48,725,499

488,237,584

(264,157,883)

224,079,701

8,291,992,388

(4,926,694,896)

3,365,297,492

(1,202,643,174)

(1,228,754,283)

98,222,054

(150,123,485)

19,155,581

(130,967,904)

61,298,581

962,452,766

(354,574,614)

607,878,152

3,955,531,485

2,308,032,329

Net Income for the Year

4,179,611,186

2,915,910,481

Other Comprehensive Income

Items which may be reclassified to net income

Variation in Translation Differences of Foreign Operations 

from Continuing Operations

8,803,638

19,342,907

Variation in Translation Differences of Foreign Operations 

from Discontinued Operations

Other Comprehensive Income for the Year 

422,449,177

431,252,815

146,569,000

165,911,907

Total Comprehensive Income for the Year

4,610,864,001

3,081,822,388

Profit Attributable to:

Shareholders of the Parent Company

Non-Controlling Interests

Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to:

Shareholders of the Parent Company

Non-Controlling Interests

Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share from 

Continuing Operations

Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share from 

Discontinued Operations
Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share - Total 

2,530,041,832

1,649,569,354

2,748,667,739

1,862,196,262

0.82

7.98
8.80

1,884,929,369

1,030,981,112

2,003,372,380

1,078,450,008

2.02

4.54
6.56

(1) Includes amortization of intangible assets and film library, 
and depreciation of property, plant and equipment in the amount 
of Ps. 183,484,509 and Ps. 132,219,465 for the years ended 
December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Signed for identification purposes 
with the report dated March 10, 2017

See our report dated March 10, 2017
Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L.
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 1 - FOL. 17

Carlos Alberto Pedro Di Candia
Chairman of the Supervisory Committee

Dr. Carlos A. Pace (Partner)
Certified Public Accountant (UBA)
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 150 - FOL. 106

Alejandro A. Urricelqui
Vice Chairman  and acting Chairman

Consolidated 
Balance Sheet

As of December 31, 2016
and 2015 
In Argentine Pesos (Ps.)

Notes

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Assets
Non-Current Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment
Intangible Assets
Goodwill
Deferred Tax Assets
Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Other Investments
Inventories
Other Assets
Other Receivables
Trade Receivables
Total Non-Current Assets

Current Assets
Inventories
Other Assets
Other Receivables
Trade Receivables
Other Investments
Cash and Banks
Total Current Assets

Assets Held for Distribution to Shareholders
Total Assets

Equity (as per the corresponding statement)
Attributable to Shareholders of the Parent Company
Shareholders’ Contributions
Other Items
Accumulated Income
Total Attributable to Shareholders of the Parent Company

Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests
Total Shareholders’ Equity

Liabilities
Non-Current Liabilities
Provisions and Other
Debt
Deferred Tax Liabilities 
Taxes Payable
Other Liabilities
Trade Payables and Other
Total Non-Current Liabilities

Current Liabilities
Debt
Seller Financings
Taxes Payable
Other Liabilities
Trade Payables and Other
Total Current Liabilities

Liabilities Held for Distribution to Shareholders
Total Liabilities

5.1
5.2
5.3
7
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
5.8
5.9

5.6
5.7
5.8
5.9
5.5
5.10

13

5.11
5.12
7
5.14
5.15
5.16

5.12
5.13
5.14
5.15
5.16

13

780,775,774
221,713,090
270,923,529
532,896,812
368,314,257
7,412,878
15,805,039
2,122,552
159,206,993
99,857,137
2,459,028,061

901,013,829
11,838,743
486,550,805
3,582,782,739
328,346,695
416,006,084
5,726,538,895

28,082,220,838
36,267,787,794

2,010,638,503
755,638,189
6,860,110,364
9,626,387,056

4,416,373,963
14,042,761,019

228,252,293
469,172,621
209,849
59,188,405
61,662,068
27,347,968
845,833,204

339,731,089
14,256,467
296,868,894
508,464,913
2,958,209,807
4,117,531,170

17,261,662,401
22,225,026,775

9,026,866,357
258,146,566
2,907,928,844
374,890,670
1,721,354,821
458,789,781
23,626,229
2,627,301
1,389,317,682
82,905,052
16,246,453,303

490,692,852
11,456,124
949,442,104
3,790,626,735
1,186,552,013
2,025,780,934
8,454,550,762

-
24,701,004,065

2,010,638,503
592,243,638
4,630,068,532
7,232,950,673

3,175,288,997
10,408,239,670

432,475,314
4,033,351,896
-
90,524,218
142,185,237
19,557,018
4,718,093,683

2,901,737,366
1,874,191
1,152,994,701
465,161,856
5,052,902,598
9,574,670,712

-
14,292,764,395

Total Equity and Liabilities

36,267,787,794

24,701,004,065

The notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Signed for identification purposes 
with the report dated March 10, 2017

See our report dated March 10, 2017
Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L.
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 1 - FOL. 17

Carlos Alberto Pedro Di Candia
Chairman of the Supervisory Committee

Dr. Carlos A. Pace (Partner)
Certified Public Accountant (UBA)
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 150 - FOL. 106

Alejandro A. Urricelqui
Vice Chairman  and acting Chairman

79

Consolidated 
Statement 
of Changes in Equity

For the years ended 
December 31, 2016 and 2015
In Argentine Pesos (Ps.)

Shareholders’ Contributions

Inflation

Adjustment on

Additional

Capital Stock

Capital Stock

Paid-in Capital

Subtotal

Balances as of January 1st 2015

287,418,584

309,885,253

1,413,334,666

2,010,638,503

Set-up of reserves 

Dividend Distribution

Dividends and Other Movements 

of Non-Controlling Interest

Changes in Reserves for 

Acquisition of Investments

Net Income for the Year

Other Comprehensive Income:

Variation in Translation Differences 

of Foreign Operations

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Balances as of December 31, 2015

287,418,584

309,885,253

1,413,334,666

2,010,638,503

Set-up of Reserves (Note 14)

Dividend Distribution

Dividends and Other Movements 

of Non-Controlling Interest

Changes in Reserves for 

Acquisition of Investments

Net Income for the Year

Other Comprehensive Income:

Variation in Translation Differences 

of Foreign Operations

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Balances as of December 31, 2016

287,418,584

309,885,253

1,413,334,666

2,010,638,503

(1) Broken down as follows: (i) Optional reserve for future dividends 
of Ps. 1,884,929,369; (ii) Judicial reserve for future dividend distribution 
of Ps. 387,028,756, (iii) Optional reserve for illiquidity of results of 
Ps. 694,371,899, and (iv) Optional reserve to provide financial aid to 
subsidiaries and in connection with the Audiovisual Communication 
Services Law of Ps. 1,244,277,741.

The notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(

(

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1

2

5

1

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(

1

(

2

-

-

-

(

-

(

80

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Translation

of Foreign

Operations

Other Items

Other

Reserves

Equity attributable to Shareholders of the Parent Company 

Accumulated Income

Equity

Legal

Reserve

(1) Optional
reserves

Retained

Earnings

Total Equity

Attributable to

of Controlling

Non-Controlling

Interests

Interests

Total Equity

477,454,394

(209,686)

119,460,767

2,071,576,709

804,101,687

5,483,022,374

2,282,464,286

7,765,486,660

D

D

-

-

-

-

-

118,443,011

595,897,405

-

-

-

-

-

218,625,907

-

-

-

(3,444,081)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

554,101,687

-

-

-

-

-

(554,101,687)

(250,000,000)

-

(250,000,000)

-

-

-

(250,000,000)

-

-

-

(185,625,297)

(185,625,297)

(3,444,081)

-

(3,444,081)

1,884,929,369

1,884,929,369

1,030,981,112

2,915,910,481

-

118,443,011

47,468,896

165,911,907

(3,653,767)

119,460,767

2,625,678,396

1,884,929,369

7,232,950,673

3,175,288,997

10,408,239,670

1,584,929,369

(1,584,929,369)

-

(300,000,000)

(300,000,000)

-

-

-

(300,000,000)

-

-

-

(55,231,356)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(621,111,296)

(621,111,296)

(55,231,356)

-

(55,231,356)

2,530,041,832

2,530,041,832

1,649,569,354

4,179,611,186

-

218,625,907

212,626,908

431,252,815

814,523,312

(58,885,123)

119,460,767

4,210,607,765

2,530,041,832

9,626,387,056

4,416,373,963

14,042,761,019

Signed for identification purposes 
with the report dated March 10, 2017

See our report dated March 10, 2017
Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L.
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 1 - FOL. 17

Carlos Alberto Pedro Di Candia
Chairman of the Supervisory Committee

Dr. Carlos A. Pace (Partner)
Certified Public Accountant (UBA)
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 150 - FOL. 106

Alejandro A. Urricelqui
Vice Chairman  and acting Chairman

81

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated 
Statement 
of Cash Flows

For the years ended 
December 31, 2016 and 2015
In Argentine Pesos (Ps.)

Cash provided by Operating Activities

Net Income for the Year

Income Tax and Tax on Assets

Accrued Interest, net

Adjustments to reconcile net income for the year 

to cash provided by operating activities:

- Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment 

- Amortization of Intangible Assets and Film Library

- Net allowances 

- Financial Income, except interest

- Equity in Earnings from Affiliates and Subsidiaries

- Other Income and Expenses

- Net Income from Discontinued Operations

Changes in Assets and Liabilities:

- Trade Receivables

- Other Receivables

- Inventories

- Other Assets

- Trade Payables and Other

- Taxes Payable

- Other Liabilities

- Provisions

Income Tax and Tax on Assets Payments

Net Cash Flows Provided by Discontinued Operating Activities

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

4,179,611,186

2,915,910,481

264,157,883

183,031,249

354,574,614

138,146,998

118,227,554

65,256,955

159,793,058

(68,031,076)

(48,725,499)

(11,052,911)

(3,955,531,485)

(983,842,991)

(63,198,167)

(414,465,667)

(631,805)

442,781,306

(39,095,491)

221,036,747

(67,620,230)

(446,226,374)

9,967,706,300

85,290,931

46,928,534

82,658,340

(243,855,707)

(61,298,581)

11,377,021

(2,308,032,329)

(640,769,704)

(108,973,297)

(202,683,352)

(3,623,522)

573,251,146

(54,440,597)

67,334,101

(41,651,137)

(218,835,839)

6,236,946,107

Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities

9,503,180,542

6,605,500,166

See our report dated March 10, 2017
Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L.
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 1 - FOL. 17

Dr. Carlos A. Pace (Partner)
Certified Public Accountant (UBA)
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 150 - FOL. 106

82

Cash provided by Investment Activities

- Acquisition of Property, Plant and Equipment, net

- Acquisition of Intangible Assets

- Payments for Acquisition of Subsidiaries, 

- Net of Cash Acquired and Contributions in Associates

- Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment

- Dividends collected

- Transactions with Securities, Bonds and 

Other Financial Instruments, Net

- Collections of Certificates of Deposit

- Net Cash Flows used in Discontinued Investment Activities

Net Cash Flows used in Investment Activities

Cash provided by Financing Activities

- Loans Obtained

- Repayment of Loans and Issue Expenses

- Payment of Interest

- Collections (Settlement) on Derivatives

- Payment of Dividends

- Payments to Non-Controlling Interests, net

- Net Cash Flows used in Discontinued Financing Activities

Net Cash Flows used in Financing Activities

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

(311,359,194)

(144,909,009)

(17,992,376)

36,987,689

35,625,464

15,722,985

10,199,505

(11,042,912,576)

(11,418,637,512)

1,232,757,451

(755,903,702)

(177,912,086)

59,303,370

(300,000,000)

(14,501,085)

(532,001,955)

(488,258,007)

(133,952,733)

(78,124,630)

(18,098,189)

15,193,293

44,409,345

110,024,900

39,873,227

(5,586,586,087)

(5,607,260,874)

255,509,948

(315,283,610)

(92,296,911)

7,996,820

(250,000,000)

(12,060,149)

(479,333,226)

(885,467,128)

Financing Results generated by Cash and Cash Equivalents

for Continuing Operations 

89,775,694

93,506,077

Financing Results generated by Cash and Cash Equivalents

for Discontinued Operations

905,840,410

754,306,411

Financing Results generated by Cash and Cash Equivalents

995,616,104

847,812,488

(Decrease) / Increase in cash flow, net

Cash and Cash Equivalents 

at the Beginning of the Year (Note 2.25)

Effect of Consolidation of Companies

Cash and Cash Equivalents 

at the Closing of the Year (Note 2.25)

(1,408,098,873)

960,584,652

2,705,563,078

2,053,223,080

1,717,383,640

27,594,786

3,350,687,285

2,705,563,078

The notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

Signed for identification purposes 
with the report dated March 10, 2017

See our report dated March 10, 2017
Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L.
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 1 - FOL. 17

Carlos Alberto Pedro Di Candia
Chairman of the Supervisory Committee

Dr. Carlos A. Pace (Partner)
Certified Public Accountant (UBA)
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 150 - FOL. 106

Alejandro A. Urricelqui
Vice Chairman  and acting Chairman

83

Note 1

General Information
Grupo Clarín is a holding company that
operates in the Media industry. Its operating
income and cash flows derive from the
operations of its subsidiaries in which it
participates directly or indirectly.

Its operations include cable television, Internet
access and telephony services, newspaper and
other printing, publishing and advertising
activities, broadcast television, radio operations
and television content production, on-line 
and new media services, and other media related
activities. A substantial portion of its revenues 
is generated in Argentina. Through its
subsidiaries, it is engaged primarily in the
following business segments:

− Cable Television, Internet Access and
Telephony Services, consisting of the largest
cable network in Latin America in terms of
subscribers, operated by its subsidiary
Cablevisión (surviving company after its 
merger with Multicanal and Teledigital), with
operations in Argentina and neighboring
countries. This company also provides high-
speed Internet access under the brands 
Fibertel and Flash.

− Printing and Publishing, consisting of 
national and regional newspapers, a sports daily,
magazine publishing, editing and distribution,
and commercial printing. Diario Clarín, the
flagship national newspaper, is the newspaper
with the second largest circulation in the
Spanish-speaking world. The sports daily Olé 
is the only newspaper of its kind in the
Argentine market. The newspaper La Razón is
the first ever free newspaper in Argentina. 
The children’s magazine Genios is the children’s
magazine with the highest circulation in
Argentina. AGR is its printing company.

− Broadcasting and Programming, consisting 
of Canal 13, one of the two broadcast television
stations with the highest audience share in
Argentina, AM (Amplitude Modulation) /FM
(Frequency Modulation) radio broadcast
stations (Radio Mitre and La 100), and the
production of television, film and radio
programming content, including cable television
signals and organization and broadcasting of
sporting events.

− Digital Content and Other, consisting 
mainly of digital and Internet content, 
on-line classified ads and horizontal portals 
as well as its subsidiary GCGC, its shared 
service center.

Note 25 to these Consolidated Financial
Statements describes the current merger-spin-off
process of the Company and certain subsidiaries.

These consolidated financial statements 
present the financial position, the results of
operations, the changes in equity and cash 
flows corresponding to the balances to be spun
off to the new company, as provided under
IFRS. See Notes 2.24 and 13.

Note 2

Basis for the preparation and presentation 

of the consolidated financial statements

2.1 Basis for the preparation 
Pursuant to General Resolution No. 562 
issued on December 29, 2009, entitled
“Adoption of International Financial Reporting
Standards” and General Resolution No. 
576/10, the CNV provided for the application
of Technical Resolutions No. 26 and 29 
issued by the Argentine Federation of
Professional Councils of Economic Sciences
(FACPCE, for its Spanish acronym). Since the
Company is subject to the public offering
regime governed by Law No. 26,831, it is
required to apply such standards as from the
year beginning January 1st, 2012. The 
FACPCE issues Adoption Communications 
in order to implement IASB resolutions 
in Argentina.

These consolidated financial statements of
Grupo Clarín for the year ended December 31,
2016, presented on a comparative basis, have
been prepared in accordance with IFRS. 
Certain additional matters were included as
required by the Argentine Business Associations
Law and/or CNV regulations, including 
the supplementary information provided under 
the last paragraph of Section 1, Chapter III,
Title IV of General Resolution No. 622/13.
That information is included in the Notes to
these consolidated financial statements, as
provided under IFRS and CNV rules.

Notes to the
Consolidated 
Financial Statements

For the year ended 
December 31, 2016 
Presented on a comparative basis.
In Argentine Pesos (Ps.)

84

These consolidated financial statements have
been prepared based on historical cost except for
the valuation of financial instruments (see Note
2.21). In general, the historical cost is based 
on the fair value of the consideration granted in
exchange for the assets.

IAS 29 “Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary
Economies” (“IAS 29”) requires that the 
financial statements of an entity that reports in
the currency of a hyperinflationary economy 
be stated in terms of the measuring unit current 
at the balance sheet closing date of the reporting
period and details a series of factors that may
indicate that an economy is hyperinflationary.
Based on the guidelines of IAS 29, there is not
enough evidence to conclude that Argentina 
was a hyperinflationary economy in 2016 and,
therefore, the Company did not apply the
restatement criteria to the financial information
for the years reported as established under IAS 29.

Certain figures reported in the financial
statements presented on a comparative basis
were reclassified in order to maintain the
consistency in the disclosure of the figures
corresponding to this year.

The attached consolidated information,
approved by the Board of Directors in the
meeting held on March 10, 2017, is presented
in Argentine Pesos (Ps.), the Argentine legal
tender, and arises from accounting records kept
by Grupo Clarín S.A. and its subsidiaries.

2.2 Standards and Interpretations issued but not

adopted to date
The Company has not adopted IFRS or
revisions of IFRS issued as per the detail below,
since their application is not required for the
year ended December 31, 2016:

- IFRS 9 Financial Instruments: issued in
November 2009 and amended in October 
2010 and July 2014. IFRS 9 introduces new
requirements for the classification and
measurement of financial assets and liabilities
and for their derecognition. This standard 
is applicable to years beginning on or after 
January 1st, 2018. 

additional information to be disclosed by 
the Company in the financial statements. 
It provides a single, principles based five-step
model to be applied to all contracts with
customers.

- IFRS 16 "Leases": issued in January 2016 and
applicable to fiscal years beginning on or after
January 1, 2019. It sets out the principles for
the recognition, measurement, presentation and
disclosure of leases. 

As of the date of these financial statements, the
Company cannot estimate its quantitative
impact because it is analyzing the corresponding
accounting effects.

2.3. Standards and Interpretations issued and
adopted to date 
As of the date of these consolidated financial
statements, no new regulations have been 
issued that may be applicable to the Company
for this year.

2.4 Basis for Consolidation
These consolidated financial statements
incorporate the financial statements of the
Company and of the subsidiaries and joint
ventures (“Interests in Joint Operations”, Note
2.7) controlled by the Company. Control 
is presumed to exist when the Company has a
right to variable returns from its interest in 
a subsidiary and has the ability to affect those
returns through its power over the subsidiary.
This power is presumed to exist when 
evidenced by the votes, be it that the Company
has the majority of voting rights or potential
rights currently exercised. The subsidiaries are
consolidated from the date on which the
Company assumes control over them and are
excluded from consolidation on the date 
control ceases. Additionally, these consolidated 
financial statements incorporate the companies
mentioned in 2.4.1. 

For consolidation purposes, the intercompany
transactions and the balances between the
Company and the consolidated companies have
been eliminated. Unrealized income has also
been eliminated. 

- IFRS 15 “Revenue from contracts with
customers”: issued in May 2014 and applicable
to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1,
2018. This standard specifies how and when
revenue will be recognized, as well as the

Below is a detail of the most relevant
consolidated subsidiaries, together with the
interest percentages held directly or indirectly 
in each subsidiary’s capital stock and votes, 
as of each date indicated below:

85

Companies

Cablevisión (1) (3)
NEXTEL (3)
PRIMA (3)  
AGEA
AGR
CIMECO
ARTEAR (2)
Pol-Ka
IESA 
Radio Mitre
GCGC
CMD 
GC Services
GCSA Investments

(1) Includes Multicanal and Teledigital, which were 
merged into Cablevisión effective as of October 1, 2008.
(2) Interest in votes amounts to 99.7%.
(3) See Note 13.
(4) This company was merged into Cablevisión effective 
as of October 1, 2016.

The subsidiaries’ financial statements used for
consolidation purposes bear the same closing
date as these consolidated financial statements,
comprise the same periods and have been
prepared under exactly the same accounting
policies as those used by the Company, which
are described in the notes to the consolidated
financial statements or, as the case may be,
adjusted as applicable.

2.4.1 Consolidation of Structured Entities
Cablevisión has executed certain agreements
with other companies, for the purposes of
rendering on behalf of and by order of such
companies certain selling and installation
services, collections, administration of subscribers,
marketing and technical assistance, financial 
and general business advising, with respect 
to cable television and Internet access services 
in Uruguay. In accordance with IFRS 10
“Consolidated Financial Statements”, these
consolidated financial statements include the
assets, liabilities and results of these companies.
Since the Company does not hold an interest 
in these companies, the offsetting entry of 
the net effect of the consolidation of the assets,
liabilities and results of these companies is
disclosed under the items "Equity attributable
to non-controlling interests" and "Net Income
attributable to non-controlling interests” in
these financial statements, as required by IFRS. 

Direct or Indirect Interest in the
Capital Stock and Votes (%)
December 31, 2015

December 31, 2016

60.0%
60.0%

-
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
99.3%
54.6%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%

60.0%

-
60.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
99.2%
54.6%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%

2.4.2 Changes in the Company’s Interests in Existing

Subsidiaries 
The changes in the Company’s interests in
subsidiaries that do not generate a loss of
control are recorded under equity. The book
value of the Company’s interests and non-
controlling interests is adjusted to reflect the
changes in the relative interest in the subsidiary.
Any difference between the amount for which
non-controlling interests were adjusted and the
fair value of the consideration paid or received 
is directly recognized in equity and attributed to
the shareholders of the parent company.

In case of loss of control, any residual interest 
in the issuing company is measured at its 
fair value at the date on which control was lost,
allocating the change in the recorded value 
with an impact on net income. The fair value 
is the initial amount recognized for such
investments for the purposes of its subsequent
valuation for the interest retained as associate,
joint operation or financial instrument.
Additionally any amount previously recognized
in Other Comprehensive Income regarding 
such investments is recognized as if Grupo
Clarín had disposed of the related assets and
liabilities. Consequently, the amounts previously
recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
may be reclassified to net income.

86

2.5 Business Combinations
The Company applies the acquisition method
to account for business combinations. The
consideration for each acquisition is measured 
at fair value (on the date of exchange) of the
assets acquired, the liabilities incurred or
assumed and the equity instruments issued by
the Company in exchange for the control 
of the company acquired. The costs related to
the acquisition are expensed as incurred.

The consideration for the acquisition, if any,
includes any asset or liability arising from a
contingent consideration arrangement,
measured at fair value at the acquisition date.
Subsequent changes to such fair value, verified
within the measurement period, are adjusted
against the acquisition cost. 

The measurement period is the actual period
that begins on the acquisition date and 
ends as soon as the Company receives all the
information it was seeking about facts and
circumstances that existed as of the acquisition
date. The measurement period cannot exceed
one year from the acquisition date. All other
changes in the fair value of the contingent
consideration classified as assets or liabilities,
outside the measurement period, are recognized
in net income. 

Changes in the fair value of the contingent
consideration classified as equity are not
recognized. 

In the case of business combinations achieved 
in stages, the Company’s equity interest 
in the company acquired is remeasured at fair
value at the acquisition date (i.e., the date 
on which the Company acquired control) and
the resulting gain or loss, if any, is recognized 
as income/expense or in other comprehensive
income, depending on the origin of the
variation. In the periods preceding the reporting
periods, the Company may have recognized in
other comprehensive income the changes in 
the value of the interest in the capital stock of
the acquired company. In that case, the amount
recognized in other comprehensive income is
recognized on the same basis that would have
been required if the Company had directly
disposed of the previously-held equity interest.

The identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent
liabilities of the acquired company that meet 
the conditions for recognition under IFRS 3
(2008) are recognized at fair value at the
acquisition date, except for certain particular
cases provided by such standard.

Any excess of the acquisition cost (including 
the interest previously held, if any, and the 
non-controlling interest) over the net fair value
of the subsidiary’s or associate’s identifiable
assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities
measured at the acquisition date is recognized 
as goodwill. Any excess of the net fair value 
of the identifiable assets, liabilities and
contingent liabilities over the acquisition cost 
is immediately recognized in net income.

The acquisition cost comprises the consideration
transferred, the amount of any non-controlling
interest and the acquisition-date fair value of 
the acquirer’s previously-held equity interest in
the acquiree, if any.

The Company initially recognizes any non-
controlling interest as per its share in the
amounts recognized for the net identifiable
assets of the acquired company. 

2.6 Investment in Associates
An associate is an entity over which the
Company has significant influence, without
exerting control, generally accompanied by
equity holdings of between 20% and 50% of
voting rights.

The associates’ net income and the assets and
liabilities are disclosed in the consolidated
financial statements using the equity method,
except when the investment is classified as 
held for sale, in which case it is accounted for 
under IFRS 5 “Non-Current Assets Held 
for Sale and Discontinued Operations”. 
Under the equity method, the investment in 
an associate is to be initially recorded at 
cost and the book value will be increased or
decreased to recognize the investor’s share 
in the comprehensive income for the year 
or in other comprehensive income obtained 
by the associate, after the acquisition date. 
The distributions received from the associate 
will reduce the book value of the investment. 

87

Any excess of the acquisition cost over the
Company’s share in the net fair value of 
the associate’s identifiable assets, liabilities and
contingent liabilities measured at the acquisition
date is recognized as goodwill. Goodwill is
included in the book value of the investment
and tested for impairment as part of the
investment. Any excess of the Company’s share
in the net fair value of the identifiable assets,
liabilities and contingent liabilities over the
acquisition cost, after its measurement at fair
value, is immediately recognized in net income.

Unrealized gains or losses on transactions
between the Company (and subsidiaries) and
the associates are eliminated considering the
Company’s interest in the associates.

Adjustments were made, where necessary, to 
the associates’ financial statements so that their
accounting policies are consistent with those
used by the Company.

Investments in companies in which the
company does not have control or significant
influence have been valued at cost, as
established by IAS 39.

In the cases where non-controlling shareholders
hold put options whereby they may force the
Company to acquire shares of subsidiaries, and
the Company reasonably estimates that such put
options will be duly exercised, the Company
discloses the present value of the corresponding
future payments under Other Liabilities.

2.7 Interests in Joint Operations
A joint operation is a contractual arrangement
whereby the Company and other parties
undertake an economic activity that is subject 
to joint control, i.e., when the financial strategy
and the operating decisions related to the
company’s activities require the unanimous
consent of the parties sharing control.

Joint venture arrangements that entail the
establishment of an independent entity in 
which each company holds an interest are called 
jointly controlled entities. The Company, in
accordance with IFRS 11 "Joint Arrangements”,
has applied the equity method to measure 
its holding in the jointly controlled entity and
discloses its holdings in such entities under
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates.

In the cases of joint business arrangements
executed through Uniones Transitorias de
Empresas ("UTE"), considered joint operations
under IFRS 11, the Company recognizes 
in its financial statements on a line-by-line basis
the assets, liabilities and net income subject 
to joint control in proportion to its share 
in such arrangements.

These consolidated financial statements 
include the balances of the UTEs, among them, 
Ertach S.A. – Prima S.A. Unión Transitoria 
de Empresas, FEASA – S.A. La Nación Unión
Transitoria de Empresas and AGEA S.A. – 
S.A. La Nación – UTE, in which the Company
and/or its subsidiaries hold an interest.

2.8 Goodwill
Goodwill arises from the acquisition of
subsidiaries and refers to the excess of the cost
of acquisition over the net fair value at the date
of acquisition of the identifiable assets acquired
and liabilities assumed. The Company initially
recognizes any non-controlling interest as per 
its share in the amounts recognized for the net
identifiable assets of the acquired company. 

If, upon measurement at fair value, the
Company’s share in the fair value of net
identifiable assets of the acquired company
exceeds the amount of the consideration
transferred, the amount of any non-controlling
interest in such company and the fair value 
of the acquirer’s previously held non-controlling
interest in the acquiree (if any), such excess 
is immediately recognized in the statement 
of comprehensive income as a gain arising from
a very advantageous acquisition.

Goodwill is not amortized, but tested for
impairment on an annual basis. For the
purposes of impairment testing, goodwill is
allocated to each of the Company’s cash-
generating units expected to render benefits
from the synergies of the respective business
combination. Those cash-generating units 
to which goodwill is allocated are tested 
for impairment on an annual basis, or more
frequently, when there is any indication 
of impairment. If the recoverable value of the 
cash-generating unit, i.e. the higher of 
the value in use or the fair value net of selling
expenses, is lower than the value of the net
assets allocated to that unit, including goodwill,

88

the impairment loss is first allocated to reduce
the goodwill allocated to the unit and then 
to the other assets of the unit, on a pro rata
basis, based on the valuation of each asset 
in the unit. The impairment loss recognized
against the valuation of goodwill is not reversed
under any circumstance.

In case of a loss of control in the subsidiary, 
the amount attributable to goodwill is included
in the calculation of the corresponding gain 
or loss.

2.9 Revenue Recognition 
Revenues are recognized when the amount of
revenues may be reliably estimated, when future
economic benefits are likely to be obtained by
the Company, and when specific criteria 
are met for each of Grupo Clarín’s activities, 
as described below.

Revenues for each of the main business
segments identified by the Company 
are recognized when the following conditions
are met:

- Cable Television, Internet Access and Telephony 
Sales of cable or Internet services subscriptions
are recognized as revenues for the period 
in which the services are rendered. Revenues 
from the installation of these services are
accrued over the average term during which
clients maintain their subscription to the
service. 

Advertising sales revenues are recognized in 
the period in which advertising is published 
or broadcast. 

Revenues from transactions that include more
than one item have been recognized separately
to the extent they have commercial substance 
on their own. The amount of revenues allocated
to each item is based on its fair value, which 
is assessed or estimated at market value.

Revenues from the sale of assets are recognized
only when the risks and benefits arising 
from the use of the disposed assets have been
transferred, the amount of revenues may be
fairly estimated, and the Company is likely to
obtain economic benefits (see Note 19). 

Installment sales are recognized at the value 
of future income discounted at a market rate
assessed at the beginning of the transaction.

- Printing and Publishing
Advertising sales are determined by the prices
achieved per single column centimeter and 
the number of advertising centimeters sold in
the relevant period. Circulation sales include 
the price received from the sale of newspapers,
magazines and other publications. Printing
services sales consist mainly of fees received
from the printing of magazines, books,
brochures and related products.

Advertising sales from newspapers and
magazines are recognized when advertising 
is published. Revenues from the sale of 
newspaper and magazines are recognized upon
passing control to the buyers. 

The Company records the estimated impact 
of returns, calculated based on historical 
trends, as a deduction from revenues. Revenues 
from printing services are recognized upon
completion of the services, delivery of 
the related products and customer acceptance.

- Broadcasting and Programming
TV and radio advertising sales revenues are
recognized when advertising is broadcast.
Revenues from programming and distribution
of television content are recognized when the
programming services are provided.

2.10 Barter Transactions
The Company, through its subsidiaries, 
sells a small portion of its advertising spaces 
in exchange for goods or services received.
Revenues are recorded when the advertisement
is made, valued at the fair value of the 
goods or services received, in the case of 
goods and other services advertising barter
transactions, or delivered, in the case of
advertising-for-advertising barter transactions.
Goods or services are recorded at the time 
goods are received or services are rendered. 
The goods or services to be received in
consideration for the advertisements made 
are recorded as Trade Receivables. The
advertisements to be made in exchange for the
goods and services received are recorded as
Trade Payables and Other.

89

2.11 Leases
Leases are classified as financial leases when 
the terms of the lease transfer to the lessee
substantially all the risks and benefits inherent
to the property. All other leases are classified 
as operating leases.

The assets held under financial leases are
recognized at the lower of the fair value of the
Company’s leased assets at the beginning of the
lease term, or the present value of the minimum
lease payments. The liability held with the lessor
is included in the balance sheet as an obligation
under financial leases recorded under Debt.

Lease payments are apportioned between 
the finance charge and the reduction of the
liabilities under the lease so as to achieve 
a constant interest rate on the outstanding
balance. The finance charge is expensed over 
the lease term.

The assets held under financial leases are
depreciated over the shorter of the useful life 
of the assets or the lease term.

Rentals under operating leases are charged to
income on a straight line basis over the
corresponding lease term.

2.12 Foreign Currency and Functional Currency
The financial statements of each of the entities
consolidated by the Company are prepared 
in the currency of the primary economic
environment in which the entity operates 
(its functional currency). For the purposes of
the consolidated financial statements, the net
income and the financial position of each entity
are stated in Argentine Pesos (Argentina’s legal
tender for all companies domiciled in
Argentina), which is the Company’s functional
currency, and the reporting currency of the
consolidated financial statements. The
functional currency of the indirectly controlled
Uruguayan and Paraguayan companies, are the
Uruguayan Peso and the Guarani, respectively. 

In preparing the financial statements of the
individual entities, the transactions in currencies
other than the entity’s functional currency
(foreign currency) are recorded at the exchange
rates prevailing on the dates on which
transactions are carried out. At the end of each
reporting year, the monetary items denominated

in foreign currency are retranslated at the
exchange rates prevailing on such date. 

Exchange differences are charged to net income
as incurred.

In preparing the Company’s consolidated
financial statements, the assets and liabilities
balances of the entities which functional
currencies is not the Argentine Peso, stated in
their own functional currency (Uruguayan Peso
and Guarani) are translated to Argentine pesos
at the exchange rate prevailing at the end of the
year, while the net income is translated at the
exchange rate prevailing on the transaction date.
Translation differences are recognized in other
comprehensive income as “Variation in
Translation Differences of Foreign Operations”.

2.13 Financial Costs
Financial costs directly attributable to the
acquisition, construction or production of 
assets that require a substantial period of time 
to prepare for their intended use or sale
(“qualifying assets”), are capitalized as part of
the cost of these assets until they are ready 
for their intended use or sale, according to IAS
23 ("Borrowing Costs").

The income, if any, on the temporary
investment of the specific borrowings incurred
to finance qualifying assets is deducted from 
the financial costs to be capitalized.

All other financial costs are charged to net
income as incurred.

2.14 Taxes
The income tax charge reflects the sum of
current income tax and deferred income tax.

2.14.1 Current and Deferred Income Tax for the year
Current and deferred taxes are recognized 
as expense or income for the year, except when
they are related to entries debited or credited 
to other comprehensive income or equity, 
in which cases taxes are also recognized 
in other comprehensive income or directly 
in equity, respectively. In the case of a business
combination, the tax effect is taken into
consideration in the calculation of goodwill or
in the determination of the excess of acquirer’s
interest in the net fair value of the acquiree’s
identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent

90

liabilities over the cost of the business
combination.

2.14.2 Current Income Tax
Current tax payable is based on the taxable
income recorded during the year. Taxable
income and net income reported in the
consolidated statement of comprehensive
income differ due to revenue or expense items
that are taxable or deductible in other fiscal
years and items that are never taxable or
deductible. The current tax liability is calculated
using the tax rate in effect as of the date of 
these consolidated financial statements. Current
tax charge is calculated based on the tax 
rules effective in the countries in which the
consolidated entities operate. 

2.14.3 Deferred Income Tax
Deferred tax is recognized on temporary
differences between the book value of the assets
and liabilities included in these financial
statements and the corresponding tax basis used
to determine taxable income. Deferred tax
liabilities are generally recognized for all
temporary fiscal differences. Deferred tax assets
are recognized for all deductible temporary
differences to the extent that it is likely that
future taxable income will be available against
which those deductible temporary differences can
be charged. These assets and liabilities are not
recognized if the temporary differences arise from
goodwill or from the initial recognition (other
than in a business combination) of other assets
and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither
the taxable income nor the accounting income.

The book value of a deferred tax asset is
reviewed at each reporting year and reduced to
the extent that it is no longer likely that
sufficient taxable income will be available in the
future to allow for the recovery of all or part 
of the asset.

Deferred tax is recognized on temporary
differences arising from investments in foreign
subsidiaries.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured
at the tax rates that are expected to be applicable
in the year in which the asset is realized or the
liability is settled, based on the tax rates (and tax
laws) that have been enacted or substantively
enacted by the end of the period. The

measurement of deferred tax liabilities and assets
reflects the tax consequences that would follow
from the manner in which the entity expects, at
the end of the reporting year, to recover or settle
the book value of its assets and liabilities.

Deferred tax assets are offset against deferred 
tax liabilities if effective regulations allow 
to offset, before the tax authorities, the amounts
recognized in those items; and if the deferred
tax assets and liabilities arise from income taxes
levied by the same tax authority and the
Company intends to settle its assets and
liabilities on a net basis.

Under the IFRS, deferred income tax assets 
and liabilities are classified as non-current assets
and liabilities, respectively.

2.14.4 Tax on Assets
In Argentina, the tax on assets (impuesto a la
ganancia mínima presunta) is supplementary 
to income tax. The Company assesses this tax at
the effective rate of 1% on the taxable assets 
at year-end. The Company’s tax liability for
each year will be equal to the higher of the tax
on assets assessment or the income tax liability
assessed at the legally effective rate on the
estimated taxable income for the year. However,
if the tax on assets exceeds the income tax
liability in any given fiscal year, the excess may
be creditable against any excess of income tax
liability over the tax on assets in any of the
following ten fiscal years.

The tax on assets balance has been capitalized 
in these consolidated financial statements 
for the amount estimated to be recoverable
within the statute of limitations, based on the
subsidiaries’ current business plans.

2.15 Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment held for use in
the production or supply of goods and services,
or for administrative purposes, are recorded 
at cost less accumulated depreciation and any
accumulated impairment loss.

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
in use is recognized on a straight-line basis over
its estimated useful life. 

The estimated useful life, residual value and
depreciation method are reviewed at each year-

91

  
end, with the effect of any changes in estimates
accounted for on a prospective basis. Land is
not depreciated.

Works in process are recorded at cost less any
recognized impairment loss. The cost includes
professional fees and, in the case of qualifying
assets, capitalized financial costs in accordance
with the Company’s accounting policy (Note
2.13). Depreciation of these assets, as well as in
the case of other property, plant and equipment,
begins when the assets are ready for their use.

Assets held under financial leases are depreciated
over the shorter of their estimated useful life,
which is equal to the rest of the other similar
assets, or over the lease term.

Repair and maintenance expenses are expensed
as incurred.

The gain or loss arising from the retirement 
or disposal of an item of property, plant and
equipment is calculated as the difference
between income from the sale of the asset and
the asset’s book value, and recognized under
“Other Income and Expenses, net” in the
statement of comprehensive income.

The residual value of an asset is written down 
to its recoverable value, if the asset’s residual
value exceeds its estimated recoverable value 
(see Note 2.17).

2.16 Intangible Assets
Intangible assets include trademarks and
patents, exclusivity agreements, licenses,
software and other rights, the purchase value 
of the subscriber portfolio, projects in-progress
(mainly related to software development) and
other intangible assets. The accounting policies
regarding the recognition and measurement 
of such intangible assets are described below.

2.16.1 Intangible Assets Acquired Separately
Intangible assets acquired separately are valued 
at cost, net of the corresponding accumulated
amortization and impairment losses. Amortization
is calculated on a straight line basis over the
estimated useful life of the intangible assets. The
Company reviews the useful lives applied, 
the residual value and the amortization method
at each year-end, and accounts the effect of any
changes in estimates on a prospective basis. 

Assets held under financial leases are depreciated
over the shorter of their estimated useful life,
which is equal to the rest of the other similar
assets, or over the lease term.

2.16.2 Intangible Assets Acquired in a Business

Combination
Intangible assets acquired in a business
combination are identified and recognized
separately regarding goodwill when they meet the
definition of intangible assets and their fair value
can be measured reliably. Such intangible assets
are recognized at fair value at acquisition date. 

After the initial recognition, intangible assets
acquired in a business combination are 
valued at cost net of accumulated amortization
and impairment losses, with the same basis as
intangible assets acquired separately.

2.16.3 Internally Generated Intangible Assets
Internally generated intangible assets arising
from the development phase of an internal
project are recognized if certain conditions are
met, among them, technical feasibility to
complete the development of the intangible
asset and the intent to complete such
development.

The amount initially recognized for internally
generated intangible assets comprises all the
expenses incurred as from the moment all the
intangible assets meet the above-mentioned
recognition criteria. Where it is not possible to
recognize an internally generated intangible
asset, the development expenses are recognized
in the statement of comprehensive income in
the year in which they are incurred.

After the initial recognition, internally
developed intangible assets are valued at cost net
of accumulated amortization and impairment
losses, with the same basis as intangible assets
acquired separately. 

Such assets are included under software and
projects in-progress.

2.17 Impairment of Non-Financial Assets, Except

Goodwill
At the end of each financial statement, the
Company reviews the book value of its 
non-financial assets with definite useful life to
determine the existence of any evidence

92

indicating that these assets could be impaired. 
If there is any indication of impairment, the
recoverable value of these assets is estimated 
for the purposes of determining the amount of
the impairment loss (in case the recoverable
value is lower than the book value). Where it is
not possible to estimate the recoverable value 
of an individual asset, the Company estimates
the recoverable value of the cash-generating 
unit ("CGU") to which such asset belongs.
Where a consistent and reasonable allocation
base can be identified, corporate assets are 
also allocated to an individual cash-generating
unit or, otherwise, to the smallest group of 
cash-generating units for which a consistent
allocation base can be identified. 

The recoverable value of an asset is the higher 
of the fair value less selling expenses or its value
in use. In measuring value in use, estimated
future cash flows are discounted at their present
value using a pre-tax discount rate, which
reflects the current market assessments of the
time value of money and, if any, the risks
specific to the asset for which estimated future
cash flows have not been adjusted.

Assets with an indefinite useful life (for
example, non-financial assets unavailable for
use) are not amortized, but are tested for
impairment on an annual basis.

Non-financial assets, except for goodwill, for
which an impairment loss was recorded, 
are reviewed at each closing date for a possible
reversal of the impairment loss.

2.18 Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of acquisition
cost and/or production cost or the net 
realizable value. The cost is determined under
the weighted average price method. 

The production cost is determined under the
cost absorption method, which comprises 
raw materials, labor and other costs directly
related to the production of goods. The net
realizable value represents the estimated selling
price in the ordinary course of business less the
estimated costs necessary to make such sale.

The criterion followed to expense each of these
inventory items is as follows:

− Film Rights (series, soap operas and films) and
programs purchased: 
The cost of series, soap operas and programs
purchased to be shown on broadcast television 
is mainly expensed against the cost of sales 
on the exhibition date or upon expiration of
exhibition rights. Rights related to these
programs acquired in perpetuity, if any, are
amortized over their estimated useful life 
(eight years, with a grace period of three years
and are subsequently amortized on a straight-
line basis over the next five years).

Films are expensed against the cost of sales 
on a decreasing basis, based on the number of
showings granted by the respective rights or
upon expiration of exhibition rights. 

Film rights acquired in perpetuity are amortized
over their estimated useful life (seven years, 
with a grace period of four years. They are
subsequently amortized on a decreasing basis
over the next three years).

− In-house production programs and 
co-productions:
The cost of in-house production programs 
and co-productions is mainly expensed against 
the cost of sales after broadcasting of the 
chapter or program. Rights related to in-house
production programs and co-productions
acquired in perpetuity, if any, are amortized over
their estimated useful life (eight years, with a
grace period of three years and are subsequently
amortized on a straight-line basis over the 
next five years).

− Events:
The cost of events is fully expensed against the
cost of sales at the time of broadcasting.

The allowance for impairment is calculated
based on the recoverability analysis conducted 
at the closing of each year. The values thus
obtained do not exceed their respective
recoverable values estimated at the closing of
each year.

2.19 Other Assets
The assets included in this item have been
valued at acquisition cost.

Investments denominated in foreign currency
subject to restrictions on disposition under

93

financial covenants have been valued at face
value plus interest accrued as of each year-end.

2.20 Provisions and Other
Provisions for Lawsuits and Contingencies and
the accrual for asset retirement are recognized
when the Company has a present obligation 
(be it legal or constructive) as a result of a past
event, when it is likely that an outflow of
resources will be required to settle the obligation
and when the amount of the obligation can 
be reliably estimated.

The amount recognized as a provision is the best
estimate of the expenditure required to settle 
the present obligation at the end of the reporting
year, taking into consideration the corresponding
risks and uncertainties. Where a provision is
measured using the estimated cash flow to settle
the present obligation, its book value represents
the present value of such cash flow.

In estimating its obligations, the Company 
has taken into consideration the opinion of its 
legal advisors, if any.

2.21 Financial Instruments

2.21.1 Financial Assets
Purchases and sales of financial assets are
recognized at the transaction date when the
Company undertakes to purchase or sell 
the asset, and is initially measured at fair value,
plus transaction costs, except for those financial
assets classified at fair value with changes 
in the statement of income, which are initially
measured at fair value.

2.21.1.1 Classification of Financial Assets
Financial assets are classified within the
following specific categories: “financial assets 
at fair value with changes in net income”, 
“held-to-maturity investments” and “loans and
receivables”. The classification depends on 
the nature and purpose of the financial assets 
and is determined on initial recognition.

2.21.1.2 Recognition and Measurement of Financial

Assets 

2.21.1.2.1 Financial Assets at Fair Value with

Changes in Net Income
Financial assets at fair value with changes in net
income are recorded at fair value, recognizing
any gain or loss arising from the measurement
in the consolidated statement of comprehensive

income. The net gain or loss recognized in net
income includes any gain or loss generated 
by the financial asset and is included under the
item financial income and cost in the
consolidated statement of comprehensive
income.

The assets designated in this category are
classified as current assets if they are expected to
be traded within 12 months; otherwise, they 
are classified as non-current assets.

The fair value of these assets is calculated based
on the current quoted market price of these
instruments.

2.21.1.2.2 Held-to-maturity Investments
 Held-to-maturity investments are measured 
at amortized cost using the effective interest rate
method less any impairment, if any.

The effective interest rate method calculates 
the amortized cost of a financial asset or liability
and the allocation of financial income or cost
over the whole corresponding period. The
effective interest rate is the rate that exactly
discounts estimated future cash payments or
receipts over the expected life of the financial
instrument to the net book value of the
financial asset or liability on its initial
recognition. 

Balances in foreign currency were translated at
the exchange rate prevailing at the closing 
of year for the settlement of these transactions.
Foreign exchange differences were charged to
net income for each year.

2.21.1.2.3 Loans and Receivables 
Loans and trade receivables with fixed or
determinable payments not traded in an active
market are classified as “trade receivables and
other”. Trade receivables and other are initially
measured at fair value, and subsequently
measured at amortized cost using the effective
interest rate method, less any impairment, if
any. Interest income is recognized using the
effective interest rate method, except for short-
term balances for which the recognition of
interest is not significant.

Loans and receivables are classified as current
assets, except for the maturities exceeding 
12 months from the closing date.

94

Loans in foreign currency have been valued 
as mentioned above, at the exchange rates
prevailing as of each year-end. Foreign 
exchange differences were charged to net
income for each year. 

2.21.1.3 Impairment of Financial Assets
The Company tests financial assets or a group
of assets for impairment at each closing date 
to assess if there is any objective evidence of
impairment. The value of a financial asset or a
group of assets is impaired, and an impairment
loss is recognized, where there is objective
evidence of the impairment as a result of one 
or more events that occurred after the initial
recognition of the asset (a “loss event”) and 
that loss event or events have an impact on the
estimated future cash flows of the financial 
asset or a group of assets, which may be reliably
measured.

The objective evidence of impairment may
include, among others, significant financial
difficulties of the issuer or obligor; or breach 
of contractual terms, such as default or
delinquency in interest or principal payments.

For certain categories of financial assets, such 
as accounts receivable and other receivables, 
the assets that are not impaired on an 
individual basis are tested for impairment on a
collective basis. The objective evidence of
impairment of a receivables portfolio includes
the Company’s past collection experience, an
increase in the number of delinquent payments
in the receivables portfolio, as well as observable
changes in the local economic situation 
affecting the recoverability of receivables.

Where there is objective evidence of an
impairment loss in the value of loans granted,
receivables or held-to-maturity investments
recorded at amortized cost, the loss amount is
measured as the difference between the book
value and the present value of estimated future
cash flows (without including future non-
incurred losses), discounted at the original
effective interest rate of the financial asset. 
The asset’s book value is written down under a
contra asset account. The loss amount is
recognized in net income for the year. 

If, in subsequent periods, the impairment loss
amount decreases and such decrease can be

objectively related to an event occurring after
the impairment has been recognized (such 
as an improvement in the debtor’s credit rating), 
the previously recognized impairment loss is
reversed. A loss reversal can only be recorded to
the extent the financial asset’s book value does
not exceed the amortized cost that would have
been determined if the impairment loss had not
been recorded at the reversal date. The reversal
amount is recognized in net income for the year.

2.21.1.4 Derecognition of Financial Assets
The Company derecognizes a financial asset
when the contractual rights to the cash flows 
of such assets expire or when it transfers 
the financial asset and, therefore, all the risks
and benefits inherent to the ownership of 
the financial asset are transferred to another
entity. If the Company retains substantially 
all the risks and benefits inherent to the 
ownership of the transferred asset, it will
continue to recognize it and will recognize a
liability for the amounts received.

2.21.2 Financial Liabilities
Financial liabilities, except for derivatives, are
valued at amortized cost using the effective
interest rate method. 

2.21.2.1 Debt
Debt is initially valued at fair value net of the
transaction costs incurred, and subsequently
valued at amortized cost using the effective
interest rate method. Any difference between
the initial value net of the transaction costs and
the settlement value is recognized in the income
statement over the term of the loan using the
effective interest rate method. Interest expense
has been allocated to “Financial Costs” in 
the consolidated statement of comprehensive
income, except for the portion allocated to 
the cost of works under construction recorded
under “Property, Plant and Equipment”.

Debt maturing within the 12 months preceding
the closing date is classified as current and 
those maturing within the 12 months following
the closing date are classified as non-current. 

Loans in foreign currency have been valued 
as mentioned above, at the exchange rates
prevailing as of each year-end. Foreign 
exchange differences were charged to net
income for each year.

95

2.21.2.2 Trade Payables and Other
Trade payables with fixed or determinable
payments not traded in an active market are
classified as “Trade Payables and Other”. Trade
Payables and Other are initially measured at 
fair value, and subsequently measured at
amortized cost using the effective interest rate
method. Interest expense is recognized using 
the effective interest rate method, except for
short-term balances for which the recognition 
of interest is not significant.

Trade Payables and Other are classified as
current, except for the maturities exceeding 12
months from the closing date.

Trade payables in foreign currency have been
valued as mentioned above, at the exchange
rates prevailing as of each year end. Foreign
exchange differences were charged to net
income for each year. 

2.21.2.3 Derecognition of Financial Liabilities
An entity shall derecognize a financial liability
(or part of it) when it has been extinguished,
i.e., when the obligation specified in the
corresponding agreement is discharged,
cancelled or expires.

2.21.3 Derivatives and Hedge Accounting
The Company executes certain financial
instruments to manage its exposure to interest
rate and exchange risks, including foreign
currency hedges, interest rate swaps and
currency swaps. 

Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value
at the date of execution of the related contract
and subsequently measured at fair value at 
the end of the reporting year. The resulting gain
or loss is immediately recognized in net income
unless the derivate is designated as a hedging
instrument, in which case the timing for its
recognition will depend on the nature of the
hedging relationship. The Company uses certain
derivatives to hedge the fair value of its
recognized liabilities (fair value hedge).

The Company documents at the beginning of
the transaction the existing relationship between
the hedging instruments and the hedged items,
as well as its objectives to manage risk and the
strategy to carry out hedge transactions. The
Company also documents its assessment, both

at the beginning and on an ongoing basis, of 
the high effectiveness of its hedging transactions
to offset the changes in the fair value of the
hedged items.

The fair value of hedging derivatives is fully
classified as a non-current asset or liability if the
hedged item matures in more than 12 months,
and as a current asset or liability if the hedged
item matures within 12 months.

Fair Value Hedge

Changes in the fair value of derivatives
designated and classified as fair value hedges are
charged to net income, together with any
change in the fair value of a hedged liability
attributable to the hedged risk. The Company
only applies fair value hedge accounting to cover
the exchange rate fluctuations of the liabilities 
it holds in foreign currency. The gain or loss
relating to the effective portion of foreign
currency forward contracts is charged to net
income under Financial Costs. The loss or gain
related to the ineffective portion, if any, is
charged to net income under Other Income 
and Expenses, net. Changes in the fair value of
the Company’s hedged liabilities denominated
in foreign currency, attributable to the risk
detailed above, are charged to net income under
Financial Costs.

2.21.4 Refinancing of Indebtedness
Liabilities arising from the restructuring of
financial debts have been initially valued at fair
value and will be subsequently measured at
amortized cost using the effective interest rate
method.

2.22 Other Receivables

2.22.1 Call Option
The call option included under the item 
Other Receivables has been valued at its
acquisition cost. 

2.23 Other Liabilities
Advances from customers involving obligations
to deliver assets that have not yet been produced
have been valued at the higher of the amounts
received or the share in the estimated value of
the related assets.

The other liabilities have been valued at
nominal value.

96

2.25 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the purposes of preparing the consolidated
statement of cash flows, the item “Cash and
Cash Equivalents” includes cash and bank
balances, certain high liquidity short-term
investments (with original maturities shorter
than 90 days). Bank overdrafts payable on
demand, if any, are deducted to the extent they
are part of the Company’s cash management. 

Bank overdrafts are classified as “Debt” in the
consolidated balance sheet.

Cash and cash equivalents at each year-end, 
as disclosed in the consolidated statement of
cash flows, may be reconciled against the items
related to the consolidated balance sheet 
as follows: 

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

416,006,084

305,789,321

721,795,405

2,025,780,934

679,782,144

2,705,563,078

1,246,653,030

1,382,238,850

3,350,687,285

-

-

2,705,563,078

2.24 Assets and Liabilities Held for Distribution to

Shareholders
Non-current assets and liabilities (or disposal
groups) are classified as assets and liabilities 
held for distribution to shareholders when an
entity undertakes to distribute them to its
shareholders, to the extent such distribution is
highly likely to occur and they are available 
for immediate distribution in their then current
conditions. 

Cash and Banks

Short-Term Investments 

Subtotal

Cash and cash equivalents disclosed under 

“Assets held for distribution to shareholders”:

Cash and Banks

Short-Term Investments 

Subtotal

In the years ended December 31, 2016 and
2015, the following significant transactions were
carried out, which did not have an impact on
cash and cash equivalents:

Dividends collected through debt settlement

Interest settlement through reserve account

17,000,000

-

12,000,000

1,100,400

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

97

2.26 Distribution of Dividends
The distribution of dividends to the Company’s
shareholders is recognized as a liability in 
the financial statements for the year in which
the distribution of dividends is approved at 
the Shareholders’ Meeting.

Note 3

Accounting estimates and judgments
In applying the accounting policies described 
in Note 2, the Company has to make
judgments and prepare accounting estimates of
the value of the assets and liabilities that may
not be otherwise obtained. The estimates and
related assumptions are based on historical
experience and other pertinent factors. Actual
results may differ from these estimates.

The underlying estimates and assumptions are
continually reviewed. The effects of the reviews
of accounting estimates are recognized for the
year in which estimates are reviewed.

These estimates basically refer to:

Allowance for Bad Debts
The Company calculates the allowance for bad
debts for debt instruments that are not valued 
at fair value, taking into account the
uncollectibility history, the opinion of its legal
advisors, if any, and other circumstances known
at the time of calculation.

Impairment of Goodwill
The Company assesses goodwill for 
impairment on an annual basis. In determining
if there is impairment of goodwill, the
Company calculates the value in use of the 
cash generating units to which it has been
allocated. The calculation of the value in 
use requires the determination by the entity of
the future cash flows that should arise from 
the cash generating units and an appropriate
discount rate to calculate the present value.

Recognition and Measurement of Deferred
Income Tax Items
Deferred tax assets are only recognized for
temporary differences to the extent that 
it is likely that each entity, on an individual
basis, will have enough future taxable income
against which the deferred tax assets can be
used. Tax loss carryforwards from prior years 
are only recognized when it is likely that each
entity will have enough future taxable income
against which they can be used.

Pursuant to effective regulations, the use of the
subsidiaries’ tax credits is based on a projection
analysis of future income.

The Company examines the recoverable value 
of deferred tax assets based on its business plans
and books a valuation allowance, if appropriate,
so that the net position of the deferred tax asset
will reflect the probable recoverable value. 

Provisions for Lawsuits and Contingencies
The elements taken into consideration for the
calculation of the Provision for Lawsuits and
Contingencies are determined based on the
present value of the estimated costs arising from
the lawsuits brought against the Company,
taking into consideration the opinion of its 
legal advisors.

Determination of the Useful Lives of Property,
Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets 
The Company reviews the estimated useful life
of property, plant and equipment and intangible
assets at each year-end. 

Measurement of the fair value of certain
financial instruments
The fair value of a financial instrument is 
the amount at which the instrument could be
purchased or sold between knowledgeable,
willing parties in an arm’s length transaction. 
If there is a quoted market price available 
for an instrument in an active market, the fair
value is calculated based on that price.

If there is no quoted market price available for 
a financial instrument, its fair value is estimated
based on the price established in recent

98

transactions involving the same or similar
instruments and, otherwise, based on valuation
techniques regularly used in financial markets.
The Company uses its judgment to select 
a variety of methods and makes assumptions
based on market conditions at closing. 

Impairment losses of certain assets other than
accounts receivable (including property, 
plant and equipment and intangible assets)
Certain assets, including property, plant and
equipment and intangible assets are subject to
impairment testing. The Company records
impairment losses when it estimates that there 
is objective evidence of such losses or when 
the cost of such losses will not be recovered
through future cash flows. The evaluation 
of what constitutes impairment is a matter of
significant judgment. The impairment of 
non-financial assets is dealt with in more depth
in Note 2.17.

Note 4

Segment information
The Company is mainly engaged in media 
and entertainment activities, which are carried
out through the companies in which it holds a
participating interest. Based on the nature,
clients, and risks involved, the following
business segments have been identified, which
are directly related to the way in which the
Company assesses its business performance:
− Cable Television, Internet Access and
Telephony Services, mainly comprised by the
operations of its subsidiary Cablevisión and 
its subsidiaries, notably: NEXTEL and PRIMA
(the latter was merged into Cablevisión 
effective October 1, 2016).
− Printing & Publishing: mainly comprises 
the operations of its subsidiary AGEA and 
its subsidiaries AGR, Cúspide, Tinta Fresca,
CIMECO and their respective subsidiaries.
− Broadcasting and Programming: mainly
comprises the operations of its subsidiaries
ARTEAR, IESA and Radio Mitre, and their
respective subsidiaries, including Telecor, Telba,

Pol-Ka, Auto Sports, Grupo Carburando.
− Digital Content and Other: mainly comprises
the operations of its controlled companies
CMD and subsidiaries, OSA, FEASA 
and AGEA S.A. – S.A. La Nación - UTE.
Additionally, this segment includes the
Company’s own operations (typical of a holding
company) and those carried out by its
controlled company GCGC.

The Company has adopted IFRS 8 - Segment
Information, which defines operating segments
as those identified based on internal reports
with respect to the components of the company
regularly reviewed by the Board of Directors,
the main operating decisions maker, to allocate
resources and assess their performance. The
Company uses adjusted EBITDA to measure 
its performance. The Company believes that
adjusted EBITDA is a significant performance
measure of its businesses, since it is commonly
used in the industry to analyze and compare
media companies based on operating
performance, indebtedness and liquidity.
However, adjusted EBITDA does not measure
net income or cash flows generated by
operations and should not be considered as an
alternative to net income, an indication of the
Company’s financial performance, an alternative
to cash flows generated by operating activities or
a measure of liquidity. Since adjusted EBITDA
is not defined by IFRS, it is possible that other
companies may calculate it differently.
Therefore, the adjusted EBITDA reported by
other companies may not be comparable to the
Company’s reported adjusted EBITDA.

The following tables include the information 
as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, prepared
on the basis of IFRS, for the business segments
identified by the Company. Note 1 to these
consolidated financial statements includes
additional information about the Company’s
businesses. 

Notes 13 and 25 describe the effects of the
corporate reorganization process of the
Company and some of its subsidiaries and the
corresponding impact on the consolidated
financial information as of December 31, 2016.

99

Cable Television,

Internet Access

and Telephony

Printing

Broadcasting

and

and

Digital Content

Services

Publishing

Programming

and Other

(1) Deletions

(2) Adjustments

Consolidated

Information arising from 

consolidated income statements 

as of December 31, 2016
Net Sales to Third Parties (3)
Intersegment Sales

30,791,419,604

5,266,195,937

4,597,920,835

26,460,997

509,565,048

301,961,329

769,256,193

498,714,756

-

(30,045,905,222)

11,378,887,347

(564,726,751)

(771,975,379)

-

Net Sales

30,817,880,601

5,775,760,985

4,899,882,164

1,267,970,949

(564,726,751)

(30,817,880,601)

11,378,887,347

Cost of sales (excluding 

depreciation and amortization)

(11,540,010,475)

(3,455,863,004)

(2,731,032,522)

(796,478,203)

121,983,753

11,540,010,475

(6,861,389,976)

Subtotal

19,277,870,126

2,319,897,981

2,168,849,642

471,492,746

(442,742,998)

(19,277,870,126)

4,517,497,371

Expenses - excluding 

depreciation and amortization

- Selling Expenses

(4,225,789,970)

(1,402,377,946)

- Administrative Expenses

(3,565,513,567)

(1,022,251,481)

(323,146,967)

(644,145,679)

Adjusted EBITDA

11,486,566,589

(104,731,446)

1,201,556,996

(210,502,866)

(392,108,509)

(131,118,629)

218,826,869

223,916,129

4,225,789,970

(1,717,200,910)

3,565,513,567

(1,834,589,540)

-

(11,486,566,589)

965,706,921

Depreciation of Property, 

Plant and Equipment 

Amortization of Intangible 
Assets and Film Library (4) 
Financial Costs

Other Financial Results, net 

Financial Results

Equity in Earnings from 

Affiliates and Subsidiaries

Other Income and Expenses, net

Income Tax and Tax on Assets

Income for the year from 

continuing operations 

Discontinued Operations

Net Income from 

Discontinued Operations

Net Income for the Year

Additional consolidated 

information as of 
December 31, 2016

Acquisition of Property, 

Plant and Equipment

Acquisition of Intangible Assets

Ordinary Income from 

Foreign Operations

Non-Current Assets Held Abroad

(118,227,554)

(65,256,955)

(267,623,007)

(130,553,073)

(398,176,080)

48,725,499

55,465,753

(264,157,883)

224,079,701

3,955,531,485

4,179,611,186

9,043,691,047

23,338,586

84,500,574

66,929,956

202,719,986

7,681,897

24,138,634

70,297,156

816,075,846

884,259,624

-

11,135,712

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(9,043,691,047)

(23,338,586)

311,359,194

144,909,009

(816,075,846)

(884,259,624)

-

11,135,712

(1) Deletions are related to Grupo Clarín’s intercompany operations.
(2) Recognition of revenues from cable TV and Internet installation services 
and transactions including separate items, the non-consolidation of special 
purpose entities, and the results of discontinued operations (as disclosed in Notes 
25 and 13) corresponding to the Cable Television, Internet Access and Telephony 
Services segment.
(3) Includes also sales to unconsolidated companies.
(4) Amortization of film rights acquired in perpetuity, mentioned in Note 2.18.

100

Cable Television,

Internet Access 

and Telephony

Printing

Broadcasting

and

and

Digital Content

Services

Publishing

Programming

and Other

(1) Deletions

(2) Adjustments

Consolidated

Information arising from 

consolidated income statements 

as of December 31, 2015
Net Sales to Third Parties (3)
Intersegment Sales

19,976,650,205

3,978,379,230

3,352,809,655

37,049,795

325,013,561

248,551,251

Net Sales

20,013,700,000

4,303,392,791

3,601,360,906

372,033,360

388,953,766

760,987,126

-

(19,387,880,062)

8,291,992,388

(373,748,434)

(625,819,939)

-

(373,748,434)

(20,013,700,001)

8,291,992,388

Cost of sales (excluding 

depreciation and amortization)

(7,475,270,224)

(2,472,370,883)

(2,007,924,864)

(397,856,279)

60,720,941

7,475,270,224

(4,817,431,085)

Subtotal

12,538,429,776

1,831,021,908

1,593,436,042

363,130,847

(313,027,493)

(12,538,429,777)

3,474,561,303

Expenses - excluding 

depreciation and amortization

- Selling Expenses

(2,444,400,263)

(1,031,676,498)

- Administrative Expenses

(2,594,729,513)

(686,794,683)

Adjusted EBITDA

7,499,300,000

112,550,727

(214,058,110)

(427,087,164)

952,290,768

(94,033,582)

(267,819,259)

1,278,006

142,034,681

170,992,812

2,444,400,263

(1,197,733,509)

2,594,729,513

(1,210,708,294)

-

(7,499,300,001)

1,066,119,500

Depreciation of Property, 

Plant and Equipment 

Amortization of Intangible 
Assets and Film Library (4)
Financial Costs

Other Financial Results, net 

Financial Results

Equity in Earnings from 

Affiliates and Subsidiaries

Other Income and Expenses, net

Income Tax and Tax on Assets

Income for the year from 

continuing operations

Discontinued Operations

Net Income from 

Discontinued Operations

Net Income for the Year

Additional consolidated 

information as of 
December 31, 2015

Acquisition of Property, 

Plant and Equipment

Acquisition of Intangible Assets

Ordinary Income from 

Foreign Operations

Non-Current Assets Held Abroad

(85,290,931)

(46,928,534)

(150,123,485)

19,155,581

(130,967,904)

61,298,581

98,222,054

(354,574,614)

607,878,152

2,308,032,329

2,915,910,481

4,342,609,987

7,600,638

718,406,183

616,527,051

52,719,081

52,460,919

-

11,872,296

76,291,518

9,012,238

4,942,134

16,651,473

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(4,342,609,987)

(7,600,638)

133,952,733

78,124,630

(718,406,183)

(616,527,051)

-

11,872,296

(1) Deletions are related to Grupo Clarín’s intercompany operations.
(2) Recognition of revenues from cable TV and Internet installation services 
and transactions including separate items, the non-consolidation of special 
purpose entities, and     the results of discontinued operations (as disclosed in Notes 
25 and 13) corresponding to the Cable Television, Internet Access and Telephony 
Services segment.
(3) Includes also sales to unconsolidated companies.
(4) Amortization of film rights acquired in perpetuity, mentioned in Note 2.18. 

101

Note 5

Breakdown of the main items of the Balance Sheet 

5.1 Property, Plant and Equipment

Main Account

the Beginning

Additions

Subsidiaries 

Retirements

Transfers

2016

Balance at

(1) Deconsolidation
of 

Historical value

Balances as of

December 31,

Real Property

Furniture and Fixtures 

Telecommunication, Audio and Video Equipment

662,762,575

125,229,077

262,713,516

154,429

(218,733,586)

(1,746,929)

(53,447,675)

(5,879)

10,386,479

18,788,213

-

External Network and Broadcasting Equipment

7,408,676,730

-

(7,408,676,730)

Computer Equipment 

Technical Equipment 

Workshop Machinery

Tools

Spare Parts

Installations

Vehicles 

Plots

Materials in Warehouse

Works-In-Progress

Leasehold Improvements

934,368,830

124,380,673

624,638,701

145,492,439

66,011,063

497,032,153

325,426,977

6,218,711

1,615,863,948

1,304,006,818

63,673,594

82,278,065

7,436,523

23,319,899

(568,716,644)

(72,925,334)

(3,592,915)

-

-

(9,663,924)

256,071

(144,136,324)

12,626,736

13,081,724

3,610,565

-

-

-

(257,937,599)

(310,082,463)

(6,218,711)

(1,615,863,948)

(2,795,291)

(351,483)

(10,475,736)

36,798

-

-

-

-

130,619,879

(1,263,469,923)

(142,320)

(95,938,771)

8,800,611

(28,257,264)

6,678,771

82,113,229

(398,544)

1,465,069

-

693,055

(763,356)

16,471,377

(21,908)

140,016

524,549,718

81,763,458

282,966,798

-

445,030,391

58,128,506

654,766,053

1,590,278

78,777,815

238,905,251

18,640,394

-

-

75,075,683

50,895,712

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,511,090,057

Allowance for Impairment of Property, Plant 

and Equipment and Obsolescence of Materials 

(22,701,624)

-

22,701,624

Total as of December 31, 2016

14,143,794,181

311,359,194

(11,925,764,577)

(18,298,741)

102

Computer Equipment 

Technical Equipment 

Workshop Machinery

Tools

Spare Parts

Installations

Vehicles 

Plots

Materials in Warehouse

Works-In-Progress

Leasehold Improvements

Main Account

the Beginning

Subsidiaries

Retirements

For the year 

2016

2016

Balance at 

(1) Deconsolidation
of 

Accumulated Depreciation

Net Book

Balances as of 

Value as of

December 31,

December 31,

Real Property

Furniture and Fixtures 

Telecommunication, Audio and Video Equipment

260,620,740

99,651,334

218,132,288

(84,595,868)

(37,706,811)

-

External Network and Broadcasting Equipment

2,549,591,018

(2,549,591,018)

(1,383,664)

(37,194)

(3,795)

-

12,986,929

2,492,951

13,902,866

-

561,206,568

(242,393,763)

(2,170,014)

39,017,641

187,628,137

64,400,280

232,031,359

-

355,660,432

45,807,904

551,438,298

1,322,763

60,099,885

190,151,814

11,823,137

-

-

-

336,921,581

17,363,178

50,935,439

-

89,369,959

12,320,602

103,327,755

267,515

18,677,930

48,753,437

6,817,257

-

-

75,075,683

20,945,438

89,793,124

542,192,598

113,181,331

51,912,088

412,419,635

165,002,734

5,724,612

-

390,796

(49,537,223)

-

(111,929,013)

-

(226,996,298)

(155,420,743)

(5,724,612)

-

-

47,108,958

(24,880,764)

5,552,003

9,245,700

70,445

8,187,797

16,560,860

2,488,282

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(11,832,383)

(247,136)

-

-

(390,796)

-

-

Allowance for Impairment of Property, Plant 

and Equipment and Obsolescence of Materials 

-

-

7,722,080

29,950,274

-

-

-

Total as of December 31, 2016

5,116,927,824

(3,488,776,113)

(16,064,982)

118,227,554

1,730,314,283

780,775,774

(1) Deconsolidation of balances as of January 1, 2016, 
as mentioned in Note 13.

