Exhibit(a)(1)(ii)
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
To Tender Shares of Common Stock
(including the associated rights to purchase Series A Preferred Stock attached thereto) of
HARRIS INTERACTIVE INC.
at
$2.00 Net Per Share (as may be adjusted upward or downward as described in this document)
Pursuant to the Offer to Purchase dated December 10, 2013
by
PRIME ACQUISITION CORP.
a wholly owned subsidiary of
NIELSEN HOLDINGS N.V.
THE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT,
NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON JANUARY 29, 2014
(ONE MINUTE AFTER 11:59 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON JANUARY 29, 2014),
UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED
The Depositary for the Tender Offer is:
| By Registered or Certified Mail: | By Hand or Overnight Courier: | |
| Computershare Trust Company, N.A. c/o Voluntary Corporate Actions P.O. Box 43011 Providence, RI 02940-3011 |
Computershare Trust Company, N.A. c/o Voluntary Corporate Actions 250 Royall Street, Suite V Canton, MA 02021 |
Delivery of this Letter of Transmittal to an address other than as set forth above will not constitute a valid delivery to the Depositary (as defined below). You must sign this Letter of Transmittal in the appropriate space provided therefor below, with signature guaranteed, if required, and complete the IRS Form W-9 included in this Letter of Transmittal, if required. The instructions set forth in this Letter of Transmittal should be read carefully before you tender any of your Shares (as defined below) into the Offer (as defined below).
| DESCRIPTION OF SHARES TENDERED | ||||||||
| Name(s) and Address(es) of Registered Holder(s) (Please Fill in, if Blank, Exactly as Name(s) Appear(s) on Share Certificate(s)) |
Shares Tendered (Attached additional signed list, if necessary) | |||||||
| Share Certificate Number(s)(1) |
Total Number of Shares Represented by Share Certification(s)(1) |
Total Number of Shares Represented by Book entry (Electronic Form) Tendered |
Total Number of Shares Tendered(2) | |||||
| Total Shares | ||||||||
| (1) | Need not be completed by stockholders tendering by book-entry transfer. |
| (2) | Unless a lower number of Shares to be tendered is otherwise indicated, it will be assumed that all Shares described above are being tendered. See Instruction 4. |
Voluntary Corporate Action COY: NLSN
The Offer is not being made to (and no tenders will be accepted from or on behalf of) holders of Shares in any jurisdiction in which the making of the Offer or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, “blue sky” or other laws of such jurisdiction.
This Letter of Transmittal is to be used by stockholders of Harris Interactive Inc. (“Harris Interactive”), a Delaware corporation (i) if certificates for Shares (“Certificates”) are to be forwarded herewith or (ii) if delivery of Shares is to be made by book-entry transfer to an account maintained by the Depositary at The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), unless an Agent’s Message (as defined in Instruction 2) is utilized in lieu of this Letter of Transmittal, and in any case in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase.
There is no procedure for guaranteed delivery in the Offer.
IF ANY OF THE SHARE CERTIFICATES THAT YOU OWN HAVE BEEN LOST OR DESTROYED, SEE INSTRUCTION 11 OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
| ¨ | CHECK HERE IF YOU HAVE LOST YOUR SHARE CERTIFICATE(S) AND REQUIRE ASSISTANCE IN OBTAINING REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE(S). BY CHECKING THIS BOX, YOU UNDERSTAND THAT YOU MUST CONTACT AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY, LLC. TO OBTAIN INSTRUCTIONS FOR REPLACING LOST CERTIFICATES. SEE INSTRUCTION 11. |
| ¨ | CHECK HERE IF TENDERED SHARES ARE BEING DELIVERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER MADE TO AN ACCOUNT MAINTAINED BY THE DEPOSITARY WITH DTC AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING (NOTE THAT ONLY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS THAT ARE PARTICIPANTS IN THE SYSTEM OF DTC MAY DELIVER SHARES BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER): |
| Name of Tendering Institution: |
|
| DTC Account Number: |
| |
| Transaction Code Number: |
| |
2
NOTE: SIGNATURES MUST BE PROVIDED BELOW.
