<PAGE> 1
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 (AMENDMENT NO. )
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))
[X] Definitive proxy statement
[ ] Definitive additional materials
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
Illinois Tool Works Inc.
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(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Illinois Tool Works Inc.
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(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)(1) and
0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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):
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) Total fee paid:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] 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> 2
ITW LOGO
ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
3600 WEST LAKE AVENUE
GLENVIEW, ILLINOIS 60025
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2000
3:00 P.M.
THE NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY
50 SOUTH LASALLE STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
The purpose of our 2000 Annual Meeting is to elect ten directors for the
upcoming year. The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR each of the
director nominees.
Stockholders of record as of March 14, 2000 are entitled to vote.
It is important that your shares are represented at the Annual Meeting
whether or not you plan to attend. To be certain that your shares are
represented, please sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card as soon as
possible or vote by telephone or the Internet by following the instructions on
the proxy card. Whatever method you choose, please vote as soon as possible. You
may revoke your proxy at any time prior to its exercise at the Annual Meeting.
Our Annual Report for 1999 is enclosed.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Stewart S. Hudnut
Secretary
March 27, 2000
<PAGE> 3
ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
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PROXY STATEMENT
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
Questions and Answers....................................... 1
Election of Directors....................................... 4
Board of Directors and Its Committees....................... 7
Director Compensation....................................... 8
Ownership of ITW Stock...................................... 9
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance..... 12
Executive Compensation...................................... 12
Report of the Compensation Committee on Executive
Compensation............................................. 16
Company Performance......................................... 19
Independent Public Accountants.............................. 19
Annual Report on Form 10-K.................................. 19
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 4
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Following are questions often asked by stockholders of publicly held
companies. We hope that the answers will assist you in casting your vote.
WHAT AM I VOTING ON?
We are soliciting your vote on the election of ten directors for the
upcoming year.
WHO MAY VOTE?
Stockholders at the close of business on March 14, 2000, the record date,
may vote. On that date, there were 300,678,897 shares of ITW common stock
outstanding.
HOW MANY VOTES DO I HAVE?
Each share of ITW common stock that you own entitles you to one vote.
HOW DO I VOTE?
You may vote your shares in one of the following four ways:
<TABLE>
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1. By mail: complete the proxy card and sign, date and return
it in the enclosed envelope;
2. By telephone: call the toll-free number on the proxy card,
enter the control number on the proxy card and
follow the recorded instructions;
3. By Internet: go to the website listed on the proxy card, enter
the control number on the proxy card and follow
the instructions provided; or
4. In person: attend the Annual Meeting, where ballots will be
provided.
</TABLE>
If you hold your shares through a bank or broker and it does not offer telephone
or Internet voting, please complete and return your proxy by mail.
HOW DOES DISCRETIONARY VOTING AUTHORITY APPLY?
If you sign, date and return your proxy card, your vote will be cast as
you direct. If you do not indicate how you want to vote, you give authority to
Susan Crown, Phillip B. Rooney and Harold B. Smith to vote for the election of
directors and on any other matter that is properly raised at the Annual Meeting.
In that event, your proxy will be voted FOR the election of each director
nominee and FOR or AGAINST any other properly raised matters at the discretion
of Ms. Crown and Messrs. Rooney and Smith.
<PAGE> 5
MAY I REVOKE MY PROXY?
You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is exercised in one of
four ways:
1. Notify ITW's Corporate Secretary in writing before the Annual Meeting
that you wish to revoke your proxy.
2. Submit another proxy with a later date.
3. Vote by telephone or Internet after you have given your proxy.
4. Vote in person at the Annual Meeting.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I RECEIVE MORE THAN ONE PROXY CARD?
Your shares are likely registered differently or are in more than one
account. You should sign and return all proxy cards to guarantee that all of
your shares are voted.
WHAT CONSTITUTES A QUORUM?
The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of ITW
shares entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting constitutes a quorum. Your shares
will be considered part of the quorum if you return a signed and dated proxy
card or if you vote by telephone or Internet. Abstentions are counted as "shares
present" at the meeting for purposes of determining if a quorum exists.
WHAT VOTE IS REQUIRED TO ELECT THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES?
The ten nominees who receive the highest number of votes will be elected.
If you do not want to vote your shares for a particular nominee, you may
indicate that in the space provided on the proxy card or withhold authority as
prompted during telephone or Internet voting. In the election of directors,
abstentions are not considered shares voted and will not affect the outcome of
the vote.
HOW DO I SUBMIT A STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL?
You must submit a proposal to be included in our proxy statement for the
May 2001 annual meeting no later than November 27, 2000. Your proposal must be
in writing and must comply with the proxy rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC). You also may submit a proposal that you do not want included
in the proxy statement but that you want to raise at the May 2001 annual
meeting. If you submit that proposal after February 10, 2001, then SEC rules
permit the individuals named in the proxies solicited by ITW's Board of
Directors for that meeting to exercise discretionary voting power as to that
proposal. You should send your proposal to our Secretary at our address on the
cover of this proxy statement.
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<PAGE> 6
HOW DO I NOMINATE A DIRECTOR?
If you wish to nominate an individual for election as director at the May
2001 annual meeting, our Corporate Secretary must receive your nomination by
December 31, 2000. Our by-laws require that your nomination include: (1) your
name and address; (2) the name, age and home and business addresses of the
nominee; (3) the principal occupation or employment of the nominee; (4) the
number of shares of ITW stock that the nominee beneficially owns; (5) a
statement that the nominee is willing to be nominated and serve as a director;
and (6) any other information regarding the nominee that would be required by
the SEC to be included in a proxy statement had ITW's Board of Directors
nominated that individual. Any nomination that you make must be approved by the
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee as well as the Board of Directors.
WHO PAYS TO PREPARE, MAIL AND SOLICIT THE PROXIES?
