Close

Form 8-K Kraft Foods Group, Inc. For: Mar 24

March 25, 2015 6:40 AM EDT

 

 

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): March 24, 2015

 

 

 

LOGO

Kraft Foods Group, Inc.

Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its Charter

 

 

Commission File Number 001-35491

 

Virginia   36-3083135

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

Three Lakes Drive, Northfield, IL 60093-2753

(Address of principal executive Offices, including zip code)

Telephone: (847) 646-2000

(Telephone Number, including area code)

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

 

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)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 


Item 5.03 Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year

On March 24, 2015, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Kraft Foods Group, Inc. (the “Company” or “Kraft”) amended the Company’s Amended and Restated By-laws (the “By-laws”) by adding a new Article XIII (the “Amendment”), which provides that unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, to the greatest extent permitted by applicable law, the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a legal or fiduciary duty owed by any director or officer or other employee of the Company to the Company or the Company’s shareholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against the Company or any director or officer or other employee of the Company arising pursuant to any provision of the Virginia Stock Corporation Act or the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company or the By-laws (in each case, as they may be amended from time to time), or (iv) any action asserting a claim against the Company or any director or officer or other employee of the Company governed by the internal affairs doctrine, shall be the Circuit Court of the County of Henrico in the Commonwealth of Virginia or the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division.

The By-laws, as amended, are filed as Exhibit 3.1 to this report and are incorporated by reference herein. The foregoing summary of the Amendment is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the By-laws, as amended.

 

Item 8.01 Other Events

On March 25, 2015, Kraft and H.J. Heinz Holding Corporation (“Heinz”) issued a joint press release announcing their entry into a definitive merger agreement. A copy of the press release is filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this report and incorporated herein by reference.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Except for the historical information contained herein, certain of the matters discussed in this communication constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, both as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “predict,” “project,” “future”, “potential,” “intend,” “seek to,” “plan,” “assume,” “believe,” “target,” “forecast,” “goal,” “objective,” “continue” or the negative of such terms or other variations thereof and words and terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion of future plans, actions, or events identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding benefits of the proposed merger, integration plans and expected synergies, anticipated future financial and operating performance and results, including estimates for growth. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements included in this communication. For example, the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the pending merger, including the timing, receipt and terms and conditions of any required governmental and regulatory approvals of the pending merger that could reduce anticipated benefits or cause the parties to abandon the transaction, the ability to successfully integrate the businesses, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement, the possibility that Kraft shareholders may not approve the merger agreement, the risk that the parties may not be able to satisfy the conditions to the proposed transaction in a timely manner or at all, risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the proposed transaction, the risk that any announcements relating to the proposed transaction could have adverse effects on the market price of Kraft’s common stock, and the risk that the proposed transaction and its announcement could have an adverse effect on the ability of Kraft and Heinz to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with their suppliers and customers and on their operating results and businesses generally, problems may arise in successfully integrating the businesses of the companies, which may result in the combined company not operating as effectively and efficiently as expected, the combined company may be unable to achieve cost-cutting synergies or it may take longer than expected to achieve those synergies, and other factors. All such factors are difficult to predict and are beyond our control. We disclaim and do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement in this report, except as required by applicable law or regulation.

 

2


Additional Information and Where to Find It

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. This communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed transaction between Kraft and Heinz. In connection with the proposed transaction, Heinz intends to file a registration statement on Form S-4, containing a proxy statement/prospectus (the “S-4”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). This communication is not a substitute for the registration statement, definitive proxy statement/prospectus or any other documents that Heinz or Kraft may file with the SEC or send to shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. SHAREHOLDERS OF KRAFT ARE URGED TO READ ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, INCLUDING THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION.

Investors and security holders will be able to obtain copies of the S-4, including the proxy statement/prospectus, and other documents filed with the SEC (when available) free of charge at the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by Kraft will be made available free of charge on Kraft’s website at http://www.kraftfoodsgroup.com/. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by Heinz will be made available free of charge on Heinz’s website at http://www.heinz.com/.

Participants in the Solicitation

Kraft and its directors and executive officers, and Heinz and its directors and executive officers, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the holders of Kraft common stock in respect of the proposed transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of Kraft is set forth in the proxy statement for Kraft’s 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on March 18, 2015. Information about the directors and executive officers of Heinz will be set forth in the S-4. Investors may obtain additional information regarding the interests of such participants by reading the proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed transaction when it becomes available. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described in the preceding paragraph.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

  (d) The following exhibits are filed with this report.

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description of Exhibit

  3.1    Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company, as amended on March 24, 2015
99.1    Joint Press Release by Kraft Foods Group, Inc. and H.J. Heinz Holding Corporation, dated March 25, 2015

 

3


SIGNATURES

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.

 

Kraft Foods Group, Inc.

Date: March 25, 2015 By:  /s/ Kim K. W. Rucker

Kim K. W. Rucker

Executive Vice President, Corporate & Legal

Affairs, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description of Exhibit

  3.1    Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company, as amended on March 24, 2015
99.1    Joint Press Release by Kraft Foods Group, Inc. and H.J. Heinz Holding Corporation, dated March 25, 2015

Exhibit 3.1

AMENDED AND RESTATED

BY-LAWS

of

KRAFT FOODS GROUP, INC.

(Effective as of March 24, 2015)

ARTICLE I

Meetings of Shareholders

Section 1. Annual Meetings. – The annual meeting of the shareholders for the election of directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting, and any postponement or adjournment thereof, shall be held on such date and at such time as the Board of Directors may in its discretion determine.

Section 2. Special Meetings.

(a) A majority of the Board of Directors or the Chairman of the Board may call special meetings of the shareholders. Special meetings shall be held solely for the purposes specified in the notice of meeting.

