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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">UNITED STATES<br> SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Washington, D.C. 20549</font></b></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Form&nbsp;8-K</font></b></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">CURRENT REPORT<br> Pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 OR 15(d)&nbsp;of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934</font></b></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):&nbsp;&nbsp;<b>April&nbsp;15, 2013</b></font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">DISH NETWORK CORPORATION</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">0-26176</font></b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;"><br>   (Commission File Number)</font></p>    </td>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">88-0336997</font></b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;"><br>   (IRS Employer<br>   Identification No.)</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">9601 SOUTH MERIDIAN BLVD. <br>   ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO<br>    </font></b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Address of principal executive offices)</font></p>    </td>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">80112</font></b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;"><br>   (Zip Code)</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">(303)&nbsp;723-1000</font></b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;"><br> (Registrant&#146;s telephone number, including area code)</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Check the appropriate box below if the Form&nbsp;8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">x</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Written communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Soliciting material pursuant to Rule&nbsp;14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;14d-2(b)&nbsp;under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;13e-4(c)&nbsp;under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 8.01 Other Events.</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">On April&nbsp;15, 2013, DISH Network Corporation (&#147;DISH&#148;) issued a press release announcing that it has submitted a merger proposal to the Board of Directors of Sprint Nextel Corporation (&#147;Sprint&#148;) including a total consideration of $25.5 billion, consisting of $17.3 billion in cash and $8.2 billion in stock.&#160; Sprint shareholders would receive $7.00 per share, based upon DISH&#146;s closing price on Friday, April&nbsp;12, 2013.&#160; This consists of $4.76 per share in cash and 0.05953 DISH shares per Sprint share.&#160; The equity portion represents approximately 32% ownership in the combined DISH/Sprint.&#160; A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit&nbsp;99.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward&#150;Looking Statements</font></b></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Certain statements contained herein may constitute &#147;forward-looking statements&#148; within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.&#160; Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of DISH Network Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. More information about such risks, uncertainties and other factors is set forth in DISH Network Corporation&#146;s Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements included in its recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the &#147;SEC&#148;), including its annual report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2012.&#160; Risks and uncertainties relating to the proposed transaction include, without limitation, the risks that: Sprint Nextel Corporation will not enter into any definitive agreement with DISH Network Corporation or the terms of any definitive agreement will be materially different from those described above; the parties will not obtain the requisite financing or regulatory approval for the proposed transaction; the proposed transaction will not be consummated for any other reason; management&#146;s attention will be diverted from ongoing business operations; and the anticipated benefits of the transaction will not be realized.&#160; The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and DISH Network Corporation expressly disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Additional Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find It</font></b></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">This communication relates to a business combination transaction with Sprint Nextel Corporation proposed by DISH Network Corporation, which may become the subject of a registration statement filed with the SEC. This communication is not a substitute for the joint proxy statement/prospectus that DISH Network Corporation and Sprint Nextel Corporation would file with the SEC if any agreement is reached or any other documents that DISH Network Corporation or Sprint Nextel Corporation may send to shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IF, AND WHEN, THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. All such documents, if filed, would be available free of charge at the SEC&#146;s website (http://www.sec.gov).&#160; In addition, investors and security holders may obtain free copies of such documents filed by DISH Network Corporation with the SEC by directing a request to: DISH Network Corporation, 9601 S. Meridian Boulevard, Englewood, Colorado 80112, Attention: Investor Relations.&#160; This communication shall not constitute an offer to buy or solicitation of an offer to sell any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Participants</font></b></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">DISH Network Corporation and its directors and executive officers may be deemed, under the rules&nbsp;of the SEC, to be participants in any solicitation of shareholders of DISH Network Corporation or Sprint Nextel Corporation in connection with the proposed transaction. Investors and security holders may obtain information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of the directors and executive officers of DISH Network Corporation in its annual report on Form&nbsp;10&#151;K for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2012, which was filed with the SEC on February&nbsp;20, 2013, and its proxy statement for the 2013 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on March&nbsp;22, 2013. These documents can be obtained free of charge at the SEC&#146;s website (http://www.sec.gov) and from Investor Relations at DISH Network Corporation at the address set forth above. Additional information regarding the interests of these participants will also be included in any proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents to be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction when they become available.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.</font></b></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(d)&nbsp;<i>Exhibits.</i></font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Press   Release, &#147;DISH Network Proposes Merger with Sprint Nextel Corporation for   $25.5 Billion,&#148; dated April&nbsp;15, 2013</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">SIGNATURE</font></b></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:16.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">DISH   NETWORK CORPORATION</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Date:&nbsp;April&nbsp;15,   2013</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">By:</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">/s/R.   Stanton Dodge</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">R.   Stanton Dodge</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Executive   Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">EXHIBIT&nbsp;INDEX</font></b></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Press   Release, &#147;DISH Network Proposes Merger with Sprint Nextel Corporation for   $25.5 Billion,&#148; dated April&nbsp;15, 2013</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
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{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "DISH Network CORP", "cik": "0001001082", "assigned-sic": "4841", "irs-number": "880336997", "state-of-incorporation": "NV", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "000-26176", "film-number": "13759880"}, "business-address": {"street1": "9601 S. MERIDIAN BLVD.", "city": "ENGLEWOOD", "state": "CO", "zip": "80112", "phone": "3037231000"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "9601 S. MERIDIAN BLVD.", "city": "ENGLEWOOD", "state": "CO", "zip": "80112"}, "former-company": {"former-conformed-name": "ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORP", "date-changed": "19950919"}}
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
April 15, 2013
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
NEVADA
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
0-26176
(Commission File Number)