ITW will pay all of the costs of preparing and mailing the proxy
statement and soliciting these proxies. We will ask brokers, dealers, banks,
voting trustees and other nominees and fiduciaries to forward the proxy
materials and our Annual Report to the beneficial owners of ITW common stock.
Upon request, we will reimburse them for their reasonable expenses. In addition
to mailing proxy materials, our officers, directors and employees may solicit
proxies in person, by telephone or otherwise.
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<PAGE> 7
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Stockholders will elect ten directors at the Annual Meeting. The
individuals listed below have been nominated by the Board of Directors as
recommended by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. The Board of
Directors notes with regret the retirement as director of Ormand J. Wade, who
has opted not to stand for re-election this year. Mr. Wade served on the Board
for 15 years, and his dedication and valuable service have greatly benefitted
ITW and its stockholders. Don H. Davis, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Rockwell International Corporation, has been nominated to fill this
position. Each director will serve until the May 2001 annual meeting, until a
qualified successor director has been elected, or until he or she resigns or is
removed by the Board of Directors.
We will vote your shares as you specify on the enclosed proxy card, by
telephone or by Internet. If you do not specify how you want your shares voted,
we will vote them FOR the election of all the nominees listed below. If
unforeseen circumstances (such as death or disability) make it necessary for the
Board of Directors to substitute another person for any of the nominees, we will
vote your shares FOR that other person. The Board of Directors does not
anticipate that any nominee will be unable to serve. The nominees have provided
the following information about themselves:
<TABLE>
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W.F. ALDINGER PHOTO WILLIAM F. ALDINGER III, 52, has served as the Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of Household International, Inc., a
consumer finance company, since 1994. From 1986 through
1994, Mr. Aldinger held various senior management positions
at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. He serves on the boards of
Household International, Inc., Household Finance Company and
MasterCard International. Mr. Aldinger has been a director
of ITW since 1998.
MICHAEL J. BIRCK PHOTO MICHAEL J. BIRCK, 62, founded Tellabs, Inc. and has been its
President and Chief Executive Officer since 1975. Tellabs
designs, manufactures, markets and services voice and data
equipment. Mr. Birck is a director of Molex, Inc. and
Tellabs, Inc. He has been a director of ITW since 1996.
</TABLE>
4
<PAGE> 8
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
MARVIN D. BRAILSFORD MARVIN D. BRAILSFORD, 61, has been Vice President of
PHOTO Kaiser-Hill Company LLC, a construction and environmental
services company, since 1996. Mr. Brailsford founded the
Brailsford Group, an acquisition consulting firm, and served
as its President from 1995 to 1996. From 1992 to 1995, he
was the President of Metters Industries, an information
technology company. Mr. Brailsford retired from the United
States Army in 1992 with the rank of Lieutenant General
after 33 years of service. He has served as a director of
ITW since 1996.
SUSAN CROWN PHOTO SUSAN CROWN, 41, has been Vice President of Henry Crown and
Company, a family owned and operated business with
investments in securities, real estate and manufacturing
operations, since 1984. Ms. Crown is a director of Baxter
International Inc. and Northern Trust Corporation and its
subsidiary, The Northern Trust Company. She has been a
director of ITW since 1994.
H. RICHARD CORWTHER H. RICHARD CROWTHER, 67, was the Vice Chairman of ITW from
PHOTO 1990 to 1995 and Executive Vice President from 1983 through
1989. Mr. Crowther had 36 years of service with ITW prior to
his retirement. He is a director of Applied Power Inc. and
has been a director of ITW since 1995.
DON H. DAVIS PHOTO DON H. DAVIS, JR., 60, has been Chairman of the Board of
Rockwell International Corporation since February 1998 and
Chief Executive Officer of Rockwell International
Corporation since October 1997. He was President and Chief
Operating Officer from 1995 to 1997 and Executive Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer prior thereto. Mr.
Davis is a director of Ingram Micro, Inc., Rockwell
International Corporation and Sybron International
Corporation.
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE> 9
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
W. JAMES FARRELL PHOTO W. JAMES FARRELL, 57, has been Chairman of ITW since 1996
and Chief Executive Officer since 1995. Mr. Farrell served
as President from 1994 until 1996 and as Executive Vice
President from 1983 until 1994. He has 34 years of service
with ITW. Mr. Farrell is a director of Allstate Insurance
Company, Sears, Roebuck & Co. and The Quaker Oats Company.
He has been a director of ITW since 1995.
ROBERT C. MCCORMACK ROBERT C. MCCORMACK, 60, has been a Partner of Trident
PHOTO Capital LP, a venture capital firm, since 1993. Mr.
McCormack served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy from
1990 to 1993, as Deputy Under Secretary of Defense from 1987
to 1990, and as Managing Director of Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated, an investment bank, from 1985 to 1987. He is a
director of DeVry, Inc. and MapQuest.com, Inc. He has been a
director of ITW since 1993. He previously was a director of
ITW from 1978 through 1987.
PHILLIP B. ROONEY PHILLIP B. ROONEY, 55, has served as Vice Chairman of The
PHOTO ServiceMaster Company, a network of quality service
companies, since 1997. Mr. Rooney was the President of Waste
Management, Inc., a waste management company, from 1984
until 1997. He is a director of The ServiceMaster Company
and Urban Shopping Centers Inc. and a trustee of the Van
Kampen Funds. Mr. Rooney has been a director of ITW since
1990.
HAROLD B. SMITH PHOTO HAROLD B. SMITH, 66, has been Chairman of the Executive
Committee of ITW since 1982. Mr. Smith is a director of W.W.
Grainger Inc. and Northern Trust Corporation and its
subsidiary, The Northern Trust Company. He is a trustee of
The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. He has
served as a director of ITW since 1968.
