<PAGE> 1
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
-------------
FORM 10-Q
-------------
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2000
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-4199
BESTFOODS
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
36-2385545
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
700 SYLVAN AVENUE
INTERNATIONAL PLAZA
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. 07632-9976
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(201) 894-4000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed
since last report.)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No _____
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS OUTSTANDING AT JUNE 30, 2000
<S> <C>
Common Stock, $.25 par value 277,407,350 shares
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 2
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
BESTFOODS AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
($ Millions except per share amounts) June 30, June 30,
-------- --------
2000 1999 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $2,208 $2,155 $4,426 $4,350
Cost of sales 1,158 1,131 2,314 2,308
------ ------ ------ ------
Gross profit 1,050 1,024 2,112 2,042
Operating expenses 684 691 1,438 1,424
------ ------ ------ ------
Operating income before merger related expenses 366 333 674 618
Merger related expenses 45 -- 45 --
------ ------ ------ ------
Operating Income 321 333 629 618
Financing costs 59 51 106 97
------ ------ ------ ------
Income before income taxes 262 282 523 521
Provision for income taxes 88 97 175 180
------ ------ ------ ------
174 185 348 341
Minority stockholders' interest 11 9 25 21
------ ------ ------ ------
Net income $ 163 $ 176 $ 323 $ 320
====== ====== ====== ======
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Basic 274.5 279.0 275.4 279.9
Diluted 285.1 288.0 284.9 288.9
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
Basic $ 0.59 $ 0.62 $ 1.16 $ 1.13
Diluted $ 0.57 $ 0.61 $ 1.13 $ 1.10
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE $0.265 $0.245 $ 0.53 $ 0.49
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
1
<PAGE> 3
BESTFOODS AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Unaudited)
($ Millions) June 30, 2000 Dec. 31, 1999
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 89 $ 68
Notes and accounts receivable, net 1,307 1,234
Inventories 828 792
Prepaid expenses 108 78
Deferred tax asset 30 32
------- -------
Total current assets 2,362 2,204
------- -------
Investments in and loans to unconsolidated affiliates 23 22
------- -------
Plant and properties 3,679 3,485
Less accumulated depreciation 1,639 1,521
------- -------
2,040 1,964
------- -------
Excess cost over net assets of businesses acquired and other
Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $390 and $374) 2,188 1,811
------- -------
Other assets 253 231
------- -------
$ 6,866 $ 6,232
======= =======
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Notes and drafts payable $ 1,429 $ 624
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1,529 1,499
Income taxes payable 176 171
Dividends payable 73 74
------- -------
Total current liabilities 3,207 2,368
------- -------
Non-current liabilities 939 929
------- -------
Long-term debt 1,789 1,842
------- -------
Deferred taxes on income 9 7
------- -------
Minority interest 156 148
------- -------
Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock, authorized 25 million shares $1 par value -- --
Series B ESOP convertible 3 million shares designated
1.6 million shares issued at stated value (1999: 1.7 million shares) 145 151
Series A Junior Participating 2 million shares designated - none issued -- --
Common stock authorized 900 million shares $.25 par value - issued
390.5 million shares 98 98
Capital in excess of par value of stock 183 174
Unearned ESOP compensation (55) (65)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (840) (643)
Common stock in treasury at cost - 115.8 million shares
(1999: 112.7 million shares) (2,305) (2,145)
Retained earnings 3,540 3,368
------- -------
Total stockholders' equity 766 938
------- -------
$ 6,866 $ 6,232
======= =======
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
2
<PAGE> 4
BESTFOODS AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended
($ Millions) June 30,
--------
2000 1999
---- ---
<S> <C> <C>
Cash flows from (used for) operating activities
Net income $ 323 $ 320
Non-cash charges (credits) to net income
Depreciation and amortization 133 128
Deferred taxes 19 (15)
Other, net 37 6
Changes in trade working capital:
Notes and accounts receivable and prepaid expenses (39) (77)
Inventories 3 (17)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (57) 6
----- -----
Net cash flows from operating activities 419 351
----- -----
Cash flows from (used for) investing activities
Capital expenditures (96) (124)
Proceeds from disposal of plants and properties 16 11
Business acquired (490) (26)
----- -----
Net cash flows used for investing activities (570) (139)
----- -----
Net cash flows after investments (151) 212
----- -----
Cash flows from (used for) financing activities
Purchase of treasury stock (178) (173)
Repayment of long-term debt (49) (20)
New long-term debt 34 18
Net change in short-term debt 503 57
Dividends paid on common stock (148) (140)
Dividends paid on preferred stock (6) (6)
