As Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 5, 2002
Registration No. 333-
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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Sara Lee Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Maryland 36-2089049
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification Number)
Three First National Plaza
Chicago, Illinois 60602-4260
(312) 726-2600
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
registrant's principal executive offices)
RODERICK A. PALMORE
Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary
Sara Lee Corporation
Three First National Plaza
Chicago, Illinois 60602-4260
(312) 726-2600
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
of agent for service)
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Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
From time to time after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
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If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. [_]
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or
interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [_]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [_]
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CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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Proposed Maximum Proposed Maximum
Title of Each Class of Amount to Offering Price Aggregate Amount of
Securities to be Registered be Registered(1) Per Unit(2) Offering Price(2) Registration Fee
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Debt Securities (3).....................
Warrants to Purchase Debt Securities (4)
Common Stock, $.01 par value (5)(6).....
Warrants to Purchase Common Stock (4)...
Preferred Stock, no par value (6).......
Currency Warrants....................... $2,000,000,000 100% $2,000,000,000 $184,000
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(1) Such indeterminate number or amounts of debt securities, warrants to
purchase debt securities, common stock, warrants to purchase common stock,
preferred stock and currency warrants as may from time to time be issued at
indeterminate prices. The amount registered is in U.S. dollars or the
equivalent thereof in foreign currency or currency units.
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
pursuant to Rule 457 under the Securities Act. The aggregate public
offering price of the securities registered hereby will not exceed
$2,000,000,000 in U.S. dollars or the equivalent thereof in foreign
currency or currency units.
(3) Debt securities may be issued at an original issue discount.
(4) Warrants to purchase debt securities may be offered and sold separately or
together with other debt securities. Warrants to purchase common stock may
be offered and sold separately or together with debt securities or shares
of common stock.
(5) The common stock includes preferred stock purchase rights which, prior to
the occurrence of certain events, will not be exercisable or evidenced
separately from the common stock.
(6) Also includes such indeterminate number of shares of common stock and
preferred stock as may be issued upon conversion or exchange of any debt
securities or preferred stock that provide for conversion into or exchange
for other securities. No separate consideration will be received for the
common stock or preferred stock issuable upon such conversion or exchange.
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The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant
shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration
Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting
pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
Pursuant to Rule 429 under the Securities Act, this Registration Statement
contains a combined prospectus that also relates to $140,000,000 maximum
aggregate offering price of securities previously registered pursuant to Sara
Lee Corporation's registration statement on Form S-3
(File No. 333-96173) and not issued. The filing fee associated with such
securities was previously paid with that registration statement.
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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may
not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an
offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion, Dated March 5, 2002
Prospectus
$2,140,000,000
Sara Lee Corporation
Debt Securities, Debt Warrants, Common Stock, Common Stock Warrants,
Preferred Stock and Currency Warrants
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Sara Lee Corporation intends to offer at one or more times the following
securities with a total offering price not to exceed $2,140,000,000 (or the
equivalent thereof in foreign currency or currency units):
.. debt securities;
.. warrants to purchase debt securities (debt warrants);
.. shares of our common stock;
.. warrants to purchase shares of our common stock (common stock warrants);
.. shares of our preferred stock; and
.. warrants to receive from us the cash value in U.S. dollars of the right to
purchase or sell foreign currency or currency units to be designated
by us at the time of the offering (currency warrants).
We will describe the terms of these securities in supplements to this
prospectus. You should read the prospectus and the supplements carefully before
you invest.
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
"SLE."
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This prospectus may be used to offer and sell these securities only if
accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if
this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is
a criminal offense.
The date of this Prospectus is , 2002
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About this Prospectus...................................................... 1
Where You Can Find More Information........................................ 1
Forward-Looking Information................................................ 2
Sara Lee Corporation....................................................... 3
Use of Proceeds............................................................ 4
Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges........................................ 4
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of Income...................... 5
Description of Debt Securities............................................. 10
Description of Debt Warrants............................................... 16
Description of Common Stock and Preferred Stock............................ 17
Description of Common Stock Warrants....................................... 20
Description of Currency Warrants........................................... 21
Plan of Distribution....................................................... 22
Legal Matters.............................................................. 23
Experts.................................................................... 23
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") utilizing a "shelf" registration
process. Under this shelf process, we may, from time to time, sell the
securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings with a total
offering price not to exceed $2,140,000,000. This prospectus provides you with
a general description of the securities. Each time we sell securities, we will
provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about
the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or
change information in this prospectus. Please carefully read both this
prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information
described under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information."
We are not making an offer to sell, or soliciting an offer to buy, the
securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any
prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the
front of each of those documents, respectively.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and special reports and other information with the
SEC. You may read and copy any document we file at the SEC's public reference
room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference
room. You may also read and copy those documents at the offices of: The New
York Stock Exchange, Inc., 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005; the
Chicago Stock Exchange, Incorporated, 440 South LaSalle Street, Chicago,
Illinois 60605; and The Pacific Exchange, Incorporated, 301 Pine Street, San
Francisco, California 94104. Our SEC filings are also available to the public
over the Internet on the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov.
The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we file with
them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by
referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is
considered to be part of this prospectus, and information that we file later
with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We
incorporate by reference the following documents we filed with the SEC (file
number 001-3344) and any future filings that we make with the SEC under Section
13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until we or
any underwriters sell all of the securities:
. our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended June 30, 2001;
. our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for our fiscal quarters ended
September 29, 2001 and December 29, 2001;
. our Current Reports on Form 8-K dated August 21, 2001, September 4, 2001
and September 24, 2001;
. our Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated August 8, 2001, as amended; and
. the description of our common stock contained in our Registration
Statement on Form 8-A (File No. 001-3344), filed with the SEC on May 11,
1988, as amended, and
1
the description of the related preferred stock purchase rights contained
in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A (File No. 001-3344), filed with
the SEC on May 19, 1998.
You may request a copy of these filings at no cost, by writing us at the
following address:
Sara Lee Corporation
Three First National Plaza
70 W. Madison Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Attn: Investor Relations and Corporate Affairs Dept.
or by calling (800) 654-SARA toll free from within the U.S. or (201) 433-7522
from outside the U.S.
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. We have not
authorized anyone to provide you with any additional information.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement, including the
information we incorporate by reference, contain certain "forward-looking
statements" discussing our expectations regarding future performance. These
forward-looking statements are based on currently available competitive,
financial and economic data and our management's views and assumptions
regarding future events. Such forward-looking statements are inherently
uncertain, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or
implied herein. Consequently, we wish to caution you not to place undue
reliance on any forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could impact
our ability to achieve our stated goals are the following:
. impacts on reported earnings from fluctuations in foreign currency
exchange rates--particularly the euro--given our significant
concentration of business in Western Europe;
. significant competitive activity, including advertising, promotional and
price competition, and changes in consumer demand for our products;
. adverse economic trends, including reduced consumer spending, relating in
part to incidents of terrorism and the global repercussions from such
incidents;
. our ability to continue to source production and conduct manufacturing
and selling operations in various countries in the world due to changing
political environments and the impacts on the related business
environment;
. our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions, particularly The
Earthgrains Company, into our existing operations and the availability of
new acquisitions, joint ventures and alliance opportunities that build
stockholder value;
. fluctuations in the cost and availability of various raw materials;
. the impact of foot-and-mouth viral disease in parts of Europe on the
consumption of meat products in general and the cost of raw materials not
impacted by the disease used in the production of finished goods;
. our ability to complete activities anticipated in our business reshaping
programs, and our ability to realize the estimated savings and
productivity improvements associated with these programs;
. credit and other business risks associated with customers operating in a
highly competitive retail environment; and
. inherent risks in the marketplace associated with new product
introductions, including uncertainties about trade and consumer
acceptance.
In addition, our results may also be affected by general factors, such as
economic conditions, political developments, interest and inflation rates,
accounting standards, taxes and laws and regulations in markets where we
compete.
2
SARA LEE CORPORATION
We are a global manufacturer and marketer of brand name products for
consumers throughout the world. With headquarters in Chicago, we have
operations in 58 countries and market branded consumer products in over 180
countries.
We organize our business into three major global business segments:
. Sara Lee Food and Beverage;
. Intimates and Underwear; and
. Household Products.
For financial reporting purposes, our businesses are divided into five
industry segments--Sara Lee Meats, Bakery, Beverage, Household Products and
Intimates and Underwear.
Sara Lee Food and Beverage
Food and Beverage's primary focus is packaged meats, bakery products and
coffee and tea beverages. Our Food business consists of packaged meats and
baked goods. We believe that we are the world's largest packaged meats company.
At the end of fiscal 2001, we held the number-two retail position in the $11
billion U.S. packaged meats industry, holding a leading position in the key
categories of hot dogs, corn dogs, smoked sausage, breakfast sausage, cocktail
links and breakfast sandwiches. We also have the largest packaged meats
business in Europe and hold a leading position in Mexico. Our bakery business
produces a wide variety of fresh and frozen baked and specialty items, many of
which are marketed under the Sara Lee brand. Our acquisition of The Earthgrains
Company in August 2001, in combination with our existing bakery business, will
create a $3.4 billion bakery business and we believe will provide significant
opportunities for expanding the Sara Lee name into the fresh bakery market,
particularly by utilizing Earthgrains' direct-store delivery system to
merchandise Sara Lee branded products.