(b) The Board of Directors shall call a special meeting of shareholders after the secretary receives a valid request or requests for a special meeting of shareholders from the record holders of shares representing at least twenty percent (the “Requisite Percentage”) of the combined voting power of the then outstanding shares of all classes of the Corporation’s capital stock entitled to vote on the matter(s) proposed to be voted on at such meeting. To be valid, the request or requests must (i) be written; (ii) be delivered to the secretary at the Corporation’s principal executive office (the date on which the secretary receives the request is the “Delivery Date”); (iii) include (1) the specific purpose(s) of the special meeting of shareholders and the matter(s) proposed to be voted on at the special meeting, (2) with respect to shareholders requesting the special meeting (except for any shareholder that (A) is not an affiliate or associate of or acting in concert with any other requesting shareholder and (B) has requested the special meeting in response to a solicitation statement filed by another shareholder seeking support from the Requisite Percentage of shareholders for such special meeting pursuant to, and in accordance with, Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act (a “Solicited Shareholder”)), the information specified in the third paragraph of Article I, Section 6 of these By-laws (as if such special meeting was an annual meeting), and (3) documentary evidence that the requesting record holders own the Requisite Percentage at the time the secretary receives the request; and (iv) be signed and dated by the record holder(s). If the requesting record holder(s) are not the beneficial owners of the shares representing the Requisite Percentage, then to be valid, the written request must also include documentary evidence that the beneficial owners on whose behalf the request(s) are made (collectively, the “Requesting Holders”) beneficially own the Requisite Percentage on the Delivery Date. The shareholders (except for any Solicited Shareholders) requesting the special meeting shall (i) notify the Corporation of any inaccuracy or change (within two business days of becoming aware of such inaccuracy or change) in any information previously provided to the Corporation pursuant to this By-Law and (ii) promptly update and supplement any information previously provided to the Corporation pursuant to this By-Law, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided shall be true and complete (1) as of the voting record date for the special meeting and (2) as of the date that is 10 days prior to the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, and such update and supplement shall be delivered to the secretary at the Corporation’s principal executive offices. Any shareholder who submitted a written request for a special meeting of shareholders may revoke that written request at any time by delivering a written revocation to the secretary at the Corporation’s principal executive offices. In addition, any Requesting Holder’s failure to appear at the special meeting of shareholders or to send the Requesting Holder’s qualified representative to the special meeting of shareholders to present such matter(s) to be voted on at the special meeting of shareholders also constitutes a revocation of such request.


The Corporation is not required to call a special meeting of shareholders pursuant to this Section 2(b) with respect to any matter if (i) an identical or substantially similar matter was included on the agenda of any annual or special meeting of shareholders held within 60 days prior to the Delivery Date or will be included on the agenda at an annual meeting to be held within 90 days after the Delivery Date (For purposes of this clause (i), the election or removal of directors shall be considered an identical or substantially similar matter with respect to all matters involving election or removal of directors.), or (ii) the purpose of the special meeting of shareholders is not a proper matter for shareholder action or is otherwise unlawful, or (iii) the written request for a special meeting of shareholders itself violated applicable law(s) or was not made in accordance with these By-Laws.

The business conducted at the special meeting of shareholders called in accordance with this Section 2(b) shall be limited to the business set forth in the notice of the special meeting; provided that the Board of Directors may submit additional matters to the shareholders at the special meeting by including those matters in the notice of the special meeting of shareholders.

Section 3. Place of Meetings. – All meetings of the shareholders shall be held at such places as from time to time may be fixed by the Board of Directors.

Section 4. Notice of Meetings. – Notice, stating the place, day and time and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be given not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting (except as a different time is specified herein or by law), to each shareholder of record in respect of the business to be transacted thereat. Notice of a shareholders’ meeting to act on an amendment of the Articles of Incorporation, a plan of merger, share exchange, domestication or entity conversion, a proposed sale of the Corporation’s assets that is subject to Section 13.1-724 of the Virginia Stock Corporation Act, or the dissolution of the Corporation shall be given not less than 25 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting and shall be accompanied, as appropriate, by a copy of the proposed amendment; plan of merger; share exchange domestication or entity conversion; or sale agreement. A record date fixed by the Board of Directors with respect to any meeting of the shareholders shall be the record date for determining shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting, unless the Board of Directors, at the time it fixes the record date for shareholders entitled to notice of the meeting, fixes a later record date on or before the date of the meeting to determine the shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a written waiver of notice signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, either before or after the time stated therein, shall be equivalent to the giving of such notice. A shareholder who attends a meeting shall be deemed to have (a) waived objection to lack of notice or defective notice of the meeting, unless at the beginning of the meeting he or she objects to holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting, and (b) waived objection to consideration of a particular matter at the meeting that is not within the purpose or purposes described in the meeting notice, unless he or she objects to considering the matter when it is presented.

 

2


Section 5. Quorum and Adjournment. – At all meetings of the shareholders, unless a greater number or voting by classes is required by law, a majority of the shares entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum. Once a share is represented for any purpose at a meeting, it is deemed present for quorum purposes for the remainder of the meeting and for any adjournment of that meeting, unless a new voting record date is set for that meeting. If a quorum is present, action on a matter is approved if the votes cast favoring the action exceed the votes cast opposing the action, unless the vote of a greater number or voting by classes is required by law or the Articles of Incorporation, and except that the election of directors shall be determined in accordance with Article II, Section 4. The chairman of the meeting of shareholders shall have the right and authority to adjourn or recess the meeting. The shareholders, even though less than a quorum, may adjourn the meeting.

Section 6. Organization and Order of Business.

(a) The chairman, the lead director, if any, in the chairman’s absence, or the chief executive officer, if there is no lead director or in the lead director’s absence, shall act as chairman of all meetings of the shareholders. The secretary, or an assistant secretary, in the secretary’s absence, shall act as secretary at all meetings of the shareholders. In the absence of the secretary or an assistant secretary, the chairman of the meeting may appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting.

(b) The Board of Directors may adopt such rules, regulations and procedures for the conduct of any meeting of shareholders that it deems appropriate. Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules, regulations and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors, the chairman of the meeting shall have the right and authority to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts and things as are necessary or desirable for the proper conduct of the meeting, including, without limitation, the establishment of an agenda or order of business, the dismissal of business not properly presented, the maintenance of order and safety, limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments on the affairs of the Corporation, restrictions on entry to such meeting after the time prescribed for the commencement thereof and the opening and closing of the voting polls.