103

Balance at

the Beginning

Cumulative

Translation

Adjustment

Consolidation

of companies

and acquisition

Historical value

Balances as of

December 31,

Additions

of businesses

Retirements

Transfers

2015

658,057,475

121,382,067

(952,276)

(2,689,468)

5,417,803

6,809,267

3,154,230

1,321,404

(16,828,964)

(2,081,515)

13,914,307

487,322

662,762,575

125,229,077

239,146,325

-

20,723,835

3,053,766

(210,410)

-

262,713,516

Main Account

Real Property

Furniture and Fixtures 

Telecommunication, Audio 

and Video Equipment

External Network and 

Broadcasting Equipment

5,912,923,981

(71,613,502)

1,330,748,014

-

(878,842,497)

1,115,460,734

7,408,676,730

Computer Equipment 

Technical Equipment 

Workshop Machinery

Tools

Spare Parts

Installations

Vehicles 

Plots

Materials in Warehouse

Works-In-Progress

Leasehold Improvements

Allowance for Impairment of 

Property, Plant and Equipment 

711,449,238

105,035,192

610,359,802

112,637,714

58,122,179

486,083,624

219,926,256

16,048,610

964,956,185

667,424,627

54,125,246

(1,529,008)

187,907,472

751,682

(61,210,831)

-

-

(529,849)

-

-

2,045,691

2,897,902

1,841,558

7,888,884

7,442,351

(1,110,105)

146,844,638

-

277,887

(4,325,605)

(3,199,421)

-

2,286,060,198

458,745,305

6,514,738

15,692,408

21,032,437

740,909

-

650,167

2,066,966

-

-

305,989

1,112,883

-

(14,345,818)

(768,148)

-

(11,195,142)

(42,300,778)

(10,107,786)

97,000,277

1,607,382

4,694,378

31,570,255

-

14,051,153

-

-

934,368,830

124,380,673

624,638,701

145,492,439

66,011,063

497,032,153

325,426,977

6,218,711

(169,389,977)

(1,461,436,853)

1,615,863,948

-

-

180,730,318

1,304,006,818

1,920,727

63,673,594

and Obsolescence of Materials 

(17,799,368)

178,871

(5,338,639)

-

257,512

Total as of December 31, 2015

10,919,879,153

(85,770,363)

4,466,826,904

49,882,841

(1,207,024,354)

-

-

(22,701,624)

14,143,794,181

104

Consolidation

of companies

Balance at

and acquisition

the Beginning

of businesses

Cumulative

Translation

Adjustment

Accumulated Depreciation

Net Book

Balances as of 

Value as of

December 31,

December 31, 

Retirements

For the year

2015

2015

262,815,838

97,757,693

405,995

624,324

(449,388)

(1,670,467)

(15,706,777)

(2,012,612)

13,555,072

4,952,396

260,620,740

99,651,334

402,141,835

25,577,743

202,513,397

2,447,363

-

(172,632)

13,344,160

218,132,288

44,581,228

Main Account

Real Property

Furniture and Fixtures 

Telecommunication, Audio 

and Video Equipment

External Network and 

Broadcasting Equipment

2,118,666,426

-

(48,316,661)

(878,470,923)

1,357,712,176

2,549,591,018

4,859,085,712

(1,458,724)

(61,164,097)

103,364,664

Computer Equipment 

Technical Equipment 

Workshop Machinery

Tools

Spare Parts

Installations

Vehicles 

Plots

Materials in Warehouse

Works-In-Progress

Leasehold Improvements

Allowance for Impairment of 

Property, Plant and Equipment 

519,991,413

71,449,559

524,365,676

87,563,295

45,476,255

395,122,707

169,416,833

15,607,462

-

390,796

38,806,689

473,312

9,782,642

17,014,217

654,000

-

421,684

922,361

-

-

-

-

-

(315,059)

-

-

(929,366)

-

-

-

-

(9,061,401)

(508,170)

-

(11,170,918)

(41,682,756)

(10,107,786)

-

-

-

8,560,923

9,874,106

25,787,265

6,435,833

28,046,162

37,275,662

224,936

-

-

561,206,568

89,793,124

542,192,598

113,181,331

51,912,088

412,419,635

165,002,734

5,724,612

373,162,262

34,587,549

82,446,103

32,311,108

14,098,975

84,612,518

160,424,243

494,099

-

1,615,863,948

390,796

1,303,616,022

180,636

259,147

7,862,486

47,108,958

16,564,636

and Obsolescence of Materials 

(257,512)

-

-

257,512

Total as of December 31, 2015

4,549,686,527

32,926,534

(52,880,518)

(1,029,800,560)

-
(1) 1,616,995,841

-

(22,701,624)

5,116,927,824

9,026,866,357

(1) Includes Ps. 1,532 million corresponding 
to depreciation included under income/loss from 
discontinued operations (See Note 13).

105

The following table details the average years 
of useful life of the items comprising Property, 
Plant and Equipment:

Item

Real Property

Furniture and Fixtures 

Telecommunication, Audio and Video Equipment

External Network and Broadcasting Equipment

Computer Equipment 

Technical Equipment 

Workshop Machinery

Tools

Spare Parts

Installations

Vehicles 

Plots

Leasehold Improvements

5.2 Intangible Assets

Average Useful Life

(in years)

50

10

between 3 and 4

between 3 and 20

3

between 4 and 10

10

5

5

between 3 and 10

5

5

between 3 and 10

Main Account

the Beginning

Balance at 

Cumulative

Translation

Adjustment

Acquisition of

(1) Deconsolidation
of

Historical value

Balances as of

December 31,

Additions

Businesses

Retirements

Transfers

Subsidiaries

2016

Exploitation 

Rights and 

Licenses

Exclusivity 

Agreements

Other Rights

Acquisition 

Value of 

Subscriber 

Portfolio
Software

Trademarks 

and Patents

Projects 

in-Progress

Other

Total as of 

December 31, 

38,676,597

17,091,041

15,054,396

982,270,861
321,717,712

-

-

-

-
-

7,959,235

-

-

-

-
37,701,086

2,755,171

-

-
-

-

-

(103,268)

-

-

-

(11,103,492)

35,532,340

-

(2,868,904)

19,846,212

12,082,224

-
(333,794)

-
22,763,714

(981,417,111)
(152,707,378)

853,750
229,141,340

13,476,443

1,413,225

53,907,415

2,202,146

(641,827)

-

5,793,094

128,187,395

-

-

43,151,055

2,190,218

-

-

(102,908)

(22,763,714)

-

-

(31,423,596)

70,357,402

26,077,527

98,954,017

(1,179,520,481)

492,844,812

-

-

2016

1,522,267,539

1,413,225

144,909,009

4,957,317

(1,181,797)

106

Cumulative

Balance at

Translation

Acquisition of

(1) Deconsolidation
of 

Accumulated Amortization

Balances as of

Net Book

Value as of

December 31,

December 31,

Main Account

the Beginning

Adjustment

Businesses

Retirements

Subsidiaries

For the year

2016

2016

Exploitation 

Rights and 

Licenses

Exclusivity 

Agreements

Other Rights

Acquisition 

Value of 

Subscriber 

Portfolio

Software

Trademarks 

and Patents

Projects 

in-Progress

Other

Total as of 

December 31, 

31,165,711

12,163,793

13,864,757

905,665,321

196,424,857

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,377,586

-

-

-

6,874,642

322,277

201,864

-

97,961,892

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(333,793)

-

-

-

(11,043,257)

3,692,832

23,815,286

11,717,054

-

(2,868,512)

1,263,902

433,765

14,805,281

11,430,010

5,040,931

652,214

(904,811,571)

(105,923,040)

-

853,750

-

38,909,958

129,077,982

100,063,358

-

-

4,991,168

12,389,951

57,967,451

(31,058,090)

11,855,660

78,759,462

-

-

26,077,527

20,194,555

2016

1,264,120,973

322,277

1,579,450

(333,793)

(1,055,704,470)

61,147,285

271,131,722

221,713,090

(1) Deconsolidation of balances as of January 1, 2016, as mentioned in Note 13.

Balance at

the Beginning

Cumulative

Translation

Adjustment

Consolidation

of companies

and acquisition

Historical value

Balances as of

December 31,

Additions

of businesses

Retirements

Transfers

2015

Main Account

Exploitation Rights and Licenses

Exclusivity Agreements

Other Rights

Acquisition Value of 
Subscriber Portfolio

Software

Trademarks and Patents

Projects in-Progress

Other

33,898,031

17,091,041

15,054,396

975,213,788

255,545,612

6,739,272

7,389,943

80,536,694

Total as of December 31, 2015

1,391,468,777

-

-

-

-

-

856,288

-

(54,315)

801,973

4,692,621

85,945

-

-

7,053,073

36,709,394

5,868,093

25,149,695

4,483,223

83,956,099

-

-

-

3,538,842

12,790

-

43,609,087

47,246,664

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

4,000

(822,680)

26,746,544

-

-

-

(26,746,544)

38,676,597

17,091,041

15,054,396

982,270,861

321,717,712

13,476,443

5,793,094

(383,294)

(1,205,974)

(4,000)

128,187,395

-

1,522,267,539

107

Cumulative

(1) Consolidation
of companies

Balance at 

Translation

and acquisition

Accumulated Amortization

Balances as of

Net Book

Value as of

December 31,

December 31,

Main Account

the Beginning

Adjustment

of businesses

Retirements

For the year 

2015

2015

Exploitation Rights and Licenses

Exclusivity Agreements

Other Rights

Acquisition Value of 

Subscriber Portfolio

Software

Trademarks and Patents

Projects in-Progress

Other

Total as of December 31, 2015

28,327,861

11,127,022

13,345,820

804,700,780

138,643,183

5,308,350

-

59,401,630

1,060,854,646

-

-

-

-

(722)

431,340

-

(30,779)

399,839

85,945

-

-

-

918,024

7,501

-

27,243,867

28,255,337

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,751,905

1,036,771

518,937

100,964,541

56,864,372

1,127,451

-

31,165,711

12,163,793

13,864,757

905,665,321

196,424,857

6,874,642

-

11,347,174

97,961,892

174,611,151

1,264,120,973

7,510,886

4,927,248

1,189,639

76,605,540

125,292,855

6,601,801

5,793,094

30,225,503

258,146,566

(1) Includes Ps. 132 million corresponding to amortization included under income/loss from discontinued operations (See Note 13).

The following is a detail of the average number 
of years over which intangible assets items 
are amortized:

Item

Exploitation Rights and Licenses

Exclusivity Agreements

Other Rights

Acquisition Value of Subscriber Portfolio

Software

Trademarks and Patents

Other

Amortization Period

(in years)

between 2 and 20

between 5 and 15

between 5 and 20

10

between 3 and 5

between 3 and 10

between 3 and 20

108

5.3 Goodwill
Company assesses the recoverability of goodwill
considering each company for which it records
goodwill as a different cash generating unit
(“CGU”). 

The recoverable amount of each CGU has been
determined as per its value in use, calculated
based on operating cash flows estimated in the
financial budgets approved by Management,
which comprise a period ranging from one to
three years. Cash flows not included in those
periods are projected using a growth rate,
assessed based on statistical data and historical
indicators of Argentina, which does not exceed
the long-term average growth of each business.

The gross margin used in each case for the
calculation of the value in use allocated to each
CGU arises from budgets prepared by each
business for the period under consideration,
which are in line with the historical data and
the expectations regarding market development
and evolution of the respective businesses.

The discount rate used in each case for the
calculation of the value in use allocated to 
each CGU takes into account the risk-free rate, 
the country risk premium and the premium 
for risks specific to each business, and the
indebtedness structure of each CGU. In
particular, the annual discount rate applied to
the projections of Cablevisión’s cash flows is 
of approximately 9%.

Net balances

Net balances

Allowance

as of

as of

for Goodwill

December 31,

December 31,

Main Account

Residual Value 

impairment

2016

2015

Cablevisión and subsidiaries (1) (2)
PRIMA (2)
NEXTEL businesses (2)
CIMECO and related companies

Cúspide and subsidiaries 

Grupo Carburando

Telecor

Pol-Ka

Telba

Bariloche TV

Other

Total 

-

-

-

235,982,248

19,059,775

12,053,573

39,173,062

16,130,769

3,774,071

1,844,621

-

-

-

-

-

-

(54,637,313)

(19,059,775)

(12,053,573)

181,344,935

-

-

2,615,659,205

2,272,319

-

181,344,935

19,059,775

-

-

39,173,062

39,173,062

(6,850,727)

-

-

9,280,042

3,774,071

1,844,621

9,280,042

3,774,071

1,844,621

46,098,115

(10,591,317)

35,506,798

35,520,814

374,116,234

(103,192,705)

270,923,529

2,907,928,844

(1) Includes goodwill of Multicanal and Teledigital,
merged into Cablevisión (see Note 8.1.c).
(2) As of December 31, 2016, the balances under the
goodwill of Cablevisión and its subsidiaries and

NEXTEL are disclosed under Assets held for
distribution to shareholders for Ps. 2.715 million and
Ps. 802 million, respectively. See Note 13.

109

5.4. Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates

Main business activity

Country

(1) Interest (%)

2016

2015

Value

Recorded

as of

Value

Recorded

as of

December 31,

December 31,

Telecommunication Services

Manufacturing of Newsprint

Cable Television Station

Closed-Circuit Television

Cable Television Station

Closed-Circuit Television

Cable Television Station

Argentina

Argentina

Argentina

Argentina

Argentina

Argentina

Argentina

49.00

49.00

49.00

47.00

49.99

49.00

49.10

-

1,201,022,798

169,878,762

-

-

-

-

-

6,632,746

184,597,852

102,895,887

10,822,223

5,707,520

20,523,128

31,760,343

6,601,046

Exploitation of events television 

broadcasting rights

Argentina

50.00

9,091,465

7,752,297

Production and exploitation of sports

events, advertising agency and 

Included in assets

Interest in Associates
NEXTEL (2)
Papel Prensa
Ver TV S.A. (2)
TPO (2)
TATC (2)
La Capital Cable (2)
TSMA (2)
Other Investments

Interests in Joint Operations

TSC

TRISA

Canal Rural

Audiovisual production and sale 

financial and investing operations

Argentina

50.00

109,356,908

91,518,852

Impripost

AGL

Ríos de Tinta

Patagonik

of advertising

Variable printing

Printing

Editorial activities

Film producer

Argentina

Argentina

Argentina

Mexico

Argentina

Included in liabilities

Interests in Joint Operations

Other Investments

(1) Interest in capital stock and votes
(2) Subsidiaries of Cablevisión. See Note 13.

64.99

50.00

50.00

50.00

33.33

14,351,137

8,964,915

15,195,663

11,135,712

23,706,949

4,268,968

10,605,383

14,188,981

11,872,296

17,217,247

368,314,257

1,721,354,821

1,234,644

1,234,644

9,873,368

9,873,368

Equity in Earnings from Affiliates and Subsidiaries

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Papel Prensa

TRISA

AGL

Canal Rural

Ríos de Tinta

Impripost

Other Companies

(14,719,089)

47,838,058

1,006,681

5,762,220

(956,885)

(1,640,468)

11,434,982

48,725,499

5,749,658

52,472,276

1,704,193

1,942,356

522,298

(824,433)

(267,767)

61,298,581

110

The following is a detail of certain supplementary 
information required by IFRS about interests 
in associates (amounts stated in millions of 
Argentine pesos):

Dividends received

Summarized financial information:

Current assets

Non-current assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Revenues

Net Income from Continuing Operations

Total Comprehensive Income

The following is a detail of certain supplementary 
information required by IFRS about interests 
in joint operations (amounts stated in millions 
of Argentine pesos):

Dividends received

Summarized financial information:

Assets

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Other Current Assets

Current assets

Non-current assets

Liabilities

Current Debt

Other Current Liabilities

Current liabilities

Non-Current Debt

Other Non-Current Liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Revenues

Depreciation and Amortization

Interest Income

Interest Expense

 Income Tax and Tax on Assets

Net Income from Continuing Operations

Other Comprehensive Income

Total Comprehensive Income

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

1

279

436

333

20

1,074

(28)

(28)

44

3,225

1,617

1,504

145

2,925

404

404

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

33

390

617

1,007

176

46

659

705

34

69

103

2,111

(24)

14

(36)

(66)

118

-

118

44

221

432

653

123

52

384

436

-

26

26

1,371

(18)

13

(20)

(68)

130

6

136

111

5.5 Other Investments

Non-Current

Financial Instruments

Current

Financial Instruments

Securities

Mutual Funds

5.6 Inventories

Non-Current

Film Products and Rights

Current

Raw Materials and Supplies

Products-in-Process

Finished Goods

Film Products and Rights

Other

Subtotal

Less: Allowance for Impairment of Inventories

5.7 Other Assets

Non-Current

Works of Art

Other

Current
Other

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

7,412,878

7,412,878

135,043,852

7,382,019

185,920,824

328,346,695

458,789,781

458,789,781

71,250,926

156,069,384

959,231,703

1,186,552,013

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

15,805,039

15,805,039

308,811,229

2,186,176

201,340,358

394,127,582

866,053

907,331,398

(6,317,569)

901,013,829

23,626,229

23,626,229

273,711,077

5,385,901

91,747,645

122,386,463

845,099

494,076,185

(3,383,333)

490,692,852

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

461,696

1,660,856

2,122,552

11,838,743

11,838,743

461,696

2,165,605

2,627,301

11,456,124

11,456,124

112

5.8 Other Receivables

Non-Current

Tax Credits

Guarantee Deposits

Prepaid Expenses

Advances

Related Parties (Note 16)

Call option – NEXTEL (Note 12.i)

Other

Allowance for Other Bad Debts 

Current

Tax Credits

Court-ordered and Guarantee Deposits

Prepaid Expenses

Advances 

Related Parties (Note 16)

Derivatives (Note 22)

Sundry Receivables

Other

Allowance for Other Bad Debts 

5.9 Trade Receivables

Non-Current

Trade Receivables

Current

Trade Receivables

Related Parties (Note 16)

Allowance for Bad Debts 

5.10 Cash and Banks

Cash and Imprest Funds

Cash at Banks 

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

135,113,000

5,250,965

-

1,880,637

9,453,296

-

9,076,675

(1,567,580)

159,206,993

200,003,480

5,248,923

48,709,847

87,037,408

45,386,440

-

22,469,157

80,343,584

(2,648,034)

486,550,805

91,786,409

7,307,156

38,080,166

111,084,501

9,212,575

1,103,673,966

29,740,489

(1,567,580)

1,389,317,682

231,318,592

52,292,908

194,699,118

186,029,228

22,304,023

58,356,225

50,114,718

155,474,144

(1,146,852)

949,442,104

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

99,857,137

99,857,137

3,537,101,580

144,856,996

(99,175,837)

3,582,782,739

82,905,052

82,905,052

4,039,922,312

20,077,281

(269,372,858)

3,790,626,735

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

11,874,223

404,131,861

416,006,084

39,150,282

1,986,630,652

2,025,780,934

113

5.11. Provisions and Other

Non-Current

Provisions for Lawsuits and Contingencies

Accrual for Asset Retirement

5.12 Debt

Non-Current

Financial Loans

Notes

Acquisition of equipment

Related Parties (Note 16)

Measurement at Fair Value

Current

Bank Overdraft

Financial Loans

Notes

Acquisition of equipment

Related Parties (Note 16)

Interest and Restatement

Measurement at Fair Value

The following table details the changes in loans 
and indebtedness for the year ended December 31, 
2016 and the prior year:

Balances as of January 1st
New Loans and Indebtedness (1)
Accrued Interest

Exchange rate fluctuations and other financial effects

Consolidation of companies
Liabilities Held for Distribution to Shareholders (2)
Payment of Interest

Payment of Principal

Balances as of December 31

(1) Mostly loans for the payment of debt with upcoming 
maturity, and for the purchase of capital assets and inventories.
(2) Deconsolidation of balances as of January 1, 2016, as 
mentioned in Note 13

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

223,591,727

4,660,566

228,252,293

418,452,169

14,023,145

432,475,314

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

83,392,075

-

8,518,437

377,262,109

-

469,172,621

198,586,266

134,063,965

-

3,583,977

-

3,496,881

-

339,731,089

149,514,835

3,321,722,710

591,437,651

9,212,575

(38,535,875)

4,033,351,896

92,993,428

532,754,534

1,661,477,099

389,941,446

22,708,882

196,029,150

5,832,827

2,901,737,366

2016

2015

6,935,089,262

1,232,757,451

188,672,485

7,110,615

-
(6,621,169,498)

(177,652,903)

(755,903,702)

808,903,710

4,589,396,870

1,526,831,692

733,788,955

2,091,856,064

16,998,266
-

(663,705,855)

(1,360,076,730)

6,935,089,262

114

The following table summarizes the maturities 
of consolidated loans (undiscounted values) 
at year-end:

Non-Current Debt

years

years

years

years

Non-Current

From 1 to 2

From 2 to 3

From 3 to 4 

More than 5

Total

Due

Financial Loans

Acquisition of equipment

Related Parties

Total as of 

80,364,336

4,375,184

-

3,027,739

4,143,253

-

December 31, 2016

84,739,520

7,170,992

-

-

-

-

-

-

83,392,075

8,518,437

377,262,109

377,262,109

377,262,109

469,172,621

Current Debt

Bank Overdraft

Financial Loans

Acquisition of equipment

Interest and Restatement

Total as of 

Up to 3

months

198,586,266

38,624,003

828,014

3,445,107

From 3 to 6

From 6 to 9

From 9 months

months

months

to 1 year

Total Current

Due

-

35,620,614

874,174

15,107

-

28,045,342

917,804

-

-

31,774,006

963,985

36,667

198,586,266

134,063,965

3,583,977

3,496,881

December 31, 2016

241,483,390

36,509,895

28,963,146

32,774,658

339,731,089

The following are the main items of the Company’s debt:

5.12.1 Cablevisión 
The most significant bank and financial loans 
borrowed by Cablevisión and its subsidiaries are 
the following:

Balances as of

Balances as of

Principal

December 31,

December 31,

Amount

2016

2015

Date Issued

Borrower

In millions of USD

Final Maturity

Interest Rate

December 2003
February 2011
February 2011

February 2011

February 2011

January 2015

February 2015

June 2016

Multicanal
(1) Cablevisión
(1) Cablevisión
(1) Cablevisión
(2) Cablevisión

(3) Cablevisión
(3) Cablevisión
(6) Cablevisión

80.3
88.2

71.3

223.3

17.2

(4) 80.9
286.3

500.0

-
-

-

-

-

-

-

500.0

80.3
4.52

2.75

8.62

0.67

July 2016
February 2018

February 2018

February 2018

February 2018

(4) 32.2
286.3

-

August 2016

February 2018

June 2021

(5) 3.5% to 4.5%
(5) 8.75%
(5) 9.375%
(5) 9.625%
(5) 9.375%
Adjusted Badlar

rate + 4.85%
(5) 9.375%
(5) 6.50%

(1) Use of funds: Refinancing of Notes.
(2) Use of funds: Acquisition of non-financial assets
and financing of imports.
(3) Use: Prepayment of loans and financing of
working capital and capital expenditures.
(4) Loan in Argentine pesos converted into US dollars
at the exchange rate prevailing on January 31, 2015
and December 31, 2015 respectively.
(5) Fixed rate.

(6) Use of funds: i) redemption of the aggregate
amount of the outstanding principal under the Series
V Notes, and unpaid interest plus an applicable
surplus of 2%; ii) redemption of the aggregate amount
of the outstanding principal under each of the Series
I, II, III and IV Notes and unpaid interest; iii) early
repayment of the Syndicated Loan and investment in
fixed assets and other capital expenditures.

115

On February 9, 2015, pursuant to the powers
delegated by the shareholders at the Annual
General Extraordinary and Ordinary
Shareholders’ Meeting of Cablevisión held on
April 28, 2014, the Board of Directors of
Cablevisión approved the issuance, under the
Global Program [for the Issuance of ] Notes 
(the "Program"), of Class V notes for a nominal
value of USD 286,377,785.96 (the “Class V
Notes”), at a fixed annual nominal interest rate
of 9.375%, payable semiannually as from
August 2016, with final maturity in February
2018, which were used to refinance a portion 
of the debt represented by the outstanding
Notes, which were refinanced, pursuant to the
Trust Agreement executed between Cablevisión,
as issuer, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company
Americas as trustee, co-registrar and paying
agent. As of the date of these financial
statements, Cablevisión had repaid in full the
outstanding principal and interest under the
Class V Notes.

On April 20, 2016, at the Annual General
Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders’
Meeting of Cablevisión, the shareholders of
Cablevisión approved, among other matters: 
i) the extension of the authorization of the
Program, which had been granted at the 
Annual General Ordinary and Extraordinary
Shareholders’ Meeting on April 28, 2014,
increasing the maximum amount of the
outstanding notes that may be issued under this
Program from a nominal value outstanding at
any time of USD 500,000,000 (or its equivalent
in other currencies) to USD 1,000,000,000 
(or its equivalent in other currencies). The
Shareholders’ Meeting renewed the delegation
on the Board of Directors of the broadest
powers in connection with the Program. The
Board of Directors may subdelegate all or 
some powers interchangeably to one or more 
directors or managers of Cablevisión; and ii) the
extension of the authorization of the Short-
Term Debt Securities ("VCPs", for its Spanish
acronym) program under the terms that had
been originally approved. The Shareholders’
Meeting renewed the delegation on the Board 
of Directors of the broadest powers in
connection with the Program. The Board of
Directors may subdelegate all or some powers
interchangeably to one or more directors or
managers of Cablevisión.

On June 1, 2016, pursuant to its delegated
powers, the Board of Directors of Cablevisión

authorized the issuance of Class A Notes for a
nominal value of USD 500,000,000 (the “Class
A Notes”), at a fixed annual nominal interest
rate of 6.50%, payable semi-annually as from
June 2016, with final maturity in June 2021.
Proceeds will be used for:

i)The redemption of the aggregate amount 
of outstanding principal under the Class V 
Notes for USD 286,377,785.96, unpaid
interest, plus an applicable surplus of 2%; 
ii) The redemption of the aggregate amount 
of the outstanding principal under each 
of the Series I, II, III and IV Notes for 
USD 12,355,552.00 plus unpaid interest;
iii)The payment of the aggregate principal
amount under the 10-year Notes for 
USD 80,325,000.00 on its maturity date, 
July 20, 2016; 
iv) The prepayment in full of the Syndicated
Loan (as defined below);
v) The investment in fixed assets and other
capital expenditures with the balance of the net
proceeds (approximately USD 89,100,000).

In connection with the Notes issued by
Cablevisión, it has undertaken certain
covenants, including: (i) limitation on the
issuance of guarantees by Cablevisión and its
subsidiaries; (ii) consolidations, mergers, 
and sale of assets under certain conditions, 
(iii) limitation on incurring debt above certain
approved ratios, (iv) restrictions on certain
payments and on transactions with shareholders
and affiliates under certain conditions, (v)
limitation on the issuance and sale of significant
subsidiaries’ shares with certain exceptions 
and (vi) the limitation on the distribution of
dividends for an amount not exceeding 
USD 50.0 million for fiscal year 2016 and 
USD 15 million for the subsequent years or up
to a maximum of 50% of consolidated net
income of each fiscal year, among others. 

During the years covered by these consolidated
financial statements, Cablevisión complied with
the commitments undertaken.

As described above, on June 16, 2016, Cablevisión
redeemed all outstanding principal under the
Class V Notes for USD 286,377,785.96, which
accrued interest at a fixed annual rate of
9.375%, with maturity on February 11, 2018,
at a redemption price equal to 100% of the
outstanding principal and unpaid interest plus
an applicable surplus of 2%; and the aggregate

116

amount of the outstanding principal under 
each of the Series I, II, III and IV Notes for
USD 12,355,552.00 which accrued interest at
an annual rate of 8.75%, 9.375%, 9.625% and
9.375%, respectively, with maturity on February
11, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 100%
of the outstanding principal and accrued and
unpaid interest without surplus, in compliance
with the use of proceeds established in the
pricing supplement of the Class A Notes. 

On July 19, 2016, Cablevisión repaid in full the
outstanding principal under the 10-year Notes
for USD 80,325,000.00, which accrued interest
at a fixed annual rate of 4.50%, in compliance
with the use of funds established in the pricing
supplement of the Class A Notes.

On January 30, 2015, Cablevisión executed a
syndicated loan agreement with Industrial and
Commercial Bank of China (Argentina) S.A.
(“ICBC”), Banco Itaú Argentina S.A. (“Itaú”),
Banco de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (“Banco
Ciudad”), Banco Santander Río S.A.
(“Santander”) and Banco Macro S.A. (“Macro”)
for Ps. 700 million, at a variable interest rate 
of adjusted BADLAR (average interest rate for
30 to 35 day term deposits of more than Ps. 1
million in Buenos Aires) + 4.85% and with its
final maturity in July 2016, for the purpose 
of making a prepayment of principal and
interest owed to ICBC, Itaú and Banco Ciudad
under the syndicated loan agreement executed
on January 31, 2014, in order to finance
working capital and capital investments. In June
2016, this loan was prepaid in compliance with
the use of proceeds established in the pricing
supplement of the Class A Notes.

On January 13, 2015, Cablevisión executed a
financial loan agreement with Nuevo Banco 
de Santa Fe S.A. for Ps. 30 million at an annual
fixed nominal interest rate of 29% with final
maturity in July 2015, for the purpose of
increasing its working capital to finance the
development of its core business. As of December
31, 2015, this loan had been canceled.

On July 16, 2015, Cablevisión executed a
financial loan agreement with Nuevo Banco 
de Santa Fe S.A. for Ps. 50 million at an annual
fixed nominal interest rate of 28% with final
maturity in January 2016, for the purpose 
of increasing its working capital to finance the
development of its core business. In January
2016, this loan was canceled.

On January 18, 2016, Cablevisión executed a
financial loan agreement with Nuevo Banco 
de Santa Fe S.A. for Ps. 50 million at an annual
fixed nominal interest rate of 34% with final
maturity in April 2016, for the purpose of
increasing its working capital to finance the
development of its core business. In April 2016,
this loan was cancelled.

On April 19, 2016, Cablevisión executed a
financial loan agreement with Nuevo Banco de
Santa Fe S.A. for Ps. 50 million at an annual
fixed nominal interest rate of 34.25% with 
final maturity in July 2016, for the purpose of
increasing its working capital to finance the
development of its core business. In July 2016,
this loan was cancelled.

On July 19, 2016, Cablevisión executed a
financial loan agreement with Nuevo Banco de
Santa Fe S.A. for Ps. 50 million at an annual
fixed nominal interest rate of 30.50% with final
maturity in October 2016, for the purpose of
increasing its working capital to finance the
development of its core business. In October
2016, this loan was cancelled.

On October 18, 2016, Cablevisión executed a
financial loan agreement with Nuevo Banco de
Santa Fe S.A. for Ps. 50 million at an annual
fixed nominal interest rate of 27.5% with final
maturity in January 2017, for the purpose of
increasing its working capital to finance the
development of its core business. In January
2017, this loan was canceled.

On January 19, 2017, Cablevisión executed a
financial loan agreement with Nuevo Banco 
de Santa Fe S.A. for Ps. 50 million at an annual
fixed nominal interest rate of 27.5% with 
final maturity in April 2017, for the purpose 
of increasing its working capital to finance 
the development of its core business.

On September 20, 2016, NEXTEL executed 
a financial loan agreement with Banco Itaú
Argentina S.A. for USD 3.5 million at an
annual fixed nominal interest rate of 5% with
final maturity in September 2017, for the
purpose of increasing its working capital to
finance the development of its core business.

On January 16, 2017, Cablevisión executed a
loan agreement with Banco ICBC for USD 5.2
million payable in 60 monthly installments at
an annual fixed nominal interest rate of 6%

117

with final maturity in January 2022 for the
purpose of financing imports under its
investment plan.

On February 6, 2017, Cablevisión executed a
loan agreement with Banco ITAU BBA
INTERNATIONAL PLC for USD 5.3 million
payable in 36 monthly installments at an annual
fixed nominal interest rate of 5% with final
maturity in February 2020 for the purpose of
financing imports under its investment plan.

5.12.2 AGEA and subsidiaries
As of December 31, 2016, AGR and Tinta
Fresca had executed overdraft facility agreements
with banks for a maximum of Ps. 77 million
and Ps. 66 million, respectively. 

During 2013, Banco Ciudad granted a loan 
to AGR in the amount of Ps. 20 million that
accrues interest at an annual fixed rate of
15.25%. Principal was repaid on a quarterly
basis as from February 2015, and interest was
paid on a quarterly basis as from February 
2014. During this year, this loan was cancelled. 

During 2014, AGR executed two leasing
agreements with Industrial and Commercial
Bank of China (Argentina) S.A. for an aggregate
Ps. 19.6 million (including Ps. 2 million of
nationalization expenses that were subsequently
added) to acquire machinery and equipment.
During June 2014, when the Company
conducted the startup of the above-mentioned
machinery and equipment, it paid 30% of 
the total amount due under the agreements. 
The outstanding balance is payable in 61
monthly installments as from July 2014, plus 
an additional installment for the call option.
The leasing agreements accrue interest at an
annual rate of 15.25%, payable on a monthly
basis as from the startup date.

5.12.3 GCGC
As of December 31, 2016, GCGC was the
borrower under a loan with Banco de la Ciudad
de Buenos Aires executed to finance the repair,
recycling and improvement of the building 
for a principal amount of up to Ps. 30 million.
Such loan will be repaid in 60 months, as from
October 2012, with a 24-month grace period,
i.e. in 36 monthly consecutive installments,
accruing interest at the average Badlar rate for
Private Banks plus 100 basic points. The
aggregate amount of the loan was advanced to
the company in several stages, after having

obtained the required professional certifications.
As of the date of these financial statements,
GCGC received the full amount of the loan for
an aggregate Ps. 30 million. As of December 31,
2016, the outstanding principal under the loan
executed with Banco de la Ciudad de Buenos
Aires was Ps. 11 million.

In addition, on January 27, 2016, the Company
executed a loan agreement with Banco
Santander Rio S.A. for Ps. 6 million to purchase
storage due to technological upgrading. The
term of the loan is 36 months with a grace
period of 12 months. Principal will be repaid 
in 9 (nine) equal quarterly installments as from
the 12th month. That loan accrues interest 
at the average Badlar rate for Private Banks plus
4.5%. Interest is calculated on outstanding
balances and is payable on a quarterly basis.

5.12.4 ARTEAR
On December 6, 2013, ARTEAR and Banco
Itaú Argentina S.A. executed an agreement
whereby ARTEAR is the borrower under a
bilateral loan, within the framework of
Communication “A” 5449 issued by the 
BCRA relating to Productive Investment Credit
Facilities, for a principal amount of Ps. 12.9
million, payable within a term of 36 months 
in equal consecutive monthly installments. The
first installment is due on month 12, counted 
as from origination. The funds were used to
finance a project for the acquisition of capital
assets and manpower to adapt the production
and broadcasting of contents to the
entertainment and news standards of the
television industry. Principal accrues interest at
an annual nominal fixed rate of 15.25% payable
on a monthly basis as from the origination of
the loan. On December 6, 2016, ARTEAR 
paid the last installment of the loan. As a result,
there is no outstanding principal as of the date
of these financial statements.

On December 20, 2013 ARTEAR executed a
syndicated loan with Banco Itaú Argentina S.A.
and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of
China (Argentina) S.A. for a principal amount
of Ps. 200 million to be repaid in 2 years in the
following installments: Ps. 35 million due 12
months after disbursement, Ps. 35 million due
18 months after disbursement and Ps. 130
million due 24 months after disbursement. Each
of the banks has a 50% pro rata participation 
in the loan. The funds were used to finance
working capital, to make capital expenditures

118

and/or to distribute dividends. Principal accrued
interest at a variable rate established based on
the BADLAR rate for private banks, plus a
4.25% margin, payable on a monthly basis since
the beginning of the loan period. 

On June 22, 2015, the Company paid the
second installment of Ps. 35 million on 
the outstanding principal under the syndicated
loan. On December 21, 2015, the Company
repaid such syndicated loan in full with the
payment of the last installment in the amount
of Ps. 130 million.

On December 17, 2015, ARTEAR and Banco
Santander Río S.A. executed an agreement
whereby ARTEAR is the borrower under a
bilateral loan for a principal amount of Ps. 150
million, payable within a 3-year term in equal
consecutive quarterly installments. The first
installment is due on month 12, counted as
from the origination of the loan. The funds will
be used to finance working capital and
investments. Principal accrues interest at a

variable annual rate established based on the
BADLAR rate for private banks, plus a 4.50%
margin, payable on a quarterly basis since the
origination of the loan. On December 19,
2016, the Company paid Ps. 16.7 million for
the first installment of the principal under 
this loan. 

5.12.5 IESA and Subsidiaries
On February 3, 2016, Auto Sports S.A.,
subsidiary of IESA, executed a loan agreement
with Banco Santander Rio S.A. for Ps. 20
million to be allocated to the purchase of goods.
This loan has a term of 36 (thirty six) months
with a grace period of 12 (twelve) months 
and accrues interest at an annual variable rate
based on the Badlar rate for Private Banks, plus
a 4.60% margin. Principal will be repaid in 
9 (nine) equal quarterly installments as from 
the 12th (twelfth) month.

5.13 Sellers Financing
The following table summarizes the
consolidated debt maturities in connection 
with the acquisition of companies:

Current Sellers Financing

Without any

established

term

Up to 3

months

From 3 to 6

From 6 to 9

December 31,

December 31,

months

months

2016

2015

Due

Total as of

Total as of

On Capital Stock

-

1,030,987

980,985

12,244,495

14,256,467

1,874,191

119

5.14 Taxes Payable

Non-Current

Taxes Payable on a National Level

Current

Taxes Payable on a National Level

Taxes Payable on a Provincial Level

Taxes Payable on a Municipal Level

5.15 Other Liabilities

Non-Current

Guarantee Deposits

Unearned Revenue

Call Options (Note 10)

Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates (Note 5.4)

Other

Current

Advances from Customers

Dividends Payable

Related Parties (Note 16)

Call Options (Note 10)

Unearned Revenue

Other

5.16 Trade Payables and Other

Non-Current

Suppliers and Trade Provisions

Employer’s Contributions

Current

Suppliers and Trade Provisions

Related Parties (Note 16)

Employer’s Contributions

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

59,188,405

59,188,405

288,590,887

5,777,723

2,500,284

296,868,894

90,524,218

90,524,218

1,086,577,290

37,706,212

28,711,199

1,152,994,701

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

256,239

-

47,670,000

1,234,644

12,501,185

61,662,068

307,477,354

809,857

3,539,651

-

119,754,967

76,883,084

508,464,913

211,239

110,990,675

1,775,255

9,873,368

19,334,700

142,185,237

107,589,942

2,248,243

39,490

39,120,000

225,745,016

90,419,165

465,161,856

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

1,193,880

26,154,088
27,347,968

1,928,047,164

68,385,785

961,776,858

2,958,209,807

1,692,559

17,864,459
19,557,018

3,309,897,561

94,905,781

1,648,099,256

5,052,902,598

120

5.17 Changes in provisions and allowances

Balance at

(6) Deconsolidation
of 

Balances as of

Balances as of

December 31,

December 31,

Items

the Beginning

Increases

companies

Decreases

2016

2015

Deducted from Assets

Allowance for Bad Debts
Allowance for 

Impairment 

of Inventories

Allowance for 

Impairment of 

Property, Plant 

and Equipment 

and Obsolescence 

of Materials

Allowance for 

Goodwill impairment
Valuation Allowance (5)
Total

Included in liabilities

Provisions for Lawsuits 

and Contingencies

Accrual for Asset

Retirements 

Total

272,087,290

(1) 29,819,652

(195,726,226)

(1) (2,789,265)

103,391,451

272,087,290

3,383,333

(2) 3,002,255

(68,019)

22,701,624

-

(22,701,624)

-

-

6,317,569

3,383,333

-

22,701,624

673,672,977
65,723,325

1,037,568,549

23,594,962
(3) 69,972,510
126,389,379

(594,075,234)
(543,727)

(813,114,830)

-
(5,886,047)

(8,675,312)

103,192,705
129,266,061

342,167,786

673,672,977
65,723,325

1,037,568,549

418,452,169

(4) 150,519,012

(271,389,526)

(4) (73,989,928)

223,591,727

418,452,169

14,023,145

432,475,314

(4) 1,151,708
151,670,720

(10,514,287)

(281,903,813)

(4) -
(73,989,928)

4,660,566

228,252,293

14,023,145

432,475,314

(1) Includes net increases of Ps. 33,914,214 which
have been charged to Selling expenses (see Note 6.3).
(2) Includes Ps. 3,002,255 corresponding to net
increases which have been charged to Impairment 
of Inventories and Obsolescence of Materials under
Production Expenses (see Note 6.3).
(3) Charged to Income Tax and Tax on Assets
(4) Includes net increases in the amount of 
Ps. 122,876,589 which have been charged to

Contingencies (see Note 6.3) and Ps. 26,620,315
which have been charged to Other Financial 
Income, Net.
(5) Includes Valuation Allowance for Net Deferred
Tax Assets and the Valuation Allowance for tax 
on assets.
(6) Deconsolidation of balances as of January 1,
2016, as mentioned in Note 13.

Note 6

Breakdown of the main items of the statement of comprehensive income

6.1 Revenues 

Advertising Sales 

Circulation Sales 

Printing Services Sales 

TV Signals Sales 

Sale of Property
Other Sales 
Total (1)

(1) Includes sales executed through barter transactions 
as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 for Ps. 285.4 million 
and Ps. 169.3 million, respectively.

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

5,790,418,652

2,531,217,496

360,960,973

942,484,850

165,959,174
1,587,846,202
11,378,887,347

4,292,814,678

1,995,455,894

322,292,249

395,701,559

48,102,637
1,237,625,371
8,291,992,388

121

6.2 Cost of Sales

Inventories at the beginning of the year

Incorporation of companies
Deconsolidation of Subsidiaries (1)
Purchases for the year

Production and Services Expenses (Note 6.3)

Less: Inventories at year-end

Cost of Sales

(1) See Note 13.

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

517,702,414

1,827,136

(4,921,974)

2,075,103,365

5,336,977,418

(923,136,437)

7,003,551,922

297,898,720

23,385,923

(7,493,019)

1,427,018,890 

3,698,664,822 

(512,780,440) 

4,926,694,896 

6.3. Production and Services, Selling and Administrative Expenses

Item

Expenses

Expenses

Expenses

2016

2015

Production

and Services

Selling

Administrative

December 31,

December 31,

Total as of 

Total as of

Fees for Services

529,953,422

171,603,494

329,300,939

1,030,857,855

643,904,056

Salaries, Social Security and 
Benefits to Personnel (1)
Advertising and Promotion Expenses

Taxes, Duties and Contributions

Bad Debts

Travel Expenses

Maintenance Expenses

Distribution Expenses

Communication Expenses

Contingencies 

Stationery and Office Supplies

Commissions

Productions and Co-Productions

Printing Expenses

Rights

Services and Satellites

Severance Payments

Non-Computable VAT
Rentals

Amortization of Intangible Assets

Amortization of Film Library

Depreciation of Property, Plant 

and Equipment

Impairment of Inventories and 

Obsolescence of Materials

Other Expenses

Total as of December 31, 2016

Total as of December 31, 2015

2,657,392,948

-

111,646,838

-

136,625,997

187,170,109

291,280,746

29,824,247

5,377,313

11,345,282

-

404,209,588

9,209,175

114,059,186

102,513,527

259,615,628

42,708,043
168,818,828

34,417,039

4,109,670

414,973,209

359,373,939

74,872,345

33,914,214

15,342,502

3,898,618

457,545,383

12,032,124

889,831

2,988,159

54,255,976

-

-

-

1,819,768

63,660,785

-
5,818,848

7,972,019

-

1,040,407,562

4,112,773,719

3,109,277,850

1,917,553

32,250,375

-

34,424,469

59,529,991

-

12,188,245

116,609,445

8,775,061

1,033,941

-

-

-

45,512,365

90,024,647

-
6,705,334

18,758,227

-

361,291,492

218,769,558

33,914,214

186,392,968

250,598,718

748,826,129

54,044,616

122,876,589

23,108,502

55,289,917

231,556,392

156,159,020

27,649,368

132,885,733

157,310,615

497,877,939

46,699,916

55,079,587

17,506,707

26,588,240

404,209,588

321,976,482

9,209,175

114,059,186

149,845,660

413,301,060

42,708,043
181,343,010

61,147,285

4,109,670

32,341,816

21,737,120

94,339,961 

126,228,157 

30,669,004 
132,359,942 

43,063,075 

3,865,459 

103,635,237

3,795,873

10,796,444

118,227,554

85,290,931 

3,002,255

130,062,340

-

-

3,002,255

(70,615) 

44,211,715

55,909,613

230,183,668

135,765,524 

5,336,977,418

1,728,968,802

1,864,144,211

8,930,090,431

3,698,664,822

1,202,643,174

1,228,754,283

6,130,062,279

(1) As of December 31, 2016, it includes a recovery of 
approximately Ps. 344 million from the calculation of 
employer’s contributions as tax credit on VAT by certain 
subsidiaries (Decree No. 746/03 issued by the Executive 
Branch), as mentioned in Notes 8.3.h. and 8.3.i.

122

6.4 Financial Costs

Financial Discounts on Liabilities

Interest

Exchange Differences

Other Financial Costs

Total

6.5 Other Financial Results, net 

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

(1,525,079)

(234,028,516)

(30,652,537)

(1,416,875)

(267,623,007)

- 

(147,916,180) 

(1,885,312) 

(321,993) 

(150,123,485) 

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Exchange Differences

Interest 

Financial Discounts on Assets and Liabilities

Other Taxes and Expenses

Results from transactions with securities and bonds

CER Restatement

Income from Changes in the Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Total

(2,945,871)

50,997,267

(11,710,971)

(174,924,976)

242,085

(218,402)

8,007,795

(130,553,073)

(9,826,705)

9,769,182

(9,366,336)

(145,263,491)

130,082,609

(42,273)

43,802,595

19,155,581

6.6 Other Income and Expenses, net

Income from Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment
Other (1)
Total

(1) For the year 2015, it includes the impact on results 
(income) of recognizing past-due trade receivables for 
approximately Ps. 95 million.

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

37,036,971

18,428,782

55,465,753

(10,723,613)

108,945,667

98,222,054

123

Note 7

Income tax
The following table shows the reconciliation
between the consolidated income tax charged to
net income for the years ended December 31,
2016 and 2015 and the income tax liability that
would result from applying the current tax 
rate on consolidated income before income tax
and tax on assets and the income tax liability
assessed for each year (amounts stated in
thousands of Argentine Pesos):

Income before Income Tax

Current Rate

Income Tax Assessed at the Current Tax Rate 

on Income before Income Tax 

Permanent Differences:

Equity in Earnings from Affiliates and Subsidiaries 

Non-Taxable Income

Other

Subtotal

Expired Tax Loss Carryforwards

Valuation Allowance for Net Deferred Tax Assets 

Charged to Income

Total Income Tax 

Deferred Tax

Current Tax

Income Tax Assessed for the Year

Tax on assets

Total 

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

488,238

35%

(170,883)

17,054

(59,728)

19,775

(193,782)

(404)

(64,067)

(258,253)

192,770

(451,023)

(258,253)

(5,905)

(264,158)

962,453

35%

(336,858)

21,455

(7,414)

2,620

(320,197)

(1,274)

(30,451)

(351,922)

52,832

(404,754)

(351,922)

(2,653)

(354,575)

124

Breakdown of Consolidated Deferred Tax (in thousands of Argentine pesos):

Deferred Assets

Tax Loss Carryforwards

Inventories

Other Investments

Provisions and Other

Trade Receivables

Other Liabilities

Accounts Payable

Deferred Tax Liabilities

Property, Plant and Equipment

Intangible Assets

Other Assets

Debt

Subtotal

Valuation Allowance on 

Tax Loss Carryforwards - (Charges) 

December 31, 

December 31,

Changes Year

Changes Year

2016

2015

2016

2015

424,137

33,557

20,381

66,613

64,239

50,919

9,611

669,457

(31,818)

(1,443)

(8,111)

-

226,342

36,070

19,988

133,612

100,464

10,973

129,432

656,881

(221,992)

(27,279)

(845)

-

(41,372)

(250,116)

197,795

(2,513)

393

(66,999)

(36,225)

39,946

(119,821)

12,576

190,174

25,836

(7,266)

-

208,744

(95,398)

(136,770)

(31,874)

(281,990)

(63,524)

145,220

13,814

20,069

(4,907)

32,568

80,397

(419)

21,745

163,267

(59,671)

34,411

626

12,765

(11,869)

(19,501)

(31,370)

Total Net Deferred Tax Assets / (Liabilities)

(1) 532,687

374,891

(2) 157,796

131,897

(1) Comprises Deferred Tax Assets in the amount of 
Ps. 532,897 and Deferred Tax Liabilities in the amount 
of Ps. 210 as of December 31, 2016, disclosed in the 
Consolidated Balance Sheet.
(2) Includes Ps. 24 million as of December 31, 2016 
under Assets Held for Distribution to Shareholders.

As of December 31, 2016, the Company’s and
its subsidiaries’ accumulated consolidated tax
loss carryforwards amounted to approximately
Ps. 1,211,821 thousand, which calculated 
at the current tax rate, represent deferred tax
assets in the amount of approximately 
Ps. 424,137 thousand. The following table
shows the expiration date of the accumulated
tax loss carryforwards pursuant to statutes 
of limitations (amounts stated in thousands of
Argentine Pesos):

Expiration year

Amount of Tax 

Loss Carryforward

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

12,006

51,805

339,793

182,211

625,774

232

The Company estimates that the tax loss
carryforwards are recoverable for the net
amounts disclosed.

125

Note 8

Provisions and other contingencies

8.1 Regulatory Framework
a. SCI Resolution No. 50/10 approved certain
rules for the sale of pay television services. These
rules provide that cable television operators 
must apply a formula to estimate their monthly
subscription prices. The price arising from the
application of the formula was to be informed to
the Office of Business Loyalty (Dirección de
Lealtad Comercial) between March 8 and 
March 22, 2010. Cable television operators must
adjust such amount semi-annually and inform
the result of such adjustment to said Office. 

Even though as of the date of these financial
statements the subsidiary Cablevisión cannot
assure the actual impact of the application 
of this formula, given the vagueness of the
variables provided by the Resolution to calculate
the monthly subscription prices, Cablevisión
believes that Resolution No. 50/10 is arbitrary
and bluntly disregards its freedom to contract,
which is part of the right to freedom of industry
and trade. Therefore, it has filed the pertinent
administrative claims and has brought the
necessary legal actions requesting the suspension
of the Resolution’s effects and ultimately
requesting its nullification. 

Even though Cablevisión, like other companies
in the industry, has strong constitutional
arguments to support its position, it cannot be
assured that the final outcome of this issue 
will be favorable. Therefore, Cablevisión and/or
some of its subsidiaries may be forced to modify
the price of their pay television subscription, 
a situation that could significantly affect 
the revenues of their core business. This creates
a general framework of uncertainty over the
businesses of Cablevisión and/or some of 
its subsidiaries that could significantly affect the
recoverability of their relevant assets and Grupo
Clarín S.A.’s assets related to its investment 
in Cablevisión. Notwithstanding the foregoing, 
as of the date of these financial statements, 
in accordance with the decision rendered on
August 1, 2011 in re "LA CAPITAL CABLE
S.A. v/ Ministry of Economy-Secretariat of
Domestic Trade", the Federal Court of Appeals
of the City of Mar del Plata has ordered the 
SCI to suspend the application of Resolution
No. 50/10 with respect to all cable television
licensees represented by the Argentine Cable

Television Association ("ATVC", for its Spanish
acronym). Upon being served on the SCI and
the Ministry of Economy on September 12,
2011, such decision became fully effective and
may not be disregarded by the SCI. The
National Government filed an appeal against
the decision rendered by the Federal Court of
Appeals of Mar del Plata to have the case
brought before the Supreme Court. Such appeal
was dismissed and so the National Government
filed a direct appeal with the Supreme Court,
which was also dismissed.

On June 1, 2010, the SCI imposed a Ps. 5
million fine on Cablevisión alleging that it had
failed to comply with the information regime
set forth by Resolution No. 50/10, and invoking
the Antitrust Law to impose such penalty. The
fine was appealed and submitted to the National
Court of Appeals on Federal Administrative
Matters, Chamber No. 5, which decided 
to reduce the fine to Ps. 300,000. Cablevisión
appealed this decision by filing an extraordinary
appeal with the Supreme Court of Argentina. 

On March 10, 2011 SCI Resolution No. 36/11
was published in the Official Gazette. This
Resolution falls within the framework of 
SCI Resolution No. 50/10. Resolution No.
36/11 sets forth the parameters to be applied 
to the services rendered by Cablevisión to 
its subscribers from January through April 2011.
These parameters are as follows: 1) the monthly
basic subscription price shall be Ps. 109 
for that period; 2) the price of other services
rendered by Cablevisión should remain
unchanged as of the date of publication of the
resolution; and 3) the promotional benefits,
existing rebates and/or discounts already granted
as of that same date shall be maintained. 
The resolution also provides that Cablevisión
shall reimburse users for any amount collected
above the price set for that period.

Cablevisión believes that Resolution No. 36/10
is illegal and arbitrary, since it is grounded on
Resolution No. 50/10, which is absolutely null
and void. Since the application of Resolution
No. 50/10 has been suspended, the application
of Resolution No. 36/2011, which falls within
the framework of the former, is also suspended.

The claim filed by Cablevisión seeking 
the nullification of Resolution No. 50/2010 
is currently pending before the Federal

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Administrative Court of First Instance No. 7 
of the City of Buenos Aires. This claim was
dismissed in view of the claim pending in the
City of Mar del Plata.

Subsequently, the SCI issued Resolutions Nos.
65/11, 92/11, 123/11, 141/11, 10/11, 25/12,
97/12, 161/12, 29/13, 61/13, 104/13, 1/14,
43/14 and 93/14 pursuant to which the 
SCI extended the effectiveness of Resolution 
No. 36/11 up to and including September
2014, and adjusted the cable television
subscription price to Ps.152. Cablevisión
believes, however, that given the terms under
which the Federal Court of the City of Mar del
Plata granted the preliminary injunction, that 
is, ordering the SCI to suspend the application
of Resolution No. 50/10 with respect to all
cable television licensees represented by ATVC
(among them, Cablevisión and its subsidiaries),
and also given the fact that Resolutions No.
36/11, 65/11, 92/11, 123/11, 141/11, 10/11,
25/12, 97/12, 161/12, 29/13, 61/13, 
104/13, 1/14, 43/14 and 93/14 merely apply 
Resolution No. 50/10, Cablevisión continues 
to be protected by said preliminary injunction,
and, therefore, the ordinary course of its
business will not be affected. 

On April 23, 2013, Cablevisión was served
notice of a decision rendered in re
“Ombudsman of Buenos Aires v. Cablevisión
S.A. on Complaint for the protection of
constitutional rights Law 16,986 (Motion for
Preliminary Injunction)” pending before Federal
Court No. 2, Civil Clerk’s Office No. 4 of 
the City of La Plata in connection with the
price of cable television subscriptions, whereby
the court imposed a cumulative daily fine of 
Ps. 100,000 per day on Cablevisión. 

Cablevisión appealed the fine on the grounds
that Resolution No. 50/10 issued by 
Mr. Moreno, as well as its extensions and/or
amendments were suspended, as mentioned
above, by an injunction with respect to
Cablevisión and its branches and subsidiaries
prior to the imposition of the fine; pursuant to
the collective injunction issued by the Federal
Court of the City of Mar del Plata on August 1,
2011 in re “La Capital Cable and Others v.
National Government and Others on Preliminary
Injunction”. That injunction suspended the
application of all the criteria set by the Secretariat
of Domestic Trade under Mr. Guillermo Moreno. 

The Federal Court of Appeals of the City of 
La Plata reduced the fine to Ps. 10,000 per day.
Cablevisión filed an appeal against that decision
in due time and form. On October 16, 2013,
the Court of Appeals dismissed the appeal filed
by Cablevisión. As of the date of these financial
statements, Cablevisión had settled the fine in
the amount of Ps. 1,260,000 and compliance
was recorded in the file.

On June 11, 2013, Cablevisión was served
notice of a resolution rendered in the above-
mentioned case; whereby the court ordered the
appointment of an expert overseer (perito
interventor) specialized in economic sciences 
to: (i) verify whether or not the invoices
corresponding to the basic cable television
subscription issued by Cablevisión to subscribers
domiciled in the Province of Buenos Aires, 
are actually prepared at the headquarters located
at Gral. Hornos 690, and/or at Cablevisión’s
branch offices, precisely detailing that process,
(ii) identify the individuals responsible for that
area, (iii) determine whether or not the
administrative actions tending towards the
effective compliance with the injunction issued
on that case are underway, and (iv) identify 
the senior staff of Cablevisión that must order
the invoice issuance area to prepare the invoices
as decided under that injunction.

Cablevisión timely appealed the appointment 
of said expert on the same grounds stated above.
This appeal is also pending before the Federal
Court of Appeals of the City of La Plata.

For the purposes of enforcing the injunction,
the court issued letters rogatory to the
competent judge of the City of Buenos Aires.
Upon the initiation of that proceeding, both 
the National Court on Federal Administrative
Matters and the National Court on Federal
Civil and Commercial Matters declined
jurisdiction to enforce the injunction ordered 
by the Federal Judge of La Plata. Cablevisión
has appealed the decision in connection 
with the lack of jurisdiction in due time 
and form. Chamber No. 1 of the National 
Court of Appeals on Federal Civil and
Commercial Matters confirmed the appealed
decision. Accordingly, Cablevisión will file 
an extraordinary appeal in due time and form 
to have the case decided by the Supreme 
Court of Argentina. 

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It should be noted that, in light of the corporate
reorganization of Cablevisión, both parties
requested the suspension of the procedural
periods for 180 days. The judge granted 
such request. Therefore, the procedural periods
were suspended until December 11, 2014.
Given the decision rendered by the Supreme
Court of Argentina in re “Municipality of
Berazategui v. Cablevisión” mentioned below,
the procedural periods remain suspended until
the Federal Court of Mar del Plata renders a
decision thereon.

The file initiated by the Ombudsman before 
the Federal Court of La Plata, was sent to 
Mar del Plata, as established by the decision
rendered in re Municipality of Berazategui 
v. Cablevisión referred to below, ordering that
the preliminary injunction be revoked because 
it contradicts the injunction ordered in the
proceeding initiated by ATVC.

After the Federal Court of the City of Mar del
Plata issued its injunction, several Municipal
Offices of Consumer Information (“OMIC”,
for its Spanish acronym) and several individuals
filed claims requesting that Cablevisión comply
with Resolution No. 50/10 and the subsequent
resolutions that extended its effectiveness. 
In some cases, preliminary injunctions were
granted. In every case, Cablevisión appealed
such preliminary injunctions alleging that
Resolution No. 50/10, as amended, and/or the
subsequent resolutions that extended its
effectiveness, had been suspended with respect
to Cablevisión, its branches and subsidiaries
prior to the issuance of such preliminary
injunctions.

On September 23, 2014, the Supreme Court 
of Argentina rendered a decision in re
“Application for judicial review brought by 
the defendant in the case Municipality of
Berazategui v. Cablevisión S.A. on claim for the
protection of constitutional rights (acción 
de amparo)” and ordered that the cases related
to these resolutions continue under the
jurisdiction of the Federal Court of Mar del
Plata that had issued the decision on the
collective action in favor of ATVC.

Decisions made on the basis of these
consolidated financial statements should
consider the eventual impact that the above-
mentioned resolutions might have on

Cablevisión and its subsidiaries, and the
Company’s consolidated financial statements
should be read in light of such uncertainty.

b. Pursuant to the Antitrust Law and to
Broadcasting Law No. 22,285, the transactions
carried out on September 26, 2006 that 
resulted in an increase in the indirect interest
the Company held in Cablevisión to 60%,
Cablevisión’s acquisition of 98.5% of Multicanal
and 100% of Holding Teledigital, and
Multicanal’s acquisition of PRIMA (from
PRIMA Internacional (now CMD)), required
the authorization of the CNDC (validated 
by the SCI), and the COMFER. On October 4,
2006, the Company, Vistone, Fintech, VLG 
and Cablevisión, as purchasers, and AMI CV
Holdings LLC, AMI Cable Holdings Ltd. and
HMTF-LA Teledigital Cable Partners LP, as
sellers, filed for the approval of the acquisition.
After several requests for information, the SCI
issued Resolution No. 257/07, with a prior
opinion of the CNDC in favor of the approval
of the above-mentioned transactions and after
consulting the COMFER and the SECOM,
which did not raise any objections. The
Company was served notice in this respect on
December 7, 2007. Such Resolution was
appealed by five entities. As of the date of 
these financial statements, the CNDC 
has dismissed the five appeals filed against the
above-mentioned resolution. Four of those
entities filed direct appeals before the judicial
branch, but they were all dismissed.

On June 11, 2008, Cablevisión was served with
a decision of the National Court of Appeals 
on Federal Civil and Commercial Matters
revoking a decision rendered by the CNDC on
September 13, 2007, whereby such agency had
dismissed a claim filed by Gigacable S.A. prior
to the December 7, 2007 decision referred to
above. The Court of Appeals revoked CNDC’s
decision only with respect to matters relating to
the conduct of Cablevisión and Multicanal prior
to CNDC’s authorization of the transactions on
December 7, 2007, and ordered an investigation
to determine whether a fine should be 
imposed on Cablevisión and Multicanal due to
such conduct. As of the date of these financial
statements, Cablevisión has filed its response,
which is pending analysis by such agency.

c. On December 15, 2008, the shareholders of
Cablevisión approved the merger of Multicanal,

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Delta Cable S.A., Holding Teledigital,
Teledigital, Televisora La Plata Sociedad
Anónima, Pampa TV S.A., Construred S.A. 
and Cablepost S.A. into Cablevisión, 
whereby, effective as of October 1, 2008,
Cablevisión, as surviving company, became the
universal successor to all of the assets, rights 
and obligations of the merged companies.

That process was granted administrative
approval by the CNV and was registered with
the Argentine Superintendency of Legal Entities
(IGJ) under No. 9,448, Book 79 Volume –
Stock Companies on June 7, 2016.

On September 8, 2009, Multicanal was served
with CNDC Resolution No. 106/09, dated
September 4, 2009, whereby the CNDC
ordered an audit to articulate and harmonize the
several aspects of Resolution No. 577/09 issued
by the COMFER, whereby it had rejected the
merger of Cablevisión and Multicanal, with
Resolution No. 257/07 issued by the Secretariat
of Domestic Trade. Resolution No. 106/09 also
sets forth that the notifying companies shall not,
from the enactment thereof and until the end of
the audit and / or resolution of the CNDC, be
able to remove or replace physical or legal assets. 

Notwithstanding the required filings made 
by Cablevisión and its shareholders on
December 7, 2007 (date on which the SCI
granted authorization) to prove that they were
complying with the commitment agreed with
the CNDC), on September 23, 2009, the 
SCI issued Resolution No. 641, whereby it
ordered the CNDC to verify compliance with
the parties’ proposed commitment by visiting
the parties’ premises, requesting reports,
reviewing documents and information and
carrying out hearings, among other things.

On December 11, 2009, Cablevisión notified 
the CNDC of the completion and corresponding
verification of the fulfillment of the voluntary
undertakings made by Cablevisión at the time of
the enactment of SCI Resolution No. 257/07.
On December 15, 2009, Chamber No. 2 of the
National Court of Appeals on Federal Civil 
and Commercial Matters issued a preliminary
injunction in re “Grupo Clarín S.A. v. Secretariat
of Domestic Trade and other on preliminary
injunctions” (case 10,506/09), partially
acknowledging the preliminary injunction
requested by Grupo Clarín, and instructing the

CNDC and the SCI to notify Grupo Clarín
whenever their own verification of Cablevisión’s
fulfillment of its undertakings had been
concluded, regardless of the result. Should such
agencies have any observations, they should
notify Grupo Clarín within a term of 10 days.
On the same date, the CNDC issued Resolution
No. 1,011/09 whereby it deemed Cablevisión’s
voluntary undertakings unfulfilled and declared
the rescission of the authorization granted 
under Resolution No. 257/07. 

On December 17, 2009, the National Court 
of Appeals on Federal Commercial-Criminal
Matters, Chamber A, decided to suspend 
the term to appeal Resolution No. 1,011/09 
until the main case was transferred back to 
the CNDC, considering it had been in such
court since December 16, 2009. 

On December 17, 2009, the CNDC notified
Cablevisión of the initiation of the motion 
for execution of Resolution No. 1,011/09. On
December 18, 2009, Chamber No. 2 of the
National Court of Appeals on Federal Civil 
and Commercial Matters issued an injunction
in re “Grupo Clarín S.A. v. Secretariat of
Domestic Trade and other on preliminary
injunctions”, which suspended the effects of
Resolution No. 1,011/09 until the notice set
forth in the injunction of December 15, 2009
was served. Accordingly, the CNDC served
notice to Cablevisión by means of Resolution
No. 1,101/09. 

On December 30, 2009, Chamber No. 2 
of the National Court of Appeals on Federal 
Civil and Commercial Matters issued a
preliminary injunction in re “Grupo Clarín S.A.
v. Secretariat of Domestic Trade and other 
on preliminary injunctions”, partially
acknowledging Grupo Clarín’s request and
suspending the term for Grupo Clarín 
to respond to Resolution No. 1,101/09 until
Grupo Clarín is granted access to the
administrative proceedings related to the 
charges brought by the CNDC in its Opinion
No. 770/09 (on which Resolution No. 
1,011/09 was based). 

On February 19, 2010, Cablevisión requested
the nullification of the notice, and as a default
argument, submitted the response requested
under Resolution No. 1,101/09. On February
26, 2010, the National Court of Appeals on

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Federal Commercial-Criminal Matters approved
the recusation filed by Cablevisión and excluded
the Secretariat of Domestic Trade from the
proceedings. 

On March 3, 2010, the Argentine Ministry of
Economy and Public Finance issued Resolution
No. 113 (subscribed by the Minister of
Economy, Dr Amado Boudou) rejecting the
request for the nullification of Resolution 
No. 1,011/09, the requests for abstention and
excusation of certain officials, and all the
evidence produced in connection with such
request for nullification. The voluntary
undertakings made by Cablevisión under
Resolution No. 257/07 were deemed
unfulfilled, thus declaring the rescission of 
the authorization granted under such
resolution. The parties involved were ordered
to take all necessary actions to comply with
such rescission within a term of six months,
and to inform the CNDC about the progress
made in that respect on a monthly basis. 
Such resolution was appealed in due time and
form. The appeal was granted without staying
the execution of judgment. 

On April 20, 2010, Chamber No. 2 of the
National Court of Appeals on Federal Civil 
and Commercial Matters granted the appeal
filed by Grupo Clarín S.A. in re “Grupo Clarín
on delay in the appeal of the proceedings”, 
and decided that the appeal granted by the
CNDC to Grupo Clarín S.A. against Resolution
No. 113/10 had the effect of staying such
resolution. The National Government filed an
appeal asking that the Court of Appeals revoke
its own decision with respect to the effect
granted to the April 20 decision, and that it
decline its jurisdiction. It also filed an appeal to
have the case brought before the Supreme
Court. Both appeals were dismissed. Chamber
No. 2 requested the administrative file to
consider the appeal and render its decision. 

On September 17, 2015, the Court rendered 
a decision in favor of Cablevisión, revoking
Resolution No. 113/10 in its entirety. 
Both parties were served with the decision 
on that same date. 

The National Government - Ministry of
Economy filed an appeal to have the 
case brought before the Supreme Court, which
was substantiated in February 2016. 

Subsequently, in March 2016, the appeal filed
by the National Government - Ministry of
Economy and Public Finance was dismissed.
Therefore, SCI Resolution No. 257/07 and the
effects of the authorization are in full force 
and effect to date.

On March 31, 2016, the National Government
– Ministry of Economy and Public Finance 
filed a direct appeal before the Supreme Court
of Argentina.

Subsequently, the National Government
abandoned the Direct Appeal and the Supreme
Court deemed it abandoned on June 7, 2016.
Therefore, MECON Resolution No. 113/10 
is considered to be null and void.

d. On May 31, 2012, Cablevisión was served
notice of Resolution No. 16,819 dated May 23,
2012 whereby the Argentine Securities
Commission (CNV, for its Spanish acronym)
ordered the initiation of summary proceedings
against Cablevisión and its directors, members
of the Supervisory Committee and the Head 
of Market Relations for an alleged failure 
to comply with the duty to inform. The CNV
considers that Cablevisión failed to comply 
with its duty to inform because the investor
community was deprived of its right to become
fully aware of the grounds of a decision
rendered by the Federal Court of Mendoza 
and the scope of the powers granted by 
that court to the co-administrator appointed in
re “Supercanal S.A. v. Cablevisión S.A. on
protection of constitutional rights”, in addition
to the fact that other self-regulated authorities
were allegedly not notified of the information
furnished by Cablevisión. On June 25, 2012,
Cablevisión filed a response requesting that its
defenses be sustained and all charges dismissed.
On February 6, 2014 Cablevisión submitted 
the legal brief for the purpose of discussing the
evidence submitted under File No. 171/2012.
Now the CNV’s Board of Directors has to
render its decision. Cablevisión and its legal
advisors believe that the company has strong
arguments in its favor. Nevertheless, Cablevisión
cannot assure that the outcome of the said
summary proceedings will be favorable to
Cablevisión. 

e. Pursuant to CNV Resolution No. 16,834
dated June 14, 2012 notified to the Company
on June 27, 2012, the CNV ordered the

130

initiation of summary proceedings against the
Company and the members of its Board of
Directors, Supervisory Committee and Audit
Committee in office at the time of the
occurrence of the events that motivated the
proceedings (September 19, 2008) for alleged
failure to comply with the duty to inform.
Under said Resolution, the CNV argues that 
the Company allegedly failed to comply with
the duty to disclose the filing of a claim 
against it entitled “Consumidores Financieros
Asociación Civil para su defensa and other v.
Grupo Clarín on/Ordinary”, which the 
CNV considers relevant. On July 25, 2012,
Cablevisión filed a response petitioning that its
defenses be sustained and that all charges against
it be dismissed. The legal brief on the evidence
has been submitted. The Company and its 
legal advisors believe that the company has
strong arguments in its favor. Nevertheless, the
Company cannot assure that the outcome of
said summary proceedings will be favorable.

f. The Executive Branch of Uruguay issued
Decree No. 73/012, published in the Official
Gazette on March 16, 2012, whereby it
expressly repealed Decree No. 231/011, 
which had revoked certain signals’ broadcast
frequencies. However, the new decree ratified
and repeated - virtually in identical terms - 
the decree that was being repealed, and added
certain provisions that caused further detriment
to the two affected companies with which a
subsidiary of Cablevisión has contractual
arrangements in place. Consequently, on March
23, 2012 the affected companies filed an 
appeal requesting that Decree No. 73/012 be
revoked. The appeal is still pending resolution.

In May 2012, the aforesaid companies brought
a legal action with the Court in Administrative
Litigation Matters requesting the nullification 
of the resolution and the suspension of its
execution. This motion to suspend the
execution of the challenged resolution was
brought as a separate case, and progressed
through the corresponding instances. The Office
of the Attorney General for Administrative
Litigation Matters, in its opinion No. 412/013
advised the Court on Administrative Litigation
Matters to grant the motion to suspend the
execution of the challenged resolution for
formal reasons, but the Court dismissed 
the motion of suspension. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, as of the date of these financial

statements, the governmental authorities have
not yet enforced the decree.

