CONTINENTAL AG: TAKEOVER OFFER IS COMPLETED
Posted 10th January, 2009 in Miscellaneous | Leave a comment
HANOVER, Germany – The takeover offer of Schaeffler KG for Continental AG has been completed: According to Schaeffler KG, it paid the offer price of €75.00 for the tendered Continental shares on Thursday, as provided for in the investment agreement concluded with Continental. With the payment, the investment agreement safeguarding the interests of Continental AG and its shareholders, employees and customers goes into full effect. The European Commission gave clearance for Schaeffler to go ahead with plans to buy into Continental AG on December 19, 2008.
As one of the terms of the agreement concluded on August 20, 2008, Schaeffler has restricted its holding in Continental AG to a stake of up to 49.99% through August 2012. It has also undertaken to support the ongoing strategy and business policies of the Executive Board while maintaining its current market and brand appearance, and to not demand a sale of operations or seek other significant restructuring measures. A further key provision is the obligation of Schaeffler to compensate Continental AG up to a total amount of €522 million for possible damages resulting from a change-of-control in connection with existing financing agreements of Continental AG as well as for negative tax effects resulting from Schaeffler’s shareholding.
In addition, it was agreed that there will be no changes to Continental AG’s form of incorporation, its corporate seat, headquarters or business units, its listing on the stock exchange, its dividend policy or an increase in its indebtedness against the wishes of Continental AG. The agreement cannot be terminated by the parties before spring 2014.
With the completion of the offer and the coming into force of the investment agreement, former German Chancellor Dr. Gerhard Schröder also begins his task as guarantor responsible for protecting the interests of Continental and its shareholders, employees and other stakeholders.
[Source: Continental]
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