<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 20, 1997
REGISTRATION NO. 333-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------------
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
------------------------------
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
DELAWARE 6719 04-2254452
(State or other jurisdiction (Primary Standard (I.R.S. Employer
of Industrial Identification
incorporation or organization) Classification Code Number)
Number)
</TABLE>
1440 KIEWIT PLAZA
OMAHA, NEBRASKA 68131
(402) 346-1400
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
area code, of Registrant's principal executive offices)
MARC D. HAMBURG
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
1440 KIEWIT PLAZA
OMAHA, NEBRASKA 68131
(402) 346-1400
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
of agent for service)
------------------------------
COPIES TO:
JOHN B. FRANK, ESQ. LINDLEY S. BRANSON, ESQ.
Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP Gray, Plant, Mooty, Mooty & Bennett,
P.A.
355 South Grand Avenue 33 South Sixth Street
Los Angeles, California 90071 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
(213) 683-9100 (612) 343-2800
------------------------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: AS SOON AS
PRACTICABLE AFTER THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE AND THE
EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE PROPOSED MERGER OF INTERNATIONAL DAIRY QUEEN, INC. ("DAIRY
QUEEN") WITH AND INTO QDI, INC., A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF THE REGISTRANT, AS
DESCRIBED IN THE ENCLOSED PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS (THE "MERGER").
------------------------------
If the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box: / /
If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. / /
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. / /
------------------------------
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PROPOSED MAXIMUM PROPOSED MAXIMUM
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF AMOUNT TO OFFERING PRICE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF
SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED BE REGISTERED(1) PER UNIT OFFERING PRICE REGISTRATION FEE
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A Common Stock, par value $5.00 per
share..................................... -- Not Applicable $583,457,099(2) $59,656(3)
Class B Common Stock, par value $.1667 per
share..................................... -- Not Applicable (2) --
</TABLE>
(1) Consistent with Rule 457(o), this information is not included.
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
required under Section 6(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), and calculated pursuant to Rules 457(f)(1) and 457(c)
under the Securities Act based upon the average of the high and low prices
for (i) a share of Dairy Queen Class A Common Stock on the Nasdaq National
Market on November 13, 1997 multiplied by 14,022,727, the maximum number of
shares of Dairy Queen Class A Common Stock which may be converted into
shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock of the Registrant in
the Merger and (ii) a share of Dairy Queen Class B Common Stock on the
Nasdaq National Market on November 13, 1997 multiplied by 8,018,097, the
maximum number of shares of Dairy Queen Class B Common Stock which may be
converted into shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock of the
Registrant in the Merger.
(3) Pursuant to Rule 457(b) under the Securities Act, the registration fee has
been reduced by $117,150 which was paid on November 6, 1997 in connection
with the filing by Dairy Queen of preliminary proxy material.
------------------------------
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING
PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
INTERNATIONAL DAIRY QUEEN, INC.
7505 METRO BOULEVARD
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55439
, 199
Dear International Dairy Queen, Inc. Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend a Special Meeting of Stockholders of
International Dairy Queen, Inc. ("Dairy Queen"), which will be held on
at 10:00 a.m., Minneapolis time, at the General Offices of Dairy Queen
at 7505 Metro Boulevard, Minneapolis, Minnesota (the "Special Meeting").
At the Special Meeting, the holders of the outstanding shares of Class B
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of Dairy Queen ("Dairy Queen Class B
Stock") will be asked to approve the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
October 21, 1997 (the "Merger Agreement"), among Dairy Queen, Berkshire Hathaway
Inc. ("Berkshire") and QDI, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire
("Merger Sub"). The Merger Agreement provides for the merger of Dairy Queen with
and into Merger Sub (the "Merger"), pursuant to which Dairy Queen would become a
wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire. The Dairy Queen Class B Stock is the only
class of Dairy Queen stock entitled to vote on approval and adoption of the
Merger Agreement.
The Merger Agreement provides that each outstanding share of Class A Common
Stock, par value $.01 per share, of Dairy Queen ("Dairy Queen Class A Stock")
and each outstanding share of Dairy Queen Class B Stock (together with the Dairy
Queen Class A Stock, the "Dairy Queen Common Stock"), other than shares owned by
Dairy Queen, Berkshire or their respective subsidiaries, will be converted into
the right to receive, subject to the limitation on cash consideration stated
below, the following: (i) for Dairy Queen stockholders electing to receive cash
in exchange for such share, $27.00 in cash, (ii) for Dairy Queen stockholders
electing to receive Berkshire Class A Common Stock, par value $5.00 per share
("Berkshire Class A Stock"), in exchange for such share, that portion of a share
of Berkshire Class A Stock determined by dividing $26.00 by the Average Class A
Stock Price (as defined below) (the "Class A Exchange Ratio") or (iii) for Dairy
Queen stockholders electing to receive Berkshire Class B Common Stock, par value
$.1667 per share ("Berkshire Class B Stock"), in exchange for such share, that
portion of a share of Berkshire Class B Stock determined by multiplying the
Class A Exchange Ratio by 30. The "Average Class A Stock Price" means the
average of the high and low trading prices of Berkshire Class A Stock on the New
York Stock Exchange Composite Tape for each of the five consecutive trading days
ending on the trading day which is the last business day prior to the Special
Meeting. To the extent that none of the foregoing elections to receive cash,
Berkshire Class A Stock or Berkshire Class B Stock are effectively made, shares
of Dairy Queen Common Stock will be converted into Berkshire Class B Stock. No
fractional shares of Berkshire Class A or Class B Stock will be issued in the
Merger. In lieu of any fractional share of Berkshire Class A Stock, one or more
whole shares of Berkshire Class B Stock will be issued to the extent possible,
and cash will be paid for any fractional share interest for which Berkshire
Class B Stock is not issued.
In order for the Merger to qualify as a tax-free reorganization, not more
than 55% of the total value of the consideration paid by Berkshire in the Merger
will be paid in cash. If, based on the elections of Dairy Queen stockholders,
more than 55% of the total value of the consideration to be paid in the Merger
would be in cash, the elections to receive cash will be subject to adjustment
and certain Dairy Queen stockholders electing to receive cash will receive a
combination of cash and Berkshire Class B Stock to the extent necessary to
reduce the cash portion of the Merger consideration to 55%, as more fully
described in the attached Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS UNANIMOUSLY DETERMINED THAT THE MERGER IS FAIR TO
AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF DAIRY QUEEN AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS, HAS UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPTED THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT HOLDERS OF DAIRY
QUEEN CLASS B STOCK VOTE FOR APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AT
THE SPECIAL MEETING.
<PAGE>
We urge you to review carefully the accompanying Notice of Special Meeting
of Stockholders and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which contains information
about Dairy Queen and Berkshire and describes in detail the Merger and certain
related matters.
IF YOU HOLD ANY SHARES OF DAIRY QUEEN CLASS B STOCK, A PROXY CARD FOR USE AT
THE SPECIAL MEETING IS ENCLOSED. THE VOTE OF ALL HOLDERS OF DAIRY QUEEN CLASS B
STOCK IS IMPORTANT. WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE ABLE TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING,
PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED
WHITE, POSTAGE PREPAID ENVELOPE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. IF YOU ATTEND THE SPECIAL
MEETING, YOU MAY REVOKE YOUR PROXY AND, IF YOU WISH, VOTE YOUR SHARES OF DAIRY
QUEEN CLASS B STOCK IN PERSON.
ALL DAIRY QUEEN STOCKHOLDERS ARE RECEIVING A FORM OF ELECTION ON WHICH YOU
MAY ELECT TO RECEIVE CASH, BERKSHIRE CLASS A STOCK OR BERKSHIRE CLASS B STOCK IN
EXCHANGE FOR YOUR SHARES OF DAIRY QUEEN COMMON STOCK, TOGETHER WITH A MANILA
ENVELOPE FOR RETURNING THE FORM OF ELECTION. IF YOU MAKE NO INDICATION AND THE
MERGER IS APPROVED, YOU WILL RECEIVE BERKSHIRE CLASS B STOCK (AND/OR CASH IN
LIEU OF A FRACTIONAL SHARE) AS THE MERGER CONSIDERATION. YOU ARE URGED TO RETURN
THE FORM OF ELECTION, ACCOMPANIED BY STOCK CERTIFICATES (OR GUARANTEE OF
DELIVERY), NO LATER THAN 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON , 199 , IN
ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE FORM OF ELECTION WILL BE RECEIVED BY THE ELECTION
DEADLINE.
We look forward to seeing you at the Special Meeting.
Sincerely yours,
[LOGO]
Michael P. Sullivan
President
THE VOTE OF ALL HOLDERS OF DAIRY QUEEN CLASS B STOCK IS IMPORTANT.
PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN YOUR PROXY IN THE WHITE ENVELOPE. DO NOT
SEND STOCK CERTIFICATES WITH YOUR PROXY CARDS.
TO MAKE AN ELECTION AMONG CASH, BERKSHIRE CLASS A STOCK AND
BERKSHIRE CLASS B STOCK, ALL STOCKHOLDERS MUST ENCLOSE THEIR
STOCK CERTIFICATE(S) (OR GUARANTEE OF DELIVERY) WITH THE ENCLOSED
FORM OF ELECTION IN THE MANILA ENVELOPE.
<PAGE>
INTERNATIONAL DAIRY QUEEN, INC.
7505 METRO BOULEVARD
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55439
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON , 199
To the Stockholders of International Dairy Queen, Inc.:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of Stockholders of
International Dairy Queen, Inc. ("Dairy Queen") will be held on , ,
199 at 10:00 a.m., Minneapolis time, at the General Offices of Dairy Queen at
7505 Metro Boulevard, Minneapolis, Minnesota, for the following purposes:
1. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt the Agreement
and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 21, 1997 (the "Merger Agreement"), among
Dairy Queen, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire") and QDI, Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary of Berkshire ("Merger Sub"). The Merger Agreement provides for the
merger of Dairy Queen with and into Merger Sub (the "Merger"), pursuant to which
Dairy Queen would become a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire. If the Merger
Agreement is approved and adopted and the Merger is consummated, each
outstanding share of Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of Dairy
Queen ("Dairy Queen Class A Stock"), and each outstanding share of Class B
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of Dairy Queen ("Dairy Queen Class B
Stock" and, together with the Dairy Queen Class A Stock, the "Dairy Queen Common
Stock") other than shares owned by Dairy Queen, Berkshire or their respective
subsidiaries, will be converted into the right to receive, subject to the
limitation on cash consideration stated below, the following: (i) for
stockholders electing to receive cash, $27.00 in cash, (ii) for stockholders
electing to receive Berkshire Class A Common Stock, par value $5.00 per share
("Berkshire Class A Stock"), that portion of a share of Berkshire Class A Stock
determined by dividing $26.00 by the Average Class A Stock Price (as defined
below) (the "Class A Exchange Ratio") or (iii) for stockholders electing to
receive Berkshire Class B Common Stock, par value $.1667 per share ("Berkshire
Class B Stock"), that portion of a share of Berkshire Class B Stock determined
by multiplying the Class A Exchange Ratio by 30. The "Average Class A Stock
Price" means the average of the high and low trading prices of Berkshire Class A
Stock on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape for each of the five
consecutive trading days ending on the trading day which is the last business
day prior to the Special Meeting. TO THE EXTENT THAT NONE OF THE FOREGOING
ELECTIONS TO RECEIVE CASH, BERKSHIRE CLASS A STOCK OR BERKSHIRE CLASS B STOCK
ARE EFFECTIVELY MADE, SHARES OF DAIRY QUEEN COMMON STOCK WILL BE CONVERTED INTO
BERKSHIRE CLASS B STOCK. No fractional shares of Berkshire Class A or Class B
Stock will be issued in the Merger. In lieu of any fractional share of Berkshire
Class A Stock, one or more whole shares of Berkshire Class B Stock will be
issued to the extent possible, and cash will be paid for any fractional share
interest for which Berkshire Class B Stock is not issued. In order for the
Merger to qualify as a tax-free reorganization, not more than 55% of the total
value of the consideration paid by Berkshire in the Merger will be paid in cash.
If, based on the elections of Dairy Queen stockholders, more than 55% of the
total value of the consideration to be paid in the Merger would be paid in cash,
elections to receive cash will be subject to adjustment and certain stockholders
electing to receive cash will receive a combination of cash and Berkshire Class
B Stock to the extent necessary to reduce the cash portion of the Merger
consideration to 55%, as more fully described in the attached Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.
2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the Special
Meeting or any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof.
Stockholders of record of Dairy Queen Common Stock at the close of business
on November 20, 1997 will be entitled to notice of the Special Meeting or any
adjournment or postponement thereof and holders of Dairy Queen Class B Stock at
the close of business on such date will be entitled to vote at the Special
Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. The affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of
<PAGE>
the outstanding shares of Dairy Queen Class B Stock entitled to vote thereon is
required to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement.
THE VOTE OF ALL HOLDERS OF DAIRY QUEEN CLASS B STOCK IS IMPORTANT. WHETHER
OR NOT YOU ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN
THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY CARD IN THE POSTAGE PREPAID, WHITE ENVELOPE AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE. IF YOU ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING, YOU MAY REVOKE YOUR PROXY AND VOTE
YOUR SHARES OF DAIRY QUEEN CLASS B STOCK IN PERSON.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE HOLDERS OF DAIRY
QUEEN CLASS B STOCK VOTE FOR APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AT
THE SPECIAL MEETING.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Michael P. Sullivan
President
Minneapolis, Minnesota
, 199
HOLDERS OF DAIRY QUEEN CLASS B STOCK SHOULD NOT SEND STOCK CERTIFICATES WITH
THEIR PROXY CARD.
TO MAKE AN ELECTION AMONG CASH, BERKSHIRE CLASS A STOCK AND BERKSHIRE CLASS B
STOCK, ALL STOCKHOLDERS MUST ENCLOSE THEIR STOCK CERTIFICATE(S) AND FORM OF
ELECTION (OR GUARANTEE OF DELIVERY) IN THE MANILA ENVELOPE. YOU ARE URGED TO
RETURN THE FORM OF ELECTION, ACCOMPANIED BY YOUR STOCK CERTIFICATE(S) (OR
GUARANTEE OF DELIVERY), NO LATER THAN 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON ,
199 , IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE FORM OF ELECTION WILL BE RECEIVED BY THE
ELECTION DEADLINE.
<PAGE>
INTERNATIONAL DAIRY QUEEN, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON , 199
------------------------
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
PROSPECTUS
CLASS A COMMON STOCK
CLASS B COMMON STOCK
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus ("Proxy Statement/Prospectus") is being
furnished to stockholders of International Dairy Queen, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Dairy Queen"), in connection with the proposed merger (the
"Merger") of Dairy Queen with and into QDI, Inc. ("Merger Sub"), a Delaware
corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Berkshire"), pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated
as of October 21, 1997 (the "Merger Agreement"), among Berkshire, Merger Sub and
Dairy Queen, and the solicitation of proxies from the holders of Class B Common
Stock, par value $.01 per share, of Dairy Queen ("Dairy Queen Class B Stock") by
the Board of Directors of Dairy Queen (the "Dairy Queen Board") for use at the
special meeting of stockholders of Dairy Queen, including any and all
adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof, to be held on , , 199
(the "Special Meeting").
At the Effective Time (as defined) of the Merger, and subject to the
limitation that not more than 55% of the total value of the consideration paid
in the Merger be paid in cash (see "THE MERGER--Cash Limitation"), each
outstanding share of Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of Dairy
Queen ("Dairy Queen Class A Stock"), and each outstanding share of Dairy Queen
Class B Stock (together with the Dairy Queen Class A Stock, the "Dairy Queen
Common Stock") other than shares owned by Dairy Queen, any subsidiary of Dairy
Queen, Berkshire, Merger Sub or any other subsidiary of Berkshire, will be
converted, (a) at the election of the holder thereof, into the right to receive
either (i) $27.00 in cash, (ii) the portion of a share of Class A Common Stock,
par value $5.00 per share, of Berkshire ("Berkshire Class A Stock"), determined
by dividing $26.00 by the Average Class A Stock Price (as defined below) (the
"Class A Exchange Ratio") or (iii) the portion of a share of Class B Common
Stock, par value $.1667 per share, of Berkshire ("Berkshire Class B Stock" and
together with the Berkshire Class A Stock, the "Berkshire Common Stock"),
determined by multiplying the Class A Exchange Ratio by 30 or (b) to the extent
that none of the foregoing elections are effectively made, shares of Berkshire
Class B Stock on the same basis as in clause (a)(iii) above. The "Average Class
A Stock Price" means the average of the high and low trading prices of the
Berkshire Class A Stock on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") Composite Tape
for each of the five trading days ending on the trading day which is the last
business day prior to the Special Meeting. In lieu of fractional shares of
Berkshire Class A Stock or Class B Stock, one or more whole shares of Berkshire
Class B Stock will be issued to the extent possible, and cash will be paid for
any fractional share interest for which Berkshire Class B Stock is not issued.
See "THE MERGER--Fractional Shares."
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus also constitutes a prospectus of Berkshire
as part of a registration statement on Form S-4 (together with all amendments
and exhibits thereto, the "Registration Statement") filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to the shares of Berkshire Common
Stock issuable in the Merger.
Berkshire Common Stock is listed for trading on the NYSE, and Dairy Queen
Common Stock is listed for trading on the Nasdaq National Market. On October 20,
1997, the last trading day prior to the execution of the Merger Agreement, the
last reported per share sale prices of Berkshire Class A Stock and Berkshire
Class B Stock, as reported on the NYSE Composite Tape, were $44,600 and $1,485,
respectively, and the last reported per share sale prices of Dairy Queen Class A
Stock and Dairy Queen Class B Stock, as reported by Nasdaq, were $24 1/8 and
$25 7/8, respectively. On , 199 , the last trading day prior to the first
mailing of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the last reported per share sale
prices, as reported on the NYSE Composite Tape, of Berkshire Class A Stock and
Berkshire Class B Stock were $ and $ , respectively, and the
last reported per share sale prices, as reported by Nasdaq, of Dairy Queen Class
A Stock and Dairy Queen Class B Stock were $ and $ ,
respectively. For a description of Berkshire Common Stock, see "DESCRIPTION OF
BERKSHIRE COMMON STOCK" and "COMPARISON OF THE RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF BERKSHIRE
COMMON STOCK AND DAIRY QUEEN COMMON STOCK."
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the accompanying proxy card and the other
enclosed documents are first being mailed to stockholders on or about ,
199 .
--------------------------
SEE "CERTAIN RISK FACTORS AND INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS" STARTING ON PAGE 13
FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN MATTERS WHICH STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER
IN EVALUATING THE MERGER.
---------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR BY ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
--------------------------
The date of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus is , 199 .
<PAGE>
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/ PROSPECTUS
OR IN THE DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN IN CONNECTION WITH THE
OFFERING OF SECURITIES MADE HEREBY AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATIONS SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY
BERKSHIRE, MERGER SUB, OR DAIRY QUEEN. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS NOR ANY DISTRIBUTION OF SECURITIES MADE HEREUNDER SHALL,
UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN
THE AFFAIRS OF BERKSHIRE, MERGER SUB, OR DAIRY QUEEN SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR
THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN IS CORRECT AS
OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE. THIS PROXY STATEMENT/ PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY THE SECURITIES
COVERED BY THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER OR
PROXY SOLICITATION IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE, OR TO OR FROM ANY PERSON TO WHOM,
IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER OR PROXY
SOLICITATION IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED (OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE) HEREIN WITH RESPECT
TO BERKSHIRE HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY BERKSHIRE. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED (OR
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE) HEREIN WITH RESPECT TO DAIRY QUEEN HAS BEEN PROVIDED
BY DAIRY QUEEN. NEITHER BERKSHIRE NOR DAIRY QUEEN WARRANTS THE ACCURACY OF
INFORMATION RELATING TO THE OTHER PARTY.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Berkshire and Dairy Queen are each subject to the informational requirements
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in
accordance therewith file reports, proxy and information statements and other
information with the Commission. All such reports, proxy and information
statements, and other information filed by Berkshire and Dairy Queen with the
Commission can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities
maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20549, and should be available for inspection and copying at the
Commission's regional offices at Seven World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York,
New York 10048 and 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661.
Copies of such material can be obtained upon written request addressed to the
Commission, Public Reference Section, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549, at prescribed rates. The Berkshire Class A Stock and the Berkshire Class
B Stock are listed on the NYSE. Reports, proxy and information statements, and
other information concerning Berkshire should be available for inspection at the
offices of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., 20 Broad Street, New York, New
York 10005. The Dairy Queen Class A Stock and the Dairy Queen Class B Stock are
listed on the Nasdaq National Market. Reports, proxy and information statements,
and other information concerning Dairy Queen should be available for inspection
at the offices of the Nasdaq Stock Market at 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20001.
The Commission maintains a Web site at http://www.sec.gov that contains
reports, proxy and information statements and other information concerning
Berkshire and Dairy Queen, both of which file electronically with the
Commission.
Under the rules and regulations of the Commission, the solicitation of the
holders of Dairy Queen Class B Stock to approve the Merger Agreement and the
Merger and the distribution to all holders of Dairy Queen Common Stock of the
form of election constitutes an offering of Berkshire Common Stock to be issued
in conjunction with the Merger. Berkshire has filed with the Commission the
Registration Statement to register the offering of Berkshire Common Stock
issuable in the Merger under the Securities Act. This Proxy Statement/Prospectus
does not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement,
certain parts of which are omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of
the Commission. Statements contained herein concerning the provisions of any
document do not purport to be complete
i
<PAGE>
and, in each instance, are qualified in all respects by reference to the copy of
such document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or otherwise
filed with the Commission. Each such statement is subject to and qualified in
its entirety by such reference. Reference is made to such Registration Statement
and to the exhibits relating thereto for further information.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents filed by Berkshire with the Commission (File No.
1-10125) are incorporated herein by reference: (i) Berkshire's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, (ii) Berkshire's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1997, (iii) Berkshire's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1997, (iv)
Berkshire's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
1997, (v) the description of Berkshire's Class A Stock contained in the
Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on October 26, 1988, and (vi) the
description of Berkshire's Class B Stock contained in the Registration Statement
on Form 8-A filed on April 2, 1996.
The following documents filed by Dairy Queen with the Commission (File No.
0-6116) are incorporated herein by reference: (i) Dairy Queen's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1996, (ii) Dairy Queen's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended February 28, 1997, (iii)
Dairy Queen's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended May 30, 1997,
(iv) Dairy Queen's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended August 29,
1997, and (v) Dairy Queen's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 27,
1997.
All documents filed by Berkshire and Dairy Queen pursuant to Section 13(a),
13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, and prior to the termination of this offering, shall be
deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus and to
be part of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus from the date of filing of such
documents.
Any statement contained in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus or in a document
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein is deemed to be
modified or superseded for purposes of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus to the
extent that a statement contained in this Proxy Statement/ Prospectus or in any
subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so
modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded,
to constitute a part of this Proxy Statement/ Prospectus.
THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE WHICH
ARE NOT PRESENTED HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH. EACH PERSON, INCLUDING ANY
BENEFICIAL OWNER, TO WHOM A COPY OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT/ PROSPECTUS IS
DELIVERED, MAY OBTAIN, WITHOUT CHARGE, UPON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST, A COPY OF
ANY OR ALL OF THE DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, EXCEPT THE
EXHIBITS TO SUCH DOCUMENTS (UNLESS SUCH EXHIBITS ARE SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED
BY REFERENCE INTO SUCH DOCUMENTS). WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUESTS, IN THE CASE OF
DOCUMENTS RELATING TO BERKSHIRE, SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO JERRY W. HUFTON,
ASSISTANT SECRETARY, BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC., 1440 KIEWIT PLAZA, OMAHA, NEBRASKA
68131 (TELEPHONE NO. (402) 346-1400, FACSIMILE NO. (402) 346-3375). WRITTEN OR
ORAL REQUESTS, IN THE CASE OF DOCUMENTS RELATING TO DAIRY QUEEN, SHOULD BE
DIRECTED TO DAVE BOND, SECRETARY, INTERNATIONAL DAIRY QUEEN, INC., 7505 METRO
BOULEVARD, MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55439 (TELEPHONE NO. (612) 830-0200, FACSIMILE NO.
(612) 830-0270). IN ORDER TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY OF THE DOCUMENTS, ANY
REQUEST SHOULD BE RECEIVED BY , 1997.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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AVAILABLE INFORMATION...................................................................................... i
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE............................................................ ii
SUMMARY.................................................................................................... 1
The Companies............................................................................................ 1
The Special Meeting...................................................................................... 2
The Merger............................................................................................... 3
Conflicts of Interest.................................................................................... 6
Certain Risk Factors and Investment Considerations....................................................... 6
Berkshire Selected Consolidated Financial Data........................................................... 8
Dairy Queen Selected Consolidated Financial Data......................................................... 10
Comparative Stock Prices................................................................................. 11
Comparative Historical and Pro Forma per Share Data...................................................... 12
CERTAIN RISK FACTORS AND INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS......................................................... 13
DAIRY QUEEN RECENT DEVELOPMENTS............................................................................ 14
THE SPECIAL MEETING........................................................................................ 15
General.................................................................................................. 15
Record Date; Stock Entitled to Vote; Quorum.............................................................. 15
Vote Required............................................................................................ 15
Shareholders' Agreement.................................................................................. 16
No Dissenting Stockholders' Rights of Appraisal.......................................................... 16
Proxies; Revocability of Proxies......................................................................... 16
Solicitation............................................................................................. 17
THE MERGER................................................................................................. 17
Background of the Merger................................................................................. 17
Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Dairy Queen Board.......................................... 18
Dairy Queen Financial Advisor............................................................................ 20
Opinion of William Blair & Company, L.L.C................................................................ 21
Form of the Merger....................................................................................... 24
Merger Consideration..................................................................................... 24
Cash Limitation.......................................................................................... 25
Election Procedures; Surrender of Dairy Queen Common Stock Certificates.................................. 26
Fractional Shares........................................................................................ 28
Effective Time........................................................................................... 29
Stock Exchange Listing................................................................................... 29
Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations................................................................ 29
Treatment of Dairy Queen Employee Stock Options.......................................................... 32
Conflicts of Interest.................................................................................... 32
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management........................................... 33
Accounting Treatment..................................................................................... 35
Approvals and Consents................................................................................... 35
Delisting and Deregistration of Dairy Queen Common Stock................................................. 35
Resales of Berkshire Common Stock........................................................................ 35
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CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT................................................................. 36
Certain Representations and Warranties................................................................... 36
Conduct of Business Pending the Merger................................................................... 36
Indemnification.......................................................................................... 37
Conditions to Consummation of the Merger................................................................. 37
No Solicitation.......................................................................................... 39
Board of Directors and Officers of Surviving Corporation................................................. 40
Termination.............................................................................................. 40
Fees and Expenses........................................................................................ 41
Amendment and Waiver..................................................................................... 41
CAPITALIZATION............................................................................................. 42
BUSINESS OF BERKSHIRE...................................................................................... 42
BUSINESS OF DAIRY QUEEN.................................................................................... 47
DESCRIPTION OF BERKSHIRE COMMON STOCK...................................................................... 49
COMPARISON OF THE RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF BERKSHIRE COMMON STOCK AND DAIRY QUEEN COMMON STOCK................. 50
EXPERTS.................................................................................................... 51
LEGAL MATTERS.............................................................................................. 51
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 1998 DAIRY QUEEN ANNUAL MEETING.................................................. 51
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SUMMARY
THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN INFORMATION CONTAINED ELSEWHERE IN
THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, INCLUDING THE ANNEXES, OR IN THE DOCUMENTS
INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. REFERENCE IS MADE TO, AND THIS SUMMARY IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY, THE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS
PROXY STATEMENT/ PROSPECTUS, THE ANNEXES AND THE DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED HEREIN
BY REFERENCE. STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND
THE ANNEXES, AND THE DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IN THEIR
ENTIRETY. CAPITALIZED TERMS USED IN THIS SUMMARY AND NOT DEFINED SHALL HAVE THE
MEANINGS ASCRIBED TO THEM ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS.
THE COMPANIES
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC. Berkshire is a holding company owning subsidiaries
engaged in a number of diverse business activities. The most important of these
is the property and casualty insurance business conducted on both a direct and
reinsurance basis through a number of subsidiaries, including GEICO Corporation,
the seventh largest auto insurer in the United States. Investment portfolios of
Berkshire's insurance subsidiaries include meaningful equity ownership
percentages of other publicly traded companies. Such investments at September
30, 1997 included approximately 10.5% of the capital stock of American Express
Company, approximately 8.0% of the capital stock of The Coca-Cola Company,
approximately 3.5% of the capital stock of The Walt Disney Company,
approximately 9.5% of the capital stock of Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation, approximately 8.5% of the capital stock of The Gillette Company,
approximately 16.0% of the capital stock of The Washington Post Company,
approximately 9.0% of the common stock of Wells Fargo & Company, and common and
convertible preferred stock of Salomon Inc having approximately 18.0% of the
total voting power of that company. Much information about these publicly owned
companies is available, including information released from time to time by the
companies themselves.
Additionally, Berkshire publishes the BUFFALO NEWS, a daily and Sunday
newspaper in upstate New York. Other business activities conducted by
non-insurance subsidiaries include publication and distribution of encyclopedias
and related educational and instructional material (WORLD BOOK and CHILDCRAFT
products), manufacture and marketing of home cleaning systems and related
accessories (sold principally under the KIRBY name), manufacture and sale of
boxed chocolates and other confectionery products (SEE'S CANDIES), retailing of
home furnishings (NEBRASKA FURNITURE MART, R.C. WILLEY HOME FURNISHINGS and STAR
FURNITURE COMPANY), manufacture and distribution of uniforms (FECHHEIMER
BROTHERS COMPANY), manufacture, import and distribution of footwear (H.H. BROWN
SHOE COMPANY, LOWELL SHOE, INC. and DEXTER SHOE COMPANY), retailing of fine
jewelry (BORSHEIM'S JEWELRY COMPANY and HELZBERG'S DIAMOND SHOPS) manufacture
and distribution of air compressors, air tools and painting systems (CAMPBELL
HAUSFELD products), and high-technology training for operators of aircraft and
ships (FLIGHTSAFETY). Berkshire also owns a number of other businesses engaged
in a variety of activities.
Operating decisions for the various insurance and non-insurance businesses
of Berkshire are made by the managers of the business units. Investment
decisions and all other capital allocation decisions are made for Berkshire and
its subsidiaries by Warren E. Buffett, Berkshire's Chairman, in consultation
with Charles T. Munger, its Vice-Chairman. Berkshire's principal executive
offices are located at 1440 Kiewit Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68131, and its
telephone number is (402) 346-1400. See "BUSINESS OF BERKSHIRE."
INTERNATIONAL DAIRY QUEEN, INC. Dairy Queen develops, licenses and services
a system of 5,796 Dairy Queen stores in the United States, Canada and other
foreign countries featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, various dairy desserts and
beverages, 34 of which are wholly or jointly owned and operated by Dairy Queen;
414 Orange Julius stores in the United States, Canada and other foreign
countries featuring blended drinks made from orange juice, fruits and fruit
flavors, along with various snack items; and 46 Karmelkorn stores featuring
popcorn and other treat items.
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To support and promote the businesses of its franchisees, Dairy Queen
undertakes product development and market testing, creates and coordinates
advertising programs, provides training and advisory services for store
operators and enforces quality control standards. A major portion of Dairy
Queen's operating income is derived from franchise service fees paid by
franchised stores and stores licensed by territorial operators. Dairy Queen also
sells equipment to stores and sells other products used in store operations to a
system of independently-owned warehouses, which also purchase approved products
from other suppliers. These warehouses in turn sell products to retail stores in
their geographical areas.
Dairy Queen's principal executive offices are located at 7505 Metro
Boulevard, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55439, and its telephone number is (612)
830-0200. See "BUSINESS OF DAIRY QUEEN."
QDI, INC. Merger Sub was incorporated in October 1997 for the sole purpose
of consummating the Merger and has engaged in no other business.
THE SPECIAL MEETING
TIME, DATE AND PLACE; MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED; RECORD DATE. The Special
Meeting of stockholders of Dairy Queen is scheduled to be held at the General
Offices of Dairy Queen on , 199 at 10:00 a.m., Minneapolis time. At the
Special Meeting, holders of Dairy Queen Class B Stock will consider and vote
upon (i) a proposal to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement and (ii) such
other matters as may be properly brought before the meeting. Stockholders of
record at the close of business on November 20, 1997 (the "Record Date") will be
entitled to notice of the Special Meeting, and holders of outstanding shares of
Dairy Queen Class B Stock as of such date will be entitled to vote at the
Special Meeting. See "THE SPECIAL MEETING--General" and "--Record Date; Stock
Entitled to Vote; Quorum."
VOTE REQUIRED; QUORUM. As of the Record Date, there were shares of
Dairy Queen Class B Stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Special
Meeting. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding
Class B shares entitled to vote at the Special Meeting is required to approve
the Merger Agreement. Pursuant to the Shareholders' Agreement (as defined), Mr.
John W. Mooty, the Chairman of the Board of Dairy Queen and one of its largest
stockholders, and certain other stockholders (together holding 31.2% of the
outstanding shares of Dairy Queen Class B Stock) have agreed, among other
things, to vote for approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and to elect
to receive the Stock Consideration (as defined) in exchange for their shares of
Dairy Queen Common Stock. See
"--Shareholders' Agreement." In addition, Mr. Mooty has publicly stated that
certain other members of his family owning at least 12.3% of the outstanding
shares of Dairy Queen Class B Stock intend to vote for approval and adoption of
the Merger Agreement and to elect to receive the Stock Consideration in exchange
for their shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock. It is expected that the 187,736
shares of Dairy Queen Class B Stock beneficially owned by the directors and
executive officers of Dairy Queen who are not parties to the Shareholders'
Agreement (2.3% of the outstanding shares of Dairy Queen Class B Stock) will
also be voted for approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement.
The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the
total number of issued and outstanding Class B shares entitled to vote at the
Special Meeting will constitute a quorum. Under applicable Delaware law,
abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote against the
Merger Agreement. Approval of the Merger by the Berkshire stockholders is not
required. See "THE SPECIAL MEETING--Record Date; Stock Entitled to Vote; Quorum"
and "--Vote Required."
SHAREHOLDERS' AGREEMENT. Mr. Mooty, certain members of his family (one of
whom is also a director and one of whom is also an officer of Dairy Queen) and
another significant stockholder (together holding 31.2% of the outstanding
shares of Dairy Queen Class B Stock) have entered into a shareholders' agreement
with Berkshire (the "Shareholders' Agreement") pursuant to which they have
agreed, among other things, to vote for approval and adoption of the Merger
Agreement, to elect to receive the Stock Consideration in exchange for their
shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock, to vote against a Transaction Proposal (as
defined) and to not solicit or encourage a Transaction Proposal. Berkshire has
agreed to
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indemnify each such stockholder against all losses incurred in connection with
the execution or performance of the Shareholders' Agreement.
THE MERGER
FORM OF THE MERGER; EFFECTIVE TIME. If the necessary approval of
stockholders is obtained and all other conditions to the Merger are satisfied or
waived, Dairy Queen will be merged with and into Merger Sub, with Merger Sub
being the surviving corporation after the Merger (the "Surviving Corporation")
and a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire. The Merger will become effective
upon the filing of a certificate of merger with the Secretary of State of the
State of Delaware in accordance with applicable law or on such later date as the
certificate may specify (the "Effective Time"). The name of the Surviving
Corporation will be changed to International Dairy Queen, Inc. See "THE
MERGER--Form of the Merger" and "-- Effective Time."
MERGER CONSIDERATION. The Merger Agreement provides that, as of the
Effective Time and subject to the limitation that not more than 55% of the total
value of the consideration paid in the Merger be paid in cash, each outstanding
share of Dairy Queen Common Stock (other than shares owned by Dairy Queen, any
subsidiary of Dairy Queen, Berkshire, Merger Sub or any other subsidiary of
Berkshire) will be converted, at the election of the holder thereof, into the
right to receive (i) $27.00 in cash (the "Cash Consideration"), (ii) the portion
of a share of Berkshire Class A Stock determined by dividing $26.00 by the
Average Class A Stock Price (the "Class A Stock Consideration") or (iii) the
portion of a share of Berkshire Class B Stock determined by multiplying the
Class A Exchange Ratio by 30 (the "Class B Stock Consideration," and together
with the Class A Stock Consideration, the "Stock Consideration"). To the extent
that none of the foregoing elections is effectively made, shares of Dairy Queen
Common Stock will be converted into Berkshire Class B Stock. No fractional
shares of Berkshire Class A Stock or Class B Stock will be issued in the Merger.
In lieu thereof, stockholders will receive Berkshire Class B Stock and/or cash.
See "THE MERGER--Fractional Shares" and "--Merger Consideration."
ELECTIONS. To be effective, an election must be made on a properly
completed and signed Form of Election received by the Exchange Agent by 5:00
p.m., New York City time, on the last business day prior to the date of the
Special Meeting and accompanied by the certificates representing the shares of
Dairy Queen Common Stock (duly endorsed in blank or otherwise in a form
acceptable for transfer) as to which such election is being made (or an
appropriate guarantee of delivery). Stockholders can indicate on the Form of
Election whether they wish to receive the Cash Consideration, the Class A Stock
Consideration or the Class B Stock Consideration. If none of the elections is
effectively made, the Class B Stock Consideration (and/or cash in lieu of a
fractional share of Berkshire Class B Stock) will be issued and delivered in the
Merger. See "The MERGER--Election Procedures; Surrender of Dairy Queen Common
Stock Certificates."
STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO DELIVER TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT A PROPERLY COMPLETED
FORM OF ELECTION, ACCOMPANIED BY STOCK CERTIFICATES (OR GUARANTEE OF DELIVERY),
NO LATER THAN 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON , 199 . PLEASE USE THE
MANILA ENVELOPE FOR SENDING THE FORM OF ELECTION AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS.
CASH LIMITATION. The election to receive the Cash Consideration will be
subject to adjustment so that the Total Cash Consideration (as defined) paid to
all Dairy Queen stockholders in the Merger will not exceed 55% (the "Cash
Limitation") of the sum of (i) the Total Cash Consideration, (ii) the Total
Class A Merger Consideration (as hereinafter defined), and (iii) the Total Class
B Merger Consideration (as hereinafter defined). See "THE MERGER--Cash
Limitation." If the Cash Limitation is exceeded, then stockholders electing the
Cash Consideration (the "Cash Electing Stockholders") who hold a sufficient
number of shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock to receive as part of the Merger
Consideration (as defined) at least one share of Berkshire Class B Stock will
receive one such share in lieu of the cash election, with the Exchange Agent
selecting by lot the Cash Electing Stockholders to participate in this procedure
if the participation of fewer than all Cash Electing Stockholders is sufficient
to reduce the Cash
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Consideration to an amount equal to or less than the Cash Limitation. If such
procedure is not sufficient to reduce the Cash Consideration to an amount equal
to or less than the Cash Limitation, then each Cash Electing Stockholder who
holds a sufficient number of shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock to receive as
part of the Merger Consideration at least a second whole share of Berkshire
Class B Stock will receive such share in lieu of the cash election, with the
Exchange Agent similarly selecting by lot the Cash Electing Stockholders to
participate, if appropriate. If such procedure is not sufficient to reduce the
Cash Consideration to an amount equal to or less than the Cash Limitation, then
each Cash Electing Stockholder who holds a sufficient number of shares of Dairy
Queen Common Stock to receive as part of the Merger Consideration at least a
third whole share and, to the extent necessary, greater than three whole shares,
of Berkshire Class B Stock will receive such third or more shares in lieu of the
cash election, until the Cash Consideration is equal to or less than the Cash
Limitation. For a more detailed description, see "THE MERGER--Cash Limitation;
Surrender of Dairy Queen Common Stock Certificates." There can be no assurance
that each stockholder will receive only the Cash Consideration if such
stockholder makes a Cash Election. See "CERTAIN RISK FACTORS AND INVESTMENT
CONSIDERATIONS." However, stockholders who elect to receive the Stock
Consideration will receive their entire consideration (except for the cash paid
in lieu of fractional shares) in shares of the Berkshire Common Stock and will
not be subject to such allocation procedure. The receipt of cash may be taxable.
