SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 24, 2000
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United Air Lines, Inc.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 33-21220 36-2675206
(State or other jurisdiction of (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer
incorporation) Identification No.)
1200 Algonquin Road, Elk Grove Township, Illinois 60007
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(847) 700-4000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
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Item 5. Other Events.
On May 23, 2000, UAL Corporation ("UAL"), the parent company of United
Air Lines, Inc., and US Airways Group, Inc. ("US Airways") entered into an
Agreement and Plan of Merger.
Attached and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as Exhibit
99.1 is a copy of the joint press release of UAL and US Airways announcing the
execution of the Agreement and Plan of Merger.
Item 7. Exhibits.
Exhibit No. Description
99.1 Joint Press Release, dated May 24, 2000, announcing the
execution of the Agreement and Plan of Merger
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.
UNITED AIR LINES, INC.
By:
/s/ Francesca M. Maher
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Name: Francesca M. Maher
Title: Senior Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary
Date: May 26, 2000
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit No. Description
99.1 Joint Press Release, dated May 24, 2000, announcing the
execution of the Agreement and Plan of Merger
UNITED AIRLINES AND US AIRWAYS AGREE TO COMBINE
TRANSACTION VALUED AT $11.6 BILLION
o US Airways customers will gain benefits of United's global route system
o Combination unites United's extensive east-west system with US Airways'
comprehensive north-south routes, creating first truly efficient
nationwide network
o US Airways hubs in Charlotte, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to add U.S. and
international service and frequency
o Competition in Washington, DC and other markets will be maintained and
increased due to asset divestiture
o Frequent-flyer programs will be consolidated, offering passengers more
destinations than any other airline program
o No increases to domestic structure fares for two years following close of
merger, except for increases in fuel cost and CPI
o Travel agents are guaranteed no reduction in domestic standard base
commission rates for two years following close of merger
Chicago, IL, and Arlington, VA, (May 24, 2000) - UAL Corporation [NYSE: UAL]
and US Airways Group, Inc. [NYSE: U] today announced that their boards of
directors have approved a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which US
Airways will be acquired by United in an all-cash transaction valued at $4.3
billion (plus the assumption of $1.5 billion in net debt and $5.8 billion in
aircraft operating leases).
Structure - Terms
Under the agreement, each share of common stock of US Airways will be
converted into the right to receive $60.00 in cash in a one-step merger
transaction. Based upon US Airways' closing price of $26.31 on May 23, 2000,
this represents a premium of about 130 percent to US Airways stockholders. The
companies anticipate that the transaction will be completed in 2001. The
combination will be accounted for as a purchase and is anticipated to be
accretive to United's earnings per share in the second year following the
closing.
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In recognition of the competitive issues connected with this transaction,
United also plans to divest significant assets to maintain and enhance airline
competition on routes into and out of Washington, DC. In connection with this
planned divestiture, United and US Airways have entered into a Memorandum of
Understanding with Robert Johnson, under which Mr. Johnson would buy certain
of US Airways' assets and create a new airline. This new carrier, to be called
DC Air, will be the first significant new entrant at capacity-controlled
Washington Reagan National Airport in over a decade. United would retain
certain assets at Washington Reagan, including the US Airways Shuttle service
to New York and Boston and the assets necessary for United to fly to
Pittsburgh, Charlotte and Philadelphia from Washington Reagan.
The Combined Company - Unparalleled Convenience:
The combination of United and US Airways will deliver significant benefits to
millions of passengers and hundreds of communities throughout the United
States. The new network will make traveling more convenient for passengers,
connecting US Airways' eastern U.S. markets with United's east-west and
international networks. It will also give United passengers easier access to
US Airways' eastern United States network. Passengers will benefit from the
convenience of one-airline, one-baggage check-in and one frequent flyer
program.
o United will offer "seamless" one-ticket, one-airline service on over
560 new city pairs - travelers will be able to fly without the
inconvenience of changing airlines. There will also be fewer
check-ins and baggage transfers.
o Many US Airways cities will gain easier access to international
destinations, strengthening their ability to attract international
investment.