Our Beverage business includes retail and foodservice coffee and tea sales
in major markets around the world. We hold a leading position in coffee in
Brazil, many European countries and in the U.S. foodservice market. We hold the
number-three position in the U.S. retail coffee market, and we rank number one
or number two in tea in many European countries.
Intimates and Underwear
Our Intimates and Underwear business, which is one of the largest apparel
businesses in the world, focuses on basic, branded "innerwear"
products--intimates, underwear and legwear. We hold leading share positions in
intimate apparel, underwear and legwear in North America, Europe and several
Latin American countries with a portfolio of well-known brands including Hanes,
Hanes Her Way, Playtex, L'eggs, Dim, Bali, Just My Size, Wonderbra and Lovable.
Household Products
Household Products is our most global line of business. It includes our
household and personal products businesses as well as our Direct Selling
division. At the end of fiscal 2001, we held the number-one position in the
bath and shower products category in Europe, and also held leading positions in
air fresheners and insecticides. Additionally, through our global Kiwi brand,
we have a leading position in the shoe care category worldwide. Our Direct
Selling businesses distribute cosmetics, fragrances, jewelry, toiletries,
apparel products and nutritional supplements directly to consumers. We have an
independent sales force of approximately 800,000 people, which makes us one of
the largest direct selling companies worldwide.
Our principal executive offices are located at Three First National Plaza,
Chicago, Illinois 60602-4260, and our telephone number is (312) 726-2600.
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USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we
will use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities for general corporate
purposes, including the repayment of existing indebtedness, future
acquisitions, capital expenditures and additions to working capital.
RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The ratios of our earnings to our fixed charges and the ratios of our
earnings to our fixed charges and preferred stock dividend requirements for
each of the periods indicated are as follows:
Twenty-six
Fiscal Year Ended(1) Weeks Ended
-------------------------------- -----------
Dec. 29,
1997 1998(2) 1999(3) 2000 2001(4) 2001(5)
---- ------- ------- ---- ------- -----------
Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.. 6.2x (0.7)x 6.3x 6.0x 6.5x 3.5x
Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges
and Preferred Stock Dividend
Requirements....................... 5.4x (0.6)x 6.0x 5.6x 6.2x 3.4x
--------
(1) Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest June 30.
(2) In 1998, we recorded a restructuring provision that reduced income from
continuing operations before income taxes by $2,038 million.
(3) Fiscal 1999 was a 53-week year. In 1999, we recorded a gain on the sale of
our tobacco business of $137 million and a product recall charge of $76
million that resulted in an increase in income from continuing operations
before taxes of $61 million.
(4) In 2001, we recorded a pre-tax charge of $554 million in connection with
certain reshaping actions, a pre-tax gain of $105 million in connection
with the IPO of our Coach Inc. subsidiary and a tax-free gain of $862
million in connection with the exchange of our stock for the stock of Coach
Inc., that resulted in an increase in income from continuing operations
before taxes of $413 million.
(5) During the first six months of fiscal 2002, we recorded a pretax charge of
$188 million in connection with certain reshaping actions.
The computation of the ratios of earnings to fixed charges is based on the
applicable amounts for us and our subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. For
these ratios, earnings include income from continuing operations before income
taxes, fixed charges and amortization of interest capitalized (but not interest
capitalized during the period). Fixed charges include interest expense
(including interest capitalized during the period) plus the portion of rents we
believe to be representative of the interest factor. For the computation of
ratios of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock dividend requirements,
preferred stock dividends have been increased to an amount representing the
pre-tax earnings that would have been required to cover such dividends.
4
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
On August 7, 2001, Sara Lee Corporation acquired The Earthgrains Company
("Earthgrains") when approximately 93% of the outstanding Earthgrains common
shares were tendered and accepted by Sara Lee. Following the completion of a
subsequent tender offer period, Sara Lee acquired the remaining Earthgrains
common shares. The results of operations for Earthgrains have been included in
the consolidated financial results of Sara Lee since August 8, 2001. In order
to comply with SEC accounting regulations that apply to registration
statements, the following unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of income
are included in this registration statement.
The following unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of income combine
the results of operations of Sara Lee and Earthgrains for the annual period
ended June 2001 and the twenty-six weeks ended December 29, 2001.
The unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of income assume that the
acquisition of Earthgrains occurred at the beginning of July 2000, which is the
beginning of fiscal year 2001.
The pro forma financial statements are based on information available at the
time these statements were prepared and certain estimates and assumptions. The
following is a summary of the significant estimates and assumptions used in
preparing the pro forma consolidated statements of income:
. Immediately prior to the expiration of Sara Lee's tender offer to acquire
Earthgrains common stock, Earthgrains had 46,572,040 issued and
outstanding shares of common stock. This includes shares of common stock
issued upon exercise of Earthgrains employee stock options. Using the
tender offer price of $40.25 per share, the total purchase price for all
outstanding Earthgrains common stock is $1,875 million.
. Sara Lee funded the purchase price with the issuance of $1.0 billion of
6.25% fixed rate debt and $.8 billion of short-term floating rate debt.
The short-term floating rate debt had a weighted average interest rate of
6.0% during fiscal year 2001 and 3.6% during the period from July 1, 2001
to August 7, 2001, the period prior to the date Sara Lee acquired
Earthgrains.
. Sara Lee adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No.
142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," as of the beginning of
fiscal year 2002. Under the provisions of this statement, intangible
assets with an indefinite life and goodwill are no longer amortized. In
preparing these pro forma statements and in order to maintain
comparability between the reported periods, the amortization of
intangible assets with an indefinite life and goodwill amortization has
been removed. Intangible assets with a finite life are amortized over
that life.
. Approximately $860 million of the Earthgrains purchase price has been
preliminarily allocated to identified intangibles. These intangible
assets consist of trademarks, owned and licensed brands, customer
relationships and merchandising procedures and have a weighted average
life of 31 years. The valuation of the intangible assets is still
preliminary.
. The Earthgrains acquisition has been accounted for under the provisions
of SFAS No. 141 and, accordingly, the purchase method of accounting has
been used. All of the excess of the purchase price over the net assets
has been allocated to goodwill. The purchase price allocation is
preliminary since the determination of the fair value of the acquired
assets and liabilities and determination of the finite lives of any
intangibles has not been finalized.
We believe that the assumptions used herein provide a reasonable basis for
presenting all of the significant effects of the acquisition in the unaudited
pro forma consolidated statements of income. However, the actual results of the
operations, financing costs, final allocation of the purchase price and other
adjustments will differ from the pro forma adjustments.
5
On September 4, 2001, Sara Lee filed with the SEC in a Current Report on
Form 8-K/A Earthgrains' consolidated financial statements for both fiscal year
2001 and the first quarter ended June 19, 2001. Sara Lee's consolidated
financial statements for fiscal year 2001 were filed with the SEC on September
27, 2001 in Sara Lee's Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of income are included
herein to show what Sara Lee's income statement might have looked like had the
Earthgrains acquisition occurred in July 2000. You should not rely on this
information as being indicative of the historical results that would have been
achieved by the combined companies had the acquisition and events described in
the notes to the unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of income actually
occurred in July 2000. Furthermore, this information may not necessarily
reflect our results of operations, financial position and cash flows in the
future.
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SARA LEE CORPORATION
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2001
Pro
Sara Lee Earthgrains Pro Forma Forma as
Reported Results (1) Reported Results (2) Adjustments Adjusted
-------------------- -------------------- ----------- --------
(dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)
Net sales................................... $17,747 $2,594 $ -- $20,341
Cost of sales............................... 10,264 1,412 -- 11,676
Cost of sales--product line exit costs...... 26 -- -- 26
------- ------ ---- -------
Gross profit................................ 7,457 1,182 -- 8,639
Selling, general and administrative expenses 5,865 1,062 (93) (4,5,6) 6,834
Interest expense............................ 270 78 98 (7,8) 446
Interest income............................. (90) -- (90)
Other income................................ -- (4) (4)
Unusual items...............................
Gain on sale of Coach business........... (967) -- (967)
Business dispositions and other charges.. 528 12 540
------- ------ ---- -------
Income from continuing operations before
income taxes.............................. 1,851 34 (5) 1,880
Income taxes................................ 248 18 (47) (9) 219
------- ------ ---- -------
Income from continuing operations........... 1,603 16 42 1,661
Preferred stock dividend, net of tax........ 11 -- -- 11
------- ------ ---- -------
Income from continuing operations available
to common stockholders.................... $ 1,592 $ 16 $ 42 $ 1,650
======= ====== ==== =======
Income from continuing operations per share
--Basic................................... $ 1.94 $ 2.02
======= =======
--Diluted................................. $ 1.87 $ 1.94
======= =======
Basic shares outstanding.................... 819 819
======= =======
Diluted shares outstanding.................. 854 1 (10) 855
======= ==== =======
The accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of
Income are an integral part of these statements
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SARA LEE CORPORATION
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
TWENTY-SIX WEEKS ENDED DECEMBER 29, 2001
Sara Lee Earthgrains Pro Forma Pro Forma
Reported Results (3) Results from 7/1/01--8/7/01 Adjustments as Adjusted
-------------------- --------------------------- ----------- -----------
(dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)
Net sales............................. $9,508 $282 $ -- $9,790
Cost of sales......................... 5,531 149 -- 5,680
Cost of sales--product line exit costs (4) -- -- (4)
------ ---- ----- ------
Gross profit.......................... 3,981 133 -- 4,114
Selling, general and administrative
expenses............................ 3,230 117 4 (4,5,6) 3,351
Interest expense...................... 154 8 8 (7,8) 170
Interest income....................... (43) -- -- (43)
Unusual Items.........................