(c) At each annual meeting of shareholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been properly brought before the meeting (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (ii) by any shareholder of the Corporation who shall be entitled to vote at such meeting and who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 6. In addition to any other applicable requirements, for business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a shareholder, the shareholder must have given timely

 

3


notice thereof in writing to the secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a shareholder’s notice must be given, either by personal delivery or by United States certified mail, postage prepaid, and received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation (i) not less than 120 days nor more than 150 days before the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting or (ii) if the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, not more than 150 days prior to the date of such annual meeting and not less than 120 days prior to the date of such annual meeting or, if the first public announcement of the date of such annual meeting is less than 120 days prior to the date of such annual meeting, the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by the Corporation. A shareholder’s notice to the secretary, whether pursuant to this Section 6 or Section 2 of this Article I, shall set forth as to each matter the shareholder proposes to bring before the meeting (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, including the complete text of any resolutions to be presented at the meeting, and the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting; (ii) the name and address, as they appear on the Corporation’s stock transfer books, of such shareholder proposing such business, and the name and address of any beneficial owner on whose behalf the proposal is being made; (iii) a representation that such shareholder is a shareholder of record and intends to appear in person or by proxy at such meeting to bring the business before the meeting specified in the notice; (iv) the class, series and number of shares of stock of the Corporation owned, directly or indirectly, beneficially and of record by the shareholder and any beneficial owner on whose behalf the proposal is made, and any of their respective affiliates or associates or other parties with whom they are acting in concert, as well as any derivative instrument or similar contract or agreement the value of or return on which is based on or linked to the value of or return of any of the Corporation’s securities; (v) any proxy (other than a revocable proxy given in response to a solicitation statement filed pursuant to, and in accordance with, Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act), voting trust, voting agreement or similar contract, arrangement, agreement or understanding pursuant to which the shareholder and any beneficial owner on whose behalf the proposal is being made, or any of their respective affiliates or associates or other parties with whom they are acting in concert, has a right to vote or direct the voting of any of the Corporation’s securities; and (vi) any material interest of the shareholder, and any beneficial owner on whose behalf the proposal is made and their respective affiliates or associates or other parties with whom they are acting in concert, in such business. The shareholder shall (i) notify the Corporation of any inaccuracy or change (within two business days of becoming aware of such inaccuracy or change) in any information previously provided to the Corporation pursuant to this By-Law and (ii) promptly update and supplement information previously provided to the Corporation pursuant to this By-Law, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided shall be true and complete (1) as of the voting record date for the meeting and (2) as of the date that is 10 days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, and such update and supplement shall be delivered to the secretary at the Corporation’s principal executive offices. The secretary of the Corporation shall deliver each such shareholder’s notice that has been timely received to the Board of Directors or a committee designated by the Board of Directors for review. Unless otherwise required by law, if the shareholder (or a qualified representative of the shareholder) does not appear at the meeting of shareholders to present such business, such proposal shall be disregarded and such business shall not be transacted, notwithstanding that the Corporation may have received proxies in respect of such vote.

 

4


Notwithstanding anything in these By-Laws to the contrary, no business shall be conducted at an annual meeting except in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 6. The chairman of the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine that the business was not brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures prescribed by this Section 6. If the chairman of the meeting should so determine, he or she shall so declare to the meeting and the business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 6, a shareholder seeking to have a proposal included in the Corporation’s proxy statement shall comply with the requirements of Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

Section 7. Voting. – A shareholder may vote his, her or its shares in person or by proxy. Any proxy shall be delivered to the secretary of the meeting or to the inspectors of election appointed in accordance with Section 9, at or prior to the time designated by the chairman of the meeting or in the order of business for so delivering such proxies. No proxy shall be valid after 11 months from its date, unless otherwise provided in the proxy. Each holder of record of stock of any class shall, as to all matters in respect of which stock of such class has voting power, be entitled to such vote as is provided in the Articles of Incorporation for each share of stock of such class standing in the holder’s name on the books of the Corporation as of the voting record date for the meeting of shareholders. Unless required by statute or determined by the chairman of the meeting to be advisable, the vote on any question need not be by ballot. On a vote by ballot, each ballot shall be signed by the shareholder voting or by such shareholder’s proxy, if there be such proxy; provided, however, that if authorized by the Board of Directors, any shareholder vote to be taken by written ballot may be satisfied by a ballot submitted by electronic transmission by the shareholder or the shareholder’s proxy, provided that any such electronic transmission shall either set forth or be submitted with information from which it can be determined that the electronic transmission was authorized by the shareholder or the shareholder’s proxy.

Section 8. Proxies. – A shareholder or shareholder’s agent or attorney-in-fact may appoint a proxy to vote or otherwise act for the shareholder by signing an appointment form or by an electronic transmission. An electronic transmission shall contain or be accompanied by information from which it can be determined that the shareholder, the shareholder’s agent or the shareholder’s attorney-in-fact authorized the transmission. For purposes of this Section 8 and the remainder of these By-Laws, “electronic transmission” means any form or process of communication, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper or other tangible medium, that is suitable for the retention, retrieval and reproduction of information by the recipient and that is retrievable in paper form by such a recipient through an automated process used in conventional commercial practice. Any copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reliable reproduction of the writing or transmission permitted by this Section 8 may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing or transmission for any and all purposes for which the original writing or transmission could be used, provided that such copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the entire original writing or transmission.

Section 9. Inspectors. – At every meeting of the shareholders, one or more inspectors shall receive and take in charge the proxies, receive and count all votes, and decide questions concerning the qualifications of voters, the validity of proxies and the acceptance or rejection of votes. The Corporation or the chairman of the meeting shall appoint such inspectors. The inspectors shall be sworn faithfully to perform their duties and shall in writing certify to the returns. No candidate for election as director shall be appointed or act as inspector.

 

5


ARTICLE II

Board of Directors

Section 1. General Powers. – All corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the authority of, and the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of, the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Number. –The Board of Directors shall set the number of directors from time to time.

Section 3. Term of Office. – Each director shall serve for the term for which he or she shall have been elected and until a successor shall have been duly elected and qualified.

Section 4. Nomination and Election of Directors.

(a) At each annual meeting of shareholders, the shareholders entitled to vote shall elect the directors.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this Section 4, each director shall be elected by a vote of the majority of the votes cast with respect to that director-nominee’s election at a meeting for the election of directors at which a quorum is present. For purposes of this subsection (b), a majority of the votes cast means that the number of shares voted “for” a director must exceed the number of shares voted “against” that director.