On September 30, 2014, the Court on
Administrative Litigation Matters through its
decisions No. 416/2014 and No. 446/2014
revoked for formal reasons Decrees No. 73/012
and No. 231/011, respectively.

On March 9, 2015, Decree No. 82/015 was
published in the Official Gazette, whereby the
Executive Branch 1) repealed Decree No.
73/012; 2) 16 common stations are awarded to
be held in common (the same stations) by
BERSABEL S.A. and VISION SATELITAL
S.A. for a term of 15 years: Two of the 16
stations are awarded on a secondary basis, which
means that they may be exposed to interferences
and they do not have the right to bring any
claim in connection thereto; 3) use of existing
stations must cease within 18 months of their
award to mobile service operators; 4) both
companies are expressly authorized to increase
the number of TV signals (stations) included in
their respective services making use of
digitization techniques; 5) both companies shall
submit before the Communication Services
Regulatory Agency (“URSEC”, for its Spanish
acronym), within a fixed term of 60 calendar
days as from the date of publication of the
Decree, a technical plan for the migration and
release of stations, which plan shall be assessed
and approved by such agency (such plan was
submitted on May 7, 2015); 6) the Bidding
Terms governing the bid for frequency bands
that were owned by both companies shall
include an economic compensation mechanism
for both companies to cover the expenses
incurred in adapting their systems to the new
stations awarded to them, in the amount of
USD 7,000,000.

Even though both companies’ request for the
annulment of Decree No. 153/012 was granted
for formal reasons (failure to serve prior notice)
by the Court on Administrative Litigation
Matters (decision 455 of June 11, 2015), this
decision does not change prior considerations
about the terms of Decree No. 82/015 with
respect to both companies due to the fact that
Decree No. 305/015 (which substituted Decree
No. 153/012) confirmed the allocation of
channels 21 through 36 (512 MHz - 608 MHz)
and 38 through 41 (614 MHz - 638 MHz), of
6 MHz each, in the UHF band exclusively for

131

rendering accessible, free, digital broadcast
television services all over the country, except 
for channels 35 (596-602 MHz), 36 (602-608
MHz) and 38 through 41 (614-638 MHz) only
in the geographic area for which BERSABEL
S.A. and VISION SATELITAL S.A. had
received authorization, which will be used solely
for rendering television services to subscribers
through the codified UHF system, as it had
been previously and expressly stated in Section 
5 of Decree No. 82/015 (which repealed 
and amended the language of Section 1 of the
above-mentioned Decree No. 153/012).

g. On June 4, 2012, the Federal Court of
Appeals of Rosario partially confirmed 
SCI Resolution No. 219/2010, whereby the
Secretariat of Domestic Trade found that
Cablevisión and Multicanal had engaged in
market sharing practices in connection with the
paid-television service in the City of Santa Fe
and reduced the fine imposed on each of 
the companies involved from Ps. 2.5 million to 
Ps. 2 million. However, this decision is not 
yet final, because Cablevisión and Multicanal 
and the Ministry of Economy filed appeals,
which are still pending before that Court of
Appeals. On October 21, 2014, the Argentine
Supreme Court dismissed the appeals; 
therefore, Resolution No. 219/10 became final. 

The case is currently pending with the Court 
of Appeals of Rosario, which shall order its
referral to the SCI. The SCI, in turn, shall serve
notice to the companies involved in order for
them to pay the fine.

h. On March 1, 2011, the SCI served notice 
to Multicanal and Cablevisión of Resolution
No. 19/11 whereby the Secretariat of Domestic
Trade found that both companies had engaged
in market sharing practices in connection 
with the paid-television service in the City of
Paraná and imposed a fine of Ps. 2.5 million on
each of them. Cablevisión filed an appeal in 
due time and form. This appeal was dismissed
by the Federal Court of Appeals of Paraná.
Therefore, Cablevisión filed an appeal with the
Argentine Supreme Court. On November 4,
2011, the appeal of SCI Resolution No. 19/11
filed by Cablevisión with the Supreme Court
was partially granted by the Federal Court of
Appeals of Paraná.

On August 30, 2012, the Argentine Supreme
Court dismissed the appeal filed by Cablevisión;
therefore, Resolution No. 19/11 became final.
The case is currently pending with the Court 
of Appeals of Paraná, which shall order its
referral to the SCI. The SCI, in turn, shall serve
notice to the companies involved in order for
them to pay the fine.

i. Cablevisión, by itself and as successor of
Multicanal’s operations after the merger, 
is a party to several administrative proceedings
under the Antitrust Law, facing charges of
anticompetitive conduct, including territorial
division of markets, price discrimination, 
abuse of dominant position, refusal to deal 
and predatory pricing, as well as a proceeding 
filed by the Cámara de Cableoperadores
Independientes (Chamber of Independent 
Cable Operators), challenging the transactions
consummated on September 26, 2006. While
Cablevisión believes that its conduct and 
that of Multicanal have always been within the
bounds of the Argentine Antitrust Law and
regulations and that their positions in each of
these proceedings are reasonably grounded, 
it can give no assurance that any of these cases
will be resolved in its favor.

j. On January 22, 2010, Cablevisión was served
notice of CNDC Resolution No. 8/10 issued
within the framework of file No. 0021390/2010
entitled “Official Investigation of Cable
Television Subscriptions (C1321)”. Pursuant 
to this Resolution, Cablevisión, among 
other companies, was ordered to refrain from
conducting collusive practices and, particularly,
from increasing the price of cable television
subscriptions for a term of 60 days, counted as
from the date compliance with all required
notices is certified in the records of the case. 
As established by that Resolution, companies
that have already increased the price of the
subscriptions shall return to the price applicable
in November 2009 and maintain such price 
for the above-mentioned term.

On February 2, 2010, by means of Resolution
No. 13/10, the CNDC ordered Cablevisión 
to refund to its subscribers in the March 2012
invoices the amount of any price increase made
after the date of CNDC Resolution No. 8/10.

Cablevisión appealed both resolutions in due
time and form and their effects were suspended

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by an injunction issued by Chamber No. 2 of
the National Court of Appeals on Federal Civil
and Commercial Matters at the request of
Cablevisión. The National Government filed 
an appeal with the Supreme Court against 
this decision, and the appeal has been dismissed.

On October 4, 2011, Chamber No. 2 of the
National Court of Appeals on Federal Civil and
Commercial Matters granted the appeal filed
against both decisions in re “Cablevisión and
Other on Appeal against the Decision rendered
by the National Antitrust Commission” (File
1,473/2010), declaring Resolution No. 8/10
moot and nullifying Resolution No. 13/10.

The National Government filed an appeal 
with the Supreme Court of Argentina against
the decision rendered by Chamber No. 2, 
which was granted, but it was dismissed by the
Supreme Court of Argentina.

k. On October 28, 2010, Cablevisión was
served notice of the National Administration of
Domestic Trade’s resolutions imposing two fines
of Ps. 5 million each, for allegedly failing to
observe the typographic character requirements
under applicable regulations (Resolution
906/98) when informing its subscribers of the
increase in the price of their cable television
subscriptions. Cablevisión appealed the fines on
November 12, 2010 because it believes it has
strong grounds in its favor. However, it cannot
assure that the outcome will be favorable. 
One of the files was assigned No. 1280 and is
pending before Chamber No. 1 of the Federal
Administrative Court of Appeals, and the other
one was assigned No. 1,278 and is pending
before Chamber No. 5 of the Federal
Administrative Court of Appeals.

l. The litigation brought before the Civil,
Commercial, Mining and Labor Court of the
City of Concarán, Province of San Luis, in 
early 2007 in re “Grupo Radio Noticias SRL v.
Cablevisión and others”, is still pending 
before the Federal Court in Administrative
Matters No. 2. 

The purpose of that claim was to challenge the
share transfers mentioned in Note 8.1.c. 
and to request the revocation of Cablevisión’s
broadcasting licenses. Cablevisión has responded
to such claim and believes it is very unlikely 
that it will be admitted. The claimant has

abandoned the claim it had brought, and the
claimant’s attorney must provide evidence of his
attorney powers.

m. The Government of the City of Mar del
Plata enacted Ordinance No. 9163, governing
the installation of cable television networks.
Such ordinance was amended and restated by
Ordinance No. 15,981 dated February 26,
2004, giving cable companies until December
31, 2007 to adapt their cable networks to the
new municipal requirements. The ordinance sets
forth that in those areas where street lighting
has underground wiring, cable television
networks are to be placed underground. In this
sense, the Executive Department of the
Municipality of General Pueyrredón has
submitted to the Municipal Council a proposed
ordinance extending the term provided until
December 31, 2015. Such ordinance is ready for
discussion by legislators. Even though the
ordinance provides for certain penalties that
may be imposed, the City has not imposed such
penalties to cable systems that are not in
compliance with such ordinance.

n. On November 27, 2012 the National
Administration of Domestic Trade served
Cablevisión with Resolution No. 308/2012,
whereby it imposed a Ps. 5 million fine 
on that company alleging that it had failed to 
comply with Section No. 4 of the Antitrust 
Law (increase in the subscription price of cable
television services/wrongful information
provided by Customer Service, which informed
by mail that SCI Resolution No. 50/10 and 
the supplementing resolutions are suspended on
grounds of unconstitutionality, when in fact
they have been suspended by an injunction).
On December 11, 2012 Cablevisión appealed
Resolution No. 308/2012. The administrative
file No. S01:0312056/2011 was sent by the
National Administration of Domestic Trade to
the National Court of Appeals on Federal
Administrative Matters. It is now pending
before Chamber No. 1 in re “Cablevisión SA v.
DNCI Res. 308/12 and Other” (File 140/13). 
A decision has not been rendered yet.

Cablevisión and its legal advisors believe 
that the company has strong arguments in its 
favor. Nevertheless, Cablevisión cannot 
assure that the revocation of the fine will be
resolved in its favor.

133

o. On July 5, 2013, the National Administration
of Domestic Trade served notice to Cablevisión
of Resolution No. 134/2013, whereby it imposed
a fine of Ps. 500,000 for breach of Section 
of Section 2 of Resolution ex S.I.C. y M. No.
789/98, which regulates the Business Loyalty
Law No. 22,802. Cablevisión appealed that
resolution on July 16, 2013. The administrative
file was sent by the National Administration 
of Domestic Trade to the National Court of
Appeals on Federal Administrative Matters. 
It is now pending before Chamber No. 3 in re
“Cablevisión SA v. DNCI Res. 134/13 
and Other” (File 36044/13). On May 20, 2014,
Chamber No. 3 partially granted the appeal 
filed by Cablevisión and reduced the fine 
to Ps. 300,000 and ordered that each party 
shall bear its own legal costs. On June 9, 2014,
Cablevisión filed an appeal with the Argentine
Supreme Court. On September 18, 2014,
Cablevisión was served notice of the
extraordinary appeal filed by the National
Government, and on October 2, 2014 that
company filed a response. On October 9, 
2014, the Chamber dismissed both appeals.

On October 08, 2010, the National
Administration of Domestic Trade served notice
to Cablevisión of Resolution No. 697/2010,
whereby it imposed a fine of Ps. 500,000 
for breach of Section 21 of the Business Loyalty
Law No. 22,802. Cablevisión appealed that 
resolution on October 26, 2010. The
administrative file was sent by the National
Administration of Domestic Trade to the
National Court of Appeals on Federal
Administrative Matters. It is now pending before
Chamber No. 3 in re “Cablevisión SA v. 
DNCI Res. 697/2010 (File S01:80822/10) and
Other” (File 1,277/2011). On December 29,
2011 the Court of Appeals dismissed the appeal
filed by Cablevisión, and imposed court costs 
on Cablevisión. On February 22, 2012,
Cablevisión filed an appeal with the Argentine
Supreme Court. The appeal was dismissed 
by the Chamber on April 10, 2012. On April 26,
2012, Cablevisión filed an appeal against the
above-mentioned dismissal. The Supreme Court
of Argentina granted the appeal and revoked 
the decision against which Cablevisión had filed
the appeal with legal costs to be borne by the
National Administration of Domestic Trade, and
ordered that the case be sent back to the court 
of first instance for it to render a new decision
based on the precedent indicated in its ruling.

p. On March 16, 2012, CNV issued Resolution
No. 16,765 whereby it ordered the initiation 
of summary proceedings against Cablevisión, its
directors and members of the Supervisory
Committee for an alleged failure to comply with
the duty to inform. The CNV considers that
Cablevisión failed to comply with its duty 
to inform because the investor community was
deprived of its right to become fully aware of the
Decision rendered by the Supreme Court of
Argentina in re "Application for judicial review
brought by the National Government Ministry of
Economy and Production of the case Multicanal
S.A. and other v/CONADECO Decree No.
527/05” and other, and also considers that
Cablevisión did not disclose certain issues related
to the information required by the CNV in
connection with its Class 1 and 2 Noteholders’
Extraordinary Meetings held on April 23, 2010.
On April 04, 2012, that company filed a
response requesting that its defenses be sustained
and that all charges against it be dismissed. The
discovery stage has been closed and the company
submitted the legal brief. Cablevisión and its 
legal advisors believe that the company has strong
arguments in its favor. Nevertheless, Cablevisión
cannot assure that the outcome of said summary
proceedings will be favorable.

q. On August 28, 2015, Cablevisión was 
served notice of Resolution No. 17,769 dated
August 13, 2015 whereby the CNV ordered 
the initiation of summary proceedings against
Cablevisión and its directors, members of 
the Supervisory Committee and the Head of
Market Relations for an alleged delay in the
submission of the required documentation. 
The CNV considers that Cablevisión failed to
comply with effective regulations because it filed
certain documentation outside the regulatory
term set by CNV rules (as restated in 2013, as
amended). Cablevisión, as well as its directors,
members of the Supervisory Committee 
and Head of Market Relations filed a response 
in due time and form requesting that its
defenses be sustained and all charges dismissed.
Cablevisión and its legal advisors believe that
the company has strong arguments in its favor.
Nevertheless, Cablevisión cannot assure that 
the outcome of the said summary proceedings
will be favorable to Cablevisión. On January 
20, 2016, the preliminary hearing was held
pursuant to Section 138 of Law No. 26,831 and
Article 8, Subsection b.1. of Section II, Chapter
II, Title XIII of the Regulations (T.R. 2013). 

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8.2 Claims and Disputes with Governmental

Agencies
a. In connection with the decisions made at 
the Company’s Annual Ordinary Shareholders’
Meeting held on April 28, 2011, on September
1, 2011 the Company was served with a
preliminary injunction in re “National Social
Security Administration v. Grupo Clarín S.A. 
re ordinary proceeding” whereby the Company
may not in any way dispose, in part or in whole,
of the Ps. 387,028,756 currently recorded under
the retained earnings account, other than to
distribute dividends to the shareholders.

On the same date, the Company was served
with a claim brought by Argentina’s National
Social Security Administration requesting the
nullity of the decision made on point 7
(Appropriation of Retained Earnings) of the
agenda of the Annual Ordinary Shareholders’
Meeting held on April 22, 2010. As of the 
date of these financial statements, the Company
has duly answered the complaint, the parties
have produced evidence and made allegations.

On November 1, 2011, the CNV issued
Resolution No. 593, which provides that at
shareholders’ meetings in which financial
statements are considered shareholders must
expressly decide to, either distribute as 
dividends any retained earnings that are not
subject to distribution restrictions and that may
be disposed of pursuant to applicable law 
or capitalize such retained earnings and issue
shares, or appropriate them to set up reserves
other than legal reserves, or a combination 
of the above.

On July 12, 2013 the Company was served
notice of Resolution No. 17,131; dated as of
July 11, 2013 whereby the CNV declared 
that the administrative effects of the decisions
adopted at the Annual General Ordinary
Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 25, 2013
were irregular and ineffective, based on
allegations that are absolutely false and
irrelevant. According to the Company and its
legal advisors, Resolution No. 17,131 is, among
other things, null and void, because it lacks
sufficient grounds and its enactment is a clear
abuse of authority and a further step in the
National Government’s attempt to intervene in
the Company. On October 11, 2013 Chamber
No. 5 of the National Court of Appeals 
on Federal Administrative Matters issued a

preliminary injunction in re “Grupo Clarín S.A.
v. CNV – Resol No. 17.131/13 (File 737/13)”
File No. 29,563/2013, whereby it suspended the
effects of Resolution No. 17.131/2013 dated
July 11, 2013 which had rendered irregular and
with no effect for administrative purposes the
Company’s Annual Ordinary Shareholders’
Meeting held on April 25, 2013. As of the date
of these financial statements, the preliminary
injunction is still in effect.

In August 2013 the Company was served with a
nullification claim brought by Argentina’s
National Social Security Administration relating
to the Annual Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting
held on April 28, 2011 whereby it requested the
nullity of all the decisions made at such meeting
and, as a default argument, the nullity of the
decisions made on points 2, 4 and 7 of that
meeting’s agenda, as well as the nullity of the
decisions made at the Extraordinary Meetings of
Class A, B and A and B Shareholders. As of the
date of these financial statements, the Company
had duly answered the complaint.

On September 17, 2013 the Company was
served with a nullification claim brought by
Argentina’s National Social Security
Administration relating to the Annual Ordinary
Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 26, 2012
whereby it requested the nullity of all the
decisions made at such meeting and, as a default
argument, the nullity of the decisions made on
points 8 and 4 of that meeting’s agenda, as well
as the nullity of the decisions made at the
Extraordinary Meetings of Class A, B and A and
B Shareholders. As of the date of these financial
statements, the Company had duly answered
the complaint. 

On March 21, 2014, the Company was served
notice of a claim brought by Argentina’s National
Social Security Administration in re “National
Social Security Administration v. GRUPO
CLARÍN S.A. on Ordinary Proceeding” File No.
74,429, pending before the National Court of
First Instance on Commercial Matters No. 17,
Clerk’s Office No. 34. This claim seeks to nullify
and challenge the corporate decisions made at the
Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 25, 2013
and those made at the Board of Directors’
Meeting held on April 26, 2013. As of the date
of these financial statements, a response to the
claim had been filed. 

135

On September 16, 2014, the Company 
received a communication from its controlling
shareholder, GC Dominio S.A., whereby 
that company informed that it had been
summoned to court as a third party in 
re “National Social Security Administration v.
Grupo Clarín S.A. on Ordinary Proceeding”,
pending before the National Court of First
Instance on Commercial Matters No. 17,
Clerk’s Office No. 33. As of the date of these
financial statements and as informed by GC
Dominio S.A., that company has filed a
response to the above-mentioned claim. 

According to the Company and its legal
advisors, the outstanding claims requesting the
nullification of the Shareholders’ Meetings have
no legal grounds. Therefore, they believe that
the Company will not have to face adverse
consequences in this regard. 

b. The Argentine Federal Revenue Service
(“AFIP”) served the subsidiary CIMECO with a
notice challenging its income tax assessment 
for fiscal years 2000, 2001 and 2002. In such
notice, the AFIP challenged mainly the
deduction of interest and exchange differences
in the tax returns filed for those years. If AFIP’s
position prevails, CIMECO’s maximum
contingency as of December 31, 2016 would
amount to approximately Ps. 12.3 million for
taxes and Ps. 42.7 million for interest. 

CIMECO filed a response, which was dismissed
by the tax authorities. The tax authorities 
issued their own official assessment and 
imposed penalties. CIMECO appealed the tax
authorities’ resolution before the National 
Tax Court on August 15, 2007.

During the year ended December 31, 2010,
CIMECO received a pro forma income 
tax assessment from the AFIP for fiscal periods
2003 through 2007, as a consequence of 
AFIP’s challenge to CIMECO’s income tax
assessments for the periods 2000 through 2002
mentioned above. CIMECO filed a response
before AFIP, rejecting such assessment and
requesting the suspension of administrative
proceedings until the Federal Tax Court renders
its decision on the merits.

During 2011, the AFIP served CIMECO with
a notice stating the income tax charges assessed
for years 2003 through 2007 and ordering the

initiation of summary proceedings. The 
AFIP’s assessment shows a difference in its
favor in the Income Tax liability for the
periods indicated above for an amount in
excess of the amount that had been estimated
originally, as a result of the method used to
calculate certain deductions. CIMECO
responded to the assessment rejecting all of 
the adjustments and requesting that the
proceedings be rendered without effect and
filed, with no further actions to be taken. 

On April 26, 2012, the AFIP issued a new
official assessment comprising the fiscal years
2003 through 2007, in which it applied the
same method for the calculation as that used for
the administrative settlement, claiming a total
liability of Ps. 120 million. On May 21, 2012,
an appeal was filed with the Federal Tax Court.

CIMECO and its legal and tax advisors believe
CIMECO has strong grounds to defend 
the criteria adopted in their tax returns and that
AFIP’s challenges will not be admitted by the
Federal Tax Court. Accordingly, CIMECO has
not booked an allowance in connection with 
the effects such challenges may have.

c. On September 10, 2010, the AFIP served
TRISA with a notice with objections to its
income tax assessment, with respect to the
application of the withholding regime set forth
under the section following section 69 of the
Income Tax law, for fiscal years 2004, 2005 
and 2006. If AFIP’s position prevails, TRISA’s
contingency would amount to approximately 
Ps. 28.9 million, out of which Ps. 9.3 
million would correspond to taxes on dividend
payments made during those years, Ps. 6.5
million to a 70% fine on the omitted tax, 
and Ps. 13.1 million to late-payment interest,
calculated as of the date of the AFIP’s tax
assessment.

TRISA filed a response, which was dismissed 
by the tax authorities. On December 20, the tax
authorities issued their own official assessment
and imposed penalties. TRISA appealed the 
tax authorities’ resolution before the National
Tax Court on February 8, 2011. 

TRISA and its legal and tax advisors believe 
that TRISA has strong grounds to defend its
position and that AFIP’s challenges will 
not be admitted by the Federal Tax Court.

136

Accordingly, TRISA has not booked a provision
in connection with the effects such challenges
may have.

d. On August 13, 2012, the parent company
GC Dominio S.A. was served notice of a claim
brought by the Argentine Superintendency of
Legal Entities (IGJ) whereby that agency seeks
to annul the registration with the Public
Registry of Commerce of the appointment of
GC Dominio S.A.’s authorities, approved at the
Shareholders’ Meeting held on May 17, 2011.
The claim is pending before the Federal Court
of First Instance on Commercial Matters No.
25, Clerk’s Office No. 49 (“Inspección General
de Justicia v. Dominio S.A. on/Ordinary”, File
No. 58652). The claim brought by the IGJ
seeks to annul the registration with IGJ of the
appointment of GC Dominio S.A.’s authorities,
approved at the Annual General Ordinary
Shareholders’ Meeting of GC Dominio held on
May 17, 2011. The appointment was registered
with the IGJ on April 23, 2012 under No.
7147, Book No. 59 of Share Companies.
According to the IGJ and as the case file is said
to show, GC Dominio has allegedly failed to
comply with certain regulations applicable 
to foreign shareholders upon registration of the
appointment of authorities. Also within the
framework of this claim, the Court issued 
an injunction in favor of the IGJ ordering that 
the existence of this claim be duly noted. The
Chamber has confirmed the decision to order
that the existence of this claim be duly noted.

GC Dominio S.A.’s legal advisors have strong
grounds to argue that the resolution of IGJ’s
claim seeking the de-registration of the
appointment of authorities has serious defects
and infringes the guarantees of reasonableness
and due process; a principle that derives 
from the constitutional guarantee of defense in
court, which entails the right to be heard 
and to produce evidence to contradict a claim.
GC Dominio S.A. has appealed such injunction
because it considers that the IGJ has not shown
that its legal arguments are, at least, plausible. 

e. As a result of a suspicious transaction report
issued by the Argentine Federal Revenue Service
(“AFIP”) relating to transactions carried out
between the Company and certain subsidiaries,
the Financial Information Unit (“FIU”) pressed
criminal charges for alleged money laundering.
The action is now pending before Federal Court

No. 9, under Dr. Luis Rodriguez. The FIU 
has pressed charges against the Company and 
its directors for alleged money laundering
activities related to the trading of shares between
the Company and some of its subsidiaries. 
The Company has appointed defense attorneys
and has requested a copy of the file to
understand the details of the charges. The FIU
is acting as plaintiff in this case. One of the
Company’s directors made a spontaneous
appearance and filed a response and produced
documentary evidence. Certain charges pressed
by Representative Di Tullio were also added 
to the case. In addition, the Prosecutor
requested that the charges be investigated and
that certain evidentiary measures be taken
which have not yet been fulfilled as of the date
of these financial statements.

In March 2014, the intervening prosecutor
Miguel Angel Osorio broadened the request 
for evidence with regard to intercompany
movements between Cablevisión and certain
subsidiaries, all of which were regular and 
had been duly recorded.

The Company and its legal advisors consider
that there are strong arguments in the
Company’s favor, and have gathered evidence
that supports the lack of involvement of anyone
in any such unlawful maneuvers. However, 
they cannot assure that the outcome of this
action will be favorable.

f. By means of Resolution 16,364/2010, dated
and notified to AGEA as of July 15, 2010, 
the CNV’s Board of Directors decided to
initiate summary proceedings against AGEA
and certain current and past members of its
board of directors and supervisory commission,
for alleged infringement of the Argentine
Business Associations Law, Decree No. 677/01
and Law No, 22,315. AGEA, and the current
and past members of the Board of Directors 
and supervisory commission who are subject to
the summary proceedings, duly filed their
respective responses.

g. The subsidiary AGEA received several
inspections from the AFIP aimed at verifying
compliance with the so-called competitiveness
plans implemented by the National Executive
Branch. After several reports issued by the AFIP
and the corresponding Resolutions issued by the
Ministry of Economy, such agencies allege that

137

certain acts performed by AGEA during 2002
lead to the nullity of some of the benefits
granted under said plans, including adjustments,
for an estimated total amount of Ps. 65 million.
In April 2013, AGEA was served with AFIP
Resolution No. 03/13, whereby such agency
decided to exclude AGEA from the Registry of
Beneficiaries of the Competitiveness and
Employment Generation Agreements under the
Cultural Sector Agreement, as from March 4,
2002. The AFIP ordered the restatement of the
tax returns and the remittance of the
corresponding amounts. AGEA filed an appeal
against such resolution. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, in re “AEDBA and Other v. Ministry
of Economy Resolution No. 58/10”, the 
Federal Court on Administrative Matters No. 6
issued an injunction ordering AFIP to refrain
from initiating and/or continuing with the
administrative proceeding/s and/or any act that
would entail the enforcement of the amounts
payable under Resolution No. 3/13, until a final
decision is rendered. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, AGEA cannot assure that the appeal
will be resolved in its favor.

h. On April 9, 2013, Cablevisión was served
notice of AFIP Resolution No. 45/13 dated
April 3, 2013, whereby such agency imposed
penalties in a summary proceeding against 
that company with respect to compliance with
General Resolution No. 3,260/12. Cablevisión
filed an appeal, which has staying effects on 
the execution of those penalties.

i. Pursuant to Resolution No. 17,522 issued on
September 18, 2014 and notified to AGEA 
on September 24, 2014, the Board of Directors
of the CNV decided to initiate summary
proceedings against AGEA, certain current and
past members of its Board of Directors and
supervisory commission –who occupied those
positions between September 19, 2008 and the
present date- and against that company’s Head
of Market Relations, for an alleged failure to
comply with the duty to inform that AGEA was
a co-defendant in re “CONSUMIDORES
FINANCIEROS ASOCIACION CIVIL PARA
SU DEFENSA AND OTHER V. GRUPO
CLARIN S.A. AND OTHER on EXPEDITED
SUMMARY PROCEEDING” (File No.
065441/08). The summary proceeding is
grounded on an alleged failure to comply with
Article 5, subsection a), the first part of Article
6 and Article 8, subsection a) part V) of the

Annex to Decree No. 677/01; with Articles 1, 
2 and 3, subsection . 9) of Chapter XXI of 
the REGULATIONS (T.R. 2001 as amended)
–now Article 1 of Section I, Chapter I, Title 
XII of the REGULATIONS (T.R. 2013 
as amended); with Articles 2 and 3 subsection .
9) of Section II, Chapter I, Title XII of the
REGULATIONS (T.R. 2013 as amended); 
with Article 11 subsection a.12) of Chapter
XXVI of the REGULATIONS (T.R. 2001 
as amended) –now Article 11 subsection 13) 
of Section IV, Chapter I, Title XV of the
REGULATIONS (T.R. 2013 as amended); 
with Article 99 and 100 of Law No. 26,831;
and with Articles 59 and 294 subsection . 9) of
Law No. 19,550. AGEA, and the current and
past members of the Board of Directors and
supervisory commission who are subject to the
summary proceedings, duly filed their 
respective responses. On February 11, 2015, 
the preliminary hearing was held pursuant 
to Article 8, subsection b.1.), Title XIII,
Chapter II, Section II of the Regulations (T.R
2013, as amended). On August 19, 2015, the
company submitted the legal brief for the
discovery stage.

j. On February 27, 2013, the AFIP served 
IESA with a notice stating the income tax and
value added tax charges assessed for fiscal 
period 2008 and ordering the initiation of
summary proceedings for alleged omitted taxes. 
The AFIP mainly challenged the deduction 
of certain expenses and fees, as well as the
calculation of the corresponding tax credit.
IESA filed an appeal in connection with such
order, which is currently pending before the
National Tax Court. The official assessment
amounts to Ps. 1.4 million for income tax and
Ps. 2.8 million for late-payment interest,
calculated as of December 31, 2016.

The official value-added tax assessment 
amounts to Ps. 0.8 million for tax differences
and Ps. 1.8 million for late-payment interest,
calculated as of December 31, 2016.

On October 21, the AFIP served IESA with 
a notice stating the income tax and value added
tax charges assessed for fiscal period 2009 and
ordered the initiation of summary proceedings
for alleged omitted taxes. In this case, the AFIP
mainly challenged the deduction of fees, as 
well as the calculation of the corresponding tax
credit. IESA filed an appeal in connection

138

thereto, which is currently pending before 
the National Tax Court. The official assessment
amounts to Ps. 1.2 million for income tax 
and Ps. 2.8 million for late-payment interest,
calculated as of December 31, 2016.

The official value-added tax assessment 
amounts to Ps. 0.5 million for tax differences
and Ps. 1.2 million for late-payment interest,
calculated as of December 31, 2016.

IESA and its legal and tax advisors believe that
it has strong arguments in its favor to defend
the criterion adopted in its tax returns.

8.3 Other Claims and Disputes
a. On June 22, 2007, TSC executed several
documents with AFA, applicable from the
2007/2008 until the 2013/2014 soccer seasons,
whereby TSC held all the broadcasting rights for
ten of the Argentine soccer first division official
tournament matches played each week. 

On August 13, 2009 AFA notified TSC of 
its decision to terminate unilaterally the above-
mentioned agreement. TSC challenged AFA’s
unilateral termination of the agreement and, 
in order to safeguard its rights, on June 15,
2010 it brought a legal action against A
FA before a commercial court for contractual
breach and damages.

AFA summoned the National Government 
as a third party, and the National Government
was incorporated to the proceedings. The
National Government requested that the case 
be submitted to the Court on Federal
Administrative Matters. The request was
dismissed by the Commercial Court of Appeals,
which ratified the jurisdiction of the
Commercial Court.

The National Government filed an appeal in
connection with the jurisdictional conflict, 
with the Supreme Court of Argentina, which
dismissed the appeal and ordered that the 
file be submitted to the Court of First Instance.
On September 5, 2016, the judge ordered
discovery proceedings, and established that the
hearing provided under Section 360 of the Civil
and Commercial Procedure Code of Argentina
would be held on June 5, 2017.

b. On January 31, 2012, FADRA informed
Grupo Carburando’s subsidiary Mundo Show

S.A. of the unilateral rescission of the agreement
executed in 2006 whereby FADRA assigned 
to that company the rights comprising image,
sound and static advertising of motor racing 
at the road racing events Turismo Carretera and
TC Pista until December 31, 2015. Mundo
Show S.A. has challenged and rejected FADRA’s
unilateral rescission of the agreement. In light 
of the events, Mundo Show S.A. will not be
able to sell or export the audiovisual and static
advertising rights of the above-mentioned motor
racing events. Therefore, in 2012 an allowance
was set up for impairment of goodwill 
and other assets related to such agreement of
approximately Ps. 17 million. On July 17, 2013,
some of the Company’s subsidiaries executed 
an agreement in order to settle the legal actions
brought as a consequence of the termination 
of TV broadcasting rights and sponsorship
agreements relating to the Turismo Carretera
and TC Pista road racing events, whereby
FADRA undertook to pay damages for an
aggregate and final amount of Ps. 16.5 million
in 23 monthly and consecutive installments. 
In addition, it assigned all of its equity interest
in TCM, which represents 20% of its capital
stock and votes. The parties also settled the
claims brought against FADRA in re "Mundo
Show v. FADRA on pending cash collection,
File No. 10041/2012", whereby FADRA paid
Ps. 1.5 million in exchange for the dismissal of
the legal actions.

c. Pursuant to a notarial certificate issued on
September 19, 2008, AGEA and the Company
were served with a legal action brought by 
an entity representing consumers and alleged
financial victims (and by six other individuals).
Claimants are Multicanal noteholders who
claim to be allegedly affected by Multicanal’s
APE. The claim is grounded on a Consumer
Defense Law that, in general terms, provides for
an ambiguous procedure that is very strict
against the defendant.

The Company, AGEA and certain directors 
and members of the supervisory committee and
shareholders have been served with the claim.
After rejecting certain preliminary defenses
presented by the defendants, such as the
application of statutes of limitation and the
failure to comply with prior mediation
procedures, the claim followed ordinary
procedure and the above-mentioned persons
duly filed their respective responses.

139

d. On September 16, 2010 the Company 
was served with a claim brought against it by
Consumidores Financieros Asociación Civil 
para su Defensa. The plaintiff claims a
reimbursement of the difference between the
value of the shares of the Company purchased
at their initial public offering and the value 
of the shares at the time a decision is rendered
in the case. The Company has duly responded
to the claim and the intervening Court has
deemed the claim responded.

e. On April 25, 2013 Grupo Clarín S.A. held 
its Annual Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting. 
As a result of the issues raised at this Meeting,
some of the permanent directors informed 
the Company that they had pressed criminal
charges against the representatives of the
shareholder ANSES and of the CNV (Messrs.
Reposo, Kicillof, Moreno, Vanoli, Fardi and
Helman) for making statements and intellectual
constructions which, under the appearance 
of being included in the new regulations of the
Argentine Capital Markets Law, only sought 
to discredit the Board of Directors and
caricature its management, creating pretexts that
may lead to an intervention of the Company
without judicial control; pursuant to the new
powers vested on the CNV by Capital Markets
Law No. 26,831. On April 26, 2013, the 
Board of Directors decided to press charges 
on the same grounds.

Consequently, the Company sent a letter to 
the CNV, in which it clearly stated that 
what had happened at that Meeting could not 
be considered in any way as an acknowledgment
of the legitimacy of the powers vested on the
CNV by Law No. 26,831 and/or the regulations
that may be issued in the future. The letter 
also stated that the Company reserved its 
right to file the pertinent legal actions at any
time to request the declaration of the evident
unconstitutionality of that law. It also requested
the CNV to refrain from performing any act 
or issuing any resolution that would lead 
to the execution of the plan of which they had
been accused before the courts.

f. On May 30, 2013, Pem S.A. was served
notice of a claim in re “TELEVISORA
PRIVADA DEL OESTE S.A. v. GRUPO
CLARÍN S.A. AND OTHERS on
ORDINARY” File No. 99078/2011, which is
pending before the Federal Commercial Court

No. 16 of First Instance, Clerk’s Office No. 32.
The claim seeks damages resulting from certain
decisions made with respect to Televisora
Privada del Oeste S.A. Cablevisión and the
Company, among others, are defendants in such
lawsuit. Cablevisión was served with the claim
and filed a response in due time and form.
Notice of the claim is being served on the other
co-defendants. According to the Company’s
legal advisors, the chances of success of the
claim are low because the damages claimed are
clearly overstated, the actual damage invoked
does not exist and the claim is procedurally
inappropriate, on both a factual and legal basis.
Pem S.A. filed a response and the proceeding is
now in the discovery stage. In view of the level
of conflict that has arisen among the parties and
the length of time it is taking to reach a
solution, Cablevisión cannot ascertain the
outcome of this claim.

g. In March 2012, ARTEAR brought a
summary action for the protection of
constitutional rights against the National
Government (Chief of the Cabinet of Ministers
and Secretariat of Public Communication) and
against Messrs. Juan Manuel Abal Medina and
Alfredo Scoccimarro, in order to request that
the National Government cease in the arbitrary
and discriminatory allocation of official
advertising with respect to Arte Radiotelevisivo
Argentino S.A. ARTEAR requested (i) that the
court order the maintenance of a balanced
allocation with respect to the amount of official
advertising received in previous years, and in
particular prior to 2008, and with respect 
to the amount of official advertising allocated 
to other broadcasters of similar characteristics,
and (ii) that the conduct of the above-
mentioned officials be declared illegitimate, 
on account of their having abusively exercised 
their discretional power to manage public funds
destined to official advertising, discriminating
against Canal 13, which is owned by ARTEAR. 

On February 11, 2014, the Supreme Court 
of Argentina decided in re “Arte Radiotelevisivo
Argentino S.A. v. National Government - 
Chief of the Cabinet of Ministers and Media
Secretariat on summary action for the
protection of constitutional rights (acción de
amparo) Law No. 16,980” to confirm the
decision rendered in that respect by Chamber
No. 4 of the National Court of Appeals 
on Federal Administrative Matters. This Court

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admitted the summary action brought by
ARTEAR and ordered the National Government
to provide for the drafting and submission to
the first instance court of a scheme for the
allocation of official advertising that included
the broadcasters with characteristics analogous to
those of ARTEAR. Among those broadcasters,
the Court of Appeals included América TV S.A.
(Canal 2), Telearte S.A. (Canal 9), Televisión
Federal S.A. (Canal 11), ARTEAR (Canal 13)
and SNMP S.A. and RTA S.E. (Canal 7). 
The allocation scheme must faithfully conform
to the guidelines of proportionality and equity
set forth in the ruling. The term for submitting
the allocation scheme was set at thirty days 
after that decision became final. After ARTEAR
had filed several complaints denouncing non-
compliance with the decision rendered by the
Supreme Court, the judge of the National
Court of First Instance on Federal Administrative
Matters No. 12, Clerk’s Office No. 23 admitted
these complaints in June 2015. The judge 
held that the defendant had not complied with
the Supreme Court’s decision and ordered 
that it begin to comply going forward. As of the
date of these financial statements, the National
Government is complying with that decision.

h. The claimants representing media companies
in re “AEDBA and Other v. National
Government – Decree No. 746/03 – AFIP on
Incidental Procedure” pending before the 
Court on Federal Administrative Matters 
No. 4 requested that media companies
represented by the claimants be granted the
right to have a differential VAT regime as
undertaken by the National Government under
Decree No. 746/03 and the rules and
regulations issued in connection thereto. 

On October 30, 2003, a preliminary 
injunction was issued in connection with the
above-mentioned file, ordering the National
Government to maintain the effectiveness of the
benefit granted under Decree No. 746/03. 
The National Government filed an appeal
against that decision and on November 6, 2008,
the Court of Appeals granted the request to
have the injunction revoked, among other
things. On November 27, 2008, the claimants
filed an appeal with the Supreme Court of
Argentina requesting the suspension of the
enforcement of such ruling.

On October 28, 2014, the Supreme Court of
Argentina issued a ruling in connection with the
above-mentioned file, whereby it declared the
appeal formally admissible and thus confirmed
the effectiveness of the above-mentioned
preliminary injunction. In the recitals of its
ruling, the Supreme Court stated that: (i) as of
the date of the decision, the Executive Branch
had not yet established any regime to replace
the so-called competitiveness and employment
generation agreements; (ii) the differential 
VAT regime provided under Law No. 26,982
was only applicable to small media companies,
not to all media companies; (iii) the tax policy
must not be biased and cannot be used as a 
way to curtail freedom of speech; (iv) the
alternative solution that had to be sought ruled
out, as a matter of principle, the application 
of the general regime; (v) even though the
merits have not been decided upon (differential
VAT regime), the injunction that had been
issued in connection thereof shall remain
effective until such a solution to the matter is
reached; (vi) the legal entities that met the
obligations within the scope of the injunction
shall not be deemed delinquent; and (vii) the
judge of the first instance court shall render an
urgent decision on the merits. 

On December 10, 2014, the Federal Court 
on Administrative Matters No. 4 rendered a
decision on the merits in re AEDBA and 
other v. National Government Decree No.
746/03 and other on Proceeding leading to a
declaratory judgment” ordering, among other
things, that: The claimants (media companies)
have the standing to sue; that the judge cannot
legislate because only the Legislative Branch 
is empowered to do so; that, pursuant to the
enactment of Law No. 26,982, the obligation
undertaken by the Executive branch has already
been met since the differential VAT rates have
already been set and, therefore, the claim is
moot; that, based on the decision rendered by
the Supreme Court of Argentina, the companies
cannot be deemed delinquent.

Given the fact that the above-mentioned
decision opposes and contradicts the grounds
stated by the Supreme Court, the claimants
(AEDBA, ARPA, ADIRA, as well as other
associations) filed an appeal against the decision
rendered by the above-mentioned court of first
instance with the corresponding Court of
Appeals. On October 1, 2015, Chamber II of

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the Court of Appeals on Federal Administrative
Matters admitted the appeals filed by the
claimants and revoked the decision rendered 
by the Court on Federal Administrative 
Matters No. 4, ordering that the effectiveness 
of the preliminary injunction be maintained 
and authorizing the calculation of employer’s
contributions as tax credit on VAT until the
Executive Branch complies with the provisions
of Decree No. 746/03. 

On December 3, 2015, the Supreme Court 
of Argentina dismissed the appeal filed by the
Executive Branch. Therefore, the decision
rendered by the Court of Appeals became firm
and final.

As a result of the foregoing, AGEA and some 
of its subsidiaries and Radio Mitre started 
to calculate employer’s contributions as tax
credit on VAT as from November 2014.

i. On October 3, 2014, ARTEAR and some 
of its subsidiaries submitted a request to join the
Association of Argentine Private Broadcasters
(“ARPA”, for its Spanish acronym), which
became effective as from June 2015. As a result
of the above-mentioned incorporation, that
company became eligible to enjoy the benefit,
provided under Decree No. 746/03, of
calculating employer’s contributions as tax 
credit on VAT.

ARPA is a party to “Association of Newspaper
Publishers of the City of Buenos Aires (AEDBA,
for its Spanish acronym) and other –ADIRA,
AAER, ATA AND ARPA- v. National
Government - Decree No. 746/03 - AFIP on
Autonomous Preliminary Injunction”, in respect
of which the Supreme Court of Argentina
rendered a decision on October 28, 2014. These
associations had requested a preliminary
injunction ordering the Executive Branch to
maintain the effectiveness of the benefit of
calculating employer’s contributions as tax credit
on VAT, pursuant to Decree No. 746/03, for
the companies that belong to these associations,
or else, as a default argument, ordering the
AFIP to refrain from claiming payment 
on the corresponding taxes. In addition, the 
Court confirmed the decision on the extended
preliminary injunction stating that,
notwithstanding the decision, the claimants
shall not be deemed delinquent within the
framework of the preliminary injunction. On

October 1, 2015, Chamber II of the Court 
of Appeals on Federal Administrative Matters
admitted the appeals filed by the claimants and
revoked the decision rendered by the Court 
on Federal Administrative Matters No. 4,
ordering that the effectiveness of the preliminary
injunction be maintained and authorizing 
the calculation of employer’s contributions as
tax credit on VAT until the Executive 
Branch complies with the provisions of Decree
No. 746/03.

On December 3, 2015, the Supreme Court 
of Argentina dismissed the appeal filed by the
Executive Branch. Therefore, the decision
rendered by the Court of Appeals became 
firm and final.

As a result of the foregoing, ARTEAR and 
some of its subsidiaries started to calculate
employer’s contributions as tax credit on VAT 
as from July 2015.

j. Cablevisión, together with its merged
companies and ATVC, brought a claim
requesting the Judicial Branch, through a final
decision rendered in a contradictory trial, to
declare: 1) that the National Government
undertook the obligation to provide an
alternative solution to the repeal of the regime
established under Section 52 of Decree 
No. 1,387/01 for companies that render
supplementary broadcasting services and cable
television services, which shall contemplate 
the reasons for excluding these companies from
the repeal of Decree No. 1,387/01 through
Decree No. 746/03, and 2) that while the
Government considers the situation of those
companies to find such an alternative 
solution, it shall maintain the effectiveness of 
the regime established under Section 52 
of Decree No. 1,387/01 (cfr. fs.2/12).

On October 1, 2015, Chamber II of the Court
of Appeals on Federal Administrative Matters,
in a single joint decision in re “AEDBA and
other v. National Government - Decree 
No. 746/03 - AFIP on Incidental Procedure”,
decided that, among other things, even though
ATVC was not among the claimants that had
been granted an injunction in the other two
above-mentioned related cases, the situation
was also applicable to the sector encompassed
by that association, therefore, the decision shall
also apply to this association. Under these

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conditions, the claims brought by the claimants
shall be admitted - in the joinder of the three
claims - and the claimants and the companies
represented by them are entitled to have 
a differential VAT regime applicable to the
sectors involved which shall be created,
enforced and regulated by the authorities duly
empowered by the Constitution to such end.
This regime shall guarantee the full exercise 
of the rights recognized under Section 14 
of the National Constitution, as well as the
maintenance of the exception provided under
Section 2 of Decree N° 746/03 from the 
repeal of Section 52 of Decree No. 1,387/01.
On December 3, 2015, the Supreme Court 
of Argentina dismissed the appeal filed by 
the Executive Branch. Therefore, the decision
rendered by the Court of Appeals became 
firm and final.

As a result of the foregoing, Cablevisión and 
its subsidiaries started to calculate employer’s
contributions as tax credit on VAT as from
September 2015. The amount calculated as of
December 31, 2016 and 2015 was approximately
Ps. 741.3 million and Ps. 237 million,
respectively. 

k. In February 2016, Radio Mitre was served
with a claim seeking to extend to Radio Mitre
the bankruptcy of one of its subsidiaries,
Cadena País Producciones Publicitarias S.A., 
in connection with a case pending before 
one of the National Courts of First Instance on
Commercial Matters of the City of Buenos
Aires. Our legal advisors believe that that
company has sufficient legal and factual grounds
to support its position contrary to that claim
and, therefore, they do not foresee any adverse
effects that may be derived from this situation. 

8.4 Matters concerning Papel Prensa:
I. Papel Prensa has several disputes pending
before the Commercial Court of Appeals 
of the City of Buenos Aires as a consequence 
of CNV Resolution No. 16,222. Pursuant 
to said Resolution, the CNV declared 
that certain decisions of Papel Prensa’s Board 
of Directors were irregular and with no 
effect for administrative purposes. The
Resolution challenged the Board’s fulfillment 
of the formalities required in the preparation,
transcription and execution of meeting minutes
on the relevant corporate books. On June 24,
2010, in File No. 75,479/09, the Commercial

Court of Appeals of the City of Buenos Aires,
Chamber C, decided to nullify CNV Resolution
No. 16,222. On the basis of Resolution No.
16,222, the CNV has questioned subsequent
decisions of Papel Prensa’s Board and of 
its Shareholders. In response, Papel Prensa has
brought several administrative claims against 
the CNV, questioning its position. All of such
claims were decided in Papel Prensa’s favor 
by the Commercial Court of Appeals of the 
City of Buenos Aires. Consequently, the CNV’s
decisions were nullified. Furthermore, the
Commercial Court of Appeals, Chamber C,
dismissed the appeals filed by the CNV before
the Supreme Court of Argentina against the
Court of Appeals’ decisions. The CNV filed a
direct appeal before the Supreme Court. 

As a consequence of the above, Papel Prensa 
has continued with the criminal proceedings
brought against certain public officials.

On February 1 and 4, 2010, the Secretary of
Domestic Trade, Mario G. Moreno, and 
the CNV, respectively, requested the judicial
intervention of Papel Prensa before the
commercial justice. Such claims were pending
before the Federal Commercial Court of 
First Instance No. 2, Clerk’s Office No. 4,
temporarily under judge Dr. Eduardo Malde,
who, on March 8, 2010, issued an injunction
whereby he suspended certain decisions 
adopted at meetings of the Board of Directors
and at Shareholders Meetings held on or after
November 4, 2009. Judge Malde also appointed
a co-administrator without removing the
members of the previous corporate bodies. Papel
Prensa filed an appeal, which the Commercial
Court of Appeals, Chamber C, resolved in 
Papel Prensa’s favor, by revoking the injunction
on August 31, 2010. On December 7, 2010 
the same Chamber C dismissed the appeals filed 
by the CNV and the National Government
before the Supreme Court of Argentina against
the Court of Appeals’ decision. Both the CNV
and the National Government filed direct
appeals against such decision. 

On March 26, 2014, the Supreme Court of
Argentina dismissed the appeal that had been
filed by the CNV. Therefore, the decision
rendered by the Court of Appeals that nullified
Resolution No. 16,222 became final, with full
force and effect. Also on the same date, the
Supreme Court of Argentina dismissed the

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appeals brought by CNV and the National
Government. Therefore, the decision rendered
by the Court of Appeals that revoked the
corporate intervention of Papel Prensa became
final, with full force and effect.

None of the claims mentioned in the above
paragraphs had a material effect on AGEA’s
financial and economic condition as of
December 31, 2016.

II. On January 6, 2010, the SCI issued
Resolution 1/2010, whereby certain business
practices were imposed on Papel Prensa. Papel
Prensa brought a legal action against such
resolution on grounds of unconstitutionality
before the Federal Court on Administrative
Matters and requested an injunction which was
granted by the intervening judge. Pursuant to
the injunction, the effects of such Resolution
were suspended. On May 7, 2010, the Federal
Court on Administrative Matters revoked the
injunction. Papel Prensa appealed such decision,
which was affirmed by the Federal Court 
of Appeals on Administrative Matters. Papel 
Prensa filed an appeal against the Court of
Appeals’ decision. The appeal was denied and
Papel Prensa was served notice of that denial 
on September 1, 2010. On June 2, 2015, 
the dismissal of the claim brought by Papel
Prensa against the constitutionality of
Resolution No. 1/2010 became final. The court
held that the claim became moot upon the
enactment of Law No. 26,736. The Company
understands that the substantive claim is now
subject to the outcome of the claim brought 
by Papel Prensa against the constitutionality of
Law No. 26,736, currently pending before the
Federal Civil and Commercial Court.

III. Papel Prensa suspended its operations with
related parties between March 9 and April 21,
2010 pursuant to an injunction issued on
March 8, 2010 by Judge Malde. In his ruling,
Judge Malde decided to suspend the Board 
of Directors’ resolution of December 23, 2009,
which had approved the terms and conditions
of transactions with related parties for the 
year 2010. On April 21, 2010, the Board of
Directors of Papel Prensa, following a proposal
made by the court-appointed supervisor
(interventor) and co-administrator, approved 
the resumption of such company’s transactions
with related parties under provisional conditions
for as long as the decision rendered by the

Board on December 23, 2009 remained
suspended and/or until Papel Prensa’s corporate
bodies established a business practice to follow
with related parties.

Such approval involved suspending the
application of volume discounts in connection
with purchases made by related parties, which
could be recognized in their favor, subject 
to the court’s decision on the appeal filed by
Papel Prensa against Judge Malde’s injunction 
of March 8, 2010. As from April 21, 2010,
transactions with related parties were resumed
under the provisional conditions approved by
the Board on April 21, 2010.

At a meeting held on December 23, 2010, 
Papel Prensa’s Board of Directors approved 
new conditions that must be fulfilled for 
the recognition and payment of volume
discounts that may be applicable to related
parties in connection with purchases of paper
made as from April 21, 2010. These new
conditions are as follows: (i) the lifting of the
provisional suspension of the resolutions adopted
by the Board at the meeting of December 23,
2009, as explained in the previous paragraph,
and (ii) the resolution or end, by any means, of
any state of uncertainty that may eventually
exist about the conditions approved by Papel
Prensa’s Board in the first item of the agenda 
of the meeting held on April 21, 2010, 
as a consequence of the claim brought by the
National Government in re “National
Government – Secretariat of Domestic Trade –
v./ Papel Prensa S.A.I.C.F. y de M. on/
Ordinary”, File No. 97,564, currently pending
before Federal Commercial Court of First
Instance No. 26, Clerk’s Office No. 52. Under
this proceeding, the National Government 
seeks to obtain, among other things, a declaratory
judgment of nullity of the provisional
conditions for the resumption of transactions
with related parties in connection with the
purchase and sale of paper that was approved 
by the Board of Papel Prensa in the first item of
the agenda of the above mentioned meeting
held on April 21, 2010.

Furthermore, at this meeting held on December
23, 2010, Papel Prensa’s Board decided 
to maintain the approved sales policy, but to
subject the accrual and enforceability, and,
consequently, the recognition and payment to
the clients, of the eventual volume discounts

144

that may be applicable to them with respect 
to paper purchases made between January 1st,
2011 and December 31, 2011, to a final
favorable ruling in the claim brought by Papel
Prensa against the constitutionality of SCI
Resolution No. 1/2010, or to the final
nullification of such Resolution No. 1/2010 
in any other way or by any other legal means,
whichever occurs first. In view of the decisions
rendered in this case, the substantive claim, 
in this aspect, is now subject to the outcome of
the claim brought by Papel Prensa against the
constitutionality of Law No. 26,736. With
respect to related parties, the Board of Directors
of Papel Prensa approved the same sales policy
and conditions as those approved for the other
customers in general.

In a meeting held on December 27, 2011, the
Board of Directors of Papel Prensa decided 
to maintain for 2012 the same sales policy that
had been approved for 2011 – under the same
terms and conditions mentioned in the 
previous paragraph – for all of its customers in
general (including related parties), which was
maintained in subsequent years and, to date, no
changes have been introduced. 

The commercial policy approved by Papel
Prensa was affected by Law 26,736 –effective 
as from January 5, 2012– which declared that
the production, sale and distribution of wood
pulp and newsprint were matters of public
interest and set forth the regulatory framework
to be adopted by the producers, sellers,
distributors and buyers of such inputs. Among
other things, the Law set limits and established
conditions applicable to Papel Prensa for the
production, distribution and sale of newsprint
(including a formula to determine the price 
of paper), and created the National Registry of
Producers, Distributors and Sellers of Wood
Pulp and Newsprint where all producers, sellers,
distributors and buyers shall be registered as a
mandatory requirement in order to produce,
sell, distribute, and/or purchase newsprint and
wood pulp as from the enactment of the Law. 
It also contains a series of temporary clauses,
specifically and exclusively addressed to Papel
Prensa, whereby Papel Prensa is forced to make
investments to meet the total national demand
for newsprint – excluding from this requirement
the other existing company that operates in 
the country with installed capacity to produce
this input. The Law also provides for the

capitalization of the funds eventually
contributed by the National Government to
finance these investments for the purposes 
of increasing the equity interest and the political
rights of the National Government in Papel
Prensa, contravening public order regulations
contained in Law 19,550 and disregarding
several constitutional rights and guarantees of
Papel Prensa and its private shareholders. 

On February 10, 2012, AGEA registered with
the National Registry of Producers, Distributors
and Sellers of Wood Pulp and Newsprint
(Record No. 63 in File No. S01:0052528/12),
clearly stating that the decision to register shall
not be construed as an acknowledgment or
conformity with the legitimacy of Law 26,736,
Resolution No. 9/2012 issued by the Ministry
of Economy and Public Finance and SCI
Resolution No. 4/2012 issued in connection
with such Law and/or any other issued in the
future, since they seriously affect several rights
and guarantees of AGEA which are recognized
and protected by the Argentine National
Constitution.

IV. On September 12, 2011, the CNV issued
Resolution No. 16,647 whereby it rendered
irregular and with no effect for administrative
purposes the decisions made by Papel Prensa’s
Board of Directors at the meetings held 
on July 20, 2011 and August 5, 2011. At those
meetings, the Board of Directors had called 
two shareholders’ meetings, to be held on
September 27, 2011 and September 15, 2011,
respectively. Notwithstanding the fact that
Resolution No. 16,647 was appealed by Papel
Prensa and is therefore not final, on September
15, 2011, Commercial Court No. 5, Clerk’s
Office No. 9, issued an injunction with respect
to the Board of Directors’ decisions to call the
two shareholders’ meetings. The injunction had
been requested by the shareholders Arte Gráfico
Editorial Argentino S.A., Compañía Inversora
en Medios de Comunicación (CIMECO) S.A.,
and S.A. La Nación. Given that the issuance of
the injunction validated Papel Prensa’s decision
to call the two shareholders’ meetings, both
were held as originally scheduled. Nevertheless,
and based on the above Resolution No. 
16,647, on October 13, 2011 the CNV issued
Resolution No. 16,671 rendering irregular 
and with no effect for administrative purposes
all of the decisions made at Papel Prensa’s
Shareholders’ Meetings held on September 15,

145

2011 and September 27, 2011. Papel Prensa
filed an appeal against Resolution No. 16,671,
which is, therefore, not final. Also based on
Resolution No. 16,647, on November 16, 2011,
the CNV issued Resolution No. 16,691
whereby the CNV rendered irregular and 
with no effect for administrative purposes the
decisions made at the Board of Directors’
Meeting held on October 3, 2011 and the call
for the Board of Directors’ meeting on
November 17, 2011. Such Resolution is not to
be deemed final since Papel Prensa filed an
appeal and requested its nullification. In this
sense, of particular note is that: (i) at the
hearing held before Federal Commercial Court
No. 26 of First Instance, Clerk’s Office 
No. 52, the National Government, Papel
Prensa, AGEA, Compañía Inversora en Medios
de Comunicación (CIMECO) S.A. and S.A. 
La Nación agreed, among other things, 
on the composition of the company’s corporate 
bodies, and in particular on the recognition 
of the authorities appointed by the private
shareholders at Papel Prensa’s Shareholders’
meeting held on September 27, 2011, as well as
on the agenda to be addressed at the meeting 
of Papel Prensa’s Board of Directors of October
3, 2011, which had been the subject matter of
Resolution No. 16,691; and (ii) at the hearing
held in April 2012 before the same Commercial
Court the National Government, Papel Prensa,
AGEA, Compañía Inversora en Medios 
de Comunicación (CIMECO) S.A. and S.A. 
La Nación, with the assistance of the Argentine
Securities Commission, agreed to request the
court to order a shareholders’ meeting with 
an agenda substantially similar to that of Papel
Prensa’s Shareholders’ Meeting held on
September 27, 2011. The request was granted
by the intervening judge and the meeting was
scheduled for August 29, 2012. The meeting
began on that date but, as a consequence of
certain disturbances provoked by the
representative of the National Government, 
the private shareholders that were present 
at the meeting decided to adjourn it for 48
hours without addressing the agenda. After that,
and notwithstanding the resolution adopted 
at the meeting, on August 31, 2012 Judge
O’Reilly decided to order that the adjourned
meeting would resume on September 25, 2012.
However, the meeting was not held because 
the Judge subsequently held that the appeals
filed against other points of her decision

resulted in the suspension of every point of the
decision she had rendered, including the new
date scheduled for the meeting, even though all
appellants had consented to that point. 

On June 12, 2014, the Court of Appeals
decided to postpone rendering a decision on 
the appeals filed until the court-convened
shareholders’ meeting that began on August 29,
2012 had been resumed and closed, ordering
Judge O’Reilly to decide on the pending 
issues and to order the shareholders to resume
that meeting. On December 4, 2014, the 
Judge called Papel Prensa, the CNV, and the
shareholders of AGEA, the National
Government, SA La Nación and CIMECO 
to a hearing to be held on May 6, 2015, 
in order to proceed as ordered by the Court 
of Appeals. In light of the above, the new date
to resume that meeting may not be set until
Judge O’Reilly has complied with the decision
rendered by the Court of Appeals.

On April 29, 2015, the Judge suspended the
hearing that was to be held on May 6, 2015
because the National Government failed 
to answer the notice served by the Judge
requesting a statement identifying the officials
that would attend the hearing with sufficient
powers to reach a settlement pursuant to 
Decree No. 411/80 (T.R. Decree No. 1,265/87,
as amended). The Judge set a new date for 
the hearing to be held on April 14, 2016, but 
it was subsequently postponed by the Court 
for June 9, 2016. 

Subsequently, in March 2016, the Commercial
Court of Appeals –Chamber C– summoned
Papel Prensa, the CNV, and the shareholders 
of AGEA, the National Government, SA La
Nación and CIMECO to attend a hearing to be
held on April 7, 2016, solely for conciliatory
purposes and with the aim of finding a
comprehensive solution to the conflict. The
hearing was held on that date and a new date
was set to resume the hearing on June 2, 
2016 for the same purposes and effects. It was
subsequently postponed until June 3, 2016. 
At that hearing, held on June 3, 2016, Papel
Prensa, the Company and the other shareholders
present at the hearing (the National Government,
S.A. La Nación and CIMECO) requested that
the procedural periods remain suspended in
connection with the claims pending before that

146

Court of Appeals, and also requested the court
to order a shareholders’ meeting of Papel Prensa
to be held on September 20, 2016 to address,
basically, the issues included under subsections
1, 2 and 3 of Section 234 of Law No. 19,550,
as amended, corresponding to fiscal years 
ended December 31, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013,
2014 and 2015. On September 5, 2016, the 
Court of Appeals called for a shareholders’
meeting as requested at the hearing held on
June 3, 2016, and at the request of Papel Prensa
and the National Government –in view of 
the urgent and impending terms to make the
required publications– on September 8, 2016 
it postponed the date of the shareholders
meeting until October 19, 2016.

On October 19, 2016, the shareholders of 
Papel Prensa duly held the court-convened
Shareholders’ Meeting of that company. 
At that Shareholders’ Meeting, the shareholders
approved the financial statements of Papel
Prensa for the years ended December 31, 2010,
2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 and other
accounting documentation under subsection 1,
Section 234 of Law No. 19,550, as amended,
appointed directors, statutory auditors and
members of the supervisory committee for the
year 2016, approved the capitalization of 
the capital adjustment for Ps. 123,293,385,
issued a decision on the approval and
disapproval of the performance of certain
directors, statutory auditors and members of 
the supervisory committee during the full fiscal
years under consideration, and unanimously
appointed external auditors engaged with
issuing an opinion on the financial statements
of Papel Prensa as of December 31, 2016 
and March 31, 2017. In connection with the
decisions made at the Shareholders’ Meeting
held on October 19, 2016 by the shareholders
that are parties to judicial proceedings, the
resumption of the court-convened Shareholders’
Meeting of Papel Prensa that began on August
29, 2012 has become moot, and the Company
understands that the great majority of the 
issues involving the conflict related to Papel
Prensa have become or will become moot.

On February 14, 2017, the hearing provided
under Section 360 of the Civil and Commercial
Procedure Code in re “Arte Gráfico Editorial
Argentino S.A. and other v. Argentine Securities
Commission on ordinary” File 34,049/2011

took place. The purpose of that claim was to
declare that the silence of the National
Government be deemed a consent, given the
government’s obligation to grant or deny
consent under Section 20 of the By-laws with
respect to the appointment of an external
auditor by the shareholders at the Shareholders’
Meeting held on September 27, 2011. Papel
Prensa, the shareholders of CIMECO, S.A. 
La Nación and the Company, the CNV and the
National Government agreed that this claim had
become moot as a result of the Shareholders’
Meeting held on October 19, 2016.

V. On June 6, 2013, the Board of Directors of
the CNV issued CNV Resolution No. 17,102,
within the framework of the Administrative 
File No. 1032/10, whereby it required that: 
(i) certain members of Papel Prensa’s Supervisory
Committee and statutory auditors be imposed 
a fine of Ps. 150,000 each; and (ii) Papel Prensa,
certain members of its Board of Directors, 
one member of its Supervisory Committee and
the members of its Oversight Board (all of 
them representatives of Papel Prensa’s private
shareholders) be imposed a joint and several 
fine of Ps. 800,000. Papel Prensa and its other
current and former officers appealed the fine 
in due time and form. In the same appeal, they
requested an injunction to change the effect 
of their appeal and suspend the application of
the fine. On October 11, 2013, Chamber No. 5
of the Federal Court on Administrative Matters
denied this request, which was considered
unnecessary in the light of the settlement 
of the fine by the claimants, as informed below.
Notwithstanding the above, on June 19, 2013,
the Company asked the CNV to suspend the
application of the fine until a decision was
rendered by the Court of Appeals with respect
to the injunction. The request was denied. On
June 28, 2013, the fine was paid under protest
in order to prevent its coercive enforcement 
by the CNV; given that, under the new Capital
Markets Law No. 26,831, appeals may be
admitted without suspension of judgment.

VI. AGEA has not recorded any impact in
connection with the foregoing, since its effects
shall depend on the final outcome. Such 
effects are not expected to be material to these
Financial Statements.

147

Note 9

Regulatory framework 

9.1 Audiovisual Communication Services Law.
The subsidiaries of Grupo Clarín that render
audiovisual communication services are holders
of licenses that were originally awarded under
the regime established by Law No. 22,285. 
The COMFER was the enforcement authority
established by that law. Under Law No. 22,285
audiovisual communication service companies
in Argentina required a non-exclusive license
from the COMFER in order to operate. Other
approvals were also required, including, for
some services, authorization by municipal
agencies. Broadcasting licenses were granted for
an initial period of 15 years, allowing for a 
one-time extension of 10 years. The extension
of the license was subject to the approval of 
the COMFER, which would determine whether 
or not the licensee had met the terms and
conditions under which the license had been
granted. Some of the licenses exploited by 
the subsidiaries have already been extended for
the above-mentioned 10-year term. 

On May 24, 2005, Decree No. 527/05 
provided for a 10-year-suspension of the terms
then effective of broadcasting licenses or their
extensions. Calculation of the terms was
automatically resumed upon expiration of the
suspension term, subject to certain conditions.
The Decree required that companies seeking 
to benefit from the extension submit to the
COMFER’s approval, within two years from 
the date of the Decree, programming proposals 
that would contribute to the preservation of 
the national culture and the education of the
population and a technology investment project
to be implemented during the suspension term.
COMFER Resolution No. 214/07 regulated 
the obligations established by Decree No.
527/05 in order to benefit from such suspension.
The proposals then submitted were approved
and, accordingly, the terms of the licenses
originally awarded to the subsidiaries of Grupo
Clarín were suspended for ten (10) years.

The Audiovisual Communication Services Law
(Law No. 26,522, LSCA, for its Spanish
acronym) was passed and enacted on October
10, 2009, subject to strong concerns over its
content and enactment procedure. Even though
the new Law became effective on October 19,
2009, not all of the implementing regulations

provided by the law have been issued.
Therefore, Law No. 22,285 still applies with
respect to those matters that to date have not
been regulated, until all terms and procedures
for the regulation of the new law are defined. 

The law provided for the replacement of the
COMFER with the Audiovisual Communication
Services Law Federal Enforcement Authority
(AFSCA, for its Spanish acronym) as a
decentralized and autarchic agency under the
jurisdiction of the Executive Branch, and vested
the new agency with authority to enforce the law.

Emergency Decree No. 267/15 issued on
December 29, 2015, created the National
Communications Agency (“ENACOM”, for its
Spanish acronym) as a decentralized and
autarchic agency under the jurisdiction of the
Ministry of Communications. Among other
powers, the ENACOM has all the same powers
and competences that Law No. 26,522 had
vested in AFSCA. See Note 9.3.

9.2 Telecommunication Services.
The regulatory framework of the Argentine
telecommunications sector is undergoing 
a process of change. In December 2014, the
Argentine Congress passed Law No. 27,078,
known as the “Digital Argentina Act”, which
partially repealed National Telecommunications
Law No. 19,798. The new law subjects the
effectiveness of Decree No. 764/00, which
deregulated the telecommunications market, to
the enactment of four new sets of rules that will
govern the License, Interconnection, Universal
Service and Radio-electric Spectrum regimes.

The new law maintains the single country-wide
license scheme and the individual registration 
of the services to be rendered, but replaces 
the name telecommunication services with
Information and Communications Technology
Services (“TIC Services”, for their Spanish
acronym). Notwithstanding this, the scope of
the licenses originally granted to the subsidiary
Cablevisión, its merged companies and/or
subsidiaries and related companies that exploit
telecommunication licenses and their respective
registrations of services, remain unaltered.

The license will be called “Licencia Única
Argentina Digital” and will allow licensees to
render any telecommunication services to the
public, be they fixed or mobile, wired or

148

wireless, national or international, with or
without the licensee’s own infrastructure. 

The TIC Services registered with the Argentine
Secretariat of Communications under the name
of Cablevisión, its merged companies and/or
subsidiaries and related companies that exploit
telecommunication licenses are the following:
Data Transmission, Paging, Videoconference,
Community Retransmission, Transport of
Broadcast Signals, Value-Added, Radio-Electric
Trunking, Internet Access, Public Telephony,
Local Telephony and National and International
Long-Distance Telephony. 

The law created a new enforcement and
oversight Authority as a decentralized agency
under the jurisdiction of the Executive Branch,
the Information and Communications
Technology Federal Enforcement Authority
(“AFTIC”, for its Spanish acronym).

The new law maintained the obligation to
contribute 1% of telecommunication service
revenues, net of taxes and charges, to be 
used for Universal Service investments (this
obligation had been imposed by Decree No.
764/00 on all service providers as from 
January 1, 2001), but the Universal Service
Trust Fund was placed under State control.
Until August 2015, the manager of such trust
fund was Banco Itaú Argentina S.A., 
which received the joinder requests filed by
Cablevisión and its merged companies 
and/or subsidiaries and related companies 
that exploit telecommunication licenses to 
join the Trust Agreement.

The Argentine Secretariat of Communications
has yet to decide on the approval of the Projects
submitted by Cablevisión and its subsidiaries that
exploit telecommunication services, within the
framework of SECOM Resolution No. 9/2011
which created the program “Infrastructure and
Equipment”, whereby telecommunication 
service providers were allowed to submit projects
aimed at developing new infrastructure, 
updating existing infrastructure and/or acquiring
equipment for areas without coverage or with
unmet needs, in order to meet the obligation to
make contributions to the Universal Service 
Trust Fund for the amounts accrued as from
January 2001 until the entry into force of 
Decree No. 558/08. 

Another innovation of Law No. 27,078 was the
creation of a new public service under the 
name “Public and Strategic Infrastructure Access 
and Use Service for and among Providers”. 
The right of access included “providers having
to make available to other providers their
network elements, associated facilities or services
to render TIC services, even when such
elements are used to render audiovisual content
services.” Under this scheme, the government
seeks to make private companies that were
created and developed in competition share
their networks with other companies that had
not made any investments.

The foregoing applied to any provider that 
had its own infrastructure or networks, because 
the term “Associated facilities” is defined as
physical infrastructures, systems, devices,
associated services or other facilities or elements
associated with a telecommunications network
or with TIC Services that enable or support 
the provision of services using that network or
service, or that have the potential to do so; and
will include, inter alia, buildings or building
entrances, building wiring, antennas, towers and
other supporting constructions, ducts, masts,
manholes, and cabinets (See Note 9.3.).