Business dispositions and other
charges.......................... 192 -- -- 192
------ ---- ----- ------
Income from continuing operations
before income taxes................. 448 8 (12) 444
Income taxes.......................... 46 2 (6) (9) 42
------ ---- ----- ------
Income from continuing operations..... 402 6 (6) 402
Preferred stock dividend, net of tax.. 5 -- -- 5
------ ---- ----- ------
Income from continuing operations
available to common stockholders.... $ 397 $ 6 ($ 6) $ 397
====== ==== ===== ======
Income from continuing operations
per share
--Basic............................. $ 0.51 $ 0.51
====== ======
--Diluted........................... $ 0.49 $ 0.49
====== ======
Basic shares outstanding.............. 784 784
====== ======
Diluted shares outstanding............ 818 818
====== ======
The accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of
Income are an integral part of these statements
8
Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of Income
(1) The results for Sara Lee consist of its results of operations for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 2001.
(2) The results for Earthgrains consist of its results of operations for the
annual period ended on June 19, 2001.
(3) The results for Sara Lee consist of Sara Lee's results of operations for
the twenty-six weeks ended December 29, 2001 including the results of
Earthgrains since August 8, 2001, the acquisition date.
(4) Since Sara Lee adopted SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets," as of the beginning of fiscal year 2002, no goodwill amortization
has been recorded. To maintain comparability of the pro forma results
between fiscal years, Sara Lee's and Earthgrains' goodwill amortization has
been eliminated. Selling, general and administrative expenses were reduced
by $155 million in fiscal year 2001 and by $2 million in fiscal year 2002
related to Earthgrains' amortization prior to the acquisition date.
(5) Includes incremental ongoing expenses of $24 million in fiscal year 2001
and $2 million for fiscal year 2002 prior to the acquisition date primarily
related to various Earthgrains employee benefit programs.
(6) Approximately $860 million of the Earthgrains purchase price has been
preliminarily allocated to intangible assets. Assuming a weighted average
life of 31 years for these assets results in incremental intangible
amortization of approximately $38 million in fiscal year 2001 and $4
million for July 1, 2001 to August 7, 2001, for the portion of fiscal year
2002 prior to the acquisition date.
(7) Sara Lee funded the acquisition price of approximately $1.8 billion with
the issuance of $1.0 billion of 6.25% fixed rate debt and $.8 billion of
short-term floating rate debt. The short-term floating rate debt had a
weighted average interest rate during fiscal year 2001 of 6.0% and for the
fiscal year 2002 period prior to the acquisition date, from July 1, 2001 to
August 7, 2001, of 3.6%. The incremental interest expense from the
acquisition debt for fiscal year 2001 was $115 million and for the period
from July 1, 2001 to August 7, 2001 is $10 million. An increase of 0.125%
in the average short-term interest rate would result in a change to
interest expense on the short-term floating rate debt of $1 million on an
annual basis.
(8) Earthgrains' long-term debt was revalued as part of purchase accounting,
resulting in a fair market increase in the long-term debt amounts. Interest
expense during the pro forma period has been reduced by $17 million in
fiscal year 2001 and $2 million for the fiscal year 2002 period prior to
the acquisition date, from July 1, 2001 to August 7, 2001, to reflect the
amortization of the long-term debt valuation adjustment.
(9) The effect of taxes on the pro forma income statement adjustments has been
reflected using a marginal incremental tax rate of 40%, representing the
U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% plus a marginal state tax rate of 5%.
(10) All of the outstanding Earthgrains stock options vested when Sara Lee
accepted the tender of approximately 93% of Earthgrains outstanding common
stock. Any Earthgrains stock options that had not been exercised prior to
the completion of the acquisition were converted into Sara Lee stock
options. The additional Sara Lee stock options issued, had they been
outstanding at the end of Sara Lee's fiscal year 2001, would have resulted
in an additional one million common stock equivalents in the diluted
earnings per share computation.
9
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
We will issue the debt securities under an Indenture dated as of October 2,
1990 between us and The Bank of New York, as successor to Continental Bank,
N.A., as trustee. We have summarized selected provisions of the indenture
below. This is a summary and is not complete. It does not describe certain
exceptions and qualifications contained in the indenture or the debt
securities. If you would like more information on the provisions of the
indenture, you should review the indenture, which we have incorporated by
reference as an exhibit to the registration statement for the securities of
which this prospectus is a part.
In the summary, we have included references to section numbers of the
indenture so that you can easily locate these provisions. Capitalized terms
used in the summary and not otherwise defined have the meanings specified in
the indenture.
General
The debt securities
. will be unsecured;
. will rank equally (pari passu) with all of our existing and future
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness; and
. will be effectively junior to our secured indebtedness.
The debt securities will be our obligations exclusively, and not the obligation
of any of our subsidiaries. Our rights and the rights of any holder of debt
securities (or other of our creditors) to participate in the assets of any
subsidiary upon that subsidiary's liquidation or recapitalization will be
subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary's creditors, except to the extent
that we may be a creditor with recognized claims against the subsidiary.
The indenture does not limit the amount of debt securities or other
indebtedness that we may issue. The covenants contained in the indenture would
not necessarily afford the holders of debt securities protection in the event
of a highly leveraged transaction or other transaction involving us that may
adversely affect holders of debt securities.
The indenture permits us to issue debt securities in one or more series.
Each series of debt securities may have different terms. The terms of any
series of debt securities will be set forth in a resolution of our board of
directors or in a supplement to the indenture relating to that series, or
determined in accordance with a board resolution and set forth in an officers'
certificate that we deliver to the trustee. (Section 2.4)
A supplement to this prospectus will describe specific terms relating to the
debt securities being offered. These terms will include some or all of the
following:
. the title of the series of debt securities;
. the total principal amount and authorized denominations;
. the date or dates on which principal is payable;
. the public offering price;
. the interest rate or rates, if any (which may be fixed or floating),
record and interest payment dates and/or the method by which such rate or
rates or dates may be determined;
. the currency or currencies in which payment of the offering price and/or
principal and interest may be made;
. the manner of payment of prinicipal and interest and where the debt
securities may be exchanged or transferred;
. whether (and if so, when and on what terms) the debt securities can be
redeemed by us or the holder;
. under what circumstances, if any, we will pay additional amounts on the
debt securities to non-U.S. holders in respect of taxes;
. whether (and if so, when and on what terms) the debt securities may be
convertible into other securities;
. whether there will be a sinking fund; and
. any other terms of the series permitted by the indenture. (Section 2.4)
Each series of debt securities will be a new issue with no established
trading market. Unless otherwise described in the applicable prospectus
supplement, we will not list the debt securities on any securities exchange. We
cannot assure you that there will be a liquid trading market for the debt
securities.
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We may purchase debt securities at any price in the open market or
otherwise. Debt securities we purchase may, in our discretion, be held or
resold, canceled or used to satisfy any sinking fund or redemption requirements.
Debt securities bearing no interest or interest at a rate which, at the time
of issuance, is below the prevailing market rate will be sold at a discount
below their stated principal amount. Special U.S. federal income tax
considerations applicable to any of these discounted debt securities (or to
certain other debt securities issued at par which are treated as having been
issued at a discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes) will be described in
a prospectus supplement.
We will also describe in the applicable prospectus supplement any special
U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to debt securities
denominated in a foreign currency or currency unit or in respect of which we
may pay principal, premium, if any, and interest in a foreign currency or
currency unit.
Conversion Rights
We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the particular
terms and conditions, if any, on which debt securities may be convertible into
other securities. These terms will include the conversion price, the conversion
period, provisions as to whether conversion will be at our option or the option
of the holder, events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and
provisions affecting conversion in the event of the redemption of the debt
securities. If we issue convertible debt securities, we will need to supplement
the indenture to add applicable provisions regarding conversion.
Form and Exchange of Debt Securities
Unless otherwise described in a prospectus supplement, all debt securities
will be fully registered and will be in either book-entry form or in definitive
form.
Debt securities issued in definitive certificated form will be transferable
or exchangeable at the agency maintained for such purpose as we may designate
from time to time. (Section 2.9 and Section 3.2) We may not impose any service
charge, other than any required tax or governmental charge, on the transfer or
exchange of any debt securities. (Section 2.9)
Debt securities issued in book-entry form will be issued in the form of one
or more fully registered global securities. For purposes of this prospectus,
"Global Security" refers to the global security or securities representing the
entire issue of each series of debt securities. Each Global Security will be
deposited with the trustee as custodian for The Depository Trust Company
("DTC") and registered in the name of DTC or its nominee. A Global Security may
be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to DTC or another nominee of DTC
and their successors.