(c) Subsection (b) shall not apply to any election of directors if, as of the expiration of the time when a shareholder may give notice of a nomination of a director pursuant to subsection (d) of this Section 4, there are more nominees for election than the number of directors to be elected, one or more of whom are properly proposed by shareholders. A nominee for director in an election to which this subsection (c) applies shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast in such election.

(d) No person shall be eligible for election as a director unless nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this subsection (d). Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors may be made (i) by the Board of Directors or any committee designated by the Board of Directors or (ii) by any shareholder entitled to vote for the election of directors at the applicable meeting of shareholders who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this subsection (d). Such nominations, other than those made by the Board of Directors or any committee designated by the Board of Directors, may be made only if written notice of a shareholder’s intent to nominate one or more persons for election as directors at the applicable meeting of shareholders has been given, either by personal delivery or by United States certified mail, postage prepaid, to the secretary of the Corporation and received

 

6


(i) not less than 120 days nor more than 150 days before the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, or (ii) if the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, not more than 150 days prior to the date of such annual meeting and not less than 120 days prior to the date of such annual meeting or, if the first public announcement of the date of such annual meeting is less than 120 days prior to the date of such annual meeting, the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by the Corporation, or (iii) with respect to any special meeting of shareholders called for the election of directors, not later than the close of business on the seventh day following the date on which notice of such meeting is first given to shareholders. Each such shareholder’s notice shall set forth (i) as to the shareholder giving the notice, (1) the name and address, as they appear on the Corporation’s stock transfer books, of such shareholder, and the name and address of any beneficial owner on whose behalf the nomination is being made; (2) a representation that such shareholder is a shareholder of record and intends to appear in person or by proxy at such meeting to nominate the person or persons specified in the notice; (3) the class, series and number of shares of stock of the Corporation owned beneficially, directly or indirectly, and of record by such shareholder and any beneficial owner on whose behalf the notice is given and any of their respective affiliates or associates or other parties with whom they are acting in concert, as well as any derivative instrument or similar contract or agreement the value of or return on which is based on or linked to the value of or return of any of the Corporation’s securities; (4) any proxy (other than a revocable proxy given in response to a solicitation statement filed pursuant to, and in accordance with, Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act), voting trust, voting agreement or similar contract, arrangement, agreement or understanding pursuant to which the shareholder and any beneficial owner on whose behalf the nomination has been made, or any of their respective affiliates or associates or other parties with whom they are acting in concert, has a right to vote or direct the voting of any of the Corporation’s securities; and (5) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such shareholder or such beneficial owner or any of their respective affiliates or associates or other parties with whom they are acting in concert and each nominee and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the nomination or nominations are to be made by such shareholder; and (ii) as to each person whom the shareholder proposes to nominate for election as a director, (1) the name, age, business address and, if known, residence address of such person; (2) the principal occupation or employment of such person; (3) the class and number of shares of stock of the Corporation that are beneficially owned by such person; (4) any other information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors or is otherwise required by the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission promulgated under the Exchange Act; and (5) the written consent of such person to be named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected. The shareholder shall (i) notify the Corporation of any inaccuracy or change (within two business days of becoming aware of such inaccuracy or change) in any information previously provided to the Corporation pursuant to this By-Law and (ii) promptly update and supplement information previously provided to the Corporation pursuant to this By-Law, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided shall be true and complete (1) as of the voting record date for the meeting and (2) as of the date that is 10 days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, and such update and supplement shall be delivered to the secretary at the Corporation’s principal executive offices. The secretary of the Corporation shall deliver each such shareholder’s notice that has been timely received to the Board of Directors or a committee designated by the Board of Directors for review. Any person nominated for election as director by the Board of Directors or any committee designated by the Board of Directors shall, upon the request of the Board of Directors or such committee, furnish to the secretary of the Corporation all such information pertaining to such person that is required to be set forth in a shareholder’s notice of nomination. Unless otherwise required by law, if the shareholder (or a qualified representative of the shareholder) does not appear at the meeting of shareholders to present such nomination, such nomination shall be disregarded, notwithstanding that the Corporation may have received proxies in respect of such vote.

 

7


Notwithstanding anything in these By-Laws to the contrary, no persons may be nominated for election to the Board of Directors except in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 4. The chairman of the meeting of shareholders shall, if the facts warrant, determine that a nomination was not made in accordance with the procedures prescribed by this subsection (d). If the chairman should so determine, he or she shall so declare to the meeting and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.

Section 5. Chairman; Lead Director. – The Board of Directors shall elect from among its members a director designated as the chairman. The chairman shall serve as chairman of the Board of Directors and preside at meetings of the shareholders and of the Board of Directors. The chairman shall have such duties as may be assigned to him or her by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may, at its discretion, appoint a lead director to coordinate the activities of the independent directors. The lead director shall have such duties as may be assigned to him or her by the Board of Directors. At meetings of the shareholders and of the Board of Directors, in the absence of the chairman, the lead director shall act as chairman of the meetings and preside over such meetings.

Section 6. Organization. – At all meetings of the Board of Directors, the chairman or, in the absence of the chairman, the lead director, if any, shall act as chairman of the meeting. In the chairman’s absence, if there is no lead director or in the lead director’s absence, a director chosen by a majority of the directors present, shall act as chairman of the meeting. The secretary of the Corporation or, in the secretary’s absence, an assistant secretary shall act as secretary of meetings of the Board of Directors. In the absence of the secretary or an assistant secretary at such meeting, the chairman of the meeting shall appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting.

Section 7. Place of Meeting. – Meetings of the Board of Directors, regular or special, may be held either within or without the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Board of Directors may meet in person or by telephone or video conference call, and may act by unanimous written consent.

Section 8. Organizational Meeting. – The annual organizational meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately following adjournment of the annual meeting of shareholders and at the same place, without the requirement of any notice other than this provision of the By-Laws, or at such other date, time and place as the Board of Directors may determine.

 

8


Section 9. Regular Meetings: Notice. – Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such times and places as the Board of Directors or the chairman may from time to time determine. Notice of such meetings need not be given if the time and place have been fixed previously.