As of the date of these consolidated financial
statements, Law No. 27,078 has been only
partially regulated.

9.3. Emergency Decree No. 267/15. Convergence. 
Emergency Decree No. 267/15 (the "Emergency
Decree"), issued on December 29, 2015 and
published in the Official Gazette on January 4,
2016, creates the ENACOM as a decentralized
and autarchic agency under the jurisdiction 
of the Ministry of Communications and vests
the new agency with authority to enforce 
Laws Nos. 26,522 and 27,078, as amended 
and regulated. The ENACOM has all the same
powers and competences that had been vested 
in AFSCA and AFTIC by Laws Nos. 26,522
and 27,078, respectively.

Among the main amendments introduced by
the Emergency Decree with respect to both
laws, the most remarkable is the repeal of
Section 161 of Law No. 26,522, which set forth
the obligation to conform to the provisions 
of this law with respect to ownership conditions
and the number of licenses. Section 45 of Law
No. 26,522, which establishes the multiple

149

license regime, has been significantly amended.
As a result, the Company and its subsidiaries
that are licensees and/or owners of audiovisual
communication services already conform to 
the new regulatory framework. 

Under the new regulatory framework, the
licenses for physical link subscription television
services and for radio-electric link subscription
television services held by certain subsidiaries
that had been granted under Laws No. 22,285
and No. 26,522 are now called “Registrations”
for the exploitation of physical link subscription
television services and radio-electric link
subscription television services of a Licencia
Única Argentina Digital. 

Pursuant to this amendment (Section 7 of the
Emergency Decree, which amends, among
others, Section 10 of Law No. 27,078), all the
services exploited by Cablevisión and its
subsidiaries are now governed by the Digital
Argentina Act. The only license still exploited by
Cablevisión that could be considered to be still
subject to the LSCA is the registered title of 
the signal METRO, since this signal is broadcast
through other services that acquire it for that
purpose, and, therefore, it has a registration
number issued by AFSCA (now ENACOM) 
that must be renewed on an annual basis.

As far as the Company’s subsidiaries are
concerned, the Emergency Decree eliminates: 

1. The incompatibility to render in the same
location broadcast television services and
subscription television services. When
subscription television services are exploited
through physical or radio-electric link, 
they will be subject to the Digital Argentina
Act pursuant to Section 7 of the Emergency
Decree, which amends, among others, Section
10 of Law No. 27,078; 
2. The limit of 10 licenses for radio-electric 
link subscription television services and 24
licenses for physical link subscription television
services, which are considered to be TIC services
as from January 4, 2016, date on which 
the Emergency Decree became effective; and 
the limit that provided that broadcast television
services may not reach more than 35% of 
the total national population and the limit that
provided that physical link and radio-electric
link subscription television services may not
reach more than 35% of all subscribers. 

As far as Cablevisión is concerned, the
Emergency Decree repeals Section 15 of Law
No. 27,078, which created a new public 
service under the name “Public and Strategic
Infrastructure Access and Use Service for and
among Providers”. The right of access included
“providers having to make available to other
providers their network elements, associated
facilities or services to render TIC services, even
when such elements were used to render
audiovisual content services.”

Due to the fact that physical link and radio-
electric link subscription television services are
now subject to the Digital Argentina Act:

i) These services no longer fall within the scope
of Section 45 of the LSCA, which sets forth 
the new multiple license regime for Audiovisual
Communication Services;
ii) The registration of physical link subscription
television services is no longer limited to a
specific territorial area. The same is not the case
with radio-electric link subscription television
services because of the portion of the spectrum
allocated to render these services; 
iii) Both registrations, for physical link
subscription television services and for radio-
electric link subscription television services, 
are no longer subject to expiration terms.
However, the portions of the spectrum allocated
to render radio-electric link subscription
television services do have expiration terms. The
duration of such services shall be the longest 
of the term provided under their original title,
or 10 years as from January 1, 2016.

Notwithstanding point iii) above, ENACOM
Resolution No. 427/2016 provides that cable
television service licensees that hold only 
one license to provide a certain type of service
and have requested an extension of its term but
have not obtained an express decision in this
respect must ratify their requests. Accordingly,
some of the subsidiaries of Cablevisión have
made filings to such end.

However, it should be noted that pursuant to
Section 21 of the Emergency Decree and until
the enactment of a law that shall unify the 
fee regime provided under Laws Nos. 26,522
and 27,078, the physical link and radio-electric
link subscription television services exploited 
by certain subsidiaries of the Company will
continue to be subject only to the fee regime

150

provided under Law No. 26,522. They shall 
not be subject to the investment contribution 
or the payment of the Control, Oversight 
and Verification Fee provided under Sections 
22 and 49 of Law No. 27,078.

With regard to the term of the licenses 
for television and radio broadcast services, 
the Emergency Decree establishes two
important changes:

• It provides for a new system of extensions 
for audiovisual communication service 
licenses whereby the licensee may request a 
first extension for five (5) years, which 
will be automatic. Upon expiration of this term,
licensees may request subsequent extensions 
of ten (10) years complying in that case with
the provisions of the Law and applicable
regulations to be eligible for each extension.
However, this system of subsequent extensions
may be interrupted upon the expiration of the
last extension if the Ministry of Communications
decides to call for a public bid for new 
licensees, for reasons of public interest, for 
the introduction of new technologies or 
in compliance with international agreements. 
In this case, prior licensees shall have no
acquired rights regarding their licenses.
• Section 20 of the Emergency Decree provides
that the holders of licenses effective as of
January 1, 2016 may request a ten (10) year
extension, without it being necessary to 
wait until the expiration of the license that is
currently effective. Such extension shall be
considered as a first period that entitles the
holder to the five (5) year automatic extension. 

Taking into consideration the advantages
provided under the new legal framework with
regard to the terms of the licenses, the 
direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Company
that exploit audiovisual communication 
services, i.e. ARTEAR, RADIO MITRE,
TELECOR S.A.C.I., Teledifusora Bahiense S.A.
and Bariloche TV S.A., made a filing with 
the ENACOM requesting the extension of the
terms of their licenses pursuant to Section 
20 of the Emergency Decree.

Cablevisión has completed the procedure
established under ENACOM Resolution No.
427/16 in order to report, using the online
application provided by the ENACOM to such
end, the territorial location of its services,

indicating the original coverage area, the
supplementary territorial units and/or area
extensions in which it currently renders services.

In addition, and pursuant to ENACOM
Resolution No. 1,394/16, which approves the
General Rules for Physical Link Subscription
Television Services and/or Radio-Electric 
Link Subscription Television Services, in those
cases in which Cablevisión and/or any of its
Subsidiaries purchased bidding forms to apply
for a new license when the term had expired or
to apply for an area extension, the applicants
amended their filings and converted them into 
a request for authorization of coverage area.

The new General Rules also order providers 
of both types of services to guarantee their
compliance with a programming grid in each
Coverage Area. In this respect, the subsidiary 
of the Company states that it already complies
with all the obligations derived from this
Resolution.

Pursuant to the Emergency Decree, the
providers of the Basic Telephone Service whose
licenses were granted under the terms of 
Decree No. 62/90 and paragraphs 1 and 2 
of Section 5 of Decree No. 264/98, as well as
Mobile Telephone Service providers with a
license granted pursuant to the list of bidding
conditions approved by Resolution No. 575/93
of the then Ministry of Economy and Public
Works and Services and ratified by Decree No.
1,461/93, shall only be able to provide
subscription broadcasting services by means of
physical or radio-electric link after a term of 
two years counted as from January 1, 2016.
That term may be extended for one more year.

The Emergency Decree was approved on 
April 6, 2016 by the Lower House of Congress.
Therefore, it has full force and effect.

Finally, in order to enhance the convergence 
of networks and services under conditions 
of competition, promote the deployment of 
next generation networks and the penetration 
of broadband Internet access services across 
the national territory, the Executive Branch 
issued Decree No. 1,340/16 on December 30,
2016. Among other things, the Decree:

• Provides for the protection for fifteen years 
of last mile fixed NGN for broadband Internet

151

services that may be deployed by the licensees 
of TIC services with respect to the rules for open
access to broadband services. 
• Orders the issuance of regulations for the
following purposes:
− To call for a Public Bid for the allocation of
new frequency bands for mobile services.
− To ensure the re-allocation of radio-electric
spectrum frequencies with economic
compensation and shared use to frequencies
previously allocated to other services, and 
to allocate such frequencies to providers of TIC
Services that request to reuse them to render
mobile services or fixed wireless services with
LTE or higher technologies.
− To allocate radio electric spectrum frequencies
on demand, imposing compensation, deployment
and coverage obligations on the current local 
or regional providers of TIC services and on the
current providers of mobile communication
services.
• Sets forth that the persons restricted under
Decree No. 267/15 from rendering physical or
radio-electric link subscription television services
may request the corresponding registration 
and begin to provide those services in certain
areas as from January 1st, 2018.
• Recognizes that the holders of satellite link
subscription television service licenses that as of
December 29, 2015 rendered TIC services 
may maintain the ownership of both services.
• Orders the Ministry of Communications to
guarantee the interconnection principles provided
under the applicable legislation in order to ensure
the impartiality, non-discrimination and fair
competition among providers of mobile services,
restricting the possibility of delaying or hindering
the technical, interconnection, operational or 
any other conditions that may create barriers for
other providers to enter the market.

9.4. Matters related to the regulatory situation of 

the Company and certain subsidiaries.

9.4.1. Proposal to conform to the provisions of 

Law No. 26,522.
Pursuant to Resolution No.
17/ENACOM/2016 issued on February 01,
2016, the new enforcement authority
recognized that all the files and/or
administrative proceedings pending resolution
containing requests made under the regime
approved by Section 161 of Law No. 26,522,
and its regulations, including the proposal
submitted by the Company and its
subsidiaries, comply with the limits relating to

multiplicity of licenses established by Section
45 of Law No. 26,522, as amended by
Emergency Decree No. 267/2015. Therefore,
they shall be deemed concluded and filed. 
In addition, in the same administrative act,
that agency also repealed Resolution No.
1,121/AFSCA/2014, which had ordered the
ex-officio divestiture procedure.

9.4.2. Other Resolutions issued by AFSCA.
We refer to Resolution No.
1,329/AFSCA/2014, which amends Resolution
No. 1,047/AFSCA/2014, whereby the 
AFSCA approved the National Standard for
Terrestrial and Broadcast Digital Television
Audiovisual Communication Services, and to
Decree No. 2,456/2014, which approves the
National Digital Audiovisual Communication
Services Plan. Both the Resolution and the
Decree are manifestly contrary to Law No.
26,522, which has higher hierarchy, because
they contradict the rights of the current
licensees of broadcast television services,
including ARTEAR and the subsidiaries that
exploit broadcast television services.

This regulatory framework was subsequently
supplemented by three resolutions. Through
Resolution No. 24/AFSCA/2015, AFSCA
approved the Technical Plan for Terrestrial
Digital Television Frequencies for important
areas of the national territory. Through
Resolution No. 35/AFSCA/2015, AFSCA
allocated a digital television station on a
permanent basis to the current licensees 
of analog broadcast stations, among which are
ARTEAR and its subsidiary TELECOR
S.A.C.I. in order to develop their transition 
to digital technology. Finally, through
Resolution No. 39/AFSCA/2015, AFSCA called
for public bids for the award of digital television
licenses according to the illegitimate categories
created by the regulations of the LSCA.
Through this regulatory framework, the rights
of the current broadcast television licensees 
are infringed. These rights should be preserved
intact as provided under Law No. 26,522,
which has higher hierarchy. The main effect of
these regulations, among their technical effects,
is that the current broadcast television licensees
that obtained their licenses pursuant to Law 
No. 22,285 will have to bear additional charges
and obligations including, among other things,
multiplexing and broadcasting under their own
responsibility other broadcast television stations.

152

Since the changes introduced under this
regulatory framework have an impact on the
responsibilities and rights of the companies
involved, ARTEAR and TELECOR S.A.C.I.
filed a claim before AFSCA requesting the
revocation of Resolutions No.
1,329/AFSCA/2014, 24/AFSCA/2015,
35/AFSCA/2015 and 39/AFSCA/2015 to
preserve their rights intact as direct or indirect
broadcast television service licensees. They also
filed a claim before the National Executive
Branch requesting the repeal of Decree No.
2,456/2014. As of the date of these financial
statements, the claim filed before AFSCA was
dismissed. Therefore, ARTEAR challenged before
the courts that agency’s decision to dismiss the
claim. The claim filed before the National
Executive Branch is still pending resolution.

9.4.3. Fibertel License.
The Ministry of Communications, as the
highest government agency, replacing the
MINPLAN with respect to this specific
competence, issued Resolution No. 5/2016,
which was notified on February 29, 2016,
whereby it revoked SECOM Resolution No.
100/2010 for legitimacy reasons. This
Resolution, which had been issued by the
former Secretariat of Communications, 
had revoked the exclusive telecommunication
service license held by Fibertel S.A., which 
was merged into Cablevisión S.A.

The ENACOM issued Resolution No.
1,359/16, whereby it authorized the transfer of
ownership of the Exclusive Telecommunication
Service License that had been granted 
to Fibertel S.A., which was merged into
Cablevisión S.A. effective as of April 1, 2003.

9.4.4. NEXTEL.

9.4.4.1. Regulatory Approval of the Acquisition of

NEXTEL
On September 24, 2015, the Official Gazette
published AFTIC Resolution No. 326/15,
whereby that agency ordered Nextel to render
without effect within a term of 30 days, the sale
of a non-majority portion of its shares because 
it allegedly contravened effective legislation and
could be sanctioned with the revocation of 
its license pursuant to the Communications and
Information Technology Law.

against Resolution No. 326/2015, arguing 
that they had standing based on their
acquisition of 49% of the licensee and stating
that the change of control alleged by AFTIC
had not occurred.

NEXTEL requested the suspension of the
effects of Resolution No. 326/2015 and also
filed an appeal against that administrative act.

On January 29, 2016, the Company and Nextel
appeared before the ENACOM pursuant to
Section 8 of Decree No. 267/15, which amends
Section 13 of Law No. 27,078 in order to
request authorization for the transfer of control,
in full compliance with the new legal
framework.

On February 22, 2016, the ENACOM issued
Resolution No. 133/2016, whereby it partially
admitted the appeals that had been filed against
AFTIC Resolution No. 326/2015, in order to
consider the Company’s request for approval of
the transfer of control.

On March 7, 2016, the ENACOM issued
Resolution No. 280/2016, whereby it
authorized the change of control of NEXTEL
COMMUNICATIONS ARGENTINA S.R.L.
in favor of Cablevisión S.A.

This transaction is subject to the corresponding
administrative approval of the CNDC.

9.4.4.2. Status of the frequencies allocated to

NEXTEL.
Through Resolution No. 325/2015, AFTIC
decided, abruptly and without prior notice 
of its decision, to dismiss the requests for
extensions of certain frequencies allocated to
NEXTEL, revoking them in that same act.

On October 9, 2015 Grupo Clarín and
Cablevisión filed an appeal against Resolution
No. 325/2015 grounding their legitimate
interest on their acquisition of 49% of the
licensee.

NEXTEL first requested the suspension 
of the effects of Resolution No. 325/2015 
and then filed an appeal against that
administrative act. 

On October 9, 2015, Grupo Clarín S.A. and
Cablevisión filed the corresponding appeals

The ENACOM issued Resolution No.
134/2016, whereby it decided to grant 

153

partially the appeal filed by NEXTEL
COMMUNICATIONS ARGENTINA S.R.L.
against AFTIC Resolution No. 325/2015. 
Even though this Resolution did not entail the
automatic extension of the frequencies involved,
the ENACOM ordered the corresponding 
areas to analyze each file to verify compliance
with the requirements of the effective regulatory
framework to be eligible for obtaining the
requested extensions.

The ENACOM issued Resolution No. 281/16,
whereby it authorized the extensions for a 
term of 10 years counted as from the original
expiration of the authorizations for the use 
of the frequencies that had been dismissed and
revoked through Resolution No. 325/2015.

9.4.4.3. Other requests for authorization filed with

the ENACOM
On June 22, 2016, NEXTEL made a filing 
with the ENACOM in order to request
authorization for direct and indirect share
transfers that would imply a direct and/or
indirect change of control in favor of 
NEXTEL, pursuant to Section 13 of Law 
No. 27,078 with respect to the licensees 
of telecommunication services listed below:

• Fibercomm S.A.
• Trixco S.A.
• Callbi S.A.
• Infotel S.A.
• Skyonline de Argentina S.A.
• Netizen S.A.
• Eritown Corporation Argentina S.A.

Within the required term, on January 6, 2017,
the ENACOM issued Resolution No.
111/2017, which under section 1 authorizes 
the share transfers mentioned above.

The filing made on June 22, 2016 also included
a request to change the allocation of a portion
of the spectrum that corresponds to the
licensees acquired by the Company in order 
to render 4G services, which was not addressed
in ENACOM Resolution No. 111/2017.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, taking 
into consideration the new regulations provided
under Decree No. 1,340/16 and Resolution 
No. 171/2017 issued by the Ministry of
Communications, NEXTEL reformulated the
original request in accordance with the new

effective regulations, thus initiating a new
administrative file. In this last filing, the
Company finally requested: 

• The beginning of a Refarming process with
Economic Compensation as provided under
Resolution No. 171/2017.
• The authorization of the agreements executed
by NEXTEL with the licensees acquired by
Cablevisión to operate the services registered by
NEXTEL with the portion of the spectrum
allocated to those licensees to render their
respective services;
• The approval of the registration requested by
NEXTEL of the Advanced Mobile
Telecommunications Service; and,
• The authorization of the change that allows for:
• Changing the allocation and channeling on 
a primary basis of the 905-915 MHz and 950-
960 MHz bands to render advanced mobile
communication services at national level with
primary status; and,
• Extending the allocation of the frequency
bands and changing the and channeling from
2500 MHz to 2690 MHz to render advanced
mobile communication services at national 
level with primary status.

By means of Resolution ENACOM No.
1033/2017, the ENACOM provided for the 
use of the frequency bands between 905 
and 915 MHz and between 950 and 960 MHz
for the rendering of the ADVANCED
MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE
(“SCMA”), and by means of Resolution
ENACOM No. 1034/2017, the ENACOM
provided for the use of the frequency band
between 2500 and 2690 MHz for the provision
of SCMA, in addition to the current services
when their coexistence is possible.

On March 6, 2017, Nextel was served with
Resolution ENACOM No. 1,299 /2017, 
which was published in the Official Gazette on
March 7, 2017 and approves the project for
Refarming with Economic Compensation, filed
by that company to provide Advanced Mobile
Communication Services in the frequencies that
had been subject to changes in allocation
pursuant to ENACOM Resolutions No. 1,033
and 1,034/2017.

In addition, the ENACOM decided to register
Nextel as provider of Advanced Mobile
Communication Services in the Registry of

154

Services; and to authorize the use of the above-
mentioned frequencies.

In the same resolution and as part of the
authorization, that agency imposed additional
Coverage Obligations on Nextel.

It also imposed two obligations that must be
fulfilled prior to initiating the rendering of
Advanced Mobile Communication Services: (i)
the return of a portion of the radio-electric
spectrum, as proposed by Nextel; and (ii) the
creation of a guarantee issued in favor of 
and satisfactory to ENACOM for an amount
equal to the value of the radioelectric spectrum
that is subject to return.

The Resolution also orders that Nextel shall
post a performance bond to guarantee the
obligations and responsibilities undertaken 
by that company, to be issued in favor and to 
the satisfaction of the ENACOM, for the
amount and under the terms that shall be set
forth un the contract to be executed with 
the ENACOM. That contract shall establish 
the terms, conditions, goals, obligations and
other matters inherent to the rendering of 
the Advanced Mobile Communication Services
authorized by that agency, to which Nextel 
shall be bound.

9.4.5. Other Matters Related to the Federal

Broadcasting Committee (COMFER, for its Spanish

acronym), subsequently Audiovisual

Communication Services Law Federal Enforcement

Authority (AFSCA), now ENACOM (for its Spanish

acronym).

CABLEVISION
As from November 1, 2002 and until 
December 31, 2016, COMFER, then AFSCA,
now ENACOM have initiated summary
administrative proceedings against Cablevisión
and Multicanal (merged into Cablevisión) 
for infringements of regulations relating to
programming content. Accordingly, a provision
has been set up in this regard.

ARTEAR.
Certain payment agreements that had been
delivered by AFSCA to ARTEAR were deemed
to enter into effect as of July 2, 2015. That
company was authorized to adhere to the
payment plan relating to infringements
committed between November 21, 2002 and

June 23, 2010, payable in sixty monthly
installments starting on August 31, 2015.
ARTEAR was also authorized to adhere to the
applicable payment plan for infringements
committed between June 24, 2010 and June 11,
2014, payable in thirty monthly installments
starting on August 31, 2015. 

9.4.6. Programming Grid
AFSCA Resolution No. 296/2010, as amended
and/or supplemented, provided guidelines 
for the organization of the programming grids
that had to be followed by the owners of
subscription television audiovisual services. 
This resolution regulated section 65, subsections
a) and b) of the LSCA and supplemented the
provisions of the regulations to the same section
of Decree No. 1,225/2010. 

In spite of Cablevisión’s efforts to organize its
programming grids in accordance with the
provisions of section 65 of Law No. 26,522,
AFSCA initiated multiple summary proceedings
in connection with the cable television licenses
of which Cablevisión is the lawful successor.
AFSCA contended that Cablevisión had failed
to comply with the regulations set forth by
AFSCA Resolution No. 296/2010. Cablevisión
submitted the responses set forth under section
1, Exhibit II of AFSCA Resolution No.
224/2010 in connection with such accusations.
A decision has been rendered on some of the
summary proceedings and, as a result, a 
fine was imposed on Cablevisión, while other
proceedings are pending resolution. Cablevisión
has appealed these decisions. Some of the
appeals filed by Cablevisión have been decided
against it and were appealed.

Insofar as Cablevisión is concerned, as of the
date of these financial statements, an 
injunction issued in re “CABLEVISIÓN S.A. 
v. NATIONAL GOVERNMENT AND
OTHERS ON COMPLAINT FOR THE
PROTECTION OF CONSTITUTIONAL
RIGHTS” by the Federal Court of Appeals of
the City of Mar del Plata, whereby that Court
revoked the decision rendered in the First
Instance, remains in full force and effect. The
decision rendered in the First Instance had
ordered the dismissal of Cablevisión’s request.
The Court of Appeals ordered AFSCA to
suspend – until a final decision was rendered on
the matter – the application of the penalties
derived from the alleged non-compliance with

155

section 65 of Law No. 26,522 and Decree No.
1.225/2010. Therefore, it also suspended the
application of section 6 of AFSCA Resolution
No. 296/2010 on the grounds that Cablevisión’s
alleged serious non-compliance was not
contemplated in the Law or in the Decree. The
National Government filed an appeal with 
the Supreme Court against this decision. Such
appeal was dismissed. Consequently, AFSCA
filed a direct appeal with the Supreme Court,
which is still pending resolution.

In re “AFSCA v. CABLEVISION SA Decree
1,225/10 – RES. 296/10 on/ Proceeding
leading to a declaratory judgment” currently
pending before the Federal Court of First
Instance on Administrative Matters No. 9, 
on May 16, 2012 the Court granted an
injunction that had been requested by AFSCA,
ordering Cablevisión and/or the pay television
audiovisual services it exploits, to conform 
to Section 65, paragraph 3 b of Decree No.
1,225/2010 and Sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of
AFSCA Resolution No. 296/2010, until a final
judgment is rendered on the merits of the 
case. Cablevisión has appealed such injunction. 

On August 6, 2012, Cablevisión was served
notice of a decision rendered by the Federal
Court of First Instance on Administrative
Matters No. 9 of the City of Buenos Aires,
whereby that court imposed a fine on
Cablevisión of Ps. 20,000 per day for each day
of delay in complying with the injunction 
that ordered Cablevisión to comply with 
Section 65 of Decree No. 1,225/2010 and
AFSCA Resolution No. 296/2010. Cablevisión
filed an appeal against that decision in due 
time and form. However, the Court of Appeals
ignored the strong grounds asserted by
Cablevisión; partially confirmed the decision
rendered in the first instance; and reduced 
the fine to Ps. 2,000 per day for each day of
delay, to be calculated as from the date the
decision is deemed final. An appeal was 
filed with the Supreme Court of Argentina, 
which was dismissed by the intervening
Chamber. Cablevisión filed an appeal against
such decision, which was dismissed by the
Supreme Court of Argentina.

On October 21, 2013 Cablevisión was 
served with new charges brought for alleged
noncompliance with AFSCA Resolution No.
296/2010, clearly violating the preliminary

injunction mentioned above. Accordingly,
Cablevisión filed an appeal, but no decision has
been rendered on the matter as of the date 
of these financial statements.

On December 23, 2013, Cablevisión informed
AFSCA of its new programming grid in digital
and analogical systems, expressly maintaining
the reserves brought to continue challenging the
legality and constitutionality of section 65 of
Decree No. 1,225/2010 and AFSCA Resolution
No. 296/2010, as amended.

Section 7 of the Emergency Decree, which
amends, among other things, Section 10 of 
Law No. 27,078 sets forth that all the physical
link and radio electric link subscription
television services shall be governed by the
Digital Argentina Act. Therefore, Cablevisión 
is no longer subject to Section 65 and its
implementing regulations. 

The new General Rules approved by ENACOM
Resolution No. 1,394/16 order providers of
both types of services (physical and radio-
electric link) to guarantee their compliance with
a programming grid in each Coverage Area.
Cablevisión states that it complies with all the
obligations set out under that Resolution.

9.4.7. Audiovisual Communications Law of the

Republic of Uruguay.
Law No. 19,307 was published in the Official
Gazette of the Republic of Uruguay on January
14, 2015. This Law governs radio, television,
and other audiovisual communication services
(hereinafter, the “Audiovisual Communications
Law”). Section 202 of this law provides that the
Executive Branch shall issue the implementing
regulations for this law within a 120-day term 
as from the day following the publication of 
this law in the Official Gazette. As of the date
of the financial statements, only Decree No.
45/015 has been issued, but the implementing
regulations for most of the sections of this law
are still pending. 

Such Decree provides that the concession 
for the use and allocation of the radio-electric
spectrum for non-satellite audiovisual
communication services shall be granted for a
term of 15 years.

Section 54 of the Audiovisual Communications
Law provides that an individual or legal entity

156

cannot be allocated the full or partial ownership
of more than 6 authorizations or licenses 
to render television services to subscribers
throughout the national territory of Uruguay.
Such limit is reduced to 3 if one of 
the authorizations or licenses includes the
department of Montevideo. Section 189 of 
this law provides that in the cases where such
limits were exceeded as of the entry into force 
of the Law, the owners of those audiovisual
communication services shall transfer the
necessary authorizations or licenses so as not to
exceed the limits mentioned above within a
term of 4 years as from the date of entry into
force of the Audiovisual Communications Law.

Adesol S.A. is analyzing the possible impact 
on its business that could be derived from the
change in the regulatory framework and the
eventual legal actions it may bring to safeguard
its rights and those of its shareholders. 
That company is also monitoring the different
unconstitutionality claims filed by other
companies against certain sections of the 
above-mentioned law to consider whether the
decisions to be rendered by the Supreme 
Court in those proceedings may be favorable to
the position of Adesol S.A. in the future. On
April 7, 2016, 28 unconstitutionality claims
were brought against the above mentioned 
law. To date, the Supreme Court has issued 
28 decisions, whereby it declared the
unconstitutionality of Sections 39 subsection 3,
55, 56 subsection 1, 60 point C, 98 subsection
2, 117 subsection 2, 143 and 149 subsection 
2 of Law No. 19,307. It is noteworthy that
some of the decisions rendered in this respect 
by the Supreme Court dismissed the
unconstitutionality claim filed by the claimant
with respect to Section 54 of that Law.

Note 10

Call options
ARTEAR
Pursuant to ARTEAR’s acquisition of 85.2% 
of its subsidiary Telecor’s capital stock in 2000,
Telecor’s sellers have an irrevocable put option
of the remaining 755,565 common, registered,
non-endorsable shares, representing 14.8% 
of the capital stock and votes of Telecor, for a
16-year term as from March 16, 2010 at a price

of USD3 million and ARTEAR has an
irrevocable call option for such shares for a term
of 26 years as from March 16, 2000 at a price 
of approximately USD4.8 million, which 
will be adjusted at a 5% nominal annual rate 
as from April 16, 2016. Subsequently, under an
addendum to the original agreements, the
beginning of the effectiveness of the irrevocable
put option was changed from March 16, 2010
to March 16, 2013. On March 15, 2013, on
February 18, 2016 and on February 21, 2017,
additional addenda to the agreement were
signed, whereby the beginning of the
effectiveness of the irrevocable put option was
changed from March 16, 2013 to March 16,
2016, from such date to March 16, 2017, and
from such date to March 16, 2021, respectively.

CMD
Pursuant to CMD’s acquisition of 60.0% of
Interpatagonia S.A.’s (now Interwa S.A.) capital
stock in 2007, CMD and the sellers granted
each other reciprocal call and put options on all
of the shares owned by each of the parties,
effective from August 1, 2011 to July 31, 2012.

In connection with the acquisitions mentioned
in Note 12.e., CMD and the seller executed
new agreements whereby they granted each
other new reciprocal call and put options on all
of the shares owned by each of the parties. 
The price of the shares varies depending on who
exercises the option. 

As of the date of these consolidated financial
statements, as mentioned in Note 12.e, CMD
holds a reciprocal call and put option for 6.66%
of the shares of Interwa S.A., which is effective
until December 2017. See Note 26.b.

The balances arising from the put options
mentioned above are disclosed under the item
Other Current and Non-Current Liabilities 
of the Balance Sheet, with an offsetting entry
under Other Reserves and Non-Controlling
Interest under Equity.

ADESOL
On December 22, 2016, Adesol S.A. executed 
a call option agreement (the “Call Option
Agreement”) with the majority shareholder of
the special purpose entities, whereby, Adesol 
has the right to exercise, until December 31,
2021, the irrevocable call option on the shares
of those companies (the “Call Option”). If it

157

Note 11

Financial instruments

11.1 Financial Risks Management (*)
(*) The amounts included in this note are stated
in millions of Argentine pesos.

Grupo Clarín is a party to transactions
involving financial instruments, which entail
exposure to market, currency and interest 
rate risks. The management of these risks is
based on the particular analysis of each
situation, taking into account its own estimates
and those made by third parties of the evolution
of the respective factors. 

11.1.1 Capital Risk Management
Grupo Clarín manages its capital structure
seeking to ensure its ability to continue 
as an ongoing concern, while maximizing the
return to its shareholders through the
optimization of debt and equity balances.

As part of this process, Grupo Clarín monitors
its capital structure through the debt-to-equity
ratio, which is equal to the quotient of its 
net debt (Debt less Cash and Cash Equivalents)
divided by its adjusted EBITDA.

The debt-to-equity ratio for the reporting years
is as follows:

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

809

(416)

(306)

87

966

0.09

6,935

(2,026)

(680)

4,229

(ii) 8,361

0.51

exercises the Call Option, the purchase price 
has been preliminarily established in the amount
of Ps. 127,600,002, subject to an eventual
adjustment in case certain circumstances
provided under the Call Option Agreement
occur.

In addition to the execution of the Call Option
Agreement, Adesol S.A. paid to the grantor 
an option premium under the Call Option 
in the amount of Ps. 44,660,000. If Adesol S.A.
does not exercise the Call Option, the seller
shall irrevocably retain the amount paid by
Adesol S.A., and the agreement will be
terminated. 

If it exercises the Call Option, the assignment,
sale and transfer of the shares in favor of Adesol
S.A. shall be subject, as condition precedent, 
to the approval by the Communication Services
Regulatory Agency of the Republic of Uruguay.

Loans (i)
Less: Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Banks

Other Current Investments

Net Debt

Adjusted EBITDA

Debt-to-Equity Ratio

(i) Long-term and short-term loans, including 
derivatives and financial guarantee agreements.
(ii) Includes Ps. 7,295 million disclosed under 
Discontinued operations.

The debt-to-equity ratio is reasonable compared 
to other industry players and considering 
the particular situation of Argentina and of the 
companies that make up Grupo Clarín. 

158

 
11.1.2 Categories of Financial Instruments 

Financial Assets
Loans and Receivables (1)
- Cash and Banks 

- Other Investments 
- Receivables (2)
At fair value with an impact on net income

- Other Investments 

- Financial Instruments

Total Financial Assets

Financial Liabilities

At amortized cost
- Debt (3)
- Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities (4)
Total Financial Liabilities

(1) Net of the allowance for doubtful accounts of 
approximately Ps. 103 million and Ps. 272 million, 
respectively.
(2) Includes receivables with related parties of 
approximately Ps. 200 and Ps. 52 million, respectively.
(3) Includes loans with related parties of approximately 
Ps. 377 million and Ps. 32 million, respectively.
(4) Includes debts with related parties of approximately 
Ps. 72 million and Ps. 95 million, respectively.

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

416

30

4,294

306

-

5,046

809

2,983
3,792

2,026

501

4,798

1,144

58

8,527

6,935

5,464
12,399

11.1.3 Objectives of Financial Risk Management
Grupo Clarín monitors and manages the
financial risks related to its operations; these
risks include market risk (including exchange
risk, interest rate risk and equity price risk),
credit risk and liquidity risk.

Grupo Clarín does not enter into financial
instruments for speculative purposes as 
common practice. 

11.1.4 Exchange Risk Management
Grupo Clarín enters into certain foreign
currency transactions; therefore, it is exposed 
to exchange rate fluctuations. During the year,
certain subsidiaries of Grupo Clarín entered
into foreign currency forward transactions.

The following table shows the monetary assets
and liabilities denominated in US dollars, the
main foreign currency involved in Grupo
Clarín’s transactions, at the closing of the years
ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:

159

Assets

Other Receivables

Trade Receivables

Other Investments

Cash and Banks

Total Assets

Liabilities

Debt

Seller financings

Other Liabilities

Trade Payables and Other

Total Liabilities

Bid/offered exchange rates as of December 31,
2016 and 2015 were of Ps. 15.79 and Ps. 15.89
and Ps. 12.94 and Ps. 13.04; respectively.

11.1.4.1 Foreign Exchange Sensitivity Analysis 
Grupo Clarín is exposed to exchange risk, mainly
with respect to the US dollar.

Taking into consideration the balances disclosed
above, Grupo Clarín estimates that the impact 
of a 20% favorable/unfavorable fluctuation of the
US dollar exchange rate would generate an
income/loss before taxes of approximately Ps. 80
million and Ps. 824 million as of December 31,
2016 and 2015, respectively. Income from
foreign exchange agreements in case of a 20%
favorable/unfavorable fluctuation of the US
dollar exchange rate would generate a gain/loss
before taxes of approximately Ps. 118 million as
of December 31, 2015. As of December 31,
2016, the Company had not executed any
foreign exchange agreements.

The sensitivity analysis presented above is
hypothetical since the quantified impact is not
necessarily an indicator of the actual impact,
because exposure levels may vary over time.

(in millions

(in millions

of Argentine pesos)

of Argentine pesos)

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

53

176

33

143

405

368

14

14

407

803

95

626

488

1,501

2,710

6,092

2

70

667

6,831

Additionally, even though Grupo Clarín conducts
its operations in Argentine pesos, an eventual
devaluation of that currency may have an indirect
impact on its operations, depending on the
ability of the relevant suppliers to reflect that
effect on their prices.

11.1.5. Interest Rate Risk Management 
As of December 31, 2016, Grupo Clarín was
exposed to interest rate risk mainly through
ARTEAR. This is due to the fact that this
company has taken loans at fixed and variable
interest rates and has not entered into hedge
agreements to mitigate these risks. If interest rates
had eventually been 100 basic points higher 
and all the variables had remained constant, the
additional estimated loss before taxes would 
have been of approximately Ps. 1.7 million and 
Ps. 6.3 million as of December 31, 2016 and
2015, respectively.

11.1.6. Equity Price Risk Management
Grupo Clarín is exposed to equity price risk in
connection with its holdings of mutual funds,
securities and bonds and foreign exchange
agreements.

Its sensitivity to the variation in the price of these
instruments is detailed below: 

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Investments valued at quoted prices at closing (Level 1)

Other receivables valued at quoted prices at closing(Level 2)

215

-

1,115

58

160

The estimated impact of an eventual 10%
favorable/unfavorable fluctuation of the quoted
price of investments valued at closing, assuming
that all the other variables remain constant,
would generate an income/loss before taxes of
approximately Ps. 20 million and Ps. 111 million
as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Income from foreign exchange agreements in 
case of a 20% favorable/unfavorable fluctuation
of the US dollar exchange rate would generate 
a gain/loss before taxes of approximately Ps. 118
million as of December 31, 2015. As of
December 31, 2016, the Company had not
executed any foreign exchange agreements.

A potential 10% favorable/unfavorable
fluctuation of the quoted price of investments
valued as Level 2 would generate an income/loss
before taxes of approximately Ps. 9 million and
Ps. 3 million as of December 31, 2016 and
2015, respectively.

11.1.7 Credit Risk Management
Credit risk is defined as the risk that one of 
the parties may breach its contractual
obligations, generating an eventual financial 
loss for Grupo Clarín. 

Credits involving the Cable Television,
Internet Access and Telephony Segment
The credit risk affects cash and cash equivalents,
deposits held at banks and financial 
institutions, as well as credit exposures with
clients, including other remaining credits and
transactions involved. The company actively
monitors the credit worthiness of their treasury
instruments and the counterparties related to
derivatives in order to minimize credit risk.
Upon expiration of invoices issued, if they are
still outstanding, these companies file several
claims for collection purposes.

Bank deposits are held in renowned institutions.

No significant credit risk concentration is
observed concerning clients, due to the
atomization of the subscriber base.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, non-
impaired past due trade receivables amounted 
to approximately Ps. 454.8 million and Ps. 342.0
million, respectively. These receivables involve
subscribers with no recent insolvency record.

As of the same dates, the allowance for bad
debts amounted to Ps. 203.5 million and 
Ps. 131.1 million, respectively. This allowance
for trade receivables is sufficient to cover the
past due doubtful trade receivables. 

Credits of the Printing and Publishing
Segment
The companies that operate in this segment
conduct an analysis of the clients’ financial
position at the beginning of the business
relationship, through a credit risk report
requested from several credit rating agencies.
The credit amount granted to each client is
monitored on a daily basis, with reports 
being submitted to the financial management.

The credit risk affects cash and cash equivalents,
deposits held at banks and financial institutions,
as well as credit granted to clients.

The maximum theoretical credit risk exposure 
of the companies operating in this segment 
is represented by the book value of net financial
assets, disclosed in the consolidated balance sheet.

For the purposes of conducting an analysis of
the suitability of the allowance for bad debts,
these companies consider each client on a case
by case basis, verifying, among other factors, 
if there is any record of delinquency, risk 
of bankruptcy, insolvency proceeding or other
judicial proceeding. Trade receivables comprise 
a significant number of clients and are internally
classified among the following categories:
Advertising, Official, Distribution, Internet 
and Subscriptions, among others.

The companies that operate in this segment
have recorded an allowance for doubtful
accounts accounting for 4% of accounts
receivable as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.

The companies that operate in this segment 
did not set up an allowance for bad debts for
those amounts in which no significant change
was recorded in the credit rating, considering
such amounts as recoverable.

The companies that operate in this segment
have a wide range of clients, including
individuals, businesses - medium-and-large-
sized companies - and governmental agencies.
Therefore, these companies’ receivables are 
not subject to credit risk concentration.

161

Credits from the Broadcasting and
Programming Segment
Credit risk represents for the companies that
operate in this segment the risk of incurring in
losses arising from possible breaches of the
contractual obligations assumed by business or
financial counterparties. This risk may be due to
economic or financial factors, or to particular
circumstances of the counterparty, or to other
economic, commercial or administrative factors.

Credit risk affects cash and cash equivalents,
deposits held at banks and financial institutions
in a wide sense, and every form of credit
granted to the companies that operate in this
segment. The maximum exposure to credit 
risk is represented by the value of financial assets
considered as a whole, recorded in the
Consolidated Balance Sheet under Cash and
Banks, Other Investments, Trade Receivables
and Other Receivables.

Financial instruments are executed with
creditworthy banks and financial institutions
renowned in the market and for terms not
longer than three months. In this sense, the
companies that operate in this segment have a
policy of diversifying their investments among
different banks and financial institutions, 
thus reducing the concentration risk in only 
one counterparty.

As to the credit risk related to financial credit,
the companies that operate in this segment
evaluate the credit standing of the different
counterparties to define their investment levels,
based on their equity and credit rating. As to
Trade Receivables, such companies have a 
wide range of clients, categorized depending on 
the type of business. These categories are:

Information as of December 31, 2016:

Maturities

Matured

Without any established term

First Quarter 2017
Second Quarter 2017

Third Quarter 2017

Fourth Quarter 2017

More than 1 year

Advertising, Signals, Programming and other.
Within this classification, clients can also be
classified as advertising agencies, direct
advertisers, distributors of cable TV, broadcast
TV stations and other, each of them of a
different magnitude. Due to this diversity of
clients, there is not a significant credit risk
concentration in this respect.

The allowance for bad debts is set up upon
conducting an analysis of the debtor portfolio,
which is recorded as follows:

− In the case of individual risks identified 
(risks of bankruptcy, insolvency proceedings 
or judicial proceedings pending with the
company), for its total value. 
− The rest of the cases is decided based on 
the aging of the past due debt, the progress of 
the collection procedures, the solvency
conditions and the variations observed in the
clients’ settlement periods.

11.1.8. Liquidity Risk Management
Liquidity risk is the risk that Grupo Clarín may
not be able to fulfill its financial obligations 
at maturity. Grupo Clarín manages liquidity risk
through the management of its capital structure
and, if possible, the access to different capital
markets. It also manages liquidity risk through 
a constant review of the estimated cash flows 
to ensure that it will have enough liquidity to
fulfill its obligations.

11.1.8.1 Interest Rate Risk and Liquidity Risk Table
The following table shows the breakdown of
financial liabilities by relevant groups of
maturities based on the remaining period as
from the date of the balance sheet through the
contractual maturity date. The amounts
disclosed in this table represent undiscounted
cash flows (principal plus contractual interest).

Debt

Other Debts

-

-

249
47

49

41

603

989

595

209

1,937
289

33

26

201

3,290

162

Information as of December 31, 2015:

Maturities

Matured

Without any established term

First Quarter 2016

Second Quarter 2016

Third Quarter 2016

Fourth Quarter 2016

More than 1 year

11.1.9. Financial Instruments at Fair Value
The following table shows Grupo Clarín’s
financial assets and liabilities measured at fair
value at the closing of the reporting year:

Debt

-

2

843

397

1,068

1,201

4,478

7,989

Other Debts

1,216

234

3,214

409

367

27

197

5,664

December 31, 2016

Quoted Prices

(Level 1)

Other Significant

Observable Items

(Level 2)

Assets

Current Investments

306

215

91

December 31, 2015

Quoted Prices

(Level 1)

Other Significant

Observable Items

(Level 2)

Assets

Current Investments

Financial Instruments

1,144

58

1,115

-

29

58

Financial assets and liabilities are valued using
quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities
(Level 1), and the prices of similar instruments
arising from sources of information available 
in the market (Level 2). At the closing of 
the reporting years, Grupo Clarín did not have 
any financial asset or liability for which a
comparison had not been conducted against
observable market data to determine their 
fair value (Level 3).

11.1.10. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The book value of cash, accounts receivable and
current liabilities is similar to their fair value,
due to the short-term maturities of these
instruments.

The book value of receivables with estimated
collection periods that extend through time, 
is measured considering the estimated collection
period, the time value of money and the 
specific risks of the transaction at the time of
measurement and, therefore, such book value
approximates its fair value.

Non-current investments classified as loans and
receivables have been measured at amortized
cost, and their book value approximates their
fair value.

The fair value of non-current financial liabilities
(Level 2) is measured based on the future 
cash flows of those liabilities, discounted at a
representative market rate available to Grupo
Clarín for liabilities with similar terms (currency
and remaining term) prevailing at the time of
measurement. 

163

The following table shows the estimated fair
value of non-current financial liabilities: 

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Book Value

Fair Value 

Book Value

Fair Value

Non-Current Debt

469

443

4,033

3,903

Note 12

Interests in subsidiaries and affiliates
a. During 2007, AGEA increased its interest in
CIMECO from 33.3% to 50.0%, and executed
call and put options on an additional interest in
CIMECO’s capital stock. During 2008, AGEA
partially assigned the rights and obligations
arising from such options to its subsidiary AGR
and to the Company. Subsequently, in 2008,
AGEA, AGR and the Company exercised such
call option, increasing, directly and indirectly,
the Company’s equity interest in CIMECO and
Papel Prensa to 100% and 49%, respectively.

On April 10, 2008, the Company and the
parties to the above-mentioned transaction
notified CNDC of such transaction and 
on May 12, 2008 filed form F-1. After such
notice and as of the date of these financial
statements, the Company submitted additional
information requested by the CNDC. 

On February 3, 2017, the Company, AGEA
and AGR were served with Resolution No. 75
issued by the Secretariat of Trade of the
Ministry of Production on January 31, 2017,
corresponding to CNDC Opinion No. 1,417
dated December 22, 2016, whereby it
authorized the above-mentioned transaction. 

b. On January 11, 2008, IESA acquired the
controlling interest of a group of companies
mainly engaged in sports journalism,
production and commercialization of shows,
and the production of motor racing television
broadcasting. The share purchase agreement 
sets forth certain objectives to be met by 
such group of companies. In case of breach of
such provision, the sellers shall have to pay an
indemnification. On February 8, 2017, IESA
was served with Resolution No. 59 issued 
by the Secretariat of Trade of the Ministry of
Production on January 31, 2017 corresponding
to CNDC Opinion No. 1,407 dated December

15, 2016, whereby it authorized the above-
mentioned transactions.

c. On September 2, 2008, ARTEAR increased
its equity interest in Pol-Ka and SB Producciones
S.A. to 55% of such companies’ capital stock
and votes, thus acquiring a controlling interest
in both companies, in which it previously
exercised common control. On February 8,
2017, ARTEAR was served with Resolution 
No. 73 issued by the Secretariat of Trade of the
Ministry of Production on January 31, 2017
corresponding to CNDC Opinion No. 1,406
dated December 15, 2016, whereby it
authorized the above-mentioned transactions.

d. On February 10, 2011, CMD sold to a 
third party all of its shares of Dinero Mail, for
approximately USD 4.4 million in cash; part 
of the price was withheld as guarantee.

e. On August 17, 2011, CMD executed a 
stock purchase agreement, whereby it increased
by 20% its interest in Interpatagonia S.A. 
(now Interwa S.A.), where it now holds 80% of
the capital stock. CMD paid approximately 
Ps. 4.3 million in consideration for the shares.

On November 25, 2014, one of the sellers 
of Interwa S.A.’s shares, as mentioned in Note 
10 to these consolidated financial statements,
exercised its put option for 6.66% of the shares
of that company for approximately Ps. 1.5
million, payable in six monthly installments as
from December 2014.

On January 8, 2015, CMD exercised the call
option for an additional 6.66% of the equity
interest in Interwa S.A. as mentioned under
Note 10 to these consolidated financial
statements, for approximately Ps. 1.5 million,
payable in five monthly installments as from
January 2015.

164

f. On September 30, 2015, ARTEAR and
AGEA, together with other companies, created a
company under the name “RPA Media Place
S.A.,” engaged in advertising on digital websites,
with an equity capital of Ps. 100,000. Each of
ARTEAR and AGEA hold a 19% interest in
RPA Media Place S.A. On November 14, 2015,
that company was registered with the IGJ.

g. On August 20, 2015, FEASA together with
Publirevistas S.A., created a company under 
the name “Exponenciar S.A.,” engaged in 
the organization, development and operation 
of fairs, exhibitions, seminars and conferences,
with an equity capital of Ps. 100,000. FEASA
holds a 50% interest in Exponenciar S.A. 
As of the date of these financial statements, the
incorporation of that company is pending
registration with the IGJ.

h. On October 8, 2015, CMD entered into a
stock purchase agreement, whereby it increased
its interest in Electro Punto Net S.A. by 26%.
The amount of this transaction is of
approximately Ps. 11.8 million. In December
2015, Electro Punto Net S.A. capitalized
irrevocable contributions made by CMD for 
Ps. 8 million, increasing CMD’s interest in the
capital stock of Electro Punto Net S.A. to 
54.3%. In December 2016, Electro Punto Net
S.A. capitalized irrevocable contributions made
by CMD for Ps. 86 million, increasing CMD’s
interest in the capital stock of Electro Punto 
Net S.A. to 65.6%.

i. On September 10, 2015, the Board of
Directors of Cablevisión approved the assignment
of the rights and obligations held by Grupo
Clarín under an offer it had submitted to NII
Mercosur Telecom, S.L.U. and NII Mercosur
Móviles, S.L.U. (hereinafter, the “Sellers”) 
for the acquisition of 49% of the capital stock 
of NEXTEL COMMUNICATIONS
ARGENTINA S.R.L. and an option to acquire,
together with its subsidiary Televisión Dirigida
S.A., subject to certain conditions -among them,
the regulatory approvals- 51% of the remaining
capital stock. The price of the transaction was
USD 165 million (out of this amount, USD 80
million accounts for 49% and USD 85 million
accounts for 51%) plus the right to collect an
additional amount of up to USD 13 million
subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions.
The offer submitted by Grupo Clarín was subject
to the acceptance of the Sellers. On September
11, 2015, the Sellers accepted the offer submitted

by Grupo Clarín and, on the same date, the
Sellers accepted the assignment of the rights
under such offer in favor of Cablevisión, offering
Cablevisión the acquisition of 49 % of the 
capital stock of NEXTEL and the option to
acquire the remaining 51%. In order to guarantee
the rights and obligations under the offer, the
capital stock owned by NII Mercosur Móviles,
S.L.U was pledged (subject to registration with
the Public Registry of Commerce). The
transaction was completed on September 14,
2015, upon payment by Cablevisión and its
subsidiary of an aggregate USD 159 million. The
companies undertook to create a guarantee fund
with the USD 6 million balance to cover any
potential liabilities of NEXTEL (this fund was set
up on October 7, 2015). In addition, upon the
fulfillment of certain conditions precedent, on
October 1, 2015, Cablevisión paid to the Sellers
the additional amount of USD 12.73 million.
On June 3, 2016, the assignment of 49% of the
capital stock of NEXTEL in favor of Cablevisión
was registered with the IGJ. Under the terms of
the offer, NEXTEL would continue to be
controlled and operated by the Sellers until the
option to acquire the remaining 51% of the
capital stock had been exercised.

As of December 31, 2015, the call option was
not legally exercisable and uncertainties remained
regarding the obtainment of the required
regulatory authorization. As of December 31,
2015, Cablevisión did not have control over
NEXTEL taking into consideration the elements
provided under IFRS 10. Therefore, it did not
consolidate NEXTEL as of such date. In January
2016, the regulatory framework changed and 
the regulatory authorization of the transaction
was no longer necessary.

In addition, on January 27, 2016, Cablevisión
and its subsidiary Televisión Dirigida S.A.
decided to exercise the option to acquire 
the remaining 51% of the capital stock and 
votes of NEXTEL, and, consequently,
Cablevisión became the holder of 51.4% of the
capital stock and votes of NEXTEL and
Televisión Dirigida S.A. became the holder of 
the remaining 48.6%.To such effect, on the 
same date, NEXTEL’s management took notice
of the release of the pledge that had been set 
up to guarantee the rights and obligations under
the offer. On July 26, 2016, the IGJ registered
the assignment of the remaining 51% of the
capital stock (see Note 9.4.4.).

165

On June 30, 2016, the controlled company
Televisión Dirigida S.A. performed the transfer
of: (i) 392,774,929 membership interests 
with nominal value of Ps. 1 each and entitled to
one vote per membership interest, representing
48.5% of the capital stock and votes of
NEXTEL, in favor of Cablevisión; and (ii)
1,000,000 membership interests with nominal
value of Ps. 1 each and entitled to one vote 
per membership interest, representing 0.1% of
the capital stock and votes of NEXTEL, 
in favor of PEM S.A. As a consequence of the
above-mentioned assignments of membership
interests, Cablevisión holds a 99.9% interest 
in the capital stock and votes of NEXTEL, and
the remaining 0.1% is held by PEM S.A. Those
transactions were registered with the IGJ on
November 25, 2016.

On December 28, 2016, PEM S.A. transferred to
Cablevisión 1,000,000 membership interests with
nominal value of Ps. 1 each and entitled to one
vote per membership interest, representing 0.1%
of the capital stock and votes of NEXTEL. As a
result of the assignment of the membership
interests described above, Cablevisión became the
holder of 810,236,480 membership interests with
nominal value of Ps.1 and entitled to one vote
per membership interest, representing 100% of
the capital stock and votes of NEXTEL. The

Cash and Banks

Other Investments

Trade Receivables

Other Receivables

Inventories
Other Non-Current Receivables

Deferred Tax Assets

Property, Plant and Equipment

Intangible Assets

Trade Payables and Other

Taxes Payable

Other Debts

Provisions and Other

Identifiable assets acquired, net 

Less investment in associate as of December 31, 2015
Income from Acquisition of Associates

Total consideration transferred

(1) Receivables from the call option.

Company has filed with the IGJ the registration
of the assignment of the membership interests,
which, to date, is pending before that agency.

As of December 31, 2015, Cablevisión
concluded the process of allocating the
acquisition cost of 49% of the capital stock of
NEXTEL and calculated a gain from this
acquisition of Ps. 316.7 million, taking into
consideration that the valuation of its identifiable
assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities in
proportion to the equity interest acquired,
exceeds the acquisition cost.

During this year, Cablevisión concluded the
process of allocating the acquisition cost of 51%
of the capital stock of NEXTEL and calculated a
gain from this acquisition of Ps. 114.1 million,
taking into consideration that the valuation of its
identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent
liabilities in proportion to its equity interest
exceeds the acquisition cost. 

The following is a detail of the additional
information required under IFRS with respect to
business combinations corresponding to the
transaction that resulted in Cablevisión’s control
over NEXTEL.

The assets and liabilities recognized as a result of the
acquisition are the following (in millions of Ps.):

As of Acquisition Date

1,140.8

928.7

386.9

101.2

222.2
21.3

167.2

650.9

43.3

(484.2)

(176.9)

(144.2)

(387.8)

2,469.4

(1,201.0)
(114.1)
(1) 1,154.3

166

j. In June 2016, Cablevisión, together with its
subsidiary NEXTEL, acquired 100% (97%
NEXTEL and 3% Cablevisión) of the capital
stock of Fibercomm S.A. and Gridley
Investments S.A. both owners of 100% of the
capital stock of Trixco S.A., holder of licenses 
for the use of the radioelectric spectrum in 
the 900 Mhz bands. NEXTEL acquired 100% 
of the capital stock of WX Telecommunications
LLC and Greenmax Telecommunications 
LLC, which are the controlling companies of 
Skyonline Argentina S.A., Netizen S.A., 
Infotel S.A. and Callbi S.A., among the most 
important subsidiaries. The latter render wireless
telecommunications services and hold licenses 
for the use of the radioelectric spectrum in the
2.5 Ghz bands. The aggregate price for those
transactions was USD 138.2 million, equivalent
to Ps. 2,036 million.

During the year, Cablevisión concluded the
process of allocating the acquisition cost of 100%
(97% to NEXTEL and the remaining 3% to
Cablevisión) of the capital stock of Fibercomm
S.A. and Gridley Investments S.A., both owners
of 100% of the capital stock of Trixco S.A., 
and calculated goodwill from this acquisition in
the amount of Ps. 801.7 million.

The following is a detail of the additional
information required under IFRS with respect to
business combinations corresponding to the
transaction that resulted in the acquisition of the
above-mentioned companies.

The assets and liabilities recognized as a result 
of the acquisition are the following (in millions 
of Ps.):

As of Acquisition Date

Cash and Banks

Other Investments

Trade Receivables

Other Receivables

Other Non-Current Receivables

Property, Plant and Equipment

Intangible Assets

Trade Payables and Other

Taxes Payable

Other Debts

Deferred Tax Liabilities

Identifiable assets acquired, net 

Goodwill

Total consideration transferred

10.3

2.1

5.7

14.1

3.0

18.5

1,860.6

(18.3)

(9.9)

(0.6)

(651.2)

1,234.3

801.7

2,036.0

k. On June 30, 2016, the Company, as the sole
shareholder, formed a new subsidiary, “GCSA
Equity, LLC”.

million is payable on the date of execution of 
the agreement and the rest is payable on the first
anniversary of the execution date.

l. On August 8, 2016, a subsidiary of CMD,
Electro Punto Net S.A., executed an asset transfer
agreement, whereby it acquired from Meroli
Hogar S.A. certain assets related to the business
of online retail and sale of home appliances and
electronic products in the Province of Córdoba.
The transaction includes negative covenants to 
be fulfilled by the shareholders of Meroli Hogar
S.A. The aggregate amount of these transactions
is of USD 3.5 million, out of which USD 2.75

m. On August 16, 2016, the Board of Directors
of Cablevisión approved the Pre-Merger
Commitment executed between that Company,
Copetonas Video Cable S.A., Dorrego Televisión
S.A., Fintelco S.A., Indio Rico Cable Color S.A.,
Primera Red Interactiva de Medios Argentinos
(PRIMA) S.A., Cable Video SUR S.A., Wolves
Televisión S.A. and Tres Arroyos Televisora Color
S.A., whereby, on the effective date of the merger
-October 1, 2016- (“Effective Date of the

167

Merger”), Cablevisión, as absorbing company,
will continue with the operations of Copetonas
Video Cable S.A., Dorrego Televisión S.A.,
Fintelco S.A., Indio Rico Cable Color S.A.,
Primera Red Interactiva de Medios Argentinos
(PRIMA) S.A., Cable Video SUR S.A., Wolves
Televisión S.A. and Tres Arroyos Televisora 
Color S.A. (the “Absorbed Companies”), thus
generating the corresponding operating,
accounting and tax effects. As a result of the
above-mentioned corporate reorganization
process, the Absorbed Companies will be
dissolved without liquidation and Cablevisión
S.A. will assume all the activities, receivables,
property and all the rights and obligations of the
above-mentioned companies, existing on the
Effective Date of the Merger, or any that may
exist or arise due to previous or subsequent acts
or activities.

At the Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting 
of Cablevisión held on September 27, 2016, the
shareholders approved, among other issues: 
(i) the Special Parent Company Only Financial
Statement and the Special Balance Sheet for
Merger as of June 30, 2016, which were used as 
a basis for the execution of the Pre-Merger
Commitment, and (ii) the Pre-Merger
Commitment executed on August 16, 2016
between Cablevisión and the Absorbed
Companies. 

In view of the above, Cablevisión made a filing
with the ENACOM in order to inform that
Agency of the corporate reorganization to 
be implemented, so that it would consequently
register under the name of the absorbing
company the “Area Authorizations” required to
exploit Cable Television Services corresponding
to Copetonas Video Cable S.A., Dorrego
Televisión S.A., Indio Rico Cable Color S.A.,
Cable Video Sur S.A., and Tres Arroyos Televisora
Color S.A. The license for Wolves Televisión S.A.

was abandoned because Cablevisión already has
an Area Authorization in the jurisdiction 
where Wolves Televisión S.A. exploited the Cable
Television Service. In addition, PRIMA and
Cablevisión made a filing with the ENACOM 
in order to request that Agency to register the
license that had been granted to PRIMA in favor
of Cablevisión as a consequence of the corporate
reorganization process.

In addition, at the Extraordinary Shareholders’
Meeting held on September 27, 2016, the
shareholders also unanimously approved: 
(i) the amendment of Article Three of the Bylaws
in order to conform the core business of 
Cablevisión to the new regulatory framework
under Laws Nos. 27,078 and 26,522, and (ii)
the amendment of Articles Nine and Ten of the
Bylaws in order to eliminate the Executive
Committee. Both amendments of the Bylaws
were filed with the CNV for its approval.

n. On November 7, 2016, ARTEAR executed a
share assignment, sale and transfer agreement 
for Ps. 8.7 million, whereby ARTEAR acquired
5,225,000 common, registered, non-endorsable
shares, with nominal value of Ps. 1 each and
entitled to 1 vote per share, representing 100% 
of the capital stock of Producciones YAQ S.A.
ARTEAR had paid the full amount under 
the agreement as of the date of these financial
statements. 

o. On October 25, 2016, ARTEAR executed a
share assignment, sale and transfer agreement for
USD 500,000, whereby it acquired 51,699
common, registered, non-endorsable shares, with
nominal value of Ps. 1 each and entitled to 1 
vote per share, representing 40.0004% of the
capital stock of Canal Rural Satelital S.A.
ARTEAR had paid the full amount under the
agreement as of the date of these financial
statements. 

168

Note 13

Assets and Liabilities held for distribution to

Shareholders and discontinued operations
As described in Note 25 to the consolidated
financial statements as of December 31, 2016,
certain assets and liabilities have been classified
as of that date as “Assets held for distribution 
to shareholders” and as “Liabilities held for

distribution to shareholders”, respectively, as
required under IFRS.

The following is a detail of those consolidated
assets and liabilities disclosed under “Assets held
for distribution to shareholders” and “Liabilities
held for distribution to shareholders” as of
December 31, 2016 (in millions of Argentine
Pesos):

December 31, 2016

Assets

Non-Current Assets

Property, Plant and Equipment

Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Deferred Tax Assets

Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates

Other Investments

Other Receivables

Total Non-Current Assets

Current Assets

Inventories

Other Receivables

Trade Receivables

Other Investments

Cash and Banks

Total Current Assets

Total Assets Held for Distribution to Shareholders

Liabilities

Non-Current Liabilities

Provisions and Other

Deferred Tax Liabilities

Debt
Taxes Payable

Other Liabilities

Total Non-Current Liabilities

Current Liabilities

Debt

Taxes Payable

Other Liabilities

Trade Payables and Other

Total Current Liabilities

Total Liabilities Held for Distribution to Shareholders

15,365

1,906

3,516

82

282

817

290

22,258

267

633

1,674

2,003

1,247

5,824

28,082

955

375

8,579
4

110

10,023

1,014

1,621

247

4,357

7,239

17,262

169

In connection with the same situations
mentioned above, the following is a detail 
of the results for the years ended December 31,
2016 and 2015, classified as discontinued
operations in these consolidated financial
statements (in millions of Argentine Pesos):

Revenues 
Cost of Sales (1)
Subtotal - Gross Profit

Selling Expenses (1)
Administrative Expenses (1)
Income from Acquisition of Companies

Other Income and Expenses, net

Financial Costs

Other Financial Results

Financial Results, net

Equity in Earnings from Affiliates and Subsidiaries

Income before Income Tax and Tax on Assets

Income Tax and Tax on Assets

Net Income from Discontinued Operations

(1) Includes amortization of intangible assets, and 
depreciation of property, plant and equipment in the 
amount of Ps. 2.660 million and 
Ps. 1.662 million for the years ended December 31, 
2016 and 2015, respectively. 

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

30,571

(14,262)

16,309

(4,398)

(3,641)

114

(11)

(2,586)

127

(2,459)

111

6,025

(2,069)

3,956

20,125

(9,341)

10,784

(2,525)

(2,628)

-

2

(2,785)

(147)

(2,932)

482

3,183

(875)

2,308

170

In connection with the same situations
mentioned above, the following is a detail 
of the cash flows for the years ended December
31, 2016 and 2015, classified as discontinued
operations in these consolidated financial
statements (in millions of Argentine Pesos):

Cash Provided by Operating Activities

Net Income from Discontinued Operations

Income Tax and Tax on Assets

Accrued Interest, net

Adjustments to reconcile net income for the period to 

cash provided by discontinued operations:

- Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment 

- Amortization of Intangible Assets and Film Library

- Net allowances 

- Financial Income, except interest

- Equity in Earnings from Affiliates and Subsidiaries

- Income from Acquisition of Associates

- Other Income and Expenses

- Retirement of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

- Retirement of Intangible Assets, Net

- Changes in Assets and Liabilities

- Income Tax and Tax on Assets Payments

Net Cash Flows Provided by Discontinued Operating Activities

Net Provided by Investment Activities

- Acquisition of Property, Plant and Equipment, net

- Acquisition of Intangible Assets

- Payments for Acquisition of Subsidiaries, 

Net of Cash Acquired

- Acquisition of Call Option

- Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant and 

Equipment and other

- Dividends collected

- Collections of Interest

- Collection of Certificates of Deposit
- Transactions with Securities, Bonds and 

- Other Financial Instruments, Net

Net Cash Flows used in Discontinued Investment Activities

Cash Provided by Financing Activities

- Loans Obtained

- Repayment of Loans and Issue Expenses

- Payment of Interest

- Collections on Derivatives

- Payments to Non-Controlling Interests, net

Net Cash Flows used in Discontinued Financing Activities

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

3,956

2,069

512

2,519

141

519

1,220

(111)

(114)

(7)

331

3

276

(1,346)

9,968

(9,044)

(23)

(2,032)

-

8

1

19

118

(90)

(11,043)

7,500

(6,489)

(962)

23

(604)

(532)

2,309

875

370

1,531

131

312

1,526

(483)

-

-

170

1

244

(749)

6,237

(4,343)

(8)

(799)

(850)

1

32

3

223- 

154

(5,587)

1,271

(1,032)

(587)

47

(178)

(479)

171

Note 14

Reserves, accumulated income and dividends

Balances at the beginning of the year:

Legal Reserve

Retained Earnings

Other Reserves

Optional Reserves

Total 

Net Income Attributable to the Parent Company

Dividend Distribution

Changes in Reserves for Acquisition of Investments

Balance at the end of the year

a. Grupo Clarín 
On April 25, 2016, at the Annual Ordinary
Shareholders’ Meeting of the Company, 
the shareholders decided, among other things, 
to appropriate the net income for the fiscal year
2015, which amounted to Ps. 1,884,929,369, 
as follows: (i) Ps. 300,000,000 to the
distribution of dividends payable within 30 
days as from the date of the Shareholders’
Meeting and (ii) Ps. 1,584,929,369 to the
reserve for future dividends.

b. Cablevisión
On April 20, 2016, at the Annual General
Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders’
Meeting of Cablevisión, its shareholders decided
to distribute cash dividends in the amount of
Ps. 750 million, payable in Argentine Pesos 
or US Dollars within a term of thirty days as
from the date of such Shareholders’ Meeting
and delegated on the Board of Directors 
of Cablevisión the power to establish the time 
and payment method. Of that amount,
approximately Ps. 300.1 million corresponds 
to the non-controlling interest in this company. 
As of the date of these financial statements,
Cablevisión paid Ps. 749.7 million of
distributed dividends.

Also, on June 30, 2016, at the General
Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting 
of Cablevisión, its shareholders decided to
distribute cash dividends in the amount 
of Ps. 749 million, payable within thirty days 
as from the date on which the Shareholders’
Meeting was held. Of that amount,

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

119,460,767

1,884,929,369

(3,653,767)

2,625,678,396

4,626,414,765

2,530,041,832

(300,000,000)

(55,231,356)

6,801,225,241

119,460,767

804,101,687

(209,686)

2,071,576,709

2,994,929,477

1,884,929,369

(250,000,000)

(3,444,081)

4,626,414,765

approximately Ps. 299.6 million corresponds to
the non-controlling interest in this company. 
As of the date of these financial statements, all
the dividends had been paid.

At the General Extraordinary Shareholders’
Meeting held on January 12, 2016, the
shareholders of Cablevisión decided, among other
things, i) to cancel 207,157 Class B common
book-entry treasury shares with a nominal value
of Ps. 1 representing 0.1% of the capital stock
and votes of that Company; and, consequently,
to reduce the capital stock by Ps. 207,157, 
(ii) to ratify the amendment of Section 4 of the
Bylaws approved by the shareholders at the
Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting held on
June 30, 2014, which, among other things, had
amended the nominal value of shares from Ps. 1
to Ps. 10,000, and (iii) to delegate on the Board
of Directors the power to determine and establish
the time, form and conditions of the shares
representing the new capital stock to be issued, 
as well as the payment of the fractions, if any.

In light of the above, on June 29, 2016, the
Board of Directors of Cablevisión completed the
implementation process to pay fractions in cash
and change the nominal value (of the company’s
shares) and change the nominal value (of the
company’s shares) and, therefore, the capital
stock of Cablevisión is now of Ps. 197,300,000,
represented by 19,730 shares, of which i)
15,785 are Class A book entry shares, with
nominal value of Ps. 10,000 each and entitled
to 1 vote per share, and ii) 3,945 are Class B
book entry shares, with nominal value of 

172

Ps. 10,000 each and entitled to 1 vote per share.
At the same meeting of the Board of Directors
new shares were issued.

Subsequently, at the General Extraordinary
Shareholders’ Meeting held on June 30, 2016,
the shareholders decided to capitalize in full the
following accounts: (i) Paid-in Capital, in the
amount of Ps. 134,234,500, (ii) merger surplus,
in the amount of Ps. 2,894,151 and (iii) the
partial capitalization of the “Optional Reserve to

Maintain the Company’s Level of Capital
Expenditures and its Current Solvency Level” in
the amount of Ps. 865,571,349, thus increasing
the capital stock from Ps. 197,300,000 to 
Ps. 1,200,000,000 through the issuance of
100,270 new common book-entry shares with
nominal value of Ps. 10,000 and entitled to 
1 vote per share, of which 80,221 will be Class
A common book-entry shares and 20,049 
will be Class B common book-entry shares.

Note 15

Non-controlling interest

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Balances as of January 1st

Equity in the Earnings of Other Companies for the year

Dividends and Other Movements of Non-Controlling Interest

Variation in Translation Differences of Foreign Operations

Balance at the end of the year

3,175,288,997

1,649,569,354

(621,111,296)

212,626,908

4,416,373,963

2,282,464,286

1,030,981,112

(185,625,297)

47,468,896

3,175,288,997

The following is a detail of certain 
supplementary information required by IFRS
about the non-controlling interest in Cablevisión.
The information corresponds to the subsidiary’s
identifiable assets and liabilities on which the
Company values its investment. The amounts are
stated in millions of pesos and do not take into
consideration intercompany deletions. 