We understand as follows with respect to the rules and operating procedures
of DTC (the rules that apply to DTC are on file with the SEC):
DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking
Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a
member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the
meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a "clearing agency"
registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934. DTC was created to hold securities for its participants
("Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities
transactions, such as transfers and pledges, between Participants through
electronic computerized book-entry changes in the accounts of its Participants,
thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates.
Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and
clearing corporations and may include certain other organizations. DTC is owned
by a number of Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., The
American Stock Exchange LLC and the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. Indirect access to the DTC system also is available to others such as
banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a
custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly or indirectly
("Indirect Participants").
Persons who are not Participants may beneficially own debt securities held
by DTC only through Participants or Indirect Participants. Beneficial ownership
of debt securities may be reflected:
. for investors who are Participants, in the records of DTC;
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. for investors holding through a Participant, in the records of such
Participant, whose aggregate interests on behalf of all investors
holding through such Participant will be reflected in turn in the
records of DTC; or
. for investors holding through an Indirect Participant, in the records
of such Indirect Participant, whose aggregate interests on behalf
of all investors holding through such Indirect Participant will be
reflected in turn in the records of a Participant.
Accordingly, transfers of beneficial ownership in a Global Security can only be
effected through DTC, a Participant or an Indirect Participant.
Interests in a Global Security will be shown on, and transfers thereof will
be effected only through,
records maintained by DTC and its Participants. Each Global Security will trade
in DTC's same-day funds settlement system until maturity, and secondary market
trading activity for each Global Security will therefore settle in immediately
available funds. The laws of some states require that certain persons take
physical delivery in definitive form of securities. Consequently, the ability
to transfer beneficial interests in a Global Security to such persons may be
limited.
So long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of a Global Security,
DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, for all purposes will be considered the
sole holder of the applicable series of debt securities under the indenture.
Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a Global Security
will not be entitled to have debt securities registered in their names, will
not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of debt securities in
definitive form and will not be considered the holders thereof under the
indenture. Accordingly, any person owning a beneficial interest in a Global
Security must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if such person is not a
Participant in DTC, on the procedures of the Participant through which such
person, directly or indirectly, owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a
holder of debt securities.
Because DTC can only act on behalf of Participants, who in turn act on
behalf of Indirect Participants and certain banks, the ability of an owner of a
beneficial interest in the debt securities to pledge such debt securities to
persons or entities that do not participate in the DTC system, or otherwise
take actions in respect of such debt securities, may be affected by the lack of
a physical certificate for such debt securities.
Payment of principal of and interest on the debt securities will be made to
DTC's nominee, as the registered owner of each Global Security. Neither we nor
the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspects of the
records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership
interests in a Global Security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any
records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
We understand that upon receipt of any payment of principal of or interest
on a Global Security, it is the practice of DTC to credit the Participants'
accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial
interests in the principal amount of that Global Security as shown on the
records of DTC. Payments by Participants to owners of beneficial interests in a
Global Security held through such Participants will be the responsibility of
such Participants, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of
customers registered in "street name."
We have been advised that if any series of debt securities are redeemable by
us, and if we redeem less than all of the debt securities of a series, it is
DTC's practice to determine by lot the amount of interest of each participant
in such series of debt securities to be redeemed.
We understand that under existing industry practices, if we request holders
of debt securities to take action, or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a
debt security desires to take any action which a holder is entitled to take
under the indenture, then (1) DTC would authorize the Participants holding the
relevant beneficial interests to take such action, and (2) such Participants
would authorize the beneficial owners owning through such Participants to take
such action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners
owning through them.
Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate
transfers of debt securities among its Participants, it is under no obligation
to perform or continue to perform such
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procedures and such procedures may be discontinued at any time. Neither we nor
the trustee will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC or its
Participants or Indirect Participants of their respective obligations under the
rules and procedures governing their operations.
We will issue debt securities of any series then represented by Global
Securities in definitive form in exchange for those Global Securities if:
. an Event of Default (as defined below) has occurred and is continuing and
all principal and accrued interest in respect of the applicable series of
the debt securities shall have become immediately due and payable;
. DTC is at any time unwilling, unable or ineligible to continue as
depositary for any Global Security and a successor depositary is not
appointed by us within 60 days; or
. we determine not to require all of the debt securities of a series to be
represented by a Global Security.
In any such instance, an owner of a beneficial interest in a Global Security
will be entitled to physical delivery of individual certificated debt
securities in definitive form equal in principal amount to such beneficial
interest in such Global Security and to have all such certificated debt
securities registered in its name. Individual certificated debt securities so
issued in definitive form will be issued in denominations of $1,000
and integral multiples thereof and will be issued in registered form only,
without coupons.
Certain Restrictions
The restrictions summarized in this section will apply to debt securities
unless the applicable prospectus supplement indicates otherwise. Certain terms
used in the following description of these restrictions are defined under the
caption "Certain Definitions" at the end of this section. The following
description is not complete. The full text of these restrictions is included in
the indenture.
Restrictions on Secured Debt
The debt securities will not be secured. If we or one of our Domestic
Subsidiaries incur debt secured by an interest in any Principal Domestic
Property or any shares of capital stock or debt of a Domestic Subsidiary and
the total principal amount of our secured debt (with certain exceptions,
including those listed in the next paragraph), together with our Attributable
Debt in respect of sale and leaseback transactions involving Principal Domestic
Properties, would exceed 10% of Consolidated Stockholders' Equity, we are
required to secure the then outstanding debt securities equally and ratably
with (or prior to) our other secured debt.
The indenture permits us and our Domestic Subsidiaries to create certain
liens without securing the debt securities. (Section 3.6) Among the permitted
liens are:
. purchase money mortgages, including conditional sales and other title
retention agreements;
. liens securing certain construction and improvement loans;
. existing liens on newly acquired property, including property acquired
through merger or consolidation;
. liens in connection with U.S. government contracts;
. liens securing indebtedness of a Domestic Subsidiary outstanding at the
time it became a Domestic Subsidiary;
. liens securing indebtedness of a Domestic Subsidiary to us or to another
Domestic Subsidiary; and
. refinancings of certain permitted liens.
Limitations on Sale and Leaseback Transactions
Neither we nor our Domestic Subsidiaries may sell or transfer any Principal
Domestic Property with the intention of entering into a lease of such facility
for a term of more than five years, unless:
. such property has not been in full operation for more than 120 days prior
to such sale or transfer;
. the Attributable Debt in respect of all such sale and leaseback
transactions involving Principal Domestic Properties, together with our
secured debt, does not exceed 10% of Consolidated Stockholders' Equity;
. within 120 days of such sale or transfer, we apply the net proceeds of
the sale to the
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retirement of our funded debt (defined as indebtedness having a maturity
of, or extendable or renewable for, a period of more than 12 months from
the date of determination) in an amount not less than the greater of such
net proceeds or the fair value of the Principal Domestic Property so
leased; or
. the sale and leaseback transaction is between us and a Domestic
Subsidiary or between any of our Domestic Subsidiaries. (Section 3.7)
Consolidation, Merger or Sale of Assets
We may not consolidate or merge with or into any other corporation, or sell
or transfer all or substantially all of our property and assets to any other
corporation unless the surviving or successor corporation assumes our
obligations under the indenture and is not in default under the indenture
immediately after the consummation of the transaction. (Section 9.1)
If we sell or transfer substantially all of our assets and the purchaser
assumes our obligations under the indenture, we will be discharged from all
obligations under the indenture and the debt securities. (Section 9.2)
Certain Definitions
The following terms (except Principal Domestic Property) are defined in
Section 1.1 of the indenture.
"Attributable Debt" means, at the time of the determination, the present
value (discounted at the "applicable rate" of interest compounded annually) of
the lessee's obligation for rental payments during the remaining term of the
lease (including any period the lease has been, or may, at the option of the
lessor, be extended). The term "applicable rate" means the yield to maturity of
the U. S. Treasury constant maturity which most closely approximates the
weighted average of the remaining terms of all leases, plus 1.5%.
"Consolidated Stockholders' Equity" means the common and preferred
stockholders' equity and minority interests of Sara Lee Corporation and its
consolidated Subsidiaries, as shown on our consolidated balance sheet in our
latest quarterly or annual report to stockholders.
"Domestic Subsidiary" means a Subsidiary of Sara Lee Corporation, other than
a Subsidiary which neither transacts a substantial portion of its business nor
regularly maintains a substantial portion of its fixed assets within the United
States or a Subsidiary which engages primarily in financing our consolidated
operations.
"Principal Domestic Property" means any facility (together with the land on
which it is erected and the fixtures comprising a part thereof) used primarily
for manufacturing, processing or distribution located within the United States,
owned or leased by Sara Lee Corporation or any Subsidiary and having a gross
book value (without deduction of depreciation reserves) which exceeds
$50,000,000, other than any such facility or portion of such facility that, in
the opinion of our board of directors, is not of material importance to the
business conducted by Sara Lee Corporation and its Subsidiaries, as an entirety.