Common stock issued 18 10
Other liabilities (assets) 0 31
----- -----
Net cash flows used for financing activities 174 (223)
----- -----
Effects of exchange rates on cash (2) (8)
----- -----
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 21 (19)
----- -----
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 68 142
----- -----
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 89 $ 123
===== =====
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
3
<PAGE> 5
BESTFOODS AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
($ Millions)
Capital in Unearned
Comprehensive Preferred Common Excess of ESOP
Income Stock Stock Par Value Compensation
------ ----- ----- --------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, December 31, 1999 $151 $98 $174 $(65)
Comprehensive income
Net income for the period $323
Foreign currency translation
Adjustment ($296 pre-tax) (197)
----
Comprehensive income $126
====
ESOP compensation earned 10
ESOP shares redeemed (6) (7)
Dividends:
Common stock
Preferred stock
Shares issued for:
Stock options and deferred
compensation
16
Treasury stock acquired
---------------------------------------------------------
Balance, June 30, 2000 $145 $98 $183 $(55)
=========================================================
<CAPTION>
($ Millions) Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive Treasury Retained
Income Stock Earnings
------ ----- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, December 31, 1999 $(643) $(2,145) $3,368
Comprehensive income
Net income for the period 323
Foreign currency translation
Adjustment ($296 pre-tax) (197)
Comprehensive income
ESOP compensation earned
ESOP shares redeemed
Dividends:
Common stock (146)
Preferred stock (5)
Shares issued for:
Stock options and deferred
compensation 18
Treasury stock acquired (178)
-----------------------------------------------
Balance, June 30, 2000 $(840) $(2,305) $3,540
================================================
</TABLE>
----------------
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
4
<PAGE> 6
BESTFOODS AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The unaudited consolidated interim financial statements included herein
were prepared by management and reflect all adjustments (consisting solely of
normal recurring items) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to
present a fair statement of results of operations for the interim periods ended
June 30, 2000 and 1999 and the financial position as of June 30, 2000.
References to "the Company" are to Bestfoods and its consolidated
subsidiaries. These statements should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and the related footnotes to these statements
contained in the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders which were incorporated
by reference in Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
2. ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Statement No. 133 (FAS 133), "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities", as amended in June 2000 by Statement No. 138 (FAS 138), "Accounting
for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities," which
requires the recognition of all derivatives as assets or liabilities in the
statement of financial position and measure those instruments at fair value.
Changes in fair value of derivatives are recorded in earnings or other
comprehensive income depending upon the intended use of the derivative and the
resulting designation. The effective date of this statement has been delayed to
fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. The Company is in the process of
determining the impact the adoption of this statement will have on its financial
position and results of operations, which is not expected to be significant.
In March 2000, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 44, "Accounting for
Certain Transactions involving Stock Compensation", which provides guidance for
issues that have arisen in applying APB No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees". This Interpretation, which is effective July 1, 2000, applies
prospectively to new awards, exchanges of awards in a business combination,
modifications to outstanding awards, and changes in grantee status that occur on
or after July 1, 2000, except for the provisions related to repricings and the
definition of an employee which apply to awards issued after December 31, 1998.
The Company is in the process of determining the impact the adoption of this
Interpretation will have on its financial position and results of operations,
which is not expected to be significant.
3. ACQUISITIONS
On February 8, 2000, the Company became the 100% owner of Arisco Produtos
Alimenticios S.A. (Arisco), a privately-held food company in Brazil. Bestfoods
paid $490 million for 100% of the shares in Arisco. Included on the Arisco
balance sheet was approximately $262 million of net debt. In 1999 Arisco had
annual sales of approximately $440 million. This transaction was accounted for
as a purchase. The Company financed this investment through existing credit
facilities. Consistent with the Company's international reporting schedule,
Arisco's financial results and financial condition are included for the first
time in the Company's financial statements this quarter. Arisco had sales of
$54.6 million and an operating loss of $1.1 million for the second quarter.