88-0336997
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
9601 SOUTH MERIDIAN BLVD.
ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO
(Address of principal executive offices)
80112
(Zip Code)
(303) 723-1000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
x
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
o
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item 8.01 Other Events.
On April 15, 2013, DISH Network Corporation ("DISH") issued a press release announcing that it has submitted a merger proposal to the Board of Directors of Sprint Nextel Corporation ("Sprint") including a total consideration of $25.5 billion, consisting of $17.3 billion in cash and $8.2 billion in stock.  Sprint shareholders would receive $7.00 per share, based upon DISH's closing price on Friday, April 12, 2013.  This consists of $4.76 per share in cash and 0.05953 DISH shares per Sprint share.  The equity portion represents approximately 32% ownership in the combined DISH/Sprint.  A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward–Looking Statements
Certain statements contained herein may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of DISH Network Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. More information about such risks, uncertainties and other factors is set forth in DISH Network Corporation's Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements included in its recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.  Risks and uncertainties relating to the proposed transaction include, without limitation, the risks that: Sprint Nextel Corporation will not enter into any definitive agreement with DISH Network Corporation or the terms of any definitive agreement will be materially different from those described above; the parties will not obtain the requisite financing or regulatory approval for the proposed transaction; the proposed transaction will not be consummated for any other reason; management's attention will be diverted from ongoing business operations; and the anticipated benefits of the transaction will not be realized.  The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and DISH Network Corporation expressly disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Additional Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find It
This communication relates to a business combination transaction with Sprint Nextel Corporation proposed by DISH Network Corporation, which may become the subject of a registration statement filed with the SEC. This communication is not a substitute for the joint proxy statement/prospectus that DISH Network Corporation and Sprint Nextel Corporation would file with the SEC if any agreement is reached or any other documents that DISH Network Corporation or Sprint Nextel Corporation may send to shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IF, AND WHEN, THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. All such documents, if filed, would be available free of charge at the SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov).  In addition, investors and security holders may obtain free copies of such documents filed by DISH Network Corporation with the SEC by directing a request to: DISH Network Corporation, 9601 S. Meridian Boulevard, Englewood, Colorado 80112, Attention: Investor Relations.  This communication shall not constitute an offer to buy or solicitation of an offer to sell any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
Participants
DISH Network Corporation and its directors and executive officers may be deemed, under the rules of the SEC, to be participants in any solicitation of shareholders of DISH Network Corporation or Sprint Nextel Corporation in connection with the proposed transaction. Investors and security holders may obtain information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of the directors and executive officers of DISH Network Corporation in its annual report on Form 10—K for the year ended December 31, 2012, which was filed with the SEC on February 20, 2013, and its proxy statement for the 2013 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on March 22, 2013. These documents can be obtained free of charge at the SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov) and from Investor Relations at DISH Network Corporation at the address set forth above. Additional information regarding the interests of these participants will also be included in any proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents to be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction when they become available.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d)
Exhibits.
Exhibit 99.1
Press   Release, "DISH Network Proposes Merger with Sprint Nextel Corporation for   $25.5 Billion," dated April 15, 2013
2
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
DISH   NETWORK CORPORATION
Date: April 15,   2013
By:
/s/R.   Stanton Dodge
R.   Stanton Dodge
Executive   Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
3
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Description
Exhibit 99.1
Press   Release, "DISH Network Proposes Merger with Sprint Nextel Corporation for   $25.5 Billion," dated April 15, 2013
4