Country

Non-controlling interest percentage

Comprehensive income for the year allocated 
to non-controlling interest 

Accumulated non-controlling interest at year-end 

Summarized financial information:

- Dividends distributed to Non-Controlling Interests

- Current assets

- Non-current assets

- Current liabilities

- Non-current liabilities

- Revenues

- Net Income from Continuing Operations
- Other Comprehensive Income

- Total Comprehensive Income

- Cash and Cash Equivalents at Year-end

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Argentina

40.0%

Argentina

40.0%

1,739

3,928

600

5,822

21,610

7,203

9,964

30,571

4,060
422

4,482

2,629

1,034

2,808

174

4,436

14,547

6,489

4,269

20,125

2,450
147

2,597

2,177

173

Note 16

Balances and transactions with related parties
The following table contains the outstanding 
balances with related parties:

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Other Receivables

Non-Current

Under Joint Control

Other Related Parties

Current

Under Joint Control

Other Related Parties

Trade Receivables

Current

Under Joint Control

Other Related Parties

Trade Payables and Other

Current

Under Joint Control

Other Related Parties

Debt

Non-Current

Under Joint Control

Other Related Parties

Current

Other Related Parties

Other Liabilities
Current

Other Related Parties

9,449,096

4,200

9,453,296

1,712,712

43,673,728

45,386,440

25,636,838

119,220,158

144,856,996

16,533,444

51,852,341

68,385,785

9,449,096

367,813,013

377,262,109

-

-

9,212,575

-

9,212,575

2,385,289

19,918,734

22,304,023

17,705,032

2,372,249

20,077,281

77,149,743

17,756,038

94,905,781

9,212,575

-

9,212,575

22,708,882

22,708,882

3,539,651

3,539,651

39,490

39,490

174

The following table shows the operations with 
related parties for the years ended December 31, 
2016 and 2015:

Item

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Under Joint Control

Advertising Sales

Printing Services Sales

Other Sales

Fees for Services

Productions and Co-Productions

Printing and Distribution Costs

Interest Income

Interest Expense

Advertising and Promotion 

Expenses

Other Expenses

Other Related Parties

Advertising Sales

Printing Services Sales

Circulation Sales

TV Signals Sales

Other Sales

Fees for Services

Printing and Distribution 

Expenses

Interest Income

Interest Expense

Services and Satellites Expenses

Communication Expenses

Advertising and Promotion 

Expenses

Other Purchases

Other Expenses

The fees paid to the Board of Directors and 
the Upper Management of Grupo Clarín for the 
years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 
amounted to approximately Ps. 340 million and 
Ps. 450 million, respectively.

27,221,296

(1,892,056)

96,769,444

57,862

-

(32,250,670)

2,386,521

(2,386,521)

(8,094,133)

-

96,282,881

55,274,765

30,079

208,240,322

401,284,896

(2,413,443)

(660,261)

-

(2,342,563)

(3,543,231)

(13,631,693)

16,153,503

1,590,846

63,758,750

(54,343)

(2,005,651)

(31,816,780)

2,380,000

(2,380,000)

(4,726,829)

(18,029)

63,572,372

43,425,538

15,217

176,172,723

314,553,227

(24,190,032)

(589,939)

1,980,648

(21,083,536)

(5,683,371)

(5,883,782)

(7,358,940)

(306,884,709)

(8,249,554)

(10,301,696)

(281,408,575)

(4,289,329)

175

Note 17

Earnings per share
The following table shows the net income and 
the weighted average of the number of common 
shares used in the calculation of basic earnings 
per share:

Net Income used in the Calculation of 

Basic Earnings per Share (gain):

From Continuing Operations

From Discontinued Operations

Weighted Average of the Number of Common Shares 

used in the Calculation of Basic Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share

The weighted average of the number of 
outstanding shares was 287,418,584. Since no 
debt securities convertible into shares were 
recorded, the same weighted average should be 
used for the calculation of diluted earnings 
per share. 

Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share

From Continuing Operations

From Discontinued Operations

Total Earnings per Share

Dividends paid in the year 2016 amounted to 
Ps. 300,000,000 (Ps. 1.04 per share).

Note 18

Covenants, sureties and guarantees provided
a. Note 5.12.1 sets forth certain restrictions to
which Cablevisión (by itself and as the surviving
company and successor of Multicanal and 
Prima as a result of the respective mergers) is
subject pursuant to the financial obligations
described in such note.

b. IESA is subject to contractual restrictions 
on the transfer of its equity interest in TRISA
and Tele Net Image Corp.

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

1,873,615,997

656,425,835

2,530,041,832

1,884,929,369

-

1,884,929,369

287,418,584

8.80

287,418,584

6.56

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

0.82

7.98

8.80

2.02

4.54

6.56

c. During the year 2009, AGR purchased a
binding machine on credit. To secure the
transaction, AGR granted the supplier a pledge
over the machine. AGR granted joint and 
several guarantees for the loans granted by Banco
Comafi S.A. and Standard Bank Argentina S.A.
to Artes Gráficas del Litoral S.A.

d. On September 25, 2012, GCGC executed a
mortgage agreement on a building of its property
securing the payment of the obligations under 
the loan with Banco de la Ciudad de Buenos
Aires mentioned in Note 5.12.3. Grupo Clarín
acts as guarantor of said financing.

176

e. During 2014, AGR financed the acquisition 
of machinery and equipment through leasing
agreements mentioned in Note 5.12.2 to these
consolidated financial statements. Grupo Clarín
and AGEA are joint debtors of said financing.

f. On July 24, 2015, Grupo Clarín became 
the guarantor of certain financial obligations 
of AGEA, AGR and Cúspide with Banco Itaú
Argentina S.A.

g. In April 2016, Grupo Clarín became 
the guarantor for up to Ps. 65 million to secure
certain financial obligations of AGEA with 
Banco Ciudad de Buenos Aires.

h. During this year, the Company became the
guarantor of a loan granted by Banco Santander
Rio S.A. to GCGC. The guarantee will be
effective until January 2019.

i. During this year, the Company became the
guarantor of a loan granted by Banco Santander
Rio S.A. to Auto Sport. The guarantee will be
effective until February 2019.

Note 19

Award of a Bid of the city of Buenos Aires
On June 7, 2011, the Government of the City 
of Buenos Aires issued Decree No. 316 whereby 
it approved a public bidding process to contract
comprehensive digital services for educational
purposes for elementary school students in the
City of Buenos Aires. Such services include, but
are not limited to, the delivery of one netbook 
per student and one notebook per teacher under 
a gratuitous bailment agreement, connectivity,
first and second level support, content access
control, replacement in case of theft or damage
and new license, both with certain limitations.
The bid was awarded to PRIMA for a five-year
term, which will start after certain requirements
have been met. As consideration, PRIMA 
would receive an amount per student, teacher 
and school. As of December 31, 2011 the initial
requirements had been met in order to bring 
the agreement into effect and to begin its billing.
The contract expired on November 28, 2016.
However, the parties agreed to a one-year
extension.

Note 20

Long-term savings plan for employees
During the last quarter of 2007, the 
Company, together with its subsidiaries, began
to implement a long-term savings plan for
certain executives (directors and managers
comprising the “executive payroll”), which
became effective in January 2008. Executives
who adhere to such plan undertake to
contribute regularly a portion of their salary
(variable within a certain range, at the
employee’s option) to a fund that will allow
them to strengthen their savings capacity. 
Each company of the Group where those
executives render services will match the sum
contributed by such executives. This matching
contribution will be added to the fund raised 
by the employees. Under certain conditions, 
the employees may access such funds upon
termination of their participation in the long-
term savings plan.

Said plan provides for certain special 
conditions for those managers who were in the
“executive payroll” before January 1st, 2007.
Such conditions consist of supplementary
contributions made by each company to the
plan related to the executive’s years of service
with the Group. As of December 31, 2016,
such supplementary contributions made by 
the Company on a consolidated basis amount 
to approximately Ps. 49 million, and the charge
to income is deferred until the retirement of
each executive.

During 2013, certain changes were made to 
the savings system, although its operation
mechanism and the main characteristics with
regard to the obligations undertaken by the
company were essentially maintained.

Pursuant to IAS No. 19, the above-mentioned
savings plan qualifies as a Defined Contribution
Plan, which means that the companies’
contributions shall be charged to income on a
monthly basis as from the date the plan
becomes effective.

177

Note 21

Operating Leases
21.1 The Company as Lessee
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the
Company is a party to non-cancellable
operating leases, which are currently effective
and have different terms and renewal rights. 
The total amount of minimum future 
payments for non-cancellable operating leases 
is the following (in millions of Ps.):

1 year 

Between 1 and 5 years old

5 years or more

21.2 The Company as Lessor
The total amount of minimum future collections 
for non-cancellable operating leases of certain 
property is the following (in millions of Ps.):

1 year 

Between 1 and 5 years old

Note 22

Derivatives
The following is a detail of the derivatives held 
by the Company (amounts stated in millions of 
Argentine pesos):

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts - 

Fair Value Hedge

Total

Less non-current portion:

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts - 

Fair Value Hedge 

Total

Current portion

No ineffectiveness has been recorded in 
connection with fair value hedges.

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

85

246

-

331

269

505

59

833

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

11

4

15

-

-

-

December 31, 2016
Liabilities

Assets

December 31, 2015
Liabilities

Assets

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

58.4

58.4

-

-

58.4

-

-

-

-

-

178

Note 23

Law No. 26,831 Capital Markets
On December 28, 2012, Capital Markets 
Law No. 26,831 (the "Capital Markets Law"), 
passed on November 29, 2012 and enacted 
on December 27, 2012, was published in 
the Official Gazette. The Law provides for a
comprehensive amendment of the public
offering regime, previously governed by Law
No. 17,811. Among other things, the new 
law enhances the National Government’s
oversight powers and changes the authorization,
control and oversight mechanisms of all stages
of the public offering process and the role 
of all the entities and individuals involved. The
Law became effective on January 28, 2013. 

On July 29, 2013, the National Government
issued Decree No. 1023/2013 to regulate
partially the Capital Markets Law that had been
passed on November 29, 2012. Among other
provisions, the Decree regulates Section 20 
of said Law, pursuant to which the CNV may
appoint an overseer with veto rights over 
the decisions made by the boards of directors 
of entities subject to the public offering regime,
or otherwise remove the boards from such
entities for up to 180 days until all deficiencies
found by the CNV are solved. Said Emergency
Decree amends the Law it seeks to regulate 
and, therefore, constitutes a regulatory abuse.
Thus, whereas the Law vests on the CNV the
power to appoint an overseer or to remove the
board of directors, the Decree allows the CNV
to exercise that power if the shareholders 
and/or noteholders with a two percent (2%)
interest in the company’s capital stock or
outstanding debt securities claim that they have
suffered actual and certain damages or if they
believe their rights may be seriously jeopardized
in the future. The Decree also vests on the
CNV the power to appoint the administrators 
or co-administrators that will hold office as a

consequence of the removal of the boards of
directors. Thus, the Decree amends the Law by
granting the CNV powers that were not
provided therein. By doing so, the Executive
Branch is assuming strictly legislative functions
in breach of constitutional provisions. 

On September 5, 2013 within the framework 
of the Capital Markets Law and its Decree, 
the CNV issued Resolution No. 622/2013 (the
“Rules”), whereby it approved the applicable
Rules that repeal the Rules that had been
effective until that date (as restated in 2001).
The new Rules have introduced several changes
in connection with CNV’s powers over the
companies under that agency’s oversight, and
also in connection with the information that
these companies must disclose.

On August 20, 2013, at the request of Mr.
Rubén Mario Szwarc, a minority shareholder 
of the Company, and by means of public 
deed number two hundred forty five, the
Company was served notice of the decision
rendered by Chamber A of the National Court
of Appeals on Commercial Matters on August
12, 2013, in re “SZWARC, Rubén Mario 
v. National Government and Others on
Preliminary Injunction” File No. 011419/2013.
That Chamber decided, among other things, 
(i) to declare the unconstitutionality of Sections
. 2, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15 and 16 of Law 
No. 26,854, and (ii) to order the provisional,
injunctive suspension of Section 20, subsection
a), second part, paragraphs I and II (or 1 and 
2) of Law No. 26,831 and of all laws, rules 
or administrative acts issued or that may be
issued pursuant to such legal provisions, 
with respect to Grupo Clarín S.A., until the
judge that is finally declared competent to
render a decision on the merits assumes full
jurisdiction of the case and renders a final
decision relating to the injunction. 

179

Note 24

Note 25

Extinction of the notes issued by AGEA
On January 28, 2014, AGEA repaid all of the
USD 30.6 million aggregate principal amount
outstanding and interest accrued as of such date
on the Series C Notes issued by that company
under the Global Program.

Pursuant to Article 16, Section V of Chapter I
of Title III of the Restated Rules issued by the
CNV, which governs the delisting due to non-
existence of outstanding securities, upon the
extinction of the Series C Notes, AGEA filed
the required documentation with the CNV.

On August 5, 2014, the CNV served AGEA
with a notice requesting the latter to submit
information to prove the extinction of Series A,
B and D Notes, issued by that company under
the Global Program for the Issuance of Notes.
On August 12, 2014, AGEA submitted the
information requested by the CNV, providing
evidence of the extinction of the notes.

On October 8, 2014, the CNV requested
AGEA to make a filing in connection with 
the delisting. On October 16, 2014, AGEA
submitted a Note to the CNV whereby 
it requested delisting due to the extinction 
of its notes. 

On April 4, 2016, the CNV revoked the
authorizations that had been granted to AGEA
for the public offering of its Notes, which
entails the delisting of that company.

Once the authorization for public offering is
cancelled due to the non-existence of
outstanding securities, AGEA shall no longer 
be subject to the applicable regulations and
legislation issued by the CNV, and shall 
become subject to the jurisdiction of the IGJ,
and, therefore, to that agency’s regulations.

The Company’s corporate reorganization process
On September 28, 2016, at the Company’s
Extraordinary Shareholders Meeting, 
the shareholders approved the execution of 
a corporate reorganization process to be
implemented in two successive steps: a) first 
the merger of Southtel Holdings S.A., Vistone
S.A., Compañía Latinoamericana de Cable S.A.
and CV B Holding S.A. (the “Absorbed
Companies”), through which Grupo Clarín 
held a controlling interest in Cablevisión (the
“Merger”), and, b) the subsequent partial 
spin-off of the Company to create a new
company under the name Cablevisión Holding
S.A. (the “Spin-off ”, and together with the
Merger, the “Corporate Reorganization”).

The purpose of the Corporate Reorganization 
is to enhance efficiency, synergy and streamlining
of the Company’s costs, processes and 
resources and to promote the specialization of
the existing asset portfolio of Grupo Clarín 
and its subsidiaries. This will allow the
Company to implement differentiated growth
strategies and goals for, on the one hand, 
the telecommunications segment, and, on the 
other hand, the media business (print, TV,
programming, radio etc.). Thus, each of those
segments will be able to focus on its own
markets, risks, organizational processes and
capital structures. 

As a result of the Merger, and since Grupo
Clarín is the direct and indirect holder 
of 100% of the capital stock of the absorbed
companies, Grupo Clarín’s capital stock 
will not be increased. Therefore, it is not
necessary to establish an exchange ratio. In
addition, the absorbed companies will be
dissolved early without liquidation and Grupo
Clarín will assume, effective as from October 1,
2016 (the “Effective Date of the Merger"), 
the activities, receivables, property, rights and
obligations of the above-mentioned companies,
existing on the Effective Date of the Merger, 
or any that may exist or arise due to previous 
or subsequent acts or activities.

180

As part of the equity subject to spin-off, as
provided under the Merger and Spin-off
Prospectus filed with the CNV and published 
in the Financial Information Highway, the
Company will transfer to Cablevisión Holding
S.A. certain equity interests or participations
held by Grupo Clarín, including the direct 
and indirect equity interests of Grupo Clarín 
in Cablevisión and in GCSA Equity, LLC.
Consequently, once the Corporate
Reorganization has been executed, Cablevisión
Holding S.A. will become owner, directly or
indirectly, of 60% of the capital stock and 
votes of Cablevisión and of 100% of the
participations of GCSA Equity, LLC. Grupo
Clarín will retain and continue with all the
activities, operations, assets and liabilities that
are not specifically allocated to Cablevisión
Holding S.A. 

The effective date of the Spin-off (the 
“Effective Date of the Spin-off ”) will be the 
first day of the month following the date 
on which the latest of the following registrations
is completed: (i) the registration of the
Corporate Reorganization with the IGJ, or 
(ii) the registration of the incorporation 
of Cablevisión Holding S.A. with the IGJ. 
As of the Effective Date of the Spin-off,
Cablevisión Holding S.A. will begin its activities
on its own account, the accounting effects of
the Spin-off will become effective, and the
operations, risks and benefits described in the
Prospectus published by the Company will be
transferred to Cablevisión Holding S.A.

As a result of the Spin-off of Grupo Clarín, its
equity will be reduced pro rata and part of 
the Company’s Class A, Class B and Class C
shares will be cancelled in exchange for a set of
shares of the same class and with substantially
the same rights to be distributed by Cablevisión
Holding S.A. Grupo Clarín will continue 
to be subject to the public offering regime 
in Argentina and Cablevisión Holding S.A. will
request authorization to be admitted to the
above-mentioned public offering regime 
in Argentina. 

The new company may also apply to have its
shares listed on and admitted to trading on 
one or more local or foreign stock exchanges
and/or markets.

The Corporate Reorganization detailed in 
this note is executed in compliance with
applicable regulations of the General
Associations Law and subject to obtaining the
regulatory authorizations and/or intervention 
(as applicable) from the CNV, Merval, IGJ and
Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones (National
Communications Agency “ENACOM”). 

The terms and conditions of the Corporate
Reorganization were established by the
Directors of the Company, who approved the
Special Parent Company Only Financial
Statement of Grupo Clarín as of June 30, 2016,
the Special Balance Sheet for Merger and Spin-
off as of the same date and the Merger -and
Spin-off Prospectus at the Board of Directors’
Meeting held on August 16, 2016.

As of the date of these financial statements, 
the registration of the above-mentioned
corporate reorganization process is pending
before the CNV and the IGJ.

Note 26

Subsequent events
a. The events that took place subsequent to 
the closing of this year related to the regulatory
framework applicable to the Company and 
its subsidiaries are described in Note 9.

b. On February 7, CMD exercised the call
option for 6.66% of the equity interest in
Interwa S.A. for USD 100,000.

c. Due to the strong reconfiguration of the
commercial printing sector, a global
phenomenon that also affects Argentina, at 
the beginning of 2017 AGR had to 
restructure its activities.

181

In the morning of January 16, a group of
approximately 40 people, including the
members of said internal commission, broke
into the Pompeya facility, damaging entrance
doors, windows, furniture and security cameras,
and violently removed the employees that 
were inside the facility. Many of them are still 
at the facility, although the great majority 
of the employees have already agreed on their
redundancy and collected their severance
payments for a total amount of approximately
Ps. 200 million as of the date of these financial
statements.

Note 27

Approval of financial statements
Grupo Clarín’s Board of Directors has approved
the consolidated financial statements and
authorized their issue for March 10, 2017.

On January 16, 2017, AGR announced that 
it had ceased to operate its printing facility 
located in the neighborhood of Pompeya, which
was engaged in the mass commercial printing
business. At that facility, AGR used to print
telephone directories and commercial catalogs,
which are products that have been virtually
discontinued.

Over the last years, AGR has unsuccessfully
attempted to explore new ways of mitigating 
the effects of the drop in mass commercial
printing, and preserve, at least partially, the
sustainability of the Pompeya facility.
Unfortunately, the huge challenge entailed by
this change in the industry (now focused on
segmented, personalized and distributed
printing) was not supported by the internal
commission of employee delegates, which
systematically rejected all the proposals made 
by that company. 

The decision to close that facility was aimed 
at preserving the sustainability of the rest of
AGR’s operations and at preventing the
worsening of that company’s financial position,
in order to face the payment of severance
payments to the personnel that used to work 
at that facility.

Notwithstanding the close-down of the
Pompeya facility, AGR intends to continue
operating at whatever scale the market may
demand and, consequently, the matter was
considered in these financial statements based
on that premise.

Signed for identification purposes 
with the report dated March 10, 2017

See our report dated March 10, 2017
Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L.
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 1 - FOL. 17

Carlos Alberto Pedro Di Candia
Chairman of the Supervisory Committee

Dr. Carlos A. Pace (Partner)
Certified Public Accountant (UBA)
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 150 - FOL. 106

Alejandro A. Urricelqui
Vice Chairman  and acting Chairman

182

SUPPLEMENTARY 
FINANCIAL 
INFORMATION

183

1. Company activities

Grupo Clarín is the most prominent and
diversified media group in Argentina and one 
of the most important in the Spanish-speaking
world. It has presence in the printed media,
radio, broadcast and cable television, audiovisual
content production, the printing industry and
Internet. Its leadership in the different media is a
competitive advantage that enables Grupo Clarín
to generate significant synergies and expand 
into new markets. Its activities are grouped into
four main segments: Cable Television, Internet
Access and Telephony Services, Printing and
publishing, Broadcasting and Programming, 
and Digital content and other. 

Among the main activities carried out during 
the year, the following were the most significant: 

In the Printing and Publishing segment, during
the year, the Company continued to publish its
traditional newspapers and magazines, focusing
on strengthening its editorial offering through 
the launch of new collectible and optional
products. In June, La Voz del Interior relaunched
its printed version with an innovative format,
which is more reader-friendly. In addition, 
at the end of 2015, the Company launched
Muy.com.ar. Its contents and editorial approach
are targeted at popular audiences. In this
segment, since the connection with the readers 
is better in digital format than in printed format,
the Company decided to discontinue the 
printed format and devote its efforts to targeting
an audience that will increasingly turn to digital
mobile devices, which will be faster and more
affordable. 

In the Broadcasting and Programming Segment,
El Trece maintained the highest audience share.
This leading position is mostly attributable to 
the good performance of its programming grid
both during the Prime Time, and at other times.
During prime time, the most outstanding

features were the return of Showmatch, as well 
as fiction shows such as “Los ricos no piden
permiso” and “Silencios de Familia” and the
newscast Telenoche. Noticiero Trece, El Diario 
de Mariana, Este es el Show and Esposa 
Jóven delivered good results in the afternoon. 
The show “Periodismo para Todos”, the 
lunches and dinners hosted by Mirtha Legrand,
the general interest show “MDQ Para todo 
el mundo” and the return to El Trece of the
Argentine soccer first division tournament
matches contributed to a good performance
during weekends. 

In the Cable Television, Internet Access and
Telephony Services segment, the Company
focused on subscriber loyalty initiatives, as 
well as on boosting penetration of its premium
services, such as, Cablevisión HD, Pay Per View
(PPV), Video On Demand (VoD) and Digital
Video Recording (DVR) and expanding 
its broadband Internet access subscriber base.
Progress was also made in the optimization 
of the reach of digital and premium services to
cities and towns in the provinces. 

In addition, in the Cable Television, Internet
Access and Telephony Services segment, on
September 10, 2015, the Board of Directors of
Cablevisión approved the assignment of the
rights and obligations held by Grupo Clarín
under an offer it had submitted to NII 
Mercosur Telecom, S.L.U. and NII Mercosur
Móviles, S.L.U. (hereinafter, the “Sellers”) for 
the acquisition of 49% of the capital stock 
of NEXTEL COMMUNICATIONS
ARGENTINA S.R.L. and an option to acquire,
together with the subsidiary of Cablevisión,
Televisión Dirigida S.A., subject to certain
conditions -among them, the regulatory
approvals-, 51% of the remaining capital stock.
The price of the transaction was USD 165
million (out of this amount, USD 80 million
accounts for 49% and USD 85 million accounts
for 51%) plus the right to collect an additional

Supplementary 
Financial 
Information

As of December 31, 2016

184

amount of up to USD 13 million subject to the
fulfillment of certain conditions. The offer
submitted by Grupo Clarín was subject to the
acceptance of the Sellers. On September 11,
2015, the Sellers accepted the offer submitted 
by Grupo Clarín and, on the same date, 
the Sellers accepted the assignment of the rights
under such offer in favor of Cablevisión, offering
Cablevisión the acquisition of 49% of the capital
stock of NEXTEL and the option to acquire 
the remaining 51%. In order to guarantee the
rights and obligations under the offer, the capital
stock owned by NII Mercosur Móviles, S.L.U
was pledged (subject to registration with the
Public Registry of Commerce). The transaction
was completed on September 14, 2015 upon
payment by Cablevisión and its subsidiary of an
aggregate USD 159 million. The companies
undertook to create a guarantee fund with the
USD 6 million balance, to cover any potential
liabilities of NEXTEL (this fund was set up 
on October 7, 2015). In addition, upon the
fulfillment of certain conditions precedent, on
October 1, 2015, Cablevisión paid to the Sellers
the additional amount of USD 12.73 million.
On June 3, 2016, the assignment of 49% 
of the capital stock of NEXTEL in favor of
Cablevisión was registered with the IGJ. Under
the terms of the offer, NEXTEL will continue 
to be controlled and operated by the Sellers 
until the option to acquire the remaining 51% 
of the capital stock has been exercised. On
January 27, 2016, Cablevisión and its subsidiary
Televisión Dirigida S.A. decided to exercise 
the option to acquire the remaining 51% of the
capital stock and votes of NEXTEL, and,
consequently, Cablevisión became the holder 
of 51.4% of the capital stock and votes of 
NEXTEL and Televisión Dirigida S.A. became
the holder of the remaining 48.6%. To such
effect, on the same date, NEXTEL’s management
took notice of the release of the pledge 
that had been set up to guarantee the rights and
obligations under the offer. On July 26, 2016,
the IGJ registered the assignment of the

remaining 51% of the capital stock. Through
ENACOM Resolution No. 280/2016, served on
Cablevisión on March 8, 2016, the Enforcement
Authority authorized the changes in the equity
interests of NEXTEL in favor of Cablevisión S.A.
Therefore, these Financial Statements include 
the operations of NEXTEL.

On June 30, 2016, the controlled company
Televisión Dirigida S.A. performed the transfer
of: (i) 392,774,929 membership interests with
nominal value of Ps. 1 each and entitled to 
one vote per membership interest, representing
48.5% of the capital stock and votes of
NEXTEL, in favor of Cablevisión; and (ii)
1,000,000 membership interests with nominal
value of Ps. 1 each and entitled to one vote 
per membership interest, representing 0.1% of
the capital stock and votes of NEXTEL, in 
favor of PEM S.A. As a consequence of the
above-mentioned assignments of membership
interests, Cablevisión holds a 99.9% interest in
the capital stock and votes of NEXTEL, and 
the remaining 0.1% is held by PEM S.A. These
assignments have not yet been registered with 
the IGJ.

In June 2016, Cablevisión, together with its
subsidiary NEXTEL, acquired 100% (97%
NEXTEL and 3% Cablevisión) of the capital
stock of Fibercomm S.A. and Gridley
Investments S.A. both owners of 100% of the
capital stock of Trixco S.A., holder of licenses 
for the use of the radioelectric spectrum in 
the 900 Mhz bands. NEXTEL acquired 100% 
of the capital stock of WX Telecommunications
LLC and Greenmax Telecommunications LLC,
which are the controlling companies of Skyonline
Argentina S.A., Netizen S.A., Infotel S.A. and
Callbi S.A., among the most relevant. The 
latter render wireless telecommunications services 
and hold licenses for the use of the radioelectric
spectrum in the 2.5 Ghz bands. The aggregate
price for those transactions was USD 138.2
million, equivalent to Ps. 2,036 million.

185

In addition, in June 2016, Cablevisión issued
Notes (the “Notes”) subject to the public offering
regime authorized by the CNV for USD 500
million, due 2021 at a fixed interest rate of 6.5%.
The Notes aroused so much interest among
investors that they were oversubscribed more
than 6 times. Eighty per cent of the proceeds was
used to refinance liabilities (lowering the average
interest rate) and the remaining 20% is being
used by the company for strategic investments,
both in network quality and reach.

In November 2016, Cablevisión launched a 
new online content service, Flow. The distribution
of contents is based on IP infrastructure and
QAM Digital TV with the possibility of using
new functionalities such as linear streaming, 
Start Over, Reverse EPG, Cloud DVR and 
access to VOD contents, among others. These
functionalities are supported from a new 
user interface supplemented with advanced search 
and recommendation systems available 
in any type of device.

On September 28, the shareholders of Grupo
Clarín decided to implement the merger 

- spin-off process proposed by the Board of
Directors during the month of August,
mentioned in Note 25 to the consolidated
financial statements. First, certain subsidiaries of
Grupo Clarín will be merged into the Company,
and the Company will subsequently spin off a
portion of its equity to create a new company
under the name Cablevisión Holding S.A.
(CVH). Grupo Clarín will retain and continue
with all the activities, operations, assets and
liabilities that are not specifically allocated 
to CVH. The effective date of the Spin-off will
be the first day of the month following the 
date on which the latest of the following
registrations is completed: (i) the registration 
of the Corporate Reorganization with the IGJ, 
or (ii) the registration of the incorporation of
CVH with the IGJ.

Grupo Clarín will continue to be subject to 
the public offering regime in Argentina and
CVH will request authorization to be admitted
to the above-mentioned public offering regime 
in Argentina. The new company may also apply
to have its shares listed on and admitted to
trading on one or more local or foreign stock
exchanges and/or markets.

186

2. Consolidated financial structure

Note: the amounts are rounded and stated in
thousands of Argentine Pesos. The figures under
total amounts may not represent the exact
arithmetic sum of the other figures in the table.
Pursuant to CNV regulations, the following
table shows the balances and results for the
period, on a comparative basis with the prior
periods, prepared under IFRS.

Non-current assets

Current assets

Assets held for sale

Total Assets

Equity of the Parent Company

Equity of Non-Controlling Interests

Total Equity

Non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Liabilities Held for Distribution 

to Shareholders

Total Liabilities

December 31, 

December 31,

December 31,

December 31,

December 31,

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2,459,028

5,726,538

28,082,221

36,267,788

9,626,387

4,416,373

14,042,761

845,833

4,117,531

17,261,662

22,225,027

16,246,453

8,454,551

-

24,701,004

7,232,951

3,175,289

10,408,240

4,718,094

9,574,671

10,801,158

6,366,440

163,897

17,331,495

5,483,022

2,282,464

7,765,487

3,520,126

6,045,882

9,512,026

4,872,758

-

8,303,639

3,699,980

-

14,384,783

12,003,619

4,729,908

1,748,886

6,478,794

3,451,464

4,454,526

4,090,030

1,374,569

5,464,599

3,378,694

3,160,327

-

-

-

-

14,292,764

9,566,008

7,905,989

6,539,020

Total Equity and Liabilities

36,267,788

24,701,004

17,331,495

14,384,783

12,003,619

187

3. Consolidated comprehensive income structure

Note: the amounts are rounded and stated in
thousands of Argentine Pesos. The figures under
total amounts may not represent the exact
arithmetic sum of the other figures in the table.
Pursuant to CNV regulations, the following
table shows the balances and results for the
period, on a comparative basis with the prior
periods, prepared under IFRS.

Operating income/loss from 
continuing operations (1)
Financial Results 

Equity in Earnings from Affiliates 

and Subsidiaries

Other Income and Expenses, net

Income/loss from continuing operations 

December 31,

December 31,

December 31,

December 31,

December 31,

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

782,222

(398,176)

48,725

55,466

933,900

(130,968)

3,594,695

(1,730,425)

2,149,638

(1,473,831)

1,900,321

(916,154)

61,299

98,222

71,895

(638)

99,483

69,534

13,683

639

before income tax and tax on assets 

488,238

962,453

1,935,527

844,825

998,490

Income tax and tax on assets

(264,158)

(354,575)

(590,065)

(97,924)

(524,876)

Income for the year from 

continuing operations

224,080

607,878

1,345,462

746,900

473,614

Net Income from Discontinued Operations

Net Income for the Year

3,955,531

4,179,611

2,308,032

2,915,910

-

1,345,462

53,765

800,666

498,717

972,331

Other Comprehensive Income for the Year 

416,131

165,912

359,868

312,065

180,169

Total Comprehensive Income for the Year

4,595,742

3,081,822

1,705,330

1,112,731

1,152,500

(1) Defined as net sales less cost of sales and expenses.

188

4. Cash Flow Structure

Note: the amounts are rounded and stated in
thousands of Argentine Pesos. The figures under
total amounts may not represent the exact
arithmetic sum of the other figures in the table.
Pursuant to CNV regulations, the following
table shows the balances and results for the
period, on a comparative basis with the prior
periods, prepared under IFRS.

December 31, 

December 31,

December 31,

December 31,

December 31,

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

Cash provided by (used in) 

Operating Activities

Cash provided by (used in) 

Investment Activities 

Cash provided by (used in) 

Financing Activities

Total Cash provided (used) for the Year

Financial Results generated 

by Cash And Cash Equivalents

9,503,181

6,605,500

4,455,564

2,608,347

2,291,944

(11,418,638)

(5,607,261)

(2,900,589)

(2,038,304)

(819,887)

(488,258)

(2,403,715)

(885,467)

112,772

(1,624,895)

(69,921)

(412,863)

157,180

(1,110,017)

362,040

995,616

847,812

164,436

188,547

77,116

Total Changes in Cash

(1,408,099)

960,585

94,515

345,727

439,156

189

5. Statistical data

Cable TV subscribers (1) (5)
Cable TV homes passed (2) (5)
Cable TV churn ratio
Internet access subscribers (1)
Newspaper circulation (3)
Canal 13 audience share
Prime Time (4)
Total Time (4)

December 31, 

December 31,

December 31,

December 31,

December 31,

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

3,527,674

7,832,915

13.8

2,182,598

237,116

34.8

32.0

3,532,577

7,795,404

12.6

2,025,860

261,699

37.3

30.4

3,491,068

7,514,104

13.6

1,837,672

276,466

33.3

26.7

3,492,480

7,509,525

12.7

1,711,587

296,704

35.4

28.0  

3,404,698

7,455,898

12.8

1,504,380

311,699

35.9

29.4

(1) Includes companies controlled, directly and
indirectly, by Cablevisión (Argentina, Uruguay and
Paraguay).
(2) Contemplates the elimination of the overlapping
of networks between Cablevisión and subsidiaries
(including Multicanal and Teledigital).
(3) Average quantity of newspapers per day (Diario
Clarín and Olé), pursuant to the Instituto Verificador
de Circulaciones (this figure represents sales in
Argentina and abroad).
(4) Share of prime time audience of broadcast
television stations in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos
Aires, as reported by IBOPE. Prime time is defined 
as 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM, Monday through Friday.
Total time is defined as 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM,
Monday through Sunday.
(5) As of December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013
it does not include the data corresponding to
Cablevisión’s subsidiaries in Paraguay.

190

6. Ratios

Liquidity (current assets / current liabilities)

Solvency (equity / total liabilities)

Capital assets 

(non-current assets / total assets)

Return on equity (net income for the year / 

average shareholders’ equity)

December 31, 

December 31,

December 31,

December 31,

December 31,

2016

1.39

0.63

0.07

0.34

2015

0.88

0.73

0.66

0.32

2014

1.05

0.81

0.62

0.19

2013

1.09

0.82

0.66

0.13

2012

1.17

0.84

0.69

0.19

7. Outlook

The Company remains committed to informing
with independence, to reaching all sectors 
of society and to supporting the quality and
credibility values of its media.

Grupo Clarín’s corporate strategy is aimed at
maintaining and consolidating its presence 
in the production of contents, strengthening its
presence in the traditional media, with a
growing focus on digital media. The Company
seeks to leverage its positioning and access to
opportunities for growth in the Argentine 
and regional industry to strengthen and develop
its current businesses.

The Company will keep focusing on the core
processes that allow for a sustainable and
efficient growth from different perspectives:
financial structure, management control,
business strategy, human resources, innovation
and corporate social responsibility.

Signed for identification purposes 
with the report dated March 10, 2017

See our report dated March 10, 2017
Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L.
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 1 - FOL. 17

Carlos Alberto Pedro Di Candia
Chairman of the Supervisory Committee

Dr. Carlos A. Pace (Partner)
Certified Public Accountant (UBA)
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 150 - FOL. 106

Alejandro A. Urricelqui
Vice Chairman  and acting Chairman

191

Independent 
Auditor’s Report 

Free translation from 
the original 
prepared in Spanish

To the Shareholders, President 

and Directors of Grupo Clarín S.A.

Legal domicile: Piedras 1743

Autonomous City of Buenos Aires

CUIT No 30-70700173-5

Report on the Financial Statements
We have audited the attached consolidated
financial statements of Grupo Clarín S.A. and
its controlled subsidiaries (the “Company”)
which comprise the consolidated balance sheet
at December 31, 2016, the consolidated
statements of comprehensive income, of changes
in equity and of cash flows for the year then
ended and a summary of significant accounting
policies and other explanatory information.

The balances and other information
corresponding to the fiscal year 2015 are an
integral part of the audited financial statements
mentioned above, therefore, they must be
considered in connection with these financial
statements.

Board of Directors’ responsibility
The Board of Directors of the Company is
responsible for the reasonable preparation and
presentation of these consolidated financial
statements in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adopted
by the Argentine Federation of Professional
Councils in Economic Sciences (FACPCE, for
its Spanish acronym) as professional accounting
standards and incorporated by the Argentine
Securities Commission (CNV, for its Spanish
acronym) into its regulations, as adopted by 
the International Accounting Standards Board
(IASB). Further, the Board of Directors is
responsible for the existence of adequate internal
control to prepare consolidated financial
statements free from material misstatements 
due to errors or irregularities. 

192

Auditor’s responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
the accompanying consolidated financial
statements based on our audit. We conducted
our audit in accordance with International
Standards on Auditing (ISAs), as adopted in
Argentina by the FACPCE through Technical
Resolutions No. 32 and its respective Adoption
Communications. Those standards require 
that we comply with ethical requirements and
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance whether the consolidated financial
statements are free from material misstatements.

An audit involves performing procedures to
obtain audit evidence about the amounts and
other information disclosed in the consolidated
financial statements. The procedures selected
depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the
assessment of the risks of material misstatement
in the consolidated financial statements due to
fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, 
the auditor must consider internal control
relevant to the Company’s preparation 
and reasonable presentation of the consolidated
financial statements in order to design 
audit procedures that are appropriate in the
circumstances, but not for the purpose 
of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness 
of the Company’s internal control. An audit 
also includes evaluating the appropriateness 
of accounting policies used and the
reasonableness of significant estimates made 
by the Company’s management, as well 
as evaluating the overall presentation of the
consolidated financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide
a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial
statements mentioned in the first paragraph of
this report present fairly, in all material respects,
the consolidated financial position of Grupo
Clarín S.A. and its subsidiaries as of December
31, 2016, its consolidated comprehensive
income and consolidated cash flows for the year
then ended, in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards.

Emphasis of Matter paragraph
Without qualifying our opinion, we would like
to emphasize the information contained in 
Note 8.1.a., to the consolidated financial
statements, which describes the situation related
to the resolution issued by the regulator to
calculate the monthly fee payable by the users 
of cable television services, whose decisions
cannot be foreseen to date.

Report on compliance with current regulations
In accordance with current regulations in
respect to Grupo Clarín S.A., we report that:

a) the consolidated financial statements of
Grupo Clarín S.A. have been transcribed 
to the “Inventory and Balance Sheet” book and
comply with the General Associations Law 
and pertinent resolutions of the Argentine
Securities Commission, as regards those matters
within our competence;

b) the parent company only financial statements
of Grupo Clarín S.A. arise from accounting
records kept in all formal respects in conformity
with legal regulations which maintain the
security and integrity conditions on the basis of
which they were authorized by the Argentine
Securities Commission;

193

c) we have read the supplementary financial
information, on which, as regards those matters
that are within our competence, we have no
observations to make;

d) at December 31, 2016 the debt accrued 
by Grupo Clarín S.A. in favor of the Argentine
Integrated Social Security System according 
to the Company’s accounting records and
calculation amounted to $3,999,588.68, none
of which was claimable at that date;

e) in accordance with the requirements of
Article 21°, Subsection b), Chapter III, Section
VI, Title II of the regulations of the Argentine
Securities Commission, we report that the 
total fees for auditing and related services billed
to the Company during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2016 represent:

e.1) 73% on the total fees for services invoiced
to the Company for all concepts in that 
fiscal year;
e.2) 8% on the total fees for audit and related
services invoiced to the Company, its 
parent companies, subsidiaries and affiliates 
in that fiscal year;
e.3) 6% on the total fees for services invoiced 
to the Company, its parent companies,
subsidiaries and affiliates for all concepts in 
that fiscal year.

f ) we have applied the procedures on prevention
of asset laundering and terrorism funding set
forth in the relevant professional rules issued by
the Professional Council for Economic Sciences
of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires.

Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, 
March 10, 2017

Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L.

by Carlos A. Pace (Partner)

194

PARENT 
COMPANY ONLY 
FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS

195

Parent Company only
Statement of
Comprehensive 
Income

For the years ended 
December 31, 2016 and 2015
In Argentine Pesos (Ps.)

Notes

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Equity in Earnings from Affiliates and Subsidiaries

Management fees 
Administrative Expenses (1)
Other Income and Expenses, net

Financial Costs

Other Financial Results, net

Financial Results

Income before Income Tax and Tax on Assets 

Income Tax and Tax on Assets

Net Income from Continuing Operations

4.3

5.1

5.2

5.3

6

2,061,762,606

181,950,000

(283,211,965)

8,231,363

(95,141,953) 

4,741,348

(90,400,605)

1,878,331,399

(4,715,402)

1,873,615,997

1,858,636,177

162,560,000

(198,684,409)

(24,054,643)

(87,424,976)

44,656,460

(42,768,516)

1,755,688,609

(2,070,642)

1,753,617,967

Net Income from Discontinued Operations

4.12

656,425,835

131,311,402

Net Income for the Year

2,530,041,832

1,884,929,369

Other Comprehensive Income

Items which may be reclassified to net income

Variation in Translation Differences of Foreign 

Operations from Continuing Operations

Variation in Translation Differences of Foreign 

Operations from Discontinued Operations

Other Comprehensive Income for the Year 

135,731,445

108,676,630

82,894,462

218,625,907

9,766,381

118,443,011

Total Comprehensive Income for the Year

2,748,667,739

2,003,372,380

(1) Includes depreciation of property, plant and equipment 
and amortization of intangible assets in the amount of 
Ps. 1,410,809 and Ps. 821,139 for the years ended December 31, 
2016 and 2015, respectively.

The notes are an integral part of these parent company only 
financial statements.

Signed for identification purposes 
with the report dated March 10, 2017

See our report dated March 10, 2017
Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L.
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 1 - FOL. 17

Carlos Alberto Pedro Di Candia
Chairman of the Supervisory Committee

Dr. Carlos A. Pace (Partner)
Certified Public Accountant (UBA)
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 150 - FOL. 106

Alejandro A. Urricelqui
Vice Chairman  and acting Chairman

196

Parent Company only
Balance Sheet

As of December 31, 2016, 
and 2015
In Argentine Pesos (Ps.)

Assets

Non-Current Assets

Property, Plant and Equipment 

Intangible Assets 

Deferred Tax Assets

Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates 

Other Receivables

Total Non-Current Assets

Current Assets

Other Receivables

Other Investments

Cash and Banks

Total Current Assets

Notes

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

4.1

4.2

6

4.3

4.4

4.4

4.5

4.6

6,364,387

41,564

21,723,720

3,311,592,293

30,000

3,339,751,964

157,656,503

84,222,441

34,438,063

276,317,007

1,258,776

107,333

31,599,563

7,613,659,094

30,000

7,646,654,766

154,514,369

19,848,419

12,193,114

186,555,902

Assets Held for Distribution to Shareholders

4.12

6,816,875,217

-

Total Assets

10,432,944,188

7,833,210,668

Equity (as per the corresponding statement)

Shareholders’ Contributions

Other Items

Accumulated Income

Total Equity

Liabilities

Non-Current Liabilities

Other Liabilities

Debt

Total Non-Current Liabilities

Current Liabilities

Debt

Taxes Payable

Other Liabilities

Trade Payables and Other 

Total Current Liabilities

2,010,638,503

755,638,189

6,860,110,364

9,626,387,056

2,010,638,503

592,243,638

4,630,068,532

7,232,950,673

-

367,813,013

367,813,013

3,475,247

9,056,387

818,127

74,257,310

87,607,071

228,553,387

-

228,553,387

287,999,976

11,239,631

25,837,958

46,629,043

371,706,608

4.3

4.7

4.7

4.8

4.9

Liabilities Held for Distribution to Shareholders

4.12

351,137,048

-

Total Liabilities

806,557,132

600,259,995

Total Equity and Liabilities

10,432,944,188

7,833,210,668

The notes are an integral part of these parent company only 
financial statements.

Signed for identification purposes 
with the report dated March 10, 2017

See our report dated March 10, 2017
Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L.
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 1 - FOL. 17

Carlos Alberto Pedro Di Candia
Chairman of the Supervisory Committee

Dr. Carlos A. Pace (Partner)
Certified Public Accountant (UBA)
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 150 - FOL. 106

Alejandro A. Urricelqui
Vice Chairman  and acting Chairman

197

Parent Company only
Statement of 
Changes in Equity

For the years ended 
December 31, 2016 and 2015
In Argentine Pesos (Ps.)

Balances as of January 1st 2015

Set-up of reserves (Note 7.a)

Dividend Distribution (Note 7.a)

Changes in Reserves for Acquisition of Investments

Net Income for the Year

Other Comprehensive Income:

Variation in Translation Differences of Foreign Operations

Adjustment on

 Capital Stock

Capital Stock

Paid-in Capital

287,418,584

309,885,253

1,413,334,666

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Balances as of December 31, 2015

287,418,584

309,885,253

1,413,334,666

Set-up of reserves (Note 7.a)

Dividend Distribution (Note 7.a)

Changes in Reserves for Acquisition of Investments

Net Income for the Year

Other Comprehensive Income:

Variation in Translation Differences of Foreign Operations

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Balances as of December 31, 2016

287,418,584

309,885,253

1,413,334,666

(1) Broken down as follows: (i) Optional reserve for 
future dividends of Ps. 1,884,929,369; (ii) Judicial 
reserve for future dividend distribution of Ps. 387,028,756, 
(iii) Optional reserve for illiquidity of results of 
Ps. 694,371,899, and (iv) Optional reserve to provide financial 
aid to subsidiaries and in connection with the Audiovisual 
Communication Services Law of Ps. 1,244,277,741.

The notes are an integral part of these parent company 
only financial statements. 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1

2

-

-

-

-

-

-

(

(

5

1

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(

1

(

2

198

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subtotal

Foreign Operations

Other Reserves

Legal Reserve

2,010,638,503

477,454,394

(209,686)

119,460,767

Shareholders’ 

Contributions

Translation of 

-

-

-

-

-

2,010,638,503

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

118,443,011

595,897,405

-

-

-

-

218,625,907

Other Items

Accumulated Income

(1) Optional 
reserves

2,071,576,709

554,101,687

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Retained Earnings

Total Equity

804,101,687

(554,101,687)

(250,000,000)

-

1,884,929,369

-

(300,000,000)

-

2,530,041,832

5,483,022,374

-

(250,000,000)

(3,444,081)

1,884,929,369

118,443,011

7,232,950,673

-

(300,000,000)

(55,231,356)

2,530,041,832

-

218,625,907

-

-

(3,444,081)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(55,231,356)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(3,653,767)

119,460,767

2,625,678,396

1,884,929,369

1,584,929,369

(1,584,929,369)

2,010,638,503

814,523,312 

(58,885,123) 

119,460,767

4,210,607,765

2,530,041,832

9,626,387,056

Signed for identification purposes 
with the report dated March 10, 2017

See our report dated March 10, 2017
Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L.
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 1 - FOL. 17

Carlos Alberto Pedro Di Candia
Chairman of the Supervisory Committee

Dr. Carlos A. Pace (Partner)
Certified Public Accountant (UBA)
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 150 - FOL. 106

Alejandro A. Urricelqui
Vice Chairman  and acting Chairman

199

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Parent Company only 
Statements 
of Cash Flows

For the years ended 
December 31, 2016 and 2015
In Argentine Pesos (Ps.)

Cash provided by Operating Activities

Net Income for the Year

Income Tax and Tax on Assets

Accrued Interest, net

Adjustments to reconcile net income for the year 

to cash used in operating activities:

- Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment and 

Amortization of Intangible Assets

- Financial Income, except interest

- Equity in Earnings from Affiliates and Subsidiaries

- Net Income from Discontinued Operations

- Other Income and Expenses

Changes in Assets and Liabilities:

- Other Receivables

- Trade Payables and Other

- Taxes Payable

- Other Liabilities

Income Tax and Tax on Assets Payments

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

2,530,041,832

1,884,929,369

4,715,402

16,593,740

2,070,642

1,687,928

1,410,809

68,755,865

(2,061,762,606)

(656,425,835)

115,853

(60,609,143)

24,868,118

(6,198,800)

(24,712,147)

(1,608,744)

821,139

36,783,713

(1,858,636,177)

(131,311,402)

-

(46,675,753)

12,421,986

11,536,970

736,562

(2,414,702)

Net Cash Flows used in Operating Activities

(164,815,656)

(88,049,725)

Cash provided by Investment Activities

Dividends collected

Capital contributions in subsidiaries

Payment for Acquisition of Investments

Acquisition of Property, Plant and Equipment, net

Loans and interest collected

Loans granted

Transactions with Securities, Bonds and 

Other Financial Instruments, Net

Collection of Certificates of Deposit

500,373,342

(775,789,200)

(10,000)

(6,450,651)

1,201,377

-

107,499

-

343,407,498

(288,595,850)

-

(567,690)

24,290,152

(22,300,000)

32,201,214

31,610,543

Net Cash Flows (used in) / provided by Investing Activities

(280,567,633)

120,045,867

See our report dated March 10, 2017
Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L.
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 1 - FOL. 17

Dr. Carlos A. Pace (Partner)
Certified Public Accountant (UBA)
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 150 - FOL. 106

200

Cash provided by Financing Activities

- Loans Obtained

- Payment of Debts

- Payment of Interest

- Payment of Dividends

Net Cash Flows provided by /(used in) Financing Activities

Financing Results generated by Cash and Cash Equivalents

Net Increase / (Decrease) in cash flow

Cash from Mergers

Cash and Cash Equivalents at the Beginning of the Year 

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

741,375,247

-

(600,626)

(300,000,000)

440,774,621

9,398,525

4,789,857

81,829,114

208,075,000

(7,500,000)

(231,387)

(250,000,000)

(49,656,387)

14,725,546

(2,934,699)

-

(Note 2.15)

32,041,533

34,976,232

Cash and Cash Equivalents at the Closing of the Year 

(Note 2.15)

118,660,504

32,041,533

The notes are an integral part of these parent company 
only financial statements.

Signed for identification purposes 
with the report dated March 10, 2017

See our report dated March 10, 2017
Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L.
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 1 - FOL. 17

Carlos Alberto Pedro Di Candia
Chairman of the Supervisory Committee

Dr. Carlos A. Pace (Partner)
Certified Public Accountant (UBA)
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 150 - FOL. 106

Alejandro A. Urricelqui
Vice Chairman  and acting Chairman

201

Notes to the Parent
Company only 
Financial 
Statements 

For the year ended 
December 31, 2016 
Presented on a comparative basis
In Argentine Pesos (Ps.)

202

Note 1

General Information
Grupo Clarín is a holding company that 
operates in the Media industry. Its operating
income and cash flows derive from the 
operations of its subsidiaries in which it
participates directly or indirectly.

The operations of its subsidiaries include cable
television, Internet access and telephony services,
newspaper and other printing, publishing and
advertising activities, broadcast television, radio
operations and television content production, 
on-line and new media services, and other media
related activities. A substantial portion of its
revenues is generated in Argentina. 

Note 20 to these Parent Company Only
Financial Statements describes the current
merger-spin-off process of the Company and
certain subsidiaries.

Note 2

Basis for the Preparation and Presentation of the

Parent Company only Financial Statements

2.1 Basis for the preparation
Pursuant to General Resolution No. 562 issued
on December 29, 2009, entitled “Adoption 
of International Financial Reporting Standards”
and General Resolution No. 576/10, the 
CNV provided for the application of Technical
Resolutions (“TR”) No. 26 and 29 issued 
by the Argentine Federation of Professional
Councils of Economic Sciences (FACPCE, for
its Spanish acronym). Since the Company is
subject to the public offering regime governed
by Law No. 26,831, it is required to apply such
standards as from the year beginning January
1st, 2012. The FACPCE issues Adoption
Communications in order to implement IASB
resolutions in Argentina.

Technical Resolution No. 43 “Amendment of
Technical Resolution No. 26”, effective for 
fiscal years beginning on or after January 1,
2016, sets out that parent company only
financial statements shall be prepared fully in
accordance with IFRS without applying any
changes, i.e. complying with the full contents 
of those standards as issued by the IASB and
with the mandatory or guiding provisions

established by IASB in each document. That
Resolution provides that for its disclosure 
in parent company only financial statements 
of entities that are required to present
consolidated financial statements, the
investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and
associates shall be valued under the equity
method as set out by IFRS. 

In preparing these parent company only
financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2016, presented on a
comparative basis, the Company has followed
the guidelines provided by TR 43, and,
therefore, these financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with IFRS. Certain
additional matters were included as required 
by the Argentine Business Associations Law
and/or CNV regulations, including the
supplementary information provided under 
the last paragraph of Section 1, Chapter III,
Title IV of General Resolution No. 622/13.
That information is included in the Notes to
these parent company only financial statements,
as provided under IFRS and CNV rules.

The interim condensed parent company 
only financial statements have been prepared 
based on historical cost, except for the
measurement at fair value of certain 
non-current assets and financial instruments. 
In general, the historical cost is based on 
the fair value of the consideration granted in
exchange for the assets.

IAS 29 “Financial Reporting in
Hyperinflationary Economies” (“IAS 29”)
requires that the financial statements of an entity
that reports in the currency of a hyperinflationary
economy be stated in terms of the measuring
unit current at the balance sheet closing date of
the reporting period and details a series of 
factors that may indicate that an economy is
hyperinflationary. Based on the guidelines of IAS
29, there is not enough evidence to conclude 
that Argentina was a hyperinflationary economy
in 2016 and, therefore, the Company did not
apply the restatement criteria to the financial
information for the years reported as established
under IAS 29.

Certain figures reported in the financial
statements presented on a comparative basis
were reclassified in order to maintain the
consistency in the disclosure of the figures
corresponding to this year.

The attached information, approved by the Board
of Directors at the meeting held on March 10,
2017, is presented in Argentine Pesos (Ps.), 
the Argentine legal tender, and arises from
accounting records kept by Grupo Clarín S.A.

2.2 Standards and Interpretations issued but not

adopted to date
The Company has not adopted IFRS or
revisions of IFRS issued as per the detail below,
since their application is not required for the
year ended December 31, 2016:

- IFRS 9 Financial Instruments: issued in
November 2009 and amended in October 
2010 and July 2014. IFRS 9 introduces new
requirements for the classification and
measurement of financial assets and liabilities
and for their derecognition. This standard 
is applicable to years beginning on or after 
January 1st, 2018. 

- IFRS 15 "Revenue from contracts with
customers": issued in May 2014 and applicable
to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1,
2018. This standard specifies how and when
revenue will be recognized, as well as the
additional information to be disclosed by the
Company in the financial statements. It
provides a single, principles based five-step
model to be applied to all contracts with
customers.

- IFRS 16 "Leases": issued in January 2016 
and applicable to fiscal years beginning on or
after January 1, 2019. It sets out the principles
for the recognition, measurement, presentation
and disclosure of leases.

As of the date of these financial statements, 
the Company cannot estimate its quantitative
impact because it is analyzing the corresponding
accounting effects.

2.3. Standards and Interpretations issued and

adopted to date 
As of the date of these consolidated financial
statements, no new regulations have been 
issued that may be applicable to the Company
for this year.

2.4 Equity Interests 
The Company records the interest in its
subsidiaries and associates using the equity
method, as established by TR 26.

A subsidiary is an entity over which the
Company exercises control. Control is presumed
to exist when the Company has a right to
variable returns from its interest in a subsidiary
and has the ability to affect those returns
through its power over the subsidiary. This
power is presumed to exist when evidenced by
the votes, be it that the Company has the
majority of voting rights or potential rights
currently exercised.

An associate is an entity over which the
Company has significant influence, without
exerting control, generally accompanied by
equity holdings of between 20% and 50% of
voting rights.

The subsidiaries’ and associates’ net income 
and the assets and liabilities are disclosed in the
financial statements using the equity method,
except when the investment is classified as held
for sale, in which case it is accounted for under
IFRS 5 “Non-Current Assets Held for Sale 
and Discontinued Operations”. Under the equity
method, the investment in a subsidiary or
associate is to be initially recorded at cost and 
the book value will be increased or decreased to
recognize the investor’s share in the comprehensive
income for the year or in other comprehensive
income obtained by the subsidiary or associate,
after the acquisition date. The distributions
received from the subsidiary or associate will
reduce the book value of the investment. 

The losses incurred by an associate in excess 
of the Company’s interest in such company are
recognized to the extent the Company has
undertaken any legal or implicit obligation or
has made payments on behalf of the associate.

Any excess of the acquisition cost over the
Company’s share in the net fair value of 
the subsidiary’s or associate’s identifiable assets,
liabilities and contingent liabilities measured 
at the acquisition date is recognized as goodwill.
Goodwill is included in the book value of the
investment and tested for impairment as part 
of the investment. Any excess of the Company’s
share in the net fair value of the identifiable
assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities over
the acquisition cost, after its measurement 
at fair value, is immediately recognized in net
income.

Unrealized gains or losses on transactions
between the Company and its subsidiaries and

203

the associates are eliminated considering the
Company’s interest in those companies. 

Adjustments were made, where necessary, to 
the subsidiaries’ and associates’ financial
statements so that their accounting policies are
in line with those used by the Company.

2.4.1 Changes in the Company’s Interests in Existing

Subsidiaries
The changes in the Company’s interests in
subsidiaries that do not generate a loss of
control are recorded under equity. The book
value of the Company’s interests is adjusted 
to reflect the changes in the relative interest in
the subsidiary. Any difference between the
amount for which an additional investment is
recorded and the fair value of the consideration
paid or received is directly recognized in equity.

In case of loss of control and significant
influence, any residual interest in the issuing
company is measured at its fair value at such
date, allocating the change in the recorded 
value with an impact on net income. The 
fair value is the initial amount recognized for 
such investments for the purposes of its
subsequent valuation for the interest retained 
as associate, joint operation or financial
instrument. Additionally any amount previously
recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
regarding such investments is recognized as if
the Company had disposed of the related assets
and liabilities. Consequently, the amounts
previously recognized in Other Comprehensive
Income may be reclassified to net income.

2.5 Business Combinations
The Company applies the acquisition method
to account for business combinations. The
consideration for each acquisition is measured 
at fair value (on the date of exchange) of the
assets acquired, the liabilities incurred or
assumed and the equity instruments issued by
the Company in exchange for the control of 
the company acquired. The costs related to the
acquisition are expensed as incurred.

The consideration for the acquisition, if any,
includes any asset or liability arising from a
contingent consideration arrangement,
measured at fair value at the acquisition date.
Subsequent changes to such fair value, verified
within the measurement period, are adjusted
against the acquisition cost. 

The measurement period is the actual period
that begins on the acquisition date and 
ends as soon as the Company receives all the
information it was seeking about facts and
circumstances that existed as of the acquisition
date. The measurement period cannot exceed
one year from the acquisition date. All other
changes in the fair value of the contingent
consideration classified as assets or liabilities,
outside the measurement period, are recognized
in net income. Changes in the fair value of 
the contingent consideration classified as equity
are not recognized. 

In the case of business combinations achieved 
in stages, the Company’s equity interest in the
company acquired is remeasured at fair value 
at the acquisition date (i.e., the date on 
which the Company acquired control) and the
resulting gain or loss, if any, is recognized 
as income/expense or in other comprehensive
income, depending on the origin of the
variation. In the periods preceding the reporting
periods, the Company may have recognized 
in other comprehensive income the changes in
the value of the interest in the capital stock of
the acquired company. In that case, the amount
recognized in other comprehensive income is
recognized on the same basis that would have
been required if the Company had directly
disposed of the previously-held equity interest.

The identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent
liabilities of the acquired company that meet 
the conditions for recognition under IFRS 3
(2008) are recognized at fair value at the
acquisition date, except for certain particular
cases provided by such standard.

Any excess of the acquisition cost (including 
the interest previously held, if any, and the 
non-controlling interest) over the Company’s
share in the net fair value of the subsidiary’s or
associate’s identifiable assets, liabilities and
contingent liabilities measured at the acquisition
date is recognized as goodwill. Any excess 
of the Company’s share in the net fair value 
of the identifiable assets, liabilities and
contingent liabilities over the acquisition cost,
after its measurement at fair value, is
immediately recognized in net income.

The acquisition cost comprises the consideration
transferred and the acquisition-date fair value 
of the acquirer’s previously-held equity interest
in the acquiree, if any.

204

2.6 Goodwill
Goodwill arises from the acquisition of
subsidiaries and associates and refers to the
excess of the sum of the consideration
transferred, the fair value of the acquirer’s
previously-held equity interest (if any) in the
acquiree over the interest acquired in the 
net amount of the fair value at the date of
acquisition of the identifiable assets acquired
and liabilities assumed. 

If, upon measurement at fair value, the
Company’s share in the fair value of net
identifiable assets of the acquired company
exceeds the amount of the consideration
transferred, the amount of any non-controlling
interest in such company and the fair value 
of the acquirer’s previous equity interest in the
acquiree (if any), such excess is immediately
recognized in the statement of comprehensive
income as a gain arising from a very profitable
acquisition.

Goodwill is not amortized, but tested for
impairment on an annual basis. For the
purposes of impairment testing, goodwill is
allocated to each of the Company’s cash-
generating units expected to render benefits
from the synergies of the respective business
combination. Those cash-generating units 
to which goodwill is allocated are tested for
impairment on an annual basis, or more
frequently, when there is any indication of
impairment. If the recoverable value of 
the cash-generating unit, i.e. the higher of the
value in use or the fair value net of selling
expenses, is lower than the value of the net
assets allocated to that unit, including goodwill,
the impairment loss is first allocated to reduce
the goodwill allocated to the unit and then 
to the other assets of the unit, on a pro rata
basis, based on the valuation of each asset 
in the unit. The impairment loss recognized
against the valuation of goodwill is not 
reversed under any circumstance.

In case of a loss of control in the subsidiary, 
the amount attributable to goodwill is included
in the calculation of the corresponding gain 
or loss.

2.7 Revenue Recognition
Management fees are recognized when such
services are rendered at the fair value of 
the consideration received or to be received.

2.8 Foreign Currency and Functional Currency
The financial statements of each of the
Company’s subsidiaries or associates 
are prepared in the currency of the primary
economic environment in which the entity
operates (its functional currency). For the
purposes of the Company’s Parent Company
Only Financial Statements, the net income 
and the financial position of each entity 
are stated in Argentine Pesos (Argentina’s legal
tender for all companies domiciled in
Argentina), which is the Company’s functional
currency. 

In preparing the financial statements of the
individual entities, the transactions in currencies
other than the entity’s functional currency
(foreign currency) are recorded at the exchange
rates prevailing on the dates on which
transactions are carried out. At the end of each
reporting year, the monetary items denominated
in foreign currency are retranslated at the
exchange rates prevailing on such date. 

Exchange differences are charged to net income
as incurred.

In preparing the Company’s parent company
only financial statements, in order to measure,
under the equity method, the Company’s
interest in the entities which functional
currencies is different from the Argentine Peso,
the assets and liabilities of such companies 
are translated to Argentine pesos at the exchange
rate prevailing at the end of the year, while 
the net income is translated at the exchange 
rate prevailing on the transaction date.
Translation differences are recognized in other
comprehensive income as “Variation in
Translation Differences of Foreign Operations”.

2.9 Taxes
The income tax charge reflects the sum 
of current income tax and deferred income tax.

2.9.1 Current and Deferred Income Tax for the year 
Current and deferred taxes are recognized as
expense or income for the year, except when
they are related to entries debited or credited to
other comprehensive income or directly to
equity, in which cases taxes are also recognized
in other comprehensive income or directly in
equity, respectively. In the case of a business
combination, the tax effect is taken into
consideration in the calculation of goodwill or
in the determination of the excess of acquirer’s

205

interest in the net fair value of the acquiree’s
identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent
liabilities over the cost of the business
combination.

2.9.2 Current Income Tax
Current tax payable is based on the taxable
income recorded during the year. Taxable
income and net income reported in the parent
company only statement of comprehensive
income differ due to revenue or expense items
that are taxable or deductible in other fiscal
years and items that are never taxable or
deductible. The current tax liability is calculated
using the tax rate in effect as of the date of these
parent company only financial statements.

2.9.3 Deferred Income Tax
Deferred tax is recognized on temporary
differences between the book value of the assets
and liabilities included in these financial
statements and the corresponding tax basis used
to determine taxable income. Deferred tax
liabilities are generally recognized for all
temporary fiscal differences. Deferred tax assets
are recognized for all deductible temporary
differences to the extent that it is likely that
future taxable income will be available against
which those deductible temporary differences can
be charged. These assets and liabilities are not
recognized if the temporary differences arise from
goodwill or from the initial recognition (other
than in a business combination) of other assets
and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither
the taxable income nor the accounting income.

The book value of a deferred tax asset is reviewed
at each reporting year and reduced to the extent
that it is no longer likely that sufficient taxable
income will be available in the future to allow for
the recovery of all or part of the asset.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured
at the tax rates that are expected to be applicable
in the year in which the asset is realized or 
the liability is settled, based on the tax rates
(and tax laws) that have been enacted or
substantively enacted by the end of the period.
The measurement of deferred tax liabilities 
and assets reflects the tax consequences that
would follow from the manner in which 
the entity expects, at the end of the reporting
year, to recover or settle the book value of its
assets and liabilities.

Deferred tax assets are offset against deferred 
tax liabilities if effective regulations allow 
to offset, before the tax authorities, the amounts
recognized in those items; and if the deferred
tax assets and liabilities arise from income 
taxes levied by the same tax authority and the
Company intends to settle its assets and
liabilities on a net basis.

Under the IFRS, deferred income tax assets 
and liabilities are classified as non-current assets
and liabilities, respectively.

2.9.4 Tax on Assets
In Argentina, the tax on assets (impuesto a 
la ganancia mínima presunta) is supplementary 
to income tax. The Company assesses this 
tax at the effective rate of 1% on the taxable
assets at year-end. The Company’s tax liability
for each year will be equal to the higher of 
the tax on assets assessment or the income tax
liability assessed at the legally effective rate 
on the estimated taxable income for the year.
However, if the tax on assets exceeds the income
tax liability in any given fiscal year, the excess
may be creditable against any excess of income
tax liability over the tax on assets in any of 
the following ten fiscal years.

The tax on assets balance has been capitalized 
in the parent company only financial
statements, net of a valuation allowance, based
on the Company’s current business plans.

2.10 Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible

Assets
Property, plant and equipment held for 
use in the supply of services, or for
administrative purposes, are recorded at cost 
less accumulated depreciation and any
accumulated impairment loss.

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
is recognized on a straight-line basis over its
estimated useful life. 

The estimated useful life, residual value 
and depreciation method are reviewed at each 
year-end, with the effect of any changes in
estimates accounted for on a prospective basis.

Repair and maintenance expenses are expensed
as incurred.

206

The gain or loss arising from the retirement 
or disposal of an item of property, plant 
and equipment is calculated as the difference
between income from the sale of the asset 
and the asset’s book value, and recognized 
under “Other Income and Expenses, net” in 
the parent company only statement of
comprehensive income.

The residual value of an asset is written down 
to its recoverable value, if the asset’s residual
value exceeds its estimated recoverable value 
(see Note 2.11).

Intangible assets comprise software and are
valued at cost, net of the corresponding
accumulated amortization and impairment
losses. Amortization is calculated on a straight
line basis over the estimated useful life of 
the intangible assets. The Company reviews 
the useful lives applied, the residual value and
the amortization method at each year-end, 
and accounts the effect of any changes in
estimates on a prospective basis.

2.11 Impairment of Non-Financial Assets, 

Except Goodwill
At the end of each financial statement, the
Company reviews the book value of its 
non-financial assets with definite useful life to
determine the existence of any evidence
indicating that these assets could be impaired. 
If there is any indication of impairment, 
the recoverable value of these assets is estimated 
for the purposes of determining the amount 
of the impairment loss (in case the recoverable
value is lower than the book value). Where 
it is not possible to estimate the recoverable
value of an individual asset, the Company
estimates the recoverable value of the cash-
generating unit ("CGU") to which such asset
belongs. Where a consistent and reasonable
allocation base can be identified, corporate
assets are also allocated to an individual cash-
generating unit or, otherwise, to the smallest
group of cash-generating units for which a
consistent allocation base can be identified. 

The recoverable value of an asset is the higher 
of the fair value less selling expenses or its value
in use. In measuring value in use, estimated
future cash flows are discounted at their present
value using a pre-tax discount rate, which
reflects the current market assessments of the
time value of money and, if any, the risks

specific to the asset for which estimated future
cash flows have not been adjusted.

Assets with an indefinite useful life 
(for example, non-financial assets unavailable 
for use) are not amortized, but are tested for
impairment on an annual basis.

During this year, no impairment losses have
been recorded for these assets.

2.12 Financial Instruments

2.12.1 Financial Assets
Purchases and sales of financial assets are
recognized at the transaction date when 
the Company undertakes to purchase or sell 
the asset, and is initially measured at fair 
value, plus transaction costs, except for those 
financial assets classified at fair value with
changes in the statement of income, which are
initially measured at fair value.

2.12.1.1 Classification of Financial Assets
Financial assets are classified within the
following specific categories: “financial assets 
at fair value with changes in net income”, 
“held-to-maturity investments” and “loans and
receivables”. The classification depends on 
the nature and purpose of the financial assets
and is determined on initial recognition.

2.12.1.2 Recognition and Measurement of 

Financial Assets

2.10.1.2.1 Financial Assets at Fair Value with

Changes in Net Income
Financial assets at fair value with changes in 
net income are recorded at fair value,
recognizing any gain or loss arising from the
measurement in the parent company only
statement of comprehensive income. The net
gain or loss recognized in net income includes
any gain or loss generated by the financial 
asset and is included under the item financial
income and cost in the parent company only
statement of comprehensive income.

The assets designated in this category are
classified as current assets if they are expected 
to be traded within 12 months; otherwise, 
they are classified as non-current assets.

The fair value of these assets is calculated based
on the current quoted market price of these
securities.

207

2.12.1.2.2 Held-to-maturity Investments
Held-to-maturity investments are measured 
at amortized cost using the effective interest rate
method less any impairment, if any.

The effective interest rate method calculates 
the amortized cost of a financial asset or liability
and the allocation of financial income or 
cost over the whole corresponding period. The
effective interest rate is the rate that exactly
discounts estimated future cash payments or
receipts over the expected life of the financial
instrument to the net book value of the
financial asset or liability on its initial
recognition.

Balances in foreign currency were translated 
at the exchange rate prevailing at the closing of
year for the settlement of these transactions.
Foreign exchange differences were charged to
net income for each year.

2.12.1.2.3 Loans and Receivables
Loans and trade receivables with fixed or
determinable payments not traded in an active
market are classified as “trade receivables and
other”. Trade receivables and other are initially
measured at fair value, and subsequently
measured at amortized cost using the effective
interest rate method, less any impairment, 
if any. Interest income is recognized using the
effective interest rate method, except for 
short-term balances for which the recognition 
of interest is not significant.

Loans and receivables are classified as current
assets, except for the maturities exceeding 
12 months from the closing date.

Loans in foreign currency have been valued 
as mentioned above, at the exchange rates
prevailing as of each year-end. Foreign exchange
differences were charged to net income for 
each year. 