See "THE MERGER-- Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations."
RECOMMENDATION OF THE DAIRY QUEEN BOARD. The Dairy Queen Board has
determined that the Merger is fair to and in the best interests of Dairy Queen
and its stockholders. Accordingly, the Dairy Queen Board has unanimously adopted
the Merger Agreement and recommends that the holders of Dairy Queen Class B
Stock vote to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement at the Special Meeting. See
"THE MERGER--Background of the Merger" and "--Reasons for the Merger;
Recommendation of the Dairy Queen Board."
FINANCIAL ADVISORS TO THE BOARD. William Blair & Company, L.L.C. ("William
Blair"), a nationally recognized firm, acted as financial advisor to the Board
in connection with the Merger. On October 21, 1997, William Blair delivered its
oral opinion (subsequently confirmed in writing) to the Board, to the effect
that, as of such date and based upon the assumptions made, matters considered
and certain limitations on the scope of review in connection with such opinion,
the aggregate amount of cash, shares of Berkshire Class A Stock and shares of
Berkshire Class B Stock (collectively, the "Merger Consideration") to be
received by Dairy Queen stockholders in the Merger is fair to such holders from
a financial point of view. A copy of the written opinion of William Blair which
sets forth the assumptions made, matters considered, and limitations on the
scope of review undertaken by William Blair is attached as Annex II.
Stockholders are urged to, and should, read such opinion in its entirety. See
"The MERGER--Dairy Queen Financial Advisors" and "--Opinion of William Blair."
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER. The obligations of Berkshire, Merger Sub and
Dairy Queen to consummate the Merger are subject to various conditions,
including, without limitation, (i) obtaining the approval of a majority of the
outstanding shares of Dairy Queen Class B Stock, (ii) absence of any order or
other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the Merger,
(iii) execution and delivery by John W. Mooty, Chairman of the Board of
Directors of Dairy Queen, of (and the exercise of his best efforts to cause the
other members of his family and such other stockholders as may be necessary or
desirable to execute and deliver) an agreement which prohibits the disposition
of Berkshire Common Stock (except under certain circumstances) for a two-year
period following the Effective Time and (iv) receipt by Dairy Queen and
Berkshire of opinions of their respective counsel to the effect that, on the
basis of facts, representations, assumptions, and agreements set forth or
referred to in such opinions, the Merger will qualify, for U.S. federal income
tax purposes, as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and that Berkshire,
Merger Sub and Dairy Queen will each be a party to the reorganization within the
meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code. See
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"CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT--Conditions to Consummation of the
Merger" and "THE MERGER--Approvals and Consents."
TERMINATION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT. The Merger Agreement may be terminated
at any time prior to the Effective Time (i) by mutual written consent of
Berkshire and Dairy Queen or (ii) by either Berkshire or Dairy Queen (a) if any
court or other governmental entity has issued a final and nonappealable order,
decree or ruling or taken any other final and nonappealable action permanently
enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the Merger or (b) if the Merger has not been
consummated on or before March 31, 1998 (other than due to the failure of the
party seeking to terminate the Merger Agreement to perform its obligations
thereunder).
The Merger Agreement also may be terminated by Dairy Queen under the
following circumstances: (i) the failure of Berkshire or Merger Sub to perform
any of their respective material obligations under the Merger Agreement or (ii)
if after the receipt of an unsolicited proposal (a "Transaction Proposal") by a
third party to merge with or acquire a substantial equity interest in, or a
substantial portion of the assets of, Dairy Queen, the Dairy Queen Board
withdraws or modifies its recommendation of the Merger Agreement and the Merger
(provided that the Dairy Queen Board has concluded in good faith, after
consulting with and considering the advice of outside legal counsel, that such
action is required in the exercise of its fiduciary duties to Dairy Queen
stockholders). See "CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT--Termination."
The Merger Agreement may also be terminated by Berkshire (i) if the required
approval of the Dairy Queen Class B stockholders has not been obtained, (ii) if
Dairy Queen fails to perform any of its material obligations under the Merger
Agreement, (iii) if the Dairy Queen Board (a) withdraws, modifies or amends, in
a manner adverse to Berkshire, its approval or recommendation of the Merger
Agreement or the Merger or (b) recommends any Transaction Proposal from a third
party other than Berkshire or (iv) if Dairy Queen exercises certain rights with
respect to a Transaction Proposal from a third party and continues discussions
with any third party regarding such Transaction Proposal for more than 10
business days after receiving such Transaction Proposal or fails to reject any
publicly disclosed Transaction Proposal made by a third party within 10 business
days after receiving such Transaction Proposal or, if sooner, the date its
existence first becomes publicly disclosed. See "CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE
MERGER AGREEMENT--No Solicitation" and "--Termination."
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS. The obligations of Berkshire,
Merger Sub and Dairy Queen to consummate the Merger are subject to the receipt
by Berkshire and Dairy Queen of the opinions of their respective counsel to the
effect that, on the basis of facts, representations, assumptions and agreements
set forth or referred to therein, the Merger will qualify, for U.S. federal
income tax purposes, as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of
the Code, and Berkshire, Merger Sub and Dairy Queen will each be a party to the
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code. See "CERTAIN
PROVISIONS OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT--Conditions to Consummation of the Merger."
If the Merger so qualifies, then, in general (i) a stockholder who exchanges
shares solely for cash will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the
difference between the amount of cash received and the adjusted basis in the
shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock surrendered therefor, (ii) a stockholder who
exchanges shares solely for shares of Berkshire Common Stock will not recognize
any gain or loss except with respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional
share of Berkshire Class B Stock and (iii) a stockholder who exchanges shares
for a combination of Berkshire Common Stock and cash will recognize gain equal
to the lesser of (a) the excess of the sum of the cash and fair market value of
Berkshire Common Stock received over the tax basis in the shares exchanged and
(b) the amount of cash received. Certain exceptions and/or other considerations
may apply to the above. See "THE MERGER--Certain Federal Income Tax
Considerations."
STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING. Berkshire will file an application to list the
shares of Berkshire Common Stock to be issued in connection with the Merger on
the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance. The
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shares of Berkshire Class A Stock and Class B Stock are traded on the NYSE under
the symbols "BRK.A" and "BRK.B," respectively.
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT. The Merger will be accounted for by Berkshire under
the purchase method of accounting in accordance with Accounting Principles
Opinion No. 16, "Business Combinations," as amended. Under this method of
accounting, the aggregate consideration paid by Berkshire in the Merger will be
allocated to Dairy Queen's assets and liabilities based on their fair market
values at the Effective Time, with any excess being treated as goodwill. The
assets and liabilities and results of operations of Dairy Queen will be
consolidated into the assets and liabilities and results of operations of
Berkshire commencing at the Effective Time.
REGULATORY APPROVALS REQUIRED. Pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust
Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR Act"), Berkshire and Dairy Queen
each filed on November 10, 1997 with the Antitrust Division of the United States
Department of Justice (the "Antitrust Division") and the Federal Trade
Commission (the "FTC") a Notification and Report Form with respect to the
Merger. The applicable waiting period under the HSR Act is expected to expire on
December 9, 1997. See "THE MERGER--Approvals and Consents."
NO DISSENTING STOCKHOLDERS' RIGHTS OF APPRAISAL. Under Delaware law,
stockholders of Dairy Queen are not entitled to exercise dissenting
stockholders' rights of appraisal.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Certain executive officers and directors of Dairy Queen, including Messrs.
Michael P. Sullivan, Edward A. Watson and Charles W. Mooty, have interests in
the Merger in addition to their interests as stockholders of Dairy Queen. Such
interests relate, among other things, to provisions in the Merger Agreement
regarding compensation plans and the exchange of outstanding options to purchase
Dairy Queen Common Stock for cash. Mr. John W. Mooty, the Chairman of the Board
of Dairy Queen and one of its largest stockholders, Mrs. Jane N. Mooty, a
director of Dairy Queen, and Mr. Charles W. Mooty, Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer of Dairy Queen, are each a party to the Shareholders'
Agreement, and thus have agreed to vote for approval and adoption of the Merger
Agreement, to elect to receive the Stock Consideration in exchange for their
shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock, to vote against any Transaction Proposal and
to not solicit or encourage any Transaction Proposal. Berkshire has stated that
it expects to retain all officers of Dairy Queen following the Merger. Pursuant
to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Dairy Queen has agreed to and, from and
after the Effective Time, Berkshire and the Surviving Corporation have agreed
to, indemnify the officers, directors and employees of Dairy Queen against,
among other things, losses incurred in connection with the Merger or the Merger
Agreement, subject to certain limitations. See "THE MERGER--Conflicts of
Interest" and "--Background of the Merger."
CERTAIN RISK FACTORS AND INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS
In considering whether to vote for approval of the Merger Agreement,
stockholders of Dairy Queen should carefully consider the following: (i) the
value of Berkshire Common Stock at the Effective Time may vary from its price at
the time of the determination of the Average Class A Stock Price, the date of
this Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the date of the Special Meeting; (ii) each
share of Berkshire Class A Stock is convertible into 30 shares of Berkshire
Class B Stock, but shares of Berkshire Class B Stock are not convertible into
shares of Berkshire Class A Stock or any other security; (iii) if the Cash
Limitation is exceeded, then certain Dairy Queen stockholders electing to
receive the Cash Consideration will not receive the Cash Consideration for all
of their shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock but will receive a combination of
cash and Berkshire Class B Stock; (iv) the past growth rate of Berkshire's book
value per share is not indicative of future results of Berkshire; (v) if for any
reason the services of key management personnel of Berkshire, particularly
Warren E. Buffet, were to become unavailable to Berkshire, there
6
<PAGE>
could be a material adverse effect on Berkshire and on the market price of
Berkshire Common Stock; (vi) Berkshire's "super-cat" insurance business is
virtually certain to produce huge losses in some years in the future; (vii)
Berkshire's insurance subsidiaries keep an unusually high percentage of their
assets in common stock and diversify their portfolios far less than is
conventional and thus a significant decline in the general stock market could
have a material adverse effect on the price of Berkshire Common Stock; and
(viii) Dairy Queen stockholders who receive Berkshire Class B Stock will not
participate in a shareholder-designated charitable contributions program that is
available to holders of Berkshire Class A Stock. See "CERTAIN RISK FACTORS AND
INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS."
7
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected consolidated financial data which follows should be read in
conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying
notes and the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and
accompanying notes of Berkshire in the documents which are incorporated by
reference in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Berkshire's consolidated financial
statements for the years ended December 31, 1992 through December 31, 1995 have
been restated to account for Berkshire's acquisition of GEICO Corporation on
January 2, 1996. The condensed consolidated financial statements of Berkshire as
of September 30, 1997 and September 30, 1996 and for the periods then ended are
unaudited; however, in Berkshire's opinion, they reflect all adjustments,
consisting only of normal recurring items, necessary for a fair presentation of
the financial position and results of operations for such periods. See
"AVAILABLE INFORMATION" and "INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES:
Insurance premiums earned...... $ 3,331.9 $ 2,904.8 $ 4,117.8 $ 957.5 $ 923.2 $ 650.7 $ 664.3
Sales and service revenues..... 2,493.2 2,137.0 3,061.2 2,755.9 2,351.9 1,962.9 1,774.4
Interest, dividend and other
investment
income....................... 686.2 582.5 811.9 629.2 519.0 520.7 485.5
Income from finance
businesses................... 23.7 16.9 25.3 26.6 24.9 22.2 20.7
Realized investment gain(1).... 250.7 2,428.6(2) 2,484.1(2) 194.1 91.3 546.4 89.9
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Total revenues................. $ 6,785.7 $ 8,069.8 $ 10,500.3 $ 4,563.3 $ 3,910.3 $ 3,702.9 $ 3,034.8
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
EARNINGS:
Before realized investment gain
and cumulative effect of
accounting change............ $ 766.1 $ 555.3 $ 883.4 $ 669.9 $ 491.9(3) $ 520.2(4) $ 400.8
Realized investment gain(1).... 162.7 1,568.6(2) 1,605.2(2) 125.0 61.1 356.7 59.6
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting for income
taxes........................ -- -- -- -- -- (33.3) --
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Net earnings................... $ 928.8 $ 2,123.9 $ 2,488.6 $ 794.9 $ 553 $ 843.6 $ 460.4
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
SOURCES OF NET EARNINGS:
Property and casualty
insurance.................... $ 619.8 $ 454.5 $ 689.6 $ 496.4 $ 487.3 $ 436.2 $ 287.8
Non-insurance businesses....... 178.8 123.2 226.5 191.4 202.2 166.5 154.1
Realized investment gain(1).... 162.7 1,568.6(2) 1,605.2(2) 125.0 61.1 356.7 59.6
Interest expense............... (50.0) (45.1) (55.7) (34.9) (37.3) (35.6) (62.9)
Other.......................... 17.5 22.7 23.0 17.0 12.3 6.7 21.8
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Earnings before non-recurring
charges and effect of
accounting change............ $ 928.8 $ 2,123.9 $ 2,488.6 $ 794.9 $ 725.6 $ 930.5 $ 460.4
Non-recurring charges and
effect of accounting
change....................... -- -- -- -- (172.6)(3) (86.9)(5) --
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Net earnings................... $ 928.8 $ 2,123.9 $ 2,488.6 $ 794.9 $ 553.0 $ 843.6 $ 460.4
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Net earnings per share(6)...... $ 753 $ 1,766 $ 2,065 $ 670 $ 470 $ 730 $ 402
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Average shares outstanding, in
thousands(6)................... 1,233 1,203 1,205 1,187 1,178 1,156 1,146
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, AS OF DECEMBER 31,
-------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets................................. $50,613.4 $39,206.7 $43,409.4 $28,711.4 $20,609.6 $18,697.5 $15,721.5
Borrowings under investment agreements and
other debt(7).............................. 1,832.2 1,435.2 1,944.4 1,061.7 810.7 972.4 1,154.7
Stockholders' equity......................... 28,007.0 21,188.7 23,426.3 16,738.7 11,651.5 10,140.2 8,132.9
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
(1) The amount of realized investment gain for any given period has no
predictive value, and variations in amount from period to period have no
practical analytical value, particularly in view of the unrealized
appreciation now existing in Berkshire's consolidated investment portfolio.
(2) In March 1996, The Walt Disney Company completed its acquisition of Capital
Cities/ABC, Inc. A pre-tax realized gain related to this transaction of $2.2
billion ($1.4 billion after-tax) is included in 1996's results.
(3) Includes a charge of $172.6 million representing an other-than-temporary
decline in value of investment in USAirways Group, Inc. preferred stock.
(4) Includes a charge of $53.6 million representing the effect of the change in
U.S. federal income tax rates on deferred taxes applicable to unrealized
appreciation.
(5) Includes a charge of $33.3 million related to change in accounting for
income taxes and $53.6 million as described in (4) above.
(6) On May 8, 1996, Berkshire issued 517,500 shares of Berkshire Class B Stock
in the initial public offering of that class of stock. Each share of
Berkshire Class B Stock has economic rights equal to one-thirtieth ( 1/30)
of a share of Berkshire Class A Stock. Average shares outstanding for 1996
and the 1997 periods include average Berkshire Class A shares and average
Berkshire Class B shares determined on an equivalent Berkshire Class A Stock
basis. Net earnings per share shown above represents net earnings per
equivalent share of Berkshire Class A Stock. Net earnings per share of
Berkshire Class B Stock is equal to one-thirtieth ( 1/30) of such amount.
(7) Excludes borrowings of finance businesses.
9
<PAGE>
DAIRY QUEEN SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected consolidated financial data which follows should be read in
conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying
notes and the unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes of Dairy
Queen in the documents which are incorporated by reference in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. The consolidated financial statements of Dairy Queen as of
August 29, 1997 and August 30, 1996 and for the periods then ended are
unaudited; however, in Dairy Queen's opinion, they reflect all adjustments,
consisting only of normal recurring items, necessary to present a fair
presentation of the financial position and the results of operations for such
periods. See "AVAILABLE INFORMATION" and "INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY
REFERENCE."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
------------------------ FISCAL YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
AUGUST 29, AUGUST 30, -----------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
----------- ----------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
REVENUES:
Net sales................................... $ 242,371 $ 244,450 $ 308,141 $ 297,723 $ 268,804 $ 241,612 $ 228,051
Sales by company-operated restaurants....... 26,416 19,885 27,883 -- -- -- --
Service fees................................ 45,888 44,347 56,846 57,110 54,170 51,601 50,627
Real estate finance and rental income....... 6,321 5,918 7,918 7,543 8,081 8,988 9,984
Other....................................... 11,358 8,129 10,719 9,599 9,777 8,893 8,448
----------- ----------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total revenues.............................. 332,354 322,729 411,507 371,975 340,832 311,094 297,110
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Cost of sales............................... 217,935 220,530 278,317 267,867 242,413 217,155 204,650
Cost of sales: company-operated
restaurants............................... 23,581 17,430 25,035 -- -- -- --
Expenses applicable to real estate finance
and rental income......................... 5,880 5,517 7,386 7,030 7,572 8,441 9,357
Selling, general and administrative......... 35,711 34,442 45,468 44,481 40,494 37,516 35,472
----------- ----------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total expenses.............................. 283,107 277,919 356,206 319,378 290,479 263,112 249,479
----------- ----------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating income.............................. 49,247 44,810 55,301 52,597 50,353 47,982 47,631
Net Interest income........................... 3,212 1,685 2,579 2,300 1,578 1,426 (316)
Minority interest in earnings of consolidated
subsidiaries and joint ventures............. (758) (893) (1,135) -- -- -- --
----------- ----------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income before income taxes.................... 51,701 45,602 56,745 54,897 51,931 49,408 47,315
Provision for income taxes.................... 20,320 17,920 22,300 21,680 20,510 19,520 18,220
----------- ----------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income.................................... $ 31,381 $ 27,682 $ 34,445 $ 33,217 $ 31,421 $ 29,888 $ 29,095
----------- ----------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
----------- ----------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings per common and common equivalent
shares...................................... $ 1.41 $ 1.22 $ 1.52 $ 1.43 $ 1.30 $ 1.19 $ 1.12
----------- ----------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
----------- ----------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Average common and common equivalent shares
outstanding................................. 22,264 22,773 22,648 23,218 24,261 25,103 26,036
----------- ----------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
----------- ----------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets................................ $ 262,459 $ 229,459 $ 235,016 $ 211,489 $ 197,887 $ 184,398 $ 179,480
Long-term debt.............................. 3,180 3,543 13,098 24,760 23,344 23,902 25,820
Working capital............................. 73,125 54,213 49,037 63,744 55,278 36,382 35,570
Total stockholders' equity(1)............... 195,253 168,110 161,478 147,700 131,361 116,685 102,599
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
(1) During the above periods the Company purchased shares of its common stock as
follows: 1997--346,442 shares; 1996--751,420 shares; 1995--1,005,926 shares;
1994--975,254 shares; 1993--887,718 shares; 1992--675,971 shares. The
aggregate cost of these repurchases was $85,145,085 which has been charged
to stockholders' equity.
10
<PAGE>
COMPARATIVE STOCK PRICES
Dairy Queen Class A Stock and Dairy Queen Class B Stock are listed and
traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbols "INDQ.A" and "INDQ.B,"
respectively; Berkshire Class A Stock and Berkshire Class B Stock are listed and
traded on the NYSE under the symbols "BRK.A" and "BRK.B," respectively.
The following table sets forth, for the calendar quarters indicated, the
high and low sales prices per share of Dairy Queen Class A Stock and Dairy Queen
Class B Stock, as reported by Nasdaq, and Berkshire Class A Stock and Berkshire
Class B Stock, as reported on the NYSE Composite Tape. Berkshire has not paid a
cash dividend on its Common Stock since 1967 and has no present intention of
paying a dividend on either the Berkshire Class A Stock or Berkshire Class B
Stock in the future. Berkshire Class B Stock was first issued to the public and
commenced trading on the NYSE on May 8, 1996. Dairy Queen has not paid cash
dividends on its Common Stock and has no present intention of paying a dividend
on either the Dairy Queen Class A Stock or Dairy Queen Class B Stock in the
future.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE DAIRY QUEEN DAIRY QUEEN
CLASS A STOCK CLASS B STOCK CLASS A STOCK CLASS B STOCK
------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
HIGH LOW HIGH LOW HIGH LOW HIGH LOW
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1995
First Quarter...................... $ 25,200 $ 20,250 -- -- $ 19.25 $ 16.00 $ 19.00 $ 16.00
Second Quarter..................... 24,450 21,500 -- -- 19.75 17.25 20.50 17.50
Third Quarter...................... 30,600 23,400 -- -- 22.25 19.25 20.37 19.50
Fourth Quarter..................... 33,400 28,850 -- -- 24.75 20.75 25.50 20.50
1996
First Quarter...................... 38,000 29,800 -- -- 23.25 20.25 23.50 20.00
Second Quarter..................... 36,000 30,000 1,220 990 22.50 20.00 21.75 19.75
Third Quarter...................... 33,500 30,500 1,117 1,005 22.25 19.00 21.50 19.00
Fourth Quarter..................... 36,500 31,500 1,175 1,055 20.75 18.75 20.50 18.75
1997
First Quarter...................... 37,900 33,000 1,264 1,088 22.75 19.12 23.50 18.75
Second Quarter..................... 48,600 35,900 1,624 1,197 24.50 21.00 24.25 21.00
Third Quarter...................... 48,300 41,300 1,608 1,377 28.25 23.12 28.00 23.50
Fourth Quarter (through ,
199 )
</TABLE>
On October 20, 1997, the last trading day prior to the announcement of the
Merger Agreement, the last reported per share sale prices, as reported on the
NYSE Composite Tape, of Berkshire Class A Stock and Berkshire Class B Stock were
$44,600 and $1,485, respectively and the last reported per share sales prices,
as reported by Nasdaq, of Dairy Queen Class A Stock and Dairy Queen Class B
Stock were $24 1/8 and 25 7/8, respectively.
On , 199 , the last trading day prior to the first mailing of this
Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the last reported per share sale prices, as reported
on the NYSE Composite Tape, of Berkshire Class A Stock and Berkshire Class B
Stock were $ and $ , respectively and the last reported per
share sales prices, as reported by Nasdaq, of Dairy Queen Class A Stock and
Dairy Queen Class B Stock were $ and $ , respectively.
The market prices of Dairy Queen Class A and Class B Stock and Berkshire
Class A and Class B Stock are subject to fluctuation. Consequently, Dairy Queen
stockholders are urged to obtain current market quotations.
11
<PAGE>
COMPARATIVE HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA PER SHARE DATA
The table below sets forth historical earnings per share, cash dividends per
share and book value per share data of Berkshire for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 and the year ended December 31, 1996 and of Dairy Queen for
the nine months ended August 29, 1997 and the year ended November 30, 1996, and
unaudited pro forma combined per share data of Berkshire and pro forma
equivalent per share data of Dairy Queen for the nine months ended September 30,
1997 and for the year ended December 31, 1996. The data should be read in
conjunction with the historical financial statements and notes thereto
incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the selected
historical financial data elsewhere in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. See
"AVAILABLE INFORMATION" and "INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE."
The pro forma data gives effect to the Merger under the purchase method of
accounting. Because the relative amounts of Cash Consideration and Stock
Consideration in the Merger depend upon, among other things, the elections of
Dairy Queen stockholders and the application of procedures to ensure that the
Cash Consideration does not exceed the Cash Limitation (see "THE MERGER--Merger
Consideration" and "--Cash Limitation"), two alternative scenarios of unaudited
pro forma comparative per share data are presented. Scenario 1 assumes that 55%
of the Merger Consideration is Cash Consideration and 45% of the Merger
Consideration is Stock Consideration. Scenario 2 assumes that 100% of the total
consideration is Stock Consideration.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BERKSHIRE DAIRY QUEEN
------------------------------ ------------------------------
NINE MONTHS NINE MONTHS
ENDED YEAR ENDED ENDED YEAR ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 29, NOVEMBER 30,
1997(1) 1996(1) 1997 1996
------------- --------------- ------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Historical:
Earnings Per Share................................... $ 753 $ 2,065 $ 1.41 $ 1.52
Cash Dividends Paid Per Share(2)..................... -- -- -- --
Book Value Per Share................................. 22,694 19,011 8.86 7.60
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SCENARIO 1--MAXIMUM CASH SCENARIO 2--MAXIMUM STOCK
---------------------------- ----------------------------
NINE MONTHS NINE MONTHS
ENDED YEAR ENDED ENDED YEAR ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
1997(1) 1996(1) 1997(1) 1996
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Pro Forma Combined:
Earnings Per Share.................................. $ 761 $ 2,064 $ 765 $ 2,063
Cash Dividends Per Share(2)......................... -- -- -- --
Book Value Per Share................................ 22,799 19,133 22,921 19,276
Dairy Queen Pro Forma Equivalents(3):
Earnings Per Share.................................. 0.44 1.20 0.44 1.20
Cash Dividends Per Share(2)......................... -- -- -- --
Book Value Per Share................................ 13.23 11.10 13.30 11.19
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
(1) On May 8, 1996, Berkshire issued 517,500 shares of Berkshire Class B Stock
in the initial public offering of that class of stock. Each share of
Berkshire Class B Stock has economic rights equal to one-thirtieth of a
share of Berkshire Class A Stock. Earnings per share and book value per
share for 1996 are reflected above on the equivalent Berkshire Class A Stock
basis. The equivalent Berkshire Class B Stock amounts are equal to
one-thirtieth of such amounts.
(2) Berkshire has not paid a cash dividend on its common stock since 1967 and
has no present intention of paying a dividend on either the Berkshire Class
A Stock or Berkshire Class B Stock in the future. Dairy Queen has not paid
cash dividends on its Common Stock and has no present intention of paying a
dividend on either the Dairy Queen Class A Stock or Dairy Queen Class B
Stock in the future.
(3) Dairy Queen pro forma equivalent data represent the unaudited pro forma
combined earnings per share and book value per share calculated on the basis
of $26 in value of Berkshire Common Stock (valued at $44,800 per share of
Berkshire Class A Stock, the last reported sales price on the NYSE Composite
Tape on September 30, 1997).
12
<PAGE>
CERTAIN RISK FACTORS AND INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS
IN CONSIDERING WHETHER TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE MERGER AGREEMENT, THE
STOCKHOLDERS OF DAIRY QUEEN SHOULD CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:
VALUE OF BERKSHIRE COMMON STOCK. Stockholders who elect to receive
Berkshire Common Stock in the Merger will receive for each share of Dairy Queen
Common Stock $26 in value of shares of Berkshire Class A Stock, or approximately
$26 in value of shares of Berkshire Class B Stock, in each case based on the
Average Class A Stock Price, which is based on the average of the high and low
trading prices of Berkshire Class A Stock on the NYSE Composite Tape for the
five consecutive trading days ending on the last business day prior to the
Special Meeting. The $26 in value is approximate with respect to Berkshire Class
B Stock because the number of shares of Berkshire Class B Stock to be received
will be determined by dividing the Average Class A Stock Price by 30, while the
trading price of the Berkshire Class B Stock on the NYSE on any day is
approximately, but not necessarily exactly, one-thirtieth of the trading price
for Berkshire Class A Stock on that day. See "--Nonconvertibility and Market
Price of Berkshire Class B Stock" below. The price of Berkshire Common Stock at
the Effective Time may vary from its price at the time of determination of the
Average Class A Stock Price, the date of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the
date of the Special Meeting. Such variations may be the result of changes in the
business, operations or prospects of Berkshire, changes in the market perception
of Berkshire's business, operations or prospects, or general market and economic
conditions and other factors. Because the Effective Time may occur at a date
later than the Special Meeting, there can be no assurance that the price of
Berkshire Common Stock on the date of the Special Meeting will be indicative of
its price at the Effective Time. The Effective Time will occur as soon as
practicable following the Special Meeting and the satisfaction or waiver of the
other conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement. Stockholders are urged to
obtain current market quotations for Berkshire Common Stock.
NONCONVERTIBILITY AND MARKET PRICE OF BERKSHIRE CLASS B STOCK. Each share
of Berkshire Class A Stock is convertible into 30 shares of Berkshire Class B
Stock, but shares of Berkshire Class B Stock are not convertible into shares of
Berkshire Class A Stock or any other security. Although a share of Berkshire
Class B Stock may sell below one-thirtieth of the market price for Berkshire
Class A Stock, it is unlikely that a share of Berkshire Class B Stock will sell
more than fractionally above one-thirtieth of the market price for Berkshire
Class A Stock because higher prices than that would cause arbitrage activity to
ensue. See "DESCRIPTION OF BERKSHIRE COMMON STOCK."
POSSIBILITY OF RECEIVING CLASS B STOCK CONSIDERATION IN LIEU OF CASH
CONSIDERATION. The Total Cash Consideration (as defined) in the Merger is
subject to the Cash Limitation (I.E., that not more than 55% of the total value
of the consideration paid in the Merger be paid in cash), which is intended to
allow the Merger to qualify as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a) of
the Code. Mr. John W. Mooty, the Chairman of the Board of Dairy Queen and one of
its largest stockholders, certain members of his family and another significant
stockholder have entered into a Shareholders' Agreement with Berkshire pursuant
to which they have agreed, among other things, to vote in favor of the Merger
and to elect to receive the Stock Consideration in exchange for their shares of
Dairy Queen Common Stock, which represent approximately 14.1% of the outstanding
shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock. In addition, Mr. Mooty has publicly stated
that certain other members of his family owning at least 4.7% of the outstanding
shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock intend to vote in favor of the Merger and to
elect to receive the Stock Consideration in exchange for their shares of Dairy
Queen Common Stock. Because of the Cash Limitation, unless stockholders owning a
sufficient additional amount of the outstanding shares of Dairy Queen Common
Stock elect to receive the Stock Consideration, some or all stockholders
electing to receive the Cash Consideration will not receive such Cash
Consideration for all shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock as to which they make
such election. If a Dairy Queen stockholder who elects to receive the Cash
Consideration receives the Class B Stock Consideration with respect to certain
shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock due to the Cash Limitation, such stockholder
will receive approximately $26 in
13
<PAGE>
value of Berkshire Class B Stock, based on the Average Class A Stock Price, in
exchange for such share of Dairy Queen Common Stock, in lieu of receiving $27 in
cash. See "THE MERGER--Cash Limitation" and "--Election Procedures."
PAST GROWTH RATE IN BERKSHIRE COMMON STOCK IS NOT AN INDICATION OF FUTURE
RESULTS. In the years since Berkshire's present management acquired control of
Berkshire, its book value per share has grown at a highly satisfactory rate. But
because Berkshire's shareholders' equity has grown to approximately $28 billion
as of September 30, 1997, nothing like the growth rate of the past can be
achieved in the future.
DEPENDENCE ON KEY MANAGEMENT. Investment decisions and all other capital
allocation decisions are made for Berkshire's businesses by Mr. Buffett, its
Chairman, age 67, in consultation with Mr. Munger, its Vice Chairman, age 73. If
for any reason the services of key management personnel of Berkshire,
particularly Mr. Buffett, were to become unavailable to Berkshire, there could
be a material adverse effect both on Berkshire and on the market price of
Berkshire Common Stock. See "BUSINESS OF BERKSHIRE."
SUPER-CAT INSURANCE. Berkshire believes that in recent years it has been
the largest writer in the world of "super-cat" insurance, whereby reinsurers
(such as Berkshire) assume a risk of large losses from mega-catastrophes such as
hurricanes or earthquakes. This business has produced underwriting gains of
approximately $167 million, $152 million and $240 million in 1996, 1995 and
1994, respectively, but is virtually certain to produce huge losses in some
years in the future. Berkshire's present underwriting standards (which are
subject to change) seek to limit Berkshire's exposure to a loss from a single
event to $1 billion in excess of the premium earned. See "BUSINESS OF
BERKSHIRE."
CONCENTRATION OF INVESTMENTS. Compared to other insurers, Berkshire's
insurance subsidiaries keep an unusually high percentage of their assets in
common stocks and diversify their portfolios far less than is conventional. A
significant decline in the general stock market would produce a large decrease
in Berkshire's book value, one far greater than likely to be experienced by most
other property-casualty insurance companies. Such a decrease could have a
material adverse effect on the share price for Berkshire Common Stock, but would
not be a basis for termination of the Merger Agreement by Dairy Queen.
ABSENCE OF STOCKHOLDER-DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTIONS PROGRAM FOR BERKSHIRE CLASS
B STOCK. For some years Berkshire has let its stockholders of record of
Berkshire Class A Stock designate charitable contributions to be made by
Berkshire. In 1997, stockholders of record as of August 31, 1997 were entitled
to designate $16 per share. It is anticipated that this program will continue in
the future for stockholders of record of Berkshire Class A Stock. However,
shares of Berkshire Class B Stock do not participate in the program.
Accordingly, Dairy Queen stockholders who receive the Class B Stock
Consideration will not participate in the program with respect to their shares
of Berkshire Class B Stock.
DAIRY QUEEN RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
A proposed class action was filed on November 7, 1997 (KENNETH STEINER V.
INTERNATIONAL DAIRY QUEEN, INC., ET AL., Court of Chancery, New Castle County,
Delaware) by a Dairy Queen stockholder against Dairy Queen and the members of
the Dairy Queen Board seeking (1) to enjoin the Merger or, if the Merger is
consummated, to rescind the transaction, or, alternatively, (2) joint and
several liability for damages in an unstated amount, to compensate the plaintiff
and the proposed class of stockholders for the difference between the
consideration to be rendered to them pursuant to the Merger and the alleged
intrinsic value of Dairy Queen. Through the action, the plaintiff also seeks to
recover prejudgment interest, costs and attorneys' fees. The plaintiff's action
is based on claims that the consideration to be paid pursuant to the Merger is
inadequate and unfair to Dairy Queen stockholders and that in approving the
Merger Agreement, the members of the Dairy Queen Board allegedly breached their
fiduciary duties to the Dairy Queen stockholders.
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Dairy Queen and the members of the Dairy Queen Board deny the plaintiff's
allegations in their entirety and intend to vigorously defend the action. The
action is in the early pretrial stages.
THE SPECIAL MEETING
GENERAL
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus is provided to the holders of Dairy Queen
Class B Stock in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Dairy Queen
Board for use at the Special Meeting to be held on , 199 at 10:00 a.m.,
Minneapolis time, at the General Offices of Dairy Queen and at any adjournments
or postponements thereof. At the Special Meeting, Dairy Queen Class B
stockholders will consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt the
Merger Agreement and transact such other business as may properly come before
the meeting. A proxy is being provided to Dairy Queen Class B stockholders with
this Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus is also provided to all other stockholders
of Dairy Queen and constitutes a prospectus furnished by Berkshire for the
issuance of shares of Berkshire Class A Stock and Berkshire Class B Stock to be
issued to holders of Dairy Queen Common Stock upon consummation of the Merger.
RECORD DATE; STOCK ENTITLED TO VOTE; QUORUM
Stockholders of Dairy Queen Common Stock at the close of business on the
Record Date of November 20, 1997 will be entitled to notice of the Special
Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof and holders of Dairy Queen
Class B Stock at the close of business on such date will be entitled to vote on
approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement. As of the Record Date,
shares of Dairy Queen Class B Stock were issued and outstanding. A
majority of the outstanding shares of Dairy Queen Class B Stock entitled to vote
must be represented in person or by proxy at the Special Meeting in order for a
quorum to be present.
VOTE REQUIRED
The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
Dairy Queen Class B Stock entitled to vote at the Special Meeting is required to
approve and adopt the Merger Agreement. Consequently, under applicable Delaware
law, abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote
against the Merger Agreement. Each share of Dairy Queen Class B Stock is
entitled to one vote.
THE DAIRY QUEEN BOARD HAS UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND
RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE MERGER
AGREEMENT. SEE "THE MERGER--REASONS FOR THE MERGER; RECOMMENDATION OF THE DAIRY
QUEEN BOARD" AND "--CONFLICTS OF INTEREST."
As of the close of business on the Record Date, Dairy Queen directors and
executive officers and their affiliates may be deemed to be beneficial owners of
shares of Dairy Queen Class B Stock, or approximately % of the
outstanding Class B shares. Pursuant to the Shareholders' Agreement, Mr. Mooty,
the Chairman of the Board of Dairy Queen and one of its largest stockholders,
and certain other stockholders (together holding 31.2% of the outstanding shares
of Dairy Queen Class B Stock) have agreed, among other things, to vote for
approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and to elect to receive the Stock
Consideration in exchange for their shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock. See
"--Shareholders' Agreement." In addition, Mr. Mooty has publicly stated that
certain other members of his family owning at least 12.3% of the outstanding
shares of Dairy Queen Class B Stock intend to vote for approval and adoption of
the Merger Agreement and to elect to receive the Stock Consideration in exchange
for their shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock. It is expected that the 187,736
shares of Dairy Queen Class B Stock beneficially owned by the directors and
executive officers of Dairy Queen who are not parties to the Shareholders'
Agreement at the close of business on the Record Date (2.3% of the
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outstanding shares of Dairy Queen Class B Stock) will also be voted for approval
and adoption of the Merger Agreement. See "THE MERGER--Security Ownership of
Certain Beneficial Owners and Management."
Approval of the Merger by the Berkshire stockholders is not required.
SHAREHOLDERS' AGREEMENT
Mr. Mooty, certain members of his family (one of whom is also a director and
one of whom is also an officer of Dairy Queen) and another significant
stockholder (together holding 31.2% of the outstanding shares of Dairy Queen
Class B Stock) have entered into the Shareholders' Agreement with Berkshire,
pursuant to which they have agreed, among other things, to vote for approval and
adoption of the Merger Agreement, to elect to receive the Stock Consideration in
exchange for their shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock, to vote against a
Transaction Proposal and to not solicit or encourage a Transaction Proposal.
Berkshire has agreed to indemnify each such stockholder against all losses
incurred in connection with the execution or performance of the Shareholders'
Agreement.
NO DISSENTING STOCKHOLDERS' RIGHTS OF APPRAISAL
Under Delaware law, stockholders of Dairy Queen are not entitled to exercise
dissenting stockholders' rights of appraisal.
PROXIES; REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES
Dairy Queen Class B shares represented by properly executed proxies received
in time for the Special Meeting will be voted at the Special Meeting in the
manner specified by the holder thereof. PROXIES WHICH ARE PROPERLY EXECUTED BUT
WHICH DO NOT CONTAIN VOTING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE VOTED FOR APPROVAL AND ADOPTION
OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT. It is not expected that any matter other than the
Merger Agreement will be brought before the Special Meeting. If a proxy is given
to vote for approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement, the persons named in
such proxy will have authority to vote in accordance with their best judgment on
any other matter that is properly presented at the Special Meeting for action,
including without limitation any proposal to adjourn the meeting or otherwise
concerning the conduct of the meeting.
Only stockholders of record on the Record Date are eligible to give their
proxies. Therefore, stockholders owning shares held in the name of a brokerage
firm, bank or other institution should sign, date and return their proxy cards
to such brokerage firm, bank or other institution in the envelope provided by
such firm. In addition, brokers who hold shares in street name for customers who
are the beneficial owners of such shares generally will not give a proxy to vote
shares held for such customers on the proposal to approve and adopt the Merger
Agreement without specific instructions from such customers. Since the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Dairy
Queen Class B Stock entitled to vote at the Special Meeting is required to
approve and adopt the Merger Agreement, the failure of such customers to provide
specific instructions to their brokers will have the effect of a vote against
approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement, and failure to return a properly
executed proxy card or to vote at the Special Meeting will have the same effect
as a vote against approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement.
The grant of a proxy on the enclosed Dairy Queen form does not preclude a
stockholder from voting in person. A stockholder may revoke a proxy at any time
prior to its exercise by (i) delivering to David M. Bond, Secretary of Dairy
Queen, at the address set forth under "INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY
REFERENCE," a written notice of revocation bearing a later date than the proxy,
(ii) delivering to the Secretary of Dairy Queen a duly executed proxy bearing a
later date or (iii) attending the Special Meeting and voting in person.
Attendance at the Special Meeting will not by itself constitute revocation of a
proxy.
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SOLICITATION
Dairy Queen will bear the cost of solicitation of proxies, except that
Berkshire and Dairy Queen will share equally the cost of preparing and printing
this Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the Registration Statement, including
related filing fees. In addition to solicitation by mail, the directors,
officers and employees of Dairy Queen may solicit proxies by telephone, telegram
or in person. Arrangements will also be made with brokerage houses and other
custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for the forwarding of solicitation
materials to the beneficial owners of stock held of record by such persons, and
Dairy Queen will reimburse such custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection therewith.
Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to be at the Special
Meeting, where they will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire
to do so and will be available to respond to questions.
DAIRY QUEEN CLASS B STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT SEND THEIR STOCK CERTIFICATES
WITH THEIR PROXY CARDS. PROXY CARDS SHOULD BE RETURNED IN THE WHITE ENVELOPE.
THE MERGER
THE DISCUSSION IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS OF THE MERGER AND THE
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRINCIPAL TERMS OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT ARE SUBJECT TO AND
QUALIFIED IN THEIR ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE MERGER AGREEMENT, A COPY OF
WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AS ANNEX I AND IS
INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE.
BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER
Over the past several years, representatives of Dairy Queen have received
two preliminary contacts, in addition to the Berkshire contact, regarding the
possible acquisition of Dairy Queen. Neither of these contacts advanced beyond
the initial stage.
In the fall of 1996, Richard P. Kiphart, a Principal of William Blair &
Company, L.L.C. ("William Blair"), which had represented Dairy Queen in the
past, contacted John W. Mooty, Chairman of the Board of Dairy Queen, to
determine if Dairy Queen would be interested in being acquired by Berkshire. In
a letter dated October 25, 1996, to Mr. Kiphart, Warren E. Buffett, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of Berkshire, advised Mr. Kiphart that Berkshire would
be interested in considering an acquisition of Dairy Queen. Thereafter, several
discussions were held between Mr. Buffett and other representatives of Berkshire
and Mr. Mooty and Michael P. Sullivan, President and Chief Executive Officer of
Dairy Queen. Following these discussions, at a special meeting of the Dairy
Queen Board held on November 25, 1996, the Dairy Queen Board concluded that it
was not in the best interest of Dairy Queen or its stockholders to pursue the
matter at that time.
During September 1997, following the death of Rudy Luther, a former Director
and major stockholder of Dairy Queen, in connection with the preparation of a
Registration Statement for the sale by Mr. Luther's estate of up to 3,180,784
shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock (representing approximately 15% of Dairy
Queen Common Stock), William Blair contacted Berkshire to determine whether or
not it had an interest in acquiring the estate's shares. Berkshire indicated
that it did not have an interest in acquiring the estate's shares, but that it
would be interested in acquiring Dairy Queen. During September and early October
1997, Mr. Buffett, Mr. Mooty and representatives of both companies discussed the
acquisition of Dairy Queen by Berkshire and Dairy Queen engaged William Blair,
subject to the approval of the Dairy Queen Board, to act as financial advisors
to Dairy Queen and to render an opinion as to whether or not the consideration
proposed to be paid by Berkshire is fair to Dairy Queen stockholders from a
financial point of view. During September and October, 1997, William Blair
reviewed and analyzed public information relating to Berkshire and Dairy Queen
and discussed this information and certain other
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information with representatives of Berkshire and Dairy Queen. Mr. Mooty also
discussed and reached general agreement, subject to approval of the Dairy Queen
Board, with Mr. Buffett on the financial terms of a proposed transaction. In
addition, counsel for Berkshire and Dairy Queen assisted in negotiating the form
and terms of a proposed transaction and discussed various legal issues,
including Dairy Queen employee stock incentive plans, tax treatment and
applicable procedures to elect stock and cash.
On October 16, 1997, the Dairy Queen Board met, discussed the proposed
transaction and approved the retention of William Blair. The Board reviewed the
background of the Berkshire proposal, and reviewed and discussed with management
Dairy Queen's business, management, financial performance and condition,
strategic objectives, prospects and competitive position, including management's
expectation for fiscal 1998 and subsequent periods. William Blair also presented
its preliminary financial analysis. William Blair discussed the financial terms
of the proposal and counsel reviewed various legal issues and the terms of a
draft Merger Agreement. William Blair was requested to obtain additional
information regarding Berkshire's investments and to forward this information to
directors so that it could be reviewed prior to the next meeting of the Dairy
Queen Board.
On October 21, 1997, the Board met and further reviewed legal and financial
issues relating to the proposed transaction and the factors considered at its
prior meeting, including the potentially negative long-term effects that
increasing competition in the fast food industry and franchisee litigation could
have on Dairy Queen's business and financial performance and the negative
short-term impact that the sale of a significant block of Dairy Queen Common
Stock by the estate of Rudy Luther could have on the market value for Dairy
Queen Common Stock. William Blair made a detailed financial presentation to the
Dairy Queen Board and delivered its oral opinion to the Board (subsequently
confirmed in writing) to the effect that, as of such date, the Merger
Consideration to be received by the Dairy Queen stockholders in the Merger is
fair to such holders from a financial point of view. See "THE MERGER--Opinion of
William Blair & Company, L.L.C." After full discussion, the Board unanimously
resolved that the Merger is fair to and in the best interest of Dairy Queen
stockholders, approved and adopted the Merger Agreement and recommended that
stockholders vote to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement.
Dairy Queen, Berkshire and Merger Sub executed the Merger Agreement
following the conclusion of the Dairy Queen Board meeting on October 21, 1997.
Dairy Queen and Berkshire issued a joint Press Release announcing the
transaction mid-day on October 21, 1997.
REASONS FOR THE MERGER; RECOMMENDATION OF THE DAIRY QUEEN BOARD
The Dairy Queen Board has unanimously concluded that the Merger is fair to
and in the best interests of Dairy Queen and its stockholders, and recommends
that holders of Dairy Queen Class B stock vote to approve and adopt the Merger
Agreement. In reaching its determination, the Board consulted with management,
as well as its financial advisors and legal counsel, and considered various
factors, including the following principal ones:
(i) the financial presentation of William Blair (including the assumptions
and methodologies underlying its analyses and presentations of the
stand-alone value of Dairy Queen and of the market valuation and
historical trading performance of Berkshire) made to the Board and the
oral opinion of William Blair (subsequently confirmed in writing) to the
effect that, as of October 21, 1997, the Merger Consideration to be
received by Dairy Queen stockholders in the Merger is fair to such
holders from a financial point of view (see "THE MERGER--Opinion of
William Blair & Company L.L.C.");
(ii) a review of strategic alternatives, including possible business
combinations and based on the foregoing, the belief that a transaction
with another company could not reasonably be expected to offer terms
and advantages comparable to those of a business combination with
Berkshire;
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(iii) the potential advantage to Dairy Queen stockholders of the
qualification of the Merger under the Internal Revenue Code as a
tax-free reorganization (see "THE MERGER--Certain Federal Income Tax
Considerations") and the option of the Dairy Queen stockholders to
choose either Berkshire Common Stock or cash in exchange for their
shares, subject to certain limitations;
(iv) the fact that the value of the Merger Consideration (based on $26 in
Berkshire Common Stock and $27 in cash) on a per share basis
represented a premium over recently prevailing market prices of Dairy
Queen Common Stock;
(v) the potential short-term negative impact on the market value of the
Dairy Queen Common Stock that likely would result from a public sale by
the Rudy Luther estate of up to 3,180,784 shares of Dairy Queen Common
Stock (representing approximately 15% of the outstanding shares of Dairy
Queen Common Stock), as well as the estate's support for the proposed
transaction;
(vi) that the Merger Agreement permits the Dairy Queen Board, in the
exercise of its fiduciary duties, under certain conditions, to furnish
information to, or engage in negotiations with, third parties in
response to unsolicited acquisition proposals, and to terminate the
Merger Agreement, if the Dairy Queen Board determines that a superior
acquisition proposal has been made, without payment of a break-up fee
of any kind;
(vii) Dairy Queen's business, management, financial performance and
condition, strategic objectives, prospects and competitive position. In
this connection, while the Dairy Queen Board believes that Dairy Queen
has meritorious defenses in the HUGH COLLINS, ET AL. V. INTERNATIONAL
DAIRY QUEEN, INC. AND AMERICAN DAIRY QUEEN CORPORATION litigation, the
Board also considered the ongoing expense and uncertainties involved in
the litigation;
(viii) the ability of Dairy Queen stockholders who wish to do so to continue
to participate in Dairy Queen's business as part of Berkshire after the
Merger and to benefit from the potential appreciation in Berkshire
Common Stock by electing to receive shares of Berkshire Common Stock,
while realizing an immediate premium for their Dairy Queen Common Stock
on a tax-free basis to the extent they receive Berkshire Common Stock;
(ix) that Berkshire's historical practice has been to retain management,
and, in this connection, the stated intention of Mr. Buffett to retain
Dairy Queen management and to keep Dairy Queen's general offices in
Minnesota, and that consequently the Merger was not likely to adversely
affect Dairy Queen's relationships with its employees and franchisees
or to have any adverse effect on the Dairy Queen franchise system;
(x) the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, including the
consideration in the Merger, which would not limit the amount of shares
of Berkshire Common Stock that Dairy Queen stockholders could receive in
the aggregate; the parties' respective representations, warranties,
covenants, agreements and conditions to their respective obligations;
and the review by Dairy Queen's legal and financial advisors of the
terms of the Merger Agreement, including the conditions to Berkshire's
obligation to close the Merger and the ability of the Dairy Queen Board
to consider unsolicited alternative acquisition proposals;
(xi) information provided by Faegre & Benson LLP with respect to the federal
income tax consequences of the Merger to Dairy Queen stockholders, to
the effect that generally stockholders who exchange Dairy Queen Common
Stock solely for Berkshire Common Stock would not recognize taxable
gain or loss on the exchange, certain stockholders who exchange Dairy
Queen Common Stock solely for cash would be taxed on the difference
between their tax basis in Dairy Queen Common Stock exchanged and cash
received, and that certain stockholders who exchange Dairy Queen Common
Stock for a combination of cash and Berkshire Common Stock would
recognize taxable gain in an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the
excess of the sum of the cash and the fair market value of Berkshire
Common Stock received over the tax basis in the Dairy Queen
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Common Stock exchanged and (b) the amount of cash received. The Board
was also informed that Dairy Queen stockholders who elect cash could
not ascertain their tax consequences at the time of making an election
due to possible proration, but that Mr. Mooty's and his family's
election to receive Berkshire Common Stock for their approximately
18.8% ownership position would significantly reduce the possibility or
extent of proration. See "THE MERGER--Election Procedures" and
"--Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations." The Dairy Queen Board
also considered that the Merger Agreement would permit Dairy Queen
stockholders to elect to receive the consideration to be issued to them
in either Berkshire Common Stock or cash (subject to proration),
thereby generally permitting stockholders to influence the tax
consequences to them. See "--Form of the Merger", "--Merger
Consideration," "--Election Procedures," and "--Effective Time"; and
(xii) depending on their election decision, that Dairy Queen stockholders
will not receive the full, or any, benefit of future growth in the
value of their equity that Dairy Queen might achieve as an independent
company, and the disadvantage to Dairy Queen stockholders who receive
Berkshire Common Stock in the event that Berkshire does not perform as
well in the future as Dairy Queen may have as an independent company.
The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the
Board is not intended to be exhaustive. In view of the variety of factors
considered in its evaluation of the Merger, the Board did not quantify or assign
any relative weights to the factors considered in reaching its determination,
although its individual members may have given differing weights to different
factors.
THE DAIRY QUEEN BOARD HAS UNANIMOUSLY CONCLUDED THAT THE MERGER IS FAIR TO
AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF DAIRY QUEEN'S STOCKHOLDERS, AND UNANIMOUSLY
RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS OWNING SHARES OF THE CLASS B COMMON STOCK OF DAIRY
QUEEN VOTE FOR APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT. SEE "THE
MERGER--CONFLICTS OF INTEREST."
DAIRY QUEEN FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Pursuant to an engagement letter dated as of October 8, 1997, which was
executed on behalf of Dairy Queen subsequent to the October 16, 1997 meeting of
the Dairy Queen Board at which the engagement was approved (the "Engagement
Letter"), Dairy Queen retained William Blair to render certain financial
advisory and investment banking services to Dairy Queen in connection with the
transaction contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including rendering an
opinion, if it was able, as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of
the consideration to be received by Dairy Queen's stockholders with respect to
the Shares pursuant to the Merger Agreement. William Blair is a nationally
recognized firm and, as part of its investment banking activities, is regularly
engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with
merger transactions and other types of strategic combinations and acquisitions.
Dairy Queen retained William Blair as its financial advisor on the basis of
William Blair's experience and expertise in transactions similar to the Merger
and its reputation in the investment banking community.
As consideration for William Blair's services, Dairy Queen agreed to pay
William Blair a fee of $450,000 in connection with the rendering of its fairness
opinion and is obligated to pay William Blair an additional fee of $100,000 upon
the dissemination of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Dairy Queen further agreed
in the Engagement Letter that if it consummated the transactions contemplated by
the Merger Agreement, then Dairy Queen would pay William Blair a fee equal to
$4,600,000, less amounts previously paid or payable to William Blair as
described in the preceding sentence. In addition, Dairy Queen has agreed to
reimburse William Blair for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including the
reasonable fees and expenses of its legal counsel, incurred with the performance
of its duties under the Engagement Letter, and has agreed to indemnify William
Blair and its affiliates against certain liabilities, including liabilities
arising under applicable securities laws.
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OPINION OF WILLIAM BLAIR & COMPANY, L.L.C.
As part of its engagement, Dairy Queen asked William Blair to render an
opinion, if it was able, as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of
the consideration to be received by Dairy Queen's stockholders pursuant to the
Merger Agreement. The following is a summary provided by William Blair of
certain of the assumptions made, matters considered, financial analyses used and
limitations on the review undertaken by William Blair in connection with
providing its preliminary indication on October 16, 1997, which it subsequently
confirmed in its oral opinion (confirmed in writing) on October 21, 1997 (the
"William Blair Opinion"), to the Board of Directors of Dairy Queen, that the
consideration to be received by Dairy Queen's stockholders pursuant to the
Merger Agreement as of such date is fair to Dairy Queen's stockholders from a
financial point of view. The William Blair Opinion is addressed to the Board of
Directors of Dairy Queen, is directed to the fairness from a financial point of
view of the Merger Consideration and does not constitute a recommendation to any
stockholder of Dairy Queen as to how such stockholder should vote at the Special
Meeting or as to whether any such stockholder should elect to receive the Cash
Consideration, the Class A Stock Consideration or the Class B Stock
Consideration. The summary of the William Blair Opinion set forth below is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such opinion, which
is filed as Annex II to this Proxy Statement/Prospectus and is hereby
incorporated by reference.
In connection with its opinion, William Blair reviewed, among other things:
(i) a draft of the Merger Agreement; (ii) audited financial statements of Dairy
Queen for the five fiscal years ended November 30, 1996; (iii) audited financial
statements of Berkshire for the five fiscal years ended December 31, 1996; (iv)
the unaudited quarterly financial statements of Dairy Queen for the periods
ended February 28, 1997, May 30, 1997 and August 29, 1997; (v) the unaudited
quarterly financial statements of Berkshire for the periods ended March 31, 1997
and June 30, 1997; (vi) certain internal information and forecasts for Dairy
Queen prepared by its management; and (vii) certain other publicly available
information on Dairy Queen. William Blair also held discussions with members of
the senior management of Dairy Queen and Berkshire regarding their past and
current business operations, financial condition and future prospects. In
addition, William Blair reviewed the reported price and trading activity for
Dairy Queen Class A and Class B Stock, compared certain financial and stock
market information for Dairy Queen with similar information for certain other
companies the securities of which are publicly traded, reviewed the financial
terms of certain recent business combinations which William Blair deemed to be
relevant and performed such other studies and analyses as it considered
appropriate. William Blair also reviewed the historical market prices and
trading volume for the Berkshire Class A Stock and the Berkshire Class B Stock.
William Blair was not requested to, nor did it, seek alternative participants
for a proposed transaction.
In connection with its review, William Blair assumed and relied upon the
accuracy and completeness of all such information and did not attempt to verify
independently any of such information. In addition, William Blair did not make
or obtain an independent valuation, appraisal or physical inspection of any of
the assets, properties or liabilities of Dairy Queen or Berkshire. With respect
to financial projections, William Blair assumed that the projections had been
reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates
and judgments of Dairy Queen's management, as to the future financial
performance of Dairy Queen, and that such projections provided a reasonable
basis upon which William Blair could form an opinion. William Blair assumes no
responsibility for, and expresses no view as to, such forecasts or the
assumptions on which they were based. William Blair assumed that the Merger will
be free of Federal tax to Dairy Queen, Berkshire and Dairy Queen's stockholders
(other than in respect of the Cash Consideration and any cash paid in lieu of
fractional shares). William Blair's opinion is necessarily based solely upon
information available to William Blair and business, market, economic and other
conditions as they existed on, and could be evaluated as of, October 21, 1997.
William Blair also assumed that the Merger would be consummated on the terms
described in the Merger Agreement without any waiver of any material terms or
conditions by Dairy Queen.
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William Blair neither received nor reviewed any financial projections
prepared by Berkshire pertaining to the future prospects of Berkshire. In
addition, William Blair expresses no opinion as to what the value of the
Berkshire Class A Stock or Berkshire Class B Stock will be when issued to Dairy
Queen's stockholders upon consummation of the Merger or the prices at which the
Berkshire Class A Stock and Berkshire Class B Stock will trade following
consummation of the Merger, which may vary depending upon, among other factors,
changes in interest rates, market conditions, general economic conditions and
other factors that generally influence the price of securities.
The following presentation provided by William Blair summarizes certain
financial analyses performed by William Blair in arriving at its opinion dated
October 21, 1997, which analyses William Blair discussed with the Board of
Directors of Dairy Queen.
STOCK PRICE ANALYSIS. William Blair examined the history of the trading
prices and volume for Dairy Queen Class A Stock and Dairy Queen Class B Stock
over the period from January 1, 1994 to October 2, 1997 and the period from
October 1, 1996 to October 2, 1997, the day prior to the day that the Chairman
of Dairy Queen and the Chairman of the Berkshire reached an agreement on the
principal financial terms of the Merger. This analysis revealed that (i) between
January 1, 1994 and October 2, 1997, over 99% of each of the Dairy Queen Class A
Stock and the Dairy Queen Class B Stock trading volume had been at or below the
$27.00 per share cash consideration and (ii) between October 1, 1996 and October
2, 1997, over 95% of the Dairy Queen Class A Stock and over 99% of the Dairy
Queen Class B Stock trading volume had been at or below the $27.00 per share
cash consideration.
In addition, William Blair analyzed the consideration to be received by the
holders of Dairy Queen Class A Stock and Dairy Queen Class B Stock in the Merger
in relation to their closing prices of $24.75 per share and $25.25 per share
(each a "Current Market Price"), respectively, on October 14, 1997, the second
to last full trading day prior to the meeting of the Board of Directors at which
William Blair provided its preliminary indication that the consideration to be
received by Dairy Queen's stockholders pursuant to the Merger Agreement was fair
from a financial point of view, and the closing prices of Dairy Queen Class A
Stock and Dairy Queen Class B Stock of $23.75 and $24.75 (each an "Initial
Market Price"), respectively, on October 2, 1997. The analysis indicated that
the price per share of Dairy Queen Class A Stock to be paid in the Merger
represented: (i) a 9.1% and a 13.7% premium to the Current Market Price and the
Initial Market Price, respectively, for holders of Dairy Queen Class A Stock who
elect to receive the cash consideration of $27.00 per share (assuming that the
Total Cash Consideration to be paid to all of Dairy Queen's stockholders in the
Merger (before giving effect to the proration provisions contained in the Merger
Agreement) does not exceed the Cash Limitation); (ii) a 7.3% and 11.8% premium
to the Current Market Price and the Initial Market Price, respectively, for
holders of Dairy Queen Class A Stock based upon a blended price of $26.55 (the
"Blended Offer Price") (assuming stockholders owning 55% of Dairy Queen Common
Stock receive the Cash Consideration and stockholders owning 45% of Dairy Queen
Common Stock receive Berkshire Common Stock (excluding any adjustments for
fractional shares)); and (iii) a 5.1% and 9.5% premium to the Current Market
Price and the Initial Market Price, respectively, assuming that all of the
holders of Dairy Queen Class A Stock elect to receive Berkshire Common Stock
valued at $26.00 per share of Dairy Queen Class A Stock. In addition, the
analysis indicated that the price per share of Dairy Queen Class B Stock to be
paid in the Merger represented: (i) a 6.9% and a 9.1% premium to the Current
Market Price and the Initial Market Price, respectively, for holders of Dairy
Queen Class B Stock who elect to receive the cash consideration of $27.00 per
share (assuming that the Total Cash Consideration to be paid to all of Dairy
Queen's stockholders in the Merger (before giving effect to the proration
provisions contained in the Merger Agreement) does not exceed the Cash
Limitation); (ii) a 5.1% and 7.3% premium to the Current Market Price and the
Initial Market Price, respectively, for holders of Dairy Queen Class B Stock
based upon the Blended Offer Price of $26.55; and (iii) a 3.0% and 5.1% premium
to the Current Market Price and the Initial Market Price, respectively, assuming
that all of the holders of Dairy Queen Class B Stock elect to receive Berkshire
Common Stock valued at $26.00 per share of Dairy Queen Class B Stock.
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COMPARABLE COMPANY ANALYSIS. William Blair compared selected historical and
projected operating information, stock market data and financial ratios for
Dairy Queen to selected historical and projected operating information, stock
market data and financial ratios of certain other publicly traded companies that
William Blair deemed to be similar in certain respects to Dairy Queen. For
companies used as comparables to Dairy Queen: (i) an analysis of current stock
prices to most recent twelve months earnings per share yielded a range of 15.7
to 45.9 times earnings with a median of 19.8 times earnings, compared with a
multiple of 16.4 times earnings for Dairy Queen based upon the Blended Offer
Price; (ii) an analysis of current stock price to projected calendar 1997
earnings per share yielded a range for comparable companies of 14.9 to 38.9
times earnings with a median of 20.0 times earnings, compared to a multiple of
16.2 times earnings for Dairy Queen based upon the Blended Offer Price and
management's projections of Dairy Queen's 1997 earnings; and (iii) an analysis
of current stock price to projected calendar 1998 earnings per share yielded a
range for comparable companies of 6.1 to 28.2 times earnings with a median of
15.4 times earnings, compared with a multiple of 16.0 times earnings for Dairy
Queen based upon the Blended Offer Price and management's projections of Dairy
Queen's 1998 earnings. Among the other information considered were multiples of
revenues, earnings before interest and taxes ("EBIT") and earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"). William Blair
indicated that the price paid per Share implied the following multiples: total
transaction value (defined as transaction equity value adjusted by adding debt
and subtracting cash and short-term investments) ("Total Transaction Value") of
1.34 times the latest twelve month's revenue (compared to a median multiple of
1.49 and a range of 0.74 to 2.44), a Total Transaction Value of 9.8 times the
latest twelve month's EBIT (compared to a median multiple of 12.25 and a range
of 9.05 to 33.58) and a Total Transaction Value of 8.8 times the latest twelve
month's EBITDA (compared to a median multiple of 7.94 and a range of 6.41 to
20.77).
COMPARABLE ACQUISITIONS ANALYSIS. William Blair reviewed numerous mergers
and acquisitions involving food service companies during the period between
January 1, 1993 to October 14, 1997. William Blair indicated to the Board of
Directors of Dairy Queen that William Blair did not believe that any of these
transactions were directly comparable to the Merger. In examining these
transactions, William Blair analyzed certain income statement and balance sheet
parameters of the acquired companies relative to the consideration paid.
Multiples analyzed included Total Transaction Value as a multiple of the last
twelve months revenues, last twelve months EBIT and last twelve months EBITDA.
In certain cases, complete financial data were not publicly available for these
transactions and only partial information was used in such instances. An
analysis of these ratios as applied to Dairy Queen's results implied a median
range of value for the Dairy Queen Common Stock of between $18.79 and $36.96, as
compared to the Blended Offer Price of $26.55 and the Cash Consideration Price
of $27.00 per share.
DISCOUNTED CASH FLOW ANALYSIS. William Blair performed a discounted cash
flow analysis of Dairy Queen. The analysis was performed on a set of projections
provided by Dairy Queen's management. William Blair also performed a sensitivity
analysis assuming the same operating margins incorporated in management's
projections and varying sales growth rates. Using management's projections and
assumed weighted average costs of capital between 10% and 12%, the implied per
share values of Dairy Queen's Common Stock were estimated ranging from $21.58 to
$26.85, as compared to the Blended Offer Price of $26.55 and the Cash
Consideration Price of $27.00 per share.
IMPLIED FUTURE SHARE PRICE ANALYSIS. Using the 1998 first call earnings
estimate, the first call long term growth rate of 8% and a discount rate equal
to Dairy Queen's estimated cost of equity of 11%, William Blair examined
possible projected future stock prices for Dairy Queen Common Stock and
determined that at Dairy Queen's current price earnings multiple the present
value of Dairy Queen's implied or projected future stock price in 1998, 1999 or
2000 would not equal or exceed the Blended Offer Price of $26.55.
HISTORICAL STOCK TRADING ANALYSIS--BERKSHIRE. William Blair reviewed the
historical trading prices for Berkshire Class A Stock from July 1, 1997 to
October 14, 1997, from October 1, 1996 to October 14, 1997
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and from January 1992 to October 14, 1997. William Blair also compared
Berkshire's price performance to the price performance of the S&P 500 from
January 1992 to October 14, 1997 which analysis indicated that the S&P 500 had
appreciated 237.4% during such period while the Berkshire Class A Stock had
appreciated by 508.5% during the same period.
The foregoing summary set forth above does not purport to be a complete
description of the analysis performed by William Blair. The preparation of a
fairness opinion involves determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant
methods of financial analysis and the application of these methods to the
particular circumstances. Therefore, such an opinion is not readily susceptible
to summary description. The preparation of a fairness opinion does not involve a
mathematical evaluation or weighing of the results of the individual analyses
performed, but required William Blair to exercise its professional judgment,
based on its experience and expertise in considering a wide variety of analyses
taken as a whole. Each of the analyses conducted by William Blair was carried
out in order to provide a different perspective on the Merger and add to the
total mix of information available. William Blair did not form a conclusion as
to whether any individual analysis, considered in isolation, supported or failed
to support an opinion as to fairness. Rather, in reaching its conclusion,
William Blair considered the results of the analyses in light of each other and
ultimately reached its opinion based on the results of all analyses taken as a
whole. William Blair did not place particular reliance or weight on any
particular analysis, but instead concluded its analyses taken as a whole,
supported its determination. Accordingly, notwithstanding the separate factors
summarized above, William Blair believes that its analyses must be considered as
a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses and the factors considered
by it, without considering all analyses and factors, may create an incomplete
view of the evaluation process underlying its opinion. In performing its
analyses, William Blair made numerous assumptions with respect to industry
performance, business and economic conditions and other matters. The analyses
performed by William Blair are not necessarily indicative of future actual
values and future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable
than suggested by such analyses.
FORM OF THE MERGER
If the approval of the holders of Dairy Queen Class B Stock is obtained and
all other conditions to the Merger are satisfied or waived, Dairy Queen will be
merged with and into Merger Sub, with Merger Sub being the surviving corporation
after the Merger and a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire. The name of the
Surviving Corporation will be changed to International Dairy Queen, Inc. The
date on which the closing of the Merger occurs is referred to herein as the
"Closing Date."
MERGER CONSIDERATION
Subject to the Cash Limitation and except as stated otherwise herein as to
(i) shares owned by Dairy Queen, any subsidiary of Dairy Queen, Berkshire,
Merger Sub or any other subsidiary of Berkshire and (ii) fractional shares, (a)
each issued and outstanding share of Dairy Queen Common Stock with respect to
which an election (a "Cash Election") to receive cash has been made and not
revoked in accordance with the Merger Agreement (a "Cash Electing Share") will
be converted into the right to receive in cash from Berkshire an amount equal to
$27.00 (the "Cash Election Price"), (b) each issued and outstanding share of
Dairy Queen Common Stock with respect to which an election (a "Class A
Election") to receive Berkshire Class A Stock has been made and not revoked in
accordance with the Merger Agreement (a "Class A Electing Share") will be
converted into the right to receive from Berkshire the portion of a fully paid
and nonassessable share of Berkshire Class A Stock determined by dividing $26.00
by the Average Class A Stock Price and rounding to nine decimal places (the
"Class A Exchange Ratio"), and (c) each issued and outstanding share of Dairy
Queen Common Stock (other than Cash Electing Shares and Class A Electing Shares)
(the "Class B Electing Shares") will be converted into the right to receive from
Berkshire the portion of a fully paid and nonassessable share of Berkshire Class
B Stock determined by multiplying the
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Class A Exchange Ratio by 30 and rounding to nine decimal places (the "Class B
Exchange Ratio"). See "--Cash Limitation" and "--Fractional Shares."
Any shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock owned by Dairy Queen or any
subsidiary, Berkshire, Merger Sub or any other subsidiary of Berkshire will
automatically be cancelled and retired at the Effective Time of the Merger and
will cease to exist, and no cash, Berkshire Common Stock or other consideration
will be delivered in exchange therefor.
If prior to the Effective Time the outstanding shares of Berkshire Class A
or Class B Stock have been changed into a different number of shares or a
different class, due to any stock dividend, reclassification, recapitalization,
split or similar transaction, the Merger Consideration will be correspondingly
adjusted to the extent appropriate to reflect such changes.
CASH LIMITATION
The Total Cash Consideration in the Merger may not be more than 55% of the
sum of (i) the Total Cash Consideration, (ii) the Total Class A Merger
Consideration, and (iii) the Total Class B Merger Consideration. Such amount is
referred to herein as the "Cash Limitation."
"Total Class A Merger Consideration" means the product of (i) the Class A
Exchange Ratio and (ii) the number of shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock
converted into Berkshire Class A Stock, after the application of the adjustment
provisions for any fractional shares as described below and (iii) the average of
the high and low trading prices of Berkshire Class A Stock on the NYSE Composite
Tape on the date on which the Effective Time occurs. "Total Class B Merger
Consideration" means the product of (i) the Class B Exchange Ratio and (ii) the
number of shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock converted into Berkshire Class B
Stock, after the application of the adjustment provisions with respect to the
Cash Limitation and for any fractional shares as described below and (iii) the
average of the high and low trading prices of Berkshire Class B Stock on the
NYSE Composite Tape on the date on which the Effective Time occurs. "Total Cash
Consideration" means the sum (after the application of the adjustment provisions
with respect to the Cash Limitation and for any fractional shares as described
below) of (i) cash paid in connection with Cash Elections and (ii) cash paid in
lieu of fractional shares of Berkshire Class B Stock. See "--Fractional Shares."
If the Total Cash Consideration is more than the Cash Limitation, the number
of Cash Electing Shares will be reduced, and Dairy Queen stockholders who have
made a Cash Election (a "Cash Electing Stockholder") will instead receive one or
more shares of Berkshire Class B Stock to the extent and in the order set forth
below until the Total Cash Consideration is equal to or less than the Cash
Limitation:
(i) Each Cash Electing Stockholder who holds a sufficient number of Dairy
Queen shares covered by a Cash Election to receive as part of the Merger
Consideration at least one whole share of Berkshire Class B Stock if
such shares are treated as Class B Electing Shares, will receive such
share of Berkshire Class B Stock for such Dairy Queen shares at the
Class B Exchange Ratio in lieu of receiving the Cash Election Price for
such shares, meaning that the stockholder will receive approximately $26
worth of Berkshire Class B Stock, based on the Average Class A Stock
Price, for such Dairy Queen shares in lieu of receiving $27 in cash for
such shares as requested by the Cash Election (provided, however, that
if the application of this procedure to fewer than all of such Cash
Electing Stockholders is sufficient to reduce the Total Cash
Consideration to an amount equal to or less than the Cash Limitation,
the Exchange Agent will select by lot the Cash Electing Stockholders
whose Cash Elections will be subject to the foregoing procedure);
(ii) If the application of (i) above is not sufficient to reduce the Total
Cash Consideration to an amount equal to or less than the Cash
Limitation, then, in addition to the application of clause (i) above,
each Cash Electing Stockholder who holds a sufficient number of shares
of Dairy Queen Common Stock covered by a Cash Election to receive as
part of the Merger Consideration
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at least a second whole share of Berkshire Class B Stock if such shares
are treated as Class B Electing Shares will receive such second whole
share of Berkshire Class B Stock for such shares of Dairy Queen Common
Stock at the Class B Exchange Ratio in lieu of receiving the Cash
Election Price for such shares (provided, that, if the application of
this procedure to fewer than all of such Cash Electing Stockholders is
sufficient to reduce the Total Cash Consideration to an amount equal to
or less than the Cash Limitation, the Exchange Agent will similarly
select by lot such Cash Electing Stockholders whose Cash Elections will
be subject to the foregoing procedure); and
(iii) If the application of (ii) above is not sufficient to reduce the Total
Cash Consideration to an amount equal to or less than the Cash
Limitation, under the principles of (i) and (ii) above, the Cash
Electing Shares will continue to be reduced, and each Cash Electing
Stockholder who holds a sufficient number of shares of Dairy Queen
Common Stock covered by a Cash Election to receive as part of the
Merger Consideration at least a third whole share and, to the extent
necessary, greater than three whole shares, of Berkshire Class B Stock
if such shares are treated as Class B Electing Shares, will receive
such third or more whole shares of Berkshire Class B Stock for such
shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock at the Class B Exchange Ratio in
lieu of receiving the Cash Election Price for such shares until the
Total Cash Consideration is equal to or less than the Cash Limitation.
In addition, if due to the amount of cash paid in cancellation of Dairy
Queen Stock Options (as defined), or any other uncertainty in the calculation of
the Cash Limitation, it reasonably appears to Berkshire or Dairy Queen that the
Merger may potentially fail to satisfy the continuity of interest requirements
relating to reorganizations under Section 368(a) of the Code, then the number of
Cash Electing Shares will be reduced, and Cash Electing Stockholders will
instead receive one or more shares of Berkshire Class B Stock in the order
described above, to the extent necessary to enable the Merger to satisfy such
requirements.
DUE TO THE CASH LIMITATION, DAIRY QUEEN STOCKHOLDERS WHO ELECT TO RECEIVE
CASH MAY RECEIVE SHARES OF BERKSHIRE CLASS B STOCK FOR THEIR DAIRY QUEEN COMMON
STOCK DESPITE SUCH ELECTION.
ELECTION PROCEDURES; SURRENDER OF DAIRY QUEEN COMMON STOCK CERTIFICATES
Record holders of Dairy Queen Common Stock will be entitled to make a Cash
Election or Class A Election or elect to receive Berkshire Class B Stock (a
"Class B Election") with respect to all or any portion of their shares, on or
prior to the Election Deadline (as defined), on the Form of Election enclosed
with this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. To the extent that holders do not make a
Cash Election, Class A Election or Class B Election on the Form of Election,
such holders will receive the Class B Stock Consideration. Cash Elections are
subject to the Cash Limitation and, pursuant to the terms of the Merger
Agreement, holders who make the Cash Election may nonetheless receive shares of
Berkshire Class B Stock for Dairy Queen shares. See "--Cash Limitation." Forms
of Election will be made available by the Exchange Agent as may be reasonably
requested to all persons who become holders (or beneficial owners) of Dairy
Queen Common Stock between the Meeting Record Date and the close of business on
the day prior to the Election Date; such Forms of Election will be accompanied
by a copy of this Proxy Statement/ Prospectus.
ALL ELECTIONS MUST BE MADE ON A FORM OF ELECTION AND DAIRY QUEEN
STOCKHOLDERS MUST, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FORM OF ELECTION, (A) COMPLETE
PROPERLY AND RETURN THE FORM OF ELECTION TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT, (B) EITHER (I)
DELIVER THEREWITH THE HOLDER'S CERTIFICATES REPRESENTING SHARES OF DAIRY QUEEN
COMMON STOCK (DULY ENDORSED IN BLANK OR OTHERWISE IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE FOR
TRANSFER ON THE BOOKS OF DAIRY QUEEN) WITH RESPECT TO SUCH SHARES (OR AN
APPROPRIATE GUARANTEE OF DELIVERY THEREOF) OR (II) COMPLETE THE PROCEDURE FOR
DELIVERY BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER OF SUCH SHARES ON A TIMELY BASIS, AND (C)
DELIVER THEREWITH ANY OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK
CITY TIME, ON THE LAST BUSINESS DAY PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE SPECIAL
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MEETING (THE "ELECTION DEADLINE"). DAIRY QUEEN STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO DELIVER
A PROPERLY COMPLETED FORM OF ELECTION TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT, ACCOMPANIED BY
STOCK CERTIFICATES (OR GUARANTEE OF DELIVERY), NO LATER THAN 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK
CITY TIME, ON , 199 , TO ENSURE THAT THEIR FORM OF ELECTION WILL BE
RECEIVED BY THE ELECTION DEADLINE.
IF BERKSHIRE OR THE EXCHANGE AGENT DETERMINES THAT ANY PURPORTED ELECTION IS
NOT PROPERLY MADE OR IS RECEIVED AFTER THE ELECTION DEADLINE, SUCH PURPORTED
ELECTION WILL BE DEEMED TO BE OF NO FORCE AND EFFECT AND THE STOCKHOLDER MAKING
SUCH PURPORTED ELECTION WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE MADE A CLASS B ELECTION.
Any Dairy Queen stockholder may (i) change such holder's election by
submitting a revised Form of Election, properly completed and signed that is
received by the Exchange Agent prior to the Election Deadline, or (ii) revoke
the election and withdraw the certificates deposited with the Exchange Agent by
written notice received by the Exchange Agent prior to the Election Deadline.
The certificate(s) covered by any properly revoked Form of Election will be
returned to the person who submitted the Form of Election to the Exchange Agent
upon written request to that effect. The Exchange Agent and Berkshire will have
reasonable discretion to determine when any Election, modification, or
revocation is received and whether any such Election, modification or revocation
has been properly made, and such determination will be final. If a Form of
Election is revoked, the Dairy Queen Common Stock to which such Form of Election
relates will be treated as shares as to which no election has been made. The
Form of Election will also constitute a letter of transmittal for effecting the
surrender of such certificates in exchange for the Merger Consideration into
which the shares represented by the certificates so surrendered are exchangeable
pursuant to the Merger Agreement. The determination of the Exchange Agent will
be binding as to whether or not a Cash Election, Class A Election or Class B
Election has been properly made or revoked and as to the time when such election
or revocation was received.
NONE OF BERKSHIRE, THE BERKSHIRE BOARD, DAIRY QUEEN, NOR THE DAIRY QUEEN
BOARD MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION AS TO WHETHER DAIRY QUEEN STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD
ELECT TO RECEIVE THE CASH CONSIDERATION, THE CLASS A STOCK CONSIDERATION OR THE
CLASS B STOCK CONSIDERATION IN THE MERGER.
Stockholders of record of Berkshire Class A Stock may designate charitable
contributions to be made by Berkshire. In 1997, stockholders of record as of
August 31, 1997 were entitled to designate $16 per share. It is anticipated that
this program will continue in the future for stockholders of record of Berkshire
Class A Stock. Shares of Berkshire Class B Stock do not participate in this
program. Accordingly, Dairy Queen stockholders who receive the Class B Stock
Consideration will not be entitled to participate in this program with respect
to their shares of Berkshire Class B Stock.
The Exchange Agent is the First National Bank of Boston, whose address is
150 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021.
In order to receive the Merger Consideration, a Dairy Queen stockholder must
surrender to the Exchange Agent the certificate or certificates which, prior to
the Effective Time, represented outstanding shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock.
Dairy Queen stockholders who submit a Form of Election should surrender their
certificates with the Form of Election (and should bear in mind that the
Exchange Agent must receive the Form of Election by the Election Deadline for a
Cash Election, Class A Election or Class B Election to be effective; otherwise,
the shares represented by such certificates will be converted into Berkshire
Class B Stock and cash in lieu of fractional shares thereof). As soon as
practicable after the Effective Time, the Exchange Agent will send to each
holder of a certificate or certificates previously representing outstanding
shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock, other than holders who have previously
submitted their certificates to the Exchange Agent with a Form of Election, a
letter of transmittal and instructions for use in effecting the surrender of
certificates. The Exchange Agent will accept such certificates upon compliance
with such reasonable terms and conditions as the Exchange Agent may impose to
effect an orderly exchange thereof in accordance with normal exchange practices.
