Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
File No. 333-163547
PROSPECTUS
ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
5,000,000 Shares of Common Stock
This prospectus relates to 5,000,000 shares of common stock that Illinois Tool Works Inc. (“ITW”, the “Company”, “we” or “us”) may offer and issue from time to time in connection with future acquisitions of other businesses, assets or securities by us or our subsidiaries.
We will determine the amount and type of consideration to be offered and the other specific terms of each acquisition following negotiation by us or our subsidiaries with the owners or controlling persons of the businesses, assets or securities to be acquired. The consideration for any such acquisition may consist of shares of our common stock or a combination of common stock, cash, debt or other securities (which may be convertible into shares of common stock covered by this prospectus) or assumption of liabilities. The amount and type of consideration we may offer and the specific terms of each acquisition will be determined by negotiations with the owners or controlling persons of the businesses to be acquired. We may structure business acquisitions in a variety of ways, including acquiring stock, other equity interests or assets of the acquired business or merging the acquired business with us or one of our subsidiaries. We expect that the shares of common stock issued in connection with these transactions will be valued at a price reasonably related to the market value of our common stock either at the time an agreement is reached regarding the terms of the acquisition, at the time we issue the shares, or during some other negotiated period.
We will pay all expenses of this offering. We will not pay underwriting discounts or commissions in connection with issuing these shares, although we may pay finder’s or investment banking fees in specific acquisitions. Any person receiving a finder’s or investment banking fee may be deemed an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”).
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “ITW”. On July 13, 2010, the reported last sale price for the common stock on the NYSE was $44.18 per share.
Investing in our common stock involves risk. In considering whether to acquire our stock, you should carefully consider all of the information we have included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. In particular, you should carefully consider the discussion under “Risk Factors” beginning on page 5.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is July 14, 2010.
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Table of Contents
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
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INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
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ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
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2
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RISK FACTORS
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5
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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
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5
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
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6
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RESALES OF COMMON STOCK
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7
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LEGAL MATTERS
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8
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EXPERTS
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8
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains or incorporates by reference certain statements and information that are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These statements may be identified by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “plans,” “strategy,” “prospects,” “estimate,” “project,” “target,” “anticipate,” “guidance,” and other similar words, including, without limitation, statements regarding the availability of raw materials and energy, the expiration of any one of our patents, the cost of compliance with environmental regulations, the anticipated improvement of worldwide end markets in 2010, the adequacy of internally generated funds and credit facilities, the meeting of dividend payout objectives, the ability to fund debt service obligations, payments under guarantees, our portion of future benefit payments related to pension and postretirement benefits, expected contributions to defined benefit plans, the availability of additional financing, the outcome of outstanding legal proceedings, the impact of adopting new accounting pronouncements and the estimated timing and amount related to the resolution of tax matters. These statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Important risks that may influence future results include (1) a further downturn in the markets we serve, (2) changes or deterioration in international and domestic business and economic conditions, particularly in North America, Europe, Asia or Australia, (3) exposure of our defined benefit plan assets to market risks, (4) the unfavorable impact of foreign currency fluctuations and costs of raw materials, (5) decreases in credit availability, (6) an interruption in, or reduction in, introducing new products into our product lines, (7) an unfavorable environment for making acquisitions, domestic and international, including adverse accounting or regulatory requirements and market values of candidates, as well as the risk that acquisitions could adversely affect our profitability and return on invested capital, and (8) unfavorable tax law changes and tax authority rulings. The risks covered here are not all inclusive and given these and other possible risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.
Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which we cannot predict or quantify. For a discussion of significant risks applicable to us, see “Risk Factors” below. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should our underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated.
