Exhibit (a)(1)(B)

 

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

To Tender Shares of Common Stock

of

BURGER KING HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation

at

$24.00 NET PER SHARE

Pursuant to the Offer to Purchase dated September 16, 2010

by

BLUE ACQUISITION SUB, INC., a Delaware corporation

a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of

BLUE ACQUISITION HOLDING CORPORATION, a Delaware

corporation

 

 

The Depositary for the Tender Offer is:

 

BNY MELLON SHAREOWNER SERVICES

 

 

 

Delivery of this Letter of Transmittal to an address other than as set forth above or transmission of this Letter of Transmittal via facsimile to a number other than as set forth above will not constitute a valid delivery to the Depositary. 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 this Letter of Transmittal is completed.

 

 

The Offer (as defined below) is not being made to (nor will tender of Shares (as defined below) be accepted from or on behalf of) stockholders in any jurisdiction where it would be illegal to do so.

 

This Letter of Transmittal is to be used by stockholders of Burger King Holdings, Inc. (which we refer to as “Burger King”) if certificates for Shares (which we refer to as “Share Certificates”) are to be forwarded herewith or if delivery of Shares is to be made by book-entry transfer to an account maintained by the Depositary at DTC (pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase).

 

Stockholders whose Share Certificates are not immediately available, or who cannot complete the procedure for book-entry transfer on a timely basis, or who cannot deliver all other required documents to the Depositary prior to the Expiration Date (as defined in Section 1 of the Offer to Purchase), must tender their Shares according to the guaranteed delivery procedure set forth in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase in order to participate in the Offer. See Instruction 2. Delivery of documents to DTC does not constitute delivery to the Depositary.

 

Additional Information if Shares Have Been Lost, Are Being Delivered By Book-Entry Transfer, or Are
Being Delivered Pursuant to a Previous Notice of Guaranteed Delivery

 

If any Share Certificate(s) you are tendering with this Letter of Transmittal has been lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated, then you should contact The Bank of New York Mellon, as transfer agent (which we refer to as the “Transfer Agent”), at (800) 524-4458, regarding the requirements for replacement. You may be required to post a bond to secure against the risk that the Share Certificate(s) may be subsequently recirculated. You are urged to contact the Transfer Agent immediately in order to receive further instructions, for a determination of whether you will need to post a bond and to permit timely processing of this documentation. See Instruction 11.

 

NOTE: SIGNATURES MUST BE PROVIDED BELOW.
PLEASE READ ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

The undersigned hereby tenders to Blue Acquisition Sub, Inc, a Delaware corporation (which we refer to as the “Purchaser”) and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Blue Acquisition Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation (which we refer to as “Parent”), the above described shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (which we refer to as “Shares”), of Burger King Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (which we refer to as “Burger King”), pursuant to Purchaser’s offer to purchase all outstanding Shares, at a purchase price of $24.00 per share, net to the tendering stockholder in cash (which we refer to as the “Offer Price”), without interest and less any required withholding taxes, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated September 16, 2010 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, what we refer to as 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, what we refer to as this “Letter of Transmittal” and, together with the Offer to Purchase, what we refer to as the “Offer”).

 

Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer (and if the Offer is extended or amended, the terms and conditions of any such extension or amendment) 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 any and all dividends, distributions, rights, other Shares or other securities issued or issuable in respect thereof on or after September 16, 2010 (which we refer to collectively as “Distributions”)) and irrevocably constitutes and appoints BNY Mellon Shareowner Services (which we refer to as the “Depositary”) the true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact of the undersigned with respect to such Shares (and any 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 Share Certificates for such Shares (and any and all Distributions) or transfer ownership of such Shares (and any and all Distributions) on the account books maintained by the 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 any and all Distributions) for transfer on the books of Burger King and (iii) receive all benefits and otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial ownership of such Shares (and any and all Distributions), all in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer.