2.12.1.3 Impairment of Financial Assets
The Company tests financial assets or a group
of assets for impairment at each closing date 
to assess if there is any objective evidence of
impairment. The value of a financial asset or a
group of assets is impaired, and an impairment
loss is recognized, where there is objective
evidence of the impairment as a result of one 
or more events that occurred after the initial
recognition of the asset (a “loss event”) and that
loss event or events have an impact on the

estimated future cash flows of the financial 
asset or a group of assets, which may be reliably
measured.

The objective evidence of impairment may
include, among others, significant financial
difficulties of the issuer or obligor; or 
breach of contractual terms, such as default or
delinquency in interest or principal payments.

The Company tests for impairment financial
assets disclosed under Other Receivables on 
a case by case basis.

Where there is objective evidence of an
impairment loss in the value of loans granted,
receivables or held-to-maturity investments
recorded at amortized cost, the loss amount is
measured as the difference between the book
value and the present value of estimated future
cash flows (without including future non-
incurred losses), discounted at the original
effective interest rate of the financial asset. 
The asset’s book value is written down under 
a contra asset account. The loss amount is
recognized in net income for the year. 

If, in subsequent periods, the impairment loss
amount decreases and such decrease can be
objectively related to an event occurring after
the impairment has been recognized (such as an
improvement in the debtor’s credit rating), 
the previously recognized impairment loss is
reversed. A loss reversal can only be recorded to
the extent the financial asset’s book value does
not exceed the amortized cost that would have
been determined if the impairment loss had not
been recorded at the reversal date. The reversal
amount is recognized in net income for the year.

2.12.1.4 Derecognition of Financial Assets
The Company derecognizes a financial asset
when the contractual rights to the cash flows 
of such assets expire or when it transfers 
the financial asset and, therefore, all the risks 
and benefits inherent to the ownership of 
the financial asset are transferred to another
entity. If the Company retains substantially 
all the risks and benefits inherent to the 
ownership of the transferred asset, it will
continue to recognize it and will recognize a
liability for the amounts received.

2.12.2 Financial Liabilities
Financial liabilities are valued at amortized cost
using the effective interest rate method. 

208

2.12.2.1 Debts
Debt is initially valued at fair value net of 
the transaction costs incurred, and subsequently
valued at amortized cost using the effective
interest rate method. Any difference between
the initial value net of the transaction costs 
and the settlement value is recognized in 
the income statement over the term of the loan
using the effective interest rate method. 
Interest expense has been charged to the parent
company only statement of comprehensive
income under “Financial Costs”.

2.12.2.2 Trade Payables and Other
Trade payables with fixed or determinable
payments not traded in an active market are
classified as “Trade Payables and Other”. 
Trade Payables and Other are initially measured
at fair value, and subsequently measured at
amortized cost using the effective interest rate
method. Interest expense is recognized 
using the effective interest rate method, except 
for short-term balances for which the
recognition of interest is not significant.

Trade Payables and Other are classified as
current, except for the maturities exceeding 
12 months from the closing date.

Trade payables in foreign currency have been
valued as mentioned above, at the exchange
rates prevailing as of each year end. Foreign
exchange differences were charged to net
income for each year. 

Cash and Banks

Short-Term Investments

Cash and Cash Equivalents

In the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, 
the following significant transactions were carried 
out, which did not have an impact on cash and 
cash equivalents:

2.12.2.3 Derecognition of Financial Liabilities
An entity shall derecognize a financial liability
(or part of it) when, and only when, it has 
been extinguished, i.e., when the obligation
specified in the corresponding agreement is
discharged, cancelled or expires.

2.13 Other Liabilities
The other liabilities have been valued at
nominal value.

2.14 Assets and Liabilities Held for Distribution to

Shareholders
Non-current assets and liabilities (or disposal
groups) are classified as assets and liabilities 
held for distribution to shareholders when an
entity undertakes to distribute them to its
shareholders, to the extent such distribution is
highly likely to occur and they are available 
for immediate distribution in their then current
conditions. 

2.15 Parent Company Only Statement of Cash Flows
For the purposes of preparing the parent
company only statement of cash flows, the 
item “Cash and Cash Equivalents” includes cash 
and bank balances, high liquidity short-term
investments (with original maturities shorter
than 90 days), and bank overdrafts payable on
demand, if any, are deducted to the extent they
are part of the Company’s cash management. 

Bank overdrafts are classified as “Debt” in the
parent company only balance sheet.

Cash and cash equivalents at each year-end, as
disclosed in the parent company only statement
of cash flows, may be reconciled against the
items related to the parent company only
balance sheet as follows:

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

34,438,063

84,222,441

118,660,504

12,193,114

19,848,419

32,041,533

Capital contributions in subsidiaries through debt settlement

55,176,000

8,000,000

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

209

2.16 Distribution of Dividends
The distribution of dividends to the Company’s
shareholders is recognized as a liability in 
the financial statements for the year in which
the distribution of dividends is approved by 
the Shareholders. 

Note 3

Accounting Estimates and Judgments 
In applying the accounting policies described 
in Note 2, the Company has to make
judgments and prepare accounting estimates of
the value of the assets and liabilities that may
not be otherwise obtained. The estimates and
related assumptions are based on historical
experience and other pertinent factors. Actual
results may differ from these estimates.

The underlying estimates and assumptions are
continually reviewed. The effects of the reviews
of accounting estimates are recognized for the
year in which estimates are reviewed.

These estimates basically refer to:

Impairment of Goodwill
The Company assesses goodwill for impairment
on an annual basis. In determining if 
there is impairment of goodwill, the Company
calculates the value in use of the cash 
generating units to which it has been allocated.
The calculation of the value in use requires 
the determination by the entity of the future
cash flows that should arise from the cash
generating units and an appropriate discount
rate to calculate the present value.

During this year, no impairment losses have
been recorded for goodwill. 

Recognition and Measurement of Deferred 
Tax Items
As disclosed in Note 2.9, deferred tax assets 
are only recognized for temporary differences to 
the extent that it is likely that the entity will
have enough future taxable income against
which the deferred tax assets can be used. Tax
loss carryforwards from prior years are only
recognized when it is likely that the entity will
have enough future taxable income against
which they can be used.

The Company examines the recoverable value 
of deferred tax assets based on its business plans
and books a valuation allowance, if appropriate,
so that the net position of the deferred tax 
asset will reflect the probable recoverable value. 

Determination of the Useful Lives of Property,
Plant and Equipment 
The Company reviews the reasonableness of 
the estimated useful life of property, plant and
equipment at each year-end. 

Measurement of the fair value of certain
financial instruments
The fair value of a financial instrument is 
the amount at which the instrument could be
purchased or sold between knowledgeable,
willing parties in an arm’s length transaction. 
If there is a quoted market price available for an
instrument in an active market, the fair value 
is calculated based on that price.

If there is no quoted market price available 
for a financial instrument, its fair value 
is estimated based on the price established in
recent transactions involving the same or similar
instruments and, otherwise, based on valuation
techniques regularly used in financial markets.
The Company uses its judgment to select 
a variety of methods and makes assumptions
based on market conditions at closing.

210

Note 4

Breakdown of the Main Items of the Parent Company only Balance Sheet

4.1 Property, Plant and Equipment

Balance at

Historical value

Balances as of

December 31,

Main Account

the Beginning

Additions

Retirements

2016

Furniture and Fixtures 

Audio and Video Equipment

Telecommunication Equipment

Computer Equipment 

Improvements in Third-Party Property

Total as of December 31, 2016

574,796

153,062

284,337

6,770,773

-

7,782,968

134,667

60,146

19,190

4,414,452

1,822,196

6,450,651

-

-

-

-

-

-

709,463

213,208

303,527

11,185,225

1,822,196

14,233,619

Useful Life 

Balance

at the

Depreciation

Balances

Net Book

as of 

Value as of

December

December

Main Account

(in years)

Beginning

Retirements

For the year

31, 2016

31, 2016

Furniture and Fixtures 

Audio and Video Equipment

Telecommunication 

Equipment

Computer Equipment 

Improvements in 

Third-Party Property

Total as of 

December 31, 2016

10

5

5

3

10

315,762

120,247

167,935

5,920,248

-

6,524,192

-

-

-

-

-

-

53,806

15,796

369,568

136,043

339,895

77,165

39,359

1,236,079

207,294

7,156,327

96,233

4,028,898

-

-

1,822,196

1,345,040

7,869,232

6,364,387

211

Balance at

Historical value

Balances as of

December 31,

Main Account

the Beginning

Additions

Retirements

2015

Furniture and Fixtures 

Audio and Video Equipment

Telecommunication Equipment

Computer Equipment 

Total as of December 31, 2015

443,518

122,179

218,091

6,431,490

7,215,278

131,279

30,883

66,245

339,283

567,690

-

-

-

-

-

574,797

153,062

284,336

6,770,773

7,782,968

Useful Life

Balance

at the

Depreciation

Balances

Net Book

as of

Value as of

December

December

Main Account

(in years)

Beginning

Retirements

For the year 

31, 2015

31, 2015

Furniture and Fixtures 

Audio and Video Equipment

Telecommunication 

Equipment

Computer Equipment 

Total as of 

December 31, 2015

10

5

5

3

270,308

114,692

137,894

5,270,428

5,793,322

-

-

-

-

-

45,454

5,555

315,762

120,247

30,041

649,820

167,935

5,920,248

259,035

32,815

116,401

850,525

730,870

6,524,192

1,258,776

212

4.2 Intangible Assets

Balance at

Historical value

Balances as of

December 31,

Main Account

Software

Total as of December 31, 2016

the Beginning

Additions

Retirements

2016

406,468

406,468

-

-

-

-

406,468

406,468

Amortization

Period

Balance

at the

Amortization

Balances

Net Book

as of

Value as of

December

December

Main Account

(in years)

Beginning

Retirements

For the year

31, 2016

31, 2016

Software

Total as of 

December 31, 2016

3

299,135

299,135

-

-

65,769

364,904

41,564

65,769

364,904

41,564

Balance at

Historical value

Balances as of

December 31,

Main Account

Software

Total as of December 31, 2015

the Beginning

Additions

Retirements

2015

406,468

406,468

-

-

-

-

406,468

406,468

Amortization

Period

Balance

at the

Amortization

Balances

Net Book

as of

Value as of

December

December

Main Account

(in years)

Beginning

Retirements

For the year 

31, 2015

31, 2015

Software

Total as of 
December 31, 2015

3

208,866

208,866

-

-

90,269

299,135

107,333

90,269

299,135

107,333

213

4.3. Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates

Class

Nominal Value

Number

Value recorded

as of 

December 31,
2016 (1)

Non-Current Investments
SHOSA (6)
- Goodwill
Vistone (6)
VLG (5)
- Goodwill
CVB (6)
CLC (6)
Cablevisión (5)

Pem S.A.

AGEA

AGR

CIMECO

- Goodwill

CMI

ARTEAR.

IESA 

Radio Mitre

GC Services

GCGC

CMD

GC Minor

GCSA Investments

Total

Other Non-Current Liabilities
GCSA Equity (5)
GCSA Investments

Total

-

-

-

-

- 

-

-

-

2

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Common

Ps. 10,000

41,207

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

-

Common

Common

Common

-

-

-

Ps. 1

Ps. 1

Ps. 1

Ps. 1

Ps. 1

Ps. 1

Ps. 1

Ps. 1

-

Ps. 1

Ps. 1

Ps. 1

-

-

-

1

1,397,974,126

1,401,922,086

68,630,128

37,412,958

98

57,747,859

36,792,441

63,555,121

-

29,382,546

236,475,711

44,878,808

-

-

-

33,892,206

51,926,349

58,837,707

370,572

1,146,222,082

178,887,402

153,489,032

36,131,665

24,102,843

124,820,353

59,675,143

41,314,851

3,311,592,293

-

-

-

2

1

3

4

1

2

I

-

I

2

(1) In certain cases, the equity value does not correspond to the related 
shareholders’ equity due to: (i) the adjustment of the equity value to 
the Company’s accounting policies, as required by professional accounting 
standards, (ii) the elimination of goodwill generated by transactions 
between companies under the Company’s common control, (iii) the 
existence of irrevocable contributions, and (iv) adjustments to fair market 
value of net assets for acquisitions made by the Company.
(2) Interest in votes amounts to 98.6%.
(3) Companies through which an interest is held in Cablevisión S.A.
(4) Interest in votes amounts to 23.2%.
(5) See Notes 4.12 and 20.
(6) Companies merged into Grupo Clarín as of October 1, 2016. 
See Note 20.

214

 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Value recorded

as of

December 31,

Information about the issuer - Latest financial statements

2015 (1) Main business activity

Date

Capital Stock

Net Income

Equity

Interest (%)

2,096,242,048

495,735,087

1,812,180,848

389,870,737

Investing and financing

12.31.2016

4,312,088,966

2,047,880,779

5,829,944,341

50.00%

100,503,301

417,745,017

104,185,145

-

Cable Television - Community 

12.31.2016

1,200,000,000

4,045,337,263

11,281,523,267

34.34%

Antenna - Telecommunications 

Services - Investment in 

Unconsolidated Affiliates 

2

Investing

981,593,719

Publishing and Printing

12,267,500

Printing

47,749,185

Investing and financing

58,837,707

314,895

Advertising

671,142,681

Broadcasting Services

178,927,125

Investing and financing

87,636,324

Broadcasting Services

29,610,115

Investing and financing

30,848,312

Services

63,576,405

Investing and services

34,692,941

Investing and financing

-

Investing and financing

7,613,659,094

12.31.2016

12.31.2016

12.31.2016

12.31.2016

12.31.2016

12.31.2016

12.31.2016

12.31.2016

12.31.2016

12.31.2016

12.31.2016

12.31.2016

12.31.2016

13,558,511

1,441,374,151

308,959,139

180,479,453

21,613,349

(291,468,599)

(157,656,326)

39,759,610

55,498,206

1,445,311,611

158,058,949

389,063,771

12,000

59,611,118

38,325,795

65,413,136

19,075,942

30,291,285

236,475,711

47,237,879

10,692,306

6,817,481

45,376,064

564,328,308

1,282,124,913

67,198,241

68,522,103

6,521,550

(6,413,148)

(78,183,460)

(2,753,577)

268,551,560

187,467,744

161,093,515

36,131,665

24,848,290

170,059,302

63,305,689

31,198,693

0.00%

96.99%

22.21%
(4) 20.70%

0.80%
(2) 96.87%
96.00%

97.15%

100%

97.00%

100%

95.00%

100%

-

Investing and financing

12.31.2016

1,504

(351,138,552)

(351,137,048)

100%

228,553,387

228,553,387

215

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity in Earnings from Affiliates and Subsidiaries

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

910,610,950

636,879,569

154,141,907

35,824,420

(272,523,761)

7,549,067

(50,781,904)

551,172,125

65,229,860

65,852,708

(6,583,239)

(26,108,364)

6,521,550

(16,022,282)

2,061,762,606

711,870,001

501,336,206

121,612,468

28,894,577

(22,528,937)

8,680,083

(108,649,310)

500,638,600

73,204,432

20,685,835

9,254,050

(3,562,368)

10,261,919

6,938,621

1,858,636,177

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

30,000 

33,853,449 

(33,853,449)

30,000 

148,303,413 

2,554,573 

3,887,337

2,160,068 

482,017 

269,095 
157,656,503 

30,000

33,849,411

(33,849,411)

30,000

150,911,085

2,430,910

758,609

11,311

272,600

129,854
154,514,369

SHOSA (1)
Vistone (1)
CVB (1)
CLC (1)
AGEA

CIMECO

GCSA Investments

ARTEAR.

IESA

Radio Mitre

GCGC

CMD

GC Services

Other 

(1) Equity in Earnings from these subsidiaries include 
the effect of the direct and indirect interests held by 
those subsidiaries in Cablevisión until September 30, 
2016, as mentioned in Note 20.

4.4 Other Receivables

Non-Current

Guarantee Deposits

Tax on assets

Valuation Allowance for Tax on Assets

Current

Related Parties (Note 8)

Tax Credits

Advances

Dividend Receivable (Note 8)

Judicial Liens 

Other

On October 1, 2015, the Company executed a
loan agreement for consideration with a related
company for USD 2 million, at an annual rate
of 9.375%, due in April 2016. On December 3,
2015, the related company prepaid in full
principal and interest on the loan agreement for
consideration.

216

4.5 Other Investments

Money Market

Mutual Funds

4.6 Cash and Banks

Cash and Imprest Funds

Cash at Banks 

Securities to be deposited

4.7 Debt

Non-Current

Related Parties (Note 8)

Current

Bank Overdraft

Related Parties (Note 8)

The following table details the changes in loans 
and indebtedness for the years ended December 
31, 2016 and 2015:

Balances as of January 1st

New Loans and Indebtedness

Accrued Interest

Exchange Differences

Taxes 
Settlement of principal and interest (1)
Balances as of December 31

(1) Includes Ps. 756,708,595 that was cancelled as a 
result of the reorganization process mentioned in 
Note 20. 

As of December 31, 2016, the Company holds
a loan with a related company for USD 23
million, due in June 2021. That loan accrues
interest at an annual rate of 6.5%, which may
be capitalized on a semi-annual basis in June
and December of each year. The first
capitalization will be in June 2017.

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

24,883,519

59,338,922

84,222,441

19,848,419

-

19,848,419

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

523,900

3,914,163

30,000,000

34,438,063

420,050

11,773,064

-

12,193,114

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015 

367,813,013

367,813,013

3,475,247

-

3,475,247

-

-

-

287,999,976

287,999,976

2016

2015

287,999,976 

741,375,247 

19,226,470 

75,915,483 

3,821,124

(757,050,040) 
371,288,260 

231,387

208,075,000

6,077,468

81,347,508

-

(7,731,387)
287,999,976

217

4.8 Taxes Payable

Current

Taxes Payable on a National Level

Taxes Payable on a Provincial Level

4.9 Trade Payables and Other

Current

Suppliers and Trade Provisions

Related Parties (Note 8)

Employer’s Contributions

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

8,248,597

807,790

9,056,387

10,619,121

620,510

11,239,631

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

16,686,264

3,863,800

53,707,246

74,257,310

13,470,749

2,178,648

30,979,646

46,629,043

4.10 Assets and Liabilities in Foreign Currency

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Type and

Amount of

Foreign

Prevailing

Currency

Exchange Rate

Amount in

Local

Currency

Type and

Amount of

Foreign

Currency

USD

1,090

USD 1,575,904

USD

79,049

15.79

15.79

15.79

17,211

USD

1,090

24,883,519

USD 1,533,881

1,248,190

USD

101,142

26,148,920

26,148,920

USD 23,147,452

15.89

367,813,013

-

367,813,013

-

-

-

USD 22,065,151

367,813,013

Amount in

Local

Currency

14,105

19,848,419

1,308,774

21,171,298

21,171,298

-

-

287,729,565

287,729,565

287,729,565

Items

Assets

Current Assets

Other Receivables

Other Investments

Cash and Banks

Total Current Assets

Total Assets

Liabilities

Non-Current Liabilities

Debt
Total Non-Current 

Liabilities

Current Liabilities

Debt

Total Current Liabilities

Total Liabilities

USD - US Dollars

218

4.11 Changes in Allowances

Balance

at the

Balances

from

Balances

Balances

as of

as of

December 

December 

Items

Beginning

Increases

Mergers

Decreases

31, 2016

31, 2015

Deducted from Assets

Valuation Allowance for 

Net Deferred Tax Assets

26,761,408

(1) 62,783,384

-

-

89,544,792 

26,761,408

Valuation Allowance for 

Tax on Assets

Allowance for 

Goodwill Impairment

Total

33,849,411

(1) 5,869,160

32,838

(5,897,960)

33,853,449

33,849,411

28,432,495

89,043,314

-

68,652,544

-

32,838

(2) (28,432,495)
(34,330,455)

-

123,398,241

28,432,495

89,043,314

(1) Charged to Income Tax and Tax on Assets
(2) Reclassification as Assets Held for Distribution to Shareholders.

4.12 Assets and liabilities held for distribution 

to shareholders and Discontinued operations
As described in Note 20 to the parent company
only financial statements as of December 31,
2016, the Company’s interest in Cablevisión,
VLG and in GCSA Equity and certain 
assets and liabilities of the Company have been
classified as of that date as “Assets held for
distribution to shareholders” and as “Liabilities

Assets

Non-Current Assets

Deferred Tax Assets
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates (1)
Total Non-Current Assets

Total Assets Held for Distribution to Shareholders

Liabilities

Non-Current Liabilities
Other Liabilities (2)
Total Non-Current Liabilities

Total Liabilities Held for Distribution to Shareholders

(1) Corresponds to the interest in VLG and Cablevisión.
(2) Corresponds to the interest in GCSA Equity.

held for distribution to shareholders”,
respectively, as required under IFRS.

The following is a detail of those assets and
liabilities disclosed under “Assets held for
distribution to shareholders” and “Liabilities
held for distribution to shareholders” 
as of December 31, 2016 (in millions of 
Argentine Pesos):

December 31, 2016

11

6,806

6,817

6,817

351

351

351

219

In connection with the same situations
mentioned above, the following is a detail of 
the results for the years ended December 31,
2016 and 2015, classified as discontinued

operations corresponding to Equity in earnings
from Cablevisión, VLG and GCSA Equity 
(in millions of Argentine Pesos):

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Cablevisión

VLG

GCSA Equity

Net Income from Discontinued Operations

289

398

(31)

656

-

131

-

131

Note 5

Breakdown of the Main Items of the Parent Company only Statement of Comprehensive Income

5.1 Information Required under Section 64, Subsection b) of Law No. 19,550

Item

Salaries, Social Security and Benefits to Personnel (1)
Supervisory Committee’s fees
Fees for services (2)
Taxes, Duties and Contributions

Other personnel expenses

General expenses

IT expenses

Maintenance Expenses

Communication expenses

Advertising expenses

Travel Expenses

Stationery and Office Supplies

Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment

Amortization of Intangible Assets

Other expenses

Total

(1) Includes fees for technical and administrative
services to Directors in the amount of Ps. 28,896,154
as of December 31, 2016. Additionally, they include
the effect of the long-term savings plan for employees
mentioned in Note 13.
(2) Includes Directors’ fees for the year 2016 in the
amount Ps. 12,610,000.

5.2 Financial Costs 

Exchange Differences
Interest 

Administrative Expenses

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

163,789,784

1,649,999

69,875,256

9,517,973

5,256,285

367,069

1,613,278

4,736,803

1,401,266

1,917,553

7,822,326

658,369

1,345,040

65,769

13,195,195

283,211,965

109,277,845

1,494,000

56,752,174

8,522,305

2,578,722

194,621

1,674,750

3,217,545

1,104,173

1,436,447

4,648,095

235,523

730,870

90,269

6,727,070

198,684,409

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

(75,915,483)
(19,226,470)

(95,141,953)

(81,347,508)
(6,077,468)

(87,424,976)

220

5.3 Other Financial Results, net

Exchange Differences and Other Financial Results

Results from transactions with securities and bonds

Interest

Other Taxes and Expenses

Note 6

Income tax
The following table shows the breakdown of net 
deferred tax assets (amounts stated in thousands 
of Argentine Pesos):

Assets

Tax Loss Carryforwards

Other Investments

Employer’s Contributions

Other

Subtotal

Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets 

Net Deferred Tax Assets

(1) As of December 31, 2016, the Company recorded 
Ps. 11,050,528 as Assets held for distribution to 
shareholders. See Note 4.12.

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

7,052,119

107,499

2,632,730

(5,051,000)

4,741,348

12,362,580

32,201,215

4,389,540

(4,296,875)

44,656,460

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

89,545

19,093

2,631

-

111,269

(89,545)
(1) 21,724

26,761

24,249

7,342

9

58,361

(26,761)

31,600

The following table shows the reconciliation
between the income tax and tax on assets charged
to net income for the years ended December 31,
2016 and 2015 and the income tax liability that

would result from applying the current tax rate 
on income before income tax and tax on assets and
the income tax liability assessed for each year
(amounts stated in thousands of Argentine Pesos):

Income Tax Assessed at the Current Tax Rate (35%) 

on Income before Income Tax

Permanent Differences:

Gain/Loss on Investments in Subsidiaries

Non-Taxable Income

Other

Subtotal

Valuation Allowance for Net Deferred Tax Assets 

Charged to Income 

Income Tax

Deferred Taxes for the Year

Income Tax

Tax on assets

Total

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

(657,416)

(614,491)

721,617

176

(419)

63,958

(62,783)

1,175

1,154

1,154

(5,869)

(4,715)

650,522

(8,647)

121

27,505

(26,434)

1,071

1,071

1,071

(3,142)

(2,071)

221

As of December 31, 2016, the Company’s
accumulated tax loss carryforwards amounted to
approximately Ps. 255.8 million, which calculated
at the current tax rate, represent deferred tax 
assets in the amount of approximately Ps. 89.5
million. The following table shows the expiration
date of the accumulated tax loss carryforwards
pursuant to statutes of limitations (amounts stated
in thousands of Argentine Pesos):

Note 7
Reserves, Accumulated Income and Dividens 

Balances at the beginning of the year:

Legal Reserve

Retained Earnings

Other Reserves

Optional Reserves

Total 

Net Income for the Year

Dividend Distribution

Changes in Reserves for Acquisition of Investments

Balance at the end of the year

a. Grupo Clarín
The Company’s bylaws set forth that retained
earnings shall be appropriated as follows: 
(i) 5% to the Company’s legal reserve until such
reserve equals 20% of the Company’s capital
stock; and (ii) the balance, in whole or in part,
to the payment of the fees of the members 
of the Board of Directors and the Supervisory
Committee, to dividends on common shares, 
or reserve accounts, or as otherwise determined
by the Shareholders, among other situations.

On April 28, 2015, at the Annual Ordinary
Shareholders’ Meeting of the Company, 
the shareholders decided, among other things, 
to appropriate the net income for the fiscal year
2014, which amounted to Ps. 804,101,687, as
follows: (i) Ps. 250,000,000 to the distribution
of dividends payable in two installments of 
Ps. 125,000,000 each, the first one to be paid

Expiration year

Amount of Tax

Loss Carryforward

2018

2020

2021

1,102

75,225

179,515

255,842

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

119,460,767

1,884,929,369

(3,653,767)

2,625,678,396

4,626,414,765

2,530,041,832

(300,000,000)

(55,231,356)

6,801,225,241

119,460,767

804,101,687

(209,686)

2,071,576,709

2,994,929,477

1,884,929,369

(250,000,000)

(3,444,081)

4,626,414,765

within 30 days as from the date of the
shareholders’ Meeting and the second one 
to be paid on December 31, 2015 or on 
an earlier date as determined by Cablevisión’s
Board of Directors and (ii) Ps. 554,101,687 
to an optional reserve to provide financial aid 
to subsidiaries and in connection with the
Audiovisual Communication Services Law. 

On April 25, 2016, at the Annual Ordinary
Shareholders’ Meeting of the Company, 
the shareholders decided, among other things, 
to appropriate the net income for the fiscal year
2015, which amounted to Ps. 1,884,929,369, 
as follows: (i) Ps. 300,000,000 to the
distribution of dividends payable within 30 days
as from the date of the Shareholders’ Meeting
and (ii) Ps. 1,584,929,369 to the reserve for
future dividends.

222

b. Cablevisión
On April 20, 2016, at the Annual General
Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders’
Meeting of Cablevisión, its shareholders decided
to distribute cash dividends in the amount 
of Ps. 750 million, payable in Argentine Pesos
or US Dollars within a term of thirty days 
as from the date of such Shareholders’ Meeting
and delegated on the Board of Directors of
Cablevisión the power to establish the time 
and payment method. Of that amount,
approximately Ps. 300.1 million corresponds 
to the non-controlling interest in this company. 
As of the date of these financial statements,
Cablevisión paid Ps. 749.7 million of
distributed dividends.

Also, on June 30, 2016, at the General
Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting 
of Cablevisión, its shareholders decided to
distribute cash dividends in the amount 
of Ps. 749 million, payable within thirty days 
as from the date on which the Shareholders’
Meeting was held. Of that amount,
approximately Ps. 299.6 million corresponds 
to the non-controlling interest in this 
company. As of the date of these financial
statements, all the dividends had been paid.

At the General Extraordinary Shareholders’
Meeting held on January 12, 2016, the
shareholders of Cablevisión decided, among
other things, i) to cancel 207,157 Class B
common book-entry treasury shares with a
nominal value of Ps. 1 representing 0.1% 
of the capital stock and votes of that Company;
and, consequently, to reduce the capital stock 
by Ps. 207,157, (ii) to ratify the amendment 
of Section 4 of the Bylaws approved by the
shareholders at the Extraordinary Shareholders’
Meeting held on June 30, 2014, which, among
other things, had amended the nominal 
value of shares from Ps. 1 to Ps. 10,000, and
(iii) to delegate on the Board of Directors 
the power to determine and establish the time, 
form and conditions of the shares representing
the new capital stock to be issued, as well as 
the payment of the fractions, if any.

In light of the above, on June 29, 2016, the
Board of Directors of Cablevisión completed 
the implementation process to pay fractions 
in cash and change the nominal value (of 
the company’s shares) and change the nominal
value (of the company’s shares) and, therefore,
the capital stock of Cablevisión is now of 
Ps. 197,300,000, represented by 19,730 shares,
of which i) 15,785 are Class A book entry
shares, with nominal value of Ps. 10,000 each
and entitled to 1 vote per share, and ii) 3,945
are Class B book entry shares, with nominal
value of Ps. 10,000 each and entitled to 1 vote
per share. At the same meeting of the Board 
of Directors new shares were issued.

Subsequently, at the General Extraordinary
Shareholders’ Meeting held on June 30, 2016,
the shareholders decided to capitalize in full the
following accounts: (i) Paid-in Capital, in the
amount of Ps. 134,234,500, (ii) merger surplus,
in the amount of Ps. 2,894,151 and (iii) the
partial capitalization of the “Optional Reserve 
to Maintain the Company’s Level of Capital
Expenditures and its Current Solvency Level” in
the amount of Ps. 865,571,349, thus increasing
the capital stock from Ps. 197,300,000 to Ps.
1,200,000,000 through the issuance of 100,270
new common book-entry shares with nominal
value of Ps. 10,000 and entitled to 1 vote per
share, of which 80,221 will be Class A common
book-entry shares and 20,049 will be Class B
common book-entry shares.

c. Other companies
During this year, the shareholders of ARTEAR
decided to distribute cash dividends for a 
total of Ps. 110 million. As of the date of these
financial statements, the Company collected 
all the dividends to which it was entitled based
on its equity interest.

During this year, the shareholders of IESA
decided to distribute cash dividends for a total
of Ps. 35.3 million. As of December 31, 2016,
the Company collected Ps. 31.7 million and 
had a balance of Ps. 2.2 million for dividends
receivable, to which it is entitled due to its
equity interest.

223

Note 8

Balances and Transactions with Related Parties
The following table shows the breakdown of 
the Company’s balances with its related parties: 

Company

Item

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Subsidiaries

SHOSA

VISTONE

CVB

CLC

AGEA

ARTEAR.

IESA

Radio Mitre

GCGC

CMD

GC MINOR

GC Services

Other Receivables

Debt

Trade Payables and Other

Debt

Debt

Dividends Receivable

Other Receivables

Trade Payables and Other

Other Receivables

Trade Payables and Other

Dividends Receivable

Other Receivables

Other Receivables

Trade Payables and Other

Other Receivables

Trade Payables and Other

Other Receivables

Other Receivables

Indirectly controlled

Cablevisión 

Trade Payables and Other

PRIMA

AGR

UNIR

Impripost

Ferias y 
Exposiciones S.A.

TRISA

Other Receivables

Debt

Trade Payables and Other

Other Receivables

Trade Payables and Other

Other Receivables

Trade Payables and Other

Other Receivables

Other Receivables

Trade Payables and Other

-

-

-

-

-

-

125,271,186

(425,820)

5,989,835

(67,343)

2,160,068

1,876,323

115,835

(36,830)

2,449,031

(124,926)

50,000

17,211

(1,251,819)

7,502,032

(367,813,013)

-

-

(16,575)

3,396,157

(2,360)

1,635,675

128

(1,938,127)

2,432

(170,189,828)

(56,786)

(104,720,132)

(13,090,016)

11,311

104,018,497

(561,949)

4,658,835

(201,838)

-

669,635

10,741

(25,924)

2,952,480

(114,674)

-

14,10

(5,955)

-

-

(176,542)

36,300,000

(2,673)

1,158

(2,360)

2,283,074

128

(1,029,947)

224

The following table details the transactions 
carried out by the Company with related parties 
for the years ended December 31, 2016 
and 2015:

Company

Item

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Subsidiaries

AGEA

ARTEAR.

Vistone

CMD

SHOSA

Radio Mitre

CVB

GCGC

Management fees

Advertising 

Management fees 

Interest Expense

Services

Interest Income

Interest Expense

Management fees

Interest Income

Interest Expense

Services

Indirectly controlled

Cablevisión

Management fees 

PRIMA

AGR

Impripost 

UNIR

Services

Interest Expense

Interest Income

Services 

Management fees 

Services

Management fees

Services

Management fees

The fees paid to the Board of Directors and 
the Upper Management of the Company for 
the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015
amounted to approximately Ps. 100 million 
and Ps. 70 million, respectively.

18,000,000

(358,536)

57,600,000

(5,122,351)

-

539,837

(10,651,931)

7,950,000

-

(768,181)

(15,757,593)

74,400,000

(610,335)

(2,342,563)

-

(758,031)

15,600,000

(11,484)

-

-

8,400,000

18,000,000

(164,759)

44,400,000

(400,132)

(546,064)

54,021

(5,627,320)

2,280,000

1,887,014

(50,016)

(12,026,182)

77,120,000

(141,584)

-

311,170

(613,002)

19,200,000

(8,234)

1,560,000

(1,951)

-

225

Note 9

Terms and Interest Rates of Investments, Receivables and Liabilities

December 31, 2016

Other Investments
Without any established term (1)

Receivables 
Without any established term (2)
Due
Within three months (4)
More than three months and up to six months

Liabilities (2)
Without any established term 

Due 

Within three months 

More than three months and up to six months

Debt 

Due
Within three months (3)
More than four years and up to five years

(1) Bearing interest at floating rate.
(2) Non-interest bearing.
(3) Bearing interest at fixed rate.
(4) Includes Ps. 2.4 million which bears interest 
at a fixed rate, the remaining balance does not bear 
any interest.

84,222,441

84,222,441

150,102,249

6,872,843

711,411

7,584,254

157,686,503

5,310,702

73,846,523

4,974,599

78,221,122

84,131,824

3,475,247

367,813,013

371,288,260

226

Note 10

Provisions and Other Contingencies

10.1 Regulatory Framework
a. SCI Resolution No. 50/10 approved certain
rules for the sale of pay television services. 
These rules provide that cable television
operators must apply a formula to estimate their
monthly subscription prices. The price arising
from the application of the formula was to 
be informed to the Office of Business Loyalty
(Dirección de Lealtad Comercial) between
March 8 and March 22, 2010. Cable television
operators must adjust such amount semi-
annually and inform the result of such
adjustment to said Office. 

Even though as of the date of these financial
statements the subsidiary Cablevisión cannot
assure the actual impact of the application 
of this formula, given the vagueness of the
variables provided by the Resolution to calculate
the monthly subscription prices, Cablevisión
believes that Resolution No. 50/10 is arbitrary
and bluntly disregards its freedom to contract,
which is part of the right to freedom of industry
and trade. Therefore, it has filed the pertinent
administrative claims and has brought the
necessary legal actions requesting the suspension
of the Resolution’s effects and ultimately
requesting its nullification. 

Even though Cablevisión, like other companies
in the industry, has strong constitutional
arguments to support its position, it cannot be
assured that the final outcome of this issue will
be favorable. Therefore, Cablevisión and/or
some of its subsidiaries may be forced to modify
the price of their pay television subscription, 
a situation that could significantly affect 
the revenues of their core business. This creates
a general framework of uncertainty over the
businesses of Cablevisión and/or some of 
its subsidiaries that could significantly affect the
recoverability of their relevant assets and Grupo
Clarín S.A.’s assets related to its investment in
Cablevisión. Notwithstanding the foregoing, 
as of the date of these financial statements, in
accordance with the decision rendered on
August 1, 2011 in re “LA CAPITAL CABLE
S.A. v/ Ministry of Economy-Secretariat of
Domestic Trade”, the Federal Court of Appeals
of the City of Mar del Plata has ordered the 
SCI to suspend the application of Resolution
No. 50/10 with respect to all cable television

licensees represented by the Argentine Cable
Television Association (“ATVC”, for its 
Spanish acronym). Upon being served on the
SCI and the Ministry of Economy on
September 12, 2011, such decision became 
fully effective and may not be disregarded by
the SCI. The National Government filed 
an appeal against the decision rendered by the
Federal Court of Appeals of Mar del Plata to
have the case brought before the Supreme
Court. Such appeal was dismissed and so the
National Government filed a direct appeal with
the Supreme Court, which was also dismissed.

On June 1, 2010, the SCI imposed a Ps. 5
million fine on Cablevisión alleging that it had
failed to comply with the information regime
set forth by Resolution No. 50/10, and invoking
the Antitrust Law to impose such penalty. The
fine was appealed and submitted to the National
Court of Appeals on Federal Administrative
Matters, Chamber No. 5, which decided to
reduce the fine to Ps. 300,000. Cablevisión
appealed this decision by filing an extraordinary
appeal with the Supreme Court of Argentina. 

On March 10, 2011 SCI Resolution No. 36/11
was published in the Official Gazette. This
Resolution falls within the framework of SCI
Resolution No. 50/10. Resolution No. 36/11 sets
forth the parameters to be applied to the services
rendered by Cablevisión to its subscribers from
January through April 2011. These parameters
are as follows: 1) the monthly basic subscription
price shall be Ps. 109 for that period; 2) the price
of other services rendered by Cablevisión should
remain unchanged as of the date of publication
of the resolution; and 3) the promotional
benefits, existing rebates and/or discounts already
granted as of that same date shall be maintained.
The resolution also provides that Cablevisión
shall reimburse users for any amount collected
above the price set for that period.

Cablevisión believes that Resolution No. 36/10
is illegal and arbitrary, since it is grounded on
Resolution No. 50/10, which is absolutely null
and void. Since the application of Resolution
No. 50/10 has been suspended, the application
of Resolution No. 36/2011, which falls within
the framework of the former, is also suspended.

The claim filed by Cablevisión seeking 
the nullification of Resolution No. 50/2010 
is currently pending before the Federal

227

Administrative Court of First Instance No. 7 
of the City of Buenos Aires. This claim was
dismissed in view of the claim pending in the
City of Mar del Plata.

Subsequently, the SCI issued Resolutions 
Nos. 65/11, 92/11, 123/11, 141/11, 10/11,
25/12, 97/12, 161/12, 29/13, 61/13, 104/13,
1/14, 43/14 and 93/14 pursuant to which 
the SCI extended the effectiveness of Resolution 
No. 36/11 up to and including September 2014,
and adjusted the cable television subscription
price to Ps.152. Cablevisión believes, however,
that given the terms under which the Federal
Court of the City of Mar del Plata granted 
the preliminary injunction, that is, ordering the 
SCI to suspend the application of Resolution
No. 50/10 with respect to all cable television
licensees represented by ATVC (among them,
Cablevisión and its subsidiaries), and also given
the fact that Resolutions No. 36/11, 65/11,
92/11, 123/11, 141/11, 10/11, 25/12, 97/12,
161/12, 29/13, 61/13, 104/13, 1/14, 43/14 
and 93/14 merely apply Resolution No. 50/10,
Cablevisión continues to be protected by said
preliminary injunction, and, therefore, the
ordinary course of its business will not be affected. 

On April 23, 2013, Cablevisión was served
notice of a decision rendered in re
“Ombudsman of Buenos Aires v. Cablevisión
S.A. on Complaint for the protection of
constitutional rights Law 16,986 (Motion for
Preliminary Injunction)” pending before 
Federal Court No. 2, Civil Clerk’s Office No. 4
of the City of La Plata in connection with 
the price of cable television subscriptions,
whereby the court imposed a cumulative daily
fine of Ps. 100,000 per day on Cablevisión. 

Cablevisión appealed the fine on the grounds
that Resolution No. 50/10 issued by Mr.
Moreno, as well as its extensions and/or
amendments were suspended, as mentioned
above, by an injunction with respect to
Cablevisión and its branches and subsidiaries
prior to the imposition of the fine; pursuant 
to the collective injunction issued by the 
Federal Court of the City of Mar del Plata on
August 1, 2011 in re “La Capital Cable and
Others v. National Government and Others on
Preliminary Injunction”. That injunction
suspended the application of all the criteria set
by the Secretariat of Domestic Trade under 
Mr. Guillermo Moreno. 

The Federal Court of Appeals of the City of 
La Plata reduced the fine to Ps. 10,000 per day.
Cablevisión filed an appeal against that decision
in due time and form. On October 16, 2013,
the Court of Appeals dismissed the appeal filed
by Cablevisión. As of the date of these financial
statements, Cablevisión had settled the fine 
in the amount of Ps. 1,260,000 and compliance
was recorded in the file.

On June 11, 2013, Cablevisión was served
notice of a resolution rendered in the above-
mentioned case; whereby the court ordered the
appointment of an expert overseer (perito
interventor) specialized in economic sciences 
to: (i) verify whether or not the invoices
corresponding to the basic cable television
subscription issued by Cablevisión to subscribers
domiciled in the Province of Buenos Aires, 
are actually prepared at the headquarters located
at Gral. Hornos 690, and/or at Cablevisión’s
branch offices, precisely detailing that process,
(ii) identify the individuals responsible for 
that area, (iii) determine whether or not the
administrative actions tending towards the
effective compliance with the injunction issued
on that case are underway, and (iv) identify 
the senior staff of Cablevisión that must order
the invoice issuance area to prepare the invoices
as decided under that injunction.

Cablevisión timely appealed the appointment 
of said expert on the same grounds stated above.
This appeal is also pending before the Federal
Court of Appeals of the City of La Plata.

For the purposes of enforcing the injunction,
the court issued letters rogatory to the
competent judge of the City of Buenos Aires.
Upon the initiation of that proceeding, both 
the National Court on Federal Administrative
Matters and the National Court on Federal
Civil and Commercial Matters declined
jurisdiction to enforce the injunction ordered 
by the Federal Judge of La Plata. Cablevisión
has appealed the decision in connection 
with the lack of jurisdiction in due time 
and form. Chamber No. 1 of the National 
Court of Appeals on Federal Civil and
Commercial Matters confirmed the appealed
decision. Accordingly, Cablevisión will file an
extraordinary appeal in due time and form 
to have the case decided by the Supreme Court
of Argentina. 

228

It should be noted that, in light of the 
corporate reorganization of Cablevisión, both
parties requested the suspension of the
procedural periods for 180 days. The judge
granted such request. Therefore, the procedural
periods were suspended until December 11,
2014. Given the decision rendered by the
Supreme Court of Argentina in re “Municipality
of Berazategui v. Cablevisión” mentioned 
below, the procedural periods remain suspended
until the Federal Court of Mar del Plata 
renders a decision thereon.

The file initiated by the Ombudsman before 
the Federal Court of La Plata, was sent to 
Mar del Plata, as established by the decision 
rendered in re Municipality of Berazategui 
v. Cablevisión referred to below, ordering that 
the preliminary injunction be revoked because 
it contradicts the injunction ordered in the
proceeding initiated by ATVC.

After the Federal Court of the City of Mar 
del Plata issued its injunction, several Municipal
Offices of Consumer Information (“OMIC”,
for its Spanish acronym) and several individuals
filed claims requesting that Cablevisión comply
with Resolution No. 50/10 and the subsequent
resolutions that extended its effectiveness. 
In some cases, preliminary injunctions were
granted. In every case, Cablevisión appealed
such preliminary injunctions alleging that
Resolution No. 50/10, as amended, and/or 
the subsequent resolutions that extended its
effectiveness, had been suspended with respect
to Cablevisión, its branches and subsidiaries
prior to the issuance of such preliminary
injunctions.

On September 23, 2014, the Supreme 
Court of Argentina rendered a decision in re
“Application for judicial review brought 
by the defendant in the case Municipality 
of Berazategui v. Cablevisión S.A. on claim 
for the protection of constitutional rights
(acción de amparo)” and ordered that the cases
related to these resolutions continue under 
the jurisdiction of the Federal Court of 
Mar del Plata that had issued the decision on 
the collective action in favor of ATVC.

Decisions made on the basis of these
consolidated financial statements should
consider the eventual impact that the 
above-mentioned resolutions might have on

Cablevisión and its subsidiaries, and the
Company’s consolidated financial statements
should be read in light of such uncertainty.

b. Pursuant to the Antitrust Law and to
Broadcasting Law No. 22,285, the transactions
carried out on September 26, 2006 that 
resulted in an increase in the indirect interest
the Company held in Cablevisión to 60%,
Cablevisión’s acquisition of 98.5% of 
Multicanal and 100% of Holding Teledigital,
and Multicanal’s acquisition of PRIMA 
(from PRIMA Internacional (now CMD)),
required the authorization of the CNDC
(validated by the SCI), and the COMFER. 
On October 4, 2006, the Company, Vistone,
Fintech, VLG and Cablevisión, as purchasers,
and AMI CV Holdings LLC, AMI Cable
Holdings Ltd. and HMTF-LA Teledigital 
Cable Partners LP, as sellers, filed for 
the approval of the acquisition. After several
requests for information, the SCI issued
Resolution No. 257/07, with a prior opinion 
of the CNDC in favor of the approval of 
the above-mentioned transactions and after
consulting the COMFER and the SECOM,
which did not raise any objections. The
Company was served notice in this respect 
on December 7, 2007. Such Resolution 
was appealed by five entities. As of the date 
of these financial statements, the CNDC 
has dismissed the five appeals filed against the
above-mentioned resolution. Four of those
entities filed direct appeals before the judicial
branch, but they were all dismissed.

On June 11, 2008, Cablevisión was served 
with a decision of the National Court of
Appeals on Federal Civil and Commercial
Matters revoking a decision rendered by 
the CNDC on September 13, 2007, whereby
such agency had dismissed a claim filed by
Gigacable S.A. prior to the December 7, 2007
decision referred to above. The Court of
Appeals revoked CNDC’s decision only with
respect to matters relating to the conduct of
Cablevisión and Multicanal prior to CNDC’s
authorization of the transactions on December
7, 2007, and ordered an investigation to
determine whether a fine should be imposed 
on Cablevisión and Multicanal due to such
conduct. As of the date of these financial
statements, Cablevisión has filed its response,
which is pending analysis by such agency.

229

c. On December 15, 2008, the shareholders of
Cablevisión approved the merger of Multicanal,
Delta Cable S.A., Holding Teledigital, Teledigital,
Televisora La Plata Sociedad Anónima, 
Pampa TV S.A., Construred S.A. and Cablepost
S.A. into Cablevisión, whereby, effective as 
of October 1, 2008, Cablevisión, as surviving
company, became the universal successor 
to all of the assets, rights and obligations of the
merged companies.

That process was granted administrative
approval by the CNV and was registered with
the Argentine Superintendency of Legal 
Entities (IGJ) under No. 9,448, Book 79
Volume – Stock Companies on June 7, 2016.

On September 8, 2009, Multicanal was served
with CNDC Resolution No. 106/09, dated
September 4, 2009, whereby the CNDC
ordered an audit to articulate and harmonize 
the several aspects of Resolution No. 577/09
issued by the COMFER, whereby it had
rejected the merger of Cablevisión and
Multicanal, with Resolution No. 257/07 issued
by the Secretariat of Domestic Trade. Resolution
No. 106/09 also sets forth that the notifying
companies shall not, from the enactment
thereof and until the end of the audit and/or
resolution of the CNDC, be able to remove 
or replace physical or legal assets. 

Notwithstanding the required filings made 
by Cablevisión and its shareholders on
December 7, 2007 (date on which the SCI
granted authorization) to prove that they were
complying with the commitment agreed with
the CNDC, on September 23, 2009, the 
SCI issued Resolution No. 641, whereby it
ordered the CNDC to verify compliance with
the parties’ proposed commitment by visiting
the parties’ premises, requesting reports,
reviewing documents and information and
carrying out hearings, among other things.

On December 11, 2009, Cablevisión notified
the CNDC of the completion and corresponding
verification of the fulfillment of the voluntary
undertakings made by Cablevisión at the time
of the enactment of SCI Resolution No.
257/07. On December 15, 2009, Chamber 
No. 2 of the National Court of Appeals on
Federal Civil and Commercial Matters issued a
preliminary injunction in re “Grupo Clarín S.A.
v. Secretariat of Domestic Trade and other on

preliminary injunctions” (case 10,506/09),
partially acknowledging the preliminary
injunction requested by Grupo Clarín, and
instructing the CNDC and the SCI to 
notify Grupo Clarín whenever their own 
verification of Cablevisión’s fulfillment of its 
undertakings had been concluded, regardless 
of the result. Should such agencies have any
observations, they should notify Grupo Clarín
within a term of 10 days. On the same date, 
the CNDC issued Resolution No. 1,011/09
whereby it deemed Cablevisión’s voluntary
undertakings unfulfilled and declared the
rescission of the authorization granted under
Resolution No. 257/07. 

On December 17, 2009, the National Court 
of Appeals on Federal Commercial-Criminal
Matters, Chamber A, decided to suspend 
the term to appeal Resolution No. 1,011/09
until the main case was transferred back to the
CNDC, considering it had been in such 
court since December 16, 2009. 

On December 17, 2009, the CNDC notified
Cablevisión of the initiation of the motion 
for execution of Resolution No. 1,011/09. On
December 18, 2009, Chamber No. 2 of the
National Court of Appeals on Federal Civil and
Commercial Matters issued an injunction in 
re “Grupo Clarín S.A. v. Secretariat of Domestic
Trade and other on preliminary injunctions”,
which suspended the effects of Resolution No.
1,011/09 until the notice set forth in the
injunction of December 15, 2009 was served.
Accordingly, the CNDC served notice to
Cablevisión by means of Resolution No.
1,101/09. 

On December 30, 2009, Chamber No. 2 
of the National Court of Appeals on Federal 
Civil and Commercial Matters issued a
preliminary injunction in re “Grupo Clarín S.A.
v. Secretariat of Domestic Trade and other 
on preliminary injunctions”, partially
acknowledging Grupo Clarín’s request and
suspending the term for Grupo Clarín to respond
to Resolution No. 1,101/09 until Grupo Clarín
is granted access to the administrative
proceedings related to the charges brought by the
CNDC in its Opinion No. 770/09 (on which
Resolution No. 1,011/09 was based). 

On February 19, 2010, Cablevisión requested
the nullification of the notice, and as a default

230

argument, submitted the response requested
under Resolution No. 1,101/09. On February
26, 2010, the National Court of Appeals on
Federal Commercial-Criminal Matters approved
the recusation filed by Cablevisión and excluded
the Secretariat of Domestic Trade from the
proceedings. 

On March 3, 2010, the Argentine Ministry 
of Economy and Public Finance issued
Resolution No. 113 (subscribed by the Minister
of Economy, Dr Amado Boudou) rejecting 
the request for the nullification of Resolution
No. 1,011/09, the requests for abstention 
and excusation of certain officials, and all the
evidence produced in connection with such
request for nullification. The voluntary
undertakings made by Cablevisión under
Resolution No. 257/07 were deemed unfulfilled,
thus declaring the rescission of the authorization
granted under such resolution. The parties
involved were ordered to take all necessary
actions to comply with such rescission within a
term of six months, and to inform the CNDC
about the progress made in that respect on 
a monthly basis. Such resolution was appealed 
in due time and form. The appeal was granted
without staying the execution of judgment. 

On April 20, 2010, Chamber No. 2 of the
National Court of Appeals on Federal Civil and
Commercial Matters granted the appeal filed 
by Grupo Clarín S.A. in re “Grupo Clarín on
delay in the appeal of the proceedings”, and
decided that the appeal granted by the CNDC
to Grupo Clarín S.A. against Resolution No.
113/10 had the effect of staying such resolution.
The National Government filed an appeal
asking that the Court of Appeals revoke its own
decision with respect to the effect granted 
to the April 20 decision, and that it decline its
jurisdiction. It also filed an appeal to have 
the case brought before the Supreme Court.
Both appeals were dismissed. Chamber No. 2
requested the administrative file to consider 
the appeal and render its decision. 

On September 17, 2015, the Court rendered 
a decision in favor of Cablevisión, revoking
Resolution No. 113/10 in its entirety. 
Both parties were served with the decision on
that same date. 

The National Government - Ministry of
Economy filed an appeal to have the case

brought before the Supreme Court, which was
substantiated in February 2016. 

Subsequently, in March 2016, the appeal filed
by the National Government - Ministry of
Economy and Public Finance was dismissed.
Therefore, SCI Resolution No. 257/07 and 
the effects of the authorization are in full force
and effect to date.

On March 31, 2016, the National Government
- Ministry of Economy and Public Finance 
filed a direct appeal before the Supreme Court
of Argentina.

Subsequently, the National Government
abandoned the Direct Appeal and the Supreme
Court deemed it abandoned on June 7, 2016.
Therefore, MECON Resolution No. 113/10 is
considered to be null and void.

d. On May 31, 2012, Cablevisión was served
notice of Resolution No. 16,819 dated May 23,
2012 whereby the Argentine Securities
Commission (CNV, for its Spanish acronym)
ordered the initiation of summary proceedings
against Cablevisión and its directors, members
of the Supervisory Committee and the Head 
of Market Relations for an alleged failure 
to comply with the duty to inform. The CNV
considers that Cablevisión failed to comply 
with its duty to inform because the investor
community was deprived of its right to 
become fully aware of the grounds of a decision
rendered by the Federal Court of Mendoza 
and the scope of the powers granted by that
court to the co-administrator appointed 
in re “Supercanal S.A. v. Cablevisión S.A. on
protection of constitutional rights”, in addition
to the fact that other self-regulated authorities
were allegedly not notified of the information
furnished by Cablevisión. On June 25, 2012,
Cablevisión filed a response requesting 
that its defenses be sustained and all charges
dismissed. On February 6, 2014 Cablevisión
submitted the legal brief for the purpose 
of discussing the evidence submitted under 
File No. 171/2012. Now the CNV’s Board 
of Directors has to render its decision.
Cablevisión and its legal advisors believe that
the company has strong arguments in its favor.
Nevertheless, Cablevisión cannot assure that 
the outcome of the said summary proceedings
will be favorable to Cablevisión. 

231

e. Pursuant to CNV Resolution No. 16,834
dated June 14, 2012 notified to the Company
on June 27, 2012, the CNV ordered the
initiation of summary proceedings against the
Company and the members of its Board of
Directors, Supervisory Committee and Audit
Committee in office at the time of the
occurrence of the events that motivated the
proceedings (September 19, 2008) for alleged
failure to comply with the duty to inform.
Under said Resolution, the CNV argues that 
the Company allegedly failed to comply with
the duty to disclose the filing of a claim 
against it entitled “Consumidores Financieros
Asociación Civil para su defensa and other 
v. Grupo Clarín on/Ordinary”, which the 
CNV considers relevant. On July 25, 2012,
Cablevisión filed a response petitioning that its
defenses be sustained and that all charges against
it be dismissed. The legal brief on the evidence
has been submitted. The Company and its 
legal advisors believe that the company has
strong arguments in its favor. Nevertheless, the
Company cannot assure that the outcome of
said summary proceedings will be favorable.

f. The Executive Branch of Uruguay issued
Decree No. 73/012, published in the Official
Gazette on March 16, 2012, whereby it
expressly repealed Decree No. 231/011, 
which had revoked certain signals’ broadcast
frequencies. However, the new decree ratified
and repeated - virtually in identical terms - 
the decree that was being repealed, and added
certain provisions that caused further detriment
to the two affected companies with which 
a subsidiary of Cablevisión has contractual
arrangements in place. Consequently, on 
March 23, 2012 the affected companies filed 
an appeal requesting that Decree No. 73/012 be
revoked. The appeal is still pending resolution.

In May 2012, the aforesaid companies brought
a legal action with the Court in Administrative
Litigation Matters requesting the nullification 
of the resolution and the suspension of its
execution. This motion to suspend the execution
of the challenged resolution was brought as a
separate case, and progressed through the
corresponding instances. The Office of the
Attorney General for Administrative Litigation
Matters, in its opinion No. 412/013 advised the
Court on Administrative Litigation Matters to
grant the motion to suspend the execution of
the challenged resolution for formal reasons, but

the Court dismissed the motion of suspension.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, as of the date 
of these financial statements, the governmental
authorities have not yet enforced the decree.

On September 30, 2014, the Court on
Administrative Litigation Matters through its
decisions No. 416/2014 and No. 446/2014
revoked for formal reasons Decrees No. 73/012
and No. 231/011, respectively.

On March 9, 2015, Decree No. 82/015 was
published in the Official Gazette, whereby 
the Executive Branch 1) repealed Decree No.
73/012; 2) 16 common stations are awarded to
be held in common (the same stations) by
BERSABEL S.A. and VISION SATELITAL
S.A. for a term of 15 years: Two of the 16
stations are awarded on a secondary basis, which
means that they may be exposed to interferences
and they do not have the right to bring any
claim in connection thereto; 3) use of existing
stations must cease within 18 months of their
award to mobile service operators; 4) both
companies are expressly authorized to increase
the number of TV signals (stations) included 
in their respective services making use of
digitization techniques; 5) both companies 
shall submit before the Communication 
Services Regulatory Agency (“URSEC”, for its
Spanish acronym), within a fixed term of 60
calendar days as from the date of publication 
of the Decree, a technical plan for the 
migration and release of stations, which plan
shall be assessed and approved by such agency 
(such plan was submitted on May 7, 2015); 
6) the Bidding Terms governing the bid 
for frequency bands that were owned by both
companies shall include an economic
compensation mechanism for both companies
to cover the expenses incurred in adapting 
their systems to the new stations awarded to
them, in the amount of USD 7,000,000.

Even though both companies’ request for the
annulment of Decree No. 153/012 was granted
for formal reasons (failure to serve prior notice)
by the Court on Administrative Litigation
Matters (decision 455 of June 11, 2015), this
decision does not change prior considerations
about the terms of Decree No. 82/015 with
respect to both companies due to the fact 
that Decree No. 305/015 (which substituted
Decree No. 153/012) confirmed the allocation
of channels 21 through 36 (512 MHz - 608

232

MHz) and 38 through 41 (614 MHz - 638
MHz), of 6 MHz each, in the UHF band
exclusively for rendering accessible, free, 
digital broadcast television services all over the
country, except for channels 35 (596-602
MHz), 36 (602-608 MHz) and 38 through 
41 (614-638 MHz) only in the geographic 
area for which BERSABEL S.A. and VISION
SATELITAL S.A. had received authorization,
which will be used solely for rendering
television services to subscribers through the
codified UHF system, as it had been previously
and expressly stated in Section 5 of Decree 
No. 82/015 (which repealed and amended the
language of Section 1 of the above-mentioned
Decree No. 153/012).

g. On June 4, 2012, the Federal Court of
Appeals of Rosario partially confirmed 
SCI Resolution No. 219/2010, whereby the
Secretariat of Domestic Trade found that
Cablevisión and Multicanal had engaged in
market sharing practices in connection 
with the paid-television service in the City of 
Santa Fe and reduced the fine imposed on 
each of the companies involved from Ps. 2.5
million to Ps. 2 million. However, this 
decision is not yet final, because Cablevisión
and Multicanal and the Ministry of Economy
filed appeals, which are still pending before
that Court of Appeals. On October 21, 2014,
the Argentine Supreme Court dismissed 
the appeals; therefore, Resolution No. 219/10
became final. 

The case is currently pending with the Court 
of Appeals of Rosario, which shall order its
referral to the SCI. The SCI, in turn, shall serve
notice to the companies involved in order for
them to pay the fine.

h. On March 1, 2011, the SCI served notice 
to Multicanal and Cablevisión of Resolution
No. 19/11 whereby the Secretariat of Domestic
Trade found that both companies had engaged
in market sharing practices in connection 
with the paid-television service in the City of
Paraná and imposed a fine of Ps. 2.5 million on
each of them. Cablevisión filed an appeal in 
due time and form. This appeal was dismissed
by the Federal Court of Appeals of Paraná.
Therefore, Cablevisión filed an appeal with the
Argentine Supreme Court. On November 4,
2011, the appeal of SCI Resolution No. 19/11
filed by Cablevisión with the Supreme Court

was partially granted by the Federal Court of
Appeals of Paraná.

On August 30, 2012, the Argentine Supreme
Court dismissed the appeal filed by Cablevisión;
therefore, Resolution No. 19/11 became final.
The case is currently pending with the Court 
of Appeals of Paraná, which shall order its
referral to the SCI. The SCI, in turn, shall serve
notice to the companies involved in order for
them to pay the fine.

i. Cablevisión, by itself and as successor 
of Multicanal’s operations after the merger, is a
party to several administrative proceedings
under the Antitrust Law, facing charges of
anticompetitive conduct, including territorial
division of markets, price discrimination, 
abuse of dominant position, refusal to deal 
and predatory pricing, as well as a proceeding 
filed by the Cámara de Cableoperadores
Independientes (Chamber of Independent 
Cable Operators), challenging the transactions
consummated on September 26, 2006. While
Cablevisión believes that its conduct and 
that of Multicanal have always been within 
the bounds of the Argentine Antitrust Law 
and regulations and that their positions in each 
of these proceedings are reasonably grounded, 
it can give no assurance that any of these cases 
will be resolved in its favor.

j. On January 22, 2010, Cablevisión was served
notice of CNDC Resolution No. 8/10 issued
within the framework of file No. 0021390/2010
entitled “Official Investigation of Cable
Television Subscriptions (C1321)”. Pursuant 
to this Resolution, Cablevisión, among other
companies, was ordered to refrain from
conducting collusive practices and, particularly,
from increasing the price of cable television
subscriptions for a term of 60 days, counted as
from the date compliance with all required
notices is certified in the records of the case. 
As established by that Resolution, companies
that have already increased the price of the
subscriptions shall return to the price applicable
in November 2009 and maintain such price 
for the above-mentioned term.

On February 2, 2010, by means of Resolution
No. 13/10, the CNDC ordered Cablevisión 
to refund to its subscribers in the March 2012
invoices the amount of any price increase made
after the date of CNDC Resolution No. 8/10.

233

Cablevisión appealed both resolutions in due
time and form and their effects were suspended
by an injunction issued by Chamber No. 2 of
the National Court of Appeals on Federal Civil
and Commercial Matters at the request of
Cablevisión. The National Government filed an
appeal with the Supreme Court against this
decision, and the appeal has been dismissed.

On October 4, 2011, Chamber No. 2 of the
National Court of Appeals on Federal Civil and
Commercial Matters granted the appeal filed
against both decisions in re “Cablevisión and
Other on Appeal against the Decision rendered
by the National Antitrust Commission” (File
1,473/2010), declaring Resolution No. 8/10
moot and nullifying Resolution No. 13/10.

The National Government filed an appeal with
the Supreme Court of Argentina against the
decision rendered by Chamber No. 2, which
was granted, but it was dismissed by the
Supreme Court of Argentina.

k. On October 28, 2010, Cablevisión was
served notice of the National Administration of
Domestic Trade’s resolutions imposing two fines
of Ps. 5 million each, for allegedly failing to
observe the typographic character requirements
under applicable regulations (Resolution
906/98) when informing its subscribers of the
increase in the price of their cable television
subscriptions. Cablevisión appealed the fines on
November 12, 2010 because it believes it has
strong grounds in its favor. However, it cannot
assure that the outcome will be favorable. One
of the files was assigned No. 1280 and is
pending before Chamber No. 1 of the Federal
Administrative Court of Appeals, and the other
one was assigned No. 1,278 and is pending
before Chamber No. 5 of the Federal
Administrative Court of Appeals.

l. The litigation brought before the Civil,
Commercial, Mining and Labor Court of the
City of Concarán, Province of San Luis, in 
early 2007 in re “Grupo Radio Noticias SRL v.
Cablevisión and others”, is still pending before
the Federal Court in Administrative Matters
No. 2. 

to such claim and believes it is very unlikely that
it will be admitted. The claimant has abandoned
the claim it had brought, and the claimant’s
attorney must provide evidence of his attorney
powers.

m. The Government of the City of Mar del
Plata enacted Ordinance No. 9163, governing
the installation of cable television networks.
Such ordinance was amended and restated by
Ordinance No. 15,981 dated February 26,
2004, giving cable companies until December
31, 2007 to adapt their cable networks to the
new municipal requirements. The ordinance sets
forth that in those areas where street lighting
has underground wiring, cable television
networks are to be placed underground. In 
this sense, the Executive Department of the
Municipality of General Pueyrredón has
submitted to the Municipal Council a proposed
ordinance extending the term provided until
December 31, 2015. Such ordinance is ready 
for discussion by legislators. Even though 
the ordinance provides for certain penalties that
may be imposed, the City has not imposed 
such penalties to cable systems that are not in
compliance with such ordinance.

n. On November 27, 2012 the National
Administration of Domestic Trade served
Cablevisión with Resolution No. 308/2012,
whereby it imposed a Ps. 5 million fine 
on that company alleging that it had failed to
comply with Section No. 4 of the Antitrust 
Law (increase in the subscription price of cable
television services/wrongful information
provided by Customer Service, which informed
by mail that SCI Resolution No. 50/10 and 
the supplementing resolutions are suspended on
grounds of unconstitutionality, when in fact
they have been suspended by an injunction).
On December 11, 2012 Cablevisión appealed
Resolution No. 308/2012. The administrative
file No. S01:0312056/2011 was sent by the
National Administration of Domestic Trade to
the National Court of Appeals on Federal
Administrative Matters. It is now pending
before Chamber No. 1 in re “Cablevisión SA 
v. DNCI Res. 308/12 and Other” (File 140/13).
A decision has not been rendered yet.

The purpose of that claim was to challenge 
the share transfers mentioned in Note 10.1.c. 
and to request the revocation of Cablevisión’s
broadcasting licenses. Cablevisión has responded

Cablevisión and its legal advisors believe that the
company has strong arguments in its favor.
Nevertheless, Cablevisión cannot assure that the
revocation of the fine will be resolved in its favor.

234

o. On July 5, 2013, the National
Administration of Domestic Trade served notice
to Cablevisión of Resolution No. 134/2013,
whereby it imposed a fine of Ps. 500,000 for
breach of Section 2 of Resolution ex S.I.C. 
y M. No. 789/98, which regulates the Business
Loyalty Law No. 22,802. Cablevisión 
appealed that resolution on July 16, 2013. 
The administrative file was sent by the 
National Administration of Domestic Trade to
the National Court of Appeals on Federal
Administrative Matters. It is now pending
before Chamber No. 3 in re “Cablevisión SA 
v. DNCI Res. 134/13 and Other” (File
36044/13). On May 20, 2014, Chamber No. 3
partially granted the appeal filed by Cablevisión
and reduced the fine to Ps. 300,000 and ordered
that each party shall bear its own legal costs. 
On June 9, 2014, Cablevisión filed an appeal
with the Argentine Supreme Court. On
September 18, 2014, Cablevisión was served
notice of the extraordinary appeal filed by the
National Government, and on October 2, 2014
that company filed a response. On October 9,
2014, the Chamber dismissed both appeals.

On October 08, 2010, the National
Administration of Domestic Trade served 
notice to Cablevisión of Resolution No.
697/2010, whereby it imposed a fine 
of Ps. 500,000 for breach of Section 21 of 
the Business Loyalty Law No. 22,802.
Cablevisión appealed that resolution on October
26, 2010. The administrative file was sent by 
the National Administration of Domestic Trade
to the National Court of Appeals on Federal
Administrative Matters. It is now pending before
Chamber No. 3 in re “Cablevisión SA v. DNCI
Res. 697/2010 (File S01:80822/10) and Other”
(File 1,277/2011). On December 29, 2011 
the Court of Appeals dismissed the appeal filed
by Cablevisión, and imposed court costs on
Cablevisión. On February 22, 2012, Cablevisión
filed an appeal with the Argentine Supreme
Court. The appeal was dismissed by the
Chamber on April 10, 2012. On April 26, 2012,
Cablevisión filed an appeal against the above-
mentioned dismissal. The Supreme Court of
Argentina granted the appeal and revoked 
the decision against which Cablevisión had filed
the appeal with legal costs to be borne by the
National Administration of Domestic Trade, and
ordered that the case be sent back to the court 
of first instance for it to render a new decision
based on the precedent indicated in its ruling.

p. On March 16, 2012, CNV issued Resolution
No. 16,765 whereby it ordered the initiation 
of summary proceedings against Cablevisión, its
directors and members of the Supervisory
Committee for an alleged failure to comply with
the duty to inform. The CNV considers that
Cablevisión failed to comply with its duty to
inform because the investor community was
deprived of its right to become fully aware of the
Decision rendered by the Supreme Court of
Argentina in re "Application for judicial review
brought by the National Government Ministry of
Economy and Production of the case Multicanal
S.A. and other v/CONADECO Decree No.
527/05” and other, and also considers that
Cablevisión did not disclose certain issues related
to the information required by the CNV in
connection with its Class 1 and 2 Noteholders’
Extraordinary Meetings held on April 23, 2010.
On April 04, 2012, that company filed a
response requesting that its defenses be sustained
and that all charges against it be dismissed. The
discovery stage has been closed and the company
submitted the legal brief. Cablevisión and its legal
advisors believe that the company has strong
arguments in its favor. Nevertheless, Cablevisión
cannot assure that the outcome of said summary
proceedings will be favorable.

q. On August 28, 2015, Cablevisión was 
served notice of Resolution No. 17,769 dated
August 13, 2015 whereby the CNV ordered 
the initiation of summary proceedings against
Cablevisión and its directors, members of 
the Supervisory Committee and the Head of
Market Relations for an alleged delay in the
submission of the required documentation. The
CNV considers that Cablevisión failed to
comply with effective regulations because it filed
certain documentation outside the regulatory
term set by CNV rules (as restated in 2013, as
amended). Cablevisión, as well as its directors,
members of the Supervisory Committee and
Head of Market Relations filed a response in
due time and form requesting that its defenses
be sustained and all charges dismissed.
Cablevisión and its legal advisors believe that
the company has strong arguments in its favor.
Nevertheless, Cablevisión cannot assure that 
the outcome of the said summary proceedings
will be favorable to Cablevisión. On January 20,
2016, the preliminary hearing was held
pursuant to Section 138 of Law No. 26,831 and
Article 8, Subsection b.1. of Section II, Chapter
II, Title XIII of the Regulations (T.R. 2013). 

235

10.2 Claims and Disputes with Governmental

Agencies
a. In connection with the decisions made at the
Company’s Annual Ordinary Shareholders’
Meeting held on April 28, 2011, on September
1, 2011 the Company was served with a
preliminary injunction in re “National Social
Security Administration v. Grupo Clarín S.A. 
re ordinary proceeding” whereby the Company
may not in any way dispose, in part or in whole,
of the Ps. 387,028,756 currently recorded 
under the retained earnings account, other than
to distribute dividends to the shareholders.