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE> 10
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ITS COMMITTEES
ITW's Board of Directors met six times during 1999. In addition to
meetings of the full Board, directors attended meetings of Board committees. The
Board of Directors has standing audit, compensation, corporate governance and
nominating, and finance committees. All of the directors attended 100% of the
meetings of the Board and its committees, except for Mr. Wade, who attended 70%
of the meetings.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
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Meetings in 1999: 3
Members: Susan Crown (Chairman)
William F. Aldinger III
Michael J. Birck
Marvin D. Brailsford
Ormand J. Wade
Function: Reviews and reports to the Board concerning the engagement
of independent public accountants, ITW's internal audit
systems and other matters significantly affecting ITW's
financial status.
</TABLE>
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Meetings in 1999: 3
Members: Phillip B. Rooney (Chairman)
William F. Aldinger III
Michael J. Birck
Robert C. McCormack
Ormand J. Wade
Function: Administers ITW's compensation plans and approves
compensation levels for executive officers.
</TABLE>
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Meetings in 1999: 1
Members: Ormand J. Wade (Chairman)
Marvin D. Brailsford
Susan Crown
H. Richard Crowther
Harold B. Smith
Function: Receives suggestions, evaluates and recommends director
candidates to the Board. Makes recommendations as to Board
committees and Board size. Recommends and monitors corporate
governance policies and procedures.
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 11
FINANCE COMMITTEE
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Meetings in 1999: 1
Members: Robert C. McCormack (Chairman)
William F. Aldinger III
H. Richard Crowther
Phillip B. Rooney
Harold B. Smith
Function: Reviews and evaluates management proposals relating to ITW's
debt and equity financing, dividend policy and payments,
acquisitions and divestitures above $20,000,000,
investments, real estate and other financing and investment
matters.
</TABLE>
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
ANNUAL RETAINER AND ATTENDANCE FEES
For 2000, the retainer is $35,000, the fee for each Board or committee
meeting is $1,500, and the fee for chairman is an additional $900 per meeting
chaired. Non-officer directors can elect to receive some or all of their
retainer and fees in an equivalent value of ITW common stock. Under our deferred
fee plan, a director can defer receipt of all or part of cash fees until he or
she is no longer a director. Deferred amounts are credited with interest at
current rates.
RESTRICTED ITW COMMON STOCK
A portion of director compensation includes the periodic grant of
restricted ITW common stock, which directly links an element of director
compensation with stockholder interests. In January 1998, each non-officer
director of ITW received an award of 900 restricted shares. Each new non-officer
director who joined the Board after January 1998 was granted an award of 300
shares for each full year of service remaining until January 2001. Restricted
shares vest equally over the years remaining from the grant date until January
2001 and fully vest upon death or retirement. A director cannot sell the shares
until the earliest of retirement, death or January 2001. A director who
terminates other than for death or retirement prior to January 2001 will forfeit
any unvested restricted shares.
PHANTOM ITW STOCK
To tie a further portion of their compensation to stockholder interests,
non-officer directors of ITW are granted 1,000 units of phantom stock upon
becoming a director. The value of each unit equals the market value of one share
of ITW common stock. Additional units are credited to a director's phantom stock
account in an amount equivalent to cash dividends paid on ITW stock. Accounts
are adjusted for stock dividends, stock splits, combinations or similar changes.
A director is eligible for a cash distribution from his or her account at
retirement or upon approved resignation. When phantom stock is granted,
directors elect to receive the distribution in either a lump sum or in up to ten
annual installments. Directors may change this
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<PAGE> 12
election at any time until two years preceding the distribution. Directors
receive the value of their phantom stock account immediately upon a change of
control.
OTHER ARRANGEMENTS WITH DIRECTORS
Harold B. Smith has a one-year agreement with ITW to provide consulting
services for a fee of $85,000.
OWNERSHIP OF ITW STOCK
DIRECTORS, NOMINEES AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table shows how much ITW common stock the directors,
nominees, the named executive officers, and all directors, nominees and
executive officers as a group beneficially owned as of December 31, 1999. The
named executive officers include the Chief Executive Officer and the four next
most highly compensated executive officers based on compensation earned during
1999.
Beneficial ownership is a technical term broadly defined by the SEC to
mean more than ownership in the usual sense. In general, beneficial ownership
includes any shares a director or executive officer can vote or transfer and
stock options that are exercisable currently or become exercisable within 60
days. Except as otherwise noted, the stockholders named in this table have sole
voting and investment power for all shares shown as beneficially owned by them.
The number of shares beneficially owned by each non-officer director
includes 900 shares (600 for Mr. Aldinger) of ITW common stock that were granted
under the Directors' Restricted Stock Plan. The number of the director's phantom
stock units disclosed in the table represents an equivalent number of shares of
ITW common stock. Phantom stock units are not transferable and have no voting
rights. The units are not included in the "percent of class" calculation.
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<PAGE> 13
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT
SHARES OF COMMON STOCK PHANTOM OF
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER BENEFICIALLY OWNED STOCK UNITS CLASS
------------------------ ---------------------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Directors and Nominees (other than Executive
Officers)
William F. Aldinger III......................... 2,280(1) 1,009 *
Michael J. Birck................................ 4,056 2,059 *
Marvin D. Brailsford............................ 2,470 2,054 *
Susan Crown..................................... 10,700(2) 2,076 *
H. Richard Crowther............................. 338,819(3) 2,232 *
Don H. Davis, Jr. .............................. 1,000(4) 0 *
Robert C. McCormack............................. 14,518,558(5) 2,076 4.7%
Phillip B. Rooney............................... 35,206(6) 2,076 *
Harold B. Smith................................. 38,486,802(7) -- 12.4%
Ormand J. Wade.................................. 6,167 2,076 *
Executive Officers
W. James Farrell................................ 581,132(8) -- *
James M. Ringler................................ 1,120,514(9) -- *
Frank S. Ptak................................... 259,704(10) -- *
F. Ronald Seager................................ 219,291(11) -- *
David B. Speer.................................. 73,518(12) -- *
Directors, Nominees and Executive Officers as a
Group (24 Persons).............................. 41,699,078(13) 15,658 13.5%
</TABLE>
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* Less than 1%.
