<PAGE>
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [_]
Check the appropriate box:
[_] Preliminary Proxy Statement [_] Confidential, For Use of the
Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[_] Definitive Proxy Statement
[X] Definitive Additional Materials
[_] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
GTE CORPORATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[_] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which
the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
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(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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(5) Total fee paid:
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[_] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[_] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously paid:
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(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement no.:
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(3) Filing Party:
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(4) Date Filed:
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<PAGE>
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GTE BROCHURE
---------------------
[GRAPHIC]
world wide web
global networking
wireless
[GTE LOGO] [BELL ATLANTIC LOGO]
THE MERGER OF
GTE AND BELL ATLANTIC
Vote FOR the merger to own a stake
in the future of telecommunications
<PAGE>
GTE and Bell Atlantic:
Combined Company Profile*
as of December 31, 1998 (pro forma)
[THE FOLLOWING IS REPRESENTED BY BAR CHARTS]
REVENUES
GTE: $25 billion
Bell Atlantic: $32 billion
Combined: $57 billion
DOMESTIC
ACCESS LINES
GTE: 23.5 million
Bell Atlantic: 41.6 million
Combined: 65.1 million
INTERNATIONAL
ACCESS LINES
GTE: 2.8 million
Bell Atlantic: 960,000
Combined: 3.76 million
DOMESTIC
WIRELESS CUSTOMERS
GTE: 4.8 million
Bell Atlantic: 6.6 million
Combined: 11.4 million
INTERNATIONAL
WIRELESS CUSTOMERS
GTE: 917,000
Bell Atlantic: 2 million
Combined: 2.917 million
EMPLOYEES
GTE: 120,000
Bell Atlantic: 140,400
Combined: 260,400
SOMETHING THIS IMPORTANT
CAN'T HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU
As a GTE shareholder, you have an opportunity to own a stake in the future
of global telecommunications by voting FOR the merger of these two great
companies. You will receive 1.22 shares of combined company stock for
each share of GTE stock you own. The GTE Board of Directors unanimously
recommends that you vote FOR the merger.
WHAT THE COMBINED COMPANY WILL OFFER
Scale and Scope to Compete Outstanding Assets and Capabilities
as One of the Industry's Leaders in Attractive Growth Markets
* The largest local telephone provider in * GTE's 17,000-mile national
U.S. with more than 60 million access high-speed data network
lines in 39 states and the District of * Bell Atlantic's information-
Columbia, serving 76 of the top 100 intensive customers in the
markets nation's business, media,
* One of the largest wireless companies government and financial
in U.S., together serving 11.4 million centers
subscribers and the potential to serve * GTE's experience as a long-
subscribers in 9 of the top 10 markets distance provider
* One of the largest facilities-based * Combined service territories
long-distance companies that generate more than
* International presence in more than 35% of international traffic
30 countries from U.S.
* World's largest publisher of directory * Highly skilled workforce able
information to meet the challenges of a
dynamic global telecommunications
industry
Potential for Enhanced
Financial Performance
More Benefits for Customers
* Significant revenue, expense
and capital synergies from joint * Delivers one-stop shopping for
technological development, all telecommunications services
economies of scope and scale, and * Promotes vigorous competition in
elimination of duplicate expenditures telecommunications markets
* Greater ability to enter and compete * Speeds availability of broadband
quickly and effectively in key markets data capabilities to customers
outside either company's current * Accelerates development and
service areas delivery of new products
and services
<PAGE>
PLEASE READ THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS
CAREFULLY, INCLUDING THE SECTION IN CHAPTER I CALLED
"RISK FACTORS RELATING TO THE MERGER."
That section discusses the following risk factors:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
* Shareholders will not know the market * Regulatory agencies must approve * Termination fees and reciprocal stock
price of the stock they will receive in the merger and could delay or refuse option agreements could make an
the merger when they vote on the to approve the merger or impose con- alternative transaction more difficult
merger. ditions that could adversely affect our or expensive.
business or financial condition.