Section 10. Special Meetings. – Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held whenever called by order of the chairman of the Board of Directors or the lead director, if any. Notice of each such meeting, which need not specify the business to be transacted thereat, shall (i) be mailed to each director, addressed to his or her residence or usual place of business, at least three days before the day of the meeting, (ii) be delivered at least twenty-four hours before the time of the meeting by a form of electronic transmission or (iii) be delivered personally or by telephone, not later than the day before the day on which the meeting is to be held.

Section 11. Waiver of Notice. – Whenever any notice is required to be given to a director of any meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof for any purpose under the provisions of law, the Articles of Incorporation or these By-Laws, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, either before or after the time stated therein, shall be equivalent to the giving of such notice. A director’s attendance at or participation in a meeting waives any required notice to him or her of the meeting unless at the beginning of the meeting or promptly upon the director’s arrival, he or she objects to holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting and does not thereafter vote for or assent to action taken at the meeting.

Section 12. Quorum and Manner of Acting. – Except where otherwise provided by law, a majority of the number of directors fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors at the time of any regular or special meeting shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at such meeting, and the act of a majority of the directors present at any such meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors. In the absence of a quorum, a majority of those present may adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum is present. Notice of any such adjourned meeting need not be given.

Section 13. Order of Business. – At all meetings of the Board of Directors business may be transacted in such order as from time to time the Board of Directors may determine.

Section 14. Resignation of Director. – Any director may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Board of Directors, the chairman of the Board of Directors or the secretary of the Corporation. Unless the resignation is contingent on acceptance by the Board of Directors, or as otherwise stated in the notice of resignation, it shall take effect when delivered.

Section 15. Committees.

(a) In addition to the executive committee authorized by Article III of these By-Laws, other committees, consisting of two or more directors, may be designated by the Board of Directors by a resolution adopted by the greater number of (i) a majority of all directors in office at the time the action is being taken or (ii) the number of directors required to take action under Article II, Section 12 hereof. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board of Directors designating the committee, shall have and may exercise the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, except as limited by law.

 

9


(b) The Board of Directors will appoint members to each committee meeting any applicable qualifications set forth in that committee’s charter and designate the committee’s chair at the Board of Directors’ annual organizational meeting or at such other time as the Board of Directors may determine. The chair and each committee member will serve until he or she resigns or is removed and a successor is appointed. If the Board of Directors does not designate a chair, the committee members may designate a chair by a majority vote. The Board of Directors may remove any committee member at any time, with or without cause. Any vacancy occurring on any committee may be filled by the Board of Directors. Each committee may delegate any of its responsibilities to the chair or another committee member, unless prohibited by law, regulation or national securities exchange listing standards (if any).

(c) A committee may meet in person or by telephone or video conference call, and may act by unanimous written consent. Each committee shall keep a record of its acts and proceedings and report the same from time to time to the Board of Directors.

(d) Unless the Board of Directors otherwise prescribes by resolution, a majority of a committee’s members constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business at a committee meeting, and the act of a majority of the committee members present at a meeting at which there is a quorum present will be the act of that committee. Each committee of the Board of Directors may prescribe its own rules for calling and holding meetings and its method of procedure, subject to any rules prescribed by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE III

Executive Committee

Section 1. How Constituted and Powers. – The Board of Directors, by resolution adopted pursuant to Article II, Section 15 hereof, may designate two or more directors to constitute an executive committee, who shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. The executive committee, to the extent provided in such resolution and permitted by law, shall have and may exercise all of the authority of the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Meetings. – Meetings of the executive committee may be called by the chairman of the committee or by any two members of the committee. Notice of each such meeting, which need not specify the business to be transacted thereat, shall (i) be mailed to each member of the committee, addressed to his or her residence or usual place of business, at least three days before the day of the meeting, (ii) be delivered at least twenty-four hours before the time of the meeting by a form of electronic transmission or (iii) be delivered personally or by telephone, not later than the day before the day on which the meeting is to be held.

 

10


ARTICLE IV

Officers

Section 1. Designation. – The officers of the Corporation shall include a chief executive officer, a chief financial officer, one or more executive vice presidents, a controller, an internal auditor, a treasurer, a secretary, and such other officers or assistant officers as the Board of Directors deems necessary or advisable with such powers and duties as prescribed herein or by the Board of Directors. The same person may hold any two or more offices.

Section 2. Election, Appointment, Term of Office and Qualifications. – The Board of Directors shall elect annually the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, one or more vice presidents including executive vice presidents, controller, internal auditor, treasurer and secretary. The Board of Directors may authorize any duly elected officer to appoint one or more other officers or assistant officers. Each officer shall hold office until his or her respective successor shall have been duly chosen and qualified or until such officer’s resignation, death, or removal.

Section 3. Vacancies. – If any vacancy shall occur among the officers or assistant officers of the Corporation, the Board of Directors, or any duly elected officer authorized by the Board of Directors to appoint such officer or assistant officer, may fill such vacancy.

Section 4. Removal. – The Board of Directors may remove any officer or assistant officer at any time either with or without cause. Any officer or assistant officer appointed by another officer may likewise be removed by such officer.

Section 5. Chief Executive Officer. – The chief executive officer shall be in charge of the Corporation’s business and affairs under the basic policies set by the Board of Directors and shall from time to time report to the Board of Directors on matters within his or her knowledge that the interests of the Corporation may require be brought to the Board of Directors’ notice. The chief executive officer shall be responsible to the Board of Directors and shall perform such other duties as shall be assigned to him or her by the Board of Directors.

Section 6. Vice Presidents. – One or more vice presidents including executive vice presidents shall assist the chief executive officer in carrying out his or her respective duties and shall perform those duties that may from time to time be assigned to them by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer.

Section 7. Chief Financial Officer. – The chief financial officer shall be an executive vice president and shall be responsible for the management and supervision of the financial affairs of the Corporation.

Section 8. Secretary. – The secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the shareholders and of the Board of Directors in a book or books kept for that purpose. He or she shall keep in safe custody the seal of the Corporation, and shall affix such seal to any instrument requiring it. The secretary shall have charge of such books and papers as the Board of Directors may direct. He or she shall attend to the giving and serving of all notices of the Corporation and shall also have such other powers and perform such other duties as pertain to the secretary’s office, or as the Board of Directors, chairman, or chief executive officer may from time to time prescribe.