 

By executing this Letter of Transmittal, the undersigned hereby irrevocably appoints Alexandre Behring Costa and Daniel Schwartz, and any other designees of Purchaser, and each of them, as attorneys-in-fact and proxies of the undersigned, each with full power of substitution, (i) to vote at any annual or special meeting of Burger King’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, (ii) to execute any written consent concerning any matter 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 (iii) 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 any 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 any 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 any and all Distributions), including voting at any meeting of Burger King’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 any 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 any 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 Share 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 any 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 Share Certificate shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to such Share Certificate shall pass, only upon the proper delivery of such Share Certificate to the Depositary.

 

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).

 

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 Share 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 Share 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 Share 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 Share 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 CERTIFICATES: PLEASE CALL THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON AT 1 (800) 524-4458 TO OBTAIN NECESSARY DOCUMENTS TO REPLACE YOUR LOST SHARE CERTIFICATES.

 

Name

Address

 

Name

Address

 

Name(s)

Capacity (full title) (See Instruction 5)

Address

Area Code and Telephone No.

Tax Identification or Social Security No. (See IRS Form W-9 included herein)

Authorized Signature

Name

Name of Firm

Address

Area Code and Telephone No.

 

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 the 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 participant in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program or by any other “eligible guarantor institution,” as such term is defined in Rule 17Ad-15 under the United States Securities Exchange Act, as amended (each, what we refer to as 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.  This Letter of Transmittal is to be completed if Share Certificates are to be forwarded herewith or, unless an Agent’s Message (as defined below) is utilized, if tenders are to be made pursuant to the procedure for tender by book-entry transfer set forth in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase. Share Certificates evidencing tendered Shares, or timely confirmation of a book-entry transfer of Shares (which we refer to as a “Book-Entry Confirmation”) into the Depositary’s account at DTC, as well as this Letter of Transmittal (or a manually signed facsimile hereof), properly completed and duly executed, with any required signature guarantees, or an Agent’s Message in connection with a book-entry transfer, and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be received by the Depositary at one of its addresses set forth herein prior to the Expiration Date (as defined in Section 1 of the Offer to Purchase). Stockholders whose Share Certificates are not immediately available, or who cannot complete the procedure for delivery by book-entry transfer on a timely basis or who cannot deliver all other required documents to the Depositary prior to the Expiration Date, may tender their Shares by properly completing and duly executing a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedure set forth in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase. Pursuant to such procedure: (i) such tender must be made by or through an Eligible Institution; (ii) a properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, substantially in the form made available by Purchaser, must be received by the Depositary prior to the Expiration Date; and (iii) Share Certificates (or a Book-Entry Confirmation) evidencing all tendered Shares, in proper form for transfer, in each case together with this Letter of Transmittal (or a manually signed facsimile hereof), properly completed and duly executed, with any required signature guarantees (or, in the case of a book-entry delivery, an Agent’s Message) and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be received by the Depositary within two (2) New York Stock Exchange trading days after the date of execution of such Notice of Guaranteed Delivery. If Share Certificates are forwarded separately to the Depositary, a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal must accompany each such delivery.

 

The term “Agent’s Message” means a message, transmitted by DTC to, and received by, the Depositary and forming part of a Book-Entry Confirmation, which states that DTC has received an express acknowledgment from the participant in DTC tendering the Shares which 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 this Letter of Transmittal, Share Certificates and all other required documents, including delivery through DTC, is at the election and the risk of the tendering stockholder and the delivery of all such documents will be deemed made (and the risk of loss and title to Share Certificates will pass) only when actually received by the Depositary (including, in the case of Book-Entry Transfer, by Book-Entry Confirmation). If delivery is by mail, registered mail with return receipt requested, properly insured, is recommended. In all cases, sufficient time should be allowed to ensure timely delivery prior to the expiration of the Offer.

 

Purchaser will not accept any alternative, conditional or contingent tenders, and no fractional Shares will be purchased. By executing this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), 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, Share Certificate numbers, the number of Shares represented by such Share 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 Share Certificate delivered to the Depositary are to be tendered, fill in the number of Shares which are to be tendered in the box entitled “Total Number of Shares Tendered.” In such case, a new certificate for the remainder of Shares 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 Share 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 Share 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 Share Certificates, then it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as many separate Letters of Transmittal as there are different registrations of Share Certificates.