</TABLE>
PLEASE VOTE NOW!
For the merger to be approved, two-thirds of all outstanding GTE shares must be
voted FOR the merger. Please note that if you support the merger, you MUST
actually vote your shares FOR the merger. If you take no action at all, it will
be considered as a vote against the merger. Please see the joint proxy statement
and prospectus for information on how to vote:
[GRAPHIC] [GRAPHIC] [GRAPHIC] [GRAPHIC]
BY PHONE BY THE INTERNET BY MAIL IN PERSON
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE
If I support the GTE-Bell Atlantic merger, do I still need to vote FOR the
merger?
Yes! If you support the merger, you MUST actually vote your shares FOR the
proposal. If you take no action at all, it will be considered as a vote against
the merger. For the merger to be approved, two-thirds of all outstanding shares
must be voted FOR the merger. See your proxy card for instructions on how to
vote.
How will the merger benefit GTE shareholders?
The proposed merger creates a powerful competitor in a dynamic, emerging
telecommunications market. The combined company will be one of the world's
premier telecommunications companies, providing what customers say they
want--one-stop shopping for the full range of telecommunications products and
services. Together, the companies will be able to achieve their strategic goals
more quickly than either could have achieved separately. As a shareholder, this
means you will have a stake in a company that is uniquely positioned to be a
formidable competitor in the global telecommunications market.
What will the dividend be on the combined company's common stock?
The combined company board will determine the dividend policy after the closing
of the merger. Bell Atlantic currently pays dividends at a rate of $1.54 per
share per year, and GTE currently pays dividends at a rate of $1.88 per share
each year. We expect the initial annualized dividend will be at least $1.54,
which is comparable to what you currently receive as a GTE shareholder (e.g.,
$1.54 x the exchange ratio of 1.22 = $1.8788).
Should I send in my stock certificates now?
No. Shortly after the merger is completed, we will send GTE shareholders written
instructions for exchanging their stock certificates.
Where can I find more information about the merger?
We encourage you to read carefully the joint proxy statement and prospectus. If
you have questions, you may call 1-800-859-8509. GTE and Bell Atlantic have also
created a website at www.mergerinfo.com
<PAGE>
Current GTE and Bell Atlantic:
Domestic Telecom Network*
[Domestic Telecom Network Map of the United States showing areas where GTE and
Bell Atlantic own access lines as well as path of GTE National High-Speed Data
Network]
Current GTE and Bell Atlantic:
International Market Presence*
[International Market Presence Map and list of countries where GTE and Bell
Atlantic have a market presence]
<PAGE>
Current GTE and Bell Atlantic:
Domestic Wireless Network*
[Domestic Wireless Network Map indicating GTE Cellular & PCS interests, Bell
Atlantic Cellular & GTE Cellular interests, Bell Atlantic Cellular & PCS
interests and Bell Atlantic PCS & GTE Cellular interests]
* Information for the combined company shows the combination of GTE's and Bell
Atlantic's business interests on December 31, 1998. Wireless information is
adjusted to reflect our percentage ownership interests in those properties.
This information does not reflect any sales or trades of overlapping wireless
properties that are likely to be required or that may occur as a result of
the merger, or GTE's planned sale of non-strategic telephone access lines.
Similarly, it does not reflect GTE's recently announced agreement to purchase
cellular properties in the Midwest, any dissolutions of partnerships or any
future purchases or sales of properties by GTE or Bell Atlantic.
VOTE
FOR
[x]
the merger to own a stake in the future of telecommunications.
The combined company will be uniquely positioned to grow and to capitalize
on opportunities in the global telecommunications market.
<PAGE>
[GRAPHIC]
communications
wireline
Vote FOR the merger to own a stake in
a company that will be uniquely positioned
to lead the telecommunications industry.
[GTE LOGO] [BELL ATLANTIC LOGO]
Where to get more information about the merger:
The joint proxy statement and prospectus describes the merger in more detail.