(1) Includes 100 shares owned by Mr. Aldinger's spouse, as to which he
disclaims beneficial ownership.
(2) Includes (a) 2,000 shares owned in a trust as to which Ms. Crown shares
voting and investment power; and (b) 2,000 shares held in trusts of which
Ms. Crown's children are beneficiaries and as to which she disclaims
beneficial ownership.
(3) Includes (a) 261,352 shares held in a revocable living trust as to which
Mr. Crowther shares voting and investment power; (b) 30,107 shares owned by
his spouse as to which Mr. Crowther disclaims beneficial ownership; and (c)
8,000 shares owned by a charitable foundation of which Mr. Crowther is an
officer.
(4) As of March 15, 2000.
(5) Includes (a) 400 shares owned in a trust as to which Mr. McCormack shares
voting and investment power with The Northern Trust Company; and (b)
14,510,380 shares owned in twelve trusts as to which Messrs. McCormack,
E.B. Smith, Jr., H.B. Smith and The Northern Trust Company are trustees and
share voting and investment power. Mr. McCormack's address is c/o The
Secretary, Illinois Tool Works Inc., 3600 West Lake Avenue, Glenview,
Illinois 60025.
(6) Includes 2,000 shares owned by Mr. Rooney's spouse, as to which he
disclaims beneficial ownership.
(7) Includes (a) 21,202,264 shares owned in twelve trusts as to which Mr. Smith
shares voting and investment power with The Northern Trust Company and
others; (b) 2,138,080 shares owned in ten trusts as to which he shares
voting and investment power; (c) 14,510,380 shares owned in twelve trusts
as to which Messrs. McCormack, E.B. Smith, Jr., H.B. Smith and The Northern
Trust Company are trustees and share voting and investment power; and (d)
67,192 shares owned by a charitable foundation of which Mr. Smith is a
director. Mr. Smith's address is c/o The Secretary, Illinois Tool Works
Inc., 3600 West Lake Avenue, Glenview, Illinois 60025.
(8) Includes (a) 1,030 shares owned by Mr. Farrell's son as to which he
disclaims beneficial ownership; (b) 1,700 shares owned by Mr. Farrell's
spouse as to which he disclaims beneficial ownership; (c) 34,005 shares
owned in a partnership as to which Mr. Farrell shares voting and investment
power; (d) 6,336 shares owned by a charitable foundation of which Mr.
Farrell is an officer; (e) 6,587 shares allocated to Mr. Farrell's account
in the ITW Savings and Investment Plan; and (f) 509,000 shares covered by
options exercisable within 60 days.
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<PAGE> 14
(9) Includes (a) 13,532 shares allocated to Mr. Ringler's account in the
Premark International, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan; and (b) 1,004,354
shares covered by options exercisable within 60 days.
(10) Includes 190,000 shares covered by options exercisable by Mr. Ptak within
60 days.
(11) Includes (a) 1,826 shares owned by Mr. Seager's spouse as to which he
disclaims beneficial ownership; and (b) 182,500 shares covered by options
exercisable within 60 days.
(12) Includes (a) 813 shares allocated to Mr. Speer's account in the ITW Savings
and Investment Plan; and (b) 68,500 shares covered by options exercisable
within 60 days.
(13) Includes 2,396,704 shares covered by options exercisable within 60 days.
OTHER PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
This table shows, as of December 31, 1999, the only stockholder other
than directors that we know to be a beneficial owner of more than 5% of ITW
common stock. We have a commercial banking relationship with The Northern Trust
Company, which also acts as the trustee under our principal pension plan. The
Northern Trust Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Northern Trust
Corporation. Harold B. Smith and Susan Crown, directors of ITW, are also
directors of Northern Trust Corporation and The Northern Trust Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND ADDRESS AMOUNT OF PERCENT
OF BENEFICIAL OWNER BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF CLASS
------------------- -------------------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
The Northern Trust Company.................................. 43,179,673(1) 13.9%
50 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60675
</TABLE>
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(1) The Northern Trust Company and its affiliates act as sole fiduciary or
co-fiduciary of trusts and other fiduciary accounts that own an aggregate of
43,179,673 shares. They have sole voting power with respect to 4,397,156
shares and share voting power with respect to 37,321,911 shares. They have
sole investment power with respect to 3,507,023 shares and share investment
power with respect to 37,686,006 shares. In addition, The Northern Trust
Company holds in other accounts, but does not beneficially own, 28,708,436
shares, resulting in aggregate holdings by The Northern Trust Company of
71,888,109 shares, or 23.2%.
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SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires that ITW's
executive officers, directors and 10% stockholders file reports of ownership and
changes of ownership of ITW common stock with the SEC and the New York Stock
Exchange. Based on a review of copies of these reports provided to us during
fiscal 1999 and written representations from executive officers and directors,
we believe that all filing requirements were met during 1999.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
This table summarizes the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and
the other four most highly compensated executive officers of ITW.