 

(d) Endorsements.  If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of Shares tendered hereby, then no endorsements of Share 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 Share 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 such Share 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 Share Certificates for such Shares. Signature(s) on any such Share Certificates or stock powers must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution. See Instruction 1.

 

If this Letter of Transmittal or any Share 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.

 

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 United States federal income tax or backup withholding taxes). If, however, payment of the purchase price is to be made to, or if Share 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 Share Certificate(s) are registered in the name of any person(s) other than the person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal, then the amount of any stock transfer taxes or other taxes required by reason of the payment to a person other than the registered holder(s) of such Share Certificate (in each case whether imposed on the registered holder(s) or such other person(s)) payable on account of the transfer to such other person(s) will be deducted from the purchase price of such Shares purchased unless evidence satisfactory to Purchaser of the payment of such taxes, or exemption therefrom, is submitted.

 

Except as provided in this Instruction 6, it will not be necessary for transfer tax stamps to be affixed to Share Certificate(s) evidencing the Shares tendered hereby.

 

7. Special Payment and Delivery Instructions.  If a check is to be issued for the purchase price of any Shares tendered by the Letter of Transmittal in the name of, and, if appropriate, Share Certificates for Shares not tendered or not accepted for payment are to be issued or returned to, any person(s) other than the signer of this Letter of Transmittal or if a check and, if appropriate, such Share 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. IRS Form W-9.  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 (which we refer to as “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 (which we refer to as “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 federal income tax 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, all corporations and certain foreign individuals and entities) 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, 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.

 

9. Irregularities.  All questions as to purchase price, the form of documents and the validity, eligibility (including, without limitation, time of receipt) and acceptance for payment of any tender of Shares will be determined by Purchaser in its sole discretion, which determinations shall be final and binding on all parties. Purchaser reserves the absolute right to reject any or all tenders of Shares it determines not to be in proper form or the acceptance of which or payment for which may, in the opinion of Purchaser, be unlawful. Purchaser also reserves the absolute right to waive any of the conditions of the Offer (other than the Minimum Condition (as defined in the Offer to Purchase), which may only be waived with the consent of Burger King) and any defect or irregularity in the tender of any particular Shares, and Purchaser’s interpretation of the terms of the Offer (including, without limitation, these instructions), will be final and binding on all parties. No tender of Shares will be deemed to be properly made until all defects and irregularities have been cured or waived. 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, the Information Agent (as the foregoing are defined in the Offer to Purchase) or any other person is or will be obligated to give notice of any defects or irregularities in tenders, and none of them will incur any liability for failure to give any such notice.

 

10. Requests for Additional Copies.  Questions or requests for assistance may be directed to the Information Agent at its address and telephone number set forth below or to your broker, dealer, commercial bank or trust company. Additional copies of the Offer to Purchase, this Letter of Transmittal, the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery and other tender offer materials may be obtained from the Information Agent as set forth below, and will be furnished at Purchaser’s expense.

 

11. Lost, Destroyed or Stolen Certificates.  If any Share Certificate representing Shares has been lost, destroyed or stolen, then the stockholder should promptly notify the Transfer Agent at (800) 524-4458. The stockholder will then be instructed as to the steps that must be taken in order to replace such Share Certificate(s). This Letter of Transmittal and related documents cannot be processed until the procedures for replacing lost, destroyed or stolen Share Certificates have been followed.

 

This Letter of Transmittal, properly completed and duly executed, together with Share Certificates representing Shares being tendered (or confirmation of book-entry transfer) and all other required documents, must be received before Midnight, New York City time, on the Expiration Date, or the tendering stockholder must comply with the procedures for guaranteed delivery.

 

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 $50.00 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 and entities) 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. 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.

 

If backup withholding applies, the Depositary is required to withhold and pay over to the IRS a portion (currently, 28%) 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 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 Depository,” 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 $50.00 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 OF A PORTION OF ANY PAYMENTS MADE TO YOU PURSUANT TO THE OFFER. PLEASE REVIEW THE ENCLOSED 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.