After the Effective Time of the Merger, there will be no further transfer on
the records of Dairy Queen or its transfer agent of certificates representing
shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock and if such
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certificates are presented to Dairy Queen for transfer, they will be cancelled
against delivery of the Merger Consideration pursuant to the Merger Agreement.
Until surrendered in accordance with the Merger Agreement, each certificate for
shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock will be deemed at any time after the
Effective Time of the Merger to represent only the right to receive upon such
surrender the Merger Consideration pursuant to the Merger Agreement. No interest
will be paid or will accrue on any cash payable as consideration in the Merger
or in lieu of any fractional shares of Berkshire Common Stock.
No dividends or other distributions with respect to Berkshire Common Stock
with a record date after the Effective Time of the Merger will be paid to the
holder of any unsurrendered certificate for shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock
with respect to the shares of Berkshire Common Stock represented thereby and no
payment of cash or Berkshire Class B Stock in lieu of fractional shares will be
paid to any such holder until the surrender of such certificate in accordance
with the Merger Agreement. Subject to the effect of applicable laws, following
surrender of any such certificate, there will be paid to the holder of the
certificate representing whole shares of Berkshire Common Stock issued in
exchange therefor, without interest, (i) at the time of such surrender the
amount of any cash payable in lieu of a fractional share of Berkshire Common
Stock to which such holder is entitled pursuant to the Merger Agreement and the
amount of dividends or other distributions with a record date after the
Effective Time of the Merger theretofore paid with respect to such whole shares
of Berkshire Common Stock, and (ii) at the appropriate payment date, the amount
of dividends or other distributions with a record date after the Effective Time
of the Merger but prior to such surrender and a payment date subsequent to such
surrender payable with respect to such whole shares of Berkshire Common Stock.
DAIRY QUEEN STOCKHOLDERS MAY SURRENDER THEIR DAIRY QUEEN COMMON STOCK
CERTIFICATES TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT WITH THE FORM OF ELECTION. ELECTIONS WILL BE
EFFECTIVE ONLY IF ACCOMPANIED BY SUCH CERTIFICATES (OR GUARANTEE OF DELIVERY) AS
DESCRIBED ABOVE. DAIRY QUEEN STOCKHOLDERS WHO DO NOT SURRENDER THEIR
CERTIFICATES WITH THE FORM OF ELECTION SHOULD SURRENDER THEIR DAIRY QUEEN COMMON
STOCK CERTIFICATES TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT WITH THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL THAT
WILL BE MAILED TO THOSE STOCKHOLDERS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE TIME.
FRACTIONAL SHARES
No certificates or scrip representing fractional shares of Berkshire Common
Stock will be issued upon the surrender for exchange of certificates
representing shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock, and such fractional share
interests will not entitle the owner thereof to vote or to any rights as a
stockholder of Berkshire.
Each holder of shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock exchanged pursuant to the
Merger who would have otherwise been entitled to receive a fraction of a share
of Berkshire Class A Stock (after taking into account all Class A Electing
Shares delivered by such holder or, as to a holder of record who holds shares of
Dairy Queen Common Stock as nominee or in a similar representative capacity,
after taking into account all Class A Electing Shares delivered by such a
representative holder on behalf of a particular beneficial owner) will receive,
in lieu thereof, the number of whole shares of Berkshire Class B Stock
determined by dividing (x) the product of such fraction and the Average Class A
Stock Price by (y) the quotient of the Average Class A Stock Price divided by
30. After application of the procedure described in the previous sentence, each
holder of shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock exchanged pursuant to the Merger
who would have otherwise been entitled to receive a fraction of a share of
Berkshire Class B Stock (after taking into account all shares of Dairy Queen
Common Stock delivered by such holder, or by such a representative holder on
behalf of a particular beneficial owner, other than Class A Electing Shares and
Cash Electing Shares) will receive, in lieu thereof, a cash payment (without
interest) equal to the product of (x) such fraction and (y) the quotient of the
Average Class A Stock Price divided by 30.
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EFFECTIVE TIME
On the Closing Date, the parties will file a certificate of merger or other
appropriate documents (in any such case, the "Certificate of Merger") and will
make all other filings or recordings required under the Delaware General
Corporation Law ("DGCL"). The Merger will become effective at such time as the
Certificate of Merger is duly filed with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware, or at such other time as Berkshire and Dairy Queen specify in the
Certificate of Merger (the time the Merger becomes effective being the
"Effective Time"). Such filing will be made as promptly as practicable after
satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to the Merger.
STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING
Berkshire will use its best efforts to cause the shares of Berkshire Common
Stock issued in the Merger to be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to
notice of issuance, prior to the Closing Date.
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following discussion is a summary of certain material U.S. federal
income tax consequences of the Merger to a stockholder of Dairy Queen who holds
Dairy Queen shares as a capital asset (a "Holder"). The discussion is based on
laws, regulations, rulings and decisions in effect on the date hereof, all of
which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect, and to differing
interpretation. This discussion is for general information only, and does not
address all aspects of federal income taxation that may be applicable to a
Holder subject to special treatment under the Code (including, but not limited
to, banks, tax-exempt organizations, insurance companies, dealers in securities
or foreign currency and holders who are not U.S. persons (as defined in section
7701(a)(30) of the Code) or who acquired shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock
pursuant to the exercise of an employee stock option or otherwise as
compensation). In addition, the discussion does not address the state, local or
foreign tax consequences of the Merger.
Consummation of the Merger is conditioned upon (i) the receipt by Dairy
Queen of the opinion of Faegre & Benson LLP or other tax counsel of a prominent
law firm designated by Berkshire and reasonably acceptable to Dairy Queen, and
(ii) the receipt by Berkshire of the opinion of Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP, each
such opinion dated as of the Closing Date and substantially to the effect that,
on the basis of facts, representations, assumptions and agreements set forth or
referred to in such opinions, for federal income tax purposes, the Merger will
be treated as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the Code and
that each of Berkshire, Merger Sub and Dairy Queen will be a party to the
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code. The opinions of
tax counsel represent the best judgment of such counsel, but are not binding on
the Internal Revenue Service (the "Service") or the courts. No ruling has been
requested from the Service with respect to any of the matters discussed in this
summary.
If, in accordance with such opinions referred to above, the Merger is
treated as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the Code, and
Berkshire, Merger Sub and Dairy Queen are each a party to the reorganization
under Section 368(b) of the Code, the following is a summary of the general
federal income tax consequences of the Merger to Holder:
EXCHANGE OF DAIRY QUEEN COMMON STOCK. The federal income tax consequences
of the Merger to a Holder generally will depend on whether the Holder exchanges
Dairy Queen Common Stock for cash, Berkshire Common Stock, or a combination
thereof, and may further depend on whether (i) the Holder is deemed to own
constructively shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock and (ii) the Holder actually
or constructively owns any shares of Berkshire Common Stock. For this purpose,
shares are constructively owned under rules set forth in Section 318 of the Code
which generally deem a person to own stock owned by certain family members or
related entities or that is the subject of an option or options owned or deemed
owned by such person.
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EXCHANGE SOLELY FOR CASH. If pursuant to the Merger a Holder exchanges all
of the shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock actually owned by the Holder solely
for cash, such Holder will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference
between the amount of cash received and the Holder's adjusted tax basis in the
shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock surrendered therefor, which gain or loss will
generally be long-term capital gain or loss if the Holder's holding period with
respect to the stock is more than one year, and otherwise will be short-term
capital gain or loss. The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 establishes preferential
long-term capital gains rates ("Preferential Rates") that will generally apply
to Holders who are individuals, trusts, or estates whose holding period with
respect to the stock is more than 18 months. If, however, any Holder exchanging
all shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock actually owned by such Holder solely for
cash constructively owns shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock that are exchanged
for shares of Berkshire Common Stock in the Merger or owns shares of Berkshire
Common Stock actually or constructively after the Merger, the consequences to
such Holder may be similar to the consequences described below under the heading
"Exchange for Berkshire Common Stock and Cash," except that the amount of
consideration, if any, treated as a dividend may not be limited to the amount of
such Holder's gain.
EXCHANGE SOLELY FOR BERKSHIRE COMMON STOCK. If pursuant to the Merger a
Holder exchanges all of the shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock actually owned by
the Holder solely for shares of Berkshire Common Stock, such Holder will not
recognize any gain or loss except in respect of cash received in lieu of a
fractional share of Berkshire Class B Stock (as discussed below). The aggregate
adjusted tax basis of the shares of Berkshire Common Stock received (including
fractional shares) in that exchange will be equal to the aggregate adjusted tax
basis of the shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock surrendered therefor, and the
holding period of such Berkshire Common Stock will include the period during
which such shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock were held. If the Holder has
differing bases or holding periods in respect of its shares of Dairy Queen
Common Stock, the Holder should consult its tax advisor prior to the exchange
with regard to identifying the bases or holding periods of the particular shares
of Berkshire Common Stock that it receives in the exchange.
EXCHANGE FOR BERKSHIRE COMMON STOCK AND CASH. If pursuant to the Merger a
Holder exchanges all of the shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock actually owned by
the Holder for a combination of Berkshire Common Stock and cash, such Holder
will realize gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the sum of cash
and the fair market value of Berkshire Common Stock received and (ii) the
Holder's adjusted tax basis in the shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock
surrendered therefor. However, any such loss will not be recognized, and any
such gain will only be recognized to the extent of the cash received. For this
purpose, gain or loss must be calculated separately for each identifiable block
of shares surrendered in the exchange, and a loss realized on one block of
shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock cannot be used to offset a gain recognized on
another block of shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock. Any such recognized gain
will generally be long-term capital gain if the Holder's holding period with
respect to the stock is more than one year, and otherwise will be short-term
capital gain. The Preferential Rates will generally apply to any such recognized
gain if the Holder is an individual, trust, or estate whose holding period with
respect to the stock is more than 18 months. If, however, the cash received has
the effect of the distribution of a dividend, the gain will be treated as a
dividend to the extent of the Holder's ratable share of Dairy Queen's
accumulated earnings and profits (and, possibly, Berkshire's accumulated
earnings and profits). The term "accumulated earnings and profits" in the
preceding sentence may include current earnings and profits. See "--Possible
Treatment of Cash as a Dividend."
The aggregate tax basis of Berkshire Common Stock received by a Holder that
exchanges the Holder's shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock for a combination of
Berkshire Common Stock and cash pursuant to the Merger will be equal to the
aggregate adjusted tax basis of the shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock
surrendered therefor, decreased by the cash received and increased by any
recognized gain (whether capital gain or ordinary income). The holding period of
such Berkshire Common Stock will include the holding period of the shares of
Dairy Queen Common Stock surrendered therefor. If a Holder has differing bases
or holding periods in respect of the Holder's shares of Dairy Queen Common
Stock, the Holder should consult its tax advisor prior to the exchange to
identify the particular shares of Dairy Queen
30
<PAGE>
Common Stock to be surrendered in the exchange and the particular bases or
holding periods of the particular shares of Berkshire Common Stock that it
receives in the exchange.
POSSIBLE TREATMENT OF CASH AS A DIVIDEND. In general, the determination of
whether the gain recognized in the exchange will be treated as capital gain or
dividend income depends upon whether and to what extent the exchange reduces the
Holder's deemed percentage stock ownership interest in Berkshire. For purposes
of this determination, the Holder is treated as if it first exchanged all of the
Holder's shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock solely for Berkshire Common Stock
and then Berkshire immediately redeemed (the "deemed redemption") a portion of
such Berkshire Common Stock in exchange for the cash that the Holder actually
received. The gain recognized in the exchange followed by a deemed redemption
will be treated as capital gain if the deemed redemption is (i) "substantially
disproportionate" with respect to the Holder, (ii) "not essentially equivalent
to a dividend," or (iii) a "complete termination" of the Holder's interest in
all shares of Berkshire Common Stock actually and constructively owned by that
Holder.
The deemed redemption, generally, will be "substantially disproportionate"
with respect to a Holder if the percentage described in (ii) below is less than
80 percent of the percentage described in (i) below. Whether the deemed
redemption is "not essentially equivalent to a dividend" with respect to a
Holder will depend upon the Holder's particular circumstances. At a minimum,
however, in order for the deemed redemption to be "not essentially equivalent to
a dividend," the deemed redemption must result in a "meaningful reduction" in
the Holder's deemed percentage stock ownership of Berkshire. In general, that
determination requires a comparison of (i) the percentage of the outstanding
stock of Berkshire that the Holder is deemed actually and constructively to have
owned immediately before the deemed redemption and (ii) the percentage of the
outstanding stock of Berkshire that is actually and constructively owned by the
Holder immediately after the deemed redemption. In applying the foregoing tests,
a stockholder is deemed to own stock owned and, in some cases, constructively
owned by certain family members, certain estates and trusts of which the Holder
is a beneficiary, certain affiliated entities, and stock subject to an option
actually or constructively owned by the stockholder or such other persons.
Because these rules are complex each Holder that may be subject to these rules
should consult its tax advisor. The Service has ruled that a relatively minor
reduction in the percentage stock ownership of a minority stockholder in a
publicly held corporation whose relative stock interest is minimal and who
exercises no control with respect to corporate affairs is a "meaningful
reduction." Accordingly, in most circumstances, gain recognized by a Holder that
exchanges the Holder's shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock for a combination of
Berkshire Common Stock and cash will generally be long-term capital gain if the
Holder's holding period with respect to the stock is more than one year, will
generally be subject to the Preferential Rates if the Holder is an individual,
trust, or estate whose holding period with respect to the stock is more than 18
months, and otherwise will be short-term capital gain. Because of the complexity
involved with the determination of whether cash received in the Merger will be
treated as a dividend, and because the actual, constructive and deemed stock
ownership figures needed, under certain circumstances, to make such
determination will not be known until after the consummation of the Merger,
stockholders are strongly urged to consult their own tax advisors.
In general, the receipt of cash by a stockholder of Dairy Queen will be a
"complete termination of interest" only if the stockholder exchanges all shares
of Dairy Queen Common Stock owned by such stockholder for cash in the Merger,
and actually and constructively owns no shares of Berkshire Common Stock
immediately after the Merger. For these purposes, the constructive ownership
rules will apply as described above. However, Section 302(c)(2) of the Code
provides that, for the purpose of determining whether there is a "complete
termination of interest," the family member constructive ownership rules will
not apply if certain conditions are met. If those conditions are met, a Dairy
Queen stockholder will not be deemed to own shares of Berkshire Common Stock
owned or deemed to be owned by family members for the purpose of determining
whether there is a complete termination of that stockholder's interest.
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<PAGE>
CASH RECEIVED IN LIEU OF A FRACTIONAL SHARE. Cash received in lieu of a
fractional share of Berkshire Class B Stock will be treated as received in
redemption of such fractional share and gain or loss will be recognized by a
Holder, equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the
portion of the basis of the share or shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock
allocable to such fractional interest. Such gain or loss will generally be
long-term capital gain or loss if the holding period for such share or shares of
Dairy Queen Common Stock was greater than one year, and otherwise will be
short-term capital gain or loss. The Preferential Rates will generally apply to
any such recognized gain if the Holder is an individual, trust, or estate whose
holding period with respect to such share or shares is more than 18 months.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING. Unless a Holder complies with certain reporting or
certification procedures or is an "exempt recipient" (I.E., in general,
corporations and certain other entities), the Holder may be subject to
withholding tax of 31% with respect to any cash payments received pursuant to
the Merger. A foreign Holder should consult the Holder's tax advisor with
respect to the application of withholding rules to the Holder with respect to
any cash payments received pursuant to the Merger.
EACH DAIRY QUEEN STOCKHOLDER IS URGED TO CONSULT THE HOLDER'S TAX ADVISOR
WITH RESPECT TO THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE
MERGER.
TREATMENT OF DAIRY QUEEN EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTIONS
Dairy Queen has issued and outstanding options ("Options") to purchase
shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock under its Restated 1982 Incentive Stock
Option Plan and its Incentive Stock Option Plan of 1993 (each, a "Stock Option
Plan"). At the Effective Time, each outstanding Option, whether or not then
exercisable, will be cancelled and the former holder thereof will have the right
only to a cash payment (subject to any applicable withholding taxes) equal to
the product of (a) the difference between $27 and the exercise price of such
Option and (b) the number of shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock subject to such
Option.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Certain officers and directors of Dairy Queen have interests in the Merger
in addition to their interests solely as stockholders. The Dairy Queen Board has
considered these interests, among other matters, in approving and adopting the
Merger Agreement and the Merger.
The Merger Agreement provides that all Options will be converted into cash.
See "THE MERGER-- Treatment of Dairy Queen Employee Stock Options." Set forth
below are the number and approximate weighted average exercise price of Dairy
Queen stock options held by executive officers of Dairy Queen:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
TOTAL EXERCISE
EXECUTIVE OFFICER OPTIONS PRICE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Michael P. Sullivan....................................................... 77,000 $ 18.32
Edward A. Watson.......................................................... 63,400 18.29
Charles W. Mooty.......................................................... 36,300 18.35
</TABLE>
Mr. John W. Mooty, the Chairman of the Board of Dairy Queen and one of its
largest stockholders, Mrs. Jane N. Mooty, a director of Dairy Queen, and Mr.
Charles W. Mooty, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Dairy
Queen, who own an aggregate of 1,595,632 shares of Dairy Queen Class B Stock,
are each a party to the Shareholders' Agreement, and thus have agreed to vote
for approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement, to elect to receive the Stock
Consideration in exchange for their shares of Dairy Queen Common Stock, to vote
against any Transaction Proposal and to not solicit or encourage any Transaction
Proposal. All of the other executive officers and directors of Dairy Queen, who
own and aggregate of 187,736 shares of Dairy Queen Class B Common Stock
(approximately 2.3% of the
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<PAGE>
outstanding shares), are expected to vote for approval and adoption of the
Merger Agreement. Berkshire has stated that it expects to retain all officers of
Dairy Queen following the Merger. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement,
Dairy Queen has agreed to and, from and after the effective time of the Merger,
Berkshire and the Surviving Corporation have agreed to, indemnify the officers,
directors and employees of Dairy Queen against, among other things, losses
incurred in connection with the Merger or the Merger Agreement.
The Merger Agreement also provides that after the Effective Time, Berkshire
and Dairy Queen will use their best efforts to agree on compensation plans for
officers and employees of Dairy Queen and that such compensation plans will
include an incentive compensation component reasonably comparable to the
existing Dairy Queen plans.
The Merger Agreement also provides that the current officers of Dairy Queen
will remain as officers of the Surviving Corporation.
The Merger Agreement also provides that from and after the Effective Time,
Berkshire and the Surviving Corporation will indemnify, defend and hold harmless
the present and former officers and directors of Dairy Queen, subject to certain
limitations, for all claims arising as a result of their service to Dairy Queen
or relating to the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.
See "CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT--Indemnification."
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Set forth below is certain information, as of November 20, 1997, concerning
the beneficial ownership of Dairy Queen Class A Stock or Dairy Queen Class B
Stock by (i) each director, (ii) all directors and executive officers as a group
and, (iii) to the knowledge of Dairy Queen based on filings with the Commission,
each person or group which beneficially owns more than 5% of the outstanding
Dairy Queen Common Stock.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A COMMON STOCK CLASS B COMMON STOCK
------------------------ ------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AMOUNT AMOUNT
BENEFICIALLY PERCENT OF BENEFICIALLY PERCENT OF
STOCKHOLDER/DIRECTOR OWNED CLASS OWNED CLASS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Rudy Luther Revocable Trust(1)................................... 1,548,934 11.1% 1,631,850 20.3%
5353 Wayzata Blvd.
Minneapolis, MN 55416
Nicholas Company, Inc.(2)........................................ 1,795,800 12.8% 779,000 9.7%
700 North Water Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Private Capital Management(2).................................... 1,189,080 8.5% 51,000 *
3003 Tamimi Trail N.
Naples, FL 33940
Yacktman Asset Management Co.(2)................................. 1,046,150 7.5% -- --
303 W. Madison
Suite 1925
Chicago, IL 60666
Capital Guardian Trust(2)........................................ 920,900 6.6% -- --
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
John W. Mooty(3)................................................. 485,849 3.5% 839,049 10.4%
33 South Sixth Street
Suite 3400
Minneapolis, MN 55402
</TABLE>
33
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A COMMON STOCK CLASS B COMMON STOCK
------------------------ ------------------------
AMOUNT AMOUNT
BENEFICIALLY PERCENT OF BENEFICIALLY PERCENT OF
STOCKHOLDER/DIRECTOR OWNED CLASS OWNED CLASS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Gilbert Stein(4)................................................. 114,880 * 847,760 10.6%
4 Bay Ridge
Springfield, IL 62707
Luther Family Limited Partnership................................ 50,400 * 550,000 6.9%
7505 Metro Boulevard
Minneapolis, MN 55439
Jane N. Mooty(5)................................................. 13,735 * 560,882 7.0%
7505 Metro Boulevard
Minneapolis, MN 55439
Ernest F. Dorn, Jr............................................... 1,308 * -- --
Richard I. Giertsen(6)........................................... 38,302 * 124,996 1.6%
Frank L. Heit.................................................... 308 * 3,000 *
C. David Luther(7)............................................... 308 * 20,000 3.5%
Thomas R. Stuart................................................. 308 * 1,100 *
Michael P. Sullivan(8)........................................... 80,603 * 38,740 *
All officers and directors(9)
as a group (21 persons)........................................ 2,783,879 19.9% 4,176,823 52.0%
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Less than one percent
(1) The trustees of the Trust are Rudy D. Luther, C. David Luther and Michael P.
Sullivan.
(2) The Nicholas Company, Inc., Private Capital Management, Yacktman Asset
Management Co. and Capital Guardian Trust are investment advisors
("Advisors"). Based on information provided by the Advisors, funds and other
client accounts managed by them hold sole voting power with respect to these
shares.
(3) Does not include securities shown opposite Mrs. Mooty's name.
(4) Includes shares owned by Capitol Dairy Queen, Inc. and Illinois Dairy Queen,
Inc.
(5) Does not include securities shown opposite Mr. Mooty's name.
(6) Includes 23,998 shares of Dairy Queen Class A Stock and 82,794 shares of
Dairy Queen Class B Stock owned by trusts of which Mr. Giertsen is a
trustee.
(7) Does not include shares owned by the Luther Family Limited Partnership, the
general partner of which is Luther Family Holdings Limited, of which Mr.
Luther is an officer, shareholder and director, or the Rudy Luther Revocable
Trust, one of the trustees of which is Mr. Luther.
(8) Does not include shares owned by the Luther Family Limited Partnership, the
general partner of which is Luther Family Holdings Limited, of which Mr.
Sullivan is an officer, shareholder and director, or the Rudy Luther
Revocable Trust, one of the trustees of which is Mr. Sullivan. Includes
54,687 shares subject to options to acquire shares of Dairy Queen's Class A
Stock which are exercisable within 60 days of the date of this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.
(9) Includes shares owned by the Rudy Luther Revocable Trust, Luther Family
Limited Partnership, 452,733 shares subject to options to acquire shares of
Dairy Queen's Class A Stock which are exercisable within 60 days of the date
of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
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<PAGE>
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
The Merger will be accounted for by Berkshire under the purchase method of
accounting in accordance with Accounting Principles Opinion No. 16, "Business
Combinations," as amended. Under this method of accounting, the aggregate
consideration paid by Berkshire in connection with the Merger will be allocated
to Dairy Queen's assets and liabilities based on their fair values at the
Effective Time, with any excess being treated as goodwill. The assets and
liabilities and results of operations of Dairy Queen will be consolidated into
the assets and liabilities and the results of operations of Berkshire commencing
at the Effective Time.
APPROVALS AND CONSENTS
The Merger Agreement provides that Dairy Queen, Berkshire and Merger Sub
will use their best efforts and cooperate with one another (i) in promptly
determining whether any filings are required to be made or consents, approvals,
waivers, permits or authorizations are required to be obtained under any
applicable law or regulation or from any governmental authorities or third
parties in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement
and (ii) in promptly making any such filings, in furnishing information required
in connection therewith and in timely seeking to obtain any such consents,
approvals, waivers, permits or authorizations.
Under the HSR Act, certain acquisition transactions may not be consummated
unless notice has been given and certain information furnished to the Antitrust
Division of the United States Department of Justice (the "Antitrust Division")
and the FTC and specified waiting period requirements have been satisfied,
unless earlier termination has been granted. Dairy Queen and Berkshire each
filed with the Antitrust Division and the FTC a Notification and Report Form
with respect to the Merger on November 10, 1997. The applicable waiting period
under the HSR is expected to expire on December 9, 1997. At any time before or
after the Effective Time, and notwithstanding that the HSR Act waiting period
has expired, the Antitrust Division could take such action under the antitrust
laws as it deems necessary or desirable in the public interest, including
seeking to enjoin consummation of the Merger or seeking divestiture of
substantial assets of Berkshire or Dairy Queen. At any time before or after the
Effective Time, and notwithstanding that the HSR Act waiting period has expired,
any state could take such action under the antitrust laws as it deems necessary
or desirable in the public interest. Such action could include seeking to enjoin
consummation of the Merger or divestiture of businesses of Berkshire or Dairy
Queen. Private parties also may seek to take legal action under the antitrust
laws under certain circumstances.
DELISTING AND DEREGISTRATION OF DAIRY QUEEN COMMON STOCK
If the Merger is consummated, Dairy Queen Common Stock will be delisted from
the Nasdaq and deregistered under the Exchange Act.
RESALES OF BERKSHIRE COMMON STOCK
All shares of Berkshire Class A Stock and Berkshire Class B Stock to be
issued in connection with the Merger will be registered under the Securities
Act. Such shares will be freely transferable, except that shares received by any
person who may be deemed to be an affiliate of Dairy Queen within the meaning of
Rule 145 of the Securities Act (each such person being an "Affiliate") may not
be resold except in transactions permitted by such Rule or as otherwise
permitted under the Securities Act.
Dairy Queen has agreed in the Merger Agreement to use its best efforts to
cause each person who may be deemed to be an Affiliate of Dairy Queen to deliver
to Berkshire a written agreement intended to ensure compliance with the
Securities Act.
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<PAGE>
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT
THE FOLLOWING IS A BRIEF SUMMARY OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE MERGER
AGREEMENT, WHICH IS ANNEXED AS ANNEX I TO THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND
INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. THIS SUMMARY IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
The Merger Agreement contains representations and warranties of Dairy Queen
relating, among other things, with respect to Dairy Queen and its subsidiaries,
to (i) their organization, good standing and corporate power; (ii) ownership of
subsidiaries by Dairy Queen; (iii) Dairy Queen's capital structure; (iv) its
corporate power to enter into, and its due authorization, execution and delivery
of the Merger Agreement and the Merger Agreement not violating its Certificate
of Incorporation or By-laws, applicable law, franchise agreements and other
agreements with franchisees, and certain other material agreements; (v)
documents filed by Dairy Queen with the Commission and the accuracy of
information contained therein and the absence of undisclosed liabilities; (vi)
the accuracy of information supplied by Dairy Queen in connection with this
Proxy Statement/Prospectus; (vii) the absence of certain changes or events since
the date of the most recent audited financial statements filed with the
Commission, including material adverse changes with respect to Dairy Queen;
(viii) the absence of pending or threatened litigation, certain labor matters
and compliance with all applicable laws; (ix) benefit plans and other matters
relating to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and
employment matters; (x) filing of tax returns and payment of taxes; (xi) the
inapplicability of any state takeover statute or similar statute or regulation
of the State of Delaware (and, to the knowledge of Dairy Queen, of any other
state or jurisdiction) to the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby; (xii) environmental matters; (xiii) good title to properties and assets
free of liens; (xiv) brokers' fees and expenses; (xv) receipt of the opinion of
William Blair to the effect that the Merger Consideration to be received in the
Merger by Dairy Queen stockholders is fair from a financial point of view; (xvi)
Dairy Queen Board's recommendation and determinations with respect to the Merger
Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger; and
(xvii) the required vote of Dairy Queen's stockholders necessary to approve the
Merger Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby.
The Merger Agreement also contains representations and warranties of
Berkshire relating, among other things, with respect to Berkshire and its
subsidiaries, to (i) their organization, good standing, and corporate power;
(ii) ownership of subsidiaries by Berkshire; (iii) Berkshire's capital
structure; (iv) its corporate power to enter into, and its due authorization,
execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement and the Merger Agreement not
violating its Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws, applicable law and
certain material agreements; (v) documents filed by Berkshire with the
Commission and the accuracy of information contained therein and the absence of
undisclosed liabilities; (vi) the accuracy of information supplied by Berkshire
in connection with the Registration Statement and this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus; (vii) the absence of certain changes or events since the
most recent financial statements filed with the Commission, including material
adverse changes with respect to Berkshire; (viii) the interim operations of
Merger Sub; and (ix) brokers' fees and expenses.
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Dairy Queen has agreed, among other
things, until the Effective Time (except as otherwise specifically required by
the terms of the Merger Agreement), that it will, and it will cause its
subsidiaries to, act and carry on their respective businesses in the usual,
regular and ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and, to
the extent consistent therewith, use its best efforts to preserve intact their
current business organizations, keep available the services of their current
officers and employees and preserve their relationships with customers,
suppliers, franchisees, licensors, licensees, advertisers, distributors and
others having business dealings with them so that their goodwill and ongoing
businesses will not be impaired at the Effective Time. Except for certain
exceptions for actions in the
36
<PAGE>
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, Dairy Queen agreed to
not, and not permit any of its subsidiaries to, without prior consent of
Berkshire, among other things, (i) declare or pay any dividend or distribution,
(ii) reclassify or acquire any shares of its capital stock or certain other
securities, (iii) issue or encumber any shares of its capital stock and certain
other securities, (iv) amend its charter documents, (v) acquire a substantial
portion of the stock or assets of another business organization, (vi) sell,
lease, or encumber any of its material properties or assets, (vii) incur any
indebtedness or make any loans or capital contributions to, or investments in,
any other person (other than a Dairy Queen subsidiary), (viii) acquire any
material asset or agree to make any capital expenditure, (ix) pay or satisfy any
claims or obligations (except as contemplated in Dairy Queen's most recent
audited financial statements), (x) grant, transfer, or modify any rights of
material value, (xi) adopt or amend in any material respect any employee or
director benefit plan or arrangement, (xii) change any material accounting
principal, (xiii) take any action that would result in any of its
representations and warranties in the Merger Agreement becoming untrue, or in
any of the conditions to the Merger not being satisfied, (xiv) make any tax
election or settle or compromise any tax liability, or (xv) authorize or commit
to take any of the foregoing actions.
INDEMNIFICATION
The Merger Agreement provides that Dairy Queen will, and from and after the
Effective Time, Berkshire and the Surviving Corporation will, indemnify, defend
and hold harmless each person who is now, or has been at any time prior to the
date of the Merger Agreement or who becomes such prior to the Effective Time, an
officer, director or employee of Dairy Queen or any of its subsidiaries (the
"Indemnified Parties") against (i) all losses, claims, damages, costs, expenses,
liabilities or judgments or amounts that are paid in settlement with the
approval of the indemnifying party (which approval will not be unreasonably
withheld) of or in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or
investigation based in whole or in part on or arising in whole or in part out of
the fact that such person is or was a director, officer or employee of Dairy
Queen or any of its subsidiaries (the "Indemnified Parties"), whether pertaining
to any matter existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time and
whether asserted or claimed prior to, or at or after, the Effective Time
("Indemnified Liabilities") and (ii) all Indemnified Liabilities based in whole
or in part on, arising in whole or in part out of, or pertaining to the Merger
Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby. In the case of Dairy Queen
and the Surviving Corporation, such indemnification will only be to the fullest
extent a corporation is permitted under the DGCL to indemnify its own directors,
officers and employees; and in the case of Berkshire, such indemnification will
not be limited by the DGCL but will not be applicable to any claims made against
the Indemnified Parties if a judgment or other final adjudication establishes
that their acts or omissions (A) were committed in bad faith or were the result
of active and deliberate dishonesty and were material to the cause of action so
deliberated or (B) arose out of, were based upon or attributable to the gaining
of any financial profit or other advantage to which they were not legally
entitled. Dairy Queen, Berkshire and the Surviving Corporation, as the case may
be, will pay all expenses of each Indemnified Party in advance of the final
disposition of any such action or proceeding, which in the case of Dairy Queen
and the Surviving Corporation will be only to the fullest extent permitted by
law upon receipt of any undertaking contemplated by Section 145(e) of the DGCL.
CONDITIONS TO CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER
The respective obligation of each party to consummate the Merger is subject
to the satisfaction or waiver on or prior to the Closing Date of various
conditions which include, in addition to certain other closing conditions, the
following:
(i) the Merger and the Merger Agreement having been approved by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of Dairy Queen
Class B Stock, voting separately as a class;
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<PAGE>
(ii) the shares of Berkshire Common Stock issuable to Dairy Queen
stockholders pursuant to the Merger Agreement having been approved for
listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance;
(iii) the waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable to the Merger
under the HSR Act having terminated or expired (see "THE
MERGER--Approvals and Consents");
(iv) no temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or
other order issued by any court of competent jurisdiction or other
legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the
Merger being in effect, provided that Dairy Queen, Berkshire and Merger
Sub shall use their best efforts to have any such injunction, order,
restraint or prohibition vacated;
(v) the Registration Statement having become effective under the Securities
Act and not being the subject of any stop order or proceedings seeking a
stop order, and any material "blue sky" and other state securities laws
applicable to the issuance of Berkshire Common Stock having been
complied with;
(vi) the representations and warranties of the other party in the Merger
Agreement being true and correct in all material respects, in each case
as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of the Closing Date as
though made on and as of such date; and
(vii) each party having performed the obligations required to be performed by
it under the Merger Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date (except
for such failures to perform as have not had or could not reasonably be
expected, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a material
adverse effect with respect to the other party or adversely affect the
ability of the party to consummate the transactions therein
contemplated or perform its obligations thereunder).
Berkshire's and Merger Sub's obligation to consummate the Merger is subject
to the following additional conditions:
(i) Berkshire having received the opinion of Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP,
dated the Closing Date, based on appropriate representations of Dairy
Queen, its affiliates and Berkshire, and such other facts,
representations, assumptions and agreements as such counsel may
reasonably deem relevant, to the effect that for United States federal
income tax purposes the Merger will qualify as a reorganization within
the meaning of Section 368 of the Code and that each of Berkshire,
Merger Sub and Dairy Queen will be a party to the reorganization within
the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code;
(ii) Berkshire having received satisfactory evidence that such licenses,
permits, consents, approvals, authorizations, qualifications and orders
of governmental authorities and other third parties as are necessary in
connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement
have been obtained, except for those which are not, individually or in
the aggregate, material to Berkshire or Dairy Queen or the failure of
which to have been received would not (as compared to any of those
which had been obtained) materially dilute the aggregate benefits to
Berkshire of the Merger;
(iii) Berkshire having received certain agreements from each such person
identified by Dairy Queen to be an Affiliate of Dairy Queen for
purposes of Rule 145 under the Securities Act;
(iv) Mr. Mooty having executed and delivered, and used his best efforts to
cause certain members of his family, and such other stockholders of
Dairy Queen as may be necessary or desirable to facilitate issuance of
the required tax opinions, to have executed and delivered, a continuity
of interest agreement pursuant to which such parties agree, among other
things, that for a period of two years after the Merger, they will not
dispose of any Berkshire Common Stock received in exchange for shares
of Dairy Queen Common Stock pursuant to the Merger, except in certain
limited circumstances; and
38
<PAGE>
(v) Berkshire shall have received the opinion of Gray, Plant, Mooty, Mooty &
Bennett, P.A., dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that Dairy
Queen is duly incorporated and in good standing, the execution and
delivery of the Merger Agreement and the consummation of the Merger have
been duly authorized by all necessary corporate and stockholder action,
the Merger Agreement has been duly executed and delivered and is
enforceable against Dairy Queen, and the execution and delivery of the
Merger Agreement and consummation of the Merger will not violate Dairy
Queen's Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws or conflict with or
cause a default under any franchise or other agreement with any
franchisee, subject to certain qualifications.
Dairy Queen's obligation to consummate the Merger is subject to the
additional conditions of (i) the receipt of an opinion of Faegre & Benson LLP,
or other tax counsel of a prominent law firm designated by Berkshire and
reasonably acceptable to Dairy Queen, dated the Closing Date, based on
appropriate representations of Dairy Queen, its affiliates and Berkshire and
such other facts, representations, assumptions, and agreements as counsel may
reasonably deem relevant, that, for United States federal income tax purposes,
the Merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of
the Code and that each of Berkshire, Merger Sub and Dairy Queen will be a party
to a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code, see "THE
MERGER--Approvals and Consents," and (ii) the receipt by Dairy Queen of the
opinion of Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP, dated as of the Closing Date, to the
effect that Berkshire and QDI, Inc. are each duly incorporated and in good
standing, the execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement and the
consummation of the Merger have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate
action, the Merger Agreement has been duly executed and delivered and is
enforceable against each of Berkshire and QDI, Inc., and the execution and
delivery of the Merger Agreement and consummation of the Merger will not violate
the respective Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws of Berkshire or QDI, Inc.
NO SOLICITATION
The Merger Agreement provides that neither Dairy Queen nor any of its
subsidiaries will, nor will Dairy Queen or any of its subsidiaries authorize or
permit any of its or their officers, directors, agents, representatives,
advisors or subsidiaries to (i) solicit, initiate or encourage (including by way
of furnishing information), or take any other action to facilitate the
submission of inquiries, proposals or offers from any person relating to any
acquisition or purchase of a substantial amount of assets of Dairy Queen or any
of its subsidiaries (other than in the ordinary course of business) or of over
20% of any class of equity securities of Dairy Queen or any of its subsidiaries
or any tender offer (including a self tender offer) or exchange offer that if
consummated would result in any person beneficially owning 20% or more of any
class of equity securities of Dairy Queen or any of its subsidiaries, or any
merger, consolidation, business combination, sale of substantially all assets,
recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or similar transaction involving
Dairy Queen or any of its subsidiaries, other than the transactions contemplated
by the Merger Agreement, or any other transaction the consummation of which
would or could reasonably be expected to impede, interfere with, prevent or
materially delay the Merger or which would or could reasonably be expected to
materially dilute the benefits to Berkshire of the transactions contemplated
thereby (collectively, "Transaction Proposals") or agree to or endorse any
Transaction Proposal, or (ii) enter into or participate in any discussions or
negotiations regarding any of the foregoing, or furnish to any other person any
information with respect to its business, properties or assets or any of the
foregoing, or otherwise cooperate in any way with, or assist or participate in,
facilitate or encourage, any effort or attempt by any other person to do or seek
any of the foregoing; provided, however, that the foregoing will not prohibit
Dairy Queen from (a) furnishing information concerning Dairy Queen and its
businesses, properties or assets pursuant to an appropriate and customary
confidentiality agreement a third party who has made an unsolicited Transaction
Proposal, (b) engaging in discussions or negotiations with a third party who has
made an unsolicited Transaction Proposal, (c) following receipt of an
unsolicited Transaction Proposal, taking and disclosing to its stockholders a
position contemplated by Rule 14e-2(a) under the Exchange Act
39
<PAGE>
or otherwise making disclosure to its stockholders and/or (d) following receipt
of an unsolicited Transaction Proposal, failing to make or withdrawing or
modifying its recommendation that Dairy Queen stockholders approve and adopt the
Merger Agreement, but in each case referred to in the foregoing clauses (a)
through (d) only if and to the extent that the Dairy Queen Board has concluded
in good faith, after consulting with and considering the advice of outside
counsel, that such action is required by the Dairy Queen Board in the exercise
of its fiduciary duties; provided, further, that the Dairy Queen Board will not
take any of the foregoing actions referred to in clauses (a) through (d) until
after giving at least one business day's notice to Berkshire with respect to
such actions. In addition, if the Dairy Queen Board receives a Transaction
Proposal, Dairy Queen will promptly inform Berkshire in writing of the material
terms of such proposal and the identity of the person (or group) making it.