Section 9. Assistant Officers. – In the absence or disability of an officer, one or more assistant officers shall perform all of the duties of the officer and, when so acting, shall have all of the powers of, and be subject to all the restrictions upon, the officer. Assistant officers shall also perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors or an officer.

 

11


ARTICLE V

Contracts, Checks, Drafts, Bank Accounts, Etc.

Section 1. Contracts. – Except as the Board of Directors may, from time to time, otherwise provide, the chief executive officer, any executive vice president and such other persons as the chief executive officer or the Board of Directors may authorize shall have the power to execute any contract or other instrument on behalf of the Corporation. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, may authorize the power to execute any contract or other instrument on behalf of the Corporation to the lead director or the chairman of a committee of the Corporation. No other officer, agent or employee shall, unless otherwise in these By-Laws provided, have any power or authority to bind the Corporation by any contract or acknowledgement, or pledge its credit or render it liable pecuniarily for any purpose or to any amount.

Section 2. Loans. – The chief executive officer, any executive vice president and such other persons as the chief executive officer or the Board of Directors may authorize shall have the power to effect loans and advances at any time for the Corporation from any bank, trust company or other institution, or from any corporation, firm or individual, and for such loans and advances may make, execute and deliver promissory notes or other evidences of indebtedness of the Corporation, and, as security for the payment of any and all loans, advances, indebtedness and liability of the Corporation, may pledge, hypothecate or transfer any and all stocks, securities and other property at any time held by the Corporation, and to that end endorse, assign and deliver the same.

Section 3. Voting of Stock and Other Interests Held. – The chief executive officer, any executive vice president or the secretary may from time to time appoint an attorney or attorneys or agent or agents of the Corporation to cast the votes that the Corporation may be entitled to cast as a shareholder or otherwise in any other entity at meetings of the holders of the stock or other interests of such other entity, or to consent in writing to any action by such other entity, and may instruct the person or persons so appointed as to the manner of casting such votes or giving such consent, and may execute or cause to be executed on behalf of the Corporation such written proxies, consents, waivers or other instruments as such officer may deem necessary or proper in the premises; or the chief executive officer, any executive vice president or the secretary may attend in person any meeting of the holders of stock or other interests of such other entity and thereat vote or exercise any and all powers of the Corporation as the holder of such stock or other interests of such other entity.

 

12


ARTICLE VI

Certificates Representing Shares

Shares of the Corporation may be certificated or uncertificated. Certificates representing shares of the Corporation shall be signed by the chairman, chief executive officer or any vice president and the secretary or any assistant secretary. Any and all signatures on such certificates, including signatures of officers, transfer agents and registrars, may be facsimile.

ARTICLE VII

Distributions

The Board of Directors may from time to time, in its discretion, declare distributions from the Corporation’s funds legally available for distributions.

ARTICLE VIII

Seal

The Board of Directors shall provide a suitable seal or seals, which shall be in the form of a circle, and shall bear around the circumference the words “Kraft Foods Group, Inc.” and in the center the word and figures “Virginia, 2012.”

ARTICLE IX

Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Corporation shall end on the last Saturday in December in each year.

ARTICLE X

Amendment

The power to alter, amend or repeal the By-Laws of the Corporation or to adopt new By-Laws shall be vested in the Board of Directors, but the shareholders may repeal or change By-Laws made by the Board of Directors, or the shareholders may adopt new By-Laws.

ARTICLE XI

Emergency By-Laws

Only if a quorum of the Board of Directors cannot be readily assembled because of some catastrophic event, these By-Laws shall, without further action by the Board of Directors, be deemed to have been amended for the duration of such emergency, as follows:

Section 1. The first sentence of Section 10 of Article II shall read as follows:

Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held whenever called by order of any person having the powers and duties of the chairman of the Board of Directors.

 

13


Section 2. Section 12 of Article II shall read as follows:

The directors present at any regular or special meeting called in accordance with these By-Laws shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at such meeting, and the action of a majority of such directors shall be the act of the Board of Directors, provided, however, that in the event that only one director is present at any such meeting no action except the election of directors shall be taken until at least two additional directors have been elected and are in attendance.

ARTICLE XII

Unavailability of Officers

In the event an officer of the Company is unavailable to perform his or her duties for any reason, and notwithstanding any provision of these By-Laws to the contrary, the Board of Directors is authorized to elect any director or officer of the Company to fill such position on a temporary basis. Any person so elected shall have such title as the Board of Directors may confer; and, unless limited by the resolution electing such person, have all the powers and duties of the office being temporarily filled as set forth in these By-Laws; shall hold such office until the Board of Directors determines the original officer is again available to serve or until such temporary officer resigns or the Board of Directors removes such officer.

ARTICLE XIII

Exclusive Forum

Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, to the greatest extent permitted by applicable law, the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a legal or fiduciary duty owed by any director or officer or other employee of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s shareholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer or other employee of the Corporation arising pursuant to any provision of the Virginia Stock Corporation Act or the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation or the By-laws (in each case, as they may be amended from time to time), or (iv) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer or other employee of the Corporation governed by the internal affairs doctrine, shall be the Circuit Court of the County of Henrico in the Commonwealth of Virginia or the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division.

 

14

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

LOGO

H.J. Heinz Company and Kraft Foods Group Sign Definitive Merger Agreement to Form The Kraft Heinz Company

Combination Creates Unparalleled Portfolio of Powerful and Iconic Brands

 

    Merger will create the 3rd largest food and beverage company in North America and the 5th largest food and beverage company in the world.

 

    Combined company to be named The Kraft Heinz Company and to be co-headquartered in Pittsburgh and the Chicago area.

 

    The new company will have revenues of approximately $28 billion with eight $1+ billion brands and five brands between $500 million-$1 billion.

 

    Stock and cash transaction, with Kraft shareholders to receive a special cash dividend of $16.50 per share upon closing and stock in the combined company representing a 49% stake in the new company.

 

    Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital will invest an additional $10 billion in The Kraft Heinz Company; existing Heinz shareholders will collectively own 51% of the new company.