If you have any questions, call 1-800-859-8509.
You may also visit our merger website at www.mergerinfo.com
[RECYCLE LOGO]
<PAGE>
-----------------------
ADVERTISEMENT
-----------------------
[GRAPHIC]
OUR SHAREHOLDERS HAVE
NEVER STRUCK US AS THE TYPES
WHO LIKE TO TREAD WATER.
In the swift currents of telecommunications, staying put is the surest way to be
swept away. Which is why over the years, GTE and Bell Atlantic have carefully
capitalized on change, making them the solid investments they are today. Now,
we're entering into one of telecommunications' most far-reaching mergers ever.
Why make a change of this magnitude? And what does this mean to you? The answer
to both: Opportunity. At a time when our entire industry is being transformed,
this merger positions us for growth in exciting new areas. Areas best accessed
by a small group of global players. Bringing together GTE with Bell Atlantic
gets us into those growth areas now. Our business strengths and geographies
complement each other remarkably well. And by being able to offer a broad array
of services, we'll be able to serve our customers better. What you'll see when
we're joined together will be a resourceful, formidable competitor for years to
come. A company going places, that alone we couldn't have even dreamed of
before. We hope you'll join us.
[BELL ATLANTIC LOGO] [GTE LOGO]
www.mergerinfo.com
<PAGE>
---------------------
ADVERTISEMENT
---------------------
[GRAPHIC]
THINK OF US AS A GROWTH
STOCK IN PINSTRIPES.
Today, it seems you have a choice of two very different types of stocks: The
solid, dependable, long-term investments. Or dynamic-growth stocks, fueled by
new technologies. But what if you could have the best of both worlds? By
combining Bell Atlantic with GTE, we seek to offer shareholders just that. How?
The merger will create one of the world's premier telecommunications companies,
with extraordinary bandwidth. Immediately, this will create a huge growth
opportunity by matching GTE's national resources with Bell Atlantic's extensive
and data-hungry customer base in the Northeast. We'll also offer a widely
diverse range of products and services, including local, long distance, wireless
and Internet solutions. The result will be an entirely new dimension of value
for our investors. The opportunities will be there. Never have we been so well
equipped to capitalize on them.
[BELL ATLANTIC LOGO] [GTE LOGO]
www.mergerinfo.com
<PAGE>
-----------------------
ADVERTISEMENT
-----------------------
[GRAPHIC]
THE DIVIDENDS OF THIS
MERGER AREN'T
LIMITED TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS.
A merger that benefits investors? You read about that every day. A merger that
benefits customers, too? That's another story. But in fact, it's one of the
underlying reasons for Bell Atlantic partnering with GTE. It's really just good
business sense: Today, deregulation puts the major telecommunications companies
in competition over customer loyalties as never before. The companies that will
prosper will be the ones that offer greater product choice, technological
innovation, competitive pricing, and superior customer service. Together, Bell
Atlantic and GTE will have the combined skills, scope and size to do just that.
Because now we'll be able to leverage a much broader array of telecommunications
assets, services and expertise over a much wider geography for residential and
business customers alike. Our shareholders win as we grow revenues with our new
competitive muscle. Our customers win with quicker access to new technologies,
one-stop shopping and global reach. And how many investments offer that kind of
upside?
[BELL ATLANTIC LOGO] [GTE LOGO]
www.mergerinfo.com
<PAGE>
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TELEPHONIC SCRIPT FOR GTE REGISTERED SHAREHOLDER VOTING
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Speech Name/Script
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Speech 1
Welcome to GTE Corporation proxy voting.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speech 2
Please enter the 14 digit control number located in the lower left corner of the
proxy card.