Dairy Queen also agreed to immediately cease and cause to be terminated any
existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any parties as of the date
of the Merger Agreement with respect to the foregoing. Dairy Queen also
acknowledged that any violation of the restrictions set forth above by any
director or executive officer of Dairy Queen or any of its subsidiaries or by
any investment banker, financial adviser, attorney, accountant or other
representative of Dairy Queen or any of its subsidiaries will be deemed to be a
breach of the Merger Agreement by Dairy Queen. For a description of the effects
that a Transaction Proposal prior to the Effective Time could have on the Merger
Agreement, see "--Termination" below.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF SURVIVING CORPORATION
The Merger Agreement provides that the directors of Merger Sub at the
Effective Time will be the directors of the Surviving Corporation and that the
officers of Dairy Queen at the Effective Time of the Merger will be officers of
the Surviving Corporation.
TERMINATION
The Merger Agreement may be terminated and abandoned at any time prior to
the Effective Time:
(i) by mutual written consent of Berkshire and Dairy Queen;
(ii) by either Berkshire or Dairy Queen (a) if any Federal, state or local
government or any court, administrative agency or commission or other
governmental authority or agency, domestic or foreign, has issued an
order, decree or ruling or taken any other action permanently
enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting the Merger and such
order, decree, ruling or other action has become final and
nonappealable; or (b) if the Merger has not been consummated on or
before March 31, 1998 (other than due to the failure of the party
seeking to terminate the Merger Agreement to perform its obligations
under such agreement required to be performed at or prior to the
Effective Time);
(iii) by Berkshire, (a) if the required approval of the stockholders of Dairy
Queen has not been obtained; (b) if the Dairy Queen Board has
withdrawn, modified or amended in any respect adverse to Berkshire or
Merger Sub its approval or recommendation of the Merger Agreement or
the Merger, failed as soon as practicable to mail the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus to its stockholders or failed to include in such
statement such recommendation, recommended any Transaction Proposal
from a person other than Berkshire or resolved to do any of the
foregoing; (c) if (1) Dairy Queen has exercised any of its rights
described under "--No Solicitations" above with respect to any
Transaction Proposal and has, directly or through agents or
representatives, continued discussions with any third party concerning
such Transaction Proposal for more than 10 business days after receipt
of such Transaction Proposal; or (2) (A) a Transaction Proposal that is
publicly disclosed which contains a proposal as to price (without
regard to whether such proposal specifies a specific price or a range
of potential prices) shall have been commenced, publicly proposed or
communicated to Dairy Queen and (B) Dairy Queen has not rejected such
proposal within the earlier of 10 business days of its receipt or the
date its existence first becomes publicly
40
<PAGE>
disclosed; or (iv) if Dairy Queen fails to perform any of its material
obligations under the Merger Agreement; or
(iv) by Dairy Queen, (a) if, in the appropriate exercise of its fiduciary
duties, the Dairy Queen Board fails to make or withdraws or modifies
its recommendation that Dairy Queen stockholders approve the Merger
under the circumstances described under "--No Solicitations" above; or
(b) if Berkshire or Merger Sub fails to perform any of their respective
material obligations under the Merger Agreement.
In the event of termination of the Merger Agreement by either Dairy Queen or
Berkshire, the Merger Agreement will become void and have no effect, without any
liability or obligation on the part of Berkshire, Merger Sub or Dairy Queen,
other than under certain specified provisions of the Merger Agreement relating
to the payment of expenses, and provided such termination shall not relieve any
party of its liability for any breach of any of its representations, warranties,
covenants or agreements set forth in the Merger Agreement.
FEES AND EXPENSES
Whether or not the Merger is consummated, all costs and expenses incurred in
connection with the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby
will be paid by the party incurring such expenses, except that expenses in
connection with the printing and mailing of this Proxy Statement/ Prospectus,
the Registration Statement and filing fees with the Commission, will be shared
equally between Berkshire and Dairy Queen.
AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
The Merger Agreement may be amended by the parties at any time before or
after required approval of the Merger by Dairy Queen stockholders; provided,
however, that after such approval, no amendment will be made that requires
stockholder approval unless such approval is obtained. Prior to the Effective
Time, the parties may (i) extend the time for the performance of any obligation
or other act of any other party to the Merger Agreement, (ii) waive any
inaccuracies in the representations and warranties contained in the Merger
Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant thereto or (iii) subject to any
required stockholder approval, waive compliance with any of the agreements or
conditions contained in the Merger Agreement.
41
<PAGE>
CAPITALIZATION
The table below sets forth the unaudited (i) consolidated capitalization of
Berkshire as of September 30, 1997, (ii) consolidated capitalization of Dairy
Queen as of August 29, 1997 and (iii) pro forma combined capitalization of
Berkshire as of September 30, 1997 giving effect to the Merger. The pro forma
data gives effect to the Merger under the purchase method of accounting. Because
the relative amounts of Cash Consideration and Stock Consideration in the Merger
depend upon, among other things, the elections of Dairy Queen stockholders and
the application of procedures to ensure that the Cash Consideration does not
exceed the Cash Limitation (see "THE MERGER--Merger Consideration" and "--Cash
Limitation"), two alternative scenarios of unaudited pro forma comparative per
share data are presented. Scenario 1 assumes that 55% of the total consideration
in the Merger is Cash Consideration and 45% of the total consideration is Stock
Consideration. Scenario 2 assumes that 100% of the total consideration is Stock
Consideration. This information should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements, related notes and other financial information pertaining to
Berkshire and Dairy Queen incorporated herein by reference.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRO FORMA
SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
UNAUDITED
BERKSHIRE DAIRY QUEEN ----------------------
HISTORICAL HISTORICAL SCENARIO 1 SCENARIO 2
SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AUGUST 29, 1997 MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
UNAUDITED UNAUDITED CASH STOCK
------------------ --------------- ---------- ----------
(IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Borrowing under investment agreements and other
debt:
Parent company................................. $ 1,200.1 $ -- $ 1,200.1 $ 1,200.1
Finance subsidiaries........................... 301.9 -- 301.9 301.9
Other subsidiaries............................. 632.1 13.7 645.8 645.8
Minority shareholder interests..................... 401.4 0.6 402.0 402.0
Shareholders' equity............................... 28,007.0 195.3 28,270.2 28,580.1
---------- ------ ---------- ----------
$ 30,542.5 $ 209.6 $ 30,820.0 $ 31,129.9
---------- ------ ---------- ----------
---------- ------ ---------- ----------
</TABLE>
BUSINESS OF BERKSHIRE
Berkshire is a holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of
diverse business activities. The most important of these is the property and
casualty insurance business, which Berkshire conducts through subsidiaries
referred to collectively as the Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Group. See "--
Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Group." The investment portfolios of the insurance
subsidiaries include meaningful equity ownership percentages of other
publicly-traded companies. See "--Common Stock Investments." In addition,
Berkshire publishes the BUFFALO NEWS, a daily and Sunday newspaper in upstate
New York, and its non-insurance subsidiaries engage in a variety of
manufacturing, publication, retail and service businesses. See "--Non-Insurance
Businesses."
Operating decisions for the various insurance and non-insurance businesses
of Berkshire are made by the managers of the business units. Investment
decisions and all other capital allocation decisions are made for Berkshire and
its subsidiaries by Mr. Buffett, Berkshire's Chairman, in consultation with Mr.
Munger, its Vice-Chairman.
42
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INSURANCE GROUP
Underwriting operations of the Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Group (the
"Group") are comprised of three sub-groups: (1) the direct insurance operations
of GEICO Corporation ("GEICO"), the seventh largest auto insurer in the United
States, (2) the reinsurance assumed business of National Indemnity Company and
certain affiliated companies and (3) various other direct insurance businesses.
The Group maintains capital strength at high levels, significantly higher
than normal in the industry. This capital strength differentiates Group members
from their competitors. For example, the Group's ratio of net premiums written
in 1996 to year-end 1996 statutory surplus was approximately 16%. In each of the
four years from 1992 through 1995 the Group's ratio of net premiums written to
year-end statutory surplus was 10% or less. The industry average net
premiums-to-surplus ratio from 1992 through 1996 ranged from 105% to 140% (based
on statistics published by A.M Best & Company). The Group's aggregate statutory
surplus has grown from $8.7 billion at year-end 1991 to over $26 billion at
year-end 1996. Group members are rated AAA by Standard and Poor's Corporation
with respect to their claims-paying abilities and are rated A++ (Superior) by
A.M Best with respect to their financial condition and operating performance.
Because it maintains large capital in relation to annual premiums written,
Berkshire can pay losses under the most adverse circumstances. This obvious
margin of safety is very attractive to the Group's insureds, and creates
opportunities for the Group to negotiate and enter into contracts of insurance
specially designed to meet unique needs of sophisticated insurance and
reinsurance buyers. Berkshire's capital base also allows the Group to issue and
retain policies with limits larger than other insurance companies are typically
prepared to write and retain. Finally, large capital combined with low overhead
allows the Group to respond to insurance opportunities with exceptional speed
and be selective about the business it writes. The Group can forbear from
writing policies when it perceives rates to be inadequate. Conversely, it can
more fully utilize its capital strength when better-than-industry-average
results may be expected.
DIRECT INSURANCE OF GEICO. GEICO became a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Berkshire on January 2, 1996. GEICO, through its own subsidiaries, is a multiple
line property casualty insurer, the principal business of which is writing
private passenger automobile insurance. GEICO markets its policies to
individuals in 48 states and the District of Columbia by direct response methods
in which customers apply directly over the phone or through the mail. This is a
major aspect of GEICO's strategy to be a low-cost provider of such coverages.
REINSURANCE. The Reinsurance Division of National Indemnity provides excess
of loss and quota share treaty reinsurance to other property/casualty insurers
and reinsurers. Minimal organizational resources, but huge financial resources,
are currently devoted to this business.
During 1990, management of the Group perceived declines in industry capacity
and competition for mega-catastrophe excess-of-loss reinsurance ("super-cat")
coverages. Consequently, National Indemnity has written coverages for a number
of such risks. Management believes that in recent years the Group has been the
largest provider in the world of this type of coverage. These coverages may
provide sizeable amounts of indemnification per contract, and a single event may
result in payments under a number of contracts. Berkshire's present underwriting
standards (which are subject to change) seek to limit Berkshire's exposure to a
pre-tax loss from a single event to $1 billion in excess of the premium earned.
This business can produce extreme volatility in reported periodic results.
Accounting consequences, however, do not influence decisions of Berkshire's
management with respect to this or any other business and this fact, plus the
Group's extraordinary financial strength, are believed to be the primary reasons
why the Group has become a major provider of these coverages.
Since 1992, there has been a substantial increase in catastrophe reinsurance
capacity for the industry. Most of the additional capacity has arisen from
equity capital raised by newly formed entities. Berkshire management has
observed that, in some instances, catastrophe reinsurance prices have fallen
below the
43
<PAGE>
amounts that it considered adequate. However, during 1996, the Group took on
some major catastrophe exposures. In July 1996, a large contract was entered
into with an affiliate of Allstate Insurance Company covering property risks in
the State of Florida. At the end of 1996, the Group entered into a reinsurance
contract with the newly formed California Earthquake Authority ("CEA"). The
contract, which went into effect on April 1, 1997, provides the CEA with a
reinsurance layer of approximately $1 billion which would be called upon to the
extent the CEA's aggregate losses in the four year period ending March 31, 2001
exceed $5 billion.
In recent years, the Group has entered into several non-traditional
reinsurance arrangements known as finite-risk contracts. These contracts have
been significant to the Group's business and the property/ casualty insurance
marketplace. These reinsurance agreements provide essentially traditional
coverages but also contractually establish minimum and maximum payouts by the
reinsurer. Minimum payout requirements may call for repayments to the reinsured,
on specified dates, of sums not otherwise paid out by the reinsurer as losses.
The amount of risk transferred, while significant, is limited. Because the
period over which claims are expected to be paid can be lengthy, the time value
of money is an important element in pricing and setting terms for these
contracts. Transaction amounts and limits of indemnification are likely to be
large. In addition, a single contract may relate to loss occurrences in a number
of lines of business that span a number of years.
Providers of such non-traditional products need significant financial
strength. Increased competition for such business and new accounting standards
for ceding companies have limited the number of opportunities to write such
business, particularly with respect to retroactive reinsurance coverages of past
loss events. However, the occasional acceptance of such business continues to
produce considerable premium volume.
OTHER DIRECT INSURANCE BUSINESSES. Other Group members engaged in direct
insurance underwrite multiple lines of principally casualty coverages nationwide
for primarily commercial accounts. These members write business through
insurance agents and brokers. The traditional business of National Indemnity has
been largely in providing liability coverages for commercial truck and bus
operators and related commercial transportation activities that require
specialized underwriting knowledge and techniques. The Commercial Casualty
Division and Professional Liability and Special Risk Division of National
Indemnity solicit and underwrite especially large or unusual risks. Other member
companies, referred to as "homestate operations," market various commercial
coverages for standard risks to insureds in an increasing number of selected
states. The Group also insures the credit card debt of policyholders through
Berkshire's 82%-owned Central States Indemnity Company of Omaha, which markets
to individuals through credit card issuers nationwide. In addition, the Group,
through its 80.1%-owned Kansas Bankers Surety, provides primarily crime,
fidelity, errors and omissions, officers and directors liability and related
insurance coverages directed toward small and medium-sized banks throughout the
midwestern United States.
UNDERWRITING RESULTS AND "FLOAT". The increases in reinsurance business in
recent years have produced an exceptional increase in the amount of "float"
generated by the Group. Float is an estimate of the net investable funds
provided by policyholders to the Group and held by it prior to payment of claims
and claims adjustment expenses. Float arises because of the time lapse between
the dates premiums are received from policyholders and the dates policy costs,
primarily losses and loss adjustment expenses, are paid by the insurer. Float
equals the sum of unpaid losses, unpaid loss adjustment expenses, unearned
premiums and other liabilities to policyholders less the aggregate of premium
balances receivable, amounts recoverable as reinsurance on paid and unpaid
losses, deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred charges applicable to
assumed reinsurance and prepaid income taxes. The Group generates float in
exceptional amounts relative to premium volume. Since 1967, when Berkshire
entered the insurance business, its float has grown at an annual compounded rate
of 22.3%.
44
<PAGE>
The "cost" of float in any year is the underwriting loss that occurs when
premiums earned by an insurer are less than losses and expenses incurred by the
insurer for the year. In years when an underwriting profit is achieved, as the
Group has in each of the past four years, the "cost" of float is negative; that
is, the Group has had access to money at no cost. The following table shows the
Group's pre-tax underwriting profit or loss, average float, and approximate cost
of float (compared to the year-end yield on long-term U.S. Treasury bonds) for
the past five years:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(1) YEAR-END
UNDERWRITING (2) APPROXIMATE YIELD ON LONG-TERM
GAIN (LOSS) AVERAGE FLOAT COST OF FUNDS GOVERNMENT BONDS
--------------- -------------- ----------------- -------------------
(IN $MILLIONS) (IN $MILLIONS) (RATIO OF 1 TO 2)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1992............................... (109.0) 2,290.4 4.76% 7.39%
1993............................... 30.0 2,624.7 less than zero 6.35%
1994............................... 129.0 3,056.6 less than zero 7.88%
1995............................... 19.6 3,607.2 less than zero 5.95%
1996*.............................. 230.7 6,702.0 less than zero 6.64%
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Beginning in 1996, underwriting gain (loss) and average float include GEICO.
Underwriting results from the last four years have benefitted from the
profitability of the super-cat business (see "CERTAIN RISK FACTORS AND
INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS").
COMMON STOCK INVESTMENTS
Berkshire's investment portfolio, held principally through insurance
subsidiaries, includes marketable equity securities valued at approximately
$32.2 billion as of September 30, 1997. Such investments include:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APPROXIMATE PERCENTAGE
OF CAPITAL STOCK
-------------------------
<S> <C>
American Express Company.......................... 10.5%
The Coca-Cola Company............................. 8.0%
The Walt Disney Company........................... 3.5%
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Company................ 9.5%
The Gillette Company.............................. 8.5%
Salomon Inc....................................... 18.0%*
The Washington Post Company....................... 16.0%
Wells Fargo & Company............................. 9.0%
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Includes convertible preferred stock with a carrying value of $829.5 million
as of September 30, 1997 not included in the $32.2 billion stated above.
Much information about these publicly owned companies is available,
including that released from time to time by the companies themselves.
Mr. Buffett and Mr. Munger select marketable equity securities in much the
same way as they evaluate a business for acquisition in its entirety. They seek
businesses that they can understand, with favorable long-term prospects,
operated by honest and competent people, and available at an attractive price.
When pro-rata portions of outstanding businesses sell in the securities markets
at discounts from the prices they would command in negotiated transactions
involving entire companies, bargains in business ownership that are not
available through corporate acquisition can be obtained indirectly through
minority stock ownership.
Berkshire is willing to take very large positions in selected companies, not
with an intention of taking control, but with the expectation that excellent
business results by corporations will translate over the long
45
<PAGE>
term into correspondingly excellent market value and dividend results for
owners, minority as well as majority. Large positions of the type reflected in
the table above may be less liquid than smaller positions, in that such large
positions often cannot be sold readily without causing a decline in market
value. However, Berkshire is willing to hold such positions for the very long
term.
NON-INSURANCE BUSINESSES OF BERKSHIRE
Berkshire's non-insurance businesses engage in a variety of manufacturing,
publication, retail, and service activities. Mr. Buffett and Mr. Munger apply
the same economic principles in acquiring whole businesses as in acquiring
marketable equity securities. They seek businesses they understand, with
demonstrated consistent earning power, good returns on equity while employing
little or no debt, and competent management in place. Applying these criteria,
Berkshire has accumulated over many years a collection of businesses operated by
managers, whom Mr. Buffett and Mr. Munger admire and trust, working with
extraordinary autonomy. Berkshire's non-insurance businesses consist primarily
of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRODUCT OR SERVICE
--------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
See's Candies Manufacture and distribution of candy at retail and by
catalog solicitation
World Book Publication and marketing of encyclopedias and other
reference materials, principally by the direct sales
method
Kirby, Douglas and Cleveland Wood Divisions of The Scott Manufacture and sale of home cleaning systems,
Fetzer Company principally to distributors
Nebraska Furniture Mart, R.C. Willey Home Furnishings Retailing of home furnishings
and Star Furniture Company
Buffalo News Publication of a daily and Sunday newspaper
H. H. Brown Shoe Co., Lowell Shoe, Inc. and Dexter Shoe Manufacture, importing and distribution of shoes at
Companies wholesale and retail
Fechheimer Bros. Co. Manufacture and distribution of uniforms at wholesale
and retail
Borsheim's Jewelry and Helzberg's Diamond Shops Retailing of fine jewelry
Scott Fetzer Financial Group and other finance companies Consumer and commercial financing and annuities
Campbell Hausfeld and other Scott Fetzer Manufacturing Manufacture and sale of diverse industrial and consumer
Group companies products
FlightSafety International High-technology training for operators of aircraft and
ships
</TABLE>
46
<PAGE>
BUSINESS OF DAIRY QUEEN
Dairy Queen develops, licenses and services a system of 5,796 Dairy Queen
stores in the United States, Canada and other foreign countries featuring
hamburgers, hot dogs, various dairy desserts and beverages, 34 of which are
wholly or jointly owned and operated by subsidiaries of Dairy Queen; 414 Orange
Julius stores in the United States, Canada and other foreign countries featuring
blended drinks made from orange juice, fruits and fruit flavors, along with
various snack items; and 46 Karmelkorn stores featuring popcorn and other treat
items.
To support and promote the businesses of its franchisees, Dairy Queen
undertakes product development and market testing, creates and coordinates
advertising programs, provides training and advisory services for store
operators and enforces quality control standards. A major portion of Dairy
Queen's operating income is derived from franchise service fees paid by
franchised stores and stores licensed by territorial operators. Dairy Queen also
sells equipment to stores and sells other products used in store operations to a
system of independently-owned warehouses, which also purchase approved products
from other suppliers. These warehouses in turn sell products to retail stores in
their geographical areas.
Except for providing financing for the sale of specialized equipment to its
franchisees, offering financing services for the remodeling of existing
franchised stores and for providing certain leasing services for stores located
in shopping malls, Dairy Queen has not generally provided financial assistance
or guarantees for the construction or operation of franchised stores.
FRANCHISING SYSTEM
DAIRY QUEEN. Stores are located in all states, except Rhode Island, as well
as Canada, Japan and several other countries. Most stores are located in smaller
towns and suburbs of larger cities. Some franchised stores offer only soft serve
dairy products, while others also offer some or all of the food items in the
Brazier line. Dairy Queen endeavors to have its Dairy Queen franchisees offer a
more complete line of authorized products.
Dairy Queen/Brazier stores offer a menu of fast food items, including
hamburgers, various dairy desserts (including soft serve and frozen yogurt) and
beverages which are marketed under the Dairy Queen and Brazier trademarks.
Retail prices are determined by the store operators.
Dairy Queen franchises Dairy Queen stores either directly through agreements
with individual retail store operators or indirectly through agreements with
territorial operators who are authorized to grant franchise rights to store
operators within a specified territory.
DAIRY QUEEN TREAT CENTER. With the acquisition of Karmelkorn in 1986 and
Orange Julius in 1987, the Dairy Queen Treat Center concept emerged. This
franchising concept combines Dairy Queen treat items together with either or
both Orange Julius and Karmelkorn menu items under one storefront generally
within a shopping mall. By combining the products of these franchising systems,
Dairy Queen seeks to substantially increase store sales volumes in order to
support the signing of leases that would be too expensive for a one product-line
store.
ORANGE JULIUS. In August 1987, Dairy Queen acquired Orange Julius of
America and Orange Julius Canada Limited, franchisors of retail stores which
feature blended drinks made from orange juice, fruits and fruit flavors. Most of
the stores are located in shopping malls.
KARMELKORN. In March 1986, Dairy Queen acquired Karmelkorn Shoppes, Inc., a
franchisor of retail stores which sells popcorn, candy and other treat items.
Most of the stores are located in shopping malls.
GOLDEN SKILLET. In December 1981, Dairy Queen acquired the United States
and international (exclusive of Canada) franchise rights and other selected
assets of the Golden Skillet system. Golden Skillet stores feature fried chicken
and side dishes. In October 1992, Dairy Queen assigned the franchises,
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trademarks and related assets for Golden Skillet in the contiguous 48 United
States and the District of Columbia to a non-affiliated company. Dairy Queen
continues to hold the Golden Skillet franchises and rights for the rest of the
world.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE SETS FORTH CERTAIN INFORMATION AS TO THE NUMBER OF STORES IN
THE DAIRY QUEEN, ORANGE JULIUS, KARMELKORN AND GOLDEN SKILLET SYSTEMS.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONVERTED
TOTAL TO TREAT OWNERSHIP TOTAL
11/30/96 OPENED CLOSED CENTERS CHANGES 8/27/97
--------- --------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dairy Queen system
United States
Franchised by Dairy Queen:
Dairy Queen stores........... 3,274 53 (69) 0 0 3,258
Treat Center units........... 150 14 (3) 1 0 162
Franchised by territorial
operators.................... 1,577 61 (28) (1) 0 1,609
Company operated stores........ 34 0 0 0 0 34
--------- --- --- --- --- ---------
5,035 128 (100) 0 0 5,063
Canada
Franchised by Dairy Queen:
Dairy Queen stores........... 458 13 0 0 0 471
Treat Center units........... 21 1 0 2 0 24
--------- --- --- --- --- ---------
479 14 0 2 0 495
Other foreign.................... 202 48 (12) 0 0 238
--------- --- --- --- --- ---------
Total Dairy Queen stores....... 5,716 190 (112) 2 0 5,796
Orange Julius stores............... 421 19 (24) (2) 0 414
Karmelkorn shoppes................. 61 0 (15) 0 0 46
Golden Skillet restaurants......... 21 1 0 0 0 22
--------- --- --- --- --- ---------
--------- --- --- --- --- ---------
Total.............................. 6,219 210 (151) 0 0 6,278
</TABLE>
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DESCRIPTION OF BERKSHIRE COMMON STOCK
The authorized capital stock of Berkshire consists of 1,500,000 shares of
Berkshire Class A Stock, 50,000,000 shares of Berkshire Class B Stock and
1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value per share ("Berkshire
Preferred Stock").
The following summary of certain provisions of the Berkshire Class A Stock,
Berkshire Class B Stock and Berkshire Preferred Stock does not purport to be
complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of
applicable law and Berkshire's Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
The holders of outstanding shares of Berkshire Class A Stock are entitled to
one vote, and the holders of outstanding shares of Berkshire Class B Stock are
entitled to one-two-hundredth (1/200th) of a vote, for each share held of record
on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Unless otherwise required by
the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"), the Berkshire Class A Stock
and Berkshire Class B Stock vote as a single class with respect to all matters
submitted to a vote of stockholders of Berkshire.
Mr. Buffett owns 39.9% of the Berkshire Class A Stock, and he shares voting
and investment power over another 3.1% of such stock, which is owned by his
wife, Susan T. Buffett, and 0.4% of such stock, which is owned by trusts of
which he is trustee but in which he has no economic interest. Mr. and Mrs.
Buffett have entered into a voting agreement with Berkshire providing that,
should the voting power of shares held by Mr. and Mrs. Buffett and the trust
exceed 49.9% of the total voting power of Berkshire voting securities, they will
vote their shares in excess of that percentage proportionally with the votes of
the other Berkshire stockholders.
Each share of Berkshire Class A Stock may be converted into thirty (30)
shares of Berkshire Class B Stock at the holder's option at any time. Shares of
Berkshire Class B Stock are not convertible into Berkshire Class A Stock or any
other security.
Holders of Berkshire Class A Stock are entitled to receive ratably such
dividends as may be declared by the Berkshire Board out of funds legally
available therefor. Holders of Berkshire Class B Stock will be entitled to
dividends equal to one-thirtieth (1/30th) of the amount per share declared by
Berkshire's Board for each share of Berkshire Class A Stock. Dividends with
respect to the Berkshire Class B Stock will be paid in the same form and at the
same time as dividends with respect to Berkshire Class A Stock, except that, in
the event of a stock split or stock dividend, holders of Berkshire Class A Stock
will receive shares of Berkshire Class A Stock and holders of Berkshire Class B
Stock will receive shares of Berkshire Class B Stock, unless otherwise
specifically designated by resolution of the Berkshire Board. Berkshire has not
declared a cash dividend since 1967 and has no present intention to pay a
dividend on Berkshire Class A Stock or on Berkshire Class B Stock in the future.
In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of Berkshire,
holders of Berkshire Class A Stock and Berkshire Class B Stock are entitled to
share ratably in all assets remaining after the payment of liabilities, with
holders of Berkshire Class B Stock entitled to receive per share one-thirtieth
(1/30th) of any amount per share received by holders of Berkshire Class A Stock.
Neither holders of Berkshire Class A Stock nor Berkshire Class B Stock shall
have preemptive rights to subscribe for additional shares of either class. All
shares of Berkshire Class A Stock and Berkshire Class B Stock outstanding upon
completion of this offering will be fully paid and nonassessable.
NO SHARES OF BERKSHIRE PREFERRED STOCK ARE PRESENTLY OUTSTANDING. In the
future, Berkshire may issue the Berkshire Preferred Stock in one or more series.
The Berkshire Board is authorized to determine, with respect to each series of
Berkshire Preferred Stock which may be issued, the powers, designations,
preferences, and rights of the shares of such series and the qualifications,
limitations, or restrictions thereof, including any dividend rate, redemption
rights, liquidation preferences, sinking fund terms, conversion rights, voting
rights and any other preferences or special rights and qualifications. The
effect of any issuance of the Berkshire Preferred Stock upon the rights of
holders of the Berkshire Class A Stock and Berkshire Class B Stock depends upon
the respective powers, designations, preferences, rights,
49
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qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the shares of one or more series
of Berkshire Preferred Stock as determined by the Berkshire Board. Such effects
might include dilution of the voting power of the Berkshire Class A Stock and
Berkshire Class B Stock, the subordination of the rights of holders of Berkshire
Class A Stock and Berkshire Class B Stock to share in Berkshire's assets upon
liquidation, and a reduction in the amount otherwise available for payment of
dividends on Berkshire Class A Stock and Berkshire Class B Stock.
COMPARISON OF THE RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF
BERKSHIRE COMMON STOCK AND DAIRY QUEEN COMMON STOCK
Berkshire and Dairy Queen are both incorporated under the laws of the State
of Delaware. If the Merger is consummated, certain Dairy Queen stockholders will
become Berkshire stockholders. As stockholders of Berkshire, their rights will
be governed by Berkshire's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended
(the "Berkshire Certificate"), and By-laws (the "Berkshire By-laws") rather than
Dairy Queen's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (the "Dairy
Queen Certificate"), and By-laws (the "Dairy Queen By-laws").
Certain differences between the Berkshire Certificate and Berkshire By-laws
and the Dairy Queen Certificate and Dairy Queen By-laws affecting stockholders'
rights are summarized below. The summaries do not purport to be complete and are
qualified in their entirety by reference to the Berkshire Certificate, Berkshire
By-laws, Dairy Queen Certificate and Dairy Queen By-laws, as applicable.
DIRECTORS
NUMBER. Under the DGCL, the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of a
corporation may specify the number of directors. The Berkshire By-laws provide
that the number of Berkshire directors will be determined by the Berkshire
Board. The Dairy Queen By-laws provide that the number of directors shall be not
less than three nor more than fifteen, as determined by a resolution of the
Dairy Queen Board or by the stockholders at the annual meeting.
REMOVAL. Under the Berkshire By-laws, a director may be removed with or
without cause by holders of a majority of shares issued and outstanding and
entitled to vote in the election of directors.
The Dairy Queen Certificate and Dairy Queen By-laws do not provide for
removal of directors.
VACANCIES. Under the Berkshire By-laws, a vacancy on the Berkshire Board
may be filled by a vote of the stockholders at a meeting called for that
purpose, or by a majority of directors then in office, even though less than a
quorum, or by a sole remaining director. Under the Dairy Queen By-laws, a
vacancy on the Dairy Queen Board may be filled by a majority of directors then
in office, even though less than a quorum.
ANNUAL AND SPECIAL STOCKHOLDER MEETINGS
ANNUAL MEETINGS. The Dairy Queen By-laws provide for an annual meeting of
stockholders to be held generally on the fourth Monday of March. The Berkshire
By-laws provide for an annual meeting to be held generally on the first Monday
in May.
SPECIAL STOCKHOLDER MEETINGS. The Berkshire By-laws provide that a special
meeting of stockholders may be called at any time by the Chairman of the Board
or the Berkshire Board. A special meeting may also be called by Berkshire's
Secretary, or in the case of his death, absence, incapacity or refusal, by an
assistant secretary or other officer, upon application of a majority of
directors or stockholders who hold at least 50% of Berkshire's issued and
outstanding capital stock.
The Dairy Queen By-laws provide that a special meeting of stockholders may
be called at any time by the President or the Board of Directors. A special
meeting may also be called by the President or the
50
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Secretary, upon application in writing of stockholders who hold at least 50% of
Dairy Queen's issued and outstanding capital stock.
NOTICES. Under the Berkshire By-laws, a written notice of each meeting of
stockholders stating the place, date and hour thereof and, in the case of a
special meeting, the purposes for which the meeting is called, must be given not
less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of such meeting.
Under the Dairy Queen By-laws, a written notice of each meeting of
stockholders stating the place, date and hour thereof and, in the case of a
special meeting, the purposes for which the meeting is called, must be given not
less than 10 nor more than 50 days before the date of such meeting.
EXPERTS
The financial statements and the related financial statement schedules
incorporated in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus by reference from Berkshire's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996 have been
audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their
reports, which are incorporated herein by reference, and have been so
incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their
authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
The financial statements of Dairy Queen appearing in Dairy Queen's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 1996, have been audited by
Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon
included therein and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements
are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given upon the
authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the Berkshire Common Stock offered hereby will be passed
upon for Berkshire by Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP, Los Angeles, California,
counsel to Berkshire.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 1998 DAIRY QUEEN ANNUAL MEETING
If the Merger is not consummated, it is currently anticipated, subject to
postponement, that the 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Dairy Queen will
be held on or about March , 1998. If such meeting is held, stockholder
proposals intended to be presented at such meeting must be received by Dairy
Queen not later than November , 1997 for inclusion in the proxy materials for
such meeting.
51
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ANNEX I
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
DATED AS OF OCTOBER 21, 1997
AMONG
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
QDI, INC.
AND
INTERNATIONAL DAIRY QUEEN, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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ARTICLE 1 THE MERGER........................................................................................ 4
1.1 The Merger....................................................................................... 4
1.2 Closing.......................................................................................... 4
1.3 Effective Time of the Merger..................................................................... 5
1.4 Effects of the Merger............................................................................ 5
1.5 Certificate of Incorporation; Bylaws............................................................. 5
1.6 Directors........................................................................................ 5
1.7 Officers......................................................................................... 5
ARTICLE 2 EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON THE CAPITAL STOCK OF THE CONSTITUENT CORPORATIONS.........................
5
2.1 Effect on Capital Stock.......................................................................... 5
(a) Common Stock of Sub................................................................... 5
(b) Cancellation of Treasury Stock and Parent-Owned Company Common Stock.................. 5
(c) Conversion of Company Common Stock.................................................... 5
(d) Cancellation and Retirement of Company Common Stock................................... 6
2.2 Company Common Stock Elections................................................................... 6
2.3 Issuance of Stock Consideration and Payment of Cash Election Price............................... 7
2.4 Stock Plans...................................................................................... 9
2.5 Exchange of Certificates......................................................................... 9
(a) Exchange Agent........................................................................ 9
(b) Exchange Procedures................................................................... 9
(c) Distributions with Respect to Unexchanged Shares...................................... 10
(d) No Further Ownership Rights in Company Common Stock................................... 10
(e) No Fractional Shares.................................................................. 10
(f) Termination of Exchange Fund.......................................................... 11
(g) No Liability.......................................................................... 11
(h) Investment of Exchange Fund........................................................... 11
ARTICLE 3 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.................................................................... 11
3.1 Representations and Warranties of the Company.................................................... 11
(a) Organization, Standing and Corporate Power............................................ 11
(b) Subsidiaries.......................................................................... 12
(c) Capital Structure..................................................................... 12
(d) Authority; Noncontravention........................................................... 12
(e) SEC Documents; Undisclosed Liabilities................................................ 13
(f) Information Supplied.................................................................. 14
(g) Absence of Certain Changes or Events.................................................. 14
(h) Litigation; Labor Matters; Compliance with Laws....................................... 14
(i) Employee Matters...................................................................... 15
(j) Tax Returns and Tax Payments.......................................................... 15
(k) State Antitakeover Laws Not Applicable................................................ 16
(l) Environmental Matters................................................................. 16
(m) Properties............................................................................ 16
(n) Brokers............................................................................... 17
(o) Opinion of Financial Advisor.......................................................... 17
(p) Board Recommendation.................................................................. 17
(q) Required Company Vote................................................................. 17
</TABLE>
Annex I-1
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3.2 Representations and Warranties of Parent......................................................... 17
(a) Organization, Standing and Corporate Power............................................ 17
(b) Subsidiaries.......................................................................... 17
(c) Capital Structure..................................................................... 17
(d) Authority; Noncontravention........................................................... 18
(e) SEC Documents; Undisclosed Liabilities................................................ 19
(f) Information Supplied.................................................................. 19
(g) Absence of Certain Changes or Events.................................................. 19
(h) Interim Operations of Sub............................................................. 20
(i) Brokers............................................................................... 20
ARTICLE 4 COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PRIOR TO MERGER.........................................
20
4.1 Conduct of Business of the Company............................................................... 20
ARTICLE 5 ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS............................................................................. 22
5.1 Preparation of Form S-4 and the Proxy Statement; Stockholder Meetings............................ 22
5.2 Letter of the Company's Accountants.............................................................. 22
5.3 Parent Access to Information..................................................................... 22
5.4 Best Efforts..................................................................................... 23
5.5 Indemnification.................................................................................. 23
5.6 Expenses......................................................................................... 24
5.7 Public Announcements............................................................................. 24
5.8 Affiliates....................................................................................... 24
5.9 Stock Exchange Listing........................................................................... 24
5.10 Takeover Statutes................................................................................ 24
5.11 No Solicitation.................................................................................. 24
5.12 Certain Agreements............................................................................... 25
5.13 Employee Benefits................................................................................ 25
ARTICLE 6 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.............................................................................. 26
6.1 Conditions to Each Party's Obligation To Effect the Merger....................................... 26
(a) Company Stockholder Approval.......................................................... 26
(b) NYSE Listing.......................................................................... 26
(c) HSR Act............................................................................... 26
(d) No Injunctions or Restraints.......................................................... 26
(e) Form S-4.............................................................................. 26
6.2 Conditions to Obligation of Parent and Sub....................................................... 26
(a) Representations and Warranties........................................................ 26
(b) Performance of Obligations of the Company............................................. 26
(c) Tax Opinion........................................................................... 26
(d) Consents, etc......................................................................... 26
(e) Affiliate Letters..................................................................... 27
(f) Continuity of Interest Agreement...................................................... 27
(g) Opinion of Counsel to the Company..................................................... 27
6.3 Conditions to Obligation of the Company.......................................................... 27
(a) Representations and Warranties........................................................ 27
(b) Performance of Obligations of Parent and Sub.......................................... 27
(c) Tax Opinion........................................................................... 27
(d) Opinion of Counsel to Parent.......................................................... 28
</TABLE>
Annex I-2
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ARTICLE 7 TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER................................................................. 28
7.1 Termination...................................................................................... 28
7.2 Effect of Termination............................................................................ 29
7.3 Amendment........................................................................................ 29
7.4 Extension; Waiver................................................................................ 29
ARTICLE 8 GENERAL PROVISIONS................................................................................ 29
8.1 Nonsurvival of Representations and Warranties.................................................... 29
8.2 Notices.......................................................................................... 29
8.3 Definitions...................................................................................... 30
8.4 Interpretation................................................................................... 30
8.5 Counterparts..................................................................................... 30
8.6 Entire Agreement; No Third-party Beneficiaries................................................... 30
8.7 Governing Law.................................................................................... 30
8.8 Assignment....................................................................................... 31
8.9 Enforcement...................................................................................... 31
8.10 Severability..................................................................................... 31
</TABLE>
Annex I-3
<PAGE>
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (the "Agreement") is entered into as of
October 21, 1997, by and among Berkshire Hathaway Inc., a Delaware corporation
("Parent"), QDI, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly owned
subsidiary of Parent ("Sub"), and International Dairy Queen, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of Parent and the Company have approved,
and deem it advisable and in the best interests of their respective companies
and stockholders to consummate, a merger of the Company with and into Sub (the
"Merger"), with Sub as the surviving corporation in the Merger, upon the terms
and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, pursuant to which
each share of Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company
("Company Class A Stock") and each share of Class B Common Stock, par value $.01
per share, of the Company ("Company Class B Stock" and together with the Company
Class A Stock, "Company Common Stock") issued and outstanding immediately prior
to the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.3), other than shares of Company
Common Stock owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company or any subsidiary (as
defined in Section 8.3) of the Company or by Parent, Sub or any other subsidiary
of Parent, will be converted into the right to receive, at the elections of the
holders of Company Common Stock, subject to the terms hereof, a portion of a
share of Class A Common Stock, $5.00 par value per share, of Parent ("Parent
Class A Stock"), or a portion of a share of Class B Common Stock, $.1667 par
value per share, of Parent ("Parent Class B Stock," and together with the Parent
Class A Stock, "Parent Stock"), or cash;
WHEREAS, the Merger and this Agreement require the vote of a majority of the
outstanding shares of Company Class B Common Stock entitled to vote thereon for
the approval thereof (the "Company Stockholder Approval");
WHEREAS, in order to induce Parent to enter into this Agreement,
concurrently with the execution hereof, various shareholders of the Company have
entered into a Shareholders' Agreement (the "Shareholders' Agreement") with
Parent with respect to the Company Common Stock held by such shareholders; and
WHEREAS, for United States Federal income tax purposes, it is intended that
the Merger shall qualify as a reorganization under the provisions of Section 368
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and this Agreement
is intended to be and is adopted as a plan of reorganization within the meaning
of Section 368 of the Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as
follows:
ARTICLE 1
THE MERGER
1.1 THE MERGER. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in
this Agreement, and in accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law (the
"DGCL"), the Company shall be merged with and into Sub at the Effective Time.
Upon the Effective Time, the separate existence of the Company shall cease, and
Sub shall continue as the surviving corporation (the "Surviving Corporation")
having the name International Dairy Queen, Inc.