 

Signature	­ ­  Date­ ­

 

 

General Instructions

 

Section references are to the Internal Revenue Code unless otherwise noted.

 

Purpose of Form

 

A person who is required to file an information return with the IRS must obtain your correct taxpayer identification number (TIN) to report, for example, income paid to you, real estate transactions, mortgage interest you paid, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, or contributions you made to an IRA.

 

  Use Form W-9 only if you are a U.S. person (including a resident alien), to provide your correct TIN to the person requesting it (the requester) and, when applicable, to:

 

  1. Certify that the TIN you are giving is correct (or you are waiting for a number to be issued),

 

  2. Certify that you are not subject to backup withholding, or

 

  3. Claim exemption from backup withholding if you are a U.S. exempt payee. If applicable, you are also certifying that as a U.S. person, your allocable share of any partnership income from a U.S. trade or business is not subject to the withholding tax on foreign partners’ share of effectively connected income.

 

Note. If a requester gives you a form other than Form W-9 to request your TIN, you must use the requester’s form if it is substantially similar to this Form W-9.

 

Definition of a U.S. person. For federal tax purposes, you are considered a U.S. person if you are:

 

• An individual who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien,

 

• A partnership, corporation, company, or association created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States,

 

• An estate (other than a foreign estate), or

 

• A domestic trust (as defined in Regulations section 301.7701-7).

 

Special rules for partnerships. Partnerships that conduct a trade or business in the United States are generally required to pay a withholding tax on any foreign partners’ share of income from such business. Further, in certain cases where a Form W-9 has not been received, a partnership is required to presume that a partner is a foreign person, and pay the withholding tax. Therefore, if you are a U.S. person that is a partner in a partnership conducting a trade or business in the United States, provide Form W-9 to the partnership to establish your U.S. status and avoid withholding on your share of partnership income.

 

  The person who gives Form W-9 to the partnership for purposes of establishing its U.S. status and avoiding withholding on its allocable share of net income from the partnership conducting a trade or business in the United States is in the following cases:

 

• The U.S. owner of a disregarded entity and not the entity,

 

 

• The U.S. grantor or other owner of a grantor trust and not the trust, and

 

• The U.S. trust (other than a grantor trust) and not the beneficiaries of the trust.

 

Foreign person. If you are a foreign person, do not use Form W-9. Instead, use the appropriate Form W-8 (see Publication 515, Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities).

 

Nonresident alien who becomes a resident alien. Generally, only a nonresident alien individual may use the terms of a tax treaty to reduce or eliminate U.S. tax on certain types of income. However, most tax treaties contain a provision known as a “saving clause.” Exceptions specified in the saving clause may permit an exemption from tax to continue for certain types of income even after the payee has otherwise become a U.S. resident alien for tax purposes.

 

If you are a U.S. resident alien who is relying on an exception contained in the saving clause of a tax treaty to claim an exemption from U.S. tax on certain types of income, you must attach a statement to Form W-9 that specifies the following five items:

 

  1. The treaty country. Generally, this must be the same treaty under which you claimed exemption from tax as a nonresident alien.

 

  2. The treaty article addressing the income.

 

  3. The article number (or location) in the tax treaty that contains the saving clause and its exceptions.

 

  4. The type and amount of income that qualifies for the exemption from tax.

 

  5. Sufficient facts to justify the exemption from tax under the terms of the treaty article.

 

Example. Article 20 of the U.S.-China income tax treaty allows an exemption from tax for scholarship income received by a Chinese student temporarily present in the United States. Under U.S. law, this student will become a resident alien for tax purposes if his or her stay in the United States exceeds 5 calendar years. However, paragraph 2 of the first Protocol to the U.S.-China treaty (dated April 30, 1984) allows the provisions of Article 20 to continue to apply even after the Chinese student becomes a resident alien of the United States. A Chinese student who qualifies for this exception (under paragraph 2 of the first protocol) and is relying on this exception to claim an exemption from tax on his or her scholarship or fellowship income would attach to Form W-9 a statement that includes the information described above to support that exemption.