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
We are incorporating information contained in the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) by reference, which means that we are disclosing important information to you in this document by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than any portions of such filings that are furnished rather than filed under applicable SEC rules), including any filings (i) after the date of the filing of the registration statement containing this prospectus and prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement, and (ii) after the date of this prospectus, until we have sold all of the shares to which this prospectus relates or the offering is otherwise terminated:
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Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009;
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Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010;
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Current Reports on Form 8-K filed February 18, 2010, March 3, 2010 and May 12, 2010; and
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The portions of the Proxy Statement for our 2010 Annual Meeting filed March 24, 2010 that are incorporated by reference into our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room. Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “ITW.” The reports, proxy statements and other information that we file with the SEC are also available at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. You may also access these filings free of charge through our Internet website, www.itw.com. Other than the documents referred to above under “Incorporation of Documents by Reference,” information on our Internet website is not part of this prospectus, and you should not consider it to be a part of this prospectus.
This prospectus contains summaries of the material terms of certain documents and refers you to certain documents that we have filed with the SEC. Copies of these documents, except for certain exhibits and schedules, will be made available to you without charge upon written or oral request to:
James H. Wooten, Jr., Secretary
Illinois Tool Works Inc.
3600 West Lake Avenue
Glenview, IL 60026
(847) 724-7500
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is a part of a “shelf” registration statement on Form S-4 that we filed with the SEC. Under the shelf registration process, we may from time to time, offer and issue up to 5,000,000 shares of common stock in connection with future acquisitions of other businesses, assets or securities. This prospectus provides a general description of the common stock that we may offer and issue. We may add, update or change the information contained in this prospectus by means of one or more prospectus supplements. Before investing in the common stock you should carefully review both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, together with additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”
This prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about us that is not included in or delivered with this prospectus. We will provide, without charge, a copy of any or all of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Direct your request for copies to James H. Wooten, Jr., Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary, Illinois Tool Works Inc., 3600 West Lake Avenue, Glenview, IL 60026-1215 (telephone (847) 724-7500). To obtain timely delivery, you must request the information no later than five business days before the date that you must make your investment decision.
You should rely only on information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We have not authorized any person to provide information or make any representation about this offering that is not in this prospectus. This prospectus is not an offer to sell nor is it seeking an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is prohibited. Information in this prospectus is correct only as of its date, regardless of when any later offer or sale occurs.
We are a multinational manufacturer of a diversified range of industrial products and equipment with approximately 800 operations in 57 countries. These 800 businesses are internally reported as 60 operating segments to senior management. Our 60 operating segments have been aggregated into the following eight external reportable segments:
Transportation: Businesses in this segment produce components, fasteners, fluids and polymers, as well as truck remanufacturing and related parts and service. In the Transportation segment, products and services include:
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metal and plastic components, fasteners and assemblies for automobiles and light trucks;
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fluids and polymers for auto aftermarket maintenance and appearance;
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fillers and putties for auto body repair;
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polyester coatings and patch and repair products for the marine industry; and
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truck remanufacturing and related parts and service.
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Industrial Packaging: Businesses in this segment produce steel, plastic and paper products and equipment used for bundling, shipping and protecting goods in transit. In the Industrial Packaging segment, products include:
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steel and plastic strapping and related tools and equipment;
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plastic stretch film and related equipment;
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paper and plastic products that protect goods in transit; and
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metal jacketing and other insulation products.
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Food Equipment: Businesses in this segment produce commercial food equipment and related service. In the Food Equipment segment, products and services include:
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warewashing equipment;
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cooking equipment, including ovens, ranges and broilers;
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refrigeration equipment, including refrigerators, freezers and prep tables;
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food processing equipment, including slicers, mixers and scales;
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kitchen exhaust, ventilation and pollution control systems; and
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food equipment service, maintenance and repair.
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Power Systems & Electronics: Businesses in this segment produce equipment and consumables associated with specialty power conversion, metallurgy and electronics. In the Power Systems & Electronics segment, products include:
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arc welding equipment;
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metal arc welding consumables and related accessories;
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metal solder materials for PC board fabrication;
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equipment and services for microelectronics assembly;
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electronic components and component packaging; and
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airport ground support equipment.