1.2 CLOSING. Unless this Agreement shall have been terminated and the
transactions herein contemplated shall have been abandoned pursuant to Section
7.1, and subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in
Article 6, the closing of the Merger (the "Closing") will take place at 10:00
a.m. Eastern time on the second business day after satisfaction of the
conditions set forth in Section 6.1 (or, if
Annex I-4
<PAGE>
not satisfied or waived at that time, as soon as practicable thereafter
following satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Sections 6.2 and
6.3) (the "Closing Date"), at the offices of Gray, Plant, Mooty, Mooty, &
Bennet, P.A., 3400 City Center, 33 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota,
unless another date, time or place is agreed to in writing by the parties
hereto.
1.3 EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE MERGER. On the Closing Date, the parties shall
file a certificate of merger or other appropriate documents (in any such case,
the "Certificate of Merger") executed in accordance with the relevant provisions
of the DGCL and shall make all other filings or recordings required under the
DGCL. The Merger shall become effective at such time as the Certificate of
Merger is duly filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, or at
such other time as is permissible in accordance with the DGCL and as Parent and
the Company shall agree should be specified in the Certificate of Merger (the
time the Merger becomes effective being the "Effective Time").
1.4 EFFECTS OF THE MERGER. The Merger shall have the effects set forth in
the DGCL.
1.5 CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION; BYLAWS.
(a) The Certificate of Incorporation of the Company as in effect immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall be the Certificate of Incorporation of the
Surviving Corporation until thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or
by applicable law.
(b) The Bylaws of the Company as in effect at the Effective Time shall be
the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter changed or amended as
provided therein or by applicable law.
1.6 DIRECTORS. The directors of Sub at the Effective Time shall be the
directors of the Surviving Corporation, until the earlier of their resignation
or removal or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified,
as the case may be.
1.7 OFFICERS. The officers of the Company at the Effective Time shall be
the officers of the Surviving Corporation, until the earlier of their
resignation or removal or until their respective successors are duly appointed
and qualified, as the case may be.
ARTICLE 2
EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON THE CAPITAL STOCK
OF THE CONSTITUENT CORPORATIONS
2.1 EFFECT ON CAPITAL STOCK. As of the Effective Time, by virtue of the
Merger and without any action on the part of the holder of any shares of Company
Common Stock or any shares of capital stock of Sub:
(a) COMMON STOCK OF SUB. Each share of common stock of Sub issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into one
share of Class B Common Stock of the Surviving Corporation and shall be the
issued and outstanding capital stock of the Surviving Corporation.
(b) CANCELLATION OF TREASURY STOCK AND PARENT-OWNED COMPANY COMMON STOCK.
Each share of the Company Common Stock that is owned by the Company or by any
subsidiary of the Company, and each share of Company Common Stock that is owned
by Parent, Sub or any other subsidiary of Parent shall automatically be
cancelled and retired and shall cease to exist, and no cash, Parent Stock or
other consideration shall be delivered or deliverable in exchange therefor.
(c) CONVERSION OF COMPANY COMMON STOCK. Except as otherwise provided herein
and subject to Sections 2.3 and 2.5, each issued and outstanding share of
Company Common Stock shall be converted into the following (the consideration
described in (i), (ii), and (iii) below being the "Merger Consideration" and the
consideration described in (ii) and (iii) below being the "Stock
Consideration"):
Annex I-5
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(i) for each such share of Company Common Stock with respect to which an
election to receive cash has been effectively made and not revoked pursuant
to Sections 2.2(c), (d) and (e) ("Cash Electing Shares"), the right to
receive $27.00 in cash from Parent (the "Cash Election Price"); or
(ii) for each share of Company Common Stock with respect to which an
election to receive Parent Class A Stock has been effectively made and not
revoked pursuant to Sections 2.2(c), (d) and (e) ("Parent Class A Electing
Shares"), the right to receive from Parent the portion of a fully paid and
nonassessable share of Parent Class A Stock determined by dividing $26.00 by
the Average Parent Class A Stock Price (as defined below) and rounding to
nine decimal places (the "Parent Class A Exchange Ratio"); or
(iii) for each such share of Company Common Stock with respect to which
an election to receive Parent Class B Stock has been effectively made and
not revoked pursuant to Sections 2.2(c), (d) and (e) or with respect to
which none of the elections permitted by this Section 2.1 has been
effectively made and not revoked ("Parent Class B Electing Shares"), the
right to receive from Parent the portion of a fully paid and nonassessable
share of Parent Class B Stock determined by multiplying the Parent Class A
Exchange Ratio by 30 and rounding to nine decimal places (the "Parent Class
B Exchange Ratio").
The "Average Parent Class A Stock Price" means the average of the high and
low trading prices of the Parent Class A Stock on the New York Stock Exchange
("NYSE") Composite Tape for each of the five consecutive trading days ending on
the trading day which is the last business day prior to the Stockholders Meeting
(as defined in Section 5.1(b)).
(d) CANCELLATION AND RETIREMENT OF COMPANY COMMON STOCK. As of the Effective
Time, all shares of Company Common Stock (other than shares referred to in
Section 2.1(b)) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time,
shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be cancelled and retired
and shall cease to exist, and each holder of a certificate representing any such
shares of Company Common Stock shall cease to have any rights with respect
thereto, except the right to receive the applicable Merger Consideration in
accordance with Section 2.1(c) and any cash in lieu of fractional shares of
Parent Stock to be issued or paid in consideration therefor upon surrender of
such certificate in accordance with Section 2.5.
2.2 COMPANY COMMON STOCK ELECTIONS.
(a) Subject to Sections 2.3 and 2.5(e), each person who, on or prior to the
Election Date referred to in (c) below, is a record holder of shares of Company
Common Stock (and remains a record holder of such stock until the Effective
Time) will be entitled, with respect to all or any portion of his shares, to
make an unconditional election (a "Cash Election," a "Parent Class A Election,"
or a "Parent Class B Election" as the case may be) on or prior to such Election
Date to receive the Cash Election Price, the Parent Class A Exchange Ratio, or
the Parent Class B Exchange Ratio, respectively, on the basis hereinafter set
forth.
(b) Prior to the mailing of the Proxy Statement (as defined in Section
3.1(d)), Parent shall appoint a bank or trust company designated by Parent and
reasonably satisfactory to the Company to act as exchange agent (the "Exchange
Agent") for the payment of the Merger Consideration.
(c) Parent shall prepare and mail a form of election (the "Form of
Election") with the Proxy Statement to the record holders of Company Common
Stock as of the record date for the Stockholders Meeting. The Form of Election
shall be used by each record holder of shares of Company Common Stock who wishes
to elect to receive the Cash Election Price, the Parent Class A Exchange Ratio,
or the Parent Class B Exchange Ratio for any or all shares of Company Common
Stock held by such holder. On such Form of Election, such a holder may indicate
his election. The Company will use its best efforts to make the Form of Election
and the Proxy Statement available to all persons who become holders of Company
Common Stock during the period between such record date and the Election Date
referred to below. Any such holder's election to receive the Cash Election
Price, the Parent Class A Exchange Ratio, or the Parent
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<PAGE>
Class B Exchange Ratio shall have been properly made only if the Exchange Agent
shall have received at its designated office, by 5:00 p.m., New York City time
on the last business day (the "Election Date") prior to the date of the
Stockholders Meeting, a Form of Election properly completed and signed and
accompanied by certificates for the shares of Company Common Stock to which such
Form of Election relates, duly endorsed in blank or otherwise in form acceptable
for transfer on the books of the Company (or by an appropriate guarantee of
delivery of such certificates as set forth in such Form of Election from a firm
which is a member of a registered national securities exchange or of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or a commercial bank or trust
company having an office or correspondent in the United States, provided such
certificates are in fact delivered to the Exchange Agent within five NYSE
trading days after the date of execution of such guarantee of delivery).
(d) Any Form of Election may be revoked only by duly executed written notice
received by the Exchange Agent prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time on the
Election Date. In addition, all Forms of Election shall automatically be revoked
if the Exchange Agent is notified in writing by Parent and the Company that the
Merger has been abandoned. If a Form of Election is revoked, the shares of
Company Common Stock to which such Form of Election relates shall be treated as
Parent Class B Electing Shares.
(e) The determination of the Exchange Agent shall be binding as to whether
or not elections to receive the Cash Election Price, the Parent Class A Exchange
Ratio, or the Parent Class B Exchange Ratio have been properly made or revoked
pursuant to this Section 2.2 with respect to shares of Company Common Stock, and
as to the time when elections and revocations were received by it. If the
Exchange Agent determines that any election to receive the Cash Election Price,
the Parent Class A Exchange Ratio, or the Parent Class B Exchange Ratio was not
properly made with respect to shares of Company Common Stock, such shares shall
be treated by the Exchange Agent as Parent Class B Electing Shares, and such
shares shall be exchanged in the Merger for shares of Parent Class B Stock
pursuant to Section 2.1(c)(iii). The Exchange Agent shall also make all
computations contemplated by Section 2.3, and any such computation shall be
conclusive and binding on the holders of shares of Company Common Stock. Parent
and the Company shall make such rules as are consistent with this Section 2.2
and Section 2.3 for the implementation of the elections and computations
provided for herein and therein as shall be necessary or desirable fully to
effect such elections and computations.
2.3 ISSUANCE OF STOCK CONSIDERATION AND PAYMENT OF CASH ELECTION PRICE. The
manner in which each share of Company Common Stock (other than shares of Company
Common Stock to be cancelled as set forth in Section 2.1(b)) shall be converted
as of the Effective Time into the right to receive the Stock Consideration or
the Cash Election Price shall be as set forth in this Section 2.3. All
references to "outstanding shares of Company Common Stock" in this Section 2.3
shall mean all shares of Company Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to
the Effective Time.
(a) In the event that, between the date of this Agreement and the Effective
Time, the issued and outstanding shares of Parent Class A Stock or Parent Class
B Stock, as the case may be, shall have been changed into a different number or
class of shares as a result of a stock split, reverse stock split, stock
dividend, spin-off, extraordinary dividend, recapitalization, reclassification
or other similar transaction with a record date within such period, the Merger
Consideration shall be appropriately adjusted.
(b) As is more fully set forth below, the Total Cash Consideration (as
defined below) in the Merger pursuant to this Agreement shall not be more than
55 percent of the sum of (i) the Total Cash Consideration, and (ii) the Total
Parent Class A Merger Consideration, and (iii) the Total Parent Class B Merger
Consideration; such amount is referred to herein as the "Cash Limitation".
"Total Parent Class A Merger Consideration" means the product of (i) the Parent
Class A Exchange Ratio and (ii) the number of shares of Company Common Stock
converted into Parent Class A Stock, after the application, if and to the extent
necessary, of Section 2.5(e), and (iii) the average of the high and low trading
prices of the Parent Class A Stock on the NYSE Composite Tape on the date on
which the Effective Time occurs. "Total Parent Class B Merger Consideration"
means the product of (i) the Parent Class B Exchange Ratio and (ii) the number
of shares of Company Common Stock converted into Parent Class B Stock, after the
application, if
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<PAGE>
and to the extent necessary, of Sections 2.3(e) and 2.5(e), and (iii) the
average of the high and low trading prices of the Parent Class B Stock on the
NYSE Composite Tape on the date on which the Effective Time occurs. "Total Cash
Consideration" means the sum (after the application, if and to the extent
necessary, of Sections 2.3(e) and 2.5(e)) of (i) cash paid in connection with
Cash Elections and (ii) cash paid in lieu of fractional shares.
(c) Each share of Company Common Stock that is a Parent Class A Electing
Share shall be converted into the right to receive Parent Class A Stock pursuant
to Section 2.1(c)(ii) and each share of Company Common Stock that is a Parent
Class B Electing Share shall be converted into the right to receive Parent Class
B Stock pursuant to Section 2.1(c)(iii).
(d) If the Total Cash Consideration is equal to or less than the Cash
Limitation, each share of Company Common Stock that is a Cash Electing Share
shall be converted into the right to receive the Cash Election Price pursuant to
Section 2.1(c)(i).
(e) If the Total Cash Consideration is more than the Cash Limitation, the
number of Cash Electing Shares shall be reduced, and the following shareholders
of the Company who have made a Cash Election (a "Cash Electing Shareholder")
shall instead receive one or more shares of Parent Class B Stock to the extent
and in the order described below until the Total Cash Consideration is equal to
or less than the Cash Limitation:
(i) Each Cash Electing Shareholder who holds a sufficient number of
shares of Company Common Stock covered by a Cash Election to receive as part
of the Merger Consideration at least one whole share of Parent Class B Stock
pursuant to Section 2.1(c)(iii) if such shares are treated as Parent Class B
Electing Shares, shall receive such one whole share of Parent Class B Stock
for such shares of Company Common Stock, at the Parent Class B Exchange
Ratio pursuant to Section 2.1(c)(iii), in lieu of receiving the Cash
Election Price for such shares pursuant to Section 2.1(c)(i), PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that if the application of this procedure to fewer than all of such
Cash Electing Shareholders is sufficient to reduce the Total Cash
Consideration to an amount equal to or less than the Cash Limitation, the
Exchange Agent will select by lot the Cash Electing Shareholders whose Cash
Elections will be subject to the foregoing procedure;
(ii) If the application of Section 2.3(e)(i) is not sufficient to reduce
the Total Cash Consideration to an amount equal to or less than the Cash
Limitation, then, in addition to the application of Section 2.3(e)(i), each
Cash Electing Shareholder who holds a sufficient number of shares of Company
Common Stock covered by a Cash Election to receive as part of the Merger
Consideration at least a second whole share of Parent Class B Stock pursuant
to Section 2.1(c)(iii) if such shares are treated as Parent Class B Electing
Shares, shall receive such second whole share of Parent Class B Stock for
such shares of Company Common Stock, at the Parent Class B Exchange Ratio
pursuant to Section 2.1(c)(iii), in lieu of receiving the Cash Election
Price for such shares pursuant to Section 2.1(c)(i), PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
if the application of this procedure to fewer than all of such Cash Electing
Shareholders is sufficient to reduce the Total Cash Consideration to an
amount equal to or less than the Cash Limitation, the Exchange Agent will
select by lot the Cash Electing Shareholders whose Cash Elections will be
subject to the foregoing procedure; and
(iii) If the application of Section 2.3(e)(ii) is not sufficient to
reduce the Total Cash Consideration to an amount equal to or less than the
Cash Limitation, under the principles of Section 2.3(e)(i) and (ii), the
Cash Electing Shares shall continue to be reduced, and each Cash Electing
Shareholder who holds a sufficient number of shares of Company Common Stock
covered by a Cash Election to receive as part of the Merger Consideration at
least a third whole share and, to the extent necessary, greater than three
whole shares, of Parent Class B Stock pursuant to Section 2.1(c)(iii) if
such shares are treated as Parent Class B Electing Shares, shall receive
such third or more whole shares of Parent Class B Stock for such shares of
Company Common Stock, at the Parent Class B Exchange Ratio
Annex I-8
<PAGE>
pursuant to Section 2.1(c)(iii), in lieu of receiving the Cash Election
Price for such shares pursuant to Section 2.1(c)(i), until the Total Cash
Consideration is equal to or less than the Cash Limitation.
(f) If the Exchange Agent shall determine that any Cash Election was not
effectively made or was revoked, the shares of Company Common Stock covered by
such Cash Election shall, for purposes hereof, be deemed to be Parent Class B
Electing Shares.
(g) If, due to the amount of cash paid in cancellation of Company Stock
Options (as defined in Section 2.4(a)), or any other uncertainty in the
calculation of the Cash Limitation, it reasonably appears to Parent or Company
that the Merger may potentially fail to satisfy continuity of interest
requirements under applicable principles relating to reorganizations under
Section 368(a) of the Code, the number of Cash Electing Shares shall be reduced,
and Cash Electing Shareholders shall instead receive one or more shares of
Parent Class B Stock in the order described in Section 2.3(e), to the extent
necessary to enable the Merger to satisfy such requirements.
2.4 STOCK PLANS. Prior to the mailing of the Proxy Statement, the Board of
Directors of the Company (or, if appropriate, any committee administering the
Stock Plans (as defined below)) shall adopt such resolutions or take such other
actions as may be required to effect the following:
(a) Adjust the terms of all outstanding employee stock options to purchase
shares of Company Common Stock ("Company Stock Options") granted under either
the Company's Restated 1982 Incentive Stock Option Plan or the Company's Stock
Option Plan of 1993 (collectively, the "Option Plans") to provide that, at the
Effective Time, each Company Stock Option outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time, whether or not then exercisable, shall be cancelled and
thereafter the former holder thereof shall be entitled by having held such
Company Stock Option only to a payment from the Surviving Corporation (subject
to any applicable withholding taxes) equal to the product of (i) the total
number of shares of Company Common Stock subject to such Company Stock Option
and (ii) the excess of $27.00 over the exercise price per share of Company
Common Stock subject to such Company Stock Option, payable in cash immediately
following the Effective Time; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that, at the request of any
person subject to Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended ("Exchange Act"), any such amount to be paid shall be paid as soon as
practicable after the first date payment can be made without liability for such
person under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.
(b) Except as provided herein or as otherwise agreed to in writing by
Parent, the Option Plans, the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended
(the "Stock Purchase Plan"), and any other plan, program or arrangement
providing for the issuance or grant of any interest in respect of the capital
stock of the Company or any subsidiary (collectively, the "Stock Plans") shall
terminate as of the Effective Time, and the Company shall ensure that following
the Effective Time no holder of a Company Stock Option nor any participant in
any of the Stock Plans shall have any right thereunder to acquire any equity
securities of the Company or the Surviving Corporation.
2.5 EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES.
(a) EXCHANGE AGENT. As soon as reasonably practicable as of or after the
Effective Time, Parent shall deposit with the Exchange Agent, for the benefit of
the holders of shares of Company Common Stock, for exchange in accordance with
this Article 2, the Merger Consideration.
(b) EXCHANGE PROCEDURES. As soon as practicable after the Effective Time of
the Merger, the Exchange Agent shall mail to each holder of an outstanding
certificate or certificates which prior thereto represented shares of Company
Common Stock that did not submit such certificate or certificates to the
Exchange Agent with such holder's Form of Election (i) a letter of transmittal
(which shall specify, as shall the Form of Election, that delivery shall be
effected, and risk of loss and title to such certificate shall pass, only upon
delivery of such certificates to such Exchange Agent), and (ii) instructions for
use in effecting the surrender of the certificates for the Merger Consideration.
Upon proper surrender to the Exchange Agent of such certificates for
cancellation, the holder of such certificates shall after the Effective Time be
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<PAGE>
entitled only to a certificate or certificates representing the number of full
shares of Parent Stock, if any, and/or the amount of cash, if any, into which
the aggregate number of shares of Company Common Stock previously represented by
such certificate or certificates surrendered shall have been converted pursuant
to this Agreement. The Exchange Agent shall accept such certificates upon
compliance with such reasonable terms and conditions as the Exchange Agent may
impose to effect an orderly exchange thereof in accordance with normal exchange
practices. After the Effective Time, there shall be no further transfer on the
records of the Company or its transfer agent of certificates representing shares
of Company Common Stock and if such certificates are presented to the Company
for transfer, they shall be cancelled against delivery of certificates for
Parent Stock and/or cash as hereinabove provided. If any certificate for such
Parent Stock is to be issued in, or if cash is to be remitted to, a name other
than that in which the certificate for Company Common Stock surrendered for
exchange is registered, it shall be a condition of such exchange that the
certificate so surrendered shall be properly endorsed, with signature
guaranteed, or otherwise in proper form for transfer and that the person
requesting such exchange shall pay to Parent or its transfer agent any transfer
or other taxes required by reason of the issuance of certificates for such
Parent Stock in a name other than that of the registered holder of the
certificate surrendered, or establish to the satisfaction of Parent or its
transfer agent that such tax has been paid or is not applicable. Until
surrendered as contemplated by this Section 2.5(b), each certificate for shares
of Company Common Stock shall be deemed at any time after the Effective Time of
the Merger to represent only the right to receive upon such surrender the Merger
Consideration. No interest will be paid or will accrue on any cash payable as
Merger Consideration or in lieu of any fractional shares of Parent Stock.
(c) DISTRIBUTIONS WITH RESPECT TO UNEXCHANGED SHARES. No dividends or other
distributions with respect to Parent Stock with a record date after the
Effective Time shall be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered certificate for
shares of Company Common Stock with respect to the shares of Parent Stock
represented thereby and no cash payment in lieu of fractional shares shall be
paid to any such holder pursuant to Section 2.5(e) until the surrender of such
certificate in accordance with this Article 2. Subject to the effect of
applicable laws, following surrender of any such certificate, there shall be
paid to the holder of the certificate representing whole shares of Parent Stock
issued in exchange therefor, without interest, (i) at the time of such surrender
the amount of any cash payable in lieu of a fractional share of Parent Stock to
which such holder is entitled pursuant to Section 2.5(e) and the amount of
dividends or other distributions with a record date after the Effective Time
theretofore paid with respect to such whole shares of Parent Stock, and (ii) at
the appropriate payment date, the amount of dividends or other distributions
with a record date after the Effective Time but prior to such surrender and a
payment date subsequent to such surrender payable with respect to such whole
shares of Parent Stock.
(d) NO FURTHER OWNERSHIP RIGHTS IN COMPANY COMMON STOCK. All shares of
Parent Stock issued and cash paid upon the surrender for exchange of
certificates representing shares of Company Common Stock in accordance with the
terms of this Article 2 (including any cash paid pursuant to Section 2.5(e))
shall be deemed to have been issued (and paid) in full satisfaction of all
rights pertaining to the shares of Company Common Stock theretofore represented
by such certificates.
(e) NO FRACTIONAL SHARES.
(i) No certificates or scrip representing fractional shares of Parent
Stock shall be issued upon the surrender for exchange of certificates
representing shares of Company Common Stock, and such fractional share
interests will not entitle the owner thereof to vote or to any rights of a
stockholder of Parent; and
(ii) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, (A) each
holder of shares of Company Common Stock exchanged pursuant to the Merger
who would have otherwise been entitled to receive a fraction of a share of
Parent Class A Stock (after taking into account all Parent Class A Electing
Shares delivered by such holder or, as to a holder of record who holds
shares of Company Common Stock as nominee or in a similar representative
capacity, after taking into account all Parent Class A Electing Shares
delivered by such a representative holder on behalf of a particular
beneficial
Annex I-10
<PAGE>
owner) shall receive, in lieu thereof, the number of shares of Parent Class
B Stock determined by dividing (x) the product of such fraction and the
Average Parent Class A Stock Price by (y) the quotient of the Average Parent
Class A Stock Price divided by 30, and (B) after application of Section
2.5(e)(ii)(A), each holder of shares of Company Common Stock exchanged
pursuant to the Merger who would have otherwise been entitled to receive a
fraction of a share of Parent Class B Stock (after taking into account all
shares of Company Common Stock delivered by such holder, or by such a
representative holder on behalf of a particular beneficial owner, other than
Parent Class A Electing Shares and Cash Electing Shares) shall receive, in
lieu thereof, a cash payment (without interest) equal to the product of (x)
such fraction and (y) the quotient of the Average Parent Class A Stock Price
divided by 30.
(f) TERMINATION OF EXCHANGE FUND. Any portion of the Merger Consideration
deposited with the Exchange Agent pursuant to this Section 2.5 (the "Exchange
Fund") which remains undistributed to the holders of the certificates
representing shares of Company Common Stock for nine months after the Effective
Time shall be delivered to Parent, upon demand, and any holders of shares of
Company Common Stock who have not theretofore complied with this Article 2 shall
thereafter look only to Parent and only as general creditors thereof for payment
of their claim for cash, Parent Stock, any cash in lieu of fractional shares of
Parent Stock and any dividends or distributions with respect to Parent Stock to
which such holders may be entitled.
(g) NO LIABILITY. None of Parent, Sub, the Company or the Exchange Agent
shall be liable to any person in respect of any shares of Parent Stock (or
dividends or distributions with respect thereto) or cash from the Exchange Fund
delivered to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property,
escheat or similar law. If any certificates representing shares of Company
Common Stock shall not have been surrendered prior to five years after the
Effective Time (or immediately prior to such earlier date on which any cash,
shares of Parent Stock, any cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Stock or
any dividends or distributions with respect to Parent Stock in respect of such
certificate would otherwise escheat to or become the property of any
Governmental Entity (as defined in Section 3.1(d)), any such shares, cash
dividends or distributions in respect of such certificate shall, to the extent
permitted by applicable law, become the property of the Surviving Corporation,
free and clear of all claims or interest of any person previously entitled
thereto.
(h) INVESTMENT OF EXCHANGE FUND. The Exchange Agent shall invest any cash
included in the Exchange Fund, as directed by Parent, on a daily basis. Any
interest and other income resulting from such investments shall be paid to
Parent.
ARTICLE 3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
3.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY. The Company represents
and warrants to Parent and Sub as follows:
(a) ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND CORPORATE POWER. Each of the Company and
each of its Subsidiaries (as defined in Section 3.1(b)) is duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in
which it is incorporated and has the requisite corporate power and authority to
carry on its business as now being conducted. Each of the Company and each of
its Subsidiaries is duly qualified or licensed to do business and is in good
standing in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or the
ownership or leasing of its properties makes such qualification or licensing
necessary, other than in such jurisdictions where the failure to be so qualified
or licensed (individually or in the aggregate) would not have a material adverse
effect (as defined in Section 8.3) with respect to the Company. Attached as
Section 3.1(a) of the disclosure schedule ("Disclosure Schedule") delivered to
Parent by the Company at
Annex I-11
<PAGE>
the time of execution of this Agreement are complete and correct copies of the
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company.
(b) SUBSIDIARIES. The only direct or indirect subsidiaries of the Company
(the "Subsidiaries") and other ownership interests held by the Company in any
other person are those listed in Section 3.1(b) of the Disclosure Schedule.
Except as set forth in Section 3.1(b) of the Disclosure Schedule, all the
outstanding shares of capital stock of each such Subsidiary which is a
corporation have been validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable and
are owned (of record and beneficially) by the Company, by another Subsidiary
(wholly owned) of the Company or by the Company and another such Subsidiary
(wholly owned), free and clear of all pledges, claims, liens, charges,
encumbrances and security interests of any kind or nature whatsoever
(collectively, "Liens"). Except as set forth in Section 3.1(b) of the Disclosure
Schedule, the Company does not own, directly or indirectly, any capital stock or
other ownership interest in any corporation, partnership, business association,
joint venture or other entity.
(c) CAPITAL STRUCTURE. The authorized capital stock of the Company
consists of 32,000,000 shares of Company Class A Stock and 10,000,000 shares of
Company Class B Common Stock. Subject to any Permitted Changes (as defined in
Section 4.1(b)) following the date of this Agreement, there are (i) 14,005,042
shares of Company Class A Stock issued and outstanding, (ii) 8,025,025 shares of
Company Class B Stock issued and outstanding, (iii) 259,328 shares of Company
Class A Stock and 97,644 shares of Company Class B Stock held in the treasury of
the Company or held by any subsidiary of the Company; (iii) 147,431 shares of
Company Class A Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of authorized but
unissued Company Stock Options pursuant to the Option Plans; and (iv) 1,121,855
shares of Company Class A Stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding Company
Stock Options. As of August 31, 1997, there was approximately $2,500 withheld
from the Company's employees' salaries to purchase shares of Company Common
Stock pursuant to and issuable under the Stock Purchase Plan. Except as set
forth above, no shares of capital stock or other equity securities of the
Company are issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding. All outstanding shares
of capital stock of the Company are, and all shares which may be issued pursuant
to the Stock Plans will be when issued, duly authorized, validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable and not subject to preemptive rights. There are no
outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness or other securities
of the Company having the right to vote (or convertible into, or exchangeable
for, securities having the right to vote) on any matters on which stockholders
of the Company may vote. Except as set forth above, there are no outstanding
securities, options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments, agreements,
arrangements or undertakings of any kind to which the Company or any of its
subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them is bound obligating the Company
or any of its subsidiaries to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued,
delivered or sold, additional shares of capital stock or other equity or voting
securities of the Company or of any of its subsidiaries or obligating the
Company or any of its subsidiaries to issue, grant, extend or enter into any
such security, option, warrant, call, right, commitment, agreement, arrangement
or undertaking. Other than the Company Stock Options, (i) there are no
outstanding contractual obligations, commitments, understandings or arrangements
of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or otherwise
acquire or make any payment in respect of or measured or determined based on the
value or market price of any shares of capital stock of the Company or any of
its subsidiaries and (ii) to the knowledge of the Company, other than as
provided in the Shareholders' Agreement, there are no irrevocable proxies with
respect to shares of capital stock of the Company or any subsidiary of the
Company. There are no agreements or arrangements pursuant to which the Company
is or could be required to register shares of Company Common Stock or other
securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
(d) AUTHORITY; NONCONTRAVENTION. The Company has the requisite corporate
power and authority to enter into this Agreement and, subject to the Company
Stockholder Approval with respect to the consummation of the Merger, to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of
this Agreement by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of the Company, subject, in the case of the Merger,
to the Company Stockholder Approval. This Agreement has
Annex I-12
<PAGE>
been duly executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes a valid and
binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance
with its terms. Except as disclosed in Section 3.1(d) of the Disclosure
Schedule, the execution and delivery of this Agreement does not, and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and compliance with the
provisions hereof will not, conflict with, or result in any breach or violation
of, or default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, or give
rise to a right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of or "put" right
with respect to any obligation or to loss of a material benefit under, or result
in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of the Company
or any of its subsidiaries under, (i) the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws
of the Company or the comparable charter or organizational documents of any of
its subsidiaries, (ii) any franchise or other agreement with any franchisee of
the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (iii) any loan or credit agreement,
note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease or other agreement, instrument, permit,
concession, franchise or license applicable to the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or their respective properties or assets or (iv) subject to the
governmental filings and other matters referred to in the following sentence,
any judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule, regulation or
arbitration award applicable to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or their
respective properties or assets, other than (A) in the case of clause (ii), any
such conflicts, breaches, violations, defaults, rights, losses or Liens that
could not affect franchise or other agreements relating, individually or in the
aggregate, to 150 or more store locations, and (B) in the case of clauses (ii),
(iii) and (iv), any such conflicts, breaches, violations, defaults, rights,
losses or Liens that individually or in the aggregate could not have a material
adverse effect with respect to the Company or could not prevent, hinder or
materially delay the ability of the Company to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement. No consent, approval, order or authorization of,
or registration, declaration or filing with, or notice to, any Federal, state or
local government or any court, administrative agency or commission or other
governmental authority or agency, domestic or foreign (a "Governmental Entity"),
is required by or with respect to the Company or any of its subsidiaries in
connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company or
the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby, except
for (i) the filing of a premerger notification and report form by the Company
under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the
"HSR Act"), (ii) the filing with the SEC of (y) a proxy statement relating to
the Company Stockholder Approval (such proxy statement as amended or
supplemented from time to time, the "Proxy Statement"), and (z) such reports
under the Exchange Act as may be required in connection with this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) the filing of the
Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, and
appropriate documents with the relevant authorities of other states in which the
Company is qualified to do business and (iv) such other consents, approvals,
orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations, filings or notices as are
set forth in Section 3.1(d) of the Disclosure Schedule.
(e) SEC DOCUMENTS; UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. The Company has filed all
required reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents with the SEC
since January 1, 1994, (collectively, and in each case including all exhibits
and schedules thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein, the "SEC
Documents"). As of their respective dates, the SEC Documents complied in all
material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange
Act, as the case may be, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated
thereunder applicable to such SEC Documents, and none of the SEC Documents
(including any and all financial statements included therein) as of such dates
contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading. The consolidated financial statements of the Company included in the
SEC Documents (the "SEC Financial Statements") comply as to form in all material
respects with applicable accounting requirements and the published rules and
regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, have been prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles (except, in the case of unaudited
consolidated quarterly statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC) applied
on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated in
the notes thereto) and fairly present the consolidated financial position of the
Company and its consolidated subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and the
Annex I-13
<PAGE>
consolidated results of their operations and cash flows for the periods then
ended (subject, in the case of unaudited quarterly statements, to normal
year-end audit adjustments). Since November 30, 1996, neither the Company nor
any of its subsidiaries, has incurred any liabilities or obligations of any
nature (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise) except (i) as and to
the extent set forth on the audited balance sheet of the Company and its
subsidiaries as of November 30, 1996 (including the notes thereto), (ii) as
incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
(iii) as incurred after November 30, 1996 in the ordinary course of business and
consistent with past practice, (iv) as described in the SEC Documents filed
since November 30, 1996 (the "Recent SEC Documents"), or (v) as would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect with respect to
the Company.
(f) INFORMATION SUPPLIED. None of the information supplied or to be
supplied by the Company for inclusion or incorporation by reference in (i) the
registration statement on Form S-4 to be filed with the SEC by Parent in
connection with the issuance of Parent Stock in the Merger (the "Form S-4")
will, at the time the Form S-4 is filed with the SEC, and at any time it is
amended or supplemented or at the time it becomes effective under the Securities
Act, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading, and (ii) the Proxy Statement will, at the date it is
first mailed to the Company's stockholders or at the time of the Stockholders
Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not
misleading. The Proxy Statement will comply as to form in all material respects
with the requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder, except that no representation is made by the Company
with respect to statements made or incorporated by reference therein based on
information supplied by Parent for inclusion or incorporation by reference
therein.
(g) ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS. Except as disclosed in the
Recent SEC Documents or in Section 3.1(g) of the Disclosure Schedule, since
November 30, 1996, the Company has conducted its business only in the ordinary
course consistent with past practice, and there is not and has not been: (i) any
material adverse change with respect to the Company; (ii) any condition, event
or occurrence which, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be
expected to have a material adverse effect or give rise to a material adverse
change with respect to the Company; (iii) any event which, if it had taken place
following the execution of this Agreement, would not have been permitted by
Section 4.1 without the prior consent of Parent; or (iv) any condition, event or
occurrence which would prevent, hinder or materially delay the ability of the
Company to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(h) LITIGATION; LABOR MATTERS; COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.
(i) Except as disclosed in the Recent SEC Documents, there is no suit,
action or proceeding or investigation pending or, to the knowledge of the
Company, threatened against or affecting the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or any basis for any such suit, action, proceeding or
investigation that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be
expected to have a material adverse effect with respect to the Company or
prevent, hinder or materially delay the ability of the Company to consummate
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, nor is there any judgment,
decree, injunction, rule or order of any Governmental Entity or arbitrator
outstanding against the Company or any of its subsidiaries having, or which,
insofar as reasonably could be foreseen by the Company, in the future could
have, any such effect.
(ii) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is a party to, or
bound by, any collective bargaining agreement, contract or other agreement
or understanding with a labor union or labor organization, nor is it or any
of its subsidiaries the subject of any proceeding asserting that it or any
subsidiary has committed an unfair labor practice or seeking to compel it to
bargain with any labor organization as to wages or conditions of employment
nor is there any strike, work stoppage or other labor dispute involving it
or any of its subsidiaries pending or, to its knowledge, threatened, any of
which could have a material adverse effect with respect to the Company.
Annex I-14
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(iii) The conduct of the business of each of the Company and each of its
subsidiaries complies with all statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances,
rules, judgments, orders, decrees or arbitration awards applicable thereto,
except for violations or failures so to comply, if any, that, individually
or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a material
adverse effect with respect to the Company.
(i) EMPLOYEE MATTERS. The Company has delivered to Parent full and
complete copies or descriptions of each material employment, severance, bonus,
profit sharing, compensation, termination, stock option, stock appreciation
right, restricted stock, phantom stock, performance unit, pension, retirement,
deferred compensation, welfare or other employee benefit agreement, trust fund
or other arrangement and any union, guild or collective bargaining agreement
maintained or contributed to or required to be contributed to by the Company or
any of its ERISA Affiliates, for the benefit or welfare of any director,
officer, employee or former employee of the Company or any of its ERISA
Affiliates (such plans and arrangements being collectively the "Company Benefit
Plans"). Each of the Company Benefit Plans is in material compliance with all
applicable laws including ERISA and the Code. The Internal Revenue Service has
determined that each Company Benefit Plan that is intended to be a qualified
plan under Section 401(a) of the Code is so qualified and the Company is aware
of no event occurring after the date of such determination that would adversely
affect such determination. The liabilities accrued under each such plan are
reflected on the latest balance sheet of the Company included in the Recent SEC
Reports in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a
consistent basis. No condition exists that is reasonably likely to subject the
Company or any of its subsidiaries to any direct or indirect liability under
Title IV of ERISA or to a civil penalty under Section 502(j) of ERISA or
liability under Section 4069 of ERISA or 4975, 4976, or 4980B of the Code or the
loss of a federal tax deduction under Section 280G of the Code or other
liability with respect to the Company Benefit Plans that would have a material
adverse effect on the Company and that is not reflected on such balance sheet.
No Company Benefit Plan (other than any Company Benefit Plan that is a
"multiemployer plan" as such term is defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA) is
subject to Title IV of ERISA. There are no pending, threatened, or anticipated
claims (other than routine claims for benefits or immaterial claims) by, on
behalf of or against any of the Company Benefit Plans or any trusts related
thereto. "ERISA Affiliate" means, with respect to any person, any trade or
business, whether or not incorporated, that together with such person would be
deemed a "single employer" within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(15) of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA").
(j) TAX RETURNS AND TAX PAYMENTS. The Company and each of its subsidiaries
has timely filed (or, as to subsidiaries, the Company has filed on its behalf)
all Tax Returns (as defined below) required to be filed by it, has paid (or, as
to subsidiaries, the Company has paid on its behalf) all Taxes (as defined
below) shown thereon to be due and has provided (or, as to subsidiaries, the
Company has made provision on its behalf of) adequate reserves in its financial
statements for any Taxes that have not been paid, whether or not shown as being
due on any Tax Returns. Except as set forth in Section 3.1(j) of the Disclosure
Schedule: (i) no material claim for unpaid Taxes has been asserted by a Tax
authority or has become a lien (except for liens not yet due and payable)
against the property of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or is being
asserted against the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) no audit of any
Tax Return of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is being conducted by a Tax
authority, and (iii) no extension of the statute of limitations on the
assessment of any Taxes has been granted by the Company or any of its
subsidiaries and is currently in effect. Neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries is or has been a member of any consolidated, combined, unitary or
aggregate group for Tax purposes except such a group consisting only of the
Company and its subsidiaries. As used herein, "Taxes" shall mean all taxes of
any kind, including, without limitation, those on or measured by or referred to
as income, gross receipts, sales, use, ad valorem, franchise, profits, license,
withholding, payroll, employment, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium,
value added, property or windfall profits taxes, customs, duties or similar
fees, assessments or charges of any kind whatsoever, together with any interest
and any penalties, additions to tax or additional amounts imposed by any
governmental authority, domestic or foreign. As used herein,
Annex I-15
<PAGE>
"Tax Return" shall mean any return, report or statement required to be filed
with any governmental authority with respect to Taxes.
(k) STATE ANTITAKEOVER LAWS NOT APPLICABLE. The Board of Directors of the
Company has approved this Agreement and the Shareholders' Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and such approval constitutes
approval of the Merger and the Shareholders' Agreement and the other
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby by the Board of Directors of the
Company under the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL such that Section 203 of
the DGCL does not apply to this Agreement or the Shareholders' Agreement or the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby. No other state takeover statute or
similar statute or regulation of the State of Delaware (or, to the knowledge of
the Company after due inquiry, of any other state or jurisdiction) applies or
purports to apply to this Agreement or the Shareholders' Agreement or the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby and no provision of the Certificate
of Incorporation, Bylaws or other governing instruments of the Company or any of
its subsidiaries or the terms of any rights plan or agreement of the Company
would, directly or indirectly, restrict or impair the ability of Parent to vote,
or otherwise to exercise the rights of a stockholder with respect to, securities
of the Company and its subsidiaries that may be acquired or controlled by Parent
by virtue of this Agreement or the Shareholders' Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby or permit any stockholder to acquire securities
of the Company or of Parent or any of its subsidiaries on a basis not available
to Parent in the event that Parent were to acquire securities of the Company.