"Subsidiary" means any corporation of which Sara Lee Corporation or one or
more Subsidiaries (individually or collectively) directly or indirectly own a
majority of the outstanding voting stock of said corporation.
Events of Default
"Event of Default" means, with respect to any series of debt securities, any
of the following:
. failure to pay interest or any additional amounts that continues for a
period of 30 days after payment is due;
. failure to make any principal payment when due (except when such failure
results from mistake, oversight or transfer difficulties and does not
continue for more than three business days);
. failure to make any sinking fund payment when due (except when such
failure results from mistake, oversight or transfer difficulties and does
not continue for more than three business days);
. failure to comply with any of our other agreements contained in the
indenture or in the debt securities for 90 days after notice to us of
such failure from the trustee (or to us and the trustee from the holders
of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities
affected by such failure); and
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. certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of Sara Lee
Corporation. (Section 5.1)
In general, the trustee is required to give notice of a default with respect
to a series of debt securities to the holders of that series within 90 days
after the occurrence of a default. The trustee may withhold notice of any
default (except a default in payment of principal of or interest on any debt
security) if the trustee in good faith determines it is in the interest of the
holders of that series to do so. (Section 5.11)
An Event of Default for a particular series of debt securities does not
necessarily constitute an Event of Default for other series of debt securities.
If there is a continuing Event of Default, then the trustee or the holders
of at least 25% in principal amount of each outstanding series of debt
securities affected by the Event of Default (voting as separate classes) may
require us to repay the principal and accrued interest on the affected series
immediately. Subject to certain conditions, the requirement to pay with respect
to a series of debt securities may be annulled, and past defaults may be waived
(except a continuing default in payment of principal of, or premium, interest
or additional amounts, if any, on debt securities), by the holders of a
majority in principal amount of that series. If an Event of Default applies to
all outstanding debt securities, then the holders of the debt securities will
be treated as a single class without regard to whether there are several
outstanding series. (Section 5.1 and Section 5.10)
Prior to an Event of Default, the trustee is required to perform only the
specific duties stated in the indenture, and after an Event of Default which
has not been cured or waived, the trustee must exercise the same degree of care
as a prudent individual would exercise or use under the circumstances in the
conduct of his or her own affairs. (Section 6.1)
The trustee may refuse to enforce the indenture or the debt securities
unless it first receives satisfactory security or indemnity. Subject to certain
limitations specified in the indenture, the holders of a majority in principal
amount of the debt securities of an affected series will have the right to
direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy
available to the trustee. (Section 5.9)
Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture
We will be discharged from certain of our obligations relating to the
outstanding debt securities of a series if we deposit with the trustee money or
the equivalent in securities of the government which issued the currency in
which the debt securities are denominated sufficient for payment of all
principal of and interest and additional amounts, if any, on those debt
securities when due. (Section 10.1) In that event, holders of those debt
securities will only be able to look to the trust fund for payment of the
principal of and interest and additional amounts, if any, on their debt
securities until maturity.
Modification of Indenture
Under the indenture, subject to certain exceptions, we may change our rights
and obligations and the rights of the holders of a series of debt securities
with the consent of the holders of at least 50% in aggregate principal amount
of the outstanding debt securities of that series. However, we may not, among
other things, change the terms of payment of principal or interest, reduce any
amount payable upon redemption, reduce the amount of the principal of a
discount security to be paid upon an acceleration of maturity upon an Event of
Default or reduce the percentage required for changes to the indenture without
the consent of the holder of each debt security affected by such change.
(Section 8.2)
In certain circumstances, we may amend the indenture without the consent of
the holders of outstanding debt securities to evidence a merger of Sara Lee
Corporation, the replacement of the trustee or for other specified purposes.
(Section 8.1)
Reports to Trustee
We are required to provide the trustee with an officers' certificate each
fiscal year stating whether, to the knowledge of the certifying officers in the
course of performance of their duties as officers, we are in compliance with
the requirements of the indenture and no default exists, and if a default has
occurred, identifying the nature of the default of which the officers are
aware. (Section 3.5)
Regarding the Trustee
We maintain ordinary banking relationships and credit facilities with a
number of banks, including the trustee, The Bank of New York.
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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT WARRANTS
We may issue, separately or together with other securities, debt warrants to
purchase debt securities. We will issue the debt warrants under debt warrant
agreements to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as debt
warrant agent, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. We have
summarized selected provisions of the form of debt warrant agreement below.
This is a summary and is not complete. It does not describe certain exceptions
and qualifications contained in the debt warrant agreement or the certificates
representing the debt warrants. If you would like more information on the
provisions of a debt warrant agreement, you should review the form of debt
warrant agreement, including the debt warrant certificate, which we have
incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement for the
securities of which this prospectus is a part.
General
A supplement to this prospectus will describe specific terms relating to the
debt warrants being offered. These terms will include some or all of the
following:
. the offering price of the debt warrants, if any;
. the title, total principal amount and authorized denominations of the
series of debt securities purchasable upon exercise of the debt warrants;
. the manner in which debt warrants may be exercised;
. the amount of debt warrants then outstanding;
. the title and terms of any related debt securities with which the debt
warrants are issued and the number of debt warrants issued with each
debt security;
. the date, if any, on or after which the debt warrants may be transferred
separately from the related debt security;
. the principal amount of debt securities purchasable upon exercise of each
debt warrant and the exercise price;
. the date on which the right to exercise the debt warrants commences and
the expiration date;
. whether we will issue the debt warrant certificates in registered or
bearer form; and
. any other terms of the debt warrants.
Debt warrants may be exercisable for debt securities bearing no interest or
interest at a rate which, at the time of issuance, is below the prevailing
market rate. Special U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to any
of these discounted debt securities will be described in a prospectus
supplement.
Prior to the exercise of their debt warrants, holders of debt warrants will
not have any of the rights of holders of the debt securities purchasable upon
such exercise and will not be entitled to payments of principal of, and premium
and interest, if any, on those debt securities.
Exercise of Debt Warrants
Each debt warrant will entitle its holder to purchase for cash the principal
amount of debt securities at the exercise price set forth in the applicable
prospectus supplement. Commencing on the date the debt warrants become
exercisable, holders may exercise their debt warrants at any time up to the
close of business on the expiration date, after which time any unexercised debt
warrants will become void.
Upon receipt of the exercise price and the debt warrant certificate properly
completed and executed, we will forward to the holder, as soon as practicable,
the debt securities purchased upon such exercise. If less than all the debt
warrants represented by a certificate are exercised, we will issue a new debt
warrant certificate for the remaining amount of debt warrants.
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DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK AND PREFERRED STOCK
We may issue, separately or together with or upon the conversion of or
exchange for other securities, shares of our common stock and preferred stock.
We have summarized certain rights of holders of our capital stock below. This
is a summary and is not complete. It does not describe certain exceptions and
qualifications contained in:
. Maryland General Corporation Law;
. our Charter;
. our Bylaws;
. the Rights Agreement between us and First Chicago Trust Company of New
York, as rights agent, pursuant to which we may issue shares of our
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock upon the occurrence of
certain events; and
. in the case of preferred stock, our Articles Supplementary relating to
such series of prefered stock.
If you would like more information on our common stock and preferred stock,
you should review the documents described above, each of which we have filed or
incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement for the
securities of which this prospectus is a part.
Our authorized capital stock consists of:
. 1,200,000,000 shares of common stock, of which as of December 29, 2001
785,392,051 shares were outstanding; and
. 13,500,000 shares of preferred stock, of which as of December 29, 2001
6,000,000 shares were designated as Series A Junior Participating
Preferred Stock, of which no shares were outstanding, 1,500,000 shares
were designated as Convertible Adjustable Preferred Stock, of which no
shares were outstanding, and 3,171,773 shares were designated as Series A
ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock, all of which were outstanding.
Common Stock
General
Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends on their
shares when, as and if authorized by our board of directors out of assets
legally available for distribution, subject to any preferential dividend rights
of any outstanding preferred stock. In the event we liquidate, dissolve or wind
up our affairs, holders of common stock are also entitled to receive ratably
all of our net assets remaining after payment of all debts and other
liabilities, subject to the prior rights of any outstanding preferred stock.
Each share of common stock entitles its holder to one vote in the election
of directors and on any other matter submitted to a vote of stockholders.
Voting rights are not cumulative, with the result that holders of shares of
capital stock representing more than 50% of the voting rights are entitled to
elect all of our directors. Holders of common stock, solely by virtue of their
holdings, do not have preemptive rights to subscribe for or purchase any shares
of our capital stock which we may issue in the future.
All of our outstanding shares of common stock have been fully paid and are
nonassessable. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of common
stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of holders
of any series of preferred stock which we may designate and issue in the future.
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
Each outstanding share of common stock has attached to it one-half of a
right entitling its holder to purchase from us one one-hundredth of a share of
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (subject to antidilution
provisions) at a purchase price of $215 for each one one-hundredth of a share
of preferred stock pursuant to the exercise of a right upon the occurrence of
certain triggering events. Until one of those triggering events occurs, or the
rights are earlier redeemed or expired, the rights will not be evidenced by
separate certificates and may be transferred only with the common stock to
which they are attached.