5
<PAGE> 7
4. INVENTORIES
Inventories are summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
($ Millions) June 30, 2000 Dec. 31, 1999
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Finished and goods in process $546 $501
Raw materials 161 181
Supplies 121 110
---- ----
$828 $792
==== ====
</TABLE>
5. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt is summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
($ Millions) June 30, 2000 Dec. 31, 1999
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
7.71% ESOP guaranteed notes due December 2004 $ 84 $ 94
5.625% -- 6.75% pollution control revenue bonds due
2007-2016 15 15
5.6% notes due 2097 (effective rate 7.3%) 100 100
7.0% notes due 2017 150 150
6.15% notes due 2006 300 300
7.25% notes due 2026 300 300
6.625% notes due 2028 250 250
Medium term notes at various rates due 2000-2005 175 175
5% Swiss franc debentures 120 133
6.75% German mark debentures 98 109
2.3% Japanese yen term loan 15 17
Other secured and unsecured notes and loans at various
rates and due dates 407 281
------ ------
2,014 1,924
------ ------
Less current maturities 225 82
------ ------
$1,789 $1,842
====== ======
</TABLE>
6. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Supplementary information for the consolidated statements of cash flows is set
forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
($ Millions) Six Months Ended June 30,
2000 1999
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest $113 $108
Income taxes 117 123
Details of businesses acquired were as follows:
Fair value of assets acquired 752 33
Less: Liabilities assumed 262 7
---- ----
Net cash paid $490 $ 26
==== ====
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE> 8
7. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company's policies regarding hedging of foreign currency cash flows and
commodity purchases are set forth in the Annual Report to Stockholders which was
filed as Exhibit 13 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
At June 30, 2000, the Company had forward exchange contracts to deliver $3
million in Hong Kong dollars and $5 million in German marks and to purchase $33
million in German marks and $3 million in Swiss francs.
COMMODITIES
At June 30, 2000 the outstanding commodity contracts were not material to
the Company's financial position or results of operations.
INTEREST RATE SWAPS
At June 30, 2000, the Company had interest rate swap agreements outstanding
with notional amounts of $200 million. A portion of the Company's fixed-rate
debt position was hedged with these agreements. The fixed weighted-average
receive rate was 5.3% at June 30, 2000 and the floating weighted average rate
was 6.5%. These swap agreements terminate on various dates through 2003.
8. PENDING MERGER TRANSACTION AND RELATED EXPENSES
As previously reported, on June 6, 2000, the Company and Unilever PLC and
Unilever N.V. (collectively "Unilever") announced that they had signed a
definitive merger agreement, as a result of which the Company will become an
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Unilever. Under the terms of the agreement,
as amended, upon the effectiveness of the merger of an indirect subsidiary of
Unilever into the Company, each outstanding share of the Company will be
converted into the right to receive $73 per share in cash. The transaction is
expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2000, subject to the vote of the
Company's and Unilever's stockholders and customary regulatory approvals and
closing conditions. Reference is made to the Company's Schedule 14A filed June
6, 2000, Form 8-K filed June 21, 2000, Form 8-A/A filed June 23, 2000 and
Schedule 14A filed July 7, 2000. As a result of the pending merger, the Company
has accrued a charge of $45 million ($30 million after tax or $.11 per share)
through June 30, 2000 for merger-related costs taken in the second quarter.
7
<PAGE> 9
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
NET SALES for the three months ended June 30, 2000 increased $53 million to
$2,208 million, up 2.5% from the $2,155 million for the same period last year.
This increase was due to a 7.4% improvement in worldwide volumes (including the
impact of acquisitions of 4.7%). Significantly offsetting this increase was the
negative 4% impact of currency values, particularly in Europe.
An analysis of net sales by division is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
2000 1999 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
North America $ 533 $ 508 $ 956 $ 883
Europe 840 903 1,795 1,898
Latin America 302 234 583 533
Asia 96 87 210 186
Baking 437 423 882 850
------ ------ ------ ------
Total $2,208 $2,155 $4,426 $4,350
====== ====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
North American sales were up 4.8% for the quarter and 8.3% for the
six-month period due to increased volumes from the Case-Swayne food ingredient
acquisition. Mayonnaise volumes were lower in the quarter, but 5.6% higher for
the six-month period. Volumes of dressings, Knorr products and peanut butter
were up for the quarter while volumes of Mueller's and Mazola products
decreased. Overall, prices for the division decreased.