(l) ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. There are no legal, administrative, arbitral or
other proceedings, claims, actions, causes of action, private environmental
investigations or remediation activities or governmental investigations of any
nature seeking to impose, or that reasonably could be expected to result in the
imposition, on the Company or any of its subsidiaries of any liability or
obligations arising under common law standards relating to environmental
protection, human health or safety, or under any local, state, federal, national
or supernational environmental statute, regulation or ordinance, including the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as
amended (collectively, "Environmental Laws"), pending or, to the knowledge of
the Company, threatened, against the Company or any of its subsidiaries, which
liability or obligation would have or would reasonably be expected to have a
material adverse effect on the Company or any of its subsidiaries. To the
knowledge of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, there is no reasonable
basis for any such proceeding, claim, action or governmental investigation that
would impose any liability or obligation that would have or would reasonably be
expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company or any of its
subsidiaries. To the knowledge of the Company, during or prior to the period of
(i) its or any of its subsidiaries' ownership or operation of any of their
respective current properties, (ii) its or any of its subsidiaries'
participation in the management of any property, or (iii) its or any of its
subsidiaries' holding of a security interest or other interest in any property,
there was no release or threatened release of hazardous, toxic, radioactive or
dangerous materials or other materials regulated under Environmental Laws in,
on, under or affecting any such property which would reasonably be expected to
have a material adverse effect on the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is subject to any agreement,
order, judgment, decree, letter or memorandum by or with any court, governmental
authority, regulatory agency or third party imposing any material liability or
obligations pursuant to or under any Environmental Law that would have or would
reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company or any
of its subsidiaries.
(m) PROPERTIES. Except as disclosed in the Recent SEC Documents, each of
the Company and its subsidiaries (i) has good, clear and marketable title to all
the properties and assets reflected in the latest audited balance sheet included
in such Recent SEC Documents as being owned by the Company or one of its
subsidiaries or acquired after the date thereof which are, individually or in
the aggregate, material to the Company's business on a consolidated basis
(except properties sold or otherwise disposed of since the date thereof in the
ordinary course of business), free and clear of (A) all Liens except (1)
statutory liens securing payments not yet due and (2) such imperfections or
irregularities of title or other Liens (other than real property mortgages or
deeds of trust) as do not materially affect the use of the properties or
Annex I-16
<PAGE>
assets subject thereto or affected thereby or otherwise materially impair
business operations at such properties, and (B) all real property mortgages and
deeds of trust and (ii) is the lessee of all leasehold estates reflected in the
latest audited financial statements included in such Recent SEC Documents or
acquired after the date thereof which are material to its business on a
consolidated basis and is in possession of the properties purported to be leased
thereunder, and each such lease is valid without default thereunder by the
lessee or, to the Company's knowledge, the lessor.
(n) BROKERS. No broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other
person, other than William Blair & Company, LLC, the fees and expenses of which
will be paid by the Company (pursuant to fee agreements, copies of which have
been provided to Parent), is entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial
advisor's or other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of
the Company.
(o) OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR. The Company has received the opinion of
William Blair & Company, LLC, dated the date of this Agreement (which opinion
shall be updated within five (5) days prior to the mailing of the Proxy
Statement), to the effect that the Merger Consideration to be received in the
Merger by the Company's stockholders is fair to the holders of the Company
Common Stock from a financial point of view, a signed copy of which opinion has
been delivered to Parent.
(p) BOARD RECOMMENDATION. The Board of Directors of the Company, at a
meeting duly called and held, has by unanimous vote of those directors present
(who constituted 100% of the directors then in office) (i) determined that this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger, are
fair to and in the best interests of the stockholders of the Company, and (ii)
resolved to recommend that the holders of the shares of Company Common Stock
approve this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein, including the
Merger.
(q) REQUIRED COMPANY VOTE. The Company Stockholder Approval, being the
affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company Class B
Stock, voting separately as a class, is the only vote of the holders of any
class or series of the Company's securities necessary to approve this Agreement,
the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby.
3.2 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT. Parent represents and
warrants to the Company as follows:
(a) ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND CORPORATE POWER. Each of Parent, Sub and
the other Parent Subsidiaries (as defined in Section 3.2(b)) is duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in
which it is incorporated and has the requisite corporate power and authority to
carry on its business as now being conducted. Each of Parent, Sub and the other
Parent Subsidiaries is duly qualified or licensed to do business and is in good
standing in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or the
ownership or leasing of its properties makes such qualification or licensing
necessary, other than in such jurisdictions where the failure to be so qualified
or licensed (individually or in the aggregate) would not have a material adverse
effect with respect to Parent.
(b) SUBSIDIARIES. The only direct or indirect subsidiaries of Parent
(other than such subsidiaries that would not constitute in the aggregate a
Significant Subsidiary) are listed in Section 3.2(b) of the disclosure schedule
(the "Parent Disclosure Schedule") delivered to the Company by Parent at the
time of execution of this Agreement (together with Sub, the "Parent
Subsidiaries"). All the outstanding shares of capital stock of each such Parent
Subsidiary which is a corporation have been validly issued and are fully paid
and nonassessable and, except as set forth in Section 3.2(b) of the Parent
Disclosure Schedule, are owned (of record and beneficially) by Parent, by
another Parent Subsidiary (wholly owned) or by Parent and another such Parent
Subsidiary (wholly owned), free and clear of all Liens.
(c) CAPITAL STRUCTURE. The authorized capital stock of Parent consists of
1,500,000 shares of Parent Class A Stock, 50,000,000 shares of Parent Class B
Stock, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value per share ("Parent
Preferred Stock"). Subject to such changes as may occur after September 30,
Annex I-17
<PAGE>
1997, and subject in the case of clauses (i) and (iii) to adjustment as a result
of conversions of Parent Class A Stock into Parent Class B Stock, there were, as
of September 30, 1997: (i) 1,198,835 shares of Parent Class A Stock, 1,058,650
shares of Parent Class B Stock, and no shares of Parent Preferred Stock issued
and outstanding; (ii) 168,203 shares of Parent Class A Stock held by Parent in
its treasury; (iii) 35,965,050 shares of Parent Class B Stock reserved for
issuance upon conversion of Parent Class A Stock; (iv) 406 shares of Parent
Class B Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of authorized but unissued
options under Parent's 1996 Stock Option Plan; and (v) 16,902 shares of Parent
Class B Common Stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options under
Parent's 1996 Stock Option Plan. Except as set forth above, no shares of capital
stock or other equity securities of Parent are issued, reserved for issuance or
outstanding. All outstanding shares of capital stock of Parent are, and all
shares of Parent Stock which may be issued pursuant to this Agreement will be,
when issued, duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and
not subject to preemptive rights. All shares of Parent Stock issued pursuant to
this Agreement will, when so issued, be registered under the Securities Act for
such issuance and registered under the Exchange Act, be registered or exempt
from registration under any applicable state securities laws, and be listed on
the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance. There are no outstanding
bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness or other securities of Parent
having the right to vote (or convertible into, or exchangeable for, securities
having the right to vote) on any matters on which stockholders of Parent may
vote. Except as set forth above, there are no outstanding securities, options,
warrants, calls, or rights obligating Parent or any of its subsidiaries to
issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered or sold, additional
shares of capital stock or other equity securities of Parent or any of its
subsidiaries or obligating Parent or any of its subsidiaries to issue, grant,
extend or enter into any such security, option, warrant, call, or right. The
authorized capital stock of Sub consists of 1,000 shares of common stock, $.01
par value per share, all of which have been validly issued, are fully paid and
nonassessable and are owned directly by Parent, free and clear of any Lien.
(d) AUTHORITY; NONCONTRAVENTION. Parent and Sub have all requisite
corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this
Agreement by Parent and Sub and the consummation by Parent and Sub of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been duly authorized by all
necessary corporate action on the part of Parent and Sub. No vote or consent of
the stockholders of Parent or Sub, which has not been obtained, is required
under applicable law or rule of the NYSE to approve the Merger, this Agreement
or the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly executed
and delivered by and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of each of
Parent and Sub, enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms. The
execution and delivery of this Agreement do not, and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and compliance with the provisions
of this Agreement will not, conflict with, or result in any breach or violation
of, or default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, or give
rise to a right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of or "put" right
with respect to any obligation or to loss of a material benefit under, or result
in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of Parent or
any of its subsidiaries under, (i) the certificate of incorporation or by-laws
of Parent or Sub or the comparable charter or organizational documents of any
other subsidiary of Parent, (ii) any loan or credit agreement, note, bond,
mortgage, indenture, lease or other agreement, instrument, permit, concession,
franchise or license applicable to Parent, Sub or any other subsidiary of Parent
or their respective properties or assets or (iii) subject to the governmental
filings and other matters referred to in the following sentence, any judgment,
order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule, regulation or arbitration award
applicable to Parent, Sub or any other subsidiary of Parent or their respective
properties or assets, other than, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), any
such conflicts, breaches, violations, defaults, rights, losses or Liens that
individually or in the aggregate could not have a material adverse effect with
respect to Parent or could not prevent, hinder or materially delay the ability
of Parent to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. No
consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, declaration or
filing with, or notice to, any Governmental Entity is required by or with
respect to Parent, Sub or any other subsidiary of Parent in connection with the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent or Sub or the consummation by
Parent or Sub, as the
Annex I-18
<PAGE>
case may be, of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except
for (i) the filing of a premerger notification and report form under the HSR
Act, (ii) the filing with the SEC of (y) the Form S-4 and (z) such reports under
the Exchange Act as may be required in connection with this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby, (iii) the filing of the Certificate of Merger
with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and appropriate documents
with the relevant authorities of other states in which the Company is qualified
to do business, and (iv) such other consents, approvals, orders, authorizations,
registrations, declarations, filings or notices as may be required under the
"takeover" or "blue sky" laws of various states.
(e) SEC DOCUMENTS; UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. Parent has filed all required
reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents with the SEC since
January 1, 1994 (collectively, and in each case, including all exhibits and
schedules thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein, the "Parent
SEC Documents"). As of their respective dates, the Parent SEC Documents complied
in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act or the
Exchange Act, as the case may be, and the rules and regulations of the SEC
promulgated thereunder applicable to such Parent SEC Documents, and none of the
Parent SEC Documents (including any and all financial statements included
therein) as of such date contained any untrue statement of a material fact or
omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in
order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which
they were made, not misleading. The consolidated financial statements of Parent
included in the Parent SEC Documents comply as to form in all material respects
with applicable accounting requirements and the published rules and regulations
of the SEC with respect thereto, have been prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles (except, in the case of unaudited consolidated
quarterly statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC) applied on a
consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated in the
notes thereto) and fairly present the consolidated financial position of Parent
and its consolidated subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and the consolidated
results of operations and changes in cash flows for the periods then ended
(subject, in the case of unaudited quarterly statements, to normal year-end
audit adjustments). Since December 31, 1996, neither Parent nor any of its
subsidiaries has incurred any liabilities or obligations of any nature (whether
accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise) except (i) as and to the extent set
forth on the audited balance sheet of Parent and its subsidiaries as of December
31, 1996 (including the notes thereto), (ii) as incurred in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) as incurred after December
31, 1996 in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice,
(iv) as described in the SEC Documents filed since December 31, 1996 (the
"Recent Parent SEC Documents"), or (v) as would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have a material adverse effect with respect to Parent.
(f) INFORMATION SUPPLIED. None of the information supplied or to be
supplied by Parent or Sub for inclusion or incorporation by reference in (i) the
Form S-4 will, at the time the Form S-4 is filed with the SEC, and at any time
it is amended or supplemented or at the time it becomes effective under the
Securities Act, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state
any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading, and (ii) the Proxy Statement will, at the
date the Proxy Statement is first mailed to the Company's stockholders or at the
time of the Stockholders Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
under which they are made, not misleading. The Form S-4 will comply as to form
in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, except that no representation or
warranty is made by Parent or Sub with respect to statements made or
incorporated by reference therein based on information supplied by the Company
for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Form S-4.
(g) ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS. Except as disclosed in the
Recent Parent SEC Documents, since the date of the most recent financial
statements included in the Recent Parent SEC Documents, Parent has conducted its
business only in the ordinary course consistent with past practice, and there is
not and has not been (i) any material adverse change with respect to Parent;
(ii) any condition,
Annex I-19
<PAGE>
event or occurrence which, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be
expected to have a material adverse effect or give rise to a material adverse
change with respect to Parent; or (iii) any condition, event or occurrence which
could reasonably be expected to prevent, hinder or materially delay the ability
of Parent to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(h) INTERIM OPERATIONS OF SUB. Sub was formed on October 10, 1997 solely
for the purposes of engaging in the transactions contemplated hereby, has
engaged in no other business activities and has conducted its operations only as
contemplated hereby.
(i) BROKERS. No broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other
person is entitled to or may be paid any broker's, finder's, financial advisor's
or other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of
Parent.
ARTICLE 4
COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF
BUSINESS PRIOR TO MERGER
4.1 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY. From the date of this Agreement to
the Effective Time (except as otherwise specifically required by the terms of
this Agreement), the Company shall, and shall cause its subsidiaries to, act and
carry on their respective businesses in the usual, regular and ordinary course
of business consistent with past practice and, to the extent consistent
therewith, use its best efforts to preserve intact their current business
organizations, keep available the services of their current officers and
employees and preserve their relationships with customers, suppliers,
franchisees, licensors, licensees, advertisers, distributors and others having
business dealings with them to the end that their goodwill and ongoing
businesses shall not be impaired in any material respect at the Effective Time.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, from the date of this
Agreement to the Effective Time, the Company shall not, and shall not permit any
of its subsidiaries to, without the prior written consent of Parent:
(a) (i) declare, set aside or pay any dividends on, or make any other
distributions in respect of, any of its capital stock, other than dividends and
distributions by a direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company to
its parent, (ii) split, combine or reclassify any of its capital stock or issue
or authorize the issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or
in substitution for shares of its capital stock, or (iii) purchase, redeem or
otherwise acquire any shares of capital stock of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or any other securities thereof or any rights, warrants or options
to acquire any such shares or other securities, except, in the case of clause
(iii), for the acquisition of shares of Company Common Stock from holders of
Company Stock Options in full or partial payment of the exercise price payable
by such holder or tax liability arising in connection therewith, upon exercise
of Company Stock Options outstanding on the date of this Agreement in accordance
with their present terms;
(b) authorize for issuance, issue, deliver, sell, pledge or otherwise
encumber any shares of its capital stock or the capital stock of any of its
subsidiaries, any other voting securities or any securities convertible into, or
any rights, warrants or options to acquire, any such shares, voting securities
or convertible securities or any other securities or equity equivalents
(including without limitation stock appreciation rights), or contractual
obligation valued or measured by the value or market price of Company Common
Stock (other than the issuance of Company Common Stock upon the exercise of
Company Stock Options outstanding on the date of this Agreement and in
accordance with their present terms, such issuance, together with the
acquisitions of shares of Company Common Stock permitted under clause (a) above,
being referred to herein as "Permitted Changes");
(c) amend its certificate of incorporation, by-laws or other comparable
charter or organizational documents;
Annex I-20
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(d) acquire or agree to acquire by merging or consolidating with, or by
purchasing a substantial portion of the stock or assets of, or by any other
manner, any business or any corporation, partnership, joint venture,
association, or other business organization or division thereof;
(e) sell, lease, license, mortgage or otherwise encumber or subject to any
Lien or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets that are material,
individually or in the aggregate, to the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a
whole, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(f) (i) incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or guarantee any such
indebtedness of another person, issue or sell any debt securities or warrants or
other rights to acquire any debt securities of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries, guarantee any debt securities of another person, enter into any
"keep well" or other agreement to maintain any financial statement condition of
another person or enter into any arrangement having the economic effect of any
of the foregoing, except for short-term borrowings incurred in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice, or (ii) make any loans,
advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any other person, other
than to the Company or any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company;
(g) acquire or agree to acquire any assets that are material, individually
or in the aggregate, to the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, or
make or agree to make any capital expenditures except in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice;
(h) pay, discharge or satisfy any claims (including claims of stockholders),
liabilities or obligations (absolute, accrued, asserted or unasserted,
contingent or otherwise), except for the payment, discharge or satisfaction, of
(i) liabilities or obligations in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice or in accordance with their terms as in effect on the date
hereof, (ii) liabilities reflected or reserved against in, or contemplated by,
the most recent consolidated audited financial statements (or the notes thereof)
of the Company included in the Recent SEC Documents, or waive, release, grant,
or transfer any rights of material value or modify or change in any material
respect any existing license, lease, contract or other document, other than in
the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(i) adopt or amend in any material respect (except as may be required by law
or by this Agreement) any bonus, profit sharing, compensation, stock option,
pension, retirement, deferred compensation, employment or other employee benefit
plan, agreement, trust, fund or other arrangement (including any Company Benefit
Plan) for the benefit or welfare of any employee, director or former director or
employee or, other than increases for individuals (other than officers and
directors) in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice,
increase the compensation or fringe benefits of any director, employee or former
director or employee; pay any benefit not required by any existing plan,
arrangement or agreement, grant any new or modified severance or termination
arrangement or increase or accelerate any benefits payable under its severance
or termination pay policies in effect on the date hereof, other than any such
increase or acceleration provided for under such policies as in effect on the
date of this Agreement;
(j) change any material accounting principle used by it, except for such
changes as may be required to be implemented following the date of this
Agreement pursuant to generally accepted accounting principles or rules and
regulations of the SEC promulgated following the date hereof;
(k) take any action that would, or is reasonably likely to, result in any of
its representations and warranties in this Agreement becoming untrue, or in any
of the conditions to the Merger set forth in Article 6 not being satisfied;
(l) except in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past
practice, make any tax election or settle or compromise any federal, state,
local or foreign income tax liability; and
(m) authorize any of, or commit or agree to take any of, the foregoing
actions.
Annex I-21
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 5
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
5.1 PREPARATION OF FORM S-4 AND THE PROXY STATEMENT; STOCKHOLDER MEETINGS.
(a) Promptly following the date of this Agreement, the Company shall prepare
and file with the SEC the Proxy Statement, and Parent shall prepare and file
with the SEC the Form S-4, in which the Proxy Statement will be included as a
prospectus. Each of the Company and Parent shall use its reasonable best efforts
as promptly as practicable to have the Form S-4 declared effective under the
Securities Act as promptly as practicable after such filing. The Company will
use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Proxy Statement to be mailed to the
Company's stockholders as promptly as practicable after the Form S-4 is declared
effective under the Securities Act. Parent shall also take any action (other
than qualifying to do business in any jurisdiction in which it is not now so
qualified) required to be taken under any applicable state securities laws in
connection with the issuance of Parent Stock in the Merger, and the Company
shall furnish all information concerning the Company and the holders of the
Company Common Stock and rights to acquire Company Common Stock pursuant to the
Stock Plans as may be reasonably requested in connection with any such action.
(b) The Company will, as promptly as practicable following the date of this
Agreement, duly call, give notice of, convene and hold a meeting of its
stockholders (the "Stockholders Meeting") for the purpose of approving this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Company will,
through its Board of Directors, recommend to its stockholders approval of the
foregoing matters, as set forth in Section 3.1(p). Such recommendation, together
with a copy of the opinion referred to in Section 3.1(o), shall be included in
the Proxy Statement. The Company will use reasonable efforts to hold such
meeting as soon as practicable after the date hereof.
(c) The Company will cause its transfer agent to make stock transfer records
relating to the Company available to the extent reasonably necessary to
effectuate the intent of this Agreement.
5.2 LETTER OF THE COMPANY'S ACCOUNTANTS. The Company shall use its best
efforts to cause to be delivered to Parent a letter of Ernst & Young LLP, the
Company's independent public accountants, dated a date within two business days
before the date on which the Form S-4 shall become effective and addressed to
Parent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent and customary in
scope and substance for letters delivered by independent public accountants in
connection with registration statements similar to the Form S-4.
5.3 PARENT ACCESS TO INFORMATION.
(a) The Company shall, and shall cause its subsidiaries, officers,
employees, counsel, financial advisors and other representatives to, afford to
Parent and its representatives reasonable access during normal business hours
during the period prior to the Effective Time to its properties, books,
contracts, commitments, personnel and records and, during such period, shall,
and shall cause its subsidiaries, officers, employees and representatives to,
furnish promptly to Parent (i) a copy of each report, schedule, registration
statement and other document filed by it during such period pursuant to the
requirements of Federal or state securities laws and (ii) all other information
concerning its business, properties, financial condition, operations and
personnel as Parent may from time to time reasonably request. No investigation
pursuant to this Section 5.3 shall affect any representations or warranties of
the Company herein or the conditions to the obligations of the parties hereto.
(b) The Company shall report on operational matters and promptly advise
Parent orally and in writing of any change or event having, or which, insofar as
can reasonably be foreseen, could have, a material adverse effect on the Company
and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
Annex I-22
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5.4 BEST EFFORTS. Each of the parties agrees to use its best efforts to
take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, and to
assist and cooperate with the other parties in doing, all things necessary,
proper or advisable to consummate and make effective, in the most expeditious
manner practicable, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. Parent, Sub and the Company will use their best efforts and cooperate
with one another (i) in promptly determining whether any filings are required to
be made or consents, approvals, waivers, permits or authorizations are required
to be obtained under any applicable law or regulation or from any governmental
authorities or third parties in connection with the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement and (ii) in promptly making any such filings, in furnishing
information required in connection therewith and in timely seeking to obtain any
such consents, approvals, waivers, permits or authorizations.
5.5 INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) The Company shall, and from and after the Effective Time Parent and the
Surviving Corporation shall, indemnify, defend and hold harmless each person who
is now, or has been at any time prior to the date of this Agreement or who
becomes such prior to the Effective Time, an officer, director or employee of
the Company or any of its subsidiaries (the "Indemnified Parties") against (i)
all losses, claims, damages, costs, expenses, liabilities or judgments or
amounts that are paid in settlement with the approval of the indemnifying party
(which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) of or in connection with any
claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation based in whole or in part on or
arising in whole or in part out of the fact that such person is or was a
director, officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries whether
pertaining to any matter existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time
and whether asserted or claimed prior to, or at or after, the Effective Time
("Indemnified Liabilities"), and (ii) all Indemnified Liabilities based in whole
or in part on, or arising in whole or in part out of, or pertaining to this
Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that, in
the case of the Company and the Surviving Corporation such indemnification shall
only be to the fullest extent a corporation is permitted under the DGCL to
indemnify its own directors, officers and employees, and in the case of Parent,
such indemnification shall not be limited by the DGCL but such indemnification
shall not be applicable to any claims made against the Indemnified Parties if a
judgment or other final adjudication established that (A) their acts or
omissions were committed in bad faith or were the result of active and
deliberate dishonesty and were material to the cause of action so deliberated or
(B) arising out of, based upon or attributable to the gaining in fact of any
financial profit or other advantage to which they were not legally entitled. The
Company, Parent and the Surviving Corporation, as the case may be, will pay all
expenses of each Indemnified Party in advance of the final disposition of any
such action or proceeding, in the case of the Company and the Surviving
Corporation only to the fullest extent permitted by law upon receipt of any
undertaking contemplated by Section 145(e) of the DGCL. Without limiting the
foregoing, in the event any such claim, action, suit, proceeding or
investigation is brought against any Indemnified Party (whether arising before
or after the Effective Time), (i) the Indemnified Parties may retain counsel
satisfactory to them and the Company (or them and Parent and the Surviving
Corporation after the Effective Time), (ii) the Company (or after the Effective
Time, the Surviving Corporation) shall pay all reasonable fees and expenses of
such counsel for the Indemnified Parties promptly as statements therefor are
received, and (iii) the Company (or after the Effective Time, Parent and the
Surviving Corporation) will use all reasonable efforts to assist in the vigorous
defense of any such matter, provided that none of the Company, Parent or the
Surviving Corporation shall be liable for any settlement of any claim effected
without its written consent, which consent, however, shall not be unreasonably
withheld. Any Indemnified Party wishing to claim indemnification under this
Section 5.5, upon learning of any such claim, action, suit, proceeding or
investigation, shall notify the Company, Parent or the Surviving Corporation
(but the failure so to notify an indemnifying party shall not relieve it from
any liability which it may have under this Section 5.5 except to the extent such
failure prejudices such party), and shall deliver to the Company (or after the
Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation (but not Parent)) the undertaking
contemplated by Section 145(e) of the DGCL. The Indemnified Parties as a group
may retain only one law firm to represent
Annex I-23
<PAGE>
them with respect to each such matter unless there is, under applicable
standards of professional conduct, a conflict on any significant issue between
the positions of any two or more Indemnified Parties.
(b) The provisions of this Section 5.5 are intended to be for the benefit
of, and shall be enforceable by, each Indemnified Party, his or her heirs and
representatives.
5.6 EXPENSES. Whether or not the Merger is consummated, all costs and
expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses, except
that the expenses in connection with printing and mailing the Proxy Statement
and the Form S-4, as well as all SEC filing fees relating to the transactions
contemplated herein, shall be shared equally between Parent and the Company.
5.7 PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS. Parent and Sub, on the one hand, and the
Company, on the other hand, will consult with each other before issuing, and
provide each other the opportunity to review and comment upon, any press release
or other public statements with respect to the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, including the Merger, and shall not issue any such press release or
make any such public statement prior to such consultation, except as may be
required by applicable law, court process or by obligations pursuant to any
listing agreement with any national securities exchange. The parties agree that
the initial press release or releases to be issued with respect to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be mutually agreed upon prior
to the issuance thereof.
5.8 AFFILIATES. Prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall deliver to
Parent a letter identifying all persons who are, at the time this Agreement is
submitted for approval to the stockholders of the Company, "affiliates" of the
Company for purposes of Rule 145 under the Securities Act. The Company shall use
its best efforts to cause each such person to deliver to Parent on or prior to
the Closing Date a written agreement substantially in the form attached as
Exhibit A hereto.
5.9 STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING. Parent shall use its best efforts to cause the
shares of Parent Stock to be issued in the Merger to be approved for listing on
the NYSE, subject to notice of issuance, prior to the Closing Date.
5.10 TAKEOVER STATUTES. If any "fair price," "moratorium," "control share
acquisition" or other form of antitakeover statute or regulation shall become
applicable to the transactions contemplated hereby, the Company and the members
of the Board of Directors of the Company shall grant such approvals and take
such actions as are reasonably necessary so that the transactions contemplated
hereby may be consummated as promptly as practicable on the terms contemplated
hereby and otherwise act to eliminate or minimize the effects of such statute or
regulation on the transactions contemplated hereby.
5.11 NO SOLICITATION. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries
shall, nor shall the Company or any of its subsidiaries authorize or permit any
of its or their officers, directors, agents, representatives, advisors or
subsidiaries to, (a) solicit, initiate or encourage (including by way of
furnishing information), or take any other action to facilitate the submission
of inquiries, proposals or offers from any person relating to any acquisition or
purchase of a substantial amount of assets of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries (other than in the ordinary course of business) or of over 20% of
any class of equity securities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any
tender offer (including a self tender offer) or exchange offer that if
consummated would result in any person beneficially owning 20% or more of any
class of equity securities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or any
merger, consolidation, business combination, sale of substantially all assets,
recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or similar transaction involving the
Company or any of its subsidiaries, other than the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement, or any other transaction the consummation of which would or
could reasonably be expected to impede, interfere with, prevent or materially
delay the Merger or which would or could reasonably be expected to materially
dilute the benefits to Parent of the transactions contemplated hereby
(collectively, "Transaction Proposals") or agree to or endorse any Transaction
Proposal, or (b) enter into or participate in any discussions or negotiations
regarding any of the foregoing, or furnish to any other person any information
with respect to its business, properties or assets or any of the foregoing, or
otherwise cooperate in any way with, or assist
Annex I-24
<PAGE>
or participate in, facilitate or encourage, any effort or attempt by any other
person to do or seek any of the foregoing; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the foregoing
shall not prohibit the Company from (i) furnishing information concerning the
Company and its businesses, properties or assets pursuant to an appropriate and
customary confidentiality agreement to a third party who has made an unsolicited
Transaction Proposal, (ii) engaging in discussions or negotiations with a third
party who has made an unsolicited Transaction Proposal, (iii) following receipt
of an unsolicited Transaction Proposal, taking and disclosing to its
stockholders a position contemplated by Rule 14e-2(a) under the Exchange Act or
otherwise making disclosure to its stockholders, and/or (iv) following receipt
of an unsolicited Transaction Proposal, failing to make or withdrawing or
modifying its recommendation referred to in Section 3.1(p), but in each case
referred to in the foregoing clauses (i) through (iv) only if and to the extent
that the Board of Directors of the Company shall have concluded in good faith,
after consulting with and considering the advice of outside counsel, that such
action is required by the Board of Directors of the Company in the exercise of
its fiduciary duties to the stockholders of the Company; PROVIDED, FURTHER, that
the Board of Directors of the Company shall not take any of the foregoing
actions referred to in clauses (i) through (iv) until after giving at least one
business day's advance written notice to Parent with respect to the actions
specified in the foregoing clauses (i) through (iv) that it shall take. In
addition, if the Board of Directors of the Company receives a Transaction
Proposal, then the Company shall promptly inform Parent in writing of the
material terms of such proposal and the identity of the person (or group) making
it. The Company will immediately cease and cause to be terminated any existing
activities, discussions or negotiations with any parties conducted heretofore
with respect to any of the foregoing. Without limiting the foregoing, it is
understood that any violation of the restrictions set forth in this section by
any director or executive officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or
by any investment banker, financial adviser, attorney, accountant, or other
representative of the Company or any of its subsidiaries shall be deemed to be a
breach of this section by the Company.
5.12 CERTAIN AGREEMENTS. Neither the Company nor any subsidiary of the
Company will waive or fail to enforce any provision of any confidentiality or
standstill or similar agreement to which it is a party without the prior written
consent of Parent.
5.13 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.
(a) Parent and the Company agree that the Company Benefit Plans shall, to
the extent practicable and except as otherwise provided in Section 2.4 hereof,
remain in effect without material amendment until the Effective Time and that
thereafter the Surviving Corporation will maintain, subject to such changes and
modifications as may be necessary or desirable to facilitate compliance by
Parent and its subsidiaries (including the Surviving Corporation) with
applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, substantially similar plans
(other than the Stock Plans) for a period of at least three years after the
Effective Time.
(b) Parent will cause the Surviving Corporation to honor without material
modification for a period of at least three years after the Effective Time all
employee severance plans (or policies) and employment and severance agreements
of the Company or any of its subsidiaries in existence on the date hereof.
(c) Parent and Company will use their reasonable best efforts to agree on
compensation plans for the officers and employees of the Company after the
Effective Time to provide them incentive compensation during the three-year
period following the Effective Time that in the aggregate is reasonably
comparable (without giving effect to any payments to them resulting from the
Merger) to that historically provided by the Stock Plans, except that neither
Parent nor the Surviving Corporation shall be required to issue any shares of
its equity securities in connection with such compensation plans.
Annex I-25
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 6
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
6.1 CONDITIONS TO EACH PARTY'S OBLIGATION TO EFFECT THE MERGER. The
respective obligation of each party to effect the Merger is subject to the
satisfaction or waiver on or prior to the Closing Date of the following
conditions:
(a) COMPANY STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL. The Company Stockholder Approval shall
have been obtained.
(b) NYSE LISTING. The shares of Parent Stock issuable to the Company's
stockholders pursuant to this Agreement shall have been approved for listing on
the NYSE, subject to notice of issuance.
(c) HSR ACT. The waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable to
the Merger under the HSR Act shall have been terminated or shall have expired.
(d) NO INJUNCTIONS OR RESTRAINTS. No temporary restraining order,
preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by any court of
competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the
consummation of the Merger shall be in effect; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the
parties hereto shall use their best efforts to have any such injunction, order,
restraint or prohibition vacated.
(e) FORM S-4. The Form S-4 shall have become effective under the
Securities Act and shall not be the subject of any stop order or proceedings
seeking a stop order, and any material "blue sky" and other state securities
laws applicable to the issuance of the Parent Stock shall have been complied
with.
6.2 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATION OF PARENT AND SUB. The obligations of Parent
and Sub to effect the Merger are further subject to the following conditions:
(a) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The representations and warranties of
the Company set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all
material respects, in each case as of the date of this Agreement and as of the
Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date. Parent shall have
received a certificate signed on behalf of the Company by the chief executive
officer and the chief financial officer of the Company to such effect.
(b) PERFORMANCE OF OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY. The Company shall have
performed the obligations required to be performed by it under this Agreement at
or prior to the Closing Date (except for such failures to perform as have not
had or could not reasonably be expected, either individually or in the
aggregate, to have a material adverse effect with respect to the Company or
adversely affect the ability of the Company to consummate the transactions
herein contemplated or perform its obligations hereunder), and Parent shall have
received a certificate signed on behalf of the Company by the chief executive
officer and the chief financial officer of the Company to such effect.
(c) TAX OPINION. Parent shall have received the opinion of Munger, Tolles
& Olson LLP, counsel to Parent, dated the Closing Date, based on appropriate
representations of the Company, its affiliates, and Parent, and such other
facts, representations, assumptions, and agreements as counsel may reasonably
deem relevant, to the effect that for United States Federal income tax purposes
the Merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of
the Code and that each of Parent, Sub and the Company will be a party to the
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code.
(d) CONSENTS, ETC. Parent shall have received evidence, in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to it, that such licenses, permits, consents,
approvals, authorizations, qualifications and orders of governmental authorities
and other third parties as are necessary in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby have been obtained, except such licenses, permits, consents,
approvals, authorizations, qualifications and orders which are not, individually
or in the aggregate, material to Parent or the Company or the failure of which
to have been received would not (as compared to the situation in which
Annex I-26
<PAGE>
such license, permit, consent, approval, authorization, qualification or order
had been obtained) materially dilute the aggregate benefits to Parent of the
Merger.
(e) AFFILIATE LETTERS. Parent shall have received the agreements referred
to in Section 5.8.
(f) CONTINUITY OF INTEREST AGREEMENT. Mr. John W. Mooty shall have
executed and delivered, and shall have used his best efforts to cause the other
members of his family and such other shareholders of the Company as may be
necessary or desirable to facilitate issuance of the tax opinions referenced in
Sections 6.2(c) and 6.3(c) to have executed and delivered, a Continuity of
Interest Agreement in substantially the form attached as Exhibit B hereto.
(g) OPINION OF COUNSEL TO THE COMPANY. Parent shall have received, on and
as of the Closing Date, an opinion of Gray, Plant, Mooty, Mooty & Bennet, P.A.,
counsel to the Company, in usual and customary form reasonably acceptable to
Parent, to the effect that (i) the Company is a corporation duly incorporated,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware,
(ii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and the
consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby have been
duly authorized by all necessary corporate and shareholder action, (iii) this
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes a
valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its
terms (subject to customary exceptions), and (iv) the execution and delivery of
this Agreement does not, and the consummation by the Company of the transactions
contemplated hereby will not, (A) violate the Certificate of Incorporation or
Bylaws of the Company, or (B) to the best knowledge of such counsel based upon
due inquiry of the Company, conflict with, or result in any breach or violation
of, or default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, or give
rise to a right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of or "put" right
with respect to any obligation or to loss of a material benefit under, or result
in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of the Company
or any of its subsidiaries under the terms of, any franchise or other agreement
with any franchisee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, other than any
such conflicts, breaches, violations, defaults, rights, losses or Liens that
could not (x) affect franchise or other agreements relating, individually or in
the aggregate, to 150 or more store locations, (y) individually or in the
aggregate have a material adverse effect with respect to the Company or the
Surviving Corporation, or (z) prevent, hinder or materially delay the ability of
the Company to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
6.3 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATION OF THE COMPANY. The obligation of the Company
to effect the Merger is further subjected to the following conditions:
(a) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The representations and warranties of
Parent and Sub set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all
material respects, in each case as of the date of this Agreement and as of the
Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date. The Company shall
have received a certificate signed on behalf of Parent by the chief executive
officer and the chief financial officer of Parent to such effect.
(b) PERFORMANCE OF OBLIGATIONS OF PARENT AND SUB. Parent and Sub shall
have performed the obligations required to be performed by them under this
Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date (except for such failures to perform
as have not had or could not reasonably be expected, either individually or in
the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect with respect to Parent or
adversely affect the ability of Parent to consummate the transactions herein
contemplated or perform its obligations hereunder), and the Company shall have
received a certificate signed on behalf of Parent by the chief executive officer
and the chief financial officer of Parent to such effect.
(c) TAX OPINION. The Company shall have received the opinion of Faegre &
Benson, tax counsel to the Company, or the opinion of other tax counsel of a
prominent law firm designated by Parent and reasonably acceptable to the
Company, dated the Closing Date, based on appropriate representations of the
Company, its affiliates, and Parent and such other facts, representations,
assumptions, and agreements as counsel may reasonably deem relevant, to the
effect that for United States Federal income tax purposes
Annex I-27
<PAGE>
the Merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of
the Code and that each of Parent, Sub and the Company will be a party to the
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code.
(d) OPINION OF COUNSEL TO PARENT. The Company shall have received, on and
as of the Closing Date, an opinion of Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP, counsel to
Parent, in usual and customary form reasonably acceptable to the Company, to the
effect that (i) Parent and Sub are corporations duly incorporated, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, (ii) the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent and Sub and the consummation
by Parent and Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action, (iii) this Agreement has been duly
executed and delivered by Parent and Sub and constitutes a valid and binding
obligation of each of Parent and Sub, enforceable in accordance with its terms
(subject to customary exceptions), and (iv) the execution and delivery of this
Agreement does not, and the consummation by Parent and Sub of the transactions
contemplated hereby will not violate the certificate of incorporation or bylaws
of parent or sub.
ARTICLE 7
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
7.1 TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated and abandoned at any
time prior to the Effective Time of the Merger, whether before or after approval
of the Merger by the stockholders of the Company:
(a) by mutual written consent of Parent and the Company; or
(b) by either Parent or the Company if any Governmental Entity shall have
issued an order, decree or ruling or taken any other action permanently
enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting the Merger and such order,
decree, ruling or other action shall have become final and nonappealable; or
(c) by either Parent or the Company if the Merger shall not have been
consummated on or before March 31, 1998 (other than due to the failure of the
party seeking to terminate this Agreement to perform its obligations under this
Agreement required to be performed at or prior to the Effective Time of the
Merger); or
(d) by Parent, if any required approval of the stockholders of the Company
shall not have been obtained by reason of the failure to obtain the required
vote upon a vote held at a duly held meeting of stockholders or at any
adjournment thereof; or
(e) by Parent, (1) if the Company shall have (i) withdrawn, modified or
amended in any respect adverse to Parent or Sub its approval or recommendation
of this Agreement or the Merger, (ii) failed as soon as practicable to mail the
Proxy Statement to its stockholders or failed to include in such statement such
recommendation, (iii) recommended any Transaction Proposal from a person other
than Parent or (iv) resolved to do any of the foregoing, or (2) if (i) the
Company shall have exercised a right specified in the first proviso to Section
5.11 with respect to any Transaction Proposal and shall, directly or through
agents or representatives, continue discussions with any third party concerning
such Transaction Proposal for more than 10 business days after the date of
receipt of such Transaction Proposal; or (ii) (A) a Transaction Proposal that is
publicly disclosed shall have been commenced, publicly proposed or communicated
to the Company which contains a proposal as to price (without regard to whether
such proposal specifies a specific price or a range of potential prices) and (B)
the Company shall not have rejected such proposal within 10 business days of its
receipt or, if sooner, the date its existence first becomes publicly disclosed;
or
(f) by the Company, if the Company exercises, pursuant to Section 5.11, the
right specified in clause (iv) of the first proviso to Section 5.11; or
Annex I-28
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(g) by Parent, if the Company fails to perform any of its material
obligations under this Agreement; or
(h) by the Company, if Parent or Sub fails to perform any of their
respective material obligations under this Agreement.
7.2 EFFECT OF TERMINATION. In the event of termination of this Agreement
by either the Company or Parent as provided in Section 7.1, this Agreement shall
forthwith become void and have no effect, without any liability or obligation on
the part of Parent, Sub or the Company, other than pursuant to the provisions of
Section 5.6 and this Section 7.2. Nothing contained in this Section shall,
however, relieve any party for any breach of the representations, warranties,
covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement prior to any such
termination.
7.3 AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended by the parties at any time
before or after required approval of the Merger by the stockholders of the
Company; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that after such approval, there shall be made no
amendment that by law requires further approval by such stockholders without the
further approval of such stockholders. This Agreement may not be amended except
by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties.
