BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
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
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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)
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Updated as of April 7, 2006
Employee FAQs related to the BellSouth-AT&T merger
Background and Terms of the Merger
Q: Why is AT&T acquiring BellSouth?
A: Communications services are in a state of continuing change. In the past few years, we have
seen the value of consolidation as it has provided new opportunities for growth and innovation.
The merger of Cingular and AT&T Wireless, for example, has resulted in customer growth, increased
investment and innovation of new products and services. We have also seen tremendous progress with
the convergence of wireline and wireless technologies. We believe the merger of AT&T and BellSouth
will result in further progress and advances in communication services. The combined companys
strong financial position means the ability to invest in next-generation products, services and
technology. We will be better able to meet customer demands and compete successfully.
This combination is good for shareholders. Our shareholders will receive a 17.9% premium over the
closing price on March 3, which is the trading day before the merger agreement was signed. In
addition, after the merger closes, we expect our shareholders to benefit from AT&Ts higher annual
dividend. Based on the exchange ratio, AT&Ts annual dividend of $1.33 is the equivalent of $1.76
for each outstanding BellSouth share, representing a 52% increase to BellSouths current dividend.
It also provides our employees the opportunity to work for the most respected telecommunications
company in the U.S and one of the most respected companies in the world. Both companies are known
for their customer service and network excellence. And both companies value diversity and
inclusion.
Q: What are the terms of the deal?
A: BellSouth shareholders will receive 1.325 shares of AT&T common stock for each BellSouth share
that they hold. Based on AT&Ts stock price at the close of trading on March 3, 2006, the trading
day before the merger agreement was signed, this exchange ratio equals $37.08 per share. The
transaction is expected to be tax-free to BellSouth shareholders.
Q: AT&T announced that the net present value of expected synergies is estimated to be
approximately $18 billion. Where will the cost savings come from?
A: Almost all of the efficiencies are expected to come from reduced costs over and above expected
cost improvements from the ongoing productivity initiatives of BellSouth, AT&T and Cingular.
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The largest savings are expected to come from backbone network operations and IT, as
facilities and operations are consolidated, and from increased capital efficiencies. |
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Substantial savings will come from eliminating duplicate corporate functions. |
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Additional savings will come from overlapping customer sales and service operations. |
Q: Why was the acquisition deal announced publicly before it was announced to BellSouth
employees? Why werent we told first?
A: Because BellSouth is a publicly held corporation, we are required to make material
information, such as announcements of pending mergers and acquisitions, accessible to the general
public at the same time that we inform our employees.
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Impact on compensation and benefits
Q: Will the pending merger affect BellSouths compensation and benefits prior to the closing and
how soon after the closing might benefits be changed?
A: The merger agreement does not require BellSouth to terminate or reduce any of its overall
benefits and compensation programs. BellSouths benefits plans and compensation programs in general
will remain in effect and will continue to be administered in accordance with their terms until
closing (although BellSouth continues to reserve the right to modify these programs in any way and
in accordance with the needs of the business). In other words, the current compensation and
benefits structures will continue business as usual through the closing. After closing, all
decisions regarding benefits and compensation will be made by AT&T. However, under the merger
agreement, AT&T has agreed that, for a period of time after the merger, BellSouth management
employees will have compensation and benefit plans and programs that are no less favorable in the
aggregate than they have at BellSouth. This commitment will continue for 12 months from the closing
or until Dec. 31, 2007, whichever is later. Eventually, BellSouth employees will migrate to the
benefit plans and programs of the AT&T companies.
BellSouths 2005 bonus payments and CAD increases will proceed as planned, on schedule and
unchanged as a result of this agreement. Bonuses will be paid on March 15. Management salary
increases will be effective May 1. Bonuses for 2006 will be paid as earned in March 2007.
Q: What will happen to medical premiums for employees after the merger closes?
A: Any decisions regarding medical premiums after closing would be made by AT&T and, for
represented employees, would be subject to the collective bargaining process.
Q: Will there be job consolidation after the closing occurs?
A: It is anticipated that the majority of BellSouth positions will be unaffected by the merger.
However, headquarters staff, support functions and overlapping operations will be consolidated.
Q: Can any clarification be given around the 10,000 job reduction amongst the three companies
that has recently been reported by the media? Are there any indications on how many of the 10,000
will be BellSouth employees?
A: No further information is available at this time.
Q: Will there be a severance package offered to employees who leave the combined company?