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Speech 3
Your telephone vote authorizes the Proxy Committee to vote your shares in the
same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speech 4
To vote all proposals as the GTE board recommends, press 1 now. (If 1 is
pressed, go to Confirmation A)
To vote on each proposal separately, press 0 now. (Go to Speech 5)
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Speech 5
Proposal 1:
To vote for all nominees for directors, press 1
To withold from all nominees, press 9
To withold from an individual nominee, press 0
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speech 6
Enter the two digit number that appears next to the nominee from whom you wish
to withold your vote.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speech 6A
Press 1 to withold from another nominee or press 0 if you have completed voting
on directors.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speech 7
Proposal 2 - Merger proposal
To vote FOR, press 1; AGAINST, press 9; ABSTAIN, press 0
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Speech 8
Proposal 3 - Ratification of auditors
To vote FOR, press 1; AGAINST, press 9; ABSTAIN, press 0
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speech 9
Proposal 4 - Shareholder proposal on foreign military sales
To vote FOR, press 1; AGAINST, press 9; ABSTAIN, press 0
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speech 10 (After completion, go to Confirmation B)
Proposal 5 - Shareholder proposal on executive bonuses
To vote FOR, press 1; AGAINST, press 9; ABSTAIN, press 0
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Confirmation: A
You have voted as the board recommended on all proposals, if this is correct,
press 1.
If incorrect, press 0
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Confirmation: B
Your votes have been cast as follows:
Proposal 1: (For all) or (Withhold all) or (For All Except
[nominee's #])
Proposal # [loop through all]: (For) or (Against) or (Abstain)
If this is correct, press 1 now. If incorrect, press 0.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speech 11
Thank you for voting.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(If voter pressed 0 for incorrect, the message will direct the voter to:)
Your votes have been cancelled. Please call again or mark, sign, date and return
your proxy card in the envelope provided. Good Bye.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
--------------------------------------------
GTE PROXY VOTING INTERNET SITE SCRIPT
--------------------------------------------
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[GTE LOGO]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WELCOME TO THE GTE CORPORATION
1999 PROXY VOTING SITE
PROXY SOLICITED BY THE GTE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOR AN ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS ON MAY 18, 1999
The owner of the shares represented by this proxy hereby appoints Charles R.
Lee and Marianne Drost, or either of them, Proxies to vote at GTE
Corporation's Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 18, 1999 and any adjournment
or postponement thereof on the matters referred to in the proxy materials,
including the merger with Bell Atlantic as well as any other matters which may
properly come before the annual meeting, in accordance with, and as more fully
described in, the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and the joint proxy
statement and prospectus, receipt of which is acknowledged.
The Proxies will vote your shares in accordance with your directions. If you do
not indicate your choices, the Proxies will vote your shares in accordance with
the directors' recommendation.
Confidentiality:
- ---------------
It is GTE's policy that all proxies, ballots, and tabulations that identify the
vote of individual shareholders are kept confidential. These items are not seen
by nor reported to the Corporation, except as necessary to meet legal
requirements, in a contested proxy solicitation or where shareholders submit
comments with their proxy.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR Proposals 1, 2 and 3,
and AGAINST Proposals 4 and 5.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Click Here To Vote As The Board Of Directors Recommends
----------------------------------------------------------------
Click Here To Vote Individually On Each Item
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<PAGE>
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[GTE LOGO]
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----------------------------------------
Enter your 14-digit control number
located above your name and address in
the lower left corner
of your Proxy Card: _________________
----------------------------------------
I Vote As The Board Recommends
-------------------------------------------------
Comments: (150 characters)
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In order to respond to your comments, please provide your e-mail address:
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-------------------------------------------------
Click Here To Register Your Vote
BACK
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<PAGE>
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[GTE LOGO]
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THANK YOU FOR VOTING ELECTRONICALLY
Proxy Final Submission
Your Registration Number:
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Edward H. Budd
James L. Ketelsen
Charles R. Lee
John W. Snow
You Voted:
Proposal 2: Merger Proposal
You Voted:
Proposal 3: Ratification of appointment of auditors
You Voted:
Proposal 4: Shareholder proposal on foreign military sales
You Voted:
Proposal 5: Shareholder proposal on executive bonuses
You Voted:
E-Mail address:
Comments:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If any of the above information is incorrect, return to the proxy ballot form by
using the BACK feature of your browser program.