PLEASE READ ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned hereby tenders to Prime Acquisition Corp. (“Purchaser”), a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Nielsen Holdings N.V. (“Nielsen”), a company formed under the laws of the Netherlands, the above described shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (including the associated rights to purchase shares of Series A Preferred Stock issued pursuant to the Rights Agreement (as defined in the Offer to Purchase), the “Shares”), of Harris Interactive Inc. (“Harris Interactive”), pursuant to Purchaser’s offer to purchase all outstanding Shares, at a purchase price of $2.00 per Share, as may be adjusted upward or downward as described below, net to the tendering stockholder in cash (such price, as so adjusted as set forth below, if applicable, the “Offer Price”), without interest, less any applicable withholding taxes, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase, dated December 10, 2013 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Offer to Purchase”), receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and in this Letter of Transmittal (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, this “Letter of Transmittal”) which, together with the Offer to Purchase, constitute the “Offer”. The Offer is being made pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated November 25, 2013, by and among Nielsen, Harris Interactive and Purchaser (as it may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms, the “Merger Agreement”).
The Offer Price will be
| • | increased if the World Wide Cash Adjusted Amount (as defined in and determined in accordance with the Merger Agreement) is greater than $9,350,000, with such increase to be an amount equal to the quotient (rounded to the nearest whole $0.01) of (A) the amount by which the World Wide Cash Adjusted Amount exceeds $9,300,000 divided by (B) the number of Shares issued and outstanding as of January 9, 2014 (determined on a Fully Diluted basis (as defined in the Merger Agreement)); and |
| • | decreased if the World Wide Cash Adjusted Amount is less than $9,250,000, with such decrease to be an amount equal to the quotient (rounded to the nearest whole $0.01) of (A) the amount by which the World Wide Cash Adjusted Amount is less than $9,300,000 divided by (B) the number of Shares issued and outstanding as of January 9, 2014 (determined on a Fully Diluted basis). |
For the avoidance of doubt, if the World Wide Cash Adjusted Amount is more than or equal to $9,250,000 and less than or equal to $9,350,000, the Offer Price will not be adjusted.
As further described in the Offer to Purchase, the World Wide Cash Adjusted Amount is the average of the actual or projected, as applicable, End of Day Cash and Cash Equivalents (as defined and determined in accordance with the Merger Agreement) held by Harris Interactive and its subsidiaries at the end of each business day from January 2, 2014 through January 15, 2014 less certain fees and expenses (as identified and defined in the Merger Agreement) of Harris Interactive incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement along with other reductions for other payments, costs and amounts, all as identified and defined in the Merger Agreement and more fully described in the Offer to Purchase.
No later than 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on the business day following final determination of the World Wide Cash Adjusted Amount in accordance with the procedures described in the Merger Agreement, Purchaser will announce any adjustment of the Offer Price to the holders of Shares, or, if applicable, Purchaser will announce that the Offer Price will not be adjusted. This announcement is expected to occur no earlier than January 10, 2014 and no later than January 21, 2014 pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement.
The undersigned understands that Purchaser reserves the right to transfer or assign in whole or in part from time to time to Nielsen or its affiliates the right to purchase all or any portion of the Shares tendered pursuant to the Offer, but any such transfer or assignment will not relieve Purchaser of its obligations under the Offer and will in no way prejudice the undersigned’s right to receive payment for the Shares validly tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the Offer.
3
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer (and if the Offer is extended or amended, the terms and conditions of the Offer as so extended or amended) and subject to, and effective upon, acceptance for payment of Shares validly tendered herewith and not properly withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date in accordance with the terms of the Offer, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers to or upon the order of Purchaser all right, title and interest in and to all Shares that are being tendered hereby (and all dividends, distributions, rights, other Shares or other securities issued or issuable in respect thereof on or after the date hereof (“Distributions”)) and irrevocably constitutes and appoints Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (the “Depositary”) the true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact of the undersigned with respect to such Shares (and all Distributions), with full power of substitution (such power of attorney being deemed to be an irrevocable power coupled with an interest in the Shares tendered by this Letter of Transmittal), to (i) deliver Certificates representing such Shares (and all Distributions) or transfer ownership of such Shares (and all Distributions) on the account books maintained by DTC, together, in any such case, with all accompanying evidences of transfer and authenticity, to or upon the order of Purchaser, (ii) present such Shares (and all Distributions) for transfer on the books of Harris Interactive and (iii) receive all benefits and otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial ownership of such Shares (and all Distributions), all in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer.