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Construction Products: Businesses in this segment produce tools, fasteners and other products for construction applications. In the Construction Products segment, products include:
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fasteners and related fastening tools for wood and metal applications;
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anchors, fasteners and related tools for concrete applications;
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metal plate truss components and related equipment and software; and
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packaged hardware, fasteners, anchors and other products for retail.
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Polymers & Fluids: Businesses in this segment produce adhesives, sealants, lubrication and cutting fluids, and hygiene products. In the Polymers & Fluids segment, products include:
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adhesives for industrial, construction and consumer purposes;
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chemical fluids that clean or add lubrication to machines;
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epoxy and resin-based coating products for industrial applications;
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hand wipes and cleaners for industrial applications; and
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pressure-sensitive adhesives and components for telecommunications, electronics, medical and transportation applications.
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Decorative Surfaces: Businesses in this segment produce decorative surfacing materials for furniture, office and retail space, countertops, flooring and other applications. In the Decorative Surfaces segment, products include:
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decorative high-pressure laminate for furniture, office and retail space, and countertops;
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high-pressure laminate flooring; and
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high-pressure laminate worktops.
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All Other: This segment includes all other operating segments. In the All Other segment, products include:
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equipment and related software for testing and measuring of materials and structures;
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plastic reclosable packaging for consumer food storage;
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plastic reclosable bags for storage of clothes and home goods;
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plastic consumables that multi-pack cans and bottles and related equipment;
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plastic fasteners and components for appliances, furniture and industrial uses;
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metal fasteners and components for appliances and industrial applications;
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swabs, wipes and mats for clean room usage;
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foil, film and related equipment used to decorate consumer products;
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product coding and marking equipment and related consumables;
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paint spray and adhesive dispensing equipment;
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static and contamination control equipment; and
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line integration, conveyor systems and line automation for the food and beverage industries.
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80/20 Business Process
A key element of our business strategy is our continuous 80/20 business process for both existing businesses and new acquisitions. The basic concept of this 80/20 business process is to focus on what is most important (the 20% of the items which account for 80% of the value) and to spend less time and resources on the less important (the 80% of the items which account for 20% of the value). Our operations use this 80/20 business process to simplify and focus on the key parts of their business, and as a result, reduce complexity that often disguises what is truly important. Our 800 operations utilize the 80/20 process in various aspects of their business. Common applications of the 80/20 business process include:
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Simplifying product lines by reducing the number of products offered by combining the features of similar products, outsourcing products or, as a last resort, eliminating low-value products.
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Segmenting the customer base by focusing on the 80/20 customers separately and finding alternative ways to serve the 20/80 customers.
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Simplifying the supplier base by partnering with 80/20 suppliers and reducing the number of 20/80 suppliers.
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Designing business processes, systems and measurements around the 80/20 activities.
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The result of the application of this 80/20 business process is that we have over time improved our long-term operating and financial performance. These 80/20 efforts can result in restructuring projects that reduce costs and improve margins. Corporate management works closely with those businesses that have operating results below expectations to help those businesses better apply this 80/20 business process and improve their results.
We were founded in 1912 and incorporated in 1915. Our principal offices are located at 3600 West Lake Avenue, Glenview, Illinois 60026. Our telephone number is (847) 724-7500. We maintain a website at www.itw.com. We are not including the information contained on our website as a part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this prospectus.
RISK FACTORS
Before you accept our common stock as all or part of the purchase price for our acquisition of your business, securities, or assets, you should carefully consider the risks referenced below and other information in this prospectus. Based on the information currently known to us, we believe that the following information identifies all known material risk factors relating to our business and the acquisition of our common stock. Risks and uncertainties are not limited to those set forth in the risk factors referenced below, however. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be less significant than those risk factors may also impair our business operations. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks.
This prospectus also contains or incorporates by reference forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in those forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks faced by us referenced below and elsewhere in this prospectus. See “Forward-Looking Statements.”