----
If the above information is correct, THERE IS NO NEED TO MAIL BACK YOUR PROXY
CARD. Please exit your browser program as you normally do.
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<PAGE>
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[GTE LOGO]
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To Vote Separately On Each Proposal -- Check The Boxes Below:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Board recommends a vote FOR Proposals 1, 2 and 3.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposal 1 FOR ALL [ ] FOR ALL EXCEPT [ ] WITHHOLD ALL [ ]
Election of
Directors 01 Edward H. Budd [ ]
02 James L. Ketelsen [ ]
03 Charles R. Lee [ ]
04 John W. Snow [ ]
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Proposal 2
Merger FOR [ ] Against [ ] Abstain [ ]
Proposal
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Proposal 3
Ratification of FOR [ ] Against [ ] Abstain [ ]
appointment of
auditors
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Board recommends a vote AGAINST Proposals 4 and 5.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposal 4
Shareholder proposal on For [ ] Against [ ] Abstain [ ]
foreign military sales
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposal 5
Shareholder proposal on For [ ] Against [ ] Abstain [ ]
executive bonuses
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comments: (150 characters)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In order to respond to your comments, please provide your e-mail address:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
Enter your 14-digit control number
located above your name and address in
the lower left corner
of your Proxy Card: _________________
----------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------
Click Here To Register Your Vote
BACK
- ----
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<PAGE>
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[GTE LOGO]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THANK YOU FOR VOTING ELECTRONICALLY
Proxy Final Submission
Your Registration Number:
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Edward H. Budd
James L. Ketelsen
Charles R. Lee
John W. Snow
You Voted:
Proposal 2: Merger Proposal
You Voted:
Proposal 3: Ratification of appointment of auditors
You Voted:
Proposal 4: Shareholder proposal on foreign military sales
You Voted:
Proposal 5: Shareholder proposal on executive bonuses
You Voted:
E-Mail address:
Comments:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If any of the above information is incorrect, return to the proxy ballot form by
using the BACK feature of your browser program.
----
If the above information is correct, THERE IS NO NEED TO MAIL BACK YOUR PROXY
CARD. Please exit your browser program as you normally do.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
-----------------------------
MERGERINFO.COM WEBSITE
-----------------------------
[GTE LOGO] [BELL ATLANTIC LOGO]
The GTE-Bell Atlantic Merger
information [Graphic] voting
center GTE Shareholders
Joint Proxy Statement - Voting Methods
& Prospectus Bell Atlantic Shareholders
- Download and view - Voting Methods
our Joint Proxy
Statement and
Prospectus details
Questions & Answers Privacy
- Your Questions Answered Contact Us
1998 Annual Reports
- GTE 1998
Annual Report
- Bell Atlantic
Annual Report
Merger Brochure
- Interactive Presentation
- GTE Brochure
- Bell Atlantic Brochure
Copyright 1999
GTE Corporation and Bell Atlantic Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
<PAGE>
[GTE LOGO] [BELL ATLANTIC LOGO]
The GTE-Bell Atlantic Merger
[GRAPHIC] info Merger Proxy Questions 1998 Annual Merger
center Home Statement & Answers Reports Brochure
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voting GTE Bell Atlantic
Shareholders Shareholders
Joint Proxy Statement & Prospectus
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Copyright 1999
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<PAGE>
[GTE LOGO] [BELL ATLANTIC LOGO]
The GTE-Bell Atlantic Merger
[GRAPHIC] info Merger Proxy Questions 1998 Annual Merger
center Home Statement & Answers Reports Brochure
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voting GTE Bell Atlantic
Shareholders Shareholders
Questions & Answers
Q. Why are the companies proposing the merger?
A. The telecommunications industry continues to change dramatically as a result
of developments in technology, regulation, consumer needs and the range of
product offerings made possible by these changes. In this new environment, a
select group of national and international companies that offer a full range
of local and long distance, voice and data services will be the most
effective competitors in the telecommunications industry. We believe our
proposed merger will create a powerful competitor in this dynamic, emerging
market. When the merger is completed, you will have a stake in a company
that will be one of America's most competitive communications providers--one
of the largest local exchange carriers and wireless providers, as well as an
extremely well-positioned long distance provider.