A: Employees who leave the combined company under certain circumstances will be provided benefits
under a separation plan. The severance plan will be maintained for two years after closing for
employees who separate after closing and who separate for reasons other than for cause (as defined
under the enhanced separation plan). The general terms of the enhanced separation plan will be (1)
a severance pay formula equal to 7% of base pay per year of service (minimum of 50% and maximum of
150%), (2) a pro-rated bonus payment, (3) rule of 65 for retiree medical (and 6 months paid COBRA
for others), (4) rule of 65 for telephone concession, and (5) outplacement services.
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NEW! Q: Will there be any provision for educational assistance reimbursement in the
severance plan for management employees who leave the combined company?
A: No. The general terms of the post merger separation plan will be (1) a severance pay formula
equal to 7% of base pay per year of service (minimum of 50% and maximum of 150%), (2) a pro-rated
bonus payment, (3) rule of 65 for retiree medical (and 6 months paid COBRA for others), (4) rule of
65 for telephone concession, and (5) outplacement services.
Note: Information regarding additional severance terms applicable to D level and above managers
will be provided separately.
NEW! Q: In an earlier answer, a statement is made that once the merger closes there will be a
severance plan for management employees who leave the combined company within a specified
timeframe. I am a C59 level manager (or below) and want to understand if I can voluntarily sign up
for the severance offer once the merger closes?
A: No, the post merger severance plan will not include a voluntary offer for management at any
level. The post merger severance plan will be available only upon a qualifying termination of
employment, and will be subject to the terms of the formal plan document (which has not yet been
issued). A qualifying termination is a termination by AT&T other than for cause (as defined in the
enhanced severance plan) or a termination by the employee with good reason during the two year
period following the closing.
For complete definitions of cause and good reason click on the Merger Benefits and Compensation
section of the Merger News web site. Note: The summary of severance terms (including the
definitions of cause and good reason) found at the above link apply to managers at or below C
level (Job Grade 59 or equivalent) and relate only to severance plan eligibility. Employees at D
level and above will be provided separate information regarding the terms of the post merger
severance plan and eligibility requirements for those groups.
NEW! Q: If I voluntarily resign my position after the merger closes, am I eligible for the post
merger severance plan?
A: No, unless the resignation is for good reason. (See discussion in the response to the
preceding question).
NEW! Q: If I am a C59 (or below) manager and I sign up for and get approved for the current
voluntary force reduction and was eligible and take transitional leave, what happens to this leave
when the merger closes?
A: You will continue to be on transitional leave for the duration of the leave period, subject to
the terms and conditions of the leave policy.
Note: Transitional leaves of absence are not available to managers at D level and above under the
terms of the current voluntary force reduction offer.
Q: Do these severance terms apply to craft employees?
A: No, these severance terms and benefits apply to management employees only.
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Q: Will any type of severance plan be offered to the craft employees that are separated by
the merger?
A: We do not expect- significant reductions in craft employees as a result of the closing
of the transaction. Any surplus that may occur would be handled under the terms of the
applicable labor agreements.
Q: Will this severance offer have transitional leave in order to reach service pension
eligibility?
A: AT&T will make that determination at the time of the offer.
Q: What is the Rule of 65 phone concession benefit as part of the severance offer?
A: The severance plan referenced above will include telephone concession benefits for
those employees who meet the Rule of 65 eligibility requirements. Specific details will be
determined later. Further information will be provided by AT&T following the closing.
Q: What happens to any BellSouth stock options, restricted shares and restricted stock units?
A: At the time the merger closes, unvested and outstanding BellSouth stock options will become
fully vested and exercisable as provided in the award agreements. Also, as of closing, each of
your outstanding options to purchase BellSouth common stock will be converted (at the exchange
ratio) into an option to purchase shares of AT&T common stock on similar terms. BellSouth
restricted shares and restricted stock units will be converted into AT&T restricted shares and
restricted stock units based on the exchange ratio.
Q: What happens to any BellSouth performance shares?
A: After the merger closes, all performance shares will pay out pro-rata based on actual
performance through the date of closing. Payment of performance shares will occur as soon as
administratively feasible following the date of closing. AT&T will grant replacement performance
shares in an amount approximately equal in value to the forfeited performance shares.
Q: What happens to my 401(k) plan?
A: The 401(k) plans will not change as a result of the merger agreement, and your account will
continue to be invested according to your investment direction. However, following the closing,
the BellSouth stock fund in each 401(k) plan will exchange its holdings of BellSouth common stock
for AT&T common stock in accordance with the 1.325 exchange ratio set forth in the merger
agreement. Any decisions regarding the 401(k) plans after the merger closes will be made by AT&T.
