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 §240.14a-12 |
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: | ||
| Hello. Im very pleased to be addressing you to discuss the announcement we made today. | |
| As Im sure you all know by now, we announced that our Board of Directors unanimously approved an agreement to combine with United Technologies. | |
| Under the agreement, United Technologies will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Goodrich for $127.50 per share in cash. This transaction is valued at approximately $18.4 billion. | |
| I know you will have questions about what this means, and I wanted to speak directly to you about the combination and what you can expect over the coming weeks and months. | |
| As a Board and management team, we are always thinking about ways to drive enhanced value for our shareholders, customers, partners and you our valued employees. | |
| In light of both industry and economic trends, we are confident that this transaction is the best path forward for Goodrich. Let me tell you why. | |
| Since our founding in 1870, Goodrich has evolved into a global leader in the aerospace and defense industry. Transformation is in our DNA. Weve done it before and we know we will do it successfully again. | |
| We got here through a lot of hard work and a commitment to our underlying values of entrepreneurship and innovation. | |
| Our combination with United Technologies will enable us to build on this legacy and shape the future of the aerospace and defense industry through continued investment in innovation, increased global scale and by bringing together some of the most skilled and experienced talent in the industry. | |
| From a financial standpoint, the combined company will have significant and stable cash flows to support organic growth across United Technologies aerospace and defense-related business units, as well as increased R&D efforts that will allow us to lead innovation across all of our market channels. | |
| We have structured the transaction so that we can continue doing great work in the same way weve been doing it for 140 years. | |
| Following completion of the transaction, I will become Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of a combined UTC Aerospace Systems business unit, and the senior leadership team of the business will be located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Both Goodrich and United Technologies Hamilton Sundstrand brands will be maintained within this business unit. |
| During my conversations with United Technologies leading up to this announcement, they emphasized to me on numerous occasions how much value they see in our team. They recognize that our success is a result of your hard work and I couldnt agree more. | |
| The transaction is expected to be completed in mid-2012, and is of course subject to approval by Goodrich shareholders, as well as other customary closing conditions, including approval by various regulatory agencies. | |
| It is important to remember that until the transaction closes, Goodrich and United Technologies will continue to operate as independent companies and it will be business as usual here at Goodrich as we continue to execute on our strategic plan. | |
| For the vast majority of employees, our integration efforts will have no impact on any day-to-day responsibilities, and we should remain focused on our ongoing business objectives. Both Goodrich and United Technologies have successful integration track records and similar cultures. Given the complementary nature of our businesses, we expect a seamless transition. | |
| Over the coming weeks, we will be forming an integration team comprised of senior executives from both companies to lead the integration effort and assist with the transition process. In addition, Goodrich Leaders will be visiting locations throughout our organization to discuss this announcement further with each of you as more information becomes available. | |
| From a customer perspective, it will be business as usual at Goodrich, and we will continue to do everything we normally do to support our customers. | |
| Above all, this transaction is testament to your unwavering commitment and hard work, and I know I can count on all of you to focus on our objectives, continue serving our customers with the same passion and commitment that they have come to expect from Goodrich as we continue to compete vigorously in all aspects of our business. | |
| We are entering the next chapter in Goodrichs history, and I look forward to updating you further as we continue to make progress toward completing this transaction. | |
| On behalf of the Board and senior management team, I thank you for your continued hard work, support and dedication to our company. I know I can count on you all to remain focused during this process. |