By executing this Letter of Transmittal (or taking action resulting in the delivery of an Agent’s Message), the undersigned hereby irrevocably appoints James W. Cuminale, in his capacity as an officer of Purchaser, and any other person designated in writing by Purchaser as the true and lawful agent, attorney, attorney-in-fact and proxy of the undersigned, each with full power of substitution, (i) to vote at any annual or special meeting of Harris Interactive’s stockholders or any adjournment or postponement thereof or otherwise in such manner as each such attorney-in-fact and proxy or its, his or her substitute shall in its, his or her sole discretion deem proper with respect to, and (ii) to otherwise act as each such attorney-in-fact and proxy or its, his or her substitute shall in its, his or her sole discretion deem proper with respect to, all Shares (and all Distributions) tendered hereby and accepted for payment by Purchaser. This appointment will be effective if and when, and only to the extent that, Purchaser accepts such Shares for payment pursuant to the Offer. This power of attorney and proxy are irrevocable and are granted in consideration of the acceptance for payment of such Shares in accordance with the terms of the Offer. Such acceptance for payment shall, without further action, revoke any prior powers of attorney and proxies granted by the undersigned at any time with respect to such Shares (and all Distributions), and no subsequent powers of attorney, proxies, consents or revocations may be given by the undersigned with respect thereto (and, if given, will not be deemed effective). Purchaser reserves the right to require that, in order for Shares to be deemed validly tendered, immediately upon Purchaser’s acceptance for payment of such Shares, Purchaser or its designees must be able to exercise full voting, consent and other rights with respect to such Shares (and all Distributions), including voting at any meeting of Harris Interactive’s stockholders.
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power and authority to tender, sell, assign and transfer any and all Shares tendered hereby (and all Distributions) and that, when the same are accepted for payment by Purchaser, Purchaser will acquire good, marketable and unencumbered title to such Shares (and all Distributions), free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances, and the same will not be subject to any adverse claims. The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned is the registered owner of the Shares, or the Certificate(s) have been endorsed to the undersigned in blank, or the undersigned is a participant in DTC whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of the Shares. The undersigned will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the Depositary or Purchaser to be necessary or desirable to complete the sale, assignment and transfer of any and all Shares tendered hereby (and all Distributions). In addition, the undersigned shall promptly remit and transfer to the Depositary for the account of Purchaser all Distributions in respect of any and all Shares tendered hereby, accompanied by appropriate documentation of transfer, and, pending such remittance and transfer or appropriate assurance thereof, Purchaser shall be entitled to all rights and privileges as owner of each such Distribution and may deduct from the purchase price of Shares tendered hereby the amount or value of such Distribution as determined by Purchaser in its sole discretion.
All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred shall not be affected by, and shall survive, the death or incapacity of the undersigned, and any obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators, personal representatives, trustees in bankruptcy, successors and assigns of the undersigned. Except as stated in the Offer to Purchase, this tender is irrevocable.
The undersigned hereby acknowledges that delivery of any Certificate shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to such Certificate shall pass, only upon the proper delivery of such Certificate to the Depositary.
4
The undersigned understands that the valid tender of Shares pursuant to any of the procedures described in the Offer to Purchase and in the Instructions hereto will constitute the undersigned’s acceptance of the terms and conditions of the Offer. Purchaser’s acceptance of such Shares for payment will constitute a binding agreement between the undersigned and Purchaser upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer (and if the Offer is extended or amended, the terms of or the conditions of any such extension or amendment). The undersigned recognizes that under certain circumstances set forth in the Offer, Purchaser may not be required to accept for payment any Shares tendered hereby.
Unless otherwise indicated under “Special Payment Instructions,” please issue the check for the purchase price of all of Shares purchased and, if appropriate, return any Certificates not tendered or accepted for payment in the name(s) of the registered holder(s) appearing above under “Description of Shares Tendered.” Similarly, unless otherwise indicated under “Special Delivery Instructions,” please mail the check for the purchase price of all Shares purchased and, if appropriate, return any Certificates not tendered or not accepted for payment (and any accompanying documents, as appropriate) to the address(es) of the registered holder(s) appearing above under “Description of Shares Tendered.” In the event that the boxes entitled “Special Payment Instructions” and “Special Delivery Instructions” are both completed, please issue the check for the purchase price of all Shares purchased and, if appropriate, return any Certificates not tendered or not accepted for payment (and any accompanying documents, as appropriate) in the name(s) of, and deliver such check and, if appropriate, return any such Certificates (and any accompanying documents, as appropriate) to, the person(s) so indicated. Unless otherwise indicated herein in the box entitled “Special Payment Instructions,” please credit any Shares tendered herewith by book-entry transfer that are not accepted for payment by crediting the account at DTC. The undersigned recognizes that Purchaser has no obligation, pursuant to the “Special Payment Instructions,” to transfer any Shares from the name of the registered holder thereof if Purchaser does not accept for payment any of such Shares so tendered.