NEW! Q: It states in previous questions that the 401k plan will not change as the result
of the merger, but any decisions regarding the 401k plans after the merger closes will be made by
AT&T. Can the 401(k) plan for craft employees change?
A: The current 401(k) savings plan provisions for craft employees will stay in effect through the
effective date of the applicable CWA working agreement, subject to any changes made through the
collective bargaining process.
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Q: Will the pending merger affect benefits for employees covered under the collective bargaining
agreements?
A: No, the terms of the current bargaining agreements will remain in effect.
Q: Will there be any changes to my compensation if I am part of a bargaining unit?
A: Any potential changes to compensation would be addressed through the collective bargaining
process.
Q: Will wages and benefits change for the craft employees as a result of the merger?
A: No, wages and benefits for craft employees, and any potential future changes, are subject to
the collective bargaining process. For employees represented by CWA, any potential changes after
the closing would be addressed through negotiations between AT&T and CWA.
Q: Will represented employees in BellSouth be able to bid on job vacancies in AT&T prior to
closing?
A: No. AT&T and BellSouth must continue to function independently until the merger closes.
Q: How will the merger affect the Uniform Program for craft employees?
A: The terms of the uniform program are set forth in the applicable collective bargaining
agreements. The terms and conditions of the current labor agreements will be assumed by the new
company, and any potential future changes those agreements would be subject to the collective
bargaining process.
Q: Are BellSouths pensions/cash balance accounts secure? Will the plans change prior to the
close because of the merger announcement? Will the BellSouth pension plans continue after the
merger?
A: The BellSouth pension plans will not change as a result of the merger agreement. Individuals
currently receiving pensions can be confident that there will be no disruption in receiving their
monthly pension annuities from BellSouth and following the merger with AT&T, in accordance with the
terms of BellSouths pension plans. You should be aware that under law, companies cannot reduce or
eliminate a persons accrued and vested pension benefit under tax-qualified plans, such as
BellSouths. In addition, BellSouths pension plans remain well-funded. Any decisions regarding the
pension plans after the merger closes will be made by AT&T.
Q: What are the laws that govern pension plans?
A: Pension funds are governed by ERISA (the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) and
backed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, a government agency that insures
company-sponsored defined benefit plans. BellSouths pensions are considered defined benefit plans
because the benefits payable are determined by formulas set forth in the plans.
Q: Will my years of BellSouth service be recognized by AT&T?
A: Yes, BellSouth service will be recognized by AT&T after the closing occurs.
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Q: Will prior service not currently recognized by BellSouth be recognized by AT&T
following the closing?
A: Issues regarding non-bridged prior service will be addressed by AT&T after the closing.
Q: If I am a former employee of AT&T or SBC and my prior service was not recognized
(bridged) by BellSouth, will it be recognized by AT&T?
A: Any non-bridged prior service will be addressed by AT&T after the closing.
Q: Earlier communications have stated that BellSouth service will be recognized by AT&T. How
will this affect me?
A: After the closing occurs, employees of the combined company will continue to have the same Net
Credited Service (for managers) and Seniority (for craft) for pension and other purposes.
Q: Will a severance package be offered to management employees who are separated from the
combined company after closing because they decline a position requiring relocation?
A: Generally, yes, provided the relocation qualifies under the terms of the yet to be adopted
severance plan and the separation occurs during the period beginning on closing and ending on the
second anniversary of closing.
Q: Will the lump sum option under the BellSouth pension plans change as a result of the merger?
A: The BellSouth pension plans were not changed by the merger agreement. Therefore, the option to
elect a lump sum remains in both pension plans subject to the terms and conditions of those plans.
After the closing, decisions about the BellSouth pension plans will be made by AT&T. Please note
that applicable law governing the pension plans presently prohibits AT&T from removing the lump sum
options for currently accrued and vested benefits.
Q: Can you provide an example of how this would affect a participant in the management
pension plan (PRA)?
A: As an example, if a manager has a cash balance of $100,000 in the BellSouth PRA at the
time of closing, the manager would retain the ability to take that cash balance as a lump
sum following separation of employment from AT&T. Payment options for pension benefits
earned after the closing date will be determined by AT&T.
NEW! Q: If I am a craft employee will I still be eligible for the lump sum distribution and the
cash balance under the pension plan when the merger is completed; how long will it be available and
will our present contract with the CWA be honored for the duration of the contract?