Risks Relating to Our Business
For a discussion of risks related to our business and operations, please see “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis” in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for our fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2010, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus, as well as similar disclosures contained in our filings with the SEC subsequent to the date of this prospectus.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
General
As of June 15, 2010, the authorized capital stock of ITW consists of 700,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 300,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value. As of June 15, 2010, there were 503,505,054 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. No preferred stock is issued and outstanding.
Common Stock
Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record, in person or by proxy, at all meetings of the stockholders and on all propositions presented to such meetings (other than the election of any directors who may be elected by vote of the preferred stock voting as a class). The common stock does not entitle holders to cumulative voting rights in the election of directors. Holders of common stock do not have preemptive rights.
All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable. Dividends may be paid on the common stock when and if declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor. Upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the affairs of ITW, its assets remaining, after provision for payment of creditors and holders of any preferred stock, are distributable pro rata among holders of its common stock.
The common stock is listed and traded on the NYSE. The transfer agent and registrar of the common stock is Computershare Investor Services LLC, Canton, Massachusetts.
Preferred Stock
ITW’s preferred stock is issuable in series. The preferred stock is senior to the common stock, both as to payment of dividends and distribution of assets. The designation, preferences and rights of each series may be established by the Board of Directors, including voting rights, dividends, redemption features, payments on liquidation and sinking fund provisions, if any. The preferred stock may be utilized for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public offerings to raise additional capital or to finance acquisitions. The preferred stock also could be issued to persons friendly to current management with terms that could render more difficult or discourage attempts to gain control of ITW by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise and thereby protect the continuity of current management. The preferred stock also could be used to dilute the stock ownership of persons seeking to obtain control of ITW.
Special Charter and Bylaw Provisions
ITW’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, and its By-Laws, as amended and restated, contain provisions that could render more difficult a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or attempt to gain control of the Board of Directors, or that could dilute the voting control of a holder of a large block of stock. The Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, provides that an affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote for directors is required to approve mergers or consolidations between ITW (or its subsidiaries) and a Substantial Stockholder, transfers of a substantial amount of assets or stock from ITW to a Substantial Stockholder or vice versa, adoption of a Substantial Stockholder’s proposal to dissolve ITW, or any transaction relating to ITW’s stock that results in a Substantial Stockholder’s proportionate share being increased.
The Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, also requires the approval of the foregoing transactions by the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote for directors, excluding those shares owned by a Substantial Stockholder. The special voting requirements do not apply to (i) transactions approved by not less than two-thirds of ITW’s Board of Directors who are not affiliates or associates of a Substantial Stockholder, (ii) transactions approved by the Board of Directors prior to such time as the Substantial Stockholder became a Substantial Stockholder, (iii) transactions between ITW and its majority-owned subsidiaries, or (iv) transactions in which a minimum price is received by ITW stockholders. A Substantial Stockholder is defined in the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, as a beneficial owner of more than 10% of the capital stock of ITW entitled to vote for directors, excluding shares owned on March 2, 1984.
The Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, also prohibits stockholder action by written consent, permits only the Board of Directors to fill vacancies on the Board, whether created by an increase in the number of directors or otherwise, and permits special meetings of stockholders to be called only by the chairman, the president or a majority of the board of directors. The affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the voting power of ITW, and if there is a Substantial Stockholder, the holders of a majority of the voting power (other than that of the Substantial Stockholder), is required to approve any amendment to, or repeal of, any of the foregoing provisions.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
This prospectus relates to shares of common stock that we may offer and issue from time to time in connection with future acquisitions of other businesses, assets or securities by us or our subsidiaries. We will determine the amount and type of consideration to be offered and the other specific terms of each acquisition by us or our subsidiaries following negotiation with the owners or controlling persons of the businesses, assets or securities to be acquired. The consideration for any such acquisition may consist of shares of our common stock or a combination of common stock, cash, debt or other securities (which may be convertible into shares of common stock covered by this prospectus) or assumption of liabilities. We may structure business acquisitions in a variety of ways, including acquiring stock, other equity interests or assets of the acquired business or merging the acquired business with us or one of our subsidiaries.