On the same date, the Company was served
with a claim brought by Argentina’s National
Social Security Administration requesting the
nullity of the decision made on point 7
(Appropriation of Retained Earnings) of the
agenda of the Annual Ordinary Shareholders’
Meeting held on April 22, 2010. As of the date
of these financial statements, the Company 
has duly answered the complaint, the parties
have produced evidence and made allegations.

On November 1, 2011, the CNV issued
Resolution No. 593, which provides that at
shareholders’ meetings in which financial
statements are considered shareholders must
expressly decide to, either distribute as 
dividends any retained earnings that are not
subject to distribution restrictions and that 
may be disposed of pursuant to applicable law
or capitalize such retained earnings and issue
shares, or appropriate them to set up reserves
other than legal reserves, or a combination 
of the above.

On July 12, 2013 the Company was served
notice of Resolution No. 17,131; dated as 
of July 11, 2013 whereby the CNV declared
that the administrative effects of the decisions
adopted at the Annual General Ordinary
Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 25, 
2013 were irregular and ineffective, based on
allegations that are absolutely false and
irrelevant. According to the Company and its
legal advisors, Resolution No. 17,131 is, among
other things, null and void, because it lacks
sufficient grounds and its enactment is a clear
abuse of authority and a further step in the
National Government’s attempt to intervene in
the Company. On October 11, 2013 Chamber
No. 5 of the National Court of Appeals 
on Federal Administrative Matters issued a

preliminary injunction in re “Grupo Clarín S.A.
v. CNV – Resol No. 17.131/13 (File 737/13)”
File No. 29,563/2013, whereby it suspended the
effects of Resolution No. 17.131/2013 dated
July 11, 2013 which had rendered irregular and
with no effect for administrative purposes the
Company’s Annual Ordinary Shareholders’
Meeting held on April 25, 2013. As of the date
of these financial statements, the preliminary
injunction is still in effect.

In August 2013 the Company was served with 
a nullification claim brought by Argentina’s
National Social Security Administration relating
to the Annual Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting
held on April 28, 2011 whereby it requested the
nullity of all the decisions made at such meeting
and, as a default argument, the nullity of 
the decisions made on points 2, 4 and 7 of that
meeting’s agenda, as well as the nullity of the
decisions made at the Extraordinary Meetings of
Class A, B and A and B Shareholders. As of the
date of these financial statements, the Company
had duly answered the complaint.

On September 17, 2013 the Company 
was served with a nullification claim brought 
by Argentina’s National Social Security
Administration relating to the Annual Ordinary
Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 26, 2012
whereby it requested the nullity of all the
decisions made at such meeting and, as a default
argument, the nullity of the decisions made 
on points 8 and 4 of that meeting’s agenda, 
as well as the nullity of the decisions made at 
the Extraordinary Meetings of Class A, B 
and A and B Shareholders. As of the date of
these financial statements, the Company 
had duly answered the complaint. 

On March 21, 2014, the Company was 
served notice of a claim brought by Argentina’s
National Social Security Administration in 
re “National Social Security Administration 
v. GRUPO CLARÍN S.A. on Ordinary
Proceeding” File No. 74,429, pending before
the National Court of First Instance on
Commercial Matters No. 17, Clerk’s Office 
No. 34. This claim seeks to nullify and
challenge the corporate decisions made at the
Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 25, 2013
and those made at the Board of Directors’
Meeting held on April 26, 2013. As of the date
of these financial statements, a response 
to the claim had been filed. 

236

On September 16, 2014, the Company 
received a communication from its controlling
shareholder, GC Dominio S.A., whereby that
company informed that it had been summoned
to court as a third party in re “National 
Social Security Administration v. Grupo Clarín
S.A. on Ordinary Proceeding”, pending 
before the National Court of First Instance on
Commercial Matters No. 17, Clerk’s Office 
No. 33. As of the date of these financial
statements and as informed by GC Dominio
S.A., that company has filed a response to the
above-mentioned claim. 

According to the Company and its legal
advisors, the outstanding claims requesting the
nullification of the Shareholders’ Meetings 
have no legal grounds. Therefore, they believe
that the Company will not have to face adverse
consequences in this regard. 

b. The Argentine Federal Revenue Service
(“AFIP”) served the subsidiary CIMECO with 
a notice challenging its income tax assessment 
for fiscal years 2000, 2001 and 2002. In 
such notice, the AFIP challenged mainly the
deduction of interest and exchange differences
in the tax returns filed for those years. If 
AFIP’s position prevails, CIMECO’s maximum
contingency as of December 31, 2016 would
amount to approximately Ps. 12.3 million for
taxes and Ps. 42.7 million for interest. 

CIMECO filed a response, which was dismissed
by the tax authorities. The tax authorities 
issued their own official assessment and imposed
penalties. CIMECO appealed the tax
authorities’ resolution before the National Tax
Court on August 15, 2007.

During the year ended December 31, 2010,
CIMECO received a pro forma income 
tax assessment from the AFIP for fiscal periods
2003 through 2007, as a consequence of 
AFIP’s challenge to CIMECO’s income tax
assessments for the periods 2000 through 2002
mentioned above. CIMECO filed a response
before AFIP, rejecting such assessment and
requesting the suspension of administrative
proceedings until the Federal Tax Court renders
its decision on the merits.

During 2011, the AFIP served CIMECO with 
a notice stating the income tax charges assessed
for years 2003 through 2007 and ordering the

initiation of summary proceedings. The AFIP’s
assessment shows a difference in its favor in the
Income Tax liability for the periods indicated
above for an amount in excess of the amount
that had been estimated originally, as a result of
the method used to calculate certain deductions.
CIMECO responded to the assessment rejecting
all of the adjustments and requesting that 
the proceedings be rendered without effect and
filed, with no further actions to be taken. 

On April 26, 2012, the AFIP issued a new
official assessment comprising the fiscal years
2003 through 2007, in which it applied the
same method for the calculation as that used for
the administrative settlement, claiming a total
liability of Ps. 120 million. On May 21, 2012,
an appeal was filed with the Federal Tax Court.

CIMECO and its legal and tax advisors believe
CIMECO has strong grounds to defend 
the criteria adopted in their tax returns and that
AFIP’s challenges will not be admitted by the
Federal Tax Court. Accordingly, CIMECO 
has not booked an allowance in connection with
the effects such challenges may have.

c. On September 10, 2010, the AFIP served
TRISA with a notice with objections to 
its income tax assessment, with respect to the
application of the withholding regime set 
forth under the section following section 69 
of the Income Tax law, for fiscal years 2004,
2005 and 2006. If AFIP’s position prevails, 
TRISA’s contingency would amount to
approximately Ps. 28.9 million, out of which 
Ps. 9.3 million would correspond to taxes 
on dividend payments made during those years,
Ps. 6.5 million to a 70% fine on the omitted
tax, and Ps. 13.1 million to late-payment
interest, calculated as of the date of the AFIP’s
tax assessment.

TRISA filed a response, which was dismissed 
by the tax authorities. On December 20, the tax
authorities issued their own official assessment
and imposed penalties. TRISA appealed the 
tax authorities’ resolution before the National
Tax Court on February 8, 2011. 

TRISA and its legal and tax advisors believe 
that TRISA has strong grounds to 
defend its position and that AFIP’s challenges 
will not be admitted by the Federal Tax 
Court. Accordingly, TRISA has not booked 

237

a provision in connection with the effects such
challenges may have.

d. On August 13, 2012, the parent company
GC Dominio S.A. was served notice of a claim
brought by the Argentine Superintendency of
Legal Entities (IGJ) whereby that agency 
seeks to annul the registration with the Public
Registry of Commerce of the appointment of
GC Dominio S.A.’s authorities, approved at the
Shareholders’ Meeting held on May 17, 2011.
The claim is pending before the Federal Court
of First Instance on Commercial Matters No.
25, Clerk’s Office No. 49 (“Inspección General
de Justicia v. Dominio S.A. on/Ordinary”, File
No. 58652). The claim brought by the IGJ
seeks to annul the registration with IGJ of the
appointment of GC Dominio S.A.’s authorities,
approved at the Annual General Ordinary
Shareholders’ Meeting of GC Dominio held on
May 17, 2011. The appointment was registered
with the IGJ on April 23, 2012 under No.
7147, Book No. 59 of Share Companies.
According to the IGJ and as the case file is said
to show, GC Dominio has allegedly failed to
comply with certain regulations applicable 
to foreign shareholders upon registration of the
appointment of authorities. Also within the
framework of this claim, the Court issued an
injunction in favor of the IGJ ordering that 
the existence of this claim be duly noted. The
Chamber has confirmed the decision to order
that the existence of this claim be duly noted.

GC Dominio S.A.’s legal advisors have strong
grounds to argue that the resolution of 
IGJ’s claim seeking the de-registration of the
appointment of authorities has serious defects
and infringes the guarantees of reasonableness
and due process; a principle that derives 
from the constitutional guarantee of defense in
court, which entails the right to be heard and 
to produce evidence to contradict a claim. 
GC Dominio S.A. has appealed such injunction
because it considers that the IGJ has not shown
that its legal arguments are, at least, plausible. 

e. As a result of a suspicious transaction report
issued by the Argentine Federal Revenue Service
(“AFIP”) relating to transactions carried out
between the Company and certain subsidiaries,
the Financial Information Unit (“FIU”) pressed
criminal charges for alleged money laundering.
The action is now pending before Federal Court
No. 9, under Dr. Luis Rodriguez. The FIU has

pressed charges against the Company and its
directors for alleged money laundering activities
related to the trading of shares between the
Company and some of its subsidiaries. The
Company has appointed defense attorneys and
has requested a copy of the file to understand
the details of the charges. The FIU is acting 
as plaintiff in this case. One of the Company’s
directors made a spontaneous appearance 
and filed a response and produced documentary
evidence. Certain charges pressed by
Representative Di Tullio were also added to 
the case. In addition, the Prosecutor requested
that the charges be investigated and that 
certain evidentiary measures be taken which
have not yet been fulfilled as of the date 
of these financial statements.

In March 2014, the intervening prosecutor
Miguel Angel Osorio broadened the request 
for evidence with regard to intercompany
movements between Cablevisión and certain
subsidiaries, all of which were regular and 
had been duly recorded.

The Company and its legal advisors consider
that there are strong arguments in the
Company’s favor, and have gathered evidence
that supports the lack of involvement of anyone
in any such unlawful maneuvers. However, 
they cannot assure that the outcome of this
action will be favorable.

f. By means of Resolution 16,364/2010, dated
and notified to AGEA as of July 15, 2010, 
the CNV’s Board of Directors decided to
initiate summary proceedings against AGEA
and certain current and past members of its
board of directors and supervisory commission,
for alleged infringement of the Argentine
Business Associations Law, Decree No. 677/01
and Law No, 22,315. AGEA, and the current
and past members of the Board of Directors 
and supervisory commission who are subject to
the summary proceedings, duly filed their
respective responses.

g. The subsidiary AGEA received several
inspections from the AFIP aimed at verifying
compliance with the so-called competitiveness
plans implemented by the National Executive
Branch. After several reports issued by the 
AFIP and the corresponding Resolutions issued
by the Ministry of Economy, such agencies
allege that certain acts performed by AGEA

238

during 2002 lead to the nullity of some of the
benefits granted under said plans, including
adjustments, for an estimated total amount of
Ps. 65 million. In April 2013, AGEA was served
with AFIP Resolution No. 03/13, whereby 
such agency decided to exclude AGEA from the
Registry of Beneficiaries of the Competitiveness
and Employment Generation Agreements under
the Cultural Sector Agreement, as from March
4, 2002. The AFIP ordered the restatement 
of the tax returns and the remittance of the
corresponding amounts. AGEA filed an appeal
against such resolution. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, in re “AEDBA and Other v. Ministry
of Economy Resolution No. 58/10”, the 
Federal Court on Administrative Matters No. 
6 issued an injunction ordering AFIP to refrain
from initiating and/or continuing with the
administrative proceeding/s and/or any act that
would entail the enforcement of the amounts
payable under Resolution No. 3/13, until 
a final decision is rendered. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, AGEA cannot assure that the
appeal will be resolved in its favor.

h. On April 9, 2013, Cablevisión was served
notice of AFIP Resolution No. 45/13 dated
April 3, 2013, whereby such agency imposed
penalties in a summary proceeding against 
that company with respect to compliance with
General Resolution No. 3,260/12. Cablevisión
filed an appeal, which has staying effects on 
the execution of those penalties.

i. Pursuant to Resolution No. 17,522 issued 
on September 18, 2014 and notified to AGEA
on September 24, 2014, the Board of Directors
of the CNV decided to initiate summary
proceedings against AGEA, certain current and
past members of its Board of Directors and
supervisory commission –who occupied those
positions between September 19, 2008 and 
the present date- and against that company’s
Head of Market Relations, for an alleged failure
to comply with the duty to inform that AGEA 
was a co-defendant in re “CONSUMIDORES
FINANCIEROS ASOCIACION CIVIL 
PARA SU DEFENSA AND OTHER 
V. GRUPO CLARIN S.A. AND OTHER on
EXPEDITED SUMMARY PROCEEDING”
(File No. 065441/08). The summary proceeding
is grounded on an alleged failure to comply
with Article 5, subsection a), the first part of
Article 6 and Article 8, subsection a) part V) of
the Annex to Decree No. 677/01; with Articles

1, 2 and 3, subsection . 9) of Chapter XXI of
the REGULATIONS (T.R. 2001 as amended) -
now Article 1 of Section I, Chapter I, 
Title XII of the REGULATIONS (T.R. 2013 
as amended); with Articles 2 and 3 subsection .
9) of Section II, Chapter I, Title XII of the
REGULATIONS (T.R. 2013 as amended); 
with Article 11 subsection a.12) of Chapter
XXVI of the REGULATIONS (T.R. 2001 
as amended) –now Article 11 subsection 13) 
of Section IV, Chapter I, Title XV of the
REGULATIONS (T.R. 2013 as amended); 
with Article 99 and 100 of Law No. 26,831;
and with Articles 59 and 294 subsection . 9) 
of Law No. 19,550. AGEA, and the current 
and past members of the Board of Directors 
and supervisory commission who are subject to
the summary proceedings, duly filed their
respective responses. On February 11, 2015, 
the preliminary hearing was held pursuant to
Article 8, subsection b.1.), Title XIII, Chapter
II, Section II of the Regulations (T.R 2013, 
as amended). On August 19, 2015, the
company submitted the legal brief for the
discovery stage.

j. On February 27, 2013, the AFIP served IESA
with a notice stating the income tax and value
added tax charges assessed for fiscal period 
2008 and ordering the initiation of summary
proceedings for alleged omitted taxes. The AFIP
mainly challenged the deduction of certain
expenses and fees, as well as the calculation of
the corresponding tax credit. IESA filed an
appeal in connection with such order, which
is currently pending before the National 
Tax Court. The official assessment amounts 
to P6. 1.4 million for income tax and Ps. 2.8
million for late-payment interest, calculated as
of December 31, 2016.

The official value-added tax assessment amounts
to Ps. 0.8 million for tax differences and Ps. 1.8
million for late-payment interest, calculated 
as of December 31, 2016.

On October 21, the AFIP served IESA with 
a notice stating the income tax and value added
tax charges assessed for fiscal period 2009 and
ordered the initiation of summary proceedings
for alleged omitted taxes. In this case, the AFIP
mainly challenged the deduction of fees, as 
well as the calculation of the corresponding tax
credit. IESA filed an appeal in connection
thereto, which is currently pending before the

239

National Tax Court. The official assessment
amounts to Ps. 1.2 million for income tax 
and Ps. 2.8 million for late-payment interest,
calculated as of December 31, 2016.

The official value-added tax assessment amounts
to Ps. 0.5 million for tax differences and Ps. 1.2
million for late-payment interest, calculated as
of December 31, 2016.

IESA and its legal and tax advisors believe that
it has strong arguments in its favor to defend
the criterion adopted in its tax returns.

10.3 Other Claims and Disputes
a. On June 22, 2007, TSC executed several
documents with AFA, applicable from the
2007/2008 until the 2013/2014 soccer seasons,
whereby TSC held all the broadcasting rights 
for ten of the Argentine soccer first division
official tournament matches played each week. 

On August 13, 2009 AFA notified TSC of its
decision to terminate unilaterally the above-
mentioned agreement. TSC challenged AFA’s
unilateral termination of the agreement and, in
order to safeguard its rights, on June 15, 2010 
it brought a legal action against AFA before 
a commercial court for contractual breach and
damages.

AFA summoned the National Government 
as a third party, and the National Government
was incorporated to the proceedings. The
National Government requested that the case 
be submitted to the Court on Federal
Administrative Matters. The request was
dismissed by the Commercial Court of 
Appeals, which ratified the jurisdiction of the
Commercial Court.

The National Government filed an appeal in
connection with the jurisdictional conflict, 
with the Supreme Court of Argentina, which
dismissed the appeal and ordered that the 
file be submitted to the Court of First Instance.
On September 5, 2016, the judge ordered
discovery proceedings, and established that the
hearing provided under Section 360 of the Civil
and Commercial Procedure Code of Argentina
would be held on June 5, 2017.

b. On January 31, 2012, FADRA informed
Grupo Carburando’s subsidiary Mundo Show
S.A. of the unilateral rescission of the

agreement executed in 2006 whereby FADRA
assigned to that company the rights comprising
image, sound and static advertising of motor
racing at the road racing events Turismo
Carretera and TC Pista until December 31,
2015. Mundo Show S.A. has challenged and
rejected FADRA’s unilateral rescission of 
the agreement. In light of the events, Mundo 
Show S.A. will not be able to sell or export 
the audiovisual and static advertising rights of
the above-mentioned motor racing events.
Therefore, in 2012 an allowance was set up for
impairment of goodwill and other assets
related to such agreement of approximately 
Ps. 17 million. On July 17, 2013, some of 
the Company’s subsidiaries executed an
agreement in order to settle the legal actions
brought as a consequence of the termination 
of TV broadcasting rights and sponsorship
agreements relating to the Turismo Carretera
and TC Pista road racing events, whereby
FADRA undertook to pay damages for an
aggregate and final amount of Ps. 16.5 million
in 23 monthly and consecutive installments. 
In addition, it assigned all of its equity interest
in TCM, which represents 20% of its capital
stock and votes. The parties also settled the
claims brought against FADRA in re "Mundo
Show v. FADRA on pending cash collection,
File No. 10041/2012", whereby FADRA 
paid Ps. 1.5 million in exchange for the
dismissal of the legal actions.

c. Pursuant to a notarial certificate issued on
September 19, 2008, AGEA and the Company
were served with a legal action brought by 
an entity representing consumers and alleged
financial victims (and by six other individuals).
Claimants are Multicanal noteholders who
claim to be allegedly affected by Multicanal’s
APE. The claim is grounded on a Consumer
Defense Law that, in general terms, provides for
an ambiguous procedure that is very strict
against the defendant.

The Company, AGEA and certain directors 
and members of the supervisory committee 
and shareholders have been served with 
the claim. After rejecting certain preliminary
defenses presented by the defendants, such 
as the application of statutes of limitation and
the failure to comply with prior mediation
procedures, the claim followed ordinary
procedure and the above-mentioned persons
duly filed their respective responses.

240

d. On September 16, 2010 the Company 
was served with a claim brought against it by
Consumidores Financieros Asociación Civil 
para su Defensa. The plaintiff claims a
reimbursement of the difference between the
value of the shares of the Company purchased
at their initial public offering and the value 
of the shares at the time a decision is rendered
in the case. The Company has duly responded
to the claim and the intervening Court has
deemed the claim responded.

e. On April 25, 2013 Grupo Clarín S.A. held 
its Annual Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting. 
As a result of the issues raised at this Meeting,
some of the permanent directors informed 
the Company that they had pressed criminal
charges against the representatives of the
shareholder ANSES and of the CNV (Messrs.
Reposo, Kicillof, Moreno, Vanoli, Fardi and
Helman) for making statements and intellectual
constructions which, under the appearance 
of being included in the new regulations of the
Argentine Capital Markets Law, only sought 
to discredit the Board of Directors and
caricature its management, creating pretexts 
that may lead to an intervention of the
Company without judicial control; pursuant 
to the new powers vested on the CNV by
Capital Markets Law No. 26,831. On April 26,
2013, the Board of Directors decided to press
charges on the same grounds.

Consequently, the Company sent a letter to 
the CNV, in which it clearly stated that what
had happened at that Meeting could not 
be considered in any way as an acknowledgment
of the legitimacy of the powers vested on the
CNV by Law No. 26,831 and/or the regulations
that may be issued in the future. The letter 
also stated that the Company reserved its right
to file the pertinent legal actions at any 
time to request the declaration of the evident
unconstitutionality of that law. It also requested
the CNV to refrain from performing any act 
or issuing any resolution that would lead to the
execution of the plan of which they had been
accused before the courts.

f. On May 30, 2013, Pem S.A. was served
notice of a claim in re “TELEVISORA
PRIVADA DEL OESTE S.A. v. GRUPO
CLARÍN S.A. AND OTHERS on
ORDINARY” File No. 99078/2011, which is
pending before the Federal Commercial Court

No. 16 of First Instance, Clerk’s Office No. 32.
The claim seeks damages resulting from 
certain decisions made with respect to Televisora
Privada del Oeste S.A. Cablevisión and the
Company, among others, are defendants in such
lawsuit. Cablevisión was served with the claim
and filed a response in due time and form.
Notice of the claim is being served on the other
co-defendants. According to the Company’s
legal advisors, the chances of success of the
claim are low because the damages claimed are
clearly overstated, the actual damage invoked
does not exist and the claim is procedurally
inappropriate, on both a factual and legal basis.
Pem S.A. filed a response and the proceeding 
is now in the discovery stage. In view of 
the level of conflict that has arisen among the
parties and the length of time it is taking to
reach a solution, Cablevisión cannot ascertain
the outcome of this claim.

g. In March 2012, ARTEAR brought a
summary action for the protection of
constitutional rights against the National
Government (Chief of the Cabinet of Ministers
and Secretariat of Public Communication) 
and against Messrs. Juan Manuel Abal Medina 
and Alfredo Scoccimarro, in order to request that
the National Government cease in the arbitrary
and discriminatory allocation of official
advertising with respect to Arte Radiotelevisivo
Argentino S.A. ARTEAR requested (i) that the
court order the maintenance of a balanced
allocation with respect to the amount of official
advertising received in previous years, and in
particular prior to 2008, and with respect 
to the amount of official advertising allocated 
to other broadcasters of similar characteristics, 
and (ii) that the conduct of the above-
mentioned officials be declared illegitimate, on
account of their having abusively exercised 
their discretional power to manage public funds
destined to official advertising, discriminating
against Canal 13, which is owned by ARTEAR. 

On February 11, 2014, the Supreme Court 
of Argentina decided in re “Arte Radiotelevisivo
Argentino S.A. v. National Government - 
Chief of the Cabinet of Ministers and Media
Secretariat on summary action for the
protection of constitutional rights (acción de
amparo) Law No. 16,980” to confirm the
decision rendered in that respect by Chamber
No. 4 of the National Court of Appeals on
Federal Administrative Matters. This Court

241

admitted the summary action brought by
ARTEAR and ordered the National
Government to provide for the drafting and
submission to the first instance court of a
scheme for the allocation of official advertising
that included the broadcasters with characteristics
analogous to those of ARTEAR. Among those
broadcasters, the Court of Appeals included
América TV S.A. (Canal 2), Telearte S.A. 
(Canal 9), Televisión Federal S.A. (Canal 11),
ARTEAR (Canal 13) and SNMP S.A. and RTA
S.E. (Canal 7). The allocation scheme must
faithfully conform to the guidelines of
proportionality and equity set forth in the
ruling. The term for submitting the allocation
scheme was set at thirty days after that decision
became final. After ARTEAR had filed several
complaints denouncing non-compliance 
with the decision rendered by the Supreme
Court, the judge of the National Court of First
Instance on Federal Administrative Matters 
No. 12, Clerk’s Office No. 23 admitted these
complaints in June 2015. The judge held 
that the defendant had not complied with the
Supreme Court’s decision and ordered that 
it begin to comply going forward. As of the date
of these financial statements, the National
Government is complying with that decision.

h. The claimants representing media companies
in re “AEDBA and Other v. National
Government - Decree No. 746/03 - AFIP on
Incidental Procedure” pending before the Court
on Federal Administrative Matters No. 4
requested that media companies represented by
the claimants be granted the right to have a
differential VAT regime as undertaken by the
National Government under Decree No.
746/03 and the rules and regulations issued in
connection thereto. 

On October 30, 2003, a preliminary 
injunction was issued in connection with the
above-mentioned file, ordering the National
Government to maintain the effectiveness 
of the benefit granted under Decree No.
746/03. The National Government filed an
appeal against that decision and on November
6, 2008, the Court of Appeals granted the
request to have the injunction revoked, among
other things. On November 27, 2008, the
claimants filed an appeal with the Supreme
Court of Argentina requesting the suspension of
the enforcement of such ruling.

On October 28, 2014, the Supreme Court of
Argentina issued a ruling in connection with the
above-mentioned file, whereby it declared the
appeal formally admissible and thus confirmed
the effectiveness of the above-mentioned
preliminary injunction. In the recitals of its
ruling, the Supreme Court stated that: (i) as of
the date of the decision, the Executive Branch
had not yet established any regime to replace
the so-called competitiveness and employment
generation agreements; (ii) the differential VAT
regime provided under Law No. 26,982 was
only applicable to small media companies, not
to all media companies; (iii) the tax policy must
not be biased and cannot be used as a way to
curtail freedom of speech; (iv) the alternative
solution that had to be sought ruled out, as a
matter of principle, the application of the
general regime; (v) even though the merits have
not been decided upon (differential VAT
regime), the injunction that had been issued in
connection thereof shall remain effective until
such a solution to the matter is reached; (vi) 
the legal entities that met the obligations within
the scope of the injunction shall not be deemed
delinquent; and (vii) the judge of the first
instance court shall render an urgent decision
on the merits. 

On December 10, 2014, the Federal Court on
Administrative Matters No. 4 rendered a
decision on the merits in re AEDBA and other
v. National Government Decree No. 746/03
and other on Proceeding leading to a
declaratory judgment” ordering, among other
things, that: The claimants (media companies)
have the standing to sue; that the judge cannot
legislate because only the Legislative Branch is
empowered to do so; that, pursuant to the
enactment of Law No. 26,982, the obligation
undertaken by the Executive branch has already
been met since the differential VAT rates have
already been set and, therefore, the claim is
moot; that, based on the decision rendered by
the Supreme Court of Argentina, the companies
cannot be deemed delinquent.

Given the fact that the above-mentioned
decision opposes and contradicts the grounds
stated by the Supreme Court, the claimants
(AEDBA, ARPA, ADIRA, as well as other
associations) filed an appeal against the decision
rendered by the above-mentioned court of first
instance with the corresponding Court of
Appeals. On October 1, 2015, Chamber II of

242

the Court of Appeals on Federal Administrative
Matters admitted the appeals filed by the
claimants and revoked the decision rendered 
by the Court on Federal Administrative Matters
No. 4, ordering that the effectiveness of 
the preliminary injunction be maintained and
authorizing the calculation of employer’s
contributions as tax credit on VAT until the
Executive Branch complies with the provisions
of Decree No. 746/03. 

On December 3, 2015, the Supreme Court 
of Argentina dismissed the appeal filed by the
Executive Branch. Therefore, the decision
rendered by the Court of Appeals became firm
and final.

As a result of the foregoing, AGEA and some 
of its subsidiaries and Radio Mitre started 
to calculate employer’s contributions as tax
credit on VAT as from November 2014.

i. On October 3, 2014, ARTEAR and some 
of its subsidiaries submitted a request to join the
Association of Argentine Private Broadcasters
(“ARPA”, for its Spanish acronym), which
became effective as from June 2015. As a result
of the above-mentioned incorporation, that
company became eligible to enjoy the benefit,
provided under Decree No. 746/03, of
calculating employer’s contributions as tax 
credit on VAT.

ARPA is a party to “Association of Newspaper
Publishers of the City of Buenos Aires 
(AEDBA, for its Spanish acronym) and other -
ADIRA, AAER, ATA AND ARPA- v. National
Government - Decree No. 746/03 - AFIP on
Autonomous Preliminary Injunction”, in respect
of which the Supreme Court of Argentina
rendered a decision on October 28, 2014. 
These associations had requested a preliminary
injunction ordering the Executive Branch 
to maintain the effectiveness of the benefit of
calculating employer’s contributions as tax credit
on VAT, pursuant to Decree No. 746/03, for
the companies that belong to these associations,
or else, as a default argument, ordering the
AFIP to refrain from claiming payment 
on the corresponding taxes. In addition, the
Court confirmed the decision on the extended
preliminary injunction stating that,
notwithstanding the decision, the claimants
shall not be deemed delinquent within the
framework of the preliminary injunction. On

October 1, 2015, Chamber II of the Court 
of Appeals on Federal Administrative Matters
admitted the appeals filed by the claimants 
and revoked the decision rendered by the Court
on Federal Administrative Matters No. 4,
ordering that the effectiveness of the preliminary
injunction be maintained and authorizing 
the calculation of employer’s contributions as
tax credit on VAT until the Executive Branch
complies with the provisions of Decree 
No. 746/03.

On December 3, 2015, the Supreme Court 
of Argentina dismissed the appeal filed by the
Executive Branch. Therefore, the decision
rendered by the Court of Appeals became 
firm and final.

As a result of the foregoing, ARTEAR and 
some of its subsidiaries started to calculate
employer’s contributions as tax credit on VAT 
as from July 2015.

j. Cablevisión, together with its merged
companies and ATVC, brought a claim
requesting the Judicial Branch, through a final
decision rendered in a contradictory trial, 
to declare: 1) that the National Government
undertook the obligation to provide an
alternative solution to the repeal of the regime
established under Section 52 of Decree No.
1,387/01 for companies that render
supplementary broadcasting services and cable
television services, which shall contemplate 
the reasons for excluding these companies 
from the repeal of Decree No. 1,387/01
through Decree No. 746/03, and 2) that while
the Government considers the situation of those
companies to find such an alternative solution,
it shall maintain the effectiveness of the regime
established under Section 52 of Decree No.
1,387/01 (cfr. fs.2/12).

On October 1, 2015, Chamber II of the Court
of Appeals on Federal Administrative Matters,
in a single joint decision in re “AEDBA 
and other v. National Government - Decree 
No. 746/03 - AFIP on Incidental Procedure”,
decided that, among other things, even though
ATVC was not among the claimants that had
been granted an injunction in the other two
above-mentioned related cases, the situation 
was also applicable to the sector encompassed 
by that association, therefore, the decision 
shall also apply to this association. Under these

243

conditions, the claims brought by the claimants
shall be admitted - in the joinder of the three
claims - and the claimants and the companies
represented by them are entitled to have a
differential VAT regime applicable to the sectors
involved which shall be created, enforced and
regulated by the authorities duly empowered 
by the Constitution to such end. This regime 
shall guarantee the full exercise of the rights
recognized under Section 14 of the National
Constitution, as well as the maintenance 
of the exception provided under Section 2 of
Decree N° 746/03 from the repeal of Section 
52 of Decree No. 1,387/01. On December 3,
2015, the Supreme Court of Argentina dismissed
the appeal filed by the Executive Branch.
Therefore, the decision rendered by the Court
of Appeals became firm and final.

As a result of the foregoing, Cablevisión and 
its subsidiaries started to calculate employer’s
contributions as tax credit on VAT as 
from September 2015. The amount calculated 
as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 was
approximately Ps. 741.3 million and Ps. 237
million, respectively.

k. In February 2016, Radio Mitre was served
with a claim seeking to extend to Radio 
Mitre the bankruptcy of one of its subsidiaries,
Cadena País Producciones Publicitarias S.A., 
in connection with a case pending before one 
of the National Courts of First Instance 
on Commercial Matters of the City of Buenos
Aires. Our legal advisors believe that that
company has sufficient legal and factual grounds
to support its position contrary to that claim
and, therefore, they do not foresee any adverse
effects that may be derived from this situation.

10.4 Matters concerning Papel Prensa:
I. Papel Prensa has several disputes pending
before the Commercial Court of Appeals 
of the City of Buenos Aires as a consequence 
of CNV Resolution No. 16,222. Pursuant 
to said Resolution, the CNV declared that 
certain decisions of Papel Prensa’s Board 
of Directors were irregular and with no effect 
for administrative purposes. The Resolution
challenged the Board’s fulfillment of the
formalities required in the preparation,
transcription and execution of meeting minutes
on the relevant corporate books. On June 24,
2010, in File No. 75,479/09, the Commercial
Court of Appeals of the City of Buenos Aires,

Chamber C, decided to nullify CNV Resolution
No. 16,222. On the basis of Resolution No.
16,222, the CNV has questioned subsequent
decisions of Papel Prensa’s Board and of 
its Shareholders. In response, Papel Prensa has
brought several administrative claims against 
the CNV, questioning its position. All of 
such claims were decided in Papel Prensa’s favor
by the Commercial Court of Appeals of the
City of Buenos Aires. Consequently, the CNV’s
decisions were nullified. Furthermore, the
Commercial Court of Appeals, Chamber C,
dismissed the appeals filed by the CNV before
the Supreme Court of Argentina against the
Court of Appeals’ decisions. The CNV filed a
direct appeal before the Supreme Court. 

As a consequence of the above, Papel Prensa 
has continued with the criminal proceedings
brought against certain public officials.

On February 1 and 4, 2010, the Secretary 
of Domestic Trade, Mario G. Moreno, and 
the CNV, respectively, requested the judicial
intervention of Papel Prensa before the
commercial justice. Such claims were pending
before the Federal Commercial Court of 
First Instance No. 2, Clerk’s Office No. 4,
temporarily under judge Dr. Eduardo Malde,
who, on March 8, 2010, issued an injunction
whereby he suspended certain decisions 
adopted at meetings of the Board of Directors
and at Shareholders Meetings held on or 
after November 4, 2009. Judge Malde also 
appointed a co-administrator without removing
the members of the previous corporate bodies.
Papel Prensa filed an appeal, which the
Commercial Court of Appeals, Chamber C,
resolved in Papel Prensa’s favor, by revoking the
injunction on August 31, 2010. On December
7, 2010 the same Chamber C dismissed the
appeals filed by the CNV and the National
Government before the Supreme Court of
Argentina against the Court of Appeals’ decision.
Both the CNV and the National Government
filed direct appeals against such decision. 

On March 26, 2014, the Supreme Court of
Argentina dismissed the appeal that had been
filed by the CNV. Therefore, the decision
rendered by the Court of Appeals that nullified
Resolution No. 16,222 became final, with 
full force and effect. Also on the same date, 
the Supreme Court of Argentina dismissed the
appeals brought by CNV and the National

244

Government. Therefore, the decision rendered
by the Court of Appeals that revoked the
corporate intervention of Papel Prensa became
final, with full force and effect.

None of the claims mentioned in the above
paragraphs had a material effect on AGEA’s
financial and economic condition as of
December 31, 2016.

II. On January 6, 2010, the SCI issued
Resolution 1/2010, whereby certain business
practices were imposed on Papel Prensa. Papel
Prensa brought a legal action against such
resolution on grounds of unconstitutionality
before the Federal Court on Administrative
Matters and requested an injunction which was
granted by the intervening judge. Pursuant to
the injunction, the effects of such Resolution
were suspended. On May 7, 2010, the Federal
Court on Administrative Matters revoked the
injunction. Papel Prensa appealed such decision,
which was affirmed by the Federal Court 
of Appeals on Administrative Matters. Papel 
Prensa filed an appeal against the Court of
Appeals’ decision. The appeal was denied and
Papel Prensa was served notice of that denial 
on September 1, 2010. On June 2, 2015, 
the dismissal of the claim brought by Papel
Prensa against the constitutionality of
Resolution No. 1/2010 became final. The court
held that the claim became moot upon the
enactment of Law No. 26,736. The Company
understands that the substantive claim is now
subject to the outcome of the claim brought 
by Papel Prensa against the constitutionality of
Law No. 26,736, currently pending before the
Federal Civil and Commercial Court.

III. Papel Prensa suspended its operations with
related parties between March 9 and April 21,
2010 pursuant to an injunction issued on
March 8, 2010 by Judge Malde. In his ruling,
Judge Malde decided to suspend the Board 
of Directors’ resolution of December 23, 2009,
which had approved the terms and conditions
of transactions with related parties for the 
year 2010. On April 21, 2010, the Board of
Directors of Papel Prensa, following a proposal
made by the court-appointed supervisor
(interventor) and co-administrator, approved the
resumption of such company’s transactions with
related parties under provisional conditions for
as long as the decision rendered by the Board on
December 23, 2009 remained suspended and/or

until Papel Prensa’s corporate bodies established
a business practice to follow with related parties.

Such approval involved suspending the
application of volume discounts in connection
with purchases made by related parties, which
could be recognized in their favor, subject 
to the court’s decision on the appeal filed by
Papel Prensa against Judge Malde’s injunction 
of March 8, 2010. As from April 21, 2010,
transactions with related parties were resumed
under the provisional conditions approved by
the Board on April 21, 2010.

At a meeting held on December 23, 2010, 
Papel Prensa’s Board of Directors approved 
new conditions that must be fulfilled for the
recognition and payment of volume discounts
that may be applicable to related parties in
connection with purchases of paper made as
from April 21, 2010. These new conditions are
as follows: (i) the lifting of the provisional
suspension of the resolutions adopted by the
Board at the meeting of December 23, 2009, 
as explained in the previous paragraph, and (ii)
the resolution or end, by any means, of any state
of uncertainty that may eventually exist about
the conditions approved by Papel Prensa’s Board
in the first item of the agenda of the meeting
held on April 21, 2010, as a consequence of 
the claim brought by the National Government
in re “National Government – Secretariat of
Domestic Trade – v./ Papel Prensa S.A.I.C.F. y
de M. on/ Ordinary”, File No. 97,564, currently
pending before Federal Commercial Court 
of First Instance No. 26, Clerk’s Office No. 52.
Under this proceeding, the National Government
seeks to obtain, among other things, a declaratory
judgment of nullity of the provisional conditions
for the resumption of transactions with related
parties in connection with the purchase and
sale of paper that was approved by the Board 
of Papel Prensa in the first item of the agenda 
of the above mentioned meeting held on 
April 21, 2010.

Furthermore, at this meeting held on 
December 23, 2010, Papel Prensa’s Board
decided to maintain the approved sales policy,
but to subject the accrual and enforceability,
and, consequently, the recognition and payment
to the clients, of the eventual volume discounts
that may be applicable to them with respect 
to paper purchases made between January 1st,
2011 and December 31, 2011, to a final

245

favorable ruling in the claim brought by 
Papel Prensa against the constitutionality of 
SCI Resolution No. 1/2010, or to the final
nullification of such Resolution No. 1/2010 in
any other way or by any other legal means,
whichever occurs first. In view of the decisions
rendered in this case, the substantive claim, 
in this aspect, is now subject to the outcome 
of the claim brought by Papel Prensa against 
the constitutionality of Law No. 26,736. 
With respect to related parties, the Board 
of Directors of Papel Prensa approved the same
sales policy and conditions as those approved 
for the other customers in general.

In a meeting held on December 27, 2011, the
Board of Directors of Papel Prensa decided 
to maintain for 2012 the same sales policy that
had been approved for 2011 – under the same
terms and conditions mentioned in the previous
paragraph – for all of its customers in general
(including related parties), which was maintained
in subsequent years and, to date, no changes
have been introduced. 

The commercial policy approved by Papel
Prensa was affected by Law 26,736 –effective as
from January 5, 2012– which declared that 
the production, sale and distribution of wood
pulp and newsprint were matters of public
interest and set forth the regulatory framework
to be adopted by the producers, sellers,
distributors and buyers of such inputs. Among
other things, the Law set limits and established
conditions applicable to Papel Prensa for the
production, distribution and sale of newsprint
(including a formula to determine the price 
of paper), and created the National Registry of
Producers, Distributors and Sellers of Wood
Pulp and Newsprint where all producers, sellers,
distributors and buyers shall be registered as 
a mandatory requirement in order to produce,
sell, distribute, and/or purchase newsprint 
and wood pulp as from the enactment of the
Law. It also contains a series of temporary
clauses, specifically and exclusively addressed to
Papel Prensa, whereby Papel Prensa is forced 
to make investments to meet the total national
demand for newsprint – excluding from this
requirement the other existing company 
that operates in the country with installed
capacity to produce this input. The Law also
provides for the capitalization of the funds
eventually contributed by the National
Government to finance these investments for

the purposes of increasing the equity interest
and the political rights of the National
Government in Papel Prensa, contravening
public order regulations contained in Law
19,550 and disregarding several constitutional
rights and guarantees of Papel Prensa and 
its private shareholders. 

On February 10, 2012, AGEA registered with
the National Registry of Producers, Distributors
and Sellers of Wood Pulp and Newsprint
(Record No. 63 in File No. S01:0052528/12),
clearly stating that the decision to register shall
not be construed as an acknowledgment or
conformity with the legitimacy of Law 26,736,
Resolution No. 9/2012 issued by the Ministry
of Economy and Public Finance and SCI
Resolution No. 4/2012 issued in connection
with such Law and/or any other issued in 
the future, since they seriously affect several
rights and guarantees of AGEA which are
recognized and protected by the Argentine
National Constitution.

IV. On September 12, 2011, the CNV issued
Resolution No. 16,647 whereby it rendered
irregular and with no effect for administrative
purposes the decisions made by Papel Prensa’s
Board of Directors at the meetings held 
on July 20, 2011 and August 5, 2011. At those
meetings, the Board of Directors had called 
two shareholders’ meetings, to be held on
September 27, 2011 and September 15, 2011,
respectively. Notwithstanding the fact that
Resolution No. 16,647 was appealed by Papel
Prensa and is therefore not final, on September
15, 2011, Commercial Court No. 5, Clerk’s
Office No. 9, issued an injunction with respect 
to the Board of Directors’ decisions to call the
two shareholders’ meetings. The injunction had
been requested by the shareholders Arte Gráfico
Editorial Argentino S.A., Compañía Inversora en
Medios de Comunicación (CIMECO) S.A., and
S.A. La Nación. Given that the issuance of the
injunction validated Papel Prensa’s decision to call
the two shareholders’ meetings, both were held 
as originally scheduled. Nevertheless, and based
on the above Resolution No. 16,647, on October
13, 2011 the CNV issued Resolution No. 
16,671 rendering irregular and with no effect for
administrative purposes all of the decisions made
at Papel Prensa’s Shareholders’ Meetings held on
September 15, 2011 and September 27, 2011.
Papel Prensa filed an appeal against Resolution
No. 16,671, which is, therefore, not final. Also

246

based on Resolution No. 16,647, on November
16, 2011, the CNV issued Resolution No.
16,691 whereby the CNV rendered irregular 
and with no effect for administrative purposes
the decisions made at the Board of Directors’
Meeting held on October 3, 2011 and the 
call for the Board of Directors’ meeting on
November 17, 2011. Such Resolution is not to
be deemed final since Papel Prensa filed an 
appeal and requested its nullification. In this
sense, of particular note is that: (i) at the hearing
held before Federal Commercial Court No. 
26 of First Instance, Clerk’s Office No. 52, the
National Government, Papel Prensa, AGEA,
Compañía Inversora en Medios de Comunicación
(CIMECO) S.A. and S.A. La Nación agreed,
among other things, on the composition of the
company’s corporate bodies, and in particular 
on the recognition of the authorities appointed
by the private shareholders at Papel Prensa’s
Shareholders’ meeting held on September 27,
2011, as well as on the agenda to be addressed at
the meeting of Papel Prensa’s Board of Directors
of October 3, 2011, which had been the subject
matter of Resolution No. 16,691; and (ii) at 
the hearing held in April 2012 before the same
Commercial Court the National Government,
Papel Prensa, AGEA, Compañía Inversora 
en Medios de Comunicación (CIMECO) S.A.
and S.A. La Nación, with the assistance of 
the Argentine Securities Commission, agreed to
request the court to order a shareholders’ meeting
with an agenda substantially similar to that 
of Papel Prensa’s Shareholders’ Meeting held 
on September 27, 2011. The request was granted 
by the intervening judge and the meeting was
scheduled for August 29, 2012. The meeting
began on that date but, as a consequence of
certain disturbances provoked by the representative
of the National Government, the private
shareholders that were present at the meeting
decided to adjourn it for 48 hours without
addressing the agenda. After that, and
notwithstanding the resolution adopted at the
meeting, on August 31, 2012 Judge O’Reilly
decided to order that the adjourned meeting
would resume on September 25, 2012. However,
the meeting was not held because the Judge
subsequently held that the appeals filed against
other points of her decision resulted in the
suspension of every point of the decision she had
rendered, including the new date scheduled for
the meeting, even though all appellants had
consented to that point. 

On June 12, 2014, the Court of Appeals
decided to postpone rendering a decision on 
the appeals filed until the court-convened
shareholders’ meeting that began on August 29,
2012 had been resumed and closed, ordering
Judge O’Reilly to decide on the pending 
issues and to order the shareholders to resume
that meeting. On December 4, 2014, the 
Judge called Papel Prensa, the CNV, and the
shareholders of AGEA, the National
Government, SA La Nación and CIMECO to 
a hearing to be held on May 6, 2015, in order
to proceed as ordered by the Court of Appeals.
In light of the above, the new date to resume
that meeting may not be set until Judge
O’Reilly has complied with the decision
rendered by the Court of Appeals.

On April 29, 2015, the Judge suspended the
hearing that was to be held on May 6, 2015
because the National Government failed to
answer the notice served by the Judge requesting
a statement identifying the officials that 
would attend the hearing with sufficient powers
to reach a settlement pursuant to Decree No.
411/80 (T.R. Decree No. 1,265/87, as
amended). The Judge set a new date for the
hearing to be held on April 14, 2016, but 
it was subsequently postponed by the Court 
for June 9, 2016. 

Subsequently, in March 2016, the Commercial
Court of Appeals –Chamber C– summoned
Papel Prensa, the CNV, and the shareholders of
AGEA, the National Government, SA La
Nación and CIMECO to attend a hearing to 
be held on April 7, 2016, solely for conciliatory
purposes and with the aim of finding a
comprehensive solution to the conflict. The
hearing was held on that date and a new 
date was set to resume the hearing on June 2,
2016 for the same purposes and effects. It was
subsequently postponed until June 3, 2016. 
At that hearing, held on June 3, 2016, Papel
Prensa, the Company and the other shareholders
present at the hearing (the National Government,
S.A. La Nación and CIMECO) requested that
the procedural periods remain suspended in
connection with the claims pending before that
Court of Appeals, and also requested the court
to order a shareholders’ meeting of Papel Prensa
to be held on September 20, 2016 to address,
basically, the issues included under subsections
1, 2 and 3 of Section 234 of Law No. 19,550,
as amended, corresponding to fiscal years ended

247

December 31, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
and 2015. On September 5, 2016, the Court 
of Appeals called for a shareholders’ meeting 
as requested at the hearing held on June 3,
2016, and at the request of Papel Prensa and the
National Government –in view of the urgent
and impending terms to make the required
publications– on September 8, 2016 it postponed
the date of the shareholders meeting until
October 19, 2016.

On October 19, 2016, the shareholders 
of Papel Prensa duly held the court-convened
Shareholders’ Meeting of that company. At 
that Shareholders’ Meeting, the shareholders
approved the financial statements of Papel
Prensa for the years ended December 31, 2010,
2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 and other
accounting documentation under subsection 1,
Section 234 of Law No. 19,550, as amended,
appointed directors, statutory auditors and
members of the supervisory committee for the
year 2016, approved the capitalization of the
capital adjustment for Ps. 123,293,385, issued 
a decision on the approval and disapproval of
the performance of certain directors, statutory
auditors and members of the supervisory
committee during the full fiscal years under
consideration, and unanimously appointed
external auditors engaged with issuing an
opinion on the financial statements of Papel
Prensa as of December 31, 2016 and March 31,
2017. In connection with the decisions made 
at the Shareholders’ Meeting held on October
19, 2016 by the shareholders that are parties to
judicial proceedings, the resumption of the
court-convened Shareholders’ Meeting of Papel
Prensa that began on August 29, 2012 has
become moot, and the Company understands
that the great majority of the issues involving
the conflict related to Papel Prensa have become
or will become moot.

On February 14, 2017, the hearing provided
under Section 360 of the Civil and Commercial
Procedure Code in re “Arte Gráfico Editorial
Argentino S.A. and other v. Argentine Securities
Commission on ordinary” File 34,049/2011
took place. The purpose of that claim was 
to declare that the silence of the National
Government be deemed a consent, given the
government’s obligation to grant or deny
consent under Section 20 of the By-laws with
respect to the appointment of an external
auditor by the shareholders at the Shareholders’

Meeting held on September 27, 2011. Papel
Prensa, the shareholders of CIMECO, S.A. La
Nación and the Company, the CNV and the
National Government agreed that this claim had
become moot as a result of the Shareholders’
Meeting held on October 19, 2016.

V. On June 6, 2013, the Board of Directors of
the CNV issued CNV Resolution No. 17,102,
within the framework of the Administrative File
No. 1032/10, whereby it required that: (i)
certain members of Papel Prensa’s Supervisory
Committee and statutory auditors be imposed a
fine of Ps. 150,000 each; and (ii) Papel Prensa,
certain members of its Board of Directors, 
one member of its Supervisory Committee and
the members of its Oversight Board (all of 
them representatives of Papel Prensa’s private
shareholders) be imposed a joint and several 
fine of Ps. 800,000. Papel Prensa and its other
current and former officers appealed the fine 
in due time and form. In the same appeal, they
requested an injunction to change the effect 
of their appeal and suspend the application of
the fine. On October 11, 2013, Chamber No. 5
of the Federal Court on Administrative Matters
denied this request, which was considered
unnecessary in the light of the settlement of the
fine by the claimants, as informed below.
Notwithstanding the above, on June 19, 2013,
the Company asked the CNV to suspend the
application of the fine until a decision was
rendered by the Court of Appeals with respect
to the injunction. The request was denied. On
June 28, 2013, the fine was paid under protest
in order to prevent its coercive enforcement 
by the CNV; given that, under the new Capital
Markets Law No. 26,831, appeals may be
admitted without suspension of judgment.

VI. AGEA has not recorded any impact in
connection with the foregoing, since its effects
shall depend on the final outcome. Such effects
are not expected to be material to these
Financial Statements.

Note 11

Regulatory Framework 

11.1. Audiovisual Communication Services Law.
The subsidiaries of Grupo Clarín that render
audiovisual communication services are holders

248

of licenses that were originally awarded under
the regime established by Law No. 22,285. The
COMFER was the enforcement authority
established by that law. Under Law No. 22,285
audiovisual communication service companies
in Argentina required a non-exclusive license
from the COMFER in order to operate. Other
approvals were also required, including, for
some services, authorization by municipal
agencies. Broadcasting licenses were granted for
an initial period of 15 years, allowing for a 
one-time extension of 10 years. The extension
of the license was subject to the approval of 
the COMFER, which would determine whether 
or not the licensee had met the terms and
conditions under which the license had been
granted. Some of the licenses exploited by 
the subsidiaries have already been extended for
the above-mentioned 10-year term. 

On May 24, 2005, Decree No. 527/05 
provided for a 10-year-suspension of the terms
then effective of broadcasting licenses or 
their extensions. Calculation of the terms was
automatically resumed upon expiration of the
suspension term, subject to certain conditions.
The Decree required that companies seeking 
to benefit from the extension submit to the
COMFER’s approval, within two years from 
the date of the Decree, programming proposals
that would contribute to the preservation 
of the national culture and the education of the
population and a technology investment project
to be implemented during the suspension term.
COMFER Resolution No. 214/07 regulated the
obligations established by Decree No. 527/05 
in order to benefit from such suspension. The
proposals then submitted were approved and,
accordingly, the terms of the licenses originally
awarded to the subsidiaries of Grupo Clarín
were suspended for ten (10) years.

The Audiovisual Communication Services 
Law (Law No. 26,522, LSCA, for its Spanish
acronym) was passed and enacted on October
10, 2009, subject to strong concerns over 
its content and enactment procedure. Even
though the new Law became effective on
October 19, 2009, not all of the implementing
regulations provided by the law have been
issued. Therefore, Law No. 22,285 still applies
with respect to those matters that to date 
have not been regulated, until all terms and
procedures for the regulation of the new 
law are defined. 

The law provided for the replacement of the
COMFER with the Audiovisual Communication
Services Law Federal Enforcement Authority
(AFSCA, for its Spanish acronym) as a
decentralized and autarchic agency under the
jurisdiction of the Executive Branch, and vested
the new agency with authority to enforce the law.

Emergency Decree No. 267/15 issued 
on December 29, 2015, created the National
Communications Agency (“ENACOM”, for its
Spanish acronym) as a decentralized and
autarchic agency under the jurisdiction of the
Ministry of Communications. Among other
powers, the ENACOM has all the same powers
and competences that Law No. 26,522 had
vested in AFSCA. See Note 11.3.

11.2. Telecommunication Services.
The regulatory framework of the Argentine
telecommunications sector is undergoing a
process of change. In December 2014, the
Argentine Congress passed Law No. 27,078,
known as the “Digital Argentina Act”, which
partially repealed National Telecommunications
Law No. 19,798. The new law subjects the
effectiveness of Decree No. 764/00, which
deregulated the telecommunications market, 
to the enactment of four new sets of rules 
that will govern the License, Interconnection,
Universal Service and Radio-electric 
Spectrum regimes.

The new law maintains the single country-wide
license scheme and the individual registration 
of the services to be rendered, but replaces 
the name telecommunication services with
Information and Communications Technology
Services (“TIC Services”, for their Spanish
acronym). Notwithstanding this, the scope of
the licenses originally granted to the subsidiary
Cablevisión, its merged companies and/or
subsidiaries and related companies that exploit
telecommunication licenses and their respective
registrations of services, remain unaltered.

The license will be called “Licencia Única
Argentina Digital” and will allow licensees to
render any telecommunication services to 
the public, be they fixed or mobile, wired or
wireless, national or international, with or
without the licensee’s own infrastructure. 

The TIC Services registered with the Argentine
Secretariat of Communications under the name

249

of Cablevisión, its merged companies and/or
subsidiaries and related companies that exploit
telecommunication licenses are the following:
Data Transmission, Paging, Videoconference,
Community Retransmission, Transport of
Broadcast Signals, Value-Added, Radio-Electric
Trunking, Internet Access, Public Telephony,
Local Telephony and National and International
Long-Distance Telephony. 

The law created a new enforcement and
oversight Authority as a decentralized agency
under the jurisdiction of the Executive Branch,
the Information and Communications
Technology Federal Enforcement Authority
(“AFTIC”, for its Spanish acronym).

The new law maintained the obligation to
contribute 1% of telecommunication service
revenues, net of taxes and charges, to be 
used for Universal Service investments (this
obligation had been imposed by Decree No.
764/00 on all service providers as from January
1, 2001), but the Universal Service Trust Fund
was placed under State control. Until August
2015, the manager of such trust fund was
Banco Itaú Argentina S.A., which received 
the joinder requests filed by Cablevisión and its
merged companies and/or subsidiaries and
related companies that exploit telecommunication
licenses to join the Trust Agreement.

The Argentine Secretariat of Communications
has yet to decide on the approval of the Projects
submitted by Cablevisión and its subsidiaries
that exploit telecommunication services, within
the framework of SECOM Resolution No.
9/2011 which created the program “Infrastructure
and Equipment”, whereby telecommunication
service providers were allowed to submit
projects aimed at developing new infrastructure,
updating existing infrastructure and/or
acquiring equipment for areas without coverage
or with unmet needs, in order to meet the
obligation to make contributions to the
Universal Service Trust Fund for the amounts
accrued as from January 2001 until the entry
into force of Decree No. 558/08. 

Another innovation of Law No. 27,078 was the
creation of a new public service under the name
“Public and Strategic Infrastructure Access 
and Use Service for and among Providers”. The 
right of access included “providers having to
make available to other providers their network

elements, associated facilities or services to
render TIC services, even when such elements
are used to render audiovisual content services.”
Under this scheme, the government seeks to
make private companies that were created and
developed in competition share their networks
with other companies that had not made any
investments.

The foregoing applied to any provider that 
had its own infrastructure or networks, because 
the term “Associated facilities” is defined as
physical infrastructures, systems, devices,
associated services or other facilities or elements
associated with a telecommunications network
or with TIC Services that enable or support 
the provision of services using that network or
service, or that have the potential to do so; and
will include, inter alia, buildings or building
entrances, building wiring, antennas, towers and
other supporting constructions, ducts, masts,
manholes, and cabinets (See Note 11.3.).

As of the date of these financial statements, 
Law No. 27,078 has been only partially
regulated.

11.3. Emergency Decree No. 267/15. Convergence. 
Emergency Decree No. 267/15 (the “Emergency
Decree”), issued on December 29, 2015 and
published in the Official Gazette on January 4,
2016, creates the ENACOM as a decentralized
and autarchic agency under the jurisdiction 
of the Ministry of Communications and vests 
the new agency with authority to enforce Laws
Nos. 26,522 and 27,078, as amended and
regulated. The ENACOM has all the same
powers and competences that had been vested in
AFSCA and AFTIC by Laws Nos. 26,522 and
27,078, respectively.

Among the main amendments introduced 
by the Emergency Decree with respect to both
laws, the most remarkable is the repeal of
Section 161 of Law No. 26,522, which set forth
the obligation to conform to the provisions of
this law with respect to ownership conditions
and the number of licenses. Section 45 of Law
No. 26,522, which establishes the multiple
license regime, has been significantly amended.
As a result, the Company and its subsidiaries
that are licensees and/or owners of audiovisual
communication services already conform to 
the new regulatory framework. 

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Under the new regulatory framework, the
licenses for physical link subscription television
services and for radio-electric link subscription
television services held by certain subsidiaries
that had been granted under Laws No. 22,285
and No. 26,522 are now called “Registrations”
for the exploitation of physical link subscription
television services and radio-electric link
subscription television services of a Licencia
Única Argentina Digital. 

Pursuant to this amendment (Section 7 of the
Emergency Decree, which amends, among
others, Section 10 of Law No. 27,078), all the
services exploited by Cablevisión and its
subsidiaries are now governed by the Digital
Argentina Act. The only license still exploited 
by Cablevisión that could be considered to 
be still subject to the LSCA is the registered 
title of the signal METRO, since this signal is
broadcast through other services that acquire 
it for that purpose, and, therefore, it has a
registration number issued by AFSCA (now
ENACOM) that must be renewed on an 
annual basis.

As far as the Company’s subsidiaries are
concerned, the Emergency Decree eliminates: 

1. The incompatibility to render in the same
location broadcast television services and
subscription television services. When subscription
television services are exploited through physical
or radio-electric link, they will be subject to 
the Digital Argentina Act pursuant to Section 7
of the Emergency Decree, which amends,
among others, Section 10 of Law No. 27,078; 
2. The limit of 10 licenses for radio-electric link
subscription television services and 24 licenses
for physical link subscription television services,
which are considered to be TIC services as from
January 4, 2016, date on which the Emergency
Decree became effective; and the limit that
provided that broadcast television services may
not reach more than 35% of the total national
population and the limit that provided that
physical link and radio-electric link subscription
television services may not reach more than
35% of all subscribers. 

As far as Cablevisión is concerned, the
Emergency Decree repeals Section 15 of Law 
No. 27,078, which created a new public service
under the name “Public and Strategic
Infrastructure Access and Use Service for and

among Providers”. The right of access included
“providers having to make available to other
providers their network elements, associated
facilities or services to render TIC services, 
even when such elements were used to render
audiovisual content services.”

Due to the fact that physical link and radio-
electric link subscription television services 
are now subject to the Digital Argentina Act:

i) These services no longer fall within the scope
of Section 45 of the LSCA, which sets forth 
the new multiple license regime for Audiovisual
Communication Services;
ii) The registration of physical link subscription
television services is no longer limited to a
specific territorial area. The same is not the case
with radio-electric link subscription television
services because of the portion of the spectrum
allocated to render these services; 
iii) Both registrations, for physical link
subscription television services and for radio-
electric link subscription television services, 
are no longer subject to expiration terms.
However, the portions of the spectrum allocated
to render radio-electric link subscription
television services do have expiration terms. The
duration of such services shall be the longest 
of the term provided under their original title,
or 10 years as from January 1, 2016.

Notwithstanding point iii) above, ENACOM
Resolution No. 427/2016 provides that cable
television service licensees that hold only 
one license to provide a certain type of service
and have requested an extension of its term but
have not obtained an express decision in this
respect must ratify their requests. Accordingly,
some of the subsidiaries of Cablevisión have
made filings to such end.

However, it should be noted that pursuant to
Section 21 of the Emergency Decree and until
the enactment of a law that shall unify the 
fee regime provided under Laws Nos. 26,522
and 27,078, the physical link and radio-electric 
link subscription television services exploited 
by certain subsidiaries of the Company will
continue to be subject only to the fee regime
provided under Law No. 26,522. They shall 
not be subject to the investment contribution 
or the payment of the Control, Oversight and
Verification Fee provided under Sections 22 
and 49 of Law No. 27,078.

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With regard to the term of the licenses for
television and radio broadcast services, the
Emergency Decree establishes two important
changes:

• It provides for a new system of extensions 
for audiovisual communication service licenses
whereby the licensee may request a first extension
for five (5) years, which will be automatic. 
Upon expiration of this term, licensees may
request subsequent extensions of ten (10) years
complying in that case with ‘the provisions of 
the Law and applicable regulations to be eligible
for each extension. However, this system of
subsequent extensions may be interrupted upon
the expiration of the last extension if the Ministry
of Communications decides to call for a public
bid for new licensees, for reasons of public
interest, for the introduction of new technologies
or in compliance with international agreements.
In this case, prior licensees shall have no acquired
rights regarding their licenses.
• Section 20 of the Emergency Decree provides
that the holders of licenses effective as of
January 1, 2016 may request a ten (10) year
extension, without it being necessary to 
wait until the expiration of the license that is
currently effective. Such extension shall be
considered as a first period that entitles the
holder to the five (5) year automatic extension. 

Taking into consideration the advantages
provided under the new legal framework with
regard to the terms of the licenses, the direct
and indirect subsidiaries of the Company 
that exploit audiovisual communication services,
i.e. ARTEAR, RADIO MITRE, TELECOR
S.A.C.I., Teledifusora Bahiense S.A. and
Bariloche TV S.A., made a filing with 
the ENACOM requesting the extension of the
terms of their licenses pursuant to Section 20 
of the Emergency Decree.

Cablevisión has completed the procedure
established under ENACOM Resolution No.
427/16 in order to report, using the online
application provided by the ENACOM to 
such end, the territorial location of its services,
indicating the original coverage area, the
supplementary territorial units and/or area
extensions in which it currently renders services.

In addition, and pursuant to ENACOM
Resolution No. 1,394/16, which approves the
General Rules for Physical Link Subscription

Television Services and/or Radio-Electric 
Link Subscription Television Services, in those 
cases in which Cablevisión and/or any of its
Subsidiaries purchased bidding forms to apply
for a new license when the term had expired 
or to apply for an area extension, the applicants
amended their filings and converted them into 
a request for authorization of coverage area.

The new General Rules also order providers 
of both types of services to guarantee their
compliance with a programming grid in each
Coverage Area. In this respect, the subsidiary 
of the Company states that it already complies
with all the obligations derived from this
Resolution.

Pursuant to the Emergency Decree, the 
providers of the Basic Telephone Service whose
licenses were granted under the terms of Decree
No. 62/90 and paragraphs 1 and 2 of Section 
5 of Decree No. 264/98, as well as Mobile
Telephone Service providers with a license
granted pursuant to the list of bidding conditions
approved by Resolution No. 575/93 of the then
Ministry of Economy and Public Works and
Services and ratified by Decree No. 1,461/93,
shall only be able to provide subscription
broadcasting services by means of physical or
radio-electric link after a term of two years
counted as from January 1, 2016. That term may
be extended for one more year.

The Emergency Decree was approved on 
April 6, 2016 by the Lower House of Congress.
Therefore, it has full force and effect.

Finally, in order to enhance the convergence 
of networks and services under conditions 
of competition, promote the deployment of
next generation networks and the penetration 
of broadband Internet access services across 
the national territory, the Executive Branch
issued Decree No. 1,340/16 on December 30,
2016. Among other things, the Decree:

• Provides for the protection for fifteen years 
of last mile fixed NGN for broadband Internet
services that may be deployed by the licensees 
of TIC services with respect to the rules for
open access to broadband services. 
• Orders the issuance of regulations for the
following purposes:
− To call for a Public Bid for the allocation of
new frequency bands for mobile services.

252

− To ensure the re-allocation of radio-electric
spectrum frequencies with economic
compensation and shared use to frequencies
previously allocated to other services, and 
to allocate such frequencies to providers of TIC
Services that request to reuse them to render
mobile services or fixed wireless services with
LTE or higher technologies.
− To allocate radio electric spectrum frequencies
on demand, imposing compensation, deployment
and coverage obligations on the current local 
or regional providers of TIC services and on the
current providers of mobile communication
services.
• Sets forth that the persons restricted under
Decree No. 267/15 from rendering physical 
or radio-electric link subscription television 
services may request the corresponding
registration and begin to provide those services
in certain areas as from January 1st, 2018.
• Recognizes that the holders of satellite link
subscription television service licenses that as of
December 29, 2015 rendered TIC services may
maintain the ownership of both services.
• Orders the Ministry of Communications to
guarantee the interconnection principles provided
under the applicable legislation in order to ensure
the impartiality, non-discrimination and fair
competition among providers of mobile services,
restricting the possibility of delaying or hindering
the technical, interconnection, operational or any
other conditions that may create barriers for
other providers to enter the market.

11.4. Matters related to the regulatory situation of

the Company and certain subsidiaries.

11.4.1. Proposal to conform to the provisions of Law

No. 26,522.
Pursuant to Resolution No. 17/ENACOM/2016
issued on February 01, 2016, the new
enforcement authority recognized that all the 
files and/or administrative proceedings pending
resolution containing requests made under 
the regime approved by Section 161 of Law 
No. 26,522, and its regulations, including the
proposal submitted by the Company and its
subsidiaries, comply with the limits relating 
to multiplicity of licenses established by Section
45 of Law No. 26,522, as amended by
Emergency Decree No. 267/2015. Therefore,
they shall be deemed concluded and filed. 
In addition, in the same administrative act, 
that agency also repealed Resolution No.
1,121/AFSCA/2014, which had ordered the 
ex-officio divestiture procedure.

11.4.2. Other Resolutions issued by AFSCA.
We refer to Resolution No. 1,329/AFSCA/2014,
which amends Resolution No.
1,047/AFSCA/2014, whereby the AFSCA
approved the National Standard for Terrestrial
and Broadcast Digital Television Audiovisual
Communication Services, and to Decree No.
2,456/2014, which approves the National Digital
Audiovisual Communication Services Plan. Both
the Resolution and the Decree are manifestly
contrary to Law No. 26,522, which has higher
hierarchy, because they contradict the rights of
the current licensees of broadcast television
services, including ARTEAR and the subsidiaries
that exploit broadcast television services.

This regulatory framework was subsequently
supplemented by three resolutions. Through
Resolution No. 24/AFSCA/2015, AFSCA
approved the Technical Plan for Terrestrial
Digital Television Frequencies for important
areas of the national territory. Through
Resolution No. 35/AFSCA/2015, AFSCA
allocated a digital television station on a
permanent basis to the current licensees of
analog broadcast stations, among which 
are ARTEAR and its subsidiary TELECOR
S.A.C.I. in order to develop their transition to
digital technology. Finally, through Resolution
No. 39/AFSCA/2015, AFSCA called for public
bids for the award of digital television licenses
according to the illegitimate categories created
by the regulations of the LSCA. Through 
this regulatory framework, the rights of the
current broadcast television licensees are
infringed. These rights should be preserved
intact as provided under Law No. 26,522,
which has higher hierarchy. The main effect of
these regulations, among their technical effects,
is that the current broadcast television licensees
that obtained their licenses pursuant to Law No.
22,285 will have to bear additional charges 
and obligations including, among other things,
multiplexing and broadcasting under their own
responsibility other broadcast television stations.

Since the changes introduced under this
regulatory framework have an impact on the
responsibilities and rights of the companies
involved, ARTEAR and TELECOR S.A.C.I.
filed a claim before AFSCA requesting 
the revocation of Resolutions No.
1,329/AFSCA/2014, 24/AFSCA/2015,
35/AFSCA/2015 and 39/AFSCA/2015 to
preserve their rights intact as direct or indirect

253

broadcast television service licensees. They 
also filed a claim before the National Executive
Branch requesting the repeal of Decree No.
2,456/2014. As of the date of these financial
statements, the claim filed before AFSCA 
was dismissed. Therefore, ARTEAR challenged
before the courts that agency’s decision to
dismiss the claim. The claim filed before the
National Executive Branch is still pending
resolution.

11.4.3. Fibertel License.
The Ministry of Communications, as the highest
government agency, replacing the MINPLAN
with respect to this specific competence, issued
Resolution No. 5/2016, which was notified on
February 29, 2016, whereby it revoked SECOM
Resolution No. 100/2010 for legitimacy reasons.
This Resolution, which had been issued by the
former Secretariat of Communications, had
revoked the exclusive telecommunication service
license held by Fibertel S.A., which was merged
into Cablevisión S.A.

The ENACOM issued Resolution No. 1,359/16,
whereby it authorized the transfer of ownership
of the Exclusive Telecommunication Service
License that had been granted to Fibertel S.A.,
which was merged into Cablevisión S.A. effective
as of April 1, 2003.

11.4.4. NEXTEL.

11.4.4.1. Regulatory Approval of the Acquisition of

NEXTEL
On September 24, 2015, the Official Gazette
published AFTIC Resolution No. 326/15,
whereby that agency ordered Nextel to render
without effect within a term of 30 days, the sale
of a non-majority portion of its shares because 
it allegedly contravened effective legislation and
could be sanctioned with the revocation of 
its license pursuant to the Communications and
Information Technology Law.

On October 9, 2015, Grupo Clarín S.A. and
Cablevisión filed the corresponding appeals
against Resolution No. 326/2015, arguing that
they had standing based on their acquisition of
49% of the licensee and stating that the change
of control alleged by AFTIC had not occurred.

NEXTEL requested the suspension of the
effects of Resolution No. 326/2015 and also
filed an appeal against that administrative act.

On January 29, 2016, the Company and 
Nextel appeared before the ENACOM pursuant
to Section 8 of Decree No. 267/15, which
amends Section 13 of Law No. 27,078 in order
to request authorization for the transfer of
control, in full compliance with the new legal
framework.

On February 22, 2016, the ENACOM issued
Resolution No. 133/2016, whereby it partially
admitted the appeals that had been filed against
AFTIC Resolution No. 326/2015, in order 
to consider the Company’s request for approval
of the transfer of control.

On March 7, 2016, the ENACOM issued
Resolution No. 280/2016, whereby it
authorized the change of control of NEXTEL
COMMUNICATIONS ARGENTINA S.R.L.
in favor of Cablevisión S.A.