A: Yes. All current pension provisions for craft employees, including the cash balance and lump
sum features, will stay in effect for the duration of the applicable CWA working agreement, subject
to any changes made through the collective bargaining process. For most craft employees, that date
is August 8, 2009. Even if AT&T and the CWA negotiate changes to the pension plan at that time (or
through bargaining at some early time), the pension benefits earned to date of such negotiated
change and the related payment options for those accrued benefits can not be reduced or eliminated.
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Q: If I am eligible for the non-decreasing BSMPP lump sum amount as of 12/31/2005, will I
continue to be eligible for this benefit after the merger with AT&T?
A: Yes. Your pension benefit under the BellSouth Personal Retirement Account Pension Plan (PRA)
will continue to be calculated as the larger of your BSMPP benefit (if you are eligible for this
prior plan formula) as of 12/31/2005 and your cash balance PRA benefit. As a result, your PRA
benefit will not be less than the 12/31/2005 BSMPP lump sum amount.
Q: May I receive a distribution of my pension prior to the closing of the merger with
AT&T?
A: You may only elect a distribution of pension benefits following an actual separation of
employment.
Q: If I retire today and take my pension as a lump sum, I will be eligible for retiree medical and
dental benefits from BellSouth. After the merger, will I still be considered a retiree of AT&T even
though I have taken a lump sum distribution of my pension benefits?
A: As a retiree of BellSouth, an employee is eligible for retiree medical and retiree dental
benefits, subject to the provisions of the applicable retiree medical/dental plans including the
premium requirements and any future plan amendments. Whether the employee has taken his or her
pension in a lump sum does not impact such employees eligibility for retiree medical/dental. In
other words, the form of distribution of the pension benefit does not change the eligibility for
retiree medical/dental. Following the closing, retirees of BellSouth (determined without regard to
whether a lump sum distribution of pension benefits was taken) will be viewed as retirees of AT&T,
and AT&T will make all decisions regarding AT&T retiree/medical benefits.
Q: Will BellSouth continue to offer Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources to employees
during the period prior to the closing of the merger?
A: Yes. If you have questions or would like to find a local EAP counselor with whom you may
schedule an appointment, call EAP at 1-800-984-9135. For more detailed information on EAP visit
http://www.bellsoutheap.com/.
Merger Approval Process
Q: What approvals will be required?
A: Approvals are required from BellSouths and AT&Ts shareholders, the FCC, the U.S. Department
of Justice, various state regulatory agencies and a small number of local and foreign authorities.
Q: How long do you anticipate regulatory approval will take?
A: We expect the regulatory approval process to take up to 12 months.
Q: Have BellSouth and AT&T made any regulatory filings specific to the merger?
A: On Friday, March 31, AT&T and BellSouth made a series of joint regulatory filings associated
with the planned merger. These included federal level filings with the Department of Justice and
the FCC and a series of state commission filings across the country including the BellSouth region.
These filings are a significant first step towards gaining the required approval from the
appropriate entities to make the merger final.
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Q: What is the Form S-4 registration statement preliminary joint proxy statement/prospectus
that BellSouth and AT&T has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission?
A: BellSouth and AT&T will each hold a special shareholders meeting later this year to obtain
approval for the transaction. As a part of this, shareholders will receive a packet of information
that includes a proxy statement and notice of the meeting. BellSouth has filed with the SEC a
preliminary joint proxy statement/prospectus. AT&T has filed a Form S-4 registration statement,
which consists of a cover page, the preliminary joint proxy statement/prospectus filed by
BellSouth, and some information required by the SEC that will not be distributed to shareholders.
The preliminary joint proxy statement/prospectus describes, among other things, the proposals that
will be considered at the special shareholders meetings, the background of the merger, and other
financial and business factors that were considered by the Board of Directors, financial advisors
and others in connection with the Boards voting to approve the merger.
If the SEC elects to review the Form S-4, additional information may be required. After the Form
S-4 is finalized by the SEC, the joint proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to BellSouth
shareholders along with proxy cards asking them to vote their BellSouth shares. In order for the
merger to be approved, a majority of BellSouths outstanding shares must vote for the merger. AT&T
shareholders must approve the issuance of the AT&T stock required to be issued in the merger. The
shareholders meetings are expected to take place later this year.
Q: Are we voting on the proposed transaction with AT&T at the Annual Meeting planned for April 24,
2006?
A: No, 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.
Headquarters
Q: Where will the new company headquarters be located?
A: The combined company will be headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, but will maintain a
Southeast regional headquarters in Atlanta, GA.
Q: What will happen to the headquarters of other operations (such as Cingular)?