Following the merger of ITW and Premark International, Inc. on November
23, 1999, James M. Ringler (Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive
Officer and President of Premark International, Inc.) became a Vice Chairman of
ITW.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION(3)
---------------------
AWARDS
------
ANNUAL COMPENSATION SECURITIES ALL OTHER
NAME AND ------------------------ UNDERLYING LTIP COMPENSATION
PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY(1) BONUS(1)(2) OPTIONS PAYOUTS (5)(6)
------------------ ---- --------- ----------- ---------- -------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
W. James Farrell............. 1999 $696,152 $1,350,000 200,000 -- $ 46,298(7)
Chairman and Chief 1998 600,000 877,500 100,000 -- 42,935
Executive Officer 1997 499,900 600,000 100,000 -- 48,042
James M. Ringler............. 1999 $713,221 $1,125,000 80,810 $843,750(4) $10,843,327(8)
Vice Chairman 1998 681,250 975,000 129,296 684,694 124,020
1997 631,250 719,550 80,810 0 125,051
Frank S. Ptak................ 1999 $339,626 $ 630,000 100,000 -- $ 15,877
Vice Chairman 1998 312,312 468,000 60,000 -- 11,826
1997 288,017 293,030 50,000 -- 14,140
F. Ronald Seager............. 1999 $263,084 $ 390,825 30,000 -- $ 16,457
Executive Vice President 1998 244,650 360,000 30,000 -- 10,983
1997 232,562 220,980 30,000 -- 15,155
David B. Speer............... 1999 $244,115 $ 358,628 30,000 -- $ 9,597
Executive Vice President 1998 214,231 295,350 30,000 -- 7,203
1997 190,924 183,300 30,000 -- 7,262
</TABLE>
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(1) Actual salary or bonus earned. Includes amounts deferred by the executive
under the 1993 Executive Contributory Retirement Income Plan or the Savings
and Investment Plan. In the case of Mr. Ringler, includes amounts deferred
by him under the Premark International, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan and
Premark International, Inc. Supplemental Plan.
(2) Amounts awarded under the Executive Incentive Plan are calculated on the
executive's base salary as of December 31 for that year and paid in the
following year. In Mr. Ringler's case, amounts awarded under the Premark
International, Inc. Annual Incentive Plan.
12
<PAGE> 16
(3) As part of long term compensation, awards of ITW restricted stock were made
under the Stock Incentive Plan in 1994. At December 31, 1999 the number of
unvested restricted shares and their value was: Mr. Farrell, 9,600 shares
valued at $648,600; Mr. Ptak, 9,600 shares valued at $648,600; and Mr.
Seager, 6,000 shares valued at $405,375.
(4) Change of control long-term incentive payout for Mr. Ringler under the
Premark International, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan.
(5) Includes company matching contributions to the 1993 Executive Contributory
Retirement Income Plan or the Savings and Investment Plan as follows: Mr.
Farrell, $20,885; Mr. Ptak, $10,189; Mr. Seager, $7,892; and Mr. Speer,
$7,323. Mr. Ringler received a company match of $11,281 to the Premark
International, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan and was credited with an
additional contribution of $140,796 to the Premark International, Inc.
Supplemental Plan.
(6) Includes interest credited on deferred compensation under the 1993 Executive
Contributory Retirement Income Plan in excess of 120% of the Applicable
Long-Term Rate as follows: Mr. Farrell, $8,102; Mr. Ptak, $5,688; Mr.
Seager, $8,565; and Mr. Speer, $2,274.
(7) Includes $17,311 representing imputed income on Mr. Farrell's outstanding
home loan made by ITW in 1995. The maximum amount of the loan outstanding
during 1999 was $290,000, which by March 1, 2000 had been reduced to
$160,000. The imputed rate of interest on the loan is 7.34% per annum and
the loan is repayable in annual installments through the year 2003.
(8) Includes aggregate payment, less short-term and long-term payouts, (a) in
lieu of amounts that Mr. Ringler would have been paid under his employment
agreement with Premark; (b) in recognition that ITW does not maintain a
long-term incentive plan similar to the plan maintained by Premark; and (c)
in consideration for his agreement not to compete during his period of
employment with ITW and for a period of two years thereafter.
Stock ownership guidelines established by the Board of Directors require
each executive officer to own a certain number of shares of ITW stock based upon
a multiple of base salary. We loaned money to Mr. Farrell and Mr. Russell M.
Flaum, Executive Vice President of ITW, to help them comply with these
guidelines. The promissory notes evidencing these loans have a five-year term,
which is renewable. The executive must repay the note within 180 days following
termination of employment with ITW or upon bankruptcy, insolvency, death or
breach of the terms of the note. In addition, if we terminate the executive's
employment for gross or willful misconduct, then he must repay the note
immediately. As of February 29, 2000, Mr. Farrell had an outstanding loan
payable December 31, 2000 of $105,673, which is the largest amount that Mr.
Farrell has been indebted to us under this loan since the beginning of 1999.
This loan is at an annual interest rate of 5.91% and is secured by 3,200 shares
of ITW stock. On February 26, 1999, Mr. Flaum repaid an outstanding loan of
$62,352, which is the largest amount that Mr. Flaum had been indebted to us
since the beginning of 1999. The loan was at an annual rate of 5.91% and was
secured by 2,000 shares of ITW stock.
In the event of a change of control of ITW, each executive officer's
unvested restricted stock and stock options previously granted under the Stock
Incentive Plan fully vest. In addition, executives receive a cash payment under
the Executive Incentive Plan immediately upon a change of control. The amount
paid under the Executive Incentive Plan equals a portion of the maximum awards
payable under the Plan for that year based on the number of days in the year
that have elapsed as of the date of the change of control.