LOST SHARE CERTIFICATES: PLEASE CALL AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY, LLC AT (800) 937-5449 OR (718) 921-8124 TO OBTAIN NECESSARY DOCUMENTS TO REPLACE YOUR LOST SHARE CERTIFICATES.
Voluntary Corporate Action COY: NLSN
5
|
IMPORTANT STOCKHOLDER: SIGN HERE (PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THE IRS FORM W-9 INCLUDED IN THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL OR AN APPLICABLE IRS FORM W-8)
Signature(s) of Holder(s) of Shares
|
| Dated: |
| Name(s) | ||
| (Please Print) | ||
| Capacity (full title) (See Instruction 5) | ||
| Address | ||
| (Include Zip Code) | ||
| Area Code and Telephone No. | ||
| Tax Identification or Social Security No. (See IRS Form W-9 included herein) | ||
|
Must be signed by registered holder(s) exactly as name(s) appear(s) on the Certificate(s) or on a security position listing or by person(s) authorized to become registered holder(s) by the Certificates and documents transmitted herewith. If signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, agent, officer of a corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, please set forth full title and see Instruction 5.
GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURE(S) (IF REQUIRED — SEE INSTRUCTIONS 1 AND 5)
| ||
| Authorized Signature |
| Name |
||
| Name of Firm |
||
| Address |
||
| (Include Zip Code) | ||
| Area Code and Telephone No. |
||
| Dated: |
||||
6
INSTRUCTIONS
FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER
1. Guarantee of Signatures. No signature guarantee is required on this Letter of Transmittal (a) if this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) (which term, for purposes of this Instruction 1, includes any participant in DTC’s systems whose name(s) appear(s) on a security position listing as the owner(s) of Shares) of Shares tendered herewith, unless such registered holder(s) has completed either the box entitled “Special Payment Instructions” or the box entitled “Special Delivery Instructions” on this Letter of Transmittal or (b) if such Shares are tendered for the account of a financial institution (including most commercial banks, savings and loan associations and brokerage houses) that is a member of or participant in a recognized “Medallion Program” approved by the Securities Transfer Association Inc., including the Security Transfer Agents Medallion Program, the Stock Exchange Medallion Program and the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program, or any other “eligible guarantor institution,” as such term is defined in Rule 17Ad-15 under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (each, an “Eligible Institution”). In all other cases, all signatures on this Letter of Transmittal must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution. See Instruction 5.
2. Requirements of Tender. No alternative, conditional or contingent tenders will be accepted. There is no procedure for guaranteed delivery in the Offer. In order for Shares to be validly tendered pursuant to the Offer, one of the following procedures must be followed:
For Shares held as physical certificates, the Certificates representing tendered Shares, a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal, together with any required signature guarantees, and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be received by the Depositary at one of its addresses set forth on the front page of this Letter of Transmittal before the Expiration Date.
For Shares held in book-entry form, either a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal, together with any required signature guarantees, or an Agent’s Message in lieu of this Letter of Transmittal, and any other required documents, must be received by the Depositary at one of its addresses set forth on the front page of this Letter of Transmittal, and such Shares must be delivered according to the book-entry transfer procedures (as set forth in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase) and a timely confirmation (a “Book-Entry Confirmation”) of a book-entry transfer of Shares into the Depositary’s account at DTC (the “Book-Entry Transfer Facility”) must be received by the Depositary, in each case before the Expiration Date.
The term “Agent’s Message” means a message transmitted by the Book-Entry Transfer Facility to, and received by, the Depositary and forming part of a Book-Entry Confirmation that states that the Book-Entry Transfer Facility has received an express acknowledgment from the participant in DTC tendering the Shares that are the subject of such Book-Entry Confirmation that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms of this Letter of Transmittal and that Purchaser may enforce such agreement against the participant.