Q. What will a shareholder receive when the merger occurs?
A. GTE Shareholders
A GTE shareholder will receive 1.22 shares of combined company common stock
in exchange for each share of GTE common stock owned. He or she will receive
cash instead of any resulting fraction of a share, in an amount reflecting
the market value of the fraction of a share. However, if a GTE shareholder
participates in the GTE Shareholder Systematic Investment Plan and is
entitled to receive a fraction of a share, that fraction of a share will be
credited to his or her plan account.
Example: If a GTE shareholder currently owns 10 shares of GTE common stock,
after the merger he or she will be entitled to receive 12 shares of combined
company common stock and a check for the market value of two-tenths of a
share.
Bell Atlantic Shareholders
After the merger, a Bell Atlantic shareholder will continue to hold the
shares he or she now owns. Those shares will represent the same number of
shares in the combined company. However, they will represent a smaller
proportion of the outstanding shares of the combined company.
Q. What will the dividend be on the combined company common stock?
A. Bell Atlantic currently pays dividends at a rate of $1.54 per share each
year, and GTE currently pays dividends at a rate of $1.88 per share each
year. The combined company board of directors will determine the dividend
policy following the merger. We expect that the initial annualized dividend
rate will be at least $1.54 per share. Given the exchange ratio of 1.22
shares of combined company common stock for each share of GTE common stock,
the combined company's dividend is expected to be nearly identical to the
dividend that GTE shareholders now receive.
Q. What are the federal income tax consequences of the merger?
A. In general, GTE shareholders will not be required to pay any federal income
tax as a result of the merger, except for taxes on cash they receive instead
of fractions of a share. The merger will be tax-free to GTE, Bell Atlantic
and Bell Atlantic shareholders for federal income tax purposes.
Q. Do shareholders have appraisal rights?
A. No. Under applicable law, neither GTE shareholders nor Bell Atlantic
shareholders have the right to receive an appraisal of the value of their
shares in connection with the merger.
Q. What do I need to do now?
A. Please vote your shares as soon as possible so that your shares will be
represented at the annual meeting. You may grant your proxy by signing your
proxy card and mailing it in the return envelope, by telephone or by the
Internet, or you may vote in person at the shareholder meeting.
Q. Should I send in my stock certificates now?
A. No. Soon after the merger is completed, we will mail GTE shareholders written
instructions explaining how to exchange their GTE certificates. Bell Atlantic
shareholders will not be required to exchange their stock certificates.
Q. Whom should I call if I have questions?
A. GTE shareholders who have questions about the merger or the GTE merger
proposal may call (800) 859-8509.
Bell Atlantic shareholders who have questions about the merger or the Bell
Atlantic merger proposal may call (800) 645-2380.