 

    Significant synergy opportunities with strong platform for organic growth in North America, as well as global expansion, by combining Kraft’s brands with Heinz’s international platform.

 

    The Kraft Heinz Company is fully committed to maintaining an investment grade rating; Company plans to maintain Kraft’s current dividend per share, which is expected to increase over time.

 

    Investment community conference call at 8:30 a.m. EDT; Media conference call at 10:00 a.m. EDT.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. and NORTHFIELD, Ill. – March 25, 2015 – H.J. Heinz Company and Kraft Foods Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: KRFT) today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement to create The Kraft Heinz Company, forming the third largest food and beverage company in North America with an unparalleled portfolio of iconic brands.

Under the terms of the agreement, which has been unanimously approved by both Heinz and Kraft’s Boards of Directors, Kraft shareholders will own a 49% stake in the combined company, and current Heinz shareholders will own 51% on a fully diluted basis. Kraft shareholders will receive stock in the combined company and a special cash dividend of $16.50 per share. The aggregate special dividend payment of approximately $10 billion is being fully funded by an equity contribution by Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital.

The proposed merger creates substantial value for Kraft shareholders. The special cash dividend payment represents 27% of Kraft’s closing price as of March 24, 2015. Also, by continuing to own shares of the new combined company, Kraft shareholders will have the opportunity to participate in the new company’s long-term value creation potential.

 

1


Global Brand Portfolio Powerhouse

The combination of these iconic food companies joins together two portfolios of beloved brands, including Heinz, Kraft, Oscar Mayer, Ore-Ida and Philadelphia. Together the new company will have eight $1+ billion brands and five brands between $500 million and $1 billion. The complementary nature of the two brand portfolios presents substantial opportunity for synergies, which will result in increased investments in marketing and innovation.

Alex Behring, Chairman of Heinz and the Managing Partner at 3G Capital, said, “By bringing together these two iconic companies through this transaction, we are creating a strong platform for both U.S. and international growth. Our combined brands and businesses mean increased scale and relevance both in the U.S. and internationally. We have the utmost respect for the Kraft business and its employees, and greatly look forward to working together as we integrate the two companies.”

Warren Buffett, Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway said, “I am delighted to play a part in bringing these two winning companies and their iconic brands together. This is my kind of transaction, uniting two world-class organizations and delivering shareholder value. I’m excited by the opportunities for what this new combined organization will achieve.”

“Together we will have some of the most respected, recognized and storied brands in the global food industry, and together we will create an even brighter future,” said John Cahill, Kraft Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “This combination offers significant cash value to our shareholders and the opportunity to be investors in a company very well positioned for growth, especially outside the United States, as we bring Kraft’s iconic brands to international markets. We look forward to uniting with Heinz in what will be an exciting new chapter ahead.”

“We are thrilled about the unique opportunities this merger will create for our consumers worldwide, as well as our employees and business partners. Together, Heinz and Kraft will be able to achieve rapid expansion while delivering the quality, brands and products that our consumers love,” said Bernardo Hees, Heinz Chief Executive Officer. “Over the past two years, we have transformed Heinz into one of the most efficient and profitable food companies in the world while reinvesting behind our key brands and continuing our relentless commitment to quality and innovation.”

Management and Governance

When the transaction closes, Alex Behring, Chairman of Heinz and the Managing Partner at 3G Capital, will become the Chairman of The Kraft Heinz Company. John Cahill, Kraft Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will become Vice Chairman and chair of a newly formed operations and strategy committee of the Board of Directors.

Bernardo Hees, Chief Executive Officer of Heinz, will be appointed Chief Executive Officer of The Kraft Heinz Company. The new executive team for the combined global company will be announced during the transition period, but no later than transaction closing.

The Board of Directors of the combined company will consist of five members appointed by the current Kraft Board, as well as the current Heinz Board, including three members from Berkshire Hathaway and three members from 3G Capital.

 

2


Long-Term Ownership

3G Capital and its principals have a proven track record of investing in and growing iconic brands. In previous transactions over the years, 3G has partnered with other long-term investors to build significant shareholder value by driving innovation and growth and expanding the international reach of its companies and brands.

Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital have a history of successful partnerships and are committed to long-term ownership of The Kraft Heinz Company as it strengthens its leadership position in the industry.

Commitment to Communities

The Kraft Heinz Company will be co-headquartered in Pittsburgh and the Chicago area.

Understanding the need to preserve both Heinz and Kraft’s heritage in their respective hometowns of Pittsburgh and the Chicago area, the new company is committed to supporting local charities and community relationships in the communities in which they operate.

Structure, Terms and Synergies

Existing Heinz shareholders will have a 51% ownership stake in the combined company, and existing Kraft shareholders will have a 49% ownership stake on a fully diluted basis. Each share of Kraft will be converted into one share of The Kraft Heinz Company.

The significant synergy potential includes an estimated $1.5 billion in annual cost savings implemented by the end of 2017. Synergies will come from the increased scale of the new organization, the sharing of best practices and cost reductions.

The transaction is expected to be EPS accretive by 2017. Once the transaction is complete, The Kraft Heinz Company plans to maintain Kraft’s current dividend per share, which is expected to increase over time. Kraft has no plans to change its dividend prior to closing.

The special cash dividend of $10 billion in the aggregate to existing Kraft shareholders will be paid upon closing and will be funded by an equity investment by Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital. Shares of the company will continue to be publicly traded.

As the cash consideration is fully funded by common equity from Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital, the merger is not expected to increase the debt levels of The Kraft Heinz Company. The Company is fully committed to deleveraging in a timely manner and to maintaining an investment grade rating going forward.

Approvals

The transaction is subject to approval by Kraft shareholders, receipt of regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the second half of 2015.

 

3


Advisors

Lazard served as exclusive financial advisor for Heinz, and Cravath, Swaine & Moore and Kirkland and Ellis acted as legal advisors.

Centerview Partners LLC served as exclusive financial advisor for Kraft, and Sullivan & Cromwell acted as legal advisor.

Investor Call Details

Kraft and Heinz will host a conference call with investors to discuss the announcement at 8:30 a.m. EDT.

