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
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 Rule 14a-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.
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Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction
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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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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
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Updated as of June 2, 2006
Shareholder Questions and Answers related to the AT&T / BellSouth merger
Terms of the Merger
Q: What are the terms of the merger?
A: In the merger, shareholders of BellSouth will receive 1.325 shares of AT&T common stock for each
common share of BellSouth.
Q: Why are BellSouth and AT&T planning to merge?
A: 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.
Q: What approval is required and how long will it take for the merger to close?
A: The merger is subject to customary closing conditions, and approval by the shareholders of both
companies and applicable governmental authorities. We currently expect the merger to close by the
end
of 2006.
Q: When will the shareholders know if the buyout has taken place?
A: We currently expect the merger to close by the end of 2006. 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.
Q: Will this merger transaction be taxable to me?
A: 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.
Merger Approval Process
Revised! Q: When will shareholders have a chance to vote on the proposed merger?
A: BellSouth will hold a special meeting of shareholders to obtain approval for the transaction on
July 21,
2006, at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Ga. BellSouth shareholders will be provided with a
packet of
information, including a proxy statement that gives a lot of information about the proposed merger
and
notification of the time and place of the meeting, in June 2006. Approval of the merger requires
the
affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of BellSouth common stock; therefore, not
voting
is the same as voting against the merger.
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New! Q: How do I vote my shares?
A: Shareholders can quickly and easily vote their shares by phone, online or via mail. It is
important that
you vote all proxy cards received. Instructions for voting are included in the shareholder
materials.
Shareholders can also vote in person at the special meeting of shareholders. However, even if you
plan
to attend the special meeting, we encourage you to vote your shares as soon as possible by phone,
online or by mailing your proxy card in the pre-paid envelope. If you vote by phone or online, you
do not
need to mail your proxy card.
Revised! Q: Do the shareholders have a choice? Can the shareholders stop the merger?
A: BellSouth will hold a special meeting of shareholders to obtain approval for the transaction on
July 21,
2006, at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Ga. BellSouth shareholders will be provided with a
packet of
information in June, including a proxy statement that gives a lot of information about the proposed
merger
and notification of the time and place of the meeting. Approval of the merger requires the
affirmative vote
of a majority of the outstanding shares of BellSouth common stock; therefore, not voting is the
same as
voting against the merger.
New! Q: I have received a large packet of shareholder information, including a proxy statement.
What do I do with it?
A: The information in the proxy statement will answer many of your questions about the merger. The
proxy statement describes, among other things, the proposals that will be considered at the special
meeting of shareholders, 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. We encourage you to read the proxy statement carefully and then vote
your
proxy.
You may receive multiple packets of information and proxy cards. It is important that you vote all
the
proxy cards you receive. Approval of the merger requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the
outstanding shares of BellSouth common stock; therefore, not voting is the same as voting against
the
merger.
New! Q: Why did both AT&T and BellSouth send me packages of shareholder materials?
A: Shareholders who own both BellSouth and AT&T stock will receive separate packages of materials,
including proxy cards, from each company. If you own shares in both companies, it is important
that you
vote all of your shares in each company by voting all of the proxy cards that you receive.
New! Q: Why did BellSouth send me multiple packages of shareholder materials?
A: You received multiple packages because you own BellSouth stock in multiple accounts. You may
hold
your stock through your 401(K) plan, you may hold certificates on your own and you may hold stock
with
a brokerage firm. You could also have both separate, and joint or custodial accounts. It is
important that
you vote all the proxy cards you receive.
BellSouth Shares
Q: How will the merger affect my BellSouth stock?
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A: 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.
Q: Will
there be a cash payment or cash option for BellSouth shares from AT&T? How much will it be?
A: 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.
Q: What does the $37.09 per share exchange value that was mentioned in the press release mean
to me? How do I calculate the exchange value of my BellSouth stock into AT&T stock?
A: BellSouth shareholders will receive 1.325 shares of AT&T common stock for each share of
BellSouth
that they hold immediately prior to the merger. For the purpose of calculating or estimating the
value of
your exchanged shares, you would multiply your BellSouth share balance by the 1.325 exchange
ratio
at that time to determine the number of AT&T shares you would receive. The market valuation of
your
new AT&T share balance at the time of exchange would be determined by multiplying your AT&T share
balance by the trading price of AT&Ts common stock on the market at that point in time.
Based on the above calculation, each share of BellSouth common stock would have represented
approximately $37.09 at the close of business on March 3, 2006 (if the merger had closed at that
time).
Each share of BellSouth stock will be exchanged for 1.325 shares of AT&T common stock, and the
closing price of AT&Ts common stock on March 3, 2006 was $27.99 (1.325 AT&T shares x $27.99 =
$37.09 per BellSouth share). The value of each former BellSouth common share following the merger
will fluctuate based on the market price of AT&Ts common stock.
Q: Is $37.09 the amount of money a shareholder would have received if he or she sold BellSouth
shares on March 6, 2006?
A: 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 $37.09 per BellSouth common share. This price per
share
represents a 17.9 percent premium over BellSouths closing stock price on March 3, 2006.
Q: Is it better just to sell all of my BellSouth shares?
A:
Whether to buy or sell stock is a personal decision. We recommend you consult your investment advisor.
Q: Will shareholders be asked to turn in their certificates? If so, when?
A: We currently expect the merger to close by the end of 2006. 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
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stock certificate(s) (or an affidavit of loss if you have misplaced your stock certificate(s)) to
receive your
shares of AT&T stock.
Q: What
will happen to my BellSouth shares after the merger is approved and what action must I take now?
A: 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.
Q:
After the merger, how will any partial (fractional) share of BellSouth common stock be handled during the exchange for AT&T stock?
A: Only whole shares will be exchanged for AT&T shares. As a result, any fractional share will be
sold
and a check will be mailed to you. If your BellSouth shares are held in a stock brokerage account,
by a
bank or other nominee, then you are considered the beneficial holder of the shares. If this is
the case,
please contact your broker or appropriate agent regarding how they will treat a fractional share.
Q: Will there be a forced liquidation of any partial (fractional) share?
A: Only whole shares will be exchanged for AT&T shares. As a result, any fractional share will be
sold
and a check will be mailed to you. If your BellSouth shares are held in a stock brokerage account,
or by a
bank or other nominee, then you are considered the beneficial holder of the shares. If this is
the case,
please contact your broker or appropriate agent regarding how they will treat a fractional share.
Dividends
Q: What will happen to my BellSouth dividends?
A: 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
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.
Q: What is AT&Ts dividend rate?
A: 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.
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Q: If the merger goes through will dividends still be paid?
A: 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)
Q: Will BellSouth continue to have its Direct Investment Plan (Plan)?
A: 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
Q: Who will be the transfer agent for the new company?
A: 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.
Cingular
Q: Since BellSouth owns 40 percent of Cingular, what will happen to Cingular?
A: 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.
Contact Information
Revised! Q: Who do I contact if I have questions or need information regarding this merger?
A: Visit BellSouths Web site at www.bellsouth.com/investor for information and updates regarding
the
proposed merger. You can also call the BellSouth merger information line at 1-877-366-1576, 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 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, as amended on May 10 and June 2, 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
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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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