13
<PAGE> 17
OPTION GRANTS IN 1999
This table gives information relating to option grants in 1999 to the
Chief Executive Officer and the other four most highly compensated executive
officers of ITW.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
-----------------------------------------------------
PERCENT OF GRANT DATE
SECURITIES TOTAL OPTIONS VALUE
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO EXERCISE OR ----------------
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES BASE PRICE EXPIRATION GRANT DATE
NAME GRANTED(2) 1999(3) PER SHARE DATE PRESENT VALUE(4)
---- ---------- ------------- ----------- ---------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
W. James Farrell............. 200,000 14.7 $65.50 12/17/09 $4,540,000
James M. Ringler(1).......... 80,810 16.4 46.59 08/03/09 1,221,039
Frank S. Ptak................ 100,000 7.3 65.50 12/17/09 2,270,000
F. Ronald Seager............. 30,000 2.2 65.50 12/17/09 681,000
David B. Speer............... 30,000 2.2 65.50 12/17/09 681,000
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Mr. Ringler received 100,000 options to purchase Premark common stock on
August 3, 1999, with an exercise price of $37.65. At the effective date of
the merger, these and all other Premark options became fully vested and the
number of shares and the exercise price were converted to ITW options to
purchase ITW common stock, using the conversion/exchange ratio of .8081 ITW
shares for each Premark share.
(2) With the exception of Mr. Ringler's options, which became fully vested at
the time of the merger of ITW and Premark International, Inc., options
become exercisable in four equal annual installments on the anniversaries of
the grant or immediately in the event of retirement, disability or death. A
restorative option right applies to option grants so long as the option
holder is employed by ITW. This means that an option holder who delivers
previously acquired shares of ITW common stock in payment of an option's
exercise price will be granted an additional option, which is subject to
certain restrictions, to purchase the number of shares equal to the number
of delivered shares.
(3) Percentages based on total options granted to ITW employees to purchase ITW
common stock, with the exception of Mr. Ringler's options, which percentage
is based on total options granted to Premark employees to purchase Premark
common stock.
(4) The estimated fair value of each ITW option granted is calculated using the
Black-Scholes option pricing model. The model assumes a 6.5% risk-free
interest rate, 27.1% expected stock volatility, 1.11% dividend yield and 5.5
years expected until exercise. The estimated fair value of Premark options
to purchase common stock granted to Mr. Ringler in 1999 is calculated using
the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The model assumes a 5.8% risk-free
interest rate, 28.7% expected stock volatility, 1.20% dividend yield and 5.1
years expected until exercise.
OPTION EXERCISES IN 1999 AND
YEAR-END 1999 OPTION VALUES
This table provides information regarding the exercise of options during
1999 and options outstanding at the end of the year for the Chief Executive
Officer and the other four most highly compensated executive officers of ITW.
The "value realized" is calculated using the difference between the option
exercise price and the price of ITW common stock on the date of exercise
multiplied by the number of shares acquired upon exercise. The "value of
unexercised in-the-money options at year-end 1999" is calculated using the
difference between the option exercise price and $67.5625 (the closing price of
ITW stock on December 31, 1999) multiplied by the
14
<PAGE> 18
number of shares underlying the option. An option is in-the-money if the market
value of ITW common stock is greater than the option's exercise price.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SECURITIES UNDERLYING VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNEXERCISED OPTIONS AT IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
SHARES YEAR END 1999 YEAR END 1999
ACQUIRED ON VALUE ---------------------------- ----------------------------
NAME EXERCISE REALIZED EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
---- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
W. James Farrell..... 18,000 $1,037,250 509,000 485,000 $17,277,563 $7,228,063
James M. Ringler..... 0 0 1,004,354 0 48,159,923 0
Frank S. Ptak........ 12,000 799,874 190,000 170,000 7,252,625 948,875
F. Ronald Seager..... 0 0 182,500 67,500 7,580,231 465,544
David B. Speer....... 6,000 261,000 68,500 67,500 2,213,731 465,544
</TABLE>
RETIREMENT PLANS
ITW's principal defined benefit pension plans cover approximately 15,000
domestic business unit employees, including executive officers. Upon retirement,
participants receive benefits based on years of plan participation and average
monthly compensation for the five highest consecutive years out of the last ten
years of employment. Because the Internal Revenue Code imposes limits on those
plan benefits, the Board has established a supplemental plan that provides for
payments to certain executives equal to benefits that would be paid but for
these limitations. The table below shows the maximum estimated annual benefits
to be paid under the pension plan and supplemental plan at age 65 normal
retirement to individuals in specified compensation and years of service
categories. Compensation includes salary and bonus shown in the Summary
Compensation Table on page 12.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ESTIMATED ANNUAL NORMAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS(1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEARS OF SERVICE AT NORMAL RETIREMENT(2)
COMPENSATION 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 600,000............... $ 99,000 $148,500 $198,000 $247,500 $297,000 $ 319,500 $ 342,000
850,000.............. 140,250 210,375 280,500 350,625 420,750 452,625 484,500
1,100,000.............. 181,500 272,250 363,000 453,750 544,500 585,750 627,000
1,350,000.............. 222,750 334,125 445,500 556,875 668,250 718,875 769,500
1,600,000.............. 264,000 396,000 528,000 660,000 792,000 852,000 912,000
2,000,000.............. 330,000 495,000 660,000 825,000 990,000 1,065,000 1,140,000
</TABLE>
- ------------
(1) The actual pension formula in effect excludes an amount equivalent to 0.65%
of Social Security covered compensation times the individual's years of
service up to 30 years. This exclusion is not reflected in the table and,
therefore, the amounts shown are overestimated by relatively small
percentages.
(2) Actual years of participation as of December 31, 1999 for the five most
highly compensated executive officers were as follows: Mr. Farrell, 34.5
years; Mr. Ringler, 0 years; Mr. Ptak, 24.1 years; Mr. Seager, 19.6 years;
and Mr. Speer, 21.5 years.
Prior to December 26, 1999, Mr. Ringler participated in the Premark base
retirement plan, Premark's principal defined benefit pension plan covering a
majority of Premark's domestic business unit employees, and a supplemental plan
that provides benefit payments that are foreclosed under the Premark base
retirement plan due to Internal Revenue Code limits. The Premark base retirement
plan benefits are based on years of plan participation and earnings during those
years of plan participation. As of December 26, 1999, Mr. Ringler's accrued
normal
15
<PAGE> 19
retirement benefit under the Premark plans was $101,185 based on 9.9 years of
plan participation. In addition to the above, Mr. Ringler was granted 10 years
of past service credit under ITW's supplemental plan as part of the
consideration for his employment by ITW.