Live Event Dial-in Details:

 

    Participant Toll-Free Dial-In Number: (888) 350-0137

 

    Participant International Dial-In Number: +1 (970) 315-0478

 

    Access code: 14828205

To ensure timely access, participants should dial in approximately 10 minutes before the call starts. A listen-only webcast will be available in the Investor Center section of Kraft’s Web site at ir.kraftfoodsgroup.com under “Events & Presentations.”

A replay of the conference call will be available until April 5, 2015, by calling (855) 859-2056 from the United States and Canada or +1 (404) 537-3406 from other locations. The access code for the replay is 14828205. An archive of the webcast will be available for one year following the conference call on Kraft’s Web site.

Media Conference Call Details

There will be a call for media on Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. EDT.

Dial-in Details:

 

    Participant Toll-Free Dial-In Number: (866) 966-5335

 

    Participant International Dial-in Number: +44 (0) 20 3003 2666

#        #        #

 

4


ABOUT HEINZ

H.J. Heinz Company, offering “Good Food Every Day”™ is one of the world’s leading marketers and producers of healthy, convenient and affordable foods specializing in ketchup, sauces, meals, soups, snacks and infant nutrition. Heinz provides superior quality, taste and nutrition for all eating occasions whether in the home, restaurants, the office or “on-the-go.” Heinz is a global family of leading branded products, including Heinz® Ketchup, sauces, soups, beans, pasta and infant foods (representing over one third of Heinz’s total sales), Ore-Ida® potato products, Weight Watchers® Smart Ones® entrées, T.G.I. Friday’s® snacks, and Plasmon infant nutrition. Heinz is famous for its iconic brands on six continents, showcased by Heinz® Ketchup, The World’s Favorite Ketchup®.

ABOUT KRAFT FOODS GROUP

Kraft Foods Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: KRFT) is one of North America’s largest consumer packaged food and beverage companies, with annual revenues of more than $18 billion. The company’s iconic brands include Kraft, Capri Sun, Jell-O, Kool-Aid, Lunchables, Maxwell House, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Planters and Velveeta. Kraft’s 22,000 employees in the U.S. and Canada have a passion for making the foods and beverages people love. Kraft is a member of the Standard & Poor’s 500 and the NASDAQ-100 indices. For more information about Kraft, visit www.kraftfoodsgroup.com and www.facebook.com/kraft.

ABOUT BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY

Berkshire Hathaway and its subsidiaries engage in diverse business activities including property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, utilities and energy, freight rail transportation, finance, manufacturing, retailing and services. Common stock of Berkshire Hathaway is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading symbols BRK.A and BRK.B.

ABOUT 3G CAPITAL

3G Capital is a global investment firm focused on long-term value, with a particular emphasis on maximizing the potential of brands and businesses. The firm and its partners have a strong history of generating value through operational excellence, board involvement, deep sector expertise and an extensive global network. 3G Capital works in close partnership with management teams at its portfolio companies and places a strong emphasis on recruiting, developing and retaining top-tier talent. 3G Capital’s main office is in New York City. For more information on 3G Capital, please go to http://www.3g-capital.com.

 

Media and Investor Contacts:

The Kraft Foods Group

 

Russ Dyer (media)

+1 (847) 646-4538

[email protected]

 

Christopher Jakubik, CFA

(investors)

+1 (847) 646-5494

[email protected]

H.J. Heinz Company

 

Michael Mullen

Senior Vice President of Corporate & Government Affairs

+1 (412) 456-5751

[email protected]

 

5


Forward-Looking Statements

Except for the historical information contained herein, certain of the matters discussed in this communication constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, both as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “predict,” “project,” “future”, “potential,” “intend,” “seek to,” “plan,” “assume,” “believe,” “target,” “forecast,” “goal,” “objective,” “continue” or the negative of such terms or other variations thereof and words and terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion of future plans, actions, or events identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding benefits of the proposed merger, integration plans and expected synergies, anticipated future financial and operating performance and results, including estimates for growth. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements included in this communication. For example, the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the pending merger, including the timing, receipt and terms and conditions of any required governmental and regulatory approvals of the pending merger that could reduce anticipated benefits or cause the parties to abandon the transaction, the ability to successfully integrate the businesses, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement, the possibility that Kraft shareholders may not approve the merger agreement, the risk that the parties may not be able to satisfy the conditions to the proposed transaction in a timely manner or at all, risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the proposed transaction, the risk that any announcements relating to the proposed transaction could have adverse effects on the market price of Kraft’s common stock, and the risk that the proposed transaction and its announcement could have an adverse effect on the ability of Kraft and Heinz to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with their suppliers and customers and on their operating results and businesses generally, problems may arise in successfully integrating the businesses of the companies, which may result in the combined company not operating as effectively and efficiently as expected, the combined company may be unable to achieve cost-cutting synergies or it may take longer than expected to achieve those synergies, and other factors. All such factors are difficult to predict and are beyond our control. We disclaim and do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement in this report, except as required by applicable law or regulation.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. This communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed transaction between Kraft and Heinz. In connection with the proposed transaction, Heinz intends to file a registration statement on Form S-4, containing a proxy statement/prospectus (the “S-4”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). This communication is not a substitute for the registration statement, definitive proxy statement/prospectus or any other documents that Heinz or Kraft may file with the SEC or send to shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. SHAREHOLDERS OF KRAFT ARE URGED TO READ ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, INCLUDING THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION.

Investors and security holders will be able to obtain copies of the S-4, including the proxy statement/prospectus, and other documents filed with the SEC (when available) free of charge at the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by Kraft will be made available free of charge on Kraft’s website at http://www.kraftfoodsgroup.com/. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by Heinz will be made available free of charge on Heinz’s website at http://www.heinz.com/.

Participants in Solicitation

Kraft and its directors and executive officers, and Heinz and its directors and executive officers, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the holders of Kraft common stock in respect of the proposed transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of Kraft is set forth in the proxy statement for Kraft’s 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on March 18, 2015. Information about the directors and executive officers of Heinz will be set forth in the S-4. Investors may obtain additional information regarding the interests of such participants by reading the proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed transaction when it becomes available. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described in the preceding paragraph.

 

6



Serious News for Serious Traders! Try StreetInsider.com Premium Free!

You May Also Be Interested In





Related Categories

SEC Filings