SCHEDULE 13D/A: Dolan Family Amends MSG Entertainment Ownership Disclosure, Details Complex Trust Structures and Trustee Changes

Sentiment:

Beneficial Ownership Amendment


An updated SEC filing reveals the intricate beneficial ownership of Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. by the Dolan family through various trusts, including recent trustee changes.

Summary

  • The filing is Amendment No. 4 to Schedule 13D for Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (Issuer: MSG Entertainment Corp., CUSIP: 558256103).
  • The Dolan family, acting as a 'Group Members' group, beneficially owns an aggregate of 8,569,455 shares of Class A Common Stock as of February 3, 2025.
  • This aggregate ownership represents approximately 17.8% of the total shares of Common Stock deemed currently outstanding.
  • The ownership comprises 1,702,701 shares of Class A Common Stock (including exercisable options and shares held by the Dolan Family Foundation) and 6,866,754 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of Class B Common Stock.
  • The Group Members collectively have shared power to vote and dispose of all 6,866,754 outstanding Class B Common Stock shares.
  • Key individual beneficial ownership percentages include Kathleen M. Dolan at 8.1%, Mary S. Dolan at 9.0%, James L. Dolan at 6.8%, and Corby Dolan Leinauer at 8.0%.
  • The filing details the structure and beneficiaries of several trusts, including the Dolan Children Trusts, CFD 1989 Grandchildren Trusts, and 2009 Family Trusts, which hold significant portions of the shares.
  • On January 31, 2025, Brian G. Sweeney ceased to serve as the trustee of the Charles F. Dolan 2009 Revocable Trust (CFD 2009 Trust), and Paul J. Dolan was appointed as the new trustee.
  • As a result of the trustee change, Brian G. Sweeney and Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney are no longer deemed to beneficially own shares held by the CFD 2009 Trust, while Paul J. Dolan may now be deemed to beneficially own them (though he disclaims beneficial ownership).
  • No transactions in Class A Common Stock were effected by the Reporting Persons since the filing of Amendment No. 3.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: The document is neutral, providing factual updates on beneficial ownership and trust structures without indicating positive or negative financial performance or strategic shifts.

Risks

  • The complex web of trusts and disclaimers of beneficial ownership among various family members and trustees could potentially lead to challenges in understanding the ultimate control and decision-making authority within the company's ownership structure.
  • The intricate governance mechanisms within the trusts, such as discretionary distribution powers and powers to appoint/remove trustees, introduce layers of complexity that may not be immediately transparent to external stakeholders.

Future Outlook

NA

Industry Context

NA

Management Changes

RolePrevious PersonNew PersonEffective DateReason
Trustee of Charles F. Dolan 2009 Revocable TrustBrian G. SweeneyPaul J. Dolan2025-01-31Appointment of new trustee

Corporate Governance

Change TypeDescriptionEffective DateImpact Assessment
Trustee AppointmentPaul J. Dolan was appointed as the new trustee of the Charles F. Dolan 2009 Revocable Trust, replacing Brian G. Sweeney.2025-01-31This change shifts the direct control over the shares held by the CFD 2009 Trust from Brian G. Sweeney to Paul J. Dolan, impacting the beneficial ownership attribution for reporting purposes.
Clarification of Trust StructuresThe filing provides detailed descriptions of the governance mechanisms for various Dolan family trusts, including discretionary powers of trustees over income and principal distributions, and beneficiaries' powers to appoint/remove trustees and exercise testamentary powers of appointment.N/AEnhances transparency regarding the complex ownership and control structure of the Dolan family's stake in MSG Entertainment, clarifying the roles and powers within the trusts.

Stakeholder Impact

  • Shareholders: Provides updated information on the beneficial ownership structure of a significant controlling group, which can influence perceptions of corporate control and stability.
  • Regulatory Authorities: Fulfills SEC disclosure requirements regarding changes in beneficial ownership and control, ensuring compliance with securities laws.

Key Dates

DateDescription
2023-04-28Original Schedule 13D filed by the Reporting Persons.
2023-09-22Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13D filed.
2024-03-19Amendment No. 2 to Schedule 13D filed.
2024-12-31Amendment No. 3 to Schedule 13D filed. Also, the date for outstanding Class A Common Stock calculation (40,960,232 shares).
2025-01-31Date of event requiring filing of this statement; Brian G. Sweeney ceased to serve as trustee of the CFD 2009 Trust and Paul J. Dolan was appointed.
2025-02-03Date as of which the Group Members' aggregate beneficial ownership is reported.
2025-02-04Date of signing for the Amendment No. 4 filing and Joint Filing Agreement.

Keywords

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp., MSG Entertainment, SEC Filing, Schedule 13D/A, Beneficial Ownership, Dolan Family, Trusts, Corporate Governance, Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Trustee Change, Shareholder Disclosure

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