A: Cingulars headquarters will remain in Atlanta. Also, the state headquarters for each state in
BellSouths current nine-state region will continue to operate as state headquarters for the
combined company. At this point, there has been no decision regarding the location of the
headquarters for BellSouths Advertising and Publishing business.
Other
Q: Should I contact my counterpart in AT&T to begin the merger transition?
A: No, you should not contact your counterpart at AT&T to discuss post-merger integration.
Please remember that we are still separate companies and must continue to operate separately until
the closing. We will provide further information on this in the near future.
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Q: Can I talk to any of my friends or contacts at AT&T?
A: You may continue to have personal conversations with AT&T employees or conversations that are
part of your day-to-day responsibilities at BellSouth. However, you should not discuss post-merger
integration.
Q: Are we going to continue with new product and services initiatives?
A: Yes, BellSouth will continue to implement products and services that meet the needs of our
customers.
Q: Where can I learn more about the merger?
A: Well be communicating more information in the weeks and months ahead. Watch for an employee
intranet Web site devoted to the merger. We will also set up a mailbox where you can send questions
about the merger.
Q: What is the response time and how often will new answers be added to the web site? What if an
answer to my question is not put on the website?
A: Questions can be submitted through the Merger web site. We will post responses to questions
weekly at the BellSouth Merger News intranet site. E-mails will not be answered individually, but
they will be addressed collectively as appropriate. We cannot answer all questions submitted, but
we will do our best to provide you with as much information as possible.
Q: How can I get Human Resources questions, specifically benefits issues, answered?
A: HR related questions on benefits can be answered by accessing
www.bellsouthbenefits.com or through the BellSouth Service Center at 1-800-528-1232. All other HR
related questions should be handled through your normal HR channels.
Q: What positions will remain in Atlanta after closing?
A: Decisions about the structure and staffing of the newly combined company will be made by AT&T
after closing. It is anticipated that the majority of BellSouth positions will be unaffected by the
merger. However, headquarters staff, support functions and overlapping operations will be
consolidated.
Q: Can we make organizational changes between now and the merger close?
A: Yes, BellSouth will continue as a stand-alone company until the merger closes and we should
continue to implement changes that meet the needs of our customers and meet our 2006 business
objectives.
Q: What impact does the merger have on partnership and vendor relationships such as BellSouth and
Qwest and BellSouth and DIRECTV?
A: Prior to closing, BellSouth will continue as a stand alone company and continue to offer the
same products and services at the same terms and conditions. Decisions about the combined companys
operations after closing will be made by AT&T.
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Q: How will the recent lawsuits filed by two shareholders affect the merger?
A: We believe the complaints are meritless and we intend to defend the cases vigorously.
Q: I read that BellSouth common stock will be converted (at the exchange ratio) into an option to
purchase shares of AT&T common stock on similar terms. Is the conversion itself a taxable event
that would incur personal capital gains/income tax? Or is it some type of asset
reassignment/recategorization that is not taxable event?
A: No, the conversion is not anticipated to be a taxable event since the merger is a
stock-for-stock transaction (except with respect to cash paid in lieu of fractional shares).
However, you should consult your tax advisor regarding your particular situation.
Q: At one time when we were part of AT&T, we were considered a monopoly, so why does that not
apply now?
A: The old ma bell had a franchise monopoly granted to it by federal and state governments for
traditional wireline phone service. During this time, there were no cell phones, no blackberries,
no email, and no cable-provided VOIP that competed with it. Advances in technology gave customers
options, and the governments officially ended monopoly franchises with the passage of the 1996
telecommunications Act. The competitive landscape is different and the telecommunications market
and legal environment today bear no resemblance to the ma bell monopoly of yesterday. Today
there is robust competition from cable companies, CLECs, VOIP providers, wireless companies etc.
Q: What effect will the merger have on the future of the LM Berry, BellSouth Advertising and
Publishing, and Steven Graphics companies?
A: After the closing, decisions regarding the operations of these and other BellSouth entities
will be made by AT&T.
NOTE: In connection with the proposed merger, AT&T Inc. (AT&T) filed a registration statement
on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-132904), containing a joint proxy statement/prospectus of AT&T
and BellSouth Corporation (BellSouth), with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) on
March 31, 2006. Investors are urged to read the registration statement and the joint proxy
statement/prospectus contained therein (including all amendments and supplements to it) because it
contains important information. Investors may obtain free copies of the registration statement and
joint proxy statement/prospectus, 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 without charge 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 78205.
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, N.E., 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 is included in the registration
statement and joint proxy statement/prospectus contained therein, and other relevant documents
filed with the SEC.
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