o Travelers will be able to combine frequent flyer miles accumulated
in both airline programs into United's program. Passengers who now
earn frequent flyer miles on two carriers will be able to
consolidate their miles on United. This offers the opportunity to
earn travel awards to more destinations in more countries than any
other airline program offers.
o Passengers will also benefit from United's partnership with Star
Alliance member airlines - Air Canada, Air New Zealand, All Nippon
Airways, Ansett Australia, Lufthansa, SAS, Singapore Airlines, Thai
Airways and VARIG. This will make international travel much simpler,
with one-ticket booking, convenient baggage transfers and easier
check-in.
o United passengers will have the convenience of accruing United
frequent flyer miles on the US Airways Shuttle. Shuttle users will
be able to redeem their miles on United's unmatched international
network.
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The Combined Company - Unparalleled Service:
United plans to serve all cities now served by US Airways. United plans to
also offer 64 new daily non-stop flights in the U.S. and 29 new daily
international flights. Passengers will benefit from more non-stop domestic
flights. For example:
o From Pittsburgh, United plans to introduce the only daily non-stop
service to San Jose, CA and Portland, OR and add two non-stops a day
to Denver.
o From Philadelphia, United plans to offer the only daily non-stop
service to San Jose, CA, Portland, OR and Orange County, CA.
o From Charlotte, United plans to introduce the only daily non-stop
service to Portland, OR, and San Antonio, TX.
o From Washington Dulles, United plans to introduce the only daily
non-stop service to Orange County, CA.
o From Tampa, United plans to provide the only daily non-stop service
to San Francisco.
Passengers will also benefit from more flights to Europe, Asia, Latin America
and the Caribbean. Some examples of these flights include:
o From Pittsburgh, United plans to introduce new one-stop service to
significant Asian capitals, such as Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and
Singapore, as well as to Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and other
Latin American cities.
o From Washington Dulles, United plans to add the only daily non-stop
flights to Copenhagen and Bermuda.
o From Philadelphia, United plans to introduce the only non-stop
service to four international destinations - Amsterdam, Brussels,
Vancouver and Barbados. United also plans to offer additional daily
non-stop service to Frankfurt, Germany.
o From Charlotte, United plans to provide the only one-stop service to
Melbourne and Sydney, Australia; Auckland, New Zealand; Taipei, and
Seoul and new one-stop service from Charlotte to Caracas, Rio de
Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires and Santiago.
The transaction will significantly enhance the ability of US Airways hubs in
Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Charlotte to grow and compete with other hubs and
international gateways, giving passengers easier access to the West and to
destinations in Latin America, Asia and Europe.
United is committing that it will not increase U.S. point-to-point structure
fares for two years following the closing of the merger, with exceptions only
for increases in fuel cost and consumer price index (CPI).
United is also committing that for two years following completion of the
merger, travel agents are guaranteed no reduction in domestic standard base
commission rates.
Following the transaction, US Airways' facilities, routes, equipment and
personnel will operate under the United Airlines name. The combined company
would have approximately 145,000 employees worldwide. This combination would
create a global airline with revenue in excess of $25 billion.
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James E. Goodwin, chairman and chief executive officer of UAL Corporation,
said, "This combination provides significant benefits to the communities and
customers served by both companies. The addition of US Airways will greatly
improve United's ability to serve customers in the East and to open its
worldwide network to them. Similarly, the combination creates more travel
options and convenience for Star Alliance passengers who travel to the cities
US Airways serves. As the first carrier with a strong presence across the
U.S., United will be positioned to provide a competitive challenge in new
areas. We have the financial strength and unencumbered assets to continue to
grow the company."
Mr. Goodwin continued, "For the passenger and cargo customers of United, this
merger will fill a geographic void along the East coast and offers new reach
to the East and Southeast. It also will provide new competition to others
currently serving those regions. US Airways' system will allow United to serve
Trans-Atlantic, Latin American and Caribbean routes more effectively,
intensifying competition in those markets, and will improve our ability to
reach Asian destinations from across the U.S. This combination will also allow
us to enhance our code-sharing alliance, with our Star Alliance partners,
particularly across the Atlantic, making use of US Airways' Pittsburgh,
Philadelphia and Charlotte hubs. Together, we will be able to upgrade service
and access to the world for our customers. Our customers will be linked to a
system that will directly carry them to the commercial centers of the world.