In Europe, net sales declined 6.9% or $63 million for the quarter and 5.4%
for the six-month period due entirely to unfavorable exchange rates. Volumes
improved 1.8%, mainly from existing businesses, and prices were up. Excluding
the impact of exchange sales would have been up 2%.
Net sales in Latin America for the second quarter were 29% higher compared
to the prior year, when a Brazilian currency devaluation had a strong negative
impact on results. Volumes excluding acquisitions were up 7.2% and including the
Arisco acquisition were up 33%. These volume increases were slightly offset by
lower prices and negative currency impacts.
In Asia, net sales improved 10.8% for the quarter and 13% for the six-month
period compared to the prior year. A 21% volume improvement accounted for this
increase. Prices were lower, and currency comparisons were slightly negative for
the quarter.
Net sales in the Baking business increased 3.2% for the quarter and 3.7%
for the six-month period compared to last year. Volumes increased 3.2% in the
quarter due to higher volumes of breads and Thomas' products.
COST OF SALES AND OPERATING EXPENSES. Cost of sales as a percentage of net
sales was 52% for the three months ended June 30, 2000, resulting in a gross
profit margin of 47.6%, which is flat compared to the same period last year.
Operating expenses decreased 1% from the prior year excluding a $45 million
pre-tax charge for merger-related costs taken in the second quarter.
OPERATING INCOME for the three months ended June 30, 2000 increased 10% to
$366 million excluding the merger-related charge. This increase was chiefly the
result of the higher volumes and improved margins in all divisions except Latin
America. Unfavorable exchange rates partially offset the gains mentioned above.
8
<PAGE> 10
FINANCING COSTS of $59 million increased 17% compared to the last year
mainly due to increased interest expense related to the Arisco acquisition.
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES. The effective tax rate was 33.5% in the second
quarter of 2000 compared to 34.5% for the same period a year ago. The lower rate
in 2000 resulted from a decrease in the effective tax rates in various foreign
jurisdictions. The Company expects the effective tax rate to remain at 33.5% for
the foreseeable future.
NET INCOME AND EARNINGS PER DILUTED COMMON SHARE for the three months ended
June 30, 2000 increased 9.9% and 11.5%, respectively to $193 million or $.68 per
diluted share compared to $176 million or $.61 per diluted share last year.
Contributing to the improved results were a $.08 per share improvement in
operating income, a slightly lower effective tax rate contributing $.01 per
share, and fewer shares outstanding also adding $.01 per share. Higher financing
costs and increased minority equities lowered earnings per share by $.02 and
$.01, respectively.
MERGER CHARGE. The Company accrued a charge of $45 million ($30 million
after tax) through June 30, 2000 for costs relating to the pending Bestfoods
Unilever merger.
RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The Company operates in more than sixty countries, and in each country, the
business is subject to varying degrees of risk and uncertainty. It insures its
business and assets in each country against insurable risks in a manner it deems
appropriate. Because of its diversity, the Company believes that the risk of
loss from non-insurable events in any one business or country would not have a
material adverse affect on the Company's operations as a whole. Additionally,
the Company believes there is no concentration of risk with any single customer
or supplier, or small group of suppliers or customers, whose failure or
non-performance would materially affect the Company's results.
Also because of the Company's broad operational reach, it is subject to
risks due to changes in foreign currencies that could affect earnings. As a
practical matter, it is not feasible to cover these fluctuations with currency
hedges. Additionally, the Company believes that over time most currencies of
major countries in which it operates will equalize against the U.S. dollar.
However, the Company does maintain a policy of hedging its exposure to foreign
currency cash flows to cover planned dividends, fees and royalties,
inter-company loans, and other similar transactions. In addition, the Company
hedges certain net investments with borrowings denominated in the particular
currency. As a matter of policy, the Company does not speculate in foreign
currencies.
