STAMFORD, Conn. and LONDON, Feb. 19 LAWFUEL – Legal Announcements — The
Thomson Corporation (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC) and Reuters (LSE: RTR, Nasdaq:
RTRSY) today announced that the European Commission (EC), US Department of Justice (DOJ) and Canadian Competition Bureau (CCB) have given approval for Thomson’s proposed acquisition of Reuters.
In order to obtain clearance, Thomson has agreed to sell a copy of the Thomson Fundamentals (Worldscope) database and Reuters has agreed to sell a copy of the Reuters Estimates, Reuters Aftermarket Research and Reuters Economics (EcoWin) databases. The sales include copies of the databases, source data and training materials, as well as certain contracts and employees connected to the databases.
Thomson and Reuters retain full ownership of the relevant databases and these undertakings do not affect Thomson’s and Reuters ongoing business or capabilities in these areas. The two companies are not required to complete the sales prior to the closing of the acquisition. All regulatory approvals needed to close the transaction have now been obtained.
Thomson and Reuters will each now seek shareholder and court approvals.
The companies expect the transaction to close the week of April 13, 2008.
Tom Glocer, currently CEO of Reuters and CEO designate of Thomson
Reuters, said: “This is an important step toward completing the transaction and creating what we believe will be the leading provider of information and related applications to businesses and professionals around the world.”
Richard J, Harrington, President and CEO of The Thomson Corporation,
said: “We were pleased to receive regulatory approval on both sides of the Atlantic today. Our constructive discussions with the EC, DOJ and CCB, and their subsequent approvals reflect the thorough understanding the
regulators gained of our businesses and the industries we operate in.”
Timetable
The timetable of principal events is expected to be as follows:
— Mailing/posting of Thomson and Reuters shareholder circulars – Expected
end of February
— Thomson Shareholder Meeting (Toronto) – March 26
— Reuters Shareholder Meeting (London) – March 26
— Closing of Transaction and Launch of Thomson Reuters – Week of April 13
About The Thomson Corporation:
The Thomson Corporation (http://www.thomson.com) is a global leader in
providing essential electronic workflow solutions to business and
professional customers. With operational headquarters in Stamford, Conn.,
Thomson provides value-added information, software tools and applications
to professionals in the fields of law, tax, accounting, financial services, scientific research and healthcare. The Corporation’s common shares are listed on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC).
About Reuters:
Reuters (http://www.reuters.com), the global information company, provides
indispensable information tailored for professionals in the financial
services, media and corporate markets. Through reuters.com and other
digital properties, Reuters now also supplies its trusted content direct to
individuals. Reuters drives decision making across the globe based on a
reputation for speed, accuracy and independence. Reuters has 17,500 staff
in 94 countries, including 2,400 editorial staff in 196 bureaux serving 131 countries. In 2006, Reuters revenues were 2.6 billion pounds Sterling.
The directors of Thomson and Reuters accept responsibility for the
information contained in this announcement. To the best of the knowledge
and belief of the directors of Thomson and Reuters (who have taken all
reasonable care to ensure such is the case), the information contained
herein for which they accept responsibility is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information.
DEALING DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS
Under the provisions of Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the ‘Code’), if any person is, or becomes, ‘interested’ (directly or indirectly) in 1% or more of any class of ‘relevant securities’ of Thomson or of Reuters, all ‘dealings’ in any ‘relevant securities’ of that company (including by means of an option in respect of, or a derivative referenced to, any such ‘relevant securities’) must be publicly disclosed by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the London business day following the date of the relevant
transaction. This requirement will continue until the date on which the
Transaction becomes, or is declared, unconditional, lapses or is otherwise withdrawn or on which the ‘offer period’ otherwise ends. If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire an ‘interest’ in ‘relevant securities’ of Thomson or Reuters, they will be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3.
Under the provisions of Rule 8.1 of the Code, all ‘dealings’ in
‘relevant securities’ of Thomson or Reuters by Thomson or Reuters, or by
any of their respective ‘associates’, must be disclosed by no later than
12.00 noon (London time) on the London business day following the date of
the relevant transaction.
A disclosure table, giving details of the companies in whose ‘relevant
securities’ ‘dealings’ should be disclosed, and the number of such
securities in issue, can be found on the Takeover Panel’s website at
http://www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.
‘Interests in securities’ arise, in summary, when a person has long
economic exposure, whether conditional or absolute, to changes in the price
of securities. In particular, a person will be treated as having an
‘interest’ by virtue of the ownership or control of securities, or by
virtue of any option in respect of, or derivative referenced to,
securities.
Terms in quotation marks are defined in the Code, which can also be
found on the Panel’s website. If you are in any doubt as to whether or not
you are required to disclose a ‘dealing’ under Rule 8, you should consult
the Panel.
CAUTIONARY NOTE CONCERNING FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS
This news release includes forward-looking statements, such as
Thomson’s and Reuters beliefs and expectations regarding their proposed
transaction and the timing of its completion. These statements are based on
certain assumptions and reflect Thomson’s and Reuters current expectations.
There can be no assurance that the proposed transaction will be
consummated. The closing of the proposed transaction is subject to
fulfillment of certain conditions, including shareholder and court
approvals, and there can be no assurance that any such approvals will be
obtained and/or such conditions will be met. All forward-looking statements
in this news release are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties
that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current
expectations. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ
materially from current expectations are discussed in Thomson’s and Reuters
respective materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in
Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States (as the case may be) from
time to time including The Thomson Corporation’s 2006 Annual Report on Form
40-F and Reuters Group PLC’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 20-F, each of which
has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Any
forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of Thomson or Reuters speak
only as of the date they are made. Thomson and Reuters each disclaim any
intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other
than as required by law, rule or regulation.
This document does not constitute an offer for sale of any securities
or an offer or an invitation to purchase any such securities. Following
satisfaction or waiver of the pre-conditions to the proposed transaction,
documents relating to the proposed transaction will be furnished to or
filed with the SEC. Shareholders are urged to read such documents regarding
the proposed transaction if and when they become available, because they
will contain important information. Shareholders will be able to obtain
free copies of these documents, as well as other filings containing
information about the companies, without charge, at the SEC’s website at
http://www.sec.gov, at the Canadian securities regulatory authorities’ website at
http://www.sedar.com (in the case of Thomson) and from Thomson and Reuters. These
documents will also be available for inspection and copying at the public
reference room maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington,
D.C. 20549, United States. For further information about the public
reference room, call the SEC at 1-800- 732-0330.
Contacts:
Reuters:
Investor Relations enquiries
Miriam McKay
Global Head of Investor Relations, Reuters
+44 (0) 207 542 7057
+44 (0) 7990 567057
Miriam.mckay@reuters.com
UK Media enquiries
Victoria Brough
Global Head of Financial PR
+44 (0) 207 542 8763
victoria.brough@reuters.com
US Media enquiries
Frank DeMaria
SVP, Corporate Communications, Americas
+1 646 223 5507
frank.demaria@reuters.com
The Thomson Corporation:
Investor Relations enquiries
Frank J. Golden
Vice President, Investor Relations
+1 (203) 539 8470
frank.golden@thomson.com
US Media enquiries
Fred Hawrysh
Global Director, External Communications
+1 (203) 539 8314
fred.hawrysh@thomson.com
UK Media enquiries
Will Tanner
will.tanner@finsbury.com
Edward Simpkins
Edward.simpkins@finsbury.com
Finsbury
+44 (0) 207 251 3801