In short, United and US Airways together will create a more efficient global
airline network that can improve the quality of service for its customers.
"We welcome the US Airways employees who will be joining the United family.
Both United and US Airways employees are known for their commitment to service
and professionalism. We look forward to offering them additional opportunity
in the combined company. In addition, United intends to honor all union
contracts, and this transaction will not result in any furloughs of United or
US Airways employees," Mr. Goodwin added.
Stephen M. Wolf, chairman of US Airways Group, Inc., said, "The agreement we
are announcing today, in which United and US Airways will merge, is a
milestone in aviation history, melding the route systems and assets of two
proud and successful carriers into this nation's and the world's largest and
most comprehensive airline network. During the past four years, working
closely with the 40,000 dedicated employees at US Airways, we have made
enormous strides toward achieving our aim of becoming the carrier of choice.
Today we have the opportunity to achieve our goal of becoming a world-class
global carrier in a single stroke.
"By joining US Airways with United, we deliver value for our stockholders,
provide dramatically improved global service for customers and achieve
long-term security and career opportunities for US Airways' employees. This is
the right combination, the right partner, the right time and the right step
for our customers, communities, shareholders and our employees," Mr. Wolf
added.
<PAGE>
Memorandum of Understanding to Divest Assets to Create a New Carrier
United proposes to address potential competitive issues related to the
transaction in Washington DC by divesting sufficient assets to create another
airline to compete in numerous routes currently served by US Airways in the
Washington, DC area. In connection with this planned divestiture, United and
US Airways have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding under which Robert
Johnson would buy certain assets and create a new carrier to be called DC Air.
This divestiture of assets will ensure that competition is maintained and
enhanced and further consumer benefits will result from the merger.
The sale would include most of US Airways' assets and route structure
operating from Washington Reagan National Airport. These assets would create a
base of operations for the new carrier out of Washington Reagan.
Mr. Johnson is the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of BET
Holdings II, Inc., and a member of the US Airways Board.
Dividend
The transaction is not expected to affect United's recently instituted annual
dividend of $1.25 per share of common stock.
Approvals
The merger is conditioned upon, among other things, the approvals of US
Airways stockholders, regulatory clearance and other customary closing
conditions.
Merrill Lynch & Co. acted as financial advisor and provided a fairness opinion
to United. Cravath, Swaine & Moore and Kirkland & Ellis (for antitrust
matters) acted as legal counsel to United. Salomon Smith Barney acted as
financial advisor and provided a fairness opinion to US Airways. Skadden,
Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and O'Melveny & Myers (for antitrust matters)
acted as legal counsel to US Airways.
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About US Airways
US Airways, the US Airways Express carriers, US Airways Shuttle, and low-fare
MetroJet fly to 205 destinations worldwide, including 38 states in the U.S.,
Bermuda, Cancun, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, Nassau, San Juan, St. Thomas, St.
Maarten, St. Croix, and the Canadian destinations of Toronto, Montreal,
Ottawa, Hamilton, and London, Ontario. US Airways' transatlantic destinations
include Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Munich, Paris and Rome. US Airways'
Internet address is www.usairways.com
About United Airlines
United Airlines is the largest air carrier in the world, offering more than
2,330 flights a day to 139 destinations in 26 countries and two U.S.
territories. It is an industry innovator with breakthroughs such as Economy
Plus seating, E-Ticket Service, Airport Gate Readers, Mobile Airport
ChariotsSM, United Shuttle, and the introduction of the technologically
advanced Boeing 777. United Airlines' Internet address is www.ual.com.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995: This press release contains certain "forward-looking" statements within
the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
statements are based on management's current expectations and are naturally
subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary
materially from the expectations contained herein. The forward-looking
statements contained herein include statements about future financial and
operating results and benefits of the pending merger between United and US
Airways. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those described herein include: industry capacity decisions; the airline
pricing environment; competitors' route decisions; the inability to obtain
regulatory approvals; actions of the U.S., foreign and local governments;
domestic and international travel patterns; the inability to successfully
integrate the businesses of United and US Airways; costs related to the
merger; the inability to achieve cost cutting synergies resulting from the
merger; labor integration issues; the economic environment of the airline
industry and the general economic environment. More detailed information about
these factors is set forth in the reports filed by United and US Airways with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. Neither United nor US Airways is under
any obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) update or
alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise.