 

  If you are a nonresident alien or a foreign entity not subject to backup withholding, give the requester the appropriate completed Form W-8.

 

What is backup withholding? Persons making certain payments to you must under certain conditions withhold and pay to the IRS 28% of such payments. This is called “backup withholding.” Payments that may be subject to backup withholding include interest, tax-exempt interest, dividends, broker and barter exchange transactions, rents, royalties, nonemployee pay, and certain payments from fishing boat operators. Real estate transactions are not subject to backup withholding.

 

  You will not be subject to backup withholding on payments you receive if you give the requester your correct TIN, make the proper certifications, and report all your taxable interest and dividends on your tax return.

 

  Payments you receive will be subject to backup withholding if:

 

  1. You do not furnish your TIN to the requester,

 

  2. You do not certify your TIN when required (see the Part II instructions on page 3 for details),

 

  3. The IRS tells the requester that you furnished an incorrect TIN,

 

  4. The IRS tells you that you are subject to backup withholding because you did not report all your interest and dividends on your tax return (for reportable interest and dividends only), or

 

  5. You do not certify to the requester that you are not subject to backup withholding under 4 above (for reportable interest and dividend accounts opened after 1983 only).

 

  Certain payees and payments are exempt from backup withholding. See the instructions below and the separate Instructions for the Requester of Form W-9.

 

  Also see Special rules for partnerships on page 1.

 

Penalties

 

Failure to furnish TIN. If you fail to furnish your correct TIN to a requester, you are subject to a penalty of $50 for each such failure unless your failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect.

 

Civil penalty for false information with respect to withholding. If you make a false statement with no reasonable basis that results in no backup withholding, you are subject to a $500 penalty.

 

Criminal penalty for falsifying information. Willfully falsifying certifications or affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties including fines and/or imprisonment.

 

Misuse of TINs. If the requester discloses or uses TINs in violation of federal law, the requester may be subject to civil and criminal penalties.

 

Specific Instructions

 

Name

 

If you are an individual, you must generally enter the name shown on your income tax return. However, if you have changed your last name, for instance, due to marriage without informing the Social Security Administration of the name change, enter your first name, the last name shown on your social security card, and your new last name.

 

  If the account is in joint names, list first, and then circle, the name of the person or entity whose number you entered in Part I of the form.

 

  Sole proprietor. Enter your individual name as shown on your income tax return on the “Name” line. You may enter your business, trade, or “doing business as (DBA)” name on the “Business name” line.

 

  Limited liability company (LLC). Check the “Limited liability company” box only and enter the appropriate code for the tax classification (“D” for disregarded entity, “C” for corporation, “P” for partnership) in the space provided.

 

  For a single-member LLC (including a foreign LLC with a domestic owner) that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner under Regulations section 301.7701-3, enter the owner’s name on the “Name” line. Enter the LLC’s name on the “Business name” line.

 

  For an LLC classified as a partnership or a corporation, enter the LLC’s name on the “Name” line and any business, trade, or DBA name on the “Business name” line.

 

Other entities. Enter your business name as shown on required federal tax documents on the “Name” line. This name should match the name shown on the charter or other legal document creating the entity. You may enter any business, trade, or DBA name on the “Business name” line.

 

Note. You are requested to check the appropriate box for your status (individual/sole proprietor, corporation, etc.).

 

Exempt Payee

 

If you are exempt from backup withholding, enter your name as described above and check the appropriate box for your status, then check the “Exempt payee” box in the line following the business name, sign and date the form.

 

Generally, individuals (including sole proprietors) are not exempt from backup withholding. Corporations are exempt from backup withholding for certain payments, such as interest and dividends.

 

Note. If you are exempt from backup withholding, you should still complete this form to avoid possible erroneous backup withholding.