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Home|Proxy Statement|Questions & Answers
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1998 Annual Reports|Merger Brochure
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GTE Shareholders|Bell Atlantic Shareholders
---------------- --------------------------
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Copyright 1999
GTE Corporation and Bell Atlantic Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
<PAGE>
[GTE LOGO] [BELL ATLANTIC LOGO]
The GTE-Bell Atlantic Merger
[GRAPHIC] info Merger Proxy Questions 1998 Annual Merger
center Home Statement & Answers Reports Brochure
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Shareholders Shareholders
1998 Annual Reports
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GTE 1998 Annual Report (1082k)
------------------------------
Bell Atlantic 1998 Annual Report (838k)
---------------------------------------
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1998 Annual Reports|Merger Brochure
------------------- ---------------
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---------------- --------------------------
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Copyright 1999
GTE Corporation and Bell Atlantic Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
<PAGE>
[GTE LOGO] [BELL ATLANTIC LOGO]
The GTE-Bell Atlantic Merger
[GRAPHIC] info Merger Proxy Questions 1998 Annual Merger
center Home Statement & Answers Reports Brochure
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voting GTE Bell Atlantic
Shareholders Shareholders
Merger Brochure
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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GTE Merger Brochure (141k)
--------------------------
Bell Atlantic Merger Brochure (141k)
------------------------------------
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Home|Proxy Statement|Questions & Answers
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---------------- --------------------------
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Copyright 1999
GTE Corporation and Bell Atlantic Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
<PAGE>
[GTE LOGO] [BELL ATLANTIC LOGO]
The GTE-Bell Atlantic Merger
[GRAPHIC] info Merger Proxy Questions 1998 Annual Merger
Center Home Statement & Answers Meetings Brochure
-------------------------------------------------------------------
voting GTE Bell Atlantic
Shareholders Shareholders
GTE Shareholders
Please read the Joint Proxy Statement and Prospectus carefully, including the
section in Chapter I called "Risk Factors Relating to the Merger."
By the Internet - To grant your proxy to vote by the Internet, you must have
the control number printed on your proxy card. Follow the instructions below:
1. If your GTE shares are registered in your name and not held by a bank or
broker, please click the link below.
http://www.proxyvoting.com/gte/
-----------------------------
2. If your shares are not registered in your own name but are held by a
broker or other nominee, please click the link below.
http://www.proxyvote.com/
-------------------------
By Telephone -- You may use a toll-free telephone number to vote your proxy. To
vote by telephone, you must have your proxy card ready and follow the
instructions printed on your proxy card.
If your shares are not registered in your own name, your bank, broker or other
institution holding your shares may not offer telephone or internet proxy
voting. If your proxy card does not include telephone or Internet voting
instructions, please vote by mail or in person at the GTE Annual Meeting.
By Mail -- To vote by mail, please complete your proxy card, and sign, date and
return it in the postage paid envelope. To be valid, a returned proxy card must
be signed and dated.
Please do not return your proxy card if you are voting by telephone or Internet.
In Person -- If you attend the GTE Annual Meeting in person, you may vote your
shares by completing a ballot at the meeting.
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Shareholders Shareholders
Bell Atlantic Shareholders
In addition to voting by mail or in person at the Bell Atlantic Annual Meeting,
you can also take advantage of two cost-effective and convenient ways to vote
your shares -- through the Internet or by using a touch-tone telephone.
Vote By Internet
If your shares are registered in your name:
1. Follow this link http://www.eproxyvote.com/bel
-----------------------------
2. Enter the 14-digit Voter Control Number located above your name and
address on the proxy card.
3. Follow on-screen instructions
If your shares are not registered in your name, but are held by a bank, broker,
or other nominee:
1. Follow this link http://www.proxyvote.com
------------------------
2. Follow on-screen instructions
Note: If you shares are not registered in your name, the bank, broker or other
nominee holding your shares may not offer Internet proxy voting. If your proxy
card does not include Internet voting instructions, please vote by mail.
Vote By Telephone (Touch-tone)
If your shares are registered in your name:
1. Call toll-free 1-877-PRX-VOTE (1-877-779-8683).
. Shareowners residing outside the United States can call
collect 1-201-536-8073 (there is no charge for this call).
2. Enter the 14-digit Voter Control Number located above your name and
address on the proxy card
3. Follow recorded instructions
If your shares are not registered in your name, but are held by a bank, broker,
or other nominee
1. Call toll-free 1-800-454-8683.
2. Enter the 12-digit Voter Control Number located on the left side of
the proxy form
3. Follow recorded instructions
Note: If your shares are not registered in your name, it is possible that the
bank, broker or other nominee holding your shares may not offer telephone proxy
voting. If your proxy card does not include telephone voting instructions,
please vote by mail.
