BELLSOUTH CORPROATION
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. )
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
o Preliminary Proxy Statement
o Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule14a-6(e)(2))
o Definitive Proxy Statement
o Definitive Additional Materials
þ Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-12
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
þ No fee required
o Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Title of each class of securities to which transaction
applies: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3)
|
|
Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction
computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the
amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how
it was determined): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4)
|
|
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5)
|
|
Total fee paid: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
o |
|
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials: |
|
|
|
|
|
o |
|
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by
Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which
the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous
filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule
and the date of its filing. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Amount Previously Paid: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3)
|
|
Filing Party: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4)
|
|
Date Filed: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Updated as of March 13, 2006
Shareholder Questions and Answers related to the AT&T / BellSouth merger
Terms of the Merger
What are the terms of the merger?
In the merger, shareholders of BellSouth will receive 1.325 shares of AT&T common stock for each
common share of BellSouth. Based on AT&Ts closing stock price on March 3, 2006 (the last trading
day before the announcement of the transaction), this exchange ratio equals $37.08 per BellSouth
common share. This price per share represents a 17.9 percent premium over BellSouths closing stock
price on March 3, 2006.
Why are BellSouth and AT&T planning to merge?
BellSouth believes this merger represents the right opportunity for the Company, our shareholders,
our customers and our employees. It will create one of the largest providers of communications
services in the world and will allow us to better respond to competitive forces in our industry and
pursue growth opportunities.
What approval is required and how long will it take for the merger to close?
The merger is subject to customary closing conditions, and approval by the shareholders of both
companies and applicable governmental authorities. We anticipate the merger will close within
approximately 12 months, subject to these shareholder and governmental approvals.
When will the shareholders know if the buyout has taken place?
Subject to shareholder and governmental approval, the transaction is expected to close within
approximately 12 months. AT&T will issue a news release on the date of the closing announcing the
closing has occurred. The news release will appear in the general press and on BellSouths
Internet site at www.bellsouth.com/investor.
NEW! Will this merger transaction be taxable to me?
No, the merger is not anticipated to be a taxable event since it is a stock-for-stock transaction.
However, you should consult your tax advisor regarding your particular situation.
Shareholder Approval
NEW! When will shareholders have a chance to vote on the proposed merger?
BellSouth will hold a special shareholders meeting later this year to obtain approval for the
transaction. BellSouth shareholders will be provided with a packet of information, including a
proxy statement and notification of the time and place of the meeting, prior to that special
meeting. Approval of the transaction will require the affirmative vote of a majority of the
outstanding shares of BellSouth common stock.
NEW! Do the shareholders have a choice? Can the shareholders stop the merger?
BellSouth will hold a special shareholders meeting later this year to obtain approval for the
transaction. BellSouth shareholders will be provided with a packet of information, including a
proxy statement that relates to the merger and notification of the time and place of the meeting,
prior to that special meeting. Approval of the transaction will require the affirmative vote of a
majority of the outstanding shares of BellSouth common stock.
1
BellSouth Shares
How will the merger affect my BellSouth stock?
After the merger is approved and closed, each outstanding share of BellSouth common stock will
be exchanged for 1.325 shares of AT&T stock. All BellSouth shareholders will, therefore, become
shareholders of AT&T. No action will be required by you until after the closing of the merger.
Following the closing, you will receive instructions from AT&T regarding the exchange of your
shares.
Will there be a cash payment or cash option for BellSouth shares from AT&T? How much will it be?
There will be no cash payment from AT&T. After the merger is approved and closed, each outstanding
share of BellSouth common stock will be exchanged for 1.325 shares of AT&T stock. All BellSouth
shareholders will, therefore, become shareholders of AT&T. No action will be required by you until
after the closing of the merger. Following the closing, you will receive information from AT&T
regarding the exchange of your shares.
Is $37.08 the amount of money a shareholder would have received if he or she sold BellSouth shares
on March 6, 2006?
The price for buying or selling a share of stock is based on the market price on the date and time
of the trade. BellSouths stock closed at $34.50 on March 6, 2006. In the merger, shareholders of
BellSouth will receive 1.325 shares of AT&T common stock for each common share of BellSouth. Based
on AT&Ts closing stock price on March 3, 2006 (the last trading day before the announcement of the
transaction), this exchange ratio was valued at $37.08 per BellSouth common share. This price per
share represents a 17.9 percent premium over BellSouths closing stock price on March 3, 2006.
Is it better just to sell all of my BellSouth shares?
Whether to buy or sell stock is a personal decision. We recommend you consult your investment
advisor.
Will shareholders be asked to turn in their certificates? If so, when?
We expect the merger to close within approximately 12 months. Following the closing of the merger
you will receive a packet of information and instructions from AT&T including a Transmittal Form
for your certificated stock. You will be required to complete the Transmittal Form and return it,
along with your stock certificate(s) (or an affidavit of loss if you have misplaced your stock
certificate(s), to receive your shares of AT&T stock).
What will happen to my BellSouth shares after the merger is approved and what action must I take
now?