 

  The following payees are exempt from backup withholding:

 

  1. An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a), any IRA, or a custodial account under section 403(b)(7) if the account satisfies the requirements of section 401(f)(2),

 

  2. The United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities,

 

  3. A state, the District of Columbia, a possession of the United States, or any of their political subdivisions or instrumentalities,

 

  4. A foreign government or any of its political subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities, or

 

  5. An international organization or any of its agencies or instrumentalities.

 

  Other payees that may be exempt from backup withholding include:

 

  6. A corporation,

 

  7. A foreign central bank of issue,

 

  8. A dealer in securities or commodities required to register in the United States, the District of Columbia, or a possession of the United States,

 

  9. A futures commission merchant registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission,

 

  10. A real estate investment trust,

 

  11. An entity registered at all times during the tax year under the Investment Company Act of 1940,

 

  12. A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 584(a),

 

  13. A financial institution,

 

  14. A middleman known in the investment community as a nominee or custodian, or

 

  15. A trust exempt from tax under section 664 or described in section 4947.

 

  The chart below shows types of payments that may be exempt from backup withholding. The chart applies to the exempt payees listed above, 1 through 15.

 

 

¹See Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, and its instructions.

 

²However, the following payments made to a corporation (including gross proceeds paid to an attorney under section 6045(f), even if the attorney is a corporation) and reportable on Form 1099-MISC are not exempt from backup withholding: medical and health care payments, attorneys’ fees, and payments for services paid by a federal executive agency.

 

Part I. Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)

 

Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. If you are a resident alien and you do not have and are not eligible to get an SSN, your TIN is your IRS individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). Enter it in the social security number box. If you do not have an ITIN, see How to get a TIN below.

 

  If you are a sole proprietor and you have an EIN, you may enter either your SSN or EIN. However, the IRS prefers that you use your SSN.

 

  If you are a single-member LLC that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner (see Limited liability company (LLC) on page 2), enter the owner’s SSN (or EIN, if the owner has one). Do not enter the disregarded entity’s EIN. If the LLC is classified as a corporation or partnership, enter the entity’s EIN.

 

Note. See the chart on page 4 for further clarification of name and TIN combinations.

 

How to get a TIN. If you do not have a TIN, apply for one immediately. To apply for an SSN, get Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, from your local Social Security Administration office or get this form online at www.ssa.gov. You may also get this form by calling 1-800-772-1213. Use Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, to apply for an ITIN, or Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, to apply for an EIN. You can apply for an EIN online by accessing the IRS website at www.irs.gov/businesses and clicking on Employer Identification Number (EIN) under Starting a Business. You can get Forms W-7 and SS-4 from the IRS by visiting www.irs.gov or by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676).

 

  If you are asked to complete Form W-9 but do not have a TIN, write “Applied For” in the space for the TIN, sign and date the form, and give it to the requester. For interest and dividend payments, and certain payments made with respect to readily tradable instruments, generally you will have 60 days to get a TIN and give it to the requester before you are subject to backup withholding on payments. The 60-day rule does not apply to other types of payments. You will be subject to backup withholding on all such payments until you provide your TIN to the requester.

 

Note. Entering “Applied For” means that you have already applied for a TIN or that you intend to apply for one soon.

 

Caution: A disregarded domestic entity that has a foreign owner must use the appropriate Form W-8.

 

Part II. Certification

 

To establish to the withholding agent that you are a U.S. person, or resident alien, sign Form W-9. You may be requested to sign by the withholding agent even if items 1, 4, and 5 below indicate otherwise.

 

For a joint account, only the person whose TIN is shown in Part I should sign (when required). Exempt payees, see Exempt Payee on page 3.

 

Signature requirements. Complete the certification as indicated in 1 through 5 below.

 

  1. Interest, dividend, and barter exchange accounts opened before 1984 and broker accounts considered active during 1983. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification.

 

  2. Interest, dividend, broker, and barter exchange accounts opened after 1983 and broker accounts considered inactive during 1983. You must sign the certification or backup withholding will apply. If you are subject to backup withholding and you are merely providing your correct TIN to the requester, you must cross out item 2 in the certification before signing the form.