For certain of its North American raw material purchases, the Company
hedges its exposure to commodity price fluctuations with commodity futures
contracts. The Company's products are manufactured from a number of raw
materials, including soybean and other edible oils, peanuts and wheat, all of
which are, and are expected to be, in adequate supply. Such raw materials may or
may not be hedged at any given time based on management's decisions as to the
need to fix the cost of raw materials to protect the Company's profitability.
The value of raw materials subject to commodity hedging represents a small
percentage of the total worldwide cost of sales. The historical price volatility
of raw materials, combined with the relatively low percentage of raw materials
to cost of sales, have never yielded a material adverse effect on gross margins
and are not expected to in the future. In addition, any significant change in
commodity prices can generally be recovered in higher selling prices, thereby
further minimizing the impact on the Company's margins.
9
<PAGE> 11
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
During the six-month period ended June 30, 2000, strong cash flows from
operations continued to fund the Company's working capital requirements, capital
expenditures and dividend payments. Working capital on a cash flow basis
increased $93 million during the first six months of 2000 compared to $88
million for the same period of 1999. Capital expenditures at $96 million were
lower than last year's six-month period of $124 million. The Company share
buyback program continued until April 25, 2000 totaling $176 million (4.0
million shares) for the year until such date.
The Company's indebtedness at June 30, 2000 and December 31, 1999 is
summarized herein under the caption "Long-term debt" on page 6. Material terms
of all loans, lines of credit and covenants are discussed in the "Long-term
debt" note found on pages 35 and 36 of the Company's 1999 Annual Report and
filed as Exhibit 13 to the 1999 Form 10-K.
At June 30, 2000, the ratio of consolidated borrowed debt to EBITDA was
2.7. Additionally, the ratio of EBITDA to interest was 8.1 at June 30, 2000.
FORWARD LOOKING AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS
This report may contain forward-looking statements based on our best
current information and reasonable assumptions about anticipated developments.
Statements including such words as "believes," "expects," "anticipates,"
"intends," "plans," "estimates," and other similar expressions are intended to
identify such forward-looking statements. Because of the risks and uncertainties
that always exist in any operating environment or business, we cannot make
assurances that these expectations will prove correct. Actual results and
developments may differ materially depending upon currency values, competitive
pricing, consumption levels, costs and political and social conditions in the
economies and environments where Bestfoods operates.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Quantitative Disclosure - There have been no material changes in the
Company's market risk during the six months ended June 30, 2000.
Qualitative Disclosure - This information is set forth on page 33, under
the caption "Financial Instruments," of the Company's 1999 Annual Report which
was filed as Exhibit 13 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1999 and is incorporated herein by reference.
10
<PAGE> 12
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
As previously disclosed, immediately following public announcement on May
2, 2000, of the Board of Directors' determination to reject an earlier
unsolicited proposal from Unilever to acquire all of the outstanding shares of
Bestfoods, ten shareholders, each purporting to sue on behalf of a class of all
Bestfoods shareholders, began to file putative class actions against the Company
and the Board of Directors in the Court of Chancery for the State of Delaware in
and for New Castle County. There have been no developments in these proceedings.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
a) Exhibits pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K.
Exhibit 10 - Standard form of amendment to severance agreement for
executive officers of the Company
Exhibit 11 - Statements regarding the computation of earnings per share.
Exhibit 12 - Statement regarding the computation of ratios of earnings
to fixed charges.
Exhibit 27 - Financial data schedule.
b) Reports on Form 8-K.
There was one report filed on Form 8-K on June 21, 2000 during the
second quarter of 2000 which incorporated under Item 5, Other Events, the
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated June 6, 2000 by and among Unilever PLC,
Unilever N.V., Conopco, Inc., Titan Acquisition Company and Bestfoods and a
joint press release, dated June 6, 2000, describing the Company's
announcement regarding the signing of the merger agreement.
11
<PAGE> 13
BESTFOODS AND SUBSIDIARIES
SIGNATURES
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 thereunto duly authorized.
BESTFOODS
DATE: August 3, 2000
/S/ Robert J. Gillespie
--------------------------------------------
(Robert J. Gillespie)
Executive Vice President, Strategic Business
Development and Finance
DATE: August 3, 2000
/S/ Philip V. Terenzio
--------------------------------------------
(Philip V. Terenzio)
Vice President and Controller
12