With one exception, the rights will become exercisable ten days after any
person or group publicly announces it beneficially owns 15% or more of the
outstanding shares of common stock, or ten business days after a person or
group announces an
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offer to acquire 15% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock,
whichever occurs first. In such event, we will distribute separate rights
certificates evidencing the rights to all holders of our common stock issued
prior to the triggering event. Each right will then entitle its holder (except
the acquiring party) to purchase the number of shares of common stock having a
market value of two times the exercise price of the right.
In the event that, following a triggering event, we merge into or
consolidate with, or transfer 50% or more of our consolidated assets or earning
power to, another entity (other than us or our subsidiaries), each right will
then entitle its holder to purchase the number of shares of common stock of the
acquiring entity having a market value of two times the exercise price of the
right.
We may redeem the rights, as a whole, at a price of $.01 per right (subject
to adjustment), at any time until the earlier of 15 days following the date of
the public announcement that the acquiring party acquired 15% or more of the
common stock and the expiration date of the rights, which is May 31, 2008.
For so long as the rights continue to be associated with the common stock,
each new share of common stock we issue will include one-half of a right.
Preferred Stock
General
Our charter authorizes our board of directors to classify and issue from
time to time any unissued shares of preferred stock and to reclassify any
previously classified but unissued shares of any series of preferred stock. The
applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of a particular series
of preferred stock as set forth in the Articles Supplementary to our charter
establishing such series. These terms will include some or all of the following:
. title and stated value of the series;
. whether and in what circumstances the holder is entitled to receive
dividends and other distributions;
. whether (and if so, when and on what terms) the series can be redeemed
by us or the holder or converted by the holder;
. whether the preferred stock will rank senior or junior to or on a parity
with any other class or series of preferred stock; and
. voting and other rights, if any.
Holders of preferred stock, solely by virtue of their holdings, do not have
preemptive rights to subscribe for or purchase any shares of our capital stock
which we may issue in the future.
Liquidation Preference
Unless otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement, in the
event we liquidate, dissolve or wind up our affairs, the holders of any series
of preferred stock will have preference over the holders of common stock and
any other capital stock ranking junior to such series for payment out of our
assets in the amount specified in the applicable Articles Supplementary. A sale
of all or substantially all of our assets or a consolidation or merger with one
or more corporations will not be deemed a liquidation, dissolution or winding
up for this purpose.
Ranking
Unless otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement, any
series of preferred stock we issue using this prospectus will rank senior to
the Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock.
Series A ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock
As of December 29, 2001, all 3,171,773 shares of our Series A ESOP
Convertible Preferred Stock ("ESOP Preferred Stock") were outstanding. The
shares are issued pursuant to our Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Northern Trust
Company is the trustee to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan and the holder of
all shares of the ESOP Preferred Stock, holding the shares for the beneficial
owners.
The holder of the shares of ESOP Preferred Stock is entitled to receive,
when, as and if authorized by our board of directors, cash dividends in an
amount equal to $5.438 per share per annum (subject to adjustment in certain
circumstances), payable semi-annually in arrears. Dividends accrue on a
cumulative basis. The ESOP Preferred Stock is senior to our common stock in
respect of dividend
17
rights with the result that we cannot declare, pay or set aside for payment any
dividends on our common stock unless we have paid or declared and set aside for
payment full cumulative dividends on the shares of ESOP Preferred Stock.
Each share of ESOP Preferred Stock is entitled to vote on all matters
submitted to a vote of our stockholders, voting together with the holders of
our common stock as one class. Each share of ESOP Preferred Stock is entitled
to the greater of:
. 1.283 votes, or
. the number of votes equal to the number of shares of common stock into
which that share is convertible at that time;
subject to antidilution adjustments in certain circumstances. As of December
29, 2001, each share of ESOP Preferred Stock was entitled to 10.264 votes.
Except as otherwise required by law and with one other exception, the shares of
ESOP Preferred Stock have no special voting rights.
In the event we liquidate, dissolve or wind up our affairs, the holder of
the ESOP Preferred Stock is entitled to receive, after satisfaction of the
claims of our creditors and subject to the rights of holders of any class or
series of stock ranking senior to or on a parity with the ESOP Preferred Stock,
a distribution of $72.50 per share, plus an amount equal to all accrued and
unpaid dividends. The sale, lease, exchange or other transfer of all or any
portion of our assets or a consolidation or merger with one or more
corporations will not be deemed a liquidation, dissolution or winding up for
this purpose.
We may redeem, in whole or in part, shares of ESOP Preferred Stock at any
time in cash, shares of our common stock or both at a price of $72.50 per
share, plus an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends. The holder may
also require us to redeem the ESOP Preferred Stock in certain circumstances,
including if necessary to provide for distributions required under the plan.
Each share of ESOP Preferred Stock is convertible, at the option of the
holder at any time prior to the redemption of the shares, into shares of our
common stock. At December 29, 2001, the conversion price was $9.0625 and each
share of ESOP Preferred Stock was convertible into eight shares of common
stock. The conversion price is subject to antidilution adjustments in certain
circumstances.
The ESOP Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Series A Junior Participating
Preferred Stock and our common stock. Unless otherwise described in the
applicable prospectus supplement, any series of preferred stock we issue using
this prospectus will rank senior to the ESOP Preferred Stock.
18
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK WARRANTS
We may issue, separately or together with other securities, common stock
warrants to purchase shares of our common stock. We will issue the common stock
warrants under stock warrant agreements to be entered into between us and a
bank or trust company, as stock warrant agent, as set forth in the applicable
prospectus supplement. We have summarized selected provisions of the form of
stock warrant agreement below. This is a summary and is not complete. It does
not describe certain exceptions and qualifications contained in the stock
warrant agreement or the certificates representing the common stock warrants.
If you would like more information on the provisions of a stock warrant
agreement, you should review the form of stock warrant agreement, including the
stock warrant certificate, which we have incorporated by reference as an
exhibit to the registration statement for the securities of which this
prospectus is a part.
General
A supplement to this prospectus will describe specific terms relating to the
common stock warrants being offered. These terms will include some or all of
the following:
. the offering price of the common stock warrants, if any;
. the manner in which common stock warrants may be exercised;
. the amount of common stock warrants then outstanding;
. the number of shares of common stock purchasable upon exercise of each
common stock warrant and the exercise price;
. the date on which the right to exercise the common stock warrants
commences and the expiration date;
. whether (and if so, when and on what terms) we can call the common
stock warrants for redemption; and
. any other terms of the common stock warrants.
The shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of a common stock warrant,
when issued in accordance with a stock warrant agreement, will be validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
Prior to the exercise of their common stock warrants, holders will not have
any of the rights of holders of the common stock purchasable upon such exercise
and will not be entitled to dividend payments on those shares of common stock.
Exercise of Stock Warrants
Each common stock warrant will entitle its holder to purchase for cash the
number of shares of common stock at the exercise price set forth in the
applicable prospectus supplement. Commencing on the date the common stock
warrants become exercisable, holders may exercise their common stock warrants
at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date, after which
time any unexercised common stock warrants will become void.
Upon receipt of the exercise price and the stock warrant certificate
properly completed and executed, we will forward to the holder, as soon as
practicable, a certificate representing the number of shares of common stock
purchased upon such exercise. If less than all the common stock warrants
represented by a certificate are exercised, we will issue a new stock warrant
certificate for the remaining amount of common stock warrants.
Antidilution Provisions
Unless otherwise described in a prospectus supplement, the exercise price
payable and number of shares of common stock purchasable upon exercise of a
common stock warrant will be adjusted to prevent the holder's beneficial
interest in the common stock from being diluted in the event we:
. issue a stock dividend to all holders of common stock or combine,
subdivide or reclassify our common stock;
. issue rights, warrants or options to all holders of common stock
entitling them to purchase shares of our common stock at a price per
share less than the current market price per share of common stock; or
. distribute to all holders of common stock any of our assets or
evidences of our indebtedness which are not payable out of our capital
surplus.
19
DESCRIPTION OF CURRENCY WARRANTS
We may issue, separately or together with debt securities or debt warrants,
currency warrants entitling the holder to receive from us the cash value in
U.S. dollars of the right to purchase (currency call warrants) or sell
(currency put warrants) a specified amount of a designated foreign currency. We
will issue the currency warrants under currency warrant agreements to be
entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as currency warrant agent,
as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. We have summarized
selected provisions of the form of currency warrant agreement below. This is a
summary and is not complete. It does not describe certain exceptions and
qualifications contained in the currency warrant agreement or the certificates
representing the currency warrants. If you would like more information on the
provisions of a currency warrant agreement, you should review the form of
currency warrant agreement, including the global warrant certificates, which we
have incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement for
the securities of which this prospectus is a part.