 

 

  3. Real estate transactions. You must sign the certification. You may cross out item 2 of the certification.

 

  4. Other payments. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification unless you have been notified that you have previously given an incorrect TIN. “Other payments” include payments made in the course of the requester’s trade or business for rents, royalties, goods (other than bills for merchandise), medical and health care services (including payments to corporations), payments to a nonemployee for services, payments to certain fishing boat crew members and fishermen, and gross proceeds paid to attorneys (including payments to corporations).

 

  5. Mortgage interest paid by you, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, qualified tuition program payments (under section 529), IRA, Coverdell ESA, Archer MSA or HSA contributions or distributions, and pension distributions. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification.

 

 

¹List first and circle the name of the person whose number you furnish. If only one person on a joint account has an SSN, that person’s number must be furnished.

 

²Circle the minor’s name and furnish the minor’s SSN.

 

³You must show your individual name and you may also enter your business or “DBA” name on the second line. You may use either your SSN or EIN (if you have one), but the IRS encourages you to use your SSN.

 

⁴List first and circle the name of the trust, estate, or pension trust. (Do not furnish the TIN of the personal representative or trustee unless the legal entity itself is not designated in the account title.) Also see Special rules for partnerships on page 1.

 

Note. If no name is circled when more than one name is listed, the number will be considered to be that of the first name listed.

 

Secure Your Tax Records from Identity Theft

 

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, social security number (SSN), or other identifying information, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. An identity thief may use your SSN to get a job or may file a tax return using your SSN to receive a refund.

 

  To reduce your risk:

 

• Protect your SSN,

 

• Ensure your employer is protecting your SSN, and

 

• Be careful when choosing a tax preparer.

 

  Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 if you think your identity has been used inappropriately for tax purposes.

 

  Victims of identity theft who are experiencing economic harm or a system problem, or are seeking help in resolving tax problems that have not been resolved through normal channels, may be eligible for Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) assistance. You can reach TAS by calling the TAS toll-free case intake line at 1-877-777-4778 or TTY/TDD 1-800-829-4059.

 

  Protect yourself from suspicious emails or phishing schemes. Phishing is the creation and use of email and websites designed to mimic legitimate business emails and websites. The most common act is sending an email to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft.

 

  The IRS does not initiate contacts with taxpayers via emails. Also, the IRS does not request personal detailed information through email or ask taxpayers for the PIN numbers, passwords, or similar secret access information for their credit card, bank, or other financial accounts.

 

  If you receive an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, forward this message to phishing@irs.gov. You may also report misuse of the IRS name, logo, or other IRS personal property to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484. You can forward suspicious emails to the Federal Trade Commission at: spam@uce.gov or contact them at www.consumer.gov/idtheft or 1-877-IDTHEFT(438-4338).

 

  Visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov to learn more about identity theft and how to reduce your risk.

 

Privacy Act Notice

 

Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code requires you to provide your correct TIN to persons who must file information returns with the IRS to report interest, dividends, and certain other income paid to you, mortgage interest you paid, the acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, or contributions you made to an IRA, or Archer MSA or HSA. The IRS uses the numbers for identification purposes and to help verify the accuracy of your tax return. The IRS may also provide this information to the Department of Justice for civil and criminal litigation, and to cities, states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. possessions to carry out their tax laws. We may also disclose this information to other countries under a tax treaty, to federal and state agencies to enforce federal nontax 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. Payers must generally withhold 28% of taxable interest, dividend, and certain other payments to a payee who does not give a TIN to a payer. Certain penalties may also apply.

 

The Depositary for the Offer is:

 

BNY MELLON SHAREOWNER SERVICES

 

 

 

Questions or requests for assistance may be directed to the Information Agent at the address and telephone numbers listed below. Additional copies of the Offer to Purchase, this Letter of Transmittal and the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may also be obtained from the Information Agent. Stockholders may also contact their broker, dealer, commercial bank or trust company for assistance concerning the tender offer.

 

The Information Agent for the Offer is:

 

D.F. King & Co., Inc.
48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor
New York, New York 10005
Banks and Brokers Call Collect: (212) 269-5550
All Others Call Toll-Free: (800) 714-3313
Email: tender@dfking.com