Investments

9 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Investments

Investments

6. Investments

Short-Term Investments

In the 2010 nine month period, Griffin sold its remaining short-term investments.  Griffin’s short-term investments were comprised of debt securities and were accounted for as trading securities under FASB ASC 320-10, “Investments - Debt and Equity Securities” (“ASC 320-10”).  Accordingly, the securities were recorded at their fair values based upon quoted market prices at the balance sheet date and net realized and unrealized gains and losses on those investments were included in investment income on Griffin’s consolidated statements of operations.  Investment income in the 2011 and 2010 nine month periods consists solely of interest and dividend income.

Centaur Media plc

Griffin’s investment in the common stock of Centaur Media plc (“Centaur Media”) is accounted for as an available-for-sale security under ASC 320.  Accordingly, changes in the fair value of Centaur Media, net of income taxes, along with the effect of changes in the foreign currency exchange rate, net of income taxes, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (see Note 9).

As of August 27, 2011, the cost, gross unrealized gain and fair value of Griffin’s investment in Centaur Media were $2,677, $735 and $3,412, respectively.  As of November 27, 2010, the cost, gross unrealized gain and fair value of Griffin’s investment in Centaur Media were $2,677, $2,425 and $5,102, respectively.