In addition, under ITW's 1982 Executive Contributory Retirement Income
Plan, annual benefits payable beginning at the normal retirement age of 65 for
15 years are as follows: Mr. Farrell, $113,529 and Mr. Seager, $68,266.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
We entered into an employment agreement with James M. Ringler dated
November 11, 1999. Mr. Ringler was the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
Officer and President of Premark International, Inc. Under the agreement, Mr.
Ringler has agreed to continue as an ITW employee at least through a transition
period following our merger with Premark. The transition period will not exceed
one year. His initial annual base salary will be $750,000 and he will have
annual incentive opportunities comparable to similarly situated employees of
ITW. If Mr. Ringler remains employed with us through the transition period, he
will receive ten years of pension benefit accrual service for his pre-merger
service with Premark as well as pension benefit accrual service for his service
with ITW. This amount will be offset by the actual benefits accrued after the
date of the merger under any pension plan maintained by ITW or any of its
subsidiaries, including Premark. Mr. Ringler also entered into a noncompetition
agreement with ITW dated November 11, 1999 for which he received $7,160,000. The
term of this noncompetition agreement is through Mr. Ringler's period of
employment with ITW and for twenty-four months thereafter.
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
During 1999, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors was
composed of five independent non-employee directors. The Committee administers
ITW's compensation plans, including the Executive Incentive Plan and the Stock
Incentive Plan. The Committee also approves compensation levels for executive
officers. In making its decisions, the Committee considers management's
contribution to ITW's long-term growth. One performance factor that the
Committee considers is ITW's total stockholder return, which is measured by
capital appreciation and reinvested dividends. For the ten years ending December
31, 1999, the compound annual stockholder rate of return was 21.1%. For the same
period, the rate of return on the Standard & Poor's 500 Index was 18.2% and the
rate of return on the Standard & Poor's Diversified Manufacturing Index was
18.5%.
Compensation for executive officers is composed of base salary, a cash
bonus based on performance, and stock incentives. The Committee believes that
the stock incentive and cash bonus components align the executive officers'
performance with stockholder interests. The Committee's philosophy is to provide
executives with total compensation above the median for executives of comparable
industrial companies.
BASE SALARY. In establishing base salaries for the Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) and other executive officers, the Committee considers compensation
information of a peer group of
16
<PAGE> 20
comparable industrial companies. This peer group includes some of the same
companies as the S&P Diversified Manufacturing Index used for the Company
Performance graph on page 19. In determining base salary, the Committee
considers the officer's past performance and potential future performance as
well as ITW's net income and the operating income of the business unit that the
executive officer oversees. The Committee's objective is to target base salaries
of the CEO and the other executive officers at the 50th percentile of the peer
group.
BONUS. Executive officers receive annual cash bonuses under the Executive
Incentive Plan based on predetermined objectives. Maximum bonus opportunities
typically range from 50% to 150% of base salary. For the CEO, Vice Chairmen and
certain executive officers, half of the maximum bonus opportunity is directly
tied to ITW's net income. The other half relates to the individual's performance
measured against predetermined management goals. For the Executive Vice
Presidents, one-eighth of the maximum bonus opportunity is based on ITW's net
income, three-eighths is based on the operating income of the operating unit for
which the individual is responsible, and the remaining one-half is based on the
individual's performance measured against predetermined management goals. For
1999, the average bonus received by executive officers was approximately 97% of
the maximum award.
STOCK INCENTIVES. The CEO and other executive officers participate in
ITW's Stock Incentive Plan, principally through the grant of stock options to
them and other key employees. The magnitude of a stock option award is based on
the Committee's evaluation of the executive officer's performance and the
officer's ability to influence ITW's long-term growth and profitability. Options
are priced at fair market value on the date of grant. The Committee views the
Stock Incentive Plan as an effective incentive for executive officers to create
long-term value for stockholders since the ultimate value of a stock option is
directly related to the increase in the market price of ITW's common stock.
In 1995, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee approved
stock ownership guidelines to further their objective of aligning the interests
of executive officers and directors with stockholder interests. These guidelines
apply to elected and appointed corporate officers as well as to non-officer
directors. Recommended stock ownership is stated as a multiple of executive
officers' base salaries and of directors' annual retainers as follows: CEO, five
times; Vice Chairmen and Executive Vice Presidents, three times; Senior Vice
Presidents, two times; Vice Presidents, one time; and non-officer directors,
four times. The Committee recommends that an executive officer or non-officer
director achieve the applicable ownership level within five years.
Executive officers may satisfy stock ownership guidelines through open
market purchases of ITW stock, exercise of stock options, accumulation of ITW
stock in ITW's Savings and Investment Plan, and unexercised vested options (less
the exercise price and applicable taxes). In addition, under the Executive
Incentive Plan, executive officers may elect to take up to half of their annual
cash bonus in ITW common stock. Directors may satisfy stock ownership guidelines
through open market purchases of ITW stock, vested restricted stock and stock
units included in the directors' phantom stock plan.
Virtually all of Mr. Ringler's 1999 compensation was determined by his
employment agreement with Premark, including the amounts paid by ITW in
satisfaction of amounts that otherwise would have been payable under that
agreement. The Compensation Committee did
17
<PAGE> 21
approve the payment to Mr. Ringler of $1,500,000 to reimburse him for amounts he
would have been entitled to under a Premark long-term compensation plan that
terminated by virtue of our acquisition of Premark.
Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) limits the deductibility of
compensation in excess of $1,000,000 paid to each of the CEO and the other four
most highly compensated executive officers. Certain "performance based
compensation" is not included in compensation counted for purposes of the limit.
The Committee has attempted to structure ITW's compensation programs to preserve
full deductibility and will continue to assess the impact of Section 162(m) on
its compensation practices.
Phillip B. Rooney, Chairman
William F. Aldinger III
Michael J. Birck
Robert C. McCormack
Ormand J. Wade
18
<PAGE> 22
COMPANY PERFORMANCE
This graph shows a five-year comparison of cumulative total returns for
ITW, the Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Composite Index and the S&P Diversified
Manufacturing Index. The graph assumes an investment of $100 on December 31,
1994 and the reinvestment of dividends. Total returns are based on market
capitalization.
[PERFORMANCE GRAPH]
<TABLE>
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Illinois Tool Works Inc. $136.48 $186.63 $283.53 $275.95 $324.52
S&P 500 $137.58 $169.17 $225.61 $290.09 $351.13
S&P Diversified Manufacturing
Index $140.81 $194.05 $231.08 $267.83 $329.24
</TABLE>
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Arthur Andersen LLP has been ITW's independent public accounting firm
since 1951. During 1999, the Board engaged Arthur Andersen to examine and report
on our financial statements, to review our unaudited quarterly financial
statements and to assist in the preparation of financial reports required by the
SEC and related matters. The Board has engaged Arthur Andersen to act in similar
capacities for 2000. Representatives of Arthur Andersen will be present at the
Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement and to respond
to appropriate questions.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
YOU MAY OBTAIN A FREE COPY OF OUR ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, INCLUDING SCHEDULES, THAT WE FILED WITH THE SEC. TO DO
SO, PLEASE WRITE TO: STEWART S. HUDNUT, SECRETARY, AT ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.,
3600 WEST LAKE AVENUE, GLENVIEW, ILLINOIS 60025.
19
<PAGE> 23
ITW LOGO
Recycled Logo
This statement has been printed on recycled paper.
<PAGE> 24
PROXY PROXY
ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
3600 WEST LAKE AVENUE, GLENVIEW, ILLINOIS 60025
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS MAY 12, 2000
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
The undersigned stockholder of Illinois Tool Works Inc. hereby appoints Susan
Crown, Phillip B. Rooney and Harold B. Smith, or any of them, with full power of
substitution, to act as proxies at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of ITW to
be held in Chicago, Illinois on May 12, 2000 with authority to vote as directed
by this Proxy at the meeting, and any adjournments of the meeting, all shares of
common stock of ITW registered in the name of the undersigned.
IMPORTANT -- THIS PROXY MUST BE SIGNED AND DATED ON THE REVERSE SIDE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC. LOGO]
ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2000
3:00 P.M. CENTRAL TIME
THE NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY (6TH FLOOR)
50 SOUTH LASALLE STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
<PAGE> 25
ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
PLEASE MARK VOTE IN OVAL IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER USING DARK INK ONLY. / /
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
[ ]
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS For Withhold For All
Nominees: 01-W.F. Aldinger III, All All Except Vote Withhold for the Nominee(s)
02-M.J. Birck, 03-M.D. Brailsford, [ ] [ ] [ ]
04-S. Crown, 05-H.R. Crowther, -------------------------------------------------
06-D.H. Davis, Jr., 07-W.J. Farrell,
08-R.C. McCormack, 09-P.B. Rooney, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS
10-H.B. Smith. DIRECTED. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR ITEM 1,
2. In their discretion, upon such WHICH IS THE MANNER IN WHICH
other matters as may properly THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IF NO
come before the meeting. DIRECTION IS MADE. THIS PROXY IS
SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS.
Please sign exactly as your name or
names appear. If jointly held, each
owner must sign. Executors,
administrators, trustees, officers, etc.
should give full title as such.
Dated: , 2000
-----------------------------
Signature
--------------------------------
Signature
--------------------------------
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTROL NUMBER - FOLD AND DETACH HERE -
PLEASE MARK, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THIS PROXY
ANNUAL MEETING MAY 12, 2000 [ITW LOGO]
YOU CAN VOTE YOUR SHARES BY TELEPHONE OR INTERNET!
QUICK * EASY * IMMEDIATE * AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY * 7 DAYS A WEEK
Illinois Tool Works Inc. encourages you to take advantage of the convenient ways
to vote your shares. If voting by proxy, you may vote by mail, or choose one of
the two methods described below. Your telephone or Internet vote authorizes the
named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed,
and returned your proxy card. To vote by telephone or Internet, follow these
easy steps:
- ----------------
TO VOTE BY PHONE
- ----------------
Call toll free 1-800-215-9653 any time on a touch tone telephone. There is
NO CHARGE to you for the call.
Enter the Control Number located above.
OPTION #1: To vote as the Board of Directors recommends on the proposal,
press 1.
WHEN ASKED, PLEASE CONFIRM YOUR VOTE BY PRESSING 1 - THANK YOU FOR VOTING.
OPTION #2: If you choose to vote on each proposal separately, press 0. You will
hear these instructions:
Proposal 1: To vote FOR ALL nominees, press 1; to WITHHOLD FOR ALL nominees,
press 9.
To WITHHOLD FOR AN INDIVIDUAL nominee, press 0 and listen to the instructions.
WHEN ASKED, PLEASE CONFIRM YOUR VOTE BY PRESSING 1 - THANK YOU FOR VOTING.
- -------------------
TO VOTE BY INTERNET
- -------------------
Go to the following website: www.harrisbank.com/wproxy
Enter the information requested on your computer screen, including your
Control Number located above.
Follow the simple instructions on the screen.
IF YOU VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR INTERNET, DO NOT MAIL BACK THE PROXY CARD.
THANK YOU FOR VOTING!