General
A supplement to this prospectus will describe specific terms relating to the
currency warrants being offered. These terms will include some or all of the
following:
. whether the currency warrants will be currency put warrants or
currency call warrants, or both;
. the formula for determining the cash value in U.S. dollars, if any, of
each currency warrant;
. the manner in which currency warrants may be exercised and the
circumstances, if any, in which such exercise will be deemed
automatic;
. the amount of currency warrants then outstanding;
. the minimum number, if any, of currency warrants which must be
exercised at any one time;
. the date on which the right to exercise the currency warrants
commences and the expiration date; and
. any other terms of the currency warrants.
The spot exchange rate of the designated foreign currency, upon exercise, as
compared to the U.S. dollar, will determine whether the currency warrants have
a cash value (cash settlement value) on any given day prior to their expiration.
Form of Currency Warrants
Unless otherwise described in a prospectus supplement, all currency warrants
will be issued in the form of one or more fully registered global certificates
that will be deposited with DTC or its nominee. This means that we will not
issue certificates to each holder. Each global certificate will be issued to
DTC, which will keep a computerized record of its participants (for example,
your broker) whose clients have purchased currency warrants. The participant
will then keep a record of its clients who purchased the currency warrants.
Accordingly, transfers of ownership of any currency warrant may only be
effected through a selling holder's broker. For more information on the
procedures of DTC, see "Description of Debt Securities--Form and Exchange of
Debt Securities" above.
Exercise of Currency Warrants
Each currency warrant will entitle its holder to receive the cash settlement
value on the applicable exercise date. Holders may exercise their currency
warrants at any time up to 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the fifth business
day preceding the expiration date, after which time all currency warrants will
be deemed automatically exercised on the expiration date.
20
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell securities to underwriters or dealers, through agents or
directly to purchasers (or a combination of these methods). Under certain
circumstances, we may also repurchase securities (directly or through dealers)
and reoffer them to the public in the same manner.
With respect to any offered securities, the terms of any offering, including
the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, the purchase price of
those securities and the proceeds to us from the sale, any underwriting
discounts, selling commissions and other items constituting underwriters',
dealers' or agents' compensation, any initial public offering price and any
discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers or agents, any
auction or bidding process and any securities exchanges on which the offered
securities may be listed, will be set forth in, or may be calculated from the
information set forth in, the related prospectus supplement. Any initial public
offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid
to dealers may be changed from time to time.
If underwriters are used in the sale of any offered securities, the
securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account. The
underwriters may resell the offered securities in one or more transactions,
including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price, which may
be changed, or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. Unless
otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, the obligations of
the underwriters to purchase the offered securities will be subject to certain
conditions and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the
securities offered by the prospectus supplement if any of those securities are
purchased.
We may designate from time to time dealers, acting as our agents, to offer
and sell securities upon certain terms and conditions. Unless otherwise
indicated in the prospectus supplement, any agent we designate will act on a
best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.
We may also sell securities directly to the public, without the use of
underwriters, dealers or agents.
If so indicated in a prospectus supplement, we will authorize agents,
underwriters or dealers to solicit offers by certain specified institutions to
purchase securities from us at the public offering price set forth in that
prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for
payment and delivery on a future date specified in the prospectus supplement.
Those contracts will be subject to conditions set forth in the prospectus
supplement, and the prospectus supplement will set forth the commissions
payable for solicitation of those contracts.
Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the
securities may be, or may be deemed to be, underwriters as defined in the
Securities Act of 1933, and any discounts or commissions received by them from
us and any profit on the resale of the offered securities by them may be
treated as underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Any
underwriters, dealers or agents will be identified and their compensation from
us will be described in a supplement to this prospectus.
We may have agreements with the underwriters, dealers and agents to
indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under
the Securities Act, or to contribute with respect to payments which the
underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make.
Underwriters, dealers and agents and/or their respective affiliates may
engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us or our subsidiaries in
the ordinary course of their businesses.
21
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the offered securities will be passed upon for us by R.
Henry Kleeman, Esq., our Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant
Secretary, by Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP, Baltimore, Maryland, and
by Sidley Austin Brown & Wood, LLP and/or Sidley Austin Brown & Wood, Chicago,
Illinois, which are affiliated partnerships. Mr. Kleeman owns shares of our
common stock, both directly and as a participant in various stock and employee
benefit plans.
EXPERTS
Our consolidated financial statements and schedules included in the Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001 and the Current
Report on Form 8-K dated September 4, 2001 and incorporated by reference in
this prospectus have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public
accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect thereto, and are
incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as
experts in accounting and auditing in giving said reports.
The audited historical financial statements of The Earthgrains Company
incorporated in this prospectus by reference to our Current Report on Form
8-K/A dated August 8, 2001, as amended, have been so incorporated in reliance
on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on
the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
22
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the
securities, other than underwriting discounts and agency fees or commissions,
are set forth in the following table. All amounts except the Securities and
Exchange Commission registration fee are estimated.
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee $184,000
Printing and engraving expenses.................... 60,000
Accountants' fees and expenses..................... 60,000
Legal fees and expenses............................ 100,000
Fees and expenses of trustee....................... 20,000
Rating agency fees................................. 200,000
Blue Sky fees and expenses......................... 10,000
Miscellaneous...................................... 10,000
--------
Total........................................... $644,000
========
Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Section 2-405.2 of the Maryland General Corporation Law permits a Maryland
corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the liability of its
directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money
damages except for liability resulting from (1) actual receipt of an improper
benefit or profit in money, property or services or (2) active and deliberate
dishonesty established by a final judgment or other adjudication as material to
the cause of action adjudicated in the proceeding. Our charter contains a
provision that eliminates directors' and officers' liability to the maximum
extent permitted by Maryland law.
Section 2-418(d) of the Maryland General Corporation Law requires a
corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which our charter does not)
to indemnify a director or officer of the corporation who has been successful,
on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which such
director or officer was made a party by reason of the director's or officer's
service in that capacity. Section 2-418(b) permits a corporation to indemnify
its present or former directors against judgments, penalties, fines,
settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by the director in
connection with any proceeding to which the director is made a party by reason
of the director's service as a director unless it is established that (1) the
act or omission of the director was material to the matter giving rise to the
proceeding and was committed in bad faith or was the result of active and
deliberate dishonesty, (2) the director actually received an improper personal
benefit in money, property or services or (3) in the case of a criminal
proceeding, the director had reasonable cause to believe that the act or
omission was unlawful. If, however, the proceeding was one by or in the right
of the corporation and the director was adjudged liable to the corporation, the
corporation may not indemnify the director. Maryland law also permits a
Maryland corporation to pay a director's expenses in advance of the final
disposition of an action to which the director is a party upon receipt by the
corporation of (1) a written affirmation by the director of the director's good
faith belief that the director has met the standard of conduct necessary for
indemnification and (2) a written undertaking by or on behalf of the director
to repay the amount advanced if it is ultimately determined the director did
not meet the necessary standard of conduct. Section 2-418 defines a director as
any person who is or was a director of a corporation and any person who, while
a director of the corporation, is or was serving at the request of the
corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of
another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or
other enterprise or employee benefit plan. Section 2-418(j)(2) also permits a
Maryland corporation to indemnify and advance expenses to its officers,
employees and agents to the extent it may indemnify and advance expenses to its
directors.
II-1
Our bylaws obligate us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, to
indemnify any of our present or former directors or officers or those of our
subsidiaries who, (1) is made a party to a proceeding by reason of such
person's service in that capacity or (2) while a director or officer and at our
request, serves or served another corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise as a director, officer,
partner or trustee from and against any claim or liability to which that person
may become subject or which that person may incur by reason of such person's
services in such capacity and to pay or reimburse that person's reasonable
expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding. This indemnity could
apply to liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933 in certain circumstances.
Our bylaws also permit us to, with the approval of our board of directors,
indemnify and advance expenses to (1) a person who served a predecessor of our
corporation in any of the capacities described above or (2) any of our
employees or agents or any employee or agent of a predecessor.
We also maintain indemnity insurance as is permitted by Section 2-418
pursuant to which officers and directors are indemnified or insured against
liability or loss under certain circumstances, which may include liability or
related losses under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934.
The forms of Underwriting Agreement and Distribution Agreement filed
herewith as exhibits to this registration statement will provide for
indemnification of our directors and officers against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, in certain
circumstances.
Item 16. Exhibits.
Exhibits marked with an asterisk (*) are filed herewith.
Exhibit
No. Description Incorporated By Reference To
--- ----------- ----------------------------
1.1* Form of Underwriting Agreement.
1.2* Form of Distribution Agreement.
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 29, 2001 Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Current
by and among the Registrant, SLC Acquisition Corp. and Report on Form 8-K dated August 21,
The Earthgrains Company. 2001.
4.1 Articles of Restatement of Charter, dated April 9, 1990. Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-8,
Registration No. 33-35760, filed with
the SEC on July 6, 1990.
4.2 Articles Supplementary to the Charter, dated May 18, 1990. Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-8,
Registration No. 33-37575, filed with
the SEC on November 1, 1990.
4.3 Articles of Amendment to the Charter, dated October 30, Exhibit 3(a) to the Registrant's Annual
1992. Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended July 2, 1994.
4.4 Articles of Amendment to the Charter, dated November 19, Exhibit 3(a)(2) to the Registrant's
1998. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended July 3, 1999.