This transaction is subject to the corresponding
administrative approval of the CNDC.

11.4.4.2. Status of the frequencies allocated to

NEXTEL.
Through Resolution No. 325/2015, AFTIC
decided, abruptly and without prior notice of its
decision, to dismiss the requests for extensions
of certain frequencies allocated to NEXTEL,
revoking them in that same act.

On October 9, 2015 Grupo Clarín and
Cablevisión filed an appeal against Resolution
No. 325/2015 grounding their legitimate
interest on their acquisition of 49% of the
licensee.

NEXTEL first requested the suspension of the
effects of Resolution No. 325/2015 and then
filed an appeal against that administrative act. 

The ENACOM issued Resolution No.
134/2016, whereby it decided to grant partially
the appeal filed by NEXTEL
COMMUNICATIONS ARGENTINA S.R.L.
against AFTIC Resolution No. 325/2015. 
Even though this Resolution did not entail the
automatic extension of the frequencies involved,
the ENACOM ordered the corresponding 
areas to analyze each file to verify compliance
with the requirements of the effective regulatory
framework to be eligible for obtaining the
requested extensions.

254

The ENACOM issued Resolution No. 281/16,
whereby it authorized the extensions for a 
term of 10 years counted as from the original
expiration of the authorizations for the use 
of the frequencies that had been dismissed and
revoked through Resolution No. 325/2015.

11.4.4.3. Other requests for authorization filed with

the ENACOM
On June 22, 2016, NEXTEL made a filing with
the ENACOM in order to request authorization
for direct and indirect share transfers that would
imply a direct and/or indirect change of control
in favor of NEXTEL, pursuant to Section 13 
of Law No. 27,078 with respect to the licensees
of telecommunication services listed below:

• Fibercomm S.A.
• Trixco S.A.
• Callbi S.A.
• Infotel S.A.
• Skyonline de Argentina S.A.
• Netizen S.A.
• Eritown Corporation Argentina S.A.

Within the required term, on January 6, 2017,
the ENACOM issued Resolution No.
111/2017, which under section 1 authorizes 
the share transfers mentioned above.

The filing made on June 22, 2016 also 
included a request to change the allocation of a 
portion of the spectrum that corresponds to 
the licensees acquired by the Company in order 
to render 4G services, which was not addressed
in ENACOM Resolution No. 111/2017.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, taking into
consideration the new regulations provided
under Decree No. 1,340/16 and Resolution 
No. 171/2017 issued by the Ministry of
Communications, NEXTEL reformulated the
original request in accordance with the 
new effective regulations, thus initiating a new
administrative file. In this last filing, the
Company finally requested: 

• The beginning of a Refarming process with
Economic Compensation as provided under
Resolution No. 171/2017.
• The authorization of the agreements executed
by NEXTEL with the licensees acquired by
Cablevisión to operate the services registered by
NEXTEL with the portion of the spectrum

allocated to those licensees to render their
respective services;
• The approval of the registration requested 
by NEXTEL of the Advanced Mobile
Telecommunications Service; and,
• The authorization of the change that allows for:
• Changing the allocation and channeling 
on a primary basis of the 905-915 MHz and 
950-960 MHz bands to render advanced mobile
communication services at national level with
primary status; and,
•Extending the allocation of the frequency
bands and changing the and channeling from
2500 MHz to 2690 MHz to render advanced
mobile communication services at national 
level with primary status.

By means of Resolution ENACOM No.
1033/2017, the ENACOM provided for the 
use of the frequency bands between 905 and
915 MHz and between 950 and 960 MHz 
for the rendering of the ADVANCED
MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE
(“SCMA”), and by means of Resolution
ENACOM No. 1034/2017, the ENACOM
provided for the use of the frequency band
between 2500 and 2690 MHz for the provision
of SCMA, in addition to the current services
when their coexistence is possible.

On March 6, 2017, Nextel was served with
Resolution ENACOM No. 1,299 /2017, which
was published in the Official Gazette on 
March 7, 2017 and approves the project for
Refarming with Economic Compensation, 
filed by that company to provide Advanced
Mobile Communication Services in the
frequencies that had been subject to changes 
in allocation pursuant to ENACOM
Resolutions No. 1,033 and 1,034/2017.

In addition, the ENACOM decided to register
Nextel as provider of Advanced Mobile
Communication Services in the Registry of
Services; and to authorize the use of the 
above-mentioned frequencies.

In the same resolution and as part of the
authorization, that agency imposed additional
Coverage Obligations on Nextel.

It also imposed two obligations that must be
fulfilled prior to initiating the rendering of
Advanced Mobile Communication Services: 
(i) the return of a portion of the radio-electric

255

spectrum, as proposed by Nextel; and (ii) the
creation of a guarantee issued in favor of and
satisfactory to ENACOM for an amount equal
to the value of the radioelectric spectrum that 
is subject to return.

The Resolution also orders that Nextel shall
post a performance bond to guarantee the
obligations and responsibilities undertaken by
that company, to be issued in favor and to 
the satisfaction of the ENACOM, for the
amount and under the terms that shall be set
forth in the contract to be executed with 
the ENACOM. That contract shall establish 
the terms, conditions, goals, obligations and
other matters inherent to the rendering of 
the Advanced Mobile Communication Services
authorized by that agency, to which Nextel 
shall be bound.

11.4.5. Other Matters Related to the Federal

Broadcasting Committee (COMFER, for its 

Spanish acronym), subsequently Audiovisual

Communication Services Law Federal Enforcement

Authority (AFSCA), now ENACOM (for its 

Spanish acronym).

CABLEVISION
As from November 1, 2002 and until 
December 31, 2016, COMFER, then AFSCA,
now ENACOM have initiated summary
administrative proceedings against Cablevisión
and Multicanal (merged into Cablevisión) 
for infringements of regulations relating to
programming content. Accordingly, a provision
has been set up in this regard.

ARTEAR.
Certain payment agreements that had been
delivered by AFSCA to ARTEAR were 
deemed to enter into effect as of July 2, 2015.
That company was authorized to adhere 
to the payment plan relating to infringements
committed between November 21, 2002 a
nd June 23, 2010, payable in sixty monthly
installments starting on August 31, 2015.
ARTEAR was also authorized to adhere to the
applicable payment plan for infringements
committed between June 24, 2010 and June 11,
2014, payable in thirty monthly installments
starting on August 31, 2015. 

11.4.6. Programming Grid
AFSCA Resolution No. 296/2010, as amended
and/or supplemented, provided guidelines for

the organization of the programming grids 
that had to be followed by the owners of
subscription television audiovisual services. This
resolution regulated section 65, subsections 
a) and b) of the LSCA and supplemented the
provisions of the regulations to the same 
section of Decree No. 1,225/2010. 

In spite of Cablevisión’s efforts to organize its
programming grids in accordance with the
provisions of section 65 of Law No. 26,522,
AFSCA initiated multiple summary proceedings
in connection with the cable television licenses
of which Cablevisión is the lawful successor.
AFSCA contended that Cablevisión had failed
to comply with the regulations set forth by
AFSCA Resolution No. 296/2010. Cablevisión
submitted the responses set forth under section
1, Exhibit II of AFSCA Resolution No.
224/2010 in connection with such accusations.
A decision has been rendered on some of the
summary proceedings and, as a result, a 
fine was imposed on Cablevisión, while other
proceedings are pending resolution. Cablevisión
has appealed these decisions. Some of the
appeals filed by Cablevisión have been decided
against it and were appealed.

Insofar as Cablevisión is concerned, as of the
date of these financial statements, an 
injunction issued in re “CABLEVISIÓN S.A. 
v. NATIONAL GOVERNMENT AND
OTHERS ON COMPLAINT FOR THE
PROTECTION OF CONSTITUTIONAL
RIGHTS” by the Federal Court of Appeals of
the City of Mar del Plata, whereby that Court
revoked the decision rendered in the First
Instance, remains in full force and effect. The
decision rendered in the First Instance had
ordered the dismissal of Cablevisión’s request.
The Court of Appeals ordered AFSCA to
suspend – until a final decision was rendered on
the matter – the application of the penalties
derived from the alleged non-compliance with
section 65 of Law No. 26,522 and Decree No.
1.225/2010. Therefore, it also suspended the
application of section 6 of AFSCA Resolution
No. 296/2010 on the grounds that Cablevisión’s
alleged serious non-compliance was not
contemplated in the Law or in the Decree. 
The National Government filed an appeal with
the Supreme Court against this decision. Such
appeal was dismissed. Consequently, AFSCA
filed a direct appeal with the Supreme Court,
which is still pending resolution.

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In re “AFSCA v. CABLEVISION SA Decree
1,225/10 – RES. 296/10 on/ Proceeding
leading to a declaratory judgment” currently
pending before the Federal Court of First
Instance on Administrative Matters No. 9, on
May 16, 2012 the Court granted an injunction
that had been requested by AFSCA, ordering
Cablevisión and/or the pay television
audiovisual services it exploits, to conform to
Section 65, paragraph 3 b of Decree No.
1,225/2010 and Sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of
AFSCA Resolution No. 296/2010, until a final
judgment is rendered on the merits of the case.
Cablevisión has appealed such injunction. 

On August 6, 2012, Cablevisión was served
notice of a decision rendered by the Federal
Court of First Instance on Administrative
Matters No. 9 of the City of Buenos Aires,
whereby that court imposed a fine on
Cablevisión of Ps. 20,000 per day for each day
of delay in complying with the injunction 
that ordered Cablevisión to comply with Section
65 of Decree No. 1,225/2010 and AFSCA
Resolution No. 296/2010. Cablevisión filed an
appeal against that decision in due time and
form. However, the Court of Appeals ignored
the strong grounds asserted by Cablevisión;
partially confirmed the decision rendered in the
first instance; and reduced the fine to Ps. 2,000
per day for each day of delay, to be calculated 
as from the date the decision is deemed final.
An appeal was filed with the Supreme Court of
Argentina, which was dismissed by the
intervening Chamber. Cablevisión filed an
appeal against such decision, which was
dismissed by the Supreme Court of Argentina.

On October 21, 2013 Cablevisión was served
with new charges brought for alleged
noncompliance with AFSCA Resolution No.
296/2010, clearly violating the preliminary
injunction mentioned above. Accordingly,
Cablevisión filed an appeal, but no decision has
been rendered on the matter as of the date of
these financial statements.

On December 23, 2013, Cablevisión informed
AFSCA of its new programming grid in digital
and analogical systems, expressly maintaining
the reserves brought to continue challenging the
legality and constitutionality of section 65 of
Decree No. 1,225/2010 and AFSCA Resolution
No. 296/2010, as amended.

Section 7 of the Emergency Decree, which
amends, among other things, Section 10 of 
Law No. 27,078 sets forth that all the physical
link and radio electric link subscription
television services shall be governed by the
Digital Argentina Act. Therefore, Cablevisión 
is no longer subject to Section 65 and its
implementing regulations. 

The new General Rules approved by ENACOM
Resolution No. 1,394/16 order providers of
both types of services (physical and radio-
electric link) to guarantee their compliance with
a programming grid in each Coverage Area.
Cablevisión states that it complies with all the
obligations set out under that Resolution.

11.4.7. Audiovisual Communications Law of the
Republic of Uruguay.
Law No. 19,307 was published in the Official
Gazette of the Republic of Uruguay on January
14, 2015. This Law governs radio, television,
and other audiovisual communication services
(hereinafter, the “Audiovisual Communications
Law”). Section 202 of this law provides 
that the Executive Branch shall issue the
implementing regulations for this law within a
120-day term as from the day following the
publication of this law in the Official Gazette.
As of the date of the financial statements, 
only Decree No. 45/015 has been issued, but
the implementing regulations for most of 
the sections of this law are still pending. Such
Decree provides that the concession for the use
and allocation of the radio-electric spectrum 
for non-satellite audiovisual communication
services shall be granted for a term of 15 years.

Section 54 of the Audiovisual Communications
Law provides that an individual or legal entity
cannot be allocated the full or partial ownership
of more than 6 authorizations or licenses 
to render television services to subscribers
throughout the national territory of Uruguay.
Such limit is reduced to 3 if one of the
authorizations or licenses includes the
department of Montevideo. Section 189 of 
this law provides that in the cases where 
such limits were exceeded as of the entry into 
force of the Law, the owners of those audiovisual
communication services shall transfer the
necessary authorizations or licenses so as not to
exceed the limits mentioned above within a term
of 4 years as from the date of entry into force of
the Audiovisual Communications Law.

257

Adesol S.A. is analyzing the possible impact 
on its business that could be derived from the
change in the regulatory framework and the
eventual legal actions it may bring to safeguard
its rights and those of its shareholders. 
That company is also monitoring the different
unconstitutionality claims filed by other
companies against certain sections of the 
above-mentioned law to consider whether the
decisions to be rendered by the Supreme 
Court in those proceedings may be favorable 
to the position of Adesol S.A. in the future. 
On April 7, 2016, 28 unconstitutionality 
claims were brought against the above
mentioned law. To date, the Supreme Court 
has issued 28 decisions, whereby it declared 
the unconstitutionality of Sections 39
subsection 3, 55, 56 subsection 1, 60 point C,
98 subsection 2, 117 subsection 2, 143 and 
149 subsection 2 of Law No. 19,307. It is
noteworthy that some of the decisions 
rendered in this respect by the Supreme Court
dismissed the unconstitutionality claim 
filed by the claimant with respect to Section 
54 of that Law.

Note 12

Capital Stock Structure
Upon the Company’s public offering 
during 2007, the capital stock amounted to 
Ps. 287,418,584, represented by:

- 75.980.304 Class A common, registered, 
non-endorsable shares, with nominal value of
Ps. 1 each and entitled to 5 votes per share.

- 186,281,411 Class B book-entry common
shares, with nominal value of Ps. 1 each and
entitled to 1 vote per share.

- 25,156,869 Class C common, registered, 
non-endorsable shares, with nominal value of
Ps. 1 each and entitled to 1 vote per share.

On October 5 and 11, 2007, the CNV and
BCBA, respectively, granted authorization for
the Company’s admission to the initial public
offering of its capital stock. Said authorizations 
contemplated (i) the public offering of its Class
B book-entry common shares, (ii) the listing 
of its Class B book-entry common shares, and
(iii) the listing of its registered non-endorsable
Class C common shares, trading of which 
was suspended due to restrictions on transfers
set forth by the Bylaws. Also in the last quarter
of 2007, the Company was granted
authorization for the listing of its GDSs in the
LSE. Each GDS represents two of the
Company’s Class B common shares.

Note 13

Long-Term Savings Plan for Employees
During the last quarter of 2007, the 
Company, together with its subsidiaries, began
to implement a long-term savings plan for
certain executives (directors and managers
comprising the “executive payroll”), which
became effective in January 2008. Executives
who adhere to such plan undertake to
contribute regularly a portion of their salary
(variable within a certain range, at the
employee’s option) to a fund that will allow
them to strengthen their savings capacity. 
Each company of the Group where those
executives render services will match the sum
contributed by such executives. This matching
contribution will be added to the fund raised 
by the employees. Under certain conditions, 
the employees may access such funds upon
termination of their participation in the long-
term savings plan.

Said plan provides for certain special 
conditions for those managers who were in the
“executive payroll” before January 1st, 2007.
Such conditions consist of supplementary
contributions made by each company to the

258

plan related to the executive’s years of service
with the Group. As of December 31, 2016,
such supplementary contributions made by the
Company on a parent company only basis
amount to approximately Ps. 14 million, and
the charge to income is deferred until the
retirement of each executive.

During 2013, and in view of the current
environment, certain changes were made to the
savings system, though maintaining in its
essence the operation mechanism and the main
characteristics with regard to the obligations
undertaken by the company.

Pursuant to IAS No. 19, the above-mentioned
savings plan qualifies as a Defined Contribution
Plan, which means that the companies’
contributions shall be charged to income on a
monthly basis as from the date the plan
becomes effective.

Loans (i)

Less: Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Banks

Other Current Investments

Net Debt

Equity

Note 14

Financial Instruments 

14.1 Financial Risks Management 
Grupo Clarín is a party to transactions
involving financial instruments, which entail
exposure to market, currency and interest rate
risks. The management of these risks is based 
on the particular analysis of each situation,
taking into account its own estimates and those
made by third parties of the evolution of the
respective factors. 

14.1.1 Capital Risk Management
Grupo Clarín manages its capital structure
seeking to ensure its ability to continue as an
ongoing concern, while maximizing the return
to its shareholders through the optimization 
of debt and equity balances.

As part of this process, Grupo Clarín monitors
its capital structure through the debt-to-equity
ratio, which is equal to the quotient of its 
net debt (Debt less Cash and Cash Equivalents)
divided by shareholders’ equity.

The debt-to-equity ratio for the years ended
December 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

371,288,260

287,999,976

(34,438,063)

(84,222,441)

252,627,756

(12,193,114)

(19,848,419)

255,958,443

9,626,387,056

7,232,950,673

Debt-to-Equity Ratio

0.03

0.04

(i) Long-term and short-term loans, including 
derivatives and financial guarantee agreements.

Since Grupo Clarín is a holding company, the
measurement of this ratio on the Company’s
parent company only balances is not relevant. 

259

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

34,438,063

153,694,072

84,222,441

272,354,576

371,288,260

39,264,409

410,552,669

12,193,114

153,785,760

19,848,419

185,827,293

287,999,976

59,586,800

347,586,776

14.1.2 Categories of Financial Instruments 

Financial Assets
Loans and Receivables (1 ) (2 )
- Cash and Banks 

- Other Receivables

At fair value with an impact on net income

- Current Investments

Total Financial Assets

Financial Liabilities

At amortized cost
- Debt (3 )
- Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities (4 )
Total Financial Liabilities

(1) Net of the allowance for doubtful accounts 
of Ps. 33.9 million and Ps. 33.8 million, as of 
December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
(2) Includes receivables with related parties of 
Ps. 150.4 million and Ps. 150.9 million, as 
of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
(3) Includes debts with related parties of Ps. 368
million and Ps. 288 million, respectively, as of
December 31, 2016 and 2015.
(4) Includes debts with related parties of Ps. 3.9
million and Ps. 2.2 million, respectively, as of
December 31, 2016 and 2015.

14.1.3 Objectives of Financial Risk Management
Grupo Clarín monitors and manages the
financial risks related to its operations; these
risks include market risk (including exchange
risk, interest rate risk and equity price risk),
credit risk and liquidity risk.

Grupo Clarín does not enter into financial
instruments for speculative purposes as common
practice. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015,
the Company was not a party to agreements
involving derivatives.

14.1.4 Exchange Risk Management
Grupo Clarín enters into foreign currency
transactions; therefore, it is exposed to
fluctuations of exchange rates. 

The Company does not currently enter into
foreign exchange hedging transactions to
manage foreign currency fluctuation risk. In
case the Company enters into such transactions,
it cannot assure that those operations will
protect its financial position from the eventual
negative effect of exchange rate fluctuations.

260

The following table shows the monetary assets
and liabilities denominated in foreign currency
(US dollars) at the closing of the years ended
December 31, 2016 and 2015:

Assets

Current Assets

Cash and Banks

Other Investments

Other Receivables

Total Current Assets

Total Assets 

Liabilities

Current Liabilities

Debt

Total Current Liabilities

Non-Current Liabilities

Debt

Total Non-Current Liabilities

Total Liabilities

Bid/offered exchange rates as of December 31,
2016 and 2015 were of Ps. 15.79 and Ps. 15.89;
and Ps. 12.94 and Ps. 13.04; respectively.

14.1.4.1 Foreign Exchange Sensitivity Analysis 
Grupo Clarín is exposed to exchange risk,
mainly with respect to the US dollar.

The following table shows the Company’s
sensitivity to an increase in the exchange rate 

USD

USD

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

79,049

1,575,904

1,090

1,656,043

1,656,043

-

-

23,147,452

23,147,452

23,147,452

101,142

1,533,881

1,090

1,636,113

1,636,113

22,065,151

22,065,151

-

-

22,065,151

of the US dollar. The sensitivity rate represents
Management’s assessment of the possible
reasonable changes in exchange rates. The
sensitivity analysis only includes the outstanding
monetary items denominated in foreign currency
and adjusts its translation at the end of the 
year with a 20% increase in the exchange rate,
assuming that all the remaining variables 
remain constant.

Effect in Ps.
December 31, 2016

Effect in Ps.
December 31, 2015

Net Income

(68,332,818)

(53,311,653)

261

The sensitivity analysis presented above is
hypothetical since the quantified impact is not
necessarily an indicator of the actual impact,
because exposure levels may vary over time.

14.1.5 Interest Rate Risk Management 
At the closing of the year, the Company does
not have any financial liabilities with variable
interest rates. However, a substantial increase 
in interest rates may limit the Company’s ability
to access financing. 

Payable on Demand

Without any established term

Due

- Up to three months

- More than three months and up to six months

14.1.6 Credit Risk Management
Credit risk is defined as the risk that one of the
parties may breach its contractual obligations,
generating an eventual financial loss for Grupo
Clarín. The Company renders services solely 
to companies of the same economic group. The
credit risk on liquid funds is limited due to the
fact that the counterparties are banks with high
credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies.

The following table details the maturities 
of the Company’s financial assets as from the
closing of the reporting year. The amounts
disclosed in the table are the undiscounted
contractual cash flows.

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

118,660,504

150,102,249

2,880,412

711,411

272,354,576

32,041,533

148,670,847

5,114,913

-

185,827,293

14.1.7 Liquidity Risk Management
The Board of Directors is ultimately responsible
for liquidity management. Accordingly, it has
established an adequate framework to manage
liquidity so that Management can meet short,
medium and long-term financing requirements,
as well as the Company’s liquidity management.
The Company manages liquidity risk
maintaining an adequate level of reserves,
financial facilities and loans, monitoring on an

ongoing basis projected cash flows against 
actual cash flows and reconciling the maturity
profiles of financial assets and liabilities.

14.1.8 Interest Rate Risk and Liquidity Risk Table
The following table details the maturities of 
the Company’s financial liabilities as from the
closing of the reporting year. The amounts
disclosed in this table represent undiscounted
cash flows (principal plus contractual interest):

Without any established term

-

5,310,702

5,310,702

Accounts Payable

Total as of 

Debt

and Other Liabilities

December 31, 2016

Due

Up to three months

More than three months 

and up to six months

More than four years 

and up to five years

3,475,247

28,979,107

32,454,354

-

4,974,600

4,974,600

489,097,427

492,572,674

-

39,264,409

489,097,427

531,837,083

262

14.1.9 Financial Instruments at Fair Value
The following table shows Grupo Clarín’s 
financial assets and liabilities measured at fair 
value at the closing of the reporting year:

December 31, 2016

Quoted Prices (Level 1)

Other Significant

Observable Items

(Level 2)

Assets

Current Investments

84,222,441

59,338,922

24,883,519

December 31, 2015

Quoted Prices (Level 1)

Other Significant

Observable Items

(Level 2)

Assets

Current Investments

19,848,419

-

19,848,419

Financial assets are valued using quoted prices
for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1), 
or the prices of similar instruments arising from
sources of information available in the market
(Level 2). As of December 31, 2016 and 2015,
the Company did not have any asset or liability
for which a comparison had not been conducted
against observable market data to determine
their fair value (Level 3).

1/14/2010. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The book value of cash and banks, accounts
receivable and short-term liabilities is similar to
the fair value because these are instruments 
with short-term maturities.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the
Company did not have long-term financial
liabilities.

Note 15

Covenants, Sureties and Guarantees provided
a. Note 5.12.1 to the consolidated financial
statements sets forth certain restrictions to which
Cablevisión (by itself and as the surviving
company and successor of Multicanal and Prima
as a result of the mergers) is subject pursuant to
the financial obligations described in such note.

b. IESA is subject to contractual restrictions 
on the transfer of its equity interest in TRISA
and Tele Net Image Corp.

c. During the year 2009, AGR purchased a
binding machine on credit. To secure the
transaction, AGR granted the supplier a pledge
over the machine. AGR granted joint and several
guarantees for the loans granted by Banco
Comafi S.A. and Standard Bank Argentina S.A.
to Artes Gráficas del Litoral S.A.

d. On September 25, 2012, GCGC executed 
a mortgage agreement on a building of its
property securing the payment of the obligations
under the loan with Banco de la Ciudad de
Buenos Aires mentioned in Note 5.12.3
consolidated financial statements. Grupo Clarín
acts as guarantor of said financing.

e. During 2014, AGR financed the acquisition
of machinery and equipment through leasing
agreements mentioned in Note 5.12.2 to the
consolidated financial statements. Grupo Clarín
and AGEA are joint debtors of said financing.

f. On July 24, 2015, Grupo Clarín became 
the guarantor of certain financial obligations of
AGEA, AGR and Cúspide with Banco Itaú
Argentina S.A.

g. In April 2016, Grupo Clarín became the
guarantor for up to Ps. 65 million to secure

263

certain financial obligations of AGEA with
Banco Ciudad de Buenos Aires.

h. During this year, the Company became the
guarantor of a loan granted by Banco Santander
Rio S.A. to GCGC. The guarantee will be
effective until January 2019.

i. During this year, the Company became the
guarantor of a loan granted by Banco Santander
Rio S.A. to Auto Sport. The guarantee will be
effective until February 2019.

Note 16

Changes in the Company’s Interests
a. During 2007, AGEA increased its interest in
CIMECO from 33.3% to 50.0%, and executed
call and put options on an additional interest in
CIMECO’s capital stock. During 2008, AGEA
partially assigned the rights and obligations
arising from such options to its subsidiary AGR
and to the Company. Subsequently, in 2008,
AGEA, AGR and the Company exercised such
call option, increasing, directly and indirectly,
the Company’s equity interest in CIMECO and
Papel Prensa to 100% and 49%, respectively.

On April 10, 2008, the Company and the
parties to the above-mentioned transaction
notified CNDC of such transaction and on May
12, 2008 filed form F-1. After such notice and
as of the date of these financial statements, 
the Company submitted additional information
requested by the CNDC. As of the date of these
financial statements, the above transaction is
subject to administrative approvals.

On February 3, 2017, the Company, AGEA and
AGR were served with Resolution No. 75 issued
by the Secretariat of Trade of the Ministry of
Production on January 31, 2017 corresponding
to CNDC Opinion No. 1,417 dated December
22, 2016, whereby it authorized the above-
mentioned transaction. 

b. On January 11, 2008, IESA acquired the
controlling interest of a group of companies
mainly engaged in sports journalism, 
production and commercialization of shows, 
and the production of motor racing television
broadcasting. The share purchase agreement 

sets forth certain objectives to be met by such
group of companies. In case of breach of 
such provision, the sellers shall have to pay an
indemnification. On February 8, 2017, IESA
was served with Resolution No. 59 issued by 
the Secretariat of Trade of the Ministry of
Production on January 31, 2017 corresponding
to CNDC Opinion No. 1,407 dated December
15, 2016, whereby it authorized the above-
mentioned transactions.

c. On September 2, 2008, ARTEAR increased
its equity interest in Pol-Ka and SB Producciones
S.A. to 55% of such companies’ capital stock
and votes, thus acquiring a controlling interest
in both companies, in which it previously
exercised common control. On February 8,
2017, ARTEAR was served with Resolution No.
73 issued by the Secretariat of Trade of the
Ministry of Production on January 31, 2017
corresponding to CNDC Opinion No. 
1,406 dated December 15, 2016, whereby it
authorized the above-mentioned transactions.

d. On February 10, 2011, CMD sold to a 
third party all of its shares of Dinero Mail, for
approximately USD 4.4 million in cash; part 
of the price was withheld as guarantee.

e. On August 17, 2011, CMD executed a stock
purchase agreement, whereby it increased 
by 20% its interest in Interpatagonia S.A. (now
Interwa S.A.), where it now holds 80% of the
capital stock. CMD paid approximately Ps. 4.3
million in consideration for the shares.

On November 25, 2014, one of the sellers of
Interwa S.A.’s shares, as mentioned in Note 
10 to these consolidated financial statements,
exercised its put option for 6.66% of the shares
of that company for approximately Ps. 1.5
million, payable in six monthly installments as
from December 2014.

On January 8, 2015, CMD exercised the call
option for an additional 6.66% of the equity
interest in Interwa S.A. as mentioned 
under Note 10 to these consolidated financial
statements, for approximately Ps. 1.5 million,
payable in five monthly installments as from
January 2015.

f. On September 30, 2015, ARTEAR and
AGEA, together with other companies, created a
company under the name “RPA Media Place

264

S.A.,” engaged in advertising on digital websites,
with an equity capital of Ps. 100,000. Each 
of ARTEAR and AGEA hold a 19% interest in
RPA Media Place S.A. As of the date of these
financial statements, the incorporation of that
company is pending registration with the IGJ.

g. On August 20, 2015, FEASA together with
Publirevistas S.A., created a company under 
the name “Exponenciar S.A.,” engaged in the
organization, development and operation of
fairs, exhibitions, seminars and conferences, 
with an equity capital of Ps. 100,000. FEASA
holds a 50% interest in Exponenciar S.A. 
As of the date of these financial statements, the
incorporation of that company is pending
registration with the IGJ.

h. On October 8, 2015, CMD entered into a
stock purchase agreement, whereby it increased
its interest in Electro Punto Net S.A. by 
26%. The amount of this transaction is of
approximately Ps. 11.8 million. In December
2015, Electro Punto Net S.A. capitalized
irrevocable contributions made by CMD for 
Ps. 8 million, increasing CMD’s interest in 
the capital stock of Electro Punto Net S.A. to
54.3%. In December 2016, Electro Punto 
Net S.A. capitalized irrevocable contributions
made by CMD for Ps. 86 million, increasing
CMD’s interest in the capital stock of Electro
Punto Net S.A. to 65.6%.

i. On September 10, 2015, the Board of
Directors of Cablevisión approved the assignment
of the rights and obligations held by Grupo
Clarín under an offer it had submitted to NII
Mercosur Telecom, S.L.U. and NII Mercosur
Móviles, S.L.U. (hereinafter, the “Sellers”) 
for the acquisition of 49% of the capital stock 
of NEXTEL COMMUNICATIONS
ARGENTINA S.R.L. and an option to acquire,
together with its subsidiary Televisión Dirigida
S.A., subject to certain conditions -among them,
the regulatory approvals- 51% of the remaining
capital stock. The price of the transaction was
USD 165 million (out of this amount, USD 80
million accounts for 49% and USD 85 million
accounts for 51%) plus the right to collect 
an additional amount of up to USD 13 million
subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions.
The offer submitted by Grupo Clarín was subject
to the acceptance of the Sellers. On September
11, 2015, the Sellers accepted the offer submitted
by Grupo Clarín and, on the same date, the 

Sellers accepted the assignment of the rights
under such offer in favor of Cablevisión, offering
Cablevisión the acquisition of 49 % of the capital
stock of NEXTEL and the option to acquire 
the remaining 51%. In order to guarantee the
rights and obligations under the offer, the capital
stock owned by NII Mercosur Móviles, S.L.U
was pledged (subject to registration with the
Public Registry of Commerce). The transaction
was executed on September 14, 2015 with 
the aggregate payment by Cablevisión and its
subsidiary of USD 159 million. The companies
undertook to create an USD 6 million guarantee
fund with the balance to cover any potential
liabilities of NEXTEL (this fund was set up on
October 7, 2015). In addition, upon the
fulfillment of certain conditions precedent, on
October 1, 2015, Cablevisión paid to the Sellers
the additional amount of USD 12.73 million.
On June 3, 2016, the assignment of 49% of the
capital stock of NEXTEL in favor of Cablevisión
was registered with the IGJ. Under the terms 
of the offer, NEXTEL would continue to be 
controlled and operated by the Sellers until 
the option to acquire the remaining 51% of the
capital stock had been exercised.

As of December 31, 2015, the call option was
not legally exercisable and uncertainties remained
regarding the obtainment of the required
regulatory authorization. As of December 31,
2015, Cablevisión did not have control over
NEXTEL taking into consideration the elements
provided under IFRS 10. Therefore, it did not
consolidate NEXTEL as of such date. In January
2016, the regulatory framework changed and 
the regulatory authorization of the transaction
was no longer necessary.

In addition, on January 27, 2016, Cablevisión
and its subsidiary Televisión Dirigida S.A.
decided to exercise the option to acquire the
remaining 51% of the capital stock and votes 
of NEXTEL, and, consequently, Cablevisión
became the holder of 51.4% of the capital 
stock and votes of NEXTEL and Televisión
Dirigida S.A. became the holder of the
remaining 48.6%.To such effect, on the same
date, NEXTEL’s management took notice 
of the release of the pledge that had been set 
up to guarantee the rights and obligations 
under the offer. On July 26, 2016, the IGJ
registered the assignment of the remaining 51%
of the capital stock (see Note 11.4.4.).

265

On June 30, 2016, the controlled company
Televisión Dirigida S.A. performed the transfer
of: (i) 392,774,929 membership interests 
with nominal value of Ps. 1 each and entitled 
to one vote per membership interest,
representing 48.5% of the capital stock and
votes of NEXTEL, in favor of Cablevisión; 
and (ii) 1,000,000 membership interests with
nominal value of Ps. 1 each and entitled to 
one vote per membership interest, representing
0.1% of the capital stock and votes of NEXTEL,
in favor of PEM S.A. As a consequence of the
above-mentioned assignments of membership
interests, Cablevisión holds a 99.9% interest 
in the capital stock and votes of NEXTEL, and
the remaining 0.1% is held by PEM S.A. Those
transactions were registered with the IGJ on
November 25, 2016.

On December 28, 2016, PEM S.A. transferred
to Cablevisión 1,000,000 membership interests
with nominal value of Ps. 1 each and entitled 
to one vote per membership interest,
representing 0.1% of the capital stock and votes
of NEXTEL. As a result of the assignment 
of the membership interests described above,
Cablevisión became the holder of 810,236,480
membership interests with nominal value of 
Ps.1 and entitled to one vote per membership
interest, representing 100% of the capital stock
and votes of NEXTEL. The Company has 
filed with the IGJ the registration of the
assignment of the membership interests, which,
to date, is pending before that agency.

As of December 31, 2015, Cablevisión
concluded the process of allocating the
acquisition cost of 49% of the capital stock 
of NEXTEL and calculated a gain from 
this acquisition of Ps. 316.7 million, taking 
into consideration that the valuation of 
its identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent
liabilities in proportion to its equity interest
exceeds the acquisition cost.

During this year, Cablevisión concluded the
process of allocating the acquisition cost 
of 51% of the capital stock of NEXTEL and
calculated a gain from this acquisition of 
Ps. 114.1 million, taking into consideration 
that the valuation of its identifiable assets,
liabilities and contingent liabilities in 
proportion to its equity interest exceeds the
acquisition cost. 

j. In June 2016, Cablevisión, together with its
subsidiary NEXTEL, acquired 100% (97%
NEXTEL and 3% Cablevisión) of the capital
stock of Fibercomm S.A. and Gridley
Investments S.A. both owners of 100% of the
capital stock of Trixco S.A., holder of licenses for
the use of the radioelectric spectrum in the 900
Mhz bands. NEXTEL acquired 100% of the
capital stock of WX Telecommunications LLC
and Greenmax Telecommunications LLC, which
are the controlling companies of Skyonline
Argentina S.A., Netizen S.A., Infotel S.A. and
Callbi S.A., among the most relevant. The latter
render wireless telecommunications services 
and hold licenses for the use of the radioelectric
spectrum in the 2.5 Ghz bands. The aggregate
price for those transactions was USD 138.2
million, equivalent to Ps. 2,036 million.

During the year, Cablevisión concluded the
process of allocating the acquisition cost 
of 100% (97% to NEXTEL and the remaining
3% to Cablevisión) of the capital stock of
Fibercomm S.A. and Gridley Investments S.A.,
both owners of 100% of the capital stock of
Trixco S.A., and calculated goodwill from this
acquisition in the amount of Ps. 801.7 million.

k. On June 30, 2016, the Company executed 
an agreement with GC Minor for an assignment 
of shares, whereby it purchased for Ps. 10,000
the interest that GC Minor had in CLC, which
accounted for 0.0005% of the capital stock and
votes of that company.

l. During this year, GC Minor and the
Company executed agreements for the purchase
and sale of shares of GCGC. In connection 
with these operations, the Company holds a loan
with GC Minor for Ps. 50,000 payable within
180 days as from December 30, 2016.

As of December 31, the Company holds a 97%
interest in GCGC.

m. On June 30, 2016, the Company, as the sole
shareholder, formed a new subsidiary, “GCSA
Equity, LLC”.

n. During 2016, the Company and CMD
executed Agreements relating to Irrevocable
Contributions on Account of Future Share
Subscriptions whereby the Company made a 
Ps. 84.8 million contribution to CMD.

266

o. On August 8, 2016, a subsidiary of CMD,
Electro Punto Net S.A., executed an asset
transfer agreement, whereby it acquired from
Meroli Hogar S.A. certain assets related to 
the business of online retail and sale of home
appliances and electronic products in the
Province of Córdoba. The transaction includes
negative covenants to be fulfilled by the
shareholders of Meroli Hogar S.A. The 
aggregate amount of these transactions is of
USD 3.5 million, out of which USD 2.75
million is payable on the date of execution 
of the agreement and the rest is payable 
on the first anniversary of the execution date.

p. During 2016, the Company and AGEA
executed Agreements relating to Irrevocable
Contributions on Account of Future Share
Subscriptions whereby the Company made an
approximately Ps. 665.7 million contribution 
to AGEA.

q. During 216, the Company and GC Minor
executed Agreements relating to Irrevocable
Contributions on Account of Future Share
Subscriptions whereby the Company made 
an approximately Ps. 25.3 million contribution
to GC Minor.

r. IESA and ARTEAR agreed to implement a
corporate reorganization process whereby
ARTEAR, as Absorbing Company, absorbed
certain assets, liabilities, rights and obligations
that were spun off IESA’s equity, among 
which are the following cable television signals:
“El Trece Satelital”, “Quiero Música en mi
Idioma”, “Volver” and “Magazine”. Thus, 
IESA transferred to ARTEAR all the rights and
obligations that make up the Spun-off Equity 
of IESA. ARTEAR will continue with the
activities related to IESA’s Spun-off Equity, i.e.,
the exploitation of the above-mention cable
television signals. The spin-off - merger was
executed based on the equity position disclosed
in the financial statements of those companies 
as of June 30, 2016. The spin-off - merger 
is effective as from October 1, 2016, inclusive, 
date on which ARTEAR continued with 
the operations of IESA’s Spun-off Equity, thus
generating the corresponding operating,
accounting and tax effects. On September 20,
2016, the Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meetings
of both companies approved the Pre-Spin-off -
Merger Commitment. In view of the above, both
companies made a filing with the ENACOM 

in order to request the registration of the signals
“El Trece Satelital”, “Magazine, “Quiero Música
en mi idioma” and “Volver” held by ARTEAR.
The ENACOM has already issued the
corresponding certificates registering ARTEAR 
as the holder of those cable television signals. 

s. On August 16, 2016, the Board of Directors
of Cablevisión approved the Pre-Merger
Commitment executed between that Company,
Copetonas Video Cable S.A., Dorrego Televisión
S.A., Fintelco S.A., Indio Rico Cable Color S.A.,
Primera Red Interactiva de Medios Argentinos
(PRIMA) S.A., Cable Video SUR S.A., Wolves
Televisión S.A. and Tres Arroyos Televisora 
Color S.A., whereby, on the effective date of 
the merger -October 1, 2016- (“Effective Date
of the Merger”), Cablevisión, as absorbing
company, will continue with the operations of
Copetonas Video Cable S.A., Dorrego Televisión
S.A., Fintelco S.A., Indio Rico Cable Color S.A.,
Primera Red Interactiva de Medios Argentinos
(PRIMA) S.A., Cable Video SUR S.A., Wolves
Televisión S.A. and Tres Arroyos Televisora 
Color S.A. (the “Absorbed Companies”), thus
generating the corresponding operating,
accounting and tax effects. As a result of the
above-mentioned corporate reorganization
process, the Absorbed Companies will be
dissolved without liquidation and Cablevisión
S.A. will assume all the activities, receivables,
property and all the rights and obligations 
of the above-mentioned companies, existing on
the Effective Date of the Merger, or any that
may exist or arise due to previous or subsequent
acts or activities.

At the Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting 
of Cablevisión held on September 27, 2016, the
shareholders approved, among other issues: 
(i) the Special Parent Company Only Financial
Statement and the Special Balance Sheet for
Merger as of June 30, 2016, which were 
used as a basis for the execution of the Pre-
Merger Commitment, and (ii) the Pre-Merger
Commitment executed on August 16, 2016
between Cablevisión and the Absorbed
Companies. 

In view of the above, Cablevisión made a filing
with the ENACOM in order to inform that
Agency of the corporate reorganization to 
be implemented, so that it would consequently
register under the name of the absorbing
company the “Area Authorizations” required to

267

exploit Cable Television Services corresponding
to Copetonas Video Cable S.A., Dorrego
Televisión S.A., Indio Rico Cable Color S.A.,
Cable Video Sur S.A., and Tres Arroyos
Televisora Color S.A. The license for Wolves
Televisión S.A. was abandoned because
Cablevisión already has an Area Authorization 
in the jurisdiction where Wolves Televisión S.A.
exploited the Cable Television Service. In
addition, PRIMA and Cablevisión made a 
filing with the ENACOM in order to request
that Agency to register the license that had 
been granted to PRIMA in favor of Cablevisión
as a consequence of the corporate 
reorganization process.

In addition, at the Extraordinary Shareholders’
Meeting held on September 27, 2016, the
shareholders also unanimously approved: (i) 
the amendment of Article Three of the Bylaws 
in order to conform the core business of
Cablevisión to the new regulatory framework
under Laws Nos. 27,078 and 26,522, and (ii)
the amendment of Articles Nine and Ten 
of the Bylaws in order to eliminate the Executive
Committee. Both amendments of the Bylaws
were filed with the CNV for its approval.

t. On December 23, 2016, AGR’s shareholders
decided to increase its capital stock by
approximately Ps. 136.9 million, through the
capitalization of irrevocable contributions 
made by AGEA in AGR for Ps. 81.7 million 
and the capitalization of the loan held by Grupo
Clarín with AGR for approximately Ps. 55.2
million. The registration of such capital increase
is pending before the IGJ.

u. On November 7, 2016, ARTEAR 
executed a share assignment, sale and transfer 
agreement for Ps. 8.7 million, whereby ARTEAR
acquired 5,225,000 common, registered, 
non-endorsable shares, with nominal value of 
Ps. 1 each and entitled to 1 vote per share,
representing 100% of the capital stock of
Producciones YAQ S.A. ARTEAR had paid the
full amount under the agreement as of the 
date of these financial statements. 

v. On October 25, 2016, ARTEAR executed a
share assignment, sale and transfer agreement 
for USD 500,000, whereby it acquired 51,699
common, registered, non-endorsable shares, 
with nominal value of Ps. 1 each and entitled to
1 vote per share, representing 40.0004% of the

capital stock of Canal Rural Satelital S.A.
ARTEAR had paid the full amount under the
agreement as of the date of these financial
statements. 

Note 17

Law No. 26,831 Capital Markets
On December 28, 2012, Capital Markets 
Law No. 26,831 (the “Capital Markets Law”), 
passed on November 29, 2012 and enacted 
on December 27, 2012, was published in the
Official Gazette. The Law provides for a
comprehensive amendment of the public
offering regime, previously governed by Law 
No. 17,811. Among other things, the new 
law enhances the National Government’s
oversight powers and changes the authorization,
control and oversight mechanisms of all stages 
of the public offering process and the role 
of all the entities and individuals involved. The
Law became effective on January 28, 2013. 

On July 29, 2013, the National Government
issued Decree No. 1023/2013 to regulate
partially the Capital Markets Law that had been
passed on November 29, 2012. Among other
provisions, the Decree regulates Section 20 
of said Law, pursuant to which the CNV may
appoint an overseer with veto rights over 
the decisions made by the boards of directors 
of entities subject to the public offering regime,
or otherwise remove the boards from such
entities for up to 180 days until all deficiencies
found by the CNV are solved. Said Emergency
Decree amends the Law it seeks to regulate 
and, therefore, constitutes a regulatory abuse.
Thus, whereas the Law vests on the CNV 
the power to appoint an overseer or to remove
the board of directors, the Decree allows the
CNV to exercise that power if the shareholders
and/or noteholders with a two percent (2%)
interest in the company’s capital stock or
outstanding debt securities claim that they have
suffered actual and certain damages or if they
believe their rights may be seriously jeopardized
in the future. The Decree also vests on the 
CNV the power to appoint the administrators 
or co-administrators that will hold office as a
consequence of the removal of the boards 
of directors. Thus, the Decree amends the Law 
by granting the CNV powers that were not

268

provided therein. By doing so, the Executive
Branch is assuming strictly legislative functions
in breach of constitutional provisions. 

On September 5, 2013 within the framework 
of the Capital Markets Law and its Decree, 
the CNV issued Resolution No. 622/2013 (the
“Rules”), whereby it approved the applicable
Rules that repeal the Rules that had been
effective until that date (as restated in 2001).
The new Rules have introduced several changes
in connection with CNV’s powers over the
companies under that agency’s oversight, and
also in connection with the information that
these companies must disclose.

On August 20, 2013, at the request of Mr.
Rubén Mario Szwarc, a minority shareholder of
the Company, and by means of public deed
number two hundred forty five, the Company
was served notice of the decision rendered 
by Chamber A of the National Court of 
Appeals on Commercial Matters on August 
12, 2013, in re “SZWARC, Rubén Mario v.
National Government and Others on
Preliminary Injunction” File No. 011419/2013.
That Chamber decided, among other things, 
(i) to declare the unconstitutionality of Sections 
. 2, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15 and 16 of Law No.
26,854, and (ii) to order the provisional,
injunctive suspension of Section 20, subsection
a), second part, paragraphs I and II (or 1 and 2)
of Law No. 26,831 and of all laws, rules or
administrative acts issued or that may be issued
pursuant to such legal provisions, with respect 
to Grupo Clarín S.A., until the judge that is
finally declared competent to render a decision
on the merits assumes full jurisdiction of the 
case and renders a final decision relating to the
injunction. 

operations and economic-financial events 
at GCGC located at Patagones 2550, City of
Buenos Aires, and at the warehouse located 
at Ruta 36 Km 31.500, Florencio Varela, 
of the supplier AdeA - Administración de
Archivos S.A., during the periods established 
by effective laws.

Note 19

Extinction of the notes issued by AGEA
 On January 28, 2014, AGEA repaid all of the
USD 30.6 million aggregate principal amount
outstanding and interest accrued as of such date
on the Series C Notes issued by that company
under the Global Program.

Pursuant to Article 16, Section V of Chapter I 
of Title III of the Restated Rules issued by the
CNV, which governs the delisting due to 
non-existence of outstanding securities, upon 
the extinction of the Series C Notes, AGEA 
filed the required documentation with the CNV.

On August 5, 2014, the CNV served AGEA
with a notice requesting the latter to submit
information to prove the extinction of Series A,
B and D Notes, issued by that company under
the Global Program for the Issuance of Notes.
On August 12, 2014, AGEA submitted the
information requested by the CNV, providing
evidence of the extinction of the notes.

On October 8, 2014, the CNV requested AGEA
to make a filing in connection with the delisting.
On October 16, 2014, AGEA submitted a Note
to the CNV whereby it requested delisting due
to the extinction of its notes. 

Note 18

Information required under CNV Resolution No. 629 -

Record Keeping
On August 14, 2014, the Argentine Securities
Commission issued General Resolution 
No. 629, which provides for record keeping
regulations.

The Company keeps certain supporting
documentation related to the record of its

Note 20

The Company’s Corporate Reorganization Process
On September 28, 2016, at the Company’s
Extraordinary Shareholders Meeting, 
the shareholders approved the execution of 
a corporate reorganization process to be
implemented in two successive steps: a) first 
the merger of Southtel Holdings S.A., Vistone
S.A., Compañía Latinoamericana de Cable S.A. 

269

and CV B Holding S.A. (the “Absorbed
Companies”), through which Grupo Clarín 
held a controlling interest in Cablevisión (the
“Merger”), and, b) the subsequent partial 
spin-off of the Company to create a new
company under the name Cablevisión Holding
S.A. (the “Spin-off ”, and together with the
Merger, the “Corporate Reorganization”).

The purpose of the Corporate Reorganization 
is to enhance efficiency, synergy and 
streamlining of the Company’s costs, processes
and resources and to promote the specialization
of the existing asset portfolio of Grupo Clarín 
and its subsidiaries. This will allow the 
Company to implement differentiated growth
strategies and goals for, on the one hand, 
the telecommunications segment, and, on the 
other hand, the media business (print, TV,
programming, radio etc.). Thus, each of those
segments will be able to focus on its own
markets, risks, organizational processes and
capital structures.

As a result of the Merger, and since Grupo
Clarín is the direct and indirect holder of 100%
of the capital stock of the absorbed companies,
Grupo Clarín’s capital stock will not be
increased. Therefore, it is not necessary to
establish an exchange ratio. In addition, 
the absorbed companies will be dissolved early
without liquidation and Grupo Clarín will
assume, effective as from October 1, 2016 (the
“Effective Date of the Merger"), the activities,
receivables, property, rights and obligations 
of the above-mentioned companies, existing on
the Effective Date of the Merger, or any that
may exist or arise due to previous or subsequent
acts or activities.

As part of the equity subject to spin-off, as
provided under the Merger and Spin-off
Prospectus filed with the CNV and published 
in the Financial Information Highway, the
Company will transfer to Cablevisión Holding
S.A. certain equity interests or participations
held by Grupo Clarín, including the direct 
and indirect equity interests of Grupo Clarín 
in Cablevisión and in GCSA Equity, LLC.
Consequently, once the Corporate
Reorganization has been executed, Cablevisión
Holding S.A. will become owner, directly or
indirectly, of 60% of the capital stock and votes
of Cablevisión and of 100% of the participations

of GCSA Equity, LLC. Grupo Clarín will retain
and continue with all the activities, operations,
assets and liabilities that are not specifically
allocated to Cablevisión Holding S.A. 

The effective date of the Spin-off (the “Effective
Date of the Spin-off ”) will be the first day of 
the month following the date on which the latest
of the following registrations is completed: (i)
the registration of the Corporate Reorganization
with the IGJ, or (ii) the registration of the
incorporation of Cablevisión Holding S.A. with
the IGJ. As of the Effective Date of the 
Spin-off, Cablevisión Holding S.A. will begin 
its activities on its own account, the accounting
effects of the Spin-off will become effective, 
and the operations, risks and benefits described
in the Prospectus published by the Company
will be transferred to Cablevisión Holding S.A.

As a result of the Spin-off of Grupo Clarín, 
its equity will be reduced pro rata and part of
the Company’s Class A, Class B and Class C
shares will be cancelled in exchange for a set of
shares of the same class and with substantially
the same rights to be distributed by Cablevisión
Holding S.A. Grupo Clarín will continue to 
be subject to the public offering regime in
Argentina and Cablevisión Holding S.A. will
request authorization to be admitted to the
above-mentioned public offering regime in
Argentina. The new company may also apply 
to have its shares listed on and admitted to
trading on one or more local or foreign stock
exchanges and/or markets.

The Corporate Reorganization detailed 
in this note is executed in compliance with 
applicable regulations of the General
Associations Law and subject to obtaining the
regulatory authorizations and/or intervention 
(as applicable) from the CNV, Merval, IGJ and
Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones (National
Communications Agency “ENACOM”). 

The terms and conditions of the Corporate
Reorganization were established by the Directors
of the Company, who approved the Special
Parent Company Only Financial Statement of
Grupo Clarín as of June 30, 2016, the Special
Balance Sheet for Merger and Spin-off as 
of the same date and the Merger -and Spin-off
Prospectus at the Board of Directors’ Meeting
held on August 16, 2016.

270

As of the date of these financial statements, 
the registration of the above-mentioned
corporate reorganization process is pending
before the CNV and the IGJ.

Note 21

Subsequent Events
a. The events that took place subsequent to the
closing of this year related to the regulatory
framework applicable to the Company and its
subsidiaries are described in Note 11.1.

b. Due to the strong reconfiguration of the
commercial printing sector, a global
phenomenon that also affects Argentina, at 
the beginning of 2017 AGR had to restructure
its activities.

On January 16, 2017, AGR announced that 
it had ceased to operate its printing facility
located in the neighborhood of Pompeya, which
was engaged in the mass commercial printing
business. At that facility, AGR used to print
telephone directories and commercial catalogs,
which are products that have been virtually
discontinued.

Over the last years, AGR has unsuccessfully
attempted to explore new ways of mitigating the
effects of the drop in mass commercial printing,
and preserve, at least partially, the sustainability
of the Pompeya facility. Unfortunately, the huge
challenge entailed by this change in the industry
(now focused on segmented, personalized and
distributed printing) was not supported by the
internal commission employee delegates, which

systematically rejected all the proposals made by
that company. 

The decision to close that facility was aimed at
preserving the sustainability of the rest of AGR’s
operations and at preventing the worsening 
of that company’s financial position, in order to
face the payment of severance payments to the
personnel that used to work at that facility.

Notwithstanding the close-down of the Pompeya
facility, AGR intends to continue operating 
at whatever scale the market may demand and,
consequently, the matter was considered in these
financial statements based on that premise.

In the morning of January 16, a group of
approximately 40 people, including the members
of said internal commission, broke into the
Pompeya facility, damaging entrance doors,
windows, furniture and security cameras, and
violently removed the employees that were 
inside the facility. Many of them are still 
at the facility, although the great majority of 
the employees have already agreed on their
redundancy and collected their severance
payments for a total amount of approximately
Ps. 200 million as of the date of these 
financial statements.

Note 22

Approval of Parent Company only Financial

Statements
The Board of Directors has approved the parent
company only financial statements and
authorized their issue for March 10, 2017.

Signed for identification purposes 
with the report dated March 10, 2017

See our report dated March 10, 2017
Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L.
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 1 - FOL. 17

Carlos Alberto Pedro Di Candia
Chairman of the Supervisory Committee

Dr. Carlos A. Pace (Partner)
Certified Public Accountant (UBA)
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 150 - FOL. 106

Alejandro A. Urricelqui
Vice Chairman  and acting Chairman

271

Additional Information 
to the Notes to the
Financial Statements -
Section No. 12 Title IV
Chapter III of General
Resolution No. 622/13 
of the Argentine
Securities Commission

Balance Sheet as of 
December 31, 2016

1. There are no specific material regulatory
regimes currently applicable to the Company
that may entail the contingent loss or
acquisition of legal benefits.

4. The classification of receivables and liabilities
according to their related financial effects is
detailed in Note 9 to the parent company only
financial statements.

2. Note 20 to the parent Company Only
Financial Statements describes the Company’s
current merger-spin-off process, whereby 
the Company merged with certain of its current
subsidiaries and will subsequently spin off 
to a new company its direct and indirect interest
in Cablevisión.

3. The classification of receivables and liabilities
by maturity is detailed in Note 9 to the parent
company only financial statements.

Without any established term

Due

- Within three months

- More than three months and up to six months

- More than four years and up to five years

Total

(1) Balances are denominated in local currency and 
do not accrue any interest.
(2) The balances are denominated in local currency
and accrue interest at a fixed rate.
(3) The balances are denominated in foreign currency
and accrue interest at a fixed rate.

6. There are no trade receivables or loans to
directors, members of the Supervisory
Committee and their relatives up to, and
including, the second degree of kinship and 
no such trade receivables or loans existed 
during the fiscal year.

7. The Company does not have any inventories.

5. Equity interest under Section 33 of Law 
No. 19,550 is detailed in Note 4.3 of the parent
company only financial statements. Accounts
receivable from and payable to related 
parties are disclosed under Note 8 to the parent
company only financial statements. The
following table summarizes the breakdown of
such accounts payable and receivable as per 
the above points 3) and 4).

Receivables

Liabilities

(1) 148,530,532

3,863,800

(2) 1,882,949
50,000

-

-

-
(3) 367,813,013

150,463,481

(1) 371,676,813

8. The Company has used current values for 
the valuation of assets and liabilities acquired
from Cablevisión, taking into account, mainly,
the following criteria:

− Subscriber portfolio: valued based on, 
among other things, an analysis of the acquired
subscriber portfolio’s cash flow generation,
considering the subscriber turnover of such
portfolio, discounted at a market rate.

272

consideration the projected performance of 
the main operating variables of the respective
companies.

13. As of December 31, 2016, the Company
does not have any relevant tangible property,
plant and equipment requiring efficient
insurance coverage.

14. Booked provisions for contingencies do not
exceed, either individually or as a whole, two
percent (2%) of the Company’s shareholders’
equity.

15. As of the date of these financial statements,
the Company does not have any contingent
situations, the financial effects of which, if any,
have not been booked (see Note 11 to the
parent company only financial statements).

16. The Company does not have any irrevocable
contributions on account of future share
subscriptions.

17. The Company does not have any unpaid
cumulative dividends on preferred shares

18. In Notes 7.a. and 10.2.a to the parent
company only financial statements reference is
made to the treatment given to retained
earnings.

− Financial debt: since the acquired companies
were not listed at the time of the acquisition,
the financial debt was valued based on cash flow
discounted at a market rate.

− Fixed assets: valued based on internal
estimates made by the subsidiaries according to
available information (kilometers and technical
characteristics of the network, replacement 
value per kilometer and type of network based
on business knowledge and purchase price of
the resources needed, state of the network at the
time of acquisition, real estate appraisals of the
most significant real property, among others).

Similarly, the Company has recorded the net
acquired assets of CIMECO at fair value.

9. The Company does not have any property,
plant and equipment subject to appraisal 
write-up.

10. The Company does not have any obsolete
property, plant and equipment.

11. The Company is not subject to the
restrictions under section 31 of Law No.
19,550, since its main corporate purposes 
are investment and finance. 

12. The Company assesses the recoverable 
value of its long-term investments each time it
prepares its financial statements. In the case 
of investments for which the Company does not
book goodwill with an indefinite useful life, 
it assesses their recoverable value when there is
any indication of impairment. In the case of
investments for which the Company books
goodwill with an indefinite useful life, it assesses
their recoverable value by comparing the book
value with cash flows discounted at the
corresponding discount rate, considering the
weighted average capital cost, and taking into

Signed for identification purposes 
with the report dated March 10, 2017

See our report dated March 10, 2017
Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L.
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 1 - FOL. 17

Carlos Alberto Pedro Di Candia
Chairman of the Supervisory Committee

Dr. Carlos A. Pace (Partner)
Certified Public Accountant (UBA)
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. VOL. 150 - FOL. 106

Alejandro A. Urricelqui
Vice Chairman  and acting Chairman

273

Independent 
Auditor’s Report

Free translation from 
the original 
prepared in Spanish

To the Shareholders, President 

and Directors of Grupo Clarín S.A.

Legal domicile: Piedras 1743

Autonomous City of Buenos Aires

CUIT No 30-70700173-5

Report on the Financial Statements
We have audited the attached parent company 
only financial statements of Grupo Clarín S.A. 
(the “Company”) which comprise the parent
company only balance sheet at December 31,
2016, the parent company only statements of
comprehensive income, of changes in equity and 
of cash flows for the year then ended and a
summary of significant accounting policies and
other explanatory information.

The balances and other information corresponding
to the fiscal year 2015 are an integral part of the
audited financial statements mentioned above,
therefore, they must be considered in connection
with these financial statements.

Board of Directors’ responsibility
The Board of Directors of the Company is
responsible for the reasonable preparation and
presentation of the parent company only financial
statements in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adopted 
by the Argentine Federation of Professional
Councils in Economic Sciences (FACPCE, for 
its Spanish acronym) as professional accounting
standards and incorporated by the Argentine
Securities Commission (CNV, for its Spanish
acronym) into its regulations, as adopted by the
International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
Further, the Board of Directors is responsible 
for the existence of adequate internal control to
prepare the parent company only financial
statements free from material misstatements due 
to errors or irregularities.

Auditor’s responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the
accompanying parent company only financial
statements based on our audit. We conducted our
audit in accordance with International Standards
on Auditing (ISAs), as adopted in Argentina by 
the FACPCE through Technical Resolutions No.
32 and its respective Adoption Communications.
Those standards require that we comply with

ethical requirements and plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the
consolidated financial statements are free from
material misstatements.

An audit involves performing procedures to 
obtain audit evidence about the amounts and other
information disclosed in the parent company 
only financial statements. The procedures selected
depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the
assessment of the risks of material misstatement 
in the parent company only financial statements
due to fraud or error. In making those risk
assessments, the auditor must consider internal
control relevant to the Company’s preparation 
and reasonable presentation of the parent 
company only financial statements in order to
design audit procedures that are appropriate 
in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of
expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the
Company’s internal control. An audit also includes
evaluating the appropriateness of accounting
policies used and the reasonableness of significant
estimates made by the Company’s management, 
as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the
parent company only financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a
basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion
In our opinion, the parent company only financial
statements mentioned in the first paragraph of 
this report present fairly, in all material respects,
the parent company only financial position of
Grupo Clarín S.A. as of December 31, 2016, its
the parent company only comprehensive income
and parent company only cash flows for the year
then ended, in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards.

Emphasis of Matter paragraph
Without qualifying our opinion, we would like 
to emphasize the information contained in Note
10.1.a., to the parent company only financial
statements, which describes the situation related 
to the resolution issued by the regulator to
calculate the monthly fee payable by the users of
cable television services, whose decisions cannot 
be foreseen to date.

274

Report on compliance with current regulations
In accordance with current regulations in respect to
Grupo Clarín S.A., we report that:

e.3) 6% on the total fees for services invoiced 
to the Company, its parent companies, subsidiaries
and affiliates for all concepts in that fiscal year.

a) the parent company only financial statements 
of Grupo Clarín S.A. have been transcribed to 
the “Inventory and Balance Sheet” book and
comply with the General Associations Law and
pertinent resolutions of the Argentine Securities
Commission, as regards those matters within 
our competence;

b) the parent company only financial statements 
of Grupo Clarín S.A. arise from accounting records
kept in all formal respects in conformity with 
legal regulations which maintain the security and
integrity conditions on the basis of which they
were authorized by the Argentine Securities
Commission;

c) we have read the additional information to the
Notes to the parent company only financial
statements required by section 68 of the listing
regulations of the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange
and Article 12°, Chapter III, Title IV of the
regulations of the Argentine Securities
Commission, on which, as regards those matters
that are within our competence, we have no
observations to make;

d) at December 31, 2016 the debt accrued by
Grupo Clarín S.A.in favor of the Argentine
Integrated Social Security System according to the
Company’s accounting records and calculation
amounted to $3,999,588.68, none of which was
claimable at that date;

e) in accordance with the requirements of Article
21°, Subsection b), Chapter III, Section VI, 
Title II of the regulations of the Argentine
Securities Commission, we report that the total
fees for auditing and related services billed to 
the Company during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2016 represent:

e.1) 73% on the total fees for services invoiced 
to the Company for all concepts in that fiscal year;
e.2) 8% on the total fees for audit and related
services invoiced to the Company, its parent
companies, subsidiaries and affiliates in that 
fiscal year;

f ) we have applied the procedures on prevention 
of asset laundering and terrorism funding set forth
in the relevant professional rules issued by the
Professional Council for Economic Sciences of the
Autonomous City of Buenos Aires.

Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, 
March 10, 2017

Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L.

by Carlos A. Pace (Partner)

275

Supervisory 
Committee’s 
Report

Free translation from the 
original prepared in Spanish

To the Shareholders of:

Grupo Clarín S.A.

TAX ID No. 30-70700173-5

Registered office: Piedras 1743

City of Buenos Aires

I. REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
In our capacity as members of Grupo Clarín
S.A.’s Supervisory Committee and pursuant 
to Subsection 5, Section 294, of the Argentine 
General Associations Law (Law No. 19,550, 
as amended), the regulations of the Argentine
Securities Commission ("CNV", for its Spanish
acronym) and of the Buenos Aires Stock
Exchange ("BCBA", for its Spanish acronym), 
we have performed a review of the documents
mentioned below:

Documents subject to review:
a) The attached Parent Company Only Financial
Statements of Grupo Clarín S.A. comprising 
the Parent Company Only Balance Sheet as of
December 31, 2016, the Parent Company Only
Statement of Comprehensive Income, the 
Parent Company Only Statement of Changes in
Equity and the Parent Company Only Statement
of Cash Flows for the year then ended.

b) The attached Consolidated Financial
Statements of Grupo Clarín S.A. and 
its subsidiaries comprising the Consolidated
Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2016, the
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive
Income, the Consolidated Statement of Changes
in Equity and the Consolidated Statement of
Cash Flows for the year then ended.

c) A summary of the material accounting policies
and other explanatory information.

The balances and other relevant information for
the year 2015 are an integral part of the audited
financial statements mentioned above and shall
be considered in connection with said financial
statements.

II. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COMPANY’S
MANAGEMENT
The Company’s Board of Directors is responsible
for the preparation and reasonable presentation
of the Parent Company Only and Consolidated
Financial Statements indicated in paragraph I. 
in accordance with the International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRS) adopted as 
Argentine professional accounting standards by
the Argentine Federation of Professional Councils
of Economic Sciences, FACPCE, for its Spanish
acronym) and incorporated by the CNV to its
regulations, as approved by the International
Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The Board
of Directors is also responsible for an adequate
internal control as deemed necessary so that the
consolidated and parent company only financial
statements are free from material misstatements
arising from errors or irregularities.

III. RESPONSIBILITY OF 
THE SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE
Our responsibility is to report on the documents
indicated in paragraph I. based on our statutory
audit and the audit work carried out by the
Company’s external auditors. We conducted our
review in accordance with Technical Resolution
No. 15 issued by the FACPCE. Said standards
require that the review of the financial statements
be conducted in accordance with effective
auditing standards for the review of financial
statements; that the documents be checked for
consistency with the information on corporate
decisions stated in minutes and that such
decisions conform to the law and the by-laws, 
in all formal and documentary aspects.

276

  
We believe that our work and that of the
Company’s external auditors, detailed in their
respective reports, provides a sufficient and
appropriate basis to support our opinion. 
We have not performed any management 
control and, therefore, we have not assessed 
the business criteria and decisions on
administrative, financing, commercialization 
and production matters, since these issues 
are the exclusive responsibility of the Company’s
Board of Directors.

IV. OPINION
Based on our review, within the scope 
described in Section III. of this report: (i) the
parent company only financial statements
mentioned in paragraph I., present fairly, in all
material respects, the parent company only
financial position of Grupo Clarín S.A. as 
of December 31, 2016, the results disclosed 
in the parent company only statement of
comprehensive income and in the parent
company only statement of cash flows for the
year then ended, in accordance with the
International Financial Reporting Standards; 
and (ii) the consolidated financial statements
mentioned in paragraph I., present fairly, 
in all material respects, the consolidated 
financial position of Grupo Clarín S.A. and its 
subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016, and 
the results disclosed in the consolidated
statement of comprehensive Income and in the
consolidated statement of cash flows for the 
year then ended in accordance with the
International Financial Reporting Standards.

In order to conduct our professional work on 
the documents detailed in paragraph I. of this
report, we have reviewed the work performed by
the Company’s external auditor Carlos A. Pace, 
a partner of Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L., 
who issued his audit reports on March 10, 2017.
He conducted his audit in accordance with
International Standards on Auditing (IAS). Our
work included the review of the work plan, 
the nature, scope and timeliness of the
procedures applied and the results of the audit
carried out by the external auditor.

IAS were adopted as auditing standards in
Argentina through Technical Resolution No. 32
issued by the FACPCE as approved by the
International Auditing and Assurance Standards
Board (IAASB) and require that the auditor
comply with ethical requirements, plan and
perform the audit in order to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements
are free from material misstatements. An 
audit involves performing procedures to obtain
evidence supporting the amounts and other
information disclosed in the financial statements.
The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s
judgment, including the assessment of the risks
of material misstatements in the financial
statements due to fraud or error. In making those
risk assessments, the auditor must consider the
internal control related to the preparation and
fair presentation by the Company of the financial
statements, in order to design audit procedures
that are appropriate in the circumstances, but 
not for the purpose of expressing an opinion 
on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal
control. An audit also includes evaluating the
appropriateness of the accounting policies used,
the reasonableness of significant estimates 
made by the Company’s management, and the
overall presentation of the financial statements.

277

V. EMPHASIS OF MATTER
Without qualifying our opinion, we would like
to emphasize the information disclosed under
Note 10.1.a. to the Parent Company Only
Financial Statements and under Note 8.1.a. 
to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which
describe the situations related to the resolution
issued by the regulatory agency for the
calculation of the monthly fee payable by the
users of cable television services, whose decision
cannot be foreseen to date.

VI. REPORT ON COMPLIANCE WITH
EFFECTIVE REGULATIONS
In accordance with effective regulations, we
report with respect to Grupo Clarín S.A. that:

a) The financial statements detailed in paragraph
I. comply with the provisions of the Argentine
General Associations Law (Law No. 19,550, as
amended) and the regulations concerning
accounting documentation issued by the CNV,
and have been transcribed to the “Inventory 
and Balance Sheet” book and arise from the
Company’s accounting records kept, in all formal
aspects, in accordance with effective legislation.

b) We have reviewed the Inventory and the
Board of Directors’ Annual Report for the year
ended December 31, 2016. In this regard, 
within the scope of our competence, we have no
observations to make. The representations about
future events included in the Annual Report are
the Board of Directors’ exclusive responsibility.

c) Furthermore, we report that in exercise of the
legality control within our field of competence,

during the year ended December 31, 2016, we
have applied the procedures set forth in Section
294 of Argentine General Associations Law 
(Law No. 19,550, as amended), as deemed
necessary based on the circumstances and we
have no observations to make in that regard.

d) We have reviewed the information included 
in Exhibit I to the Annual Report about the
degree of compliance with the Code of
Corporate Governance required under CNV
Regulations and we have no observations to
make in that regard.

e) As required by CNV regulations, regarding 
the independence of the external auditors and 
the quality of the audit policies applied by them 
and the accounting polices applied by the
Company, the above-mentioned external auditor’s
report includes the representation concerning 
the application of the auditing standards effective
in Argentina which provide for independence
requirements, and was issued without
qualifications as to the application of such
regulations or discrepancies as to the professional
accounting standards applied.

f ) We have applied the asset laundering and
terrorist financing crimes prevention procedures
provided under the professional standards issued
by Consejo Profesional de Ciencias Económicas
de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires
(Professional Council in Economic Sciences of
the City of Buenos Aires).

City of Buenos Aires, 
March 10, 2017

Supervisory Committee

Carlos Alberto Pedro Di Candia
Chairman

278

Grupo Clarín S.A.
Piedras 1743
C1140ABK Ciudad de Buenos Aires
Argentina
www.grupoclarin.com

Investor Relations Team

Agustín 
Medina Manson
HEAD OF INVESTOR 
RELATIONS

Patricio 
Gentile
INVESTOR 
RELATIONS

IR Contact
+ 54 11 4309 7215
investors@grupoclarin.com
www.grupoclarin.com/ir

Design and production
Chiappini + Becker
Comunicación Visual
Telephone: (54 11) 4314 7774
www.ch-b.com

www.grupoclarin.com