The method of delivery of Shares, this Letter of Transmittal and all other required documents, including delivery through DTC, is at the election and risk of the tendering stockholder. Shares will be deemed delivered (and the risk of loss of Certificates will pass) only when actually received by the Depositary (including, in the case of a book-entry transfer, by Book-Entry Confirmation). If delivery is by mail, then registered mail with return receipt requested, properly insured, is recommended. In all cases, sufficient time should be allowed to ensure timely delivery.
By executing this Letter of Transmittal, the tendering stockholder waives any right to receive any notice of the acceptance for payment of Shares.
3. Inadequate Space. If the space provided herein is inadequate, Certificate numbers, the number of Shares represented by such Certificates and/or the number of Shares tendered should be listed on a signed separate schedule attached hereto.
4. Partial Tenders (Not Applicable to Stockholders who Tender by Book-Entry Transfer). If fewer than all Shares represented by any Certificate delivered to the Depositary are to be tendered, fill in the number of Shares that are to be tendered in the box entitled “Total Number of Shares Tendered.” In such case, a new certificate for the remainder of Shares
7
represented by the old certificate will be sent to the person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal, unless otherwise provided in the appropriate box on this Letter of Transmittal, as promptly as practicable following the expiration or termination of the Offer. All Shares represented by Certificates delivered to the Depositary will be deemed to have been tendered unless otherwise indicated.
5. Signatures on Letter of Transmittal; Stock Powers and Endorsements.
(a) Exact Signatures. If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of Shares tendered hereby, then the signature(s) must correspond with the name(s) as written on the face of such Certificates for such Shares without alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever.
(b) Holders. If any Shares tendered hereby are held of record by two or more persons, then all such persons must sign this Letter of Transmittal.
(c) Different Names on Share Certificates. If any Shares tendered hereby are registered in different names on different Certificates, then it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as many separate Letters of Transmittal as there are different registrations of Certificates.
(d) Endorsements. If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of Shares tendered hereby, then no endorsements of Certificates for such Shares or separate stock powers are required unless payment of the purchase price is to be made, or Shares not tendered or not purchased are to be returned, in the name of any person other than the registered holder(s). Signatures on any such Certificates or stock powers must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.
If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered holder(s) of Shares tendered hereby, then Certificates for such Shares must be endorsed or accompanied by appropriate stock powers, in either case, signed exactly as the name(s) of the registered holder(s) appear(s) on such Certificates for such Shares. Signature(s) on any such Certificates or stock powers must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution. See Instruction 1.
If this Letter of Transmittal or any Certificate or stock power is signed by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or other legal entity or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, then such person should so indicate when signing, and proper evidence satisfactory to the Depositary of the authority of such person so to act must be submitted. Proper evidence of authority includes a power of attorney, a letter testamentary or a letter of appointment.
6. Stock Transfer Taxes. Except as otherwise provided in this Instruction 6, Purchaser or any successor entity thereto will pay all stock transfer taxes with respect to the transfer and sale of any Shares to it or its order pursuant to the Offer (for the avoidance of doubt, transfer taxes do not include U.S. federal income tax or backup withholding taxes). If, however, payment of the purchase price is to be made to, or if Certificate(s) for Shares not tendered or not accepted for payment are to be registered in the name of, any person(s) other than the registered holder(s), or if tendered Certificate(s) are registered in the name of any person(s) other than the person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the transfer and sale of Shares to the Purchaser pursuant to the Offer, then the amount of any stock transfer taxes or other taxes (in each case whether imposed on the registered holder(s) or such other person(s)) will be deducted from the purchase price of such Shares purchased unless satisfactory evidence of the payment of such taxes, or exemption therefrom, is submitted herewith.
7. Special Payment and Delivery Instructions. If a check is to be issued for the purchase price of any Shares tendered by this Letter of Transmittal in the name of, and, if appropriate, Certificates for Shares not tendered or not accepted for payment are to be issued to, any person(s) other than the signer of this Letter of Transmittal or if a check and, if appropriate, such Certificates are to be returned to any person(s) other than the person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal or to an address other than that shown in this Letter of Transmittal, then the appropriate boxes on this Letter of Transmittal must be completed.
8
8. IRS Form W-9.
To ensure compliance with U.S. Treasury Department Circular 230, stockholders are hereby notified that: (i) any discussion of U.S. federal income tax matters set forth in this Letter of Transmittal or any document referenced herein is not intended and was not written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”); (ii) such discussion is written in connection with the promotion or marketing (within the meaning of Circular 230) of the transactions or matters addressed herein; and (iii) stockholders are urged to seek advice based on their particular circumstances from their own independent tax advisors.