If you vote your shares by the Internet or by using the Telephone, please do not
return your Proxy Card
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Privacy at mergerinfo.com
When you visit mergerinfo.com, you may be providing information to us about your
visit through anonymous statistics collected as you browse the site.
We want you to be aware of how we handle this information.
Our Commitment to Your Privacy
GTE Corporation and Bell Atlantic Corporation respect your right to privacy, and
we assure you that we do not collect personal information from you. Any
information obtained as a result of your visit will be protected as described,
unless specific web pages say otherwise. If you have any further questions about
our out privacy policy, please Contact Us
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your visit, not about you personally. Via web server logs, we monitor statistics
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While we gather this information, none of it is associated with you as an
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The mergerinfo.com web site logs Host Names and IP addresses (when the Host Name
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are monitored and analyzed to maintain systems and information security and
allow us to constantly improve the value and the availability of the web
content.
Links to Other Sites
The mergerinfo.com web site may contain links to other web sites. Please be
aware that our privacy policy does not apply to these sites.
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts:
April 14, 1999 Peter Thonis, GTE
972-507-5367
[email protected]
Susan Kraus, Bell Atlantic
212-395-2355
[email protected]
BELL ATLANTIC AND GTE OUTLINE
THEIR MERGER OF EQUALS IN MAILING TO SHAREOWNERS
COMPANIES ISSUE A JOINT PROXY STATEMENT AND SET ANNUAL MEETINGS
WHICH INCLUDE MERGER VOTES ON MAY 18 AND 19
NEW YORK and IRVING, Texas - The merger of equals between Bell Atlantic
Corp. (NYSE:BEL) and GTE Corp. (NYSE:GTE) will create one of the world's premier
providers of communications services in increasingly competitive local, national
and global markets, according to the joint proxy statement and prospectus that
the companies began mailing today to more than three million shareholders.
In the cover letter included in the front of the joint proxy statement and
prospectus, GTE Chairman and CEO Charles R. Lee and Bell Atlantic Chairman and
CEO Ivan Seidenberg say: "By combining, we will create a competitive national
communications provider with a full product line that can meet changing customer
requirements for additional capacity to access the Internet and other data
services, greater mobility, and national or even global reach. The combined
company will be able to grow more quickly and achieve greater success than
either of us could do on our own."
<PAGE>
Lee and Seidenberg note that "GTE's and Bell Atlantic's assets, markets,
operations and strengths are highly complementary." Based on current figures
and before adjusting for overlapping wireless properties, the combined company
would be:
. One of the nation's leading providers of both wired and wireless
communications, serving more than 60 million access lines and, following
GTE's purchase of certain Ameritech wireless properties, about 13
million wireless subscribers.
. One of the largest facilities-based long distance companies.
. One of the largest Internet backbone operators and a major provider of
related data and Internet services.
. The world's largest publisher of directory information, in both book and
on-line form.
. A major presence in international markets, with investments or
operations in more than 30 countries outside the U.S.
GTE and Bell Atlantic shareholders will vote on the merger at their annual
meetings, which will be held on May 18 and May 19, respectively, in Atlanta.
Information about the merger and other matters to be voted on at the companies'
annual meetings is included in the joint proxy statement and prospectus.
The joint proxy statement and prospectus is being posted at
www.mergerinfo.com, the companies' merger Web site. Shareowners can grant their
proxy to vote their shares by mail, by telephone or by the Internet. They may
also vote in person at the annual meeting. Instructions on voting shares and
links to Internet voting sites can be found at www.mergerinfo.com.
Bell Atlantic and GTE announced in July 1998 that they planned a merger of
equals. To date, more than half of the 50 state public utility commissions have
either approved the merger or declined to assert jurisdiction over it.
Regulators in other states and federal regulators are currently considering the
merger.
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