4.5 Articles Supplementary to the Charter, dated January 7, Exhibit 3(a)(3) to the Registrant's
1999. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended July 3, 1999.
4.6 Articles Supplementary to the Charter, dated April 28, Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's
2000. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
fiscal quarter ended December 29,
2001.
II-2
Exhibit
No. Description Incorporated By Reference To
--- ----------- ----------------------------
4.7 Amended Bylaws, dated April 27, 2000. Exhibit 3(b) to the Registrant's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended July 1, 2000.
4.8 Rights Agreement, dated as of March 26, 1998, between the Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Report
Registrant and First Chicago Trust Company of New York, on Form 8-K dated May 15, 1998,
as rights agent. filed with the SEC on May 19, 1998.
4.9.1 Indenture, dated as of October 2, 1990, between the Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 1 to the
Registrant and The Bank of New York, as successor to Registrant's Registration Statement on
Continental Bank, N.A., as trustee. Form S-3/A, Registration No. 33-
33603, filed with the SEC on October
5, 1990.
4.9.2 Form of Note (Fixed Rate). Exhibit 4.8.2 to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-3,
Registration No. 333-96173, filed with
the SEC on February 4, 2000.
4.9.3 Form of Note (Floating Rate). Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Current
Report on Form 8-K dated April 13,
1993.
4.10 Form of Debt Warrant Agreement. Exhibit 4.9 to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-3,
Registration No. 333-96173, filed with
the SEC on February 4, 2000.
4.11 Form of Stock Warrant Agreement. Exhibit 4.10 to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-3,
Registration No. 333-96173, filed with
the SEC on February 4, 2000.
4.12 Form of Currency Warrant Agreement. Exhibit 4.11 to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-3,
Registration No. 333-96173, filed with
the SEC on February 4, 2000.
5.1* Opinion of Sidley Austin Brown & Wood.
5.2* Opinion of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP.
12.1* Computation of ratios of earnings to fixed charges for each
of the last five fiscal years.
12.2 Computation of ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the Exhibit 12.1 to the Registrant's
twenty-six weeks ended December 29, 2001. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
fiscal quarter ended December 29,
2001.
12.3* Computation of ratios of earnings to fixed charges and
preferred stock dividend requirements for each of the last
five fiscal years.
II-3
Exhibit
No. Description Incorporated By Reference To
--- ----------- ----------------------------
12.4 Computation of ratios of earnings to fixed charges and Exhibit 12.2 to the Registrant's
preferred stock dividend requirements for the twenty-six Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
weeks ended December 29, 2001. fiscal quarter ended December 29,
2001.
23.1* Consent of Sidley Austin Brown & Wood (included in
Exhibit 5.1).
23.2* Consent of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP
(included in Exhibit 5.2).
23.3* Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
23.4*. Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
24.1*. Powers of Attorney.
25.1*. Form T-1--Statement of Eligibility of Trustee.
Item 17. Undertakings.
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made of
the securities registered hereby, a post-effective amendment to this
Registration Statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act");
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
in the Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any
increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total
dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed
with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act if, in the
aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20%
change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the
"Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective Registration
Statement; and
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or
any material change to such information in the Registration Statement;
provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply if the
information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the
Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") that are incorporated by reference in
the Registration Statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Act,
each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration
statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of
such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide
offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
II-4
(4) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Act, each
filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d)
of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee
benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act)
that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be
deemed to be a new Registration Statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to
be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Act may be
permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant
pursuant to the provisions referred to in Item 15 above, or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
II-5
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Sara Lee
Corporation certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets
all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the city of Chicago, State of Illinois, on this 5th day of
March, 2002.
SARA LEE CORPORATION
/S/ RODERICK A. PALMORE
By: _______________________________
Roderick A. Palmore
Senior Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on March 5, 2002.
Signature Capacity
--------- --------
/S/ C. STEVEN MCMILLAN Chairman of the Board,
----------------------------- President, Chief Executive
C. Steven McMillan Officer and Director
(Principal Executive
Officer)
/S/ CARY D. MCMILLAN Executive Vice President and
----------------------------- Director
Cary D. McMillan
/S/ FRANK L. MEYSMAN Executive Vice President and
----------------------------- Director
Frank L. Meysman
/S/ L.M. DE KOOL Senior Vice President and
----------------------------- Chief Financial Officer
L.M. de Kool (Principal Financial
Officer)
/S/ WAYNE R. SZYPULSKI Senior Vice President and
----------------------------- Controller (Principal
Wayne R. Szypulski Accounting Officer)
* Director
-----------------------------
Paul A. Allaire
* Director
-----------------------------
John H. Bryan
* Director
-----------------------------
Charles W. Coker
* Director
-----------------------------
James S. Crown
* Director
-----------------------------
Willie D. Davis
II-6
* Director
-----------------------------
Vernon E. Jordan, Jr.
* Director
-----------------------------
James L. Ketelsen
----------------------------- Director
Hans B. van Liemt
* Director
-----------------------------
Joan D. Manley
* Director
-----------------------------
Rozanne L. Ridgway
* Director
-----------------------------
Richard L. Thomas
* Director
-----------------------------
John D. Zeglis
--------
* By Roderick A. Palmore as Attorney-in-Fact pursuant to Powers of Attorney
executed by the directors listed above, which Powers of Attorney have been
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/S/ RODERICK A. PALMORE
By: _______________________________
Roderick A. Palmore
As Attorney-in-Fact
II-7
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
No. Description Incorporated By Reference To
--- ----------- ----------------------------
1.1* Form of Underwriting Agreement.
1.2* Form of Distribution Agreement.
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 29, 2001 Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Current
by and among the Registrant, SLC Acquisition Corp. and Report on Form 8-K dated August 21,
The Earthgrains Company. 2001.
4.1 Articles of Restatement of Charter, dated April 9, 1990. Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-8,
Registration No. 33-35760, filed with
the SEC on July 6, 1990.
4.2 Articles Supplementary to the Charter, dated May 18, 1990. Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-8,
Registration No. 33-37575, filed with
the SEC on November 1, 1990.
4.3 Articles of Amendment to the Charter, dated October 30, Exhibit 3(a) to the Registrant's Annual
1992. Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended July 2, 1994.
4.4 Articles of Amendment to the Charter, dated November 19, Exhibit 3(a)(2) to the Registrant's
1998. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended July 3, 1999.
4.5 Articles Supplementary to the Charter, dated January 7, Exhibit 3(a)(3) to the Registrant's
1999. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended July 3, 1999.
4.6 Articles Supplementary to the Charter, dated April 28, Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's
2000. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
fiscal Quarter ended December 29,
2001.
4.7 Amended Bylaws, dated April 27, 2000. Exhibit 3(b) to the Registrant's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended July 1, 2000.
4.8 Rights Agreement, dated as of March 26, 1998, between the Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Report
Registrant and First Chicago Trust Company of New York, on Form 8-K dated May 15, 1998,
as rights agent. filed with the SEC on May 19, 1998.
4.9.1 Indenture, dated as of October 2, 1990, between the Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 1 to the
Registrant and The Bank of New York, as successor to Registrant's Registration Statement on
Continental Bank, N.A., as trustee. Form S-3/A, Registration No. 33-
33603, filed with the SEC on October
5, 1990.
4.9.2 Form of Note (Fixed Rate). Exhibit 4.8.2 to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-3,
Registration No. 333-96173, filed with
the SEC on February 4, 2000.
4.9.3 Form of Note (Floating Rate). Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Current
Report on Form 8-K dated April 13,
1993.
II-8
Exhibit
No. Description Incorporated By Reference To
--- ----------- ----------------------------
4.10 Form of Debt Warrant Agreement. Exhibit 4.9 to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-3,
Registration No. 333-96173, filed with
the SEC on February 4, 2000.
4.11 Form of Stock Warrant Agreement. Exhibit 4.10 to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-3,
Registration No. 333-96173, filed with
the SEC on February 4, 2000.
4.12 Form of Currency Warrant Agreement. Exhibit 4.11 to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-3,
Registration No. 333-96173, filed with
the SEC on February 4, 2000.
5.1* Opinion of Sidley Austin Brown & Wood.
5.2* Opinion of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP.
12.1* Computation of ratios of earnings to fixed charges for each
of the last five fiscal years.
12.2 Computation of ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the Exhibit 12.1 to the Registrant's
twenty-six weeks ended December 29, 2001. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
fiscal quarter ended December 29,
2001.
12.3* Computation of ratios of earnings to fixed charges and
preferred stock dividend requirements for each of the last
five fiscal years.
12.4 Computation of ratios of earnings to fixed charges and Exhibit 12.2 to the Registrant's
preferred stock dividend requirements for the twenty-six Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
weeks ended December 29, 2001. fiscal quarter ended December 29,
2001.
23.1* Consent of Sidley Austin Brown & Wood (included in
Exhibit 5.1).
23.2* Consent of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP
(included in Exhibit 5.2).
23.3* Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
23.4* Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
24.1* Powers of Attorney.
25.1* Form T-1--Statement of Eligibility of Trustee.
--------
*Filed herewith.
II-9