To avoid backup withholding, a tendering stockholder that is a United States person (as defined for United States federal income tax purposes) is required to provide the Depositary with a correct Taxpayer Identification Number (“TIN”) on IRS Form W-9, which is included herein following “Important Tax Information” below, and to certify, under penalties of perjury, that such number is correct and that such stockholder is not subject to backup withholding of federal income tax, and that such stockholder is a United States person (as defined for United States federal income tax purposes). If the tendering stockholder has been notified by the United States Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) that such stockholder is subject to backup withholding, such stockholder must cross out item (2) of the Certification section of the IRS Form W-9, unless such stockholder has since been notified by the IRS that such stockholder is no longer subject to backup withholding. Failure to provide the information on the IRS Form W-9 may subject the tendering stockholder to backup withholding on the payment of the purchase price of all Shares purchased from such stockholder. If the tendering stockholder has not been issued a TIN and has applied for one or intends to apply for one in the near future, such stockholder should write “Applied For” in the space for the TIN on the IRS Form W-9, sign and date the IRS Form W-9 and sign and date the Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number under “Important Tax Information” below. If you write “Applied For” in the space for the TIN and the Depositary is not provided with a TIN by the time of payment, the Depositary will withhold a portion of all payments of the purchase price to such stockholder until a TIN is provided to the Depositary.
Certain stockholders (including, among others, corporations) may not be subject to backup withholding. Foreign stockholders that are not United States persons (as defined for United States federal income tax purposes) should submit an appropriate and properly completed applicable IRS Form W-8, a copy of which may be obtained from the Depositary or the Internal Revenue Service (www.irs.gov/formspubs/index.html), in order to avoid backup withholding. Such stockholders should consult a tax advisor to determine which Form W-8 is appropriate. See the instructions enclosed with the IRS Form W-9 included in this Letter of Transmittal for more instructions.
Entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes holding Shares should consult their own tax advisors regarding their treatment for purposes of these instructions.
9. Irregularities. All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance for payment of any tender of Shares will be determined by Purchaser in its sole discretion. Purchaser reserves the absolute right to reject any and all tenders determined by it not to be in proper form or the acceptance for payment of which may, in the opinion of its counsel, be unlawful. Purchaser also reserves the absolute right to waive any of the conditions to the Offer (other than the Minimum Condition (as defined in the Offer to Purchase), which may only be waived with the consent of Harris Interactive) and any defect or irregularity in the tender of any Shares of any particular stockholder, whether or not similar defects or irregularities are waived in the case of other stockholders. No tender of Shares will be deemed to have been validly made until all defects and irregularities have been cured or waived to the satisfaction of the Purchaser. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders must be cured within such time as Purchaser shall determine. None of Purchaser, the Depositary, or the Information Agent or any other person will be under any duty to give notification of any defects or irregularities in tenders or incur any liability for failure to give any such notification. Purchaser’s interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Offer (including this Letter of Transmittal and the instructions hereto) will be determined by Purchaser in its sole discretion.
10. Questions and Requests for Additional Copies. The Information Agent may be contacted at the address and telephone number set forth on the last page of this Letter of Transmittal for questions and/or requests for additional copies of
9
the Offer to Purchase, this Letter of Transmittal and other tender offer materials. You may also contact your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance. Such copies will be furnished promptly at Purchaser’s expense.
11. Lost, Destroyed or Stolen Certificates. If any Certificate representing Shares has been lost, destroyed or stolen, then the stockholder should promptly notify American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”), at (800) 937-5449, regarding the requirements for replacement. The stockholder will then be instructed as to the steps that must be taken in order to replace such Certificate(s). You may be required to post a bond to secure against the risk that the Certificate(s) may be subsequently recirculated. You are urged to contact the Transfer Agent immediately in order to receive further instructions and for a determination of whether you will need to post a bond and to permit timely processing of this documentation. This Letter of Transmittal and related documents cannot be processed until the procedures for replacing lost, destroyed or stolen Certificates have been followed.
Certificates evidencing tendered Shares, or a Book-Entry Confirmation into the Depositary’s account at DTC, as well as this Letter of Transmittal, properly completed and duly executed, with any required signature guarantees, or an Agent’s Message (if utilized in lieu of this Letter of Transmittal in connection with a book-entry transfer), and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be received before the Expiration Date.
IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION
Under United States federal income tax law, a stockholder who is a United States person (as defined for United States federal income tax purposes) surrendering Shares must, unless an exemption applies, provide the Depositary (as payer) with the stockholder’s correct TIN on IRS Form W-9, a copy of which is included in this Letter of Transmittal. If the stockholder is an individual, then the stockholder’s TIN is such stockholder’s Social Security number. If the correct TIN is not provided, then the stockholder may be subject to a $50 penalty imposed by the IRS and payments of cash to the stockholder (or other payee) pursuant to the Offer may be subject to backup withholding of a portion of all payments of the purchase price.
Certain stockholders (including, among others, corporations and certain foreign individuals) may not be subject to backup withholding and reporting requirements. In order for an exempt foreign stockholder to avoid backup withholding, such person should complete, sign and submit an appropriate IRS Form W-8 signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to his, her or its exempt status. An IRS Form W-8 can be obtained from the Depositary or the Internal Revenue Service (www.irs.gov/formspubs/index.html). Such stockholders should consult a tax advisor to determine which IRS Form W-8 is appropriate. Exempt stockholders, other than foreign stockholders, should furnish their TIN, check the “Exempt payee” box on the IRS Form W-9 and sign, date and return the IRS Form W-9 to the Depositary in order to avoid erroneous backup withholding. See the instructions enclosed with the IRS Form W-9 included in this Letter of Transmittal for additional instructions. Entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes holding Shares should consult their own tax advisors regarding their treatment for purposes of these instructions.
If backup withholding applies, the Depositary is required to withhold and pay over to the IRS a portion of any payment made to a stockholder. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the United States federal income tax liability of persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If backup withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained from the IRS if required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Purpose of IRS Form W-9
To prevent backup withholding on payments that are made to a stockholder that is a United States person with respect to Shares purchased pursuant to the Offer, the stockholder is required to notify the Depositary of the stockholder’s correct TIN by completing the IRS Form W-9 included in this Letter of Transmittal certifying that (1) the TIN provided on the IRS Form W-9 is correct (or that such stockholder is awaiting a TIN), (2) the stockholder is not subject to backup withholding
10
because (i) the stockholder is exempt from backup withholding, (ii) the stockholder has not been notified by the IRS that the stockholder is subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest and dividends or (iii) the IRS has notified the stockholder that the stockholder is no longer subject to backup withholding, and (3) the stockholder is a United States person (as defined for United States federal income tax purposes). The following section, entitled “What Number to Give the Depositary,” is applicable only to stockholders that are United States persons.
What Number to Give the Depositary
The tendering stockholder is required to give the Depositary the TIN, generally the Social Security number or employer identification number, of the record holder of all Shares tendered hereby. If such Shares are in more than one name or are not in the name of the actual owner, consult the instructions enclosed with the IRS Form W-9 included in this Letter of Transmittal for additional guidance on which number to report. If the tendering stockholder has not been issued a TIN and has applied for a number or intends to apply for a number in the near future, such stockholder should write “Applied For” in the space for the TIN on the IRS Form W-9, sign and date the IRS Form W-9 and sign and date the Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number below. If the tendering stockholder writes “Applied For” in the space for the TIN and the Depositary is not provided with a TIN by the time of payment, the Depositary will withhold a portion of all payments of the purchase price, which will be refunded if a TIN is provided to the Depositary within sixty (60) days of the Depositary’s receipt of the Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number. If the Depositary is provided with an incorrect TIN in connection with such payments, then the stockholder may be subject to a $50 penalty imposed by the IRS.
NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE IRS FORM W-9 INCLUDED IN THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL MAY RESULT IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING AT THE APPLICABLE WITHHOLDING RATE OF A PORTION OF ANY PAYMENTS MADE TO YOU PURSUANT TO THE OFFER. PLEASE REVIEW THE INSTRUCTIONS ENCLOSED WITH THE IRS FORM W-9 INCLUDED IN THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS. YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATE IF YOU WROTE “APPLIED FOR” IN THE SPACE FOR THE TIN ON THE IRS FORM W-9.