After the merger is approved and closed, each outstanding share of BellSouth common stock will be
exchanged for 1.325 shares of AT&T stock. All BellSouth shareholders will, therefore, become
shareholders of AT&T. No action is required by you at this time. Following the closing, you will
receive instructions from AT&T.
Dividends
What will happen to my BellSouth dividends?
BellSouth will continue to pay quarterly dividends declared by BellSouths Board of Directors until
the merger with AT&T is closed. The merger is expected to result in an increased dividend for
BellSouths shareholders following the transaction. At closing each share of BellSouth stock, which
currently pays an annual dividend of $1.16, will be converted into 1.325 shares of AT&T stock.
Since AT&Ts current annual dividend is $1.33, the dividend received on a share of BellSouth stock
held today will effectively increase
2
52 percent to $1.76 post-merger ($1.33 annual dividend per share x 1.325 shares = $1.76 annual
dividend). All dividends are subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors.
What is AT&Ts dividend rate?
AT&Ts current annual dividend is $1.33 per share. The merger is expected to result in an
increased dividend for BellSouths shareholders following the transaction. At closing, each share
of BellSouth stock, which currently pays an annual dividend of $1.16, will be converted into 1.325
shares of AT&T stock. Since AT&Ts current annual dividend is $1.33, the dividend received on a
share of BellSouth stock held today will effectively increase 52 percent to $1.76 post-merger
($1.33 annual dividend per share x 1.325 shares = $1.76 annual dividend). All dividends paid by
AT&T are subject to the discretion of AT&Ts Board of Directors.
If the merger goes through will dividends still be paid?
All dividends paid by AT&T are subject to the discretion of AT&Ts Board of Directors. AT&Ts
current annual dividend is $1.33 per share. The merger is expected to result in an increased
dividend for BellSouths shareholders following the transaction. At closing, each share of
BellSouth stock, which currently pays an annual dividend of $1.16, will be converted into 1.325
shares of AT&T stock. Since AT&Ts current annual dividend is $1.33, the dividend received on a
share of BellSouth stock held today will effectively increase 52 percent to $1.76 post-merger
($1.33 annual dividend per share x 1.325 shares = $1.76 annual dividend).
Direct Investment Plan (Plan)
Will BellSouth continue to have its Direct Investment Plan (Plan)?
BellSouths current Plan will continue for existing participants until the merger closing.
However, no new participants can be added. After the closing, AT&T will need to address this
question with regard to the AT&T shares received in exchange for the BellSouth shares at closing.
Transfer Agent for the New Company
Who will be the transfer agent for the new company?
Mellon Investor Services will remain as the transfer agent for BellSouth until the closing of the
transaction. After the closing, AT&T will work with the transfer agent that best suits their
business needs.
BellSouth Service Area
What are the states where BellSouth provides phone service?
BellSouth provides local telephone phone service in our franchise areas in Alabama, Georgia,
Kentucky, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Cingular
Since BellSouth owns 40 percent of Cingular, what will happen to Cingular?
Until the transaction is closed, Cingular will continue to operate under the current management and
governance structure. AT&T will own 100 percent of Cingular following the closing. Post closing
impacts on Cingular will need to be addressed by AT&T. AT&T announced the Cingular brand name will
no longer be used following closing and that Cingulars headquarters will remain in Atlanta.
3
Contact Information
Who do I contact if I have questions or need information regarding this merger?
Visit BellSouths Web site at www.bellsouth.com/investor for information and updates regarding the
proposed merger. You can also call Investor Relations at 1-866-337-6288, or write to BellSouth
Investor Relations at 1155 Peachtree Street, Room 14B06, Atlanta, Georgia 30309-3610.
NOTE: In connection with the proposed merger, AT&T intends to file a registration
statement on Form S-4, including a joint proxy statement of AT&T and BellSouth, and AT&T and
BellSouth will file other materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC).
Investors are urged to read the registration statement, including the joint proxy statement (and
all amendments and supplements to it) and other materials when they become available because they
contain important information. Investors will be able to obtain free copies of the registration and
joint proxy statement, when they becomes available, as well as other filings containing information
about AT&T and BellSouth, without charge, at the SECs Web site (www.sec.gov). Copies of AT&Ts
filings may also be obtained for free from AT&T at AT&Ts Web site (www.att.com) or by directing a
request to AT&T Inc. Stockholder Services, 175 E. Houston, San Antonio, Texas 78258. Copies of
BellSouths filings may be obtained without charge from BellSouth at BellSouths Web site
(www.bellsouth.com) or by directing a request to BellSouth at Investor Relations, 1155 Peachtree
Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30309.
AT&T, BellSouth and their respective directors and executive officers and other members of
management and employees are potential participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of
the proposed merger. Information regarding AT&Ts directors and executive officers is available in
AT&Ts 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2006 and AT&Ts proxy statement for its 2006 annual meeting of
stockholders, filed with the SEC on March 10, 2006, and information regarding BellSouths directors
and executive officers is available in BellSouths 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the
SEC on February 28, 2006 and BellSouths proxy statement for its 2006 annual meeting of
shareholders, filed with the SEC on March 3, 2006. Additional information regarding the interests
of such potential participants will be included in the registration and joint proxy statement, and
the other relevant documents filed with the SEC when they become available.
4