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In connection with merger, US Airways will be filing a proxy statement with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. STOCKHOLDERS OF US AIRWAYS ARE URGED
TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE BECAUSE IT WILL CONTAIN
IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and security holders may obtain a free copy
of the proxy statement when it becomes available and other documents filed by
United Airlines and US Airways with the Securities and Exchange Commission in
connection with the merger at the Securities and Exchange Commission's web
site at www.sec.gov. Stockholders of US Airways may also obtain for free the
proxy statement and other documents filed by US Airways in connection with the
merger by directing a request to: US Airways, 2345 Crystal Drive, Arlington,
Virginia 22227, Attention: Kimberly Holland, Investor Relations, Telephone:
(703) 872-5009, email: [email protected]. Stockholders of US
Airways may also obtain for free documents filed by United in connection with
the merger by directing a request to: United Airlines, 1200 East Algonquine
Road, Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007, Attention: Patty Chaplinski, Investor
Relations, Telephone: (847) 700-7501, email: [email protected].
US Airways and its directors and executive officers may be deemed to be
participants in the solicitation of proxies from US Airways stockholders in
favor of the merger. These directors and executive officers include the
following: N. Bruce Ashby, Mathias J. DeVito, Rakesh Gangwal, Peter M. George,
Robert L. Johnson, Robert LeBuhn, John G. Medlin, Jr., Hanne M. Merriman,
Thomas A. Mutryn, Thomas H. O'Brien, Lawrence M. Nagin, Hilda
Ochoa-Brillembourg, Richard B. Priory, Raymond W. Smith, Stephen M. Wolf.
Collectively, as of January 31, 2000, the directors and executive officers of
US Airways may be deemed to beneficially own approximately 6.6% of the
outstanding shares of US Airways common stock. Stockholders of US Airways may
obtain additional information regarding the interests of the participants by
reading the proxy statement when it becomes available.
United and certain of its directors and executive officers may also be deemed
to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from US Airways stockholders
in favor of the merger. These directors and executive officers include:
Christopher Bowers, Frederic F. Brace, Rono J. Dutta, James E. Goodwin,
Douglas A. Hacker, Francesca M. Maher, Peter McDonald, Andrew Studdert and
Daniel Walsh. As of the date of this communication, United, Mr. Brace, Mr.
Dutta, Mr. Goodwin, Mr. Hacker and Ms. Maher do not beneficially own any
shares of US Airways common stock.
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Press Conference
Note to Editors: You are cordially invited to participate in the United / US
Airways press conference on Wednesday, May 24, 2000 at 12:30 pm (EDT) at the
Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, located on 301 Park Avenue (between
49th & 50th streets), at the Starlight Roof (18th floor). If you are unable to
attend, you can participate by dialing 1-888-732-8927 (within the United
States) and 1-212-676-5227 (internationally).
Live Satellite Feed for United and US Airways Press Conference:
Wednesday, May 24, 2000
12:30 - 1:30 PM (EDT)
Telstar 6; Transponder 25
Downlink frequency: 12144 on the vertical
If you have any technical questions or problems with live satellite feed,
please call Mark Sofer at (917) 273-3057 or (917) 273-4712.
Satellite Uplink for United and US Airways B-Roll:
Wednesday, May 24, 2000 Wednesday, May 24, 2000
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM (EDT) 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM (EDT)
GE2; Transponder 6 GE2; Transponder 18
Downlink frequency: 3820 Downlink frequency: 4060
If you have any technical questions or problems with the B-Roll satellite
feeds, please call Quicklink at (212) 564-4831.
Today's news release, along with other news about United and US Airways, is
available on the Internet at http://www.ual.com and http://www.usairways.com.
# # #
Contacts for United Airlines: Contacts for US Airways:
For Media: For Media:
Andy Plews Richard Weintraub
847-700-5538 (day) 703-872-5100
847-700-4088 (evening / weekend)
For Investors: For Investors:
Patty Chaplinski Kimberly Holland
847-700-7501 703-872-5009