We expect that the shares of common stock issued in connection with these transactions will be valued at a price reasonably related to the market value of our common stock either at the time an agreement is reached regarding the terms of the acquisition, at the time we issue the shares, or during some other negotiated period.
This prospectus may be supplemented to furnish the information necessary for a particular negotiated transaction and the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part will be amended or supplemented, as required, to supply information concerning an acquisition.
We will pay all expenses of this offering. We will not pay underwriting discounts or commissions in connection with issuing these shares, although we may pay finder’s or investment banker fees in specific acquisitions. Any person receiving a finder’s fee may be deemed an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act.
In an effort to maintain an orderly market in our securities or for other reasons, we may negotiate agreements with persons receiving common stock covered by this prospectus that will limit the number of shares that they may sell at specified intervals. These agreements may be more or less restrictive than restrictions on sales made under the exemption from registration requirements of the Securities Act, including the requirements under Rule 144 or Rule 145(d), and the persons party to these agreements may not otherwise be subject to the Securities Act requirements. We anticipate that negotiated agreements generally will be of limited duration and will permit the recipients of securities issued in connection with acquisitions to sell up to a specified number of shares per week or business day or days. We may also determine to waive any such agreements without public notice.
RESALES OF COMMON STOCK
Persons to whom we issue our common stock may want to resell those shares in distributions that would require the delivery of a prospectus. With our consent, this prospectus may be used by selling stockholders, and any transferees or successors-in-interest to those persons, who from time to time offer and sell some or all of the shares covered by this prospectus. We may limit our consent to a specified period and subject our consent to certain limitations and conditions, which may vary by agreement.
Resales by selling stockholders may be made directly to investors or through a securities firm acting as an underwriter, broker or dealer. When resales are made through a securities firm, the selling stockholder may engage that securities firm to act as the selling stockholder’s agent in the resale, or the securities firm may purchase shares from the selling stockholders as principal and thereafter resell those shares from time to time. The fees earned by or paid to such securities firm may be the normal stock exchange commission or negotiated commissions or underwriting discounts, to the extent permissible. In addition, such securities firm may effect resales through other securities dealers, and customary commissions or concessions to those dealers may be allowed. Resales may be at negotiated, fixed or market prices or at prices related to prevailing market prices. Any resales may be made on the NYSE, in the over-the-counter market, by block trade, in special or other offerings, directly to investors or through a securities firm acting as agent or principal, or through a combination of these methods. Any participating securities firm may be indemnified against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Any participating securities firm may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any commissions earned by that securities firm may be deemed to be underwriting discounts or commissions under the Securities Act.
In connection with resales of the shares sold under this prospectus and if required by the Securities Act and the SEC rules, a prospectus supplement or a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part will be filed under the Securities Act identifying any selling stockholder, any participating securities firm, the number of shares involved, any material relationship a selling stockholder may have with us or our affiliates within the past three years, and other details of such resale to the extent appropriate. Information concerning the selling stockholders will be obtained from the selling stockholders.
Selling stockholders may also offer shares of stock issued in past and future acquisitions by means of prospectuses under other available registration statements or pursuant to exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, including sales that meet the requirements of Rule 144 or Rule 145(d) under the Securities Act. Selling stockholders should seek the advice of their own counsel about the legal requirements for such sales.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters with respect to the validity of the common stock offered hereby have been passed upon for us by Janet O. Love, Esq. (or other senior general counsel as may be designated by us). Ms. Love, in her capacity as Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, is a participant or is eligible to participate in various of our employee benefit and incentive plans, including our stock incentive plan, offered to employees. As of June 15, 2010, Ms. Love beneficially owns 2,000 shares of our common stock.
EXPERTS
The financial statements incorporated in this prospectus by reference as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009, and the effectiveness of Illinois Tool Works Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.