11
CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
I certify under penalties of perjury that a taxpayer identification number has not been issued to me, and either (1) I have mailed or delivered an application to receive a taxpayer identification number to the appropriate IRS Center or Social Security Administration Office, or (2) I intend to mail or deliver an application in the near future. I understand that if I do not provide a taxpayer identification number by the time of payment, a portion of all reportable payments made to me will be withheld, but that such amounts will be refunded to me if I then provide a Taxpayer Identification Number within sixty (60) days.
|
|
| |
| Signature | Date |
12
| Form W-9 (Rev. August 2013) Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service |
Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification |
Give Form to the requester. Do not |
| Print or type See Specific Instructions on page 2.
|
Name (as shown on your income tax return)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Business name/disregarded entity name, if different from above
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Check appropriate box for federal tax classification: |
Exemptions (see instructions):
Exempt payee code
(if any)
Exemption from FATCA
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ¨ Individual/sole proprietor ¨ C Corporation ¨ S Corporation ¨ Partnership ¨ Trust/estate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ¨ Limited liability company. Enter the tax classification (C=C corporation, S=S corporation, P=partnership) u | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ¨ Other (see instructions) u | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Address (number, street, and apt. or suite no.)
|
Requester’s name and address (optional) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
City, state, and ZIP code
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
List account number(s) here (optional)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Part I | Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) |
|
Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. The TIN provided must match the name given on the “Name” line to avoid backup withholding. For individuals, this is your social security number (SSN). However, for a resident alien, sole proprietor, or disregarded entity, see the Part I instructions on page 3. For other entities, it is your employer identification number (EIN). If you do not have a number, see How to get a TIN on page 3.
Note. If the account is in more than one name, see the chart on page 4 for guidelines on whose number to enter.
|
||||||||||||||||||
| Social security number | ||||||||||||||||||
| – | – | |||||||||||||||||
| Employer identification number | ||||||||||||||||||
| – | ||||||||||||||||||
| Part II | Certification |
Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:
| 1. | The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me), and |
| 2. | I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding, and |
| 3. | I am a U.S. citizen or other U.S. person (defined below), and |
| 4. | The FATCA code(s) entered on this form (if any) indicating that I am exempt from FATCA reporting is correct. |
Certification instructions. You must cross out item 2 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding because you have failed to report all interest and dividends on your tax return. For real estate transactions, item 2 does not apply. For mortgage interest paid, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, contributions to an individual retirement arrangement (IRA), and generally, payments other than interest and dividends, you are not required to sign the certification, but you must provide your correct TIN. See the instructions on page 3.
| Sign Here |
Signature of U.S. person u |
Date u |
| Cat. No. 10231X | Form W-9 (Rev. 8-2013) |
| Form W-9 (Rev. 8-2013) |
Page 2 |
| Form W-9 (Rev. 8-2013) |
Page 3 |
| Form W-9 (Rev. 8-2013) |
Page 4 |
| Form W-9 (Rev. 8-2013) |
Page 5 |
Privacy Act Notice
Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code requires you to provide your correct TIN to persons (including federal agencies) who are required to file information returns with the IRS to report interest, dividends, or certain other income paid to you; mortgage interest you paid; the acquisition or abandonment of secured property; the cancellation of debt; or contributions you made to an IRA, Archer MSA, or HSA. The person collecting this form uses the information on the form to file information returns with the IRS, reporting the above information. Routine uses of this information include giving it to the Department of Justice for civil and criminal litigation and to cities, states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. commonwealths and possessions for use in administering their laws. The information also may be disclosed to other countries under a treaty, to federal and state agencies to enforce civil and criminal laws, or to federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies to combat terrorism. You must provide your TIN whether or not you are required to file a tax return. Under section 3406, payers must generally withhold a percentage of taxable interest, dividend, and certain other payments to a payee who does not give a TIN to the payer. Certain penalties may also apply for providing false or fraudulent information.
The Depositary for the Offer is:
| If delivering by mail:
Computershare Trust Company, N.A c/o Voluntary Corporate Actions P.O. Box 43011 Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3011 |
If delivering by hand or courier:
Computershare Trust Company, N.A c/o Voluntary Corporate Actions 250 Royall Street, Suite V Canton, MA 02021 |
Other Information:
Questions or requests for assistance or additional copies of this Letter of Transmittal and/or the Offer to Purchase may be directed to the Information Agent at its location and telephone numbers set forth below. Stockholders may also contact their broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Offer.
The Information Agent for the Offer is:
Innisfree M&A Incorporated
501 Madison Avenue, 20th floor
New York, NY 10022
Stockholders may call toll free: 1-888-750-5834
Banks and Brokers may call collect: 1-212-750-5833