7.4 EXTENSION; WAIVER. At any time prior to the Effective Time, the
parties may (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or
other acts of the other parties, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the
representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or in any document
delivered pursuant to this Agreement or (c) subject to the proviso of Section
7.3, waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions contained in this
Agreement. Any agreement on the part of a party to any such extension or waiver
shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed on behalf of
such party. The failure of any party to this Agreement to assert any of its
rights under this Agreement or otherwise shall not constitute a waiver of such
rights.
ARTICLE 8
GENERAL PROVISIONS
8.1 NONSURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. None of the
representations and warranties in this Agreement or in any instrument delivered
pursuant to this Agreement shall survive the Effective Time. This Section 8.1
shall not limit any covenant or agreement of the parties which by its terms
contemplates performance after the Effective Time.
8.2 NOTICES. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed
given if delivered personally or sent by overnight courier (providing proof of
delivery) to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address
for a party as shall be specified by like notice):
(a) if to Parent or Sub, to:
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
1440 Kiewit Plaza
Omaha, Nebraska 68131
Attention: Chairman of the Board
with a copy to:
Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP
355 South Grand Avenue, 35th Floor
Los Angeles, California 90071-1560
Attention: John B. Frank
Annex I-29
<PAGE>
(b) if to the Company, to:
International Dairy Queen, Inc.
7505 Metro Boulevard
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55439
Attention: Chairman of the Board
with a copy to:
Gray, Plant, Mooty, Mooty & Bennett, P.A.
3400 City Center
33 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Attention: John W. Mooty
8.3 DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Agreement:
(a) an "affiliate" of any person means another person that directly or
indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or
is under common control with, such first person;
(b) "material adverse change" or "material adverse effect" means, when used
in connection with the Company or Parent, any change or effect that either
individually or in the aggregate with all other such changes or effects is
materially adverse to the business, assets, properties, condition (financial or
otherwise) or results of operations of such party and its subsidiaries taken as
a whole; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that, (i) a decline in general economic conditions
affecting the Company or Parent shall not be deemed to be a "material adverse
change" or to have a "material adverse effect" with respect to either such party
or its subsidiaries; and (ii) for purposes of Sections 3.2(g) and 6.3(a), in no
event shall changes in the market prices of portfolio securities owned by Parent
or its subsidiaries be deemed to be a "material adverse change" or to have a
"material adverse effect" with respect to Parent or its subsidiaries;
(c) "person" means an individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
association, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity; and
(d) a "subsidiary" of any person means another person, an amount of the
voting securities, other voting ownership or voting partnership interests of
which is sufficient to elect at least a majority of its board of directors or
other governing body (or, if there are no such voting interests, 50% or more of
the equity interest of which) is owned directly or indirectly by such first
person.
8.4 INTERPRETATION. A reference made in this Agreement to a Section,
Exhibit or Schedule, shall be to a Section of, or an Exhibit or Schedule to,
this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The table of contents and headings
contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect
the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the words "include,"
"includes" or "including" are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be
followed by the words "without limitation."
8.5 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and
shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of
the parties and delivered to the other parties.
8.6 ENTIRE AGREEMENT; NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Agreement
constitutes the entire agreement, and supersedes all prior agreements and
understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the
subject matter of this Agreement. Except as provided in Section 5.5, this
Agreement is not intended to confer upon any person other than the parties any
rights or remedies.
8.7 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware regardless of the laws that
might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws thereof.
Annex I-30
<PAGE>
8.8 ASSIGNMENT. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or
obligations under this Agreement shall be assigned, in whole or in part, by
operation of law or otherwise, by any of the parties without the prior written
consent of the other parties. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement
will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the
parties and their respective successors and assigns.
8.9 ENFORCEMENT. The parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in
the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in
accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is
accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to an injunction or
injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically
the terms and provisions of this Agreement in any court of the State of Delaware
or of the United States located in the State of Delaware in the event any
dispute arises out of this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement, and each party agrees (a) it will not attempt to deny or defeat
personal jurisdiction or venue in any such court by motion or other request for
leave from any such court and (b) it will not bring any action relating to this
Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in any court
other than any such court.
8.10 SEVERABILITY. Whenever possible, each provision or portion of any
provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be
effective and valid under applicable law but if any provision or portion of any
provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in
any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such
invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision
or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and this Agreement will be
reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid,
illegal or unenforceable provision or portion of any provision had never been
contained herein, so long as the economic and legal substance of the
transactions contemplated hereby are not affected in a manner materially adverse
to any party hereto.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent, Sub, and the Company have caused this Agreement
to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, all as of
the date first written above.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
By: /s/ WARREN E. BUFFETT
-----------------------------
Warren E. Buffett
Its: Chairman
-----------------------------
QDI, INC.
By: /s/ WARREN E. BUFFETT
-----------------------------
Warren E. Buffett
Its: Chairman
-----------------------------
INTERNATIONAL DAIRY QUEEN, INC.
By: /s/ JOHN W. MOOTY
-----------------------------
John W. Mooty
Its: Chairman of the Board
-----------------------------
</TABLE>
Annex I-31
<PAGE>
ANNEX II
[LETTERHEAD]
October 21, 1997
Board of Directors
International Dairy Queen, Inc.
7505 Metro Boulevard
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55439
Ladies and Gentlemen:
You have requested our opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of
view, to the Shareholders of International Dairy Queen, Inc. ("the Company") of
the consideration to be received pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement
dated as of October 21, 1997 (the "Merger Agreement") by and among, Berkshire
Hathaway Inc. ("Parent"), QDI, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent ("Sub")
and the Company pursuant to which the Company will be merged with and into Sub
(the "Merger"). Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, at the effective time
of the Merger, each issued and outstanding share of Class A Common Stock, par
value $.01 per share, of the Company ("Company Class A Stock") and each issued
and outstanding share of Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the
Company ("Company Class B Stock" and together with the Company Class A Stock,
the "Shares") (other than Shares held by the Company, Parent, Sub or any of
their respective subsidiaries, all of which Shares shall be canceled and
retired) will be converted into the right to receive, at the election of the
holder thereof and subject to certain proration provisions, either: (i) $27.00
in cash (the "Cash Consideration"), (ii) the portion of a share of Class A
Common Stock, par value $5.00 per share, of Parent (the "Parent Class A Stock")
determined by dividing $26.00 by the Average Parent Class A Stock Price (as
hereinafter defined) (the "Parent Class A Exchange Ratio"), or (iii) the portion
of a share of Class B Common Stock, par value $.1667 per share, of Parent (the
"Parent Class B Stock", and collectively with the Parent Class A Stock, the
"Parent Stock") determined by multiplying the Parent Class A Exchange Ratio by
30, where the term "Average Class A Stock Price" means the average of the high
and low trading prices of the Parent Class A Stock on the New York Stock
Exchange Composite Tape for each of the five consecutive trading days ending on
the trading day which is the last business day prior to the date on which the
meeting of the shareholders of the Company is to be held to consider the Merger.
For purposes of our opinion, the term "Consideration" means the aggregate amount
of the Cash Consideration and the Parent Stock to be received by the holders of
the Shares in the Merger as set forth in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) in the
immediately preceding sentence. The terms and conditions of the Merger,
including the terms limiting the aggregate amount of the Cash Consideration and
the cash to be paid in respect of fractional shares, are more fully set forth in
the Merger Agreement.
In connection with our review of the Merger and the preparation of our
opinion herein, we have examined: (a) a draft of the Merger Agreement dated
October 21, 1997; (b) audited financial statements of the Company for the five
fiscal years ended November 30, 1996; (c) audited financial statements of Parent
for the five fiscal years ended December 31, 1996; (d) the unaudited quarterly
financial statements of the Company for the periods ended February 28, 1997, May
30, 1997 and August 29, 1997; (e) the unaudited quarterly financial statements
of Parent for the periods ended March 31, 1997 and June 30, 1997; and (f)
certain internal financial information and forecasts for the Company, prepared
by management.
Although we have no reason to believe that any of the financial or other
information on which we have relied is not accurate or complete, we have assumed
the accuracy and completeness of all such information and have not attempted to
verify independently any of such information, nor have we made or
Annex II-1
[LOGO]
<PAGE>
obtained an independent appraisal of the assets of the Company or Parent. With
respect to financial forecasts, we have assumed that such forecasts have been
reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates
and judgments of the Company's management, as to the respective future financial
performance of the Company. We have also assumed that the Merger will be free of
Federal tax to the Company, Parent and the holders of Shares (other than in
respect of the Cash Consideration and any cash paid in lieu of fractional
shares). Our opinion herein is based upon circumstances existing and disclosed
to us and that can be evaluated as of October 21, 1997.
In rendering our opinion, we have assumed that the Merger will be
consummated on the terms described in the draft Merger Agreement dated October
21, 1997, without any waiver of any material terms or conditions by the Company.
In conducting our investigation and analyses and in arriving at our opinion
expressed herein, we have taken into account such accepted financial and
investment banking procedures and considerations as we have deemed relevant,
including (a) historical revenues, operating earnings, operating cash flows, net
income and capitalization, as to the Company, Parent and certain publicly held
companies in businesses we believe to be comparable to the Company; (b) the
current financial position and results of operations of the Company and Parent;
(c) the historical market prices and trading volume of the Common Stock of the
Company; (d) the historical market prices and trading volume for the Parent
Class A Stock and the Parent Class B Stock; (e) financial information concerning
selected actual and proposed business combinations which we believe to be
relevant; (f) conducted discussions with members of senior management of the
Company and Parent concerning their respective business prospects; and (g) the
general condition of the securities markets. We were not requested to, nor did
we, seek alternative participants for the proposed Transaction.
We have neither received nor reviewed any financial projections prepared by
Parent pertaining to the future prospects of Parent.
This opinion is addressed to the Board of Directors of the Company and does
not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder as to how such shareholder
should vote on the proposed Merger. We also express no opinion and make no
recommendation as to whether the holders of the Shares should elect to receive
the Cash Consideration, the Parent Class A Stock or the Parent Class B Stock.
William Blair & Company has been engaged in the investment banking business
since 1935. We undertake the valuation of investment securities in the
connection with public offerings, private placements, business combinations,
estate and gift tax valuations and similar transactions. For our services,
including the rendering of this opinion, the Company will pay us a fee, a
significant portion of which is contingent upon consummation of the Merger, and
indemnify us against certain liabilities.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion as investment
bankers that, as of date hereof, the Consideration is fair, from a financial
point of view, to the Shareholders of the Company.
Very truly yours,
WILLIAM BLAIR & COMPANY, L.L.C.
Annex II-2
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware empowers Berkshire to
indemnify, subject to the standards therein prescribed, any person in connection
with any action, suit or proceeding brought or threatened by reason of the fact
that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of Berkshire
or is or was serving as such with respect to another corporation or other entity
at the request of Berkshire. Section 10 of Berkshire's By-Laws provides that
Berkshire shall, to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145 of the General
Corporation Law of Delaware, indemnify directors and officers of Berkshire from
and against any and all of the expenses, liabilities or other matters referred
to in or covered by said Section. Additionally, as permitted by said Section and
Berkshire's By-Laws, Berkshire has entered into indemnification agreements with
each of its directors and officers. The description of such indemnification
agreements under the caption "Summary of the Indemnification Agreements" on page
9 of Berkshire's definitive proxy statement for its May 19, 1987 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders, Commission File No. 0-7413, is incorporated herein by
reference.
As permitted by Section 102 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware,
Berkshire's Restated Certificate of Incorporation includes as Article Tenth
thereof a provision eliminating, to the extent permitted by Delaware law, the
personal liability of each director of Berkshire to Berkshire or any of its
stockholders for monetary damages resulting from breaches of such director's
fiduciary duty of care.
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a) Exhibits
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER EXHIBIT
- ------ --------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S>
2 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 21, 1997, by and among
Berkshire Hathaway Inc., QDI, Inc. and International Dairy Queen, Inc.
(included as Annex I to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus).
3 By-Laws of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
5 Opinion of Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP, regarding the validity of
securities offered hereby.
8.1 Opinion of Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP, regarding certain tax matters.
8.2 Opinion of Faegre & Benson LLP, regarding certain tax matters.
23.1 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
23.2 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
23.3 Consent of Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP (included in Exhibits 5 and 8.1).
23.4 Consent of Faegre & Benson LLP (included in Exhibit 8.2)
24 Powers of attorney (included on Page II-3 hereof).
99 Form of International Dairy Queen, Inc. proxy card.
</TABLE>
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS.
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to
Item 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this form, within one business day of receipt of such
request, and to send the incorporated documents by first-class mail or equally
prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent
to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of
responding to the request.
II-1
<PAGE>
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in the registration statement when it became effective.
(c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of any employee benefit
plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial BONA FIDE offering thereof.
(d) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.
II-2
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Omaha, State of Nebraska
on November 20, 1997.
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
By: /s/ MARC D. HAMBURG
-----------------------------------------
Marc D. Hamburg
VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints
each of Warren E. Buffett, Charles T. Munger, and Marc D. Hamburg his true and
lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full powers of substitution and
resubstitution, for the undersigned and in the name of the undersigned, in any
and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement on Form S-4, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement had been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- ------------------------------ -------------------------- -------------------
/s/ WARREN E. BUFFETT Chairman of the Board and
- ------------------------------ Director (principal November 20, 1997
Warren E. Buffett executive officer)
Vice President and Chief
/s/ MARC D. HAMBURG Financial Officer
- ------------------------------ (principal financial November 20, 1997
Marc D. Hamburg officer)
/s/ DANIEL J. JAKSICH
- ------------------------------ Controller (principal November 20, 1997
Daniel J. Jaksich accounting officer)
/s/ CHARLES T. MUNGER
- ------------------------------ Vice-Chairman of the Board November 20, 1997
Charles T. Munger and Director
/s/ SUSAN T. BUFFETT
- ------------------------------ Director November 20, 1997
Susan T. Buffett
II-3
<PAGE>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- ------------------------------ -------------------------- -------------------
/s/ MALCOLM G. CHACE
- ------------------------------ Director November 20, 1997
Malcolm G. Chace
/s/ WALTER SCOTT, JR.
- ------------------------------ Director November 20, 1997
Walter Scott, Jr.
/s/ HOWARD G. BUFFETT
- ------------------------------ Director November 20, 1997
Howard G. Buffett
/s/ RONALD L. OLSON
- ------------------------------ Director November 20, 1997
Ronald L. Olson
II-4
<PAGE>
BY-LAWS
OF
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
(as amended through May 5, 1997)
SECTION 1
Certification of Incorporation
1.1. The nature of the business or purposes of the corporation shall be
as set forth in its certificate of incorporation. These by-laws, the powers
of the corporation and of its directors and stockholders, and all matters
concerning the management of the business and conduct of the affairs of the
corporation shall be subject to such provisions in regard thereto, if any, as
are set forth in the certificate of incorporation; and the certificate of
incorporation is hereby made a part of these by-laws. In these by-laws,
references to the certificate of incorporation mean the provisions of the
certificate of incorporation (as that term is defined in the General
Corporation Law of Delaware) of the corporation as from time to time in
effect, and references to these by-laws or to any requirement or provision of
law mean these by-laws or such requirement or provision of law as from time
to time in effect.
SECTION 2
Offices
2.1. REGISTERED OFFICE. The registered office of the corporation shall
be in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, Delaware.
2.2. OTHER OFFICES. The corporation may also have an office or offices
at such other place or places, either within or without the State of
Delaware, as the Board of Directors of the corporation from time to time may
determine or as the business of the corporation may require.
<PAGE>
SECTION 3
Stockholders
3.1. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the stockholders shall be
held at nine-thirty o'clock in the forenoon on the first Monday in May in
each year, unless that day be a legal holiday at the place where the meeting
is to be held, in which case the meeting shall be held at the same hour on
the next succeeding day not a legal holiday, or at such other date and time
as shall be designated from time to time by the board of directors and stated
in the notice of the meeting, at which they shall elect a board of directors
and transact such other business as may be required by law or these by-laws
or as may be specified by the chairman of the board or by a majority of the
directors then in office or by vote of the board of directors and of which
notice was given in the notice of the meeting. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the first annual meeting of the corporation shall be held in the year 1974.
3.2. SPECIAL MEETING IN PLACE OF ANNUAL MEETING. If the election for
directors shall not be held on the day designated by these by-laws, the
directors shall cause the election to be held as soon thereafter as
convenient, and to that end, if the annual meeting is omitted on the day
herein provided therefor or if the election of directors shall not be held
thereat, a special meeting of the stockholders may be held in place of such
omitted meeting or election, and any business transacted or election held at
such special meeting shall have the same effect as if transacted or held at
the annual meeting, and in such case all references in these by-laws to the
annual meeting of the stockholders, or to the annual election of directors,
shall be deemed to refer to or include such special meeting. Any such special
meeting shall be called, and the purposes thereof shall be specified in the
call, as provided in Section 3.3.
3.3. SPECIAL MEETINGS. A special meeting of the stockholders may be
called at any time by the chairman of the board or by the board of directors.
A special meeting of the stockholders shall be called by the secretary, or in
the case of the death, absence, incapacity or refusal of the secretary, by an
assistant secretary or some other officer, upon application of a majority of
the directors or of one or more stockholders who are entitled to vote and
who hold at least fifty percent of the capital stock issued and outstanding.
Any such application shall state the purpose or purposes of the proposed
meeting. Any such call shall state the place, date, hour, and purposes of the
meeting.
-2-
<PAGE>
3.4. PLACE OF MEETING. All meetings of the stockholders for the election
of directors or for any other purpose shall be held at such place within or
without the State of Delaware as may be determined from time to time by the
chairman of the board or the board of directors. Any adjourned session of any
meeting of the stockholders shall be held at the place designated in the vote
of adjournment.
3.5. NOTICE OF MEETINGS. Except as otherwise provided by law, a written
notice of each meeting of stockholders stating the place, day and hour
thereof and, in the case of a special meeting, the purposes for which the
meeting is called, shall be given not less than ten nor more than sixty days
before the meeting, to each stockholder entitled to vote thereat; and to each
stockholder who, by law, by the certificate of incorporation or by these
by-laws, is entitled to notice, by leaving such notice with him or at his
residence or usual place of business, or by depositing it in the United
States mail, postage prepaid, and addressed to such stockholder at his
address as it appears in the records of the corporation. Such notice shall be
given by the secretary, or by an officer or person designated by the board of
directors, or in the case of a special meeting by the officer calling the
meeting. As to any adjourned session of any meeting of stockholders, notice
of the adjourned meeting need not be given if the time and place thereof are
announced at the meeting at which the adjournment was taken except that if
the adjournment is for more than thirty days or if after the adjournment a
new record date is set for the adjourned session, notice of any such
adjourned session of the meeting shall be given in the manner heretofore
described. No notice of any meeting of stockholders or any adjourned session
thereof need be given to a stockholder if a written waiver of notice,
executed before or after the meeting or such adjournment session by such
stockholder is filed with the records of the meeting or if the stockholder
attends such meeting without objecting at the beginning of the meeting to the
transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or
convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any
meeting of the stockholders or any adjourned session thereof need be
specified in any written waiver of notice.
3.6. QUORUM OF STOCKHOLDERS. At any meeting of the stockholders, whether
the same be an original or an adjourned session, a quorum shall consist of a
majority in interest of all stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote
at the meeting, except in any case where a larger quorum is required by law,
by the certificate of incorporation or by these by-laws. Any meeting may be
adjourned from time to time by a majority of the votes properly cast upon the
question, whether or not a quorum is present.
-3-
<PAGE>
3.7. ACTION BY VOTE. When a quorum is present at any meeting, whether
the same be an original or an adjourned session, a plurality of the votes
properly cast for election to any office shall elect to such office and
a majority of the votes properly cast upon any question other than an election
to an office shall decide the question, except when a larger vote is required
by law, by the certificate of incorporation or by these by-laws. No ballot
shall be required for any election unless requested by a stockholder present
or represented at the meeting and entitled to vote in the election.
3.8. ACTION WITHOUT MEETINGS. Unless otherwise provided in the
certificate of incorporation, any action required or permitted to be taken by
stockholders for or in connection with any corporate action may be taken
without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent in
writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of
outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would
be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all
shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted.
If action is taken by unanimous consent of stockholders, the writing or
writings comprising such unanimous consent shall be filed with the records of
the meetings of stockholders.
If action is taken by less than unanimous consent of stockholders and in
accordance with the foregoing, there shall be filed with the records of the
meetings of stockholders the writing or writings comprising such less than
unanimous consent and a certificate signed and attested to by the secretary
that prompt notice was given to all stockholders of the taking of such action
without a meeting and by less than unanimous written consent.
In the event that the action which is consented to is such as would have
required the filing of a certificate under any of the provisions of the
General Corporation Law of Delaware, if such action had been voted upon by
the stockholders at a meeting thereof, the certificate filed under such
provision shall state that written consent has been given under Section 228
of said General Corporation Law, in lieu of stating that the stockholders
have voted upon the corporate action in question, if such last mentioned
statement is required thereby.
3.9. PROXY REPRESENTATION. Every stockholder may authorize another
person or persons to act for him by proxy in all matters in which a
stockholder is entitled to participate, whether by waiving notice of any
meeting, objecting to or voting or participating at a meeting, or expressing
consent or dissent without a meeting. Every proxy must be signed by the
stockholder or by his attorney-in-fact or be authorized by such other means
as is provided in Section 212 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. No
proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date unless
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such proxy provides for a longer period. A duly executed proxy shall be
irrevocable if it states that it is irrevocable and if, and only as long as,
it is coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable
power. A proxy may be made irrevocable regardless of whether the interest
with which it is coupled is an interest in the stock itself or an interest in
the corporation generally. The authorization of a proxy may but need not be
limited to specified action, provided, however, that if a proxy limits its
authorization to a meeting or meetings of stockholders, unless otherwise
specifically provided such proxy shall entitle the holder thereof to vote at
any adjourned session but shall not be valid after the final adjournment
thereof.
3.10. VOTES PER SHARE. Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of
incorporation, each stockholder shall be entitled to one vote for each share
of capital stock having voting power held by such stockholder.
3.11. LIST OF STOCKHOLDERS. The officer who has charge of the stock
ledger of the corporation shall prepare and make, at least ten days before
every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled
to vote at such meeting, arranged in alphabetical order and showing the
address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in his name.
Such list shall be open to examination by any stockholder, for any purpose
germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for at least ten days
prior to the meeting either at the place within the city where the meeting is
to be held, which place should be specified in the notice of such meeting, or
at the place where such meeting is to be held, and shall also be produced at
the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof and subject
to the inspection of any stockholder who may be present. The stock ledger
shall be the only evidence as to who are stockholders entitled to examine
such list or to vote in person or by proxy at such meeting.
SECTION 4
Board of Directions
4.1. NUMBER. The Board of Directors shall consist of one or more
members, the number thereof to be determined from time to time by resolution
of the Board of Directors. Directors need not be stockholders.
4.2. TENURE. Except as otherwise provided by law, by the certificate of
incorporation or by these by-laws, each director shall hold office until his
successor is elected and qualified, or until he sooner dies, resigns, is
removed or becomes disqualified.
4.3. POWERS. The business of the corporation shall be managed by the
board of directors who shall have and may exercise all the power of the
corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by law, the
certificate of incorporation or these by-laws directed or required to be
exercised or done by the stockholders.
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4.4. VACANCIES. Vacancies and any newly created directorships
resulting from any increase in the number of directors may be filled by vote
of the stockholders at a meeting called for the purpose, or by a majority of
the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole
remaining director. When one or more directors shall resign from the board,
effective at a future date, a majority of the directors then in office,
including those who have resigned, shall have power to fill such vacancy or
vacancies, the vote or action by writing thereon to take effect when such
resignation or resignations shall become effective. The directors shall have
and may exercise all their powers notwithstanding the existence of one or
more vacancies in their number, subject to any requirements of law or of the
certificate of incorporation or of these by-laws as to the number of
directors required for a quorum or for any vote or other action.
4.5. COMMITTEES. The board of directors may, by vote of a majority of
the whole board, (a) designate, change the membership of or terminate the
existence of any committee or committees, each committee to consist of one or
more of the directors; (b) designate one or more directors as alternate
members of any such committee who may replace any absent or disqualified
member at any meeting of the committee; and (c) determine the extent to which
each such committee shall have and may exercise the powers of the board of
directors in the management of the business and affairs of the corporation,
including the power to authorize the seal of the corporation to be affixed to
all papers which require it and the power and authority to declare dividends,
to authorize the issuance of stock, or to adopt a certificate of ownership
and merger pursuant to Section 253 of the General Corporation Law of
Delaware; excepting, however, such powers which by law, by the certificate of
incorporation or by these by-laws they are prohibited from so delegating. In
the absence or disqualification of any member of such committee and his
alternate, if any, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and
not disqualified from voting, whether or not constituting a quorum, may
unanimously appoint another member of the board of directors to act at the
meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member. Except as the
board of directors may otherwise determine, any committee may make rules for
the conduct of its business, but unless otherwise provided by the board or
such rules, its business shall be conducted as nearly as may be in the same
manner as is provided by these by-laws for the conduct of the business by the
board of directors. Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings
and report the same to the board of directors upon request.
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4.6. REGULAR MEETINGS. Regular meetings of the board of directors may
be held without call or notice at such place within or without the State of
Delaware and at such times as the board may from time to time determine,
provided that notice of the first regular meeting following any such
determination shall be given to absent directors. A regular meeting of the
directors may be held without call or notice immediately after and at the
same place as the annual meeting of the stockholders.
4.7. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the board of directors may
be held at any time and at any place within or without the State of Delaware
designated in the notice of the meeting, when called by the chairman of the
board, or by one-third or more in number of the directors, reasonable notice
thereof being given to each director by the secretary or by the chairman of
the board or any one of the directors calling the meeting.
4.8. NOTICE. It shall be reasonable and sufficient notice to a
director to send notice by mail at least forty-eight hours or by facsimile or
electronic message at least twenty-four hours before the meeting addressed to
him at his usual or last known business or residence address or to give
notice to him in person or by telephone at least twenty-four hours before the
meeting. Notice of a meeting need not be given to any director if a written
waiver of notice, executed by him before or after the meeting, is filed with
the records of the meeting, or to any director who attends the meeting
without protesting prior thereto or at its commencement the lack of notice to
him. Neither notice of a meeting nor a waiver of a notice need specify the
purposes of the meeting.
4.9. QUORUM. Except as may be otherwise provided by law, by the
certificate of incorporation or by these by-laws, at any meeting of the
directors a majority of the directors then in office shall constitute a
quorum; a quorum shall not in any case be less than one-third of the total
number of directors constituting the whole board. Any meeting may be
adjourned from time to time by a majority of the votes cast upon the
question, whether or not a quorum is present, and the meeting may be held as
adjourned without further notice.
4.10. ACTION BY VOTE. Except as may be otherwise provided by law, by the
certificate of incorporation or by these by-laws, when a quorum is present at
any meeting the vote of a majority of the directors present shall be the act
of the board of directors.
4.11. ACTION WITHOUT A MEETING. Any action required or permitted to be
taken at any meeting of the board of directors or a committee thereof may be
taken without a meeting if all the members of the board or of such committee,
as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, and such writing or writings
are filed with the records of the meeting of the board or of such committee.
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Such consent shall be treated for all purposes as the act of the board or of
such committee, as the case may be.
4.12. COMPENSATION. In the discretion of the board of directors, each
director may be paid such fees for his services as director and be reimbursed
for his reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of his duties as
director as the board of directors from time to time may determine. Nothing
contained in this Section shall be construed to preclude any director from
serving the corporation in any other capacity and receiving reasonable
compensation therefor.
4.13. INTERESTED DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
(a) No contract or transaction between the corporation and one or more
of its directors or officers, or between the corporation and any other
corporation, partnership, association, or other organization in which one or
more of the corporation's directors or officers are directors or officers, or
have a financial interest, shall be void or voidable solely for this reason,
or solely because the director or officer is present at or participates in
the meeting of the board or committee thereof which authorizes the contract
or transaction, or solely because his or their votes are counted for such
purpose, if:
(1) The material facts as to his relationship or interest and as to
the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the board of
directors or the committee, and the board or committee in good faith
authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative votes of a
majority of the disinterested directors, even though the disinterested
directors be less than a quorum; or
(2) The material facts as to his relationship or interest and as
to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the
stockholders entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or transaction
is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the stockholders; or
(3) The contract or transaction is fair as to the corporation as
of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified, by the board of
directors, a committee thereof, or the stockholders.
(b) Common or interested directors may be counted in determining the
presence of a quorum at a meeting of the board of directors or of a committee
which authorizes the contract or transaction.
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SECTION 5
Officers and Agents
5.1. ENUMERATION; QUALIFICATION. The officers of the corporation shall
be a chairman of the board, a treasurer, a secretary and such other officers,
if any, as the board of directors from time to time may in its discretion
elect or appoint including without limitation a vice-chairman of the board,
one or more vice presidents and a controller. The corporation may also have
such agents, if any, as the board of directors from time to time may in its
discretion choose. Any officer may be, but none except the chairman and any
vice-chairman of the board need be, a director or stockholder. Any two or
more offices may be held by the same person. Any officer may be required by
the board of directors to secure the faithful performance of his duties to
the corporation by giving bond in such amount and with sureties or otherwise
as the board of directors may determine.
5.2. POWERS. Subject to law, to the certificate of incorporation and
to the other provisions of these by-laws, each officer shall have, in addition
to the duties and power herein set forth, such duties and powers as are
commonly incident to his office and such additional duties and powers as the
board of directors may from time to time designate.
5.3. ELECTION. The officers may be elected to the board of directors
at their first meeting following the annual meeting of the stockholders or at
any other time. At any time or from time to time the directors may delegate
to any officers their power to elect or appoint any other officer or any
agents.
5.4. TENURE. Each officer shall hold office until the first meeting of
the board of directors following the next annual meeting of the stockholders
and until his respective successor is chosen and qualified unless a shorter
period shall have been specified by the terms of his election or appointment,
or in each case until he sooner dies, resigns, is removed or becomes
disqualified. Each agent shall retain his authority at the pleasure of the
directors, or the officer by whom he was appointed or the officer who then
holds agent appointive power.
5.5. CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Except as
otherwise voted by the directors, the chairman of the board shall be the
chief executive officer of the corporation, he shall preside at all meetings
of the stockholders and directors at which he is present and shall have such
other powers and duties as the board of directors, executive committee or any
other duly authorized committee shall from time to time designate.
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Except as otherwise voted by the directors, the vice-chairman of the
board, if any is elected or appointed, shall assume the duties and powers of
the chairman of the board in his absence and shall otherwise have such
duties and powers as shall be designated from time to time by the board of
directors.
5.6. VICE PRESIDENTS. Any vice presidents shall have such duties and
powers as shall be designated from time to time by the board of directors or
by the chairman of the board.
5.7. TREASURER AND ASSISTANT TREASURERS. Except as otherwise voted by
the directors, the treasurer shall be the chief financial officer of the
corporation and shall be in charge of its funds and valuable papers, and
shall have such other duties and powers as may be designated from time to
time by the board of directors or by the chairman of the board. If no
controller is elected, the treasurer shall also have the duties and powers of
the controller.
Any assistant treasurers shall have such duties and powers as shall be
designated from time to time by the board of directors, the chairman of the
board or the treasurer.
5.8. CONTROLLER AND ASSISTANT CONTROLLERS. If a controller is elected,
he shall be the chief accounting officer of the corporation and shall be in
charge of its books of account and accounting records, and of its accounting
procedures. He shall have such other duties and powers as may be designated
from time to time by the board of directors, the chairman of the board or the
treasurer.
Any assistant controller shall have such duties and powers as shall be
designated from time to time by the board of directors, the chairman of the
board, the treasurer or the controller.
5.9. SECRETARY AND ASSISTANT SECRETARIES. The secretary shall record
all proceedings of the stockholders, of the board of directors and of
committees of the board of directors in a book or series of books to be kept
therefor and shall file therein all writings of, or related to action by
stockholder or director consent. In the absence of the secretary from any
meeting, an assistant secretary, or if there be none or he is absent, a
temporary secretary chosen at the meeting, shall record the proceedings
thereof. Unless a transfer agent has been appointed the secretary shall keep
or cause to be kept the stock and transfer records of the corporation, which
shall contain the names and record addresses of all stockholders and the
number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. He shall have
such other duties and powers as may from time to time be designated by the
board of directors or the chairman of the board.
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Any assistant secretaries shall have such duties and powers as shall be
designated from time to time by the board of directors, the chairman of the
board or the secretary.
SECTION 6
Resignations and Removals
6.1. Any director or officer may resign at any time by delivering his
resignation in writing to the chairman of the board or the secretary or to a
meeting of the board of directors. Such resignation shall be effective upon
receipt unless specified to be effective at some other time, and without in
either case the necessity of its being accepted unless the resignation shall
so state. A director (including persons elected by directors to fill
vacancies in the board) may be removed from office with or without cause by
the vote of the holders of a majority of the shares issued and outstanding
and entitled to vote in the election of directors. The board of directors may
at any time remove any officer either with or without cause. The board of
directors may at any time terminate or modify the authority of any agent. No
director or officer resigning and (except where a right to receive
compensation shall be expressly provided in a duly authorized written
agreement with the corporation) no director or officer removed, shall have
any right to any compensation as such director or officer for any period
following his resignation or removal, or any right to damages on account of
such removal, whether his compensation be by the month or by the year or
otherwise; unless in the case of a resignation, the directors, or in the case
of a removal, the body acting on the removal, shall in their or its
discretion provide for compensation.
SECTION 7
Vacancies
7.1. If the office of the chairman of the board or the treasurer or the
secretary becomes vacant, the directors may elect a successor by vote of a
majority of the directors then in office. If the office of any other officer
becomes vacant, any person or body empowered to elect or appoint that officer
may choose a successor. Each such successor shall hold office for the
unexpired term, and in the case of the chairman of the board, the treasurer
and the secretary until his successor is chosen and qualified, or in each
case until he sooner dies, resigns, is removed or becomes disqualified. Any
vacancy of a directorship shall be filled as specified in Section 4.4 of
these by-laws.
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SECTION 8
Capital Stock
8.1. STOCK CERTIFICATES. Each stockholder shall be entitled to a
certificate stating the number and the class and the designation of the
series, if any, of the shares held by him, in such form as shall, in
conformity to law, the certificate of incorporation and the by-laws, be
prescribed from time to time by the board of directors. Such certificates
shall be signed by the chairman or vice chairman of the board of directors,
or a vice president and by the treasurer or an assistant treasurer or by the
secretary or an assistant secretary. Any of or all the signatures on the
certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent, or
registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed on such
certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent, or
registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the
corporation with the same effect as if he were such officer, transfer agent,
or registrar at the time of its issue.
8.2. LOSS OF CERTIFICATES. In the case of the alleged theft, loss,
destruction or mutilation of a certificate of stock, a duplicate certificate
may be issued in place thereof, upon such terms, including receipt of a bond
sufficient to indemnify the corporation against any claim or account thereof,
as the board of directors may prescribe.
SECTION 9
Transfer of Shares of Stock
9.1. TRANSFER ON BOOKS. Subject to the restrictions, if any, stated or
noted on the stock certificate, shares of stock may be transferred on the
books of the corporation by the surrender to the corporation or its transfer
agent of the certificate therefor properly endorsed or accompanied by a
written assignment and power of attorney properly executed, with necessary
transfer stamps affixed, and with such proof of the authenticity of signature
as the board of directors or the transfer agent of the corporation may
reasonably require. Except as may be otherwise required by law, by the
certificate of incorporation or by these by-laws, the corporation shall be
entitled to treat the record holder of stock as shown on its books as the
owner of such stock for all purposes, including the payment of dividends and
the right to receive notice and to vote or to give any consent with respect
thereto and to be held liable for such calls and assessments, if any, as may
lawfully be made thereon, regardless of any transfer, pledge or other
disposition of such stock until the shares have been properly transferred on
the books of the corporation.
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It shall be the duty of each stockholder to notify the corporation of his
post office address.
9.2 RECORD DATE AND CLOSING TRANSFER BOOKS. In order that the
corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote
at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or to express
consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, or entitled to
receive payment of any dividend or other distributions or allotment of any
rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change,
conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful
action, the board of directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which
shall not be more than sixty nor less than ten days (or such longer period as
may be required by law) before the date of such meeting, nor more than sixty
days prior to any other action.
If no record date is fixed:
(a) The record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or
to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the
day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived,
at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the
meeting is held.
(b) The record date for determining stockholders entitled to express
consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, when no prior
action by the board of directors is necessary, shall be the day on which the
first written consent is expressed.
(c) The record date for determining stockholders for any other purpose
shall be at the close of business on the day on which the board of directors
adopts the resolution relating thereto.
A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote
at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting;
provided, however, that the board of directors may fix a new record date for
the adjourned meeting.
SECTION 10
Indemnification of Directors and Officers
10.1. RIGHT TO INDEMNIFICATION. Each director or officer of the
corporation who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to or
is involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative (hereinafter a "proceeding"), by reason of
the fact that he or she, or a person of whom he or she is the legal
representative, is or was a director or officer of the corporation or is or
was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer,
employee or
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agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or
other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans,
whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official
capacity or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer,
employee or agent, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the corporation
to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of Delaware, as the same exist or
may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only
to the extent that such amendment permits the corporation to provide broader
indemnification rights than said law permitted the corporation to provide
prior to such amendment), against all costs, charges, expenses, liabilities
and losses (including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes
or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) reasonably
incurred or suffered by such person in connection therewith and such
indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director
or officer and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and
administrators: provided however, that except for any proceeding seeking to
enforce or obtain payment under any right to indemnification by the
corporation, the corporation shall indemnify any such person seeking
indemnification in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated
by such person only if the corporation has joined in or consented to the
initiation of such proceeding (or part thereof). The corporation may, by
action of its Board of Directors, either on a general basis or as designated
by the Board of Directors, provide indemnification to employees and agents of
the corporation, and to directors, officers, employees and agents of the
Company's subsidiaries, with the same scope and effect as the foregoing
indemnification of the same scope and effect as the foregoing indemnification
of directors and officers. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 10 to the
contrary, no person shall be entitled to indemnification pursuant to this
Section on account of any suit in which judgment is rendered against such
person for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale by such
person of securities of the corporation pursuant to the provisions of
Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
10.2. NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS. The right to indemnification and the
payment of expenses incurred in defending a proceeding in advance of its
final disposition conferred in this Section 10 shall not be exclusive of any
other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute,
provision of the certificate of incorporation, by-law, agreement, vote of
stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise. Each person who is or
becomes a director or officer of the corporation shall be deemed to have
served or to have continued to serve in such capacity in reliance upon the
indemnity provided in this Section 10.
10.3. INSURANCE. The corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense,
to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the
corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or
other enterprise against any such expense,
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liability or loss, whether or not the corporation would have the power to
indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the
General Corporation Law of Delaware.
10.4. EXPENSES AS A WITNESS. To the extent that any director, officer,
employee or agent of the corporation is by reason of such position, or a
position with another entity at the request of the corporation, a witness in
any action, suit or proceeding, he or she shall be indemnified against all
costs and expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or her on his or
her behalf in connection therewith.
10.5. INDEMNITY AGREEMENTS. The corporation may enter into indemnity
agreements with the persons who are members of its board of directors from
time to time, and with such officers, employees and agents of the corporation
and with such officers, directors, employees and agents of subsidiaries as
the board may designate, such indemnity agreements to provide in substance
that the corporation will indemnify such persons as contemplated by this
Section 10, and to include any other substantive or procedural provisions
regarding indemnification as are not inconsistent with the General
Corporation Law of Delaware. The provisions of such indemnity agreements
shall prevail to the extent that they limit or condition or differ from the
provisions of this Section 10.
10.6. DEFINITION OF CORPORATION. For purposes of this Section 10 reference
to "the corporation" includes all constituent corporations absorbed in a
consolidation or merger as well as the resulting or surviving corporation so
that any person who is or was a director or officer of such a constituent
corporation shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this
Section with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as he would if
he had served the resulting or surviving corporation in the same capacity.
SECTION 11
Corporate Seal
11.1. The seal of the corporation shall, subject to alteration by the
directors, consist of a flat-faced circular die with the word "Delaware"
together with the name of the corporation and the year of its organization,
cut or engraved thereon. The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile
thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.
SECTION 12
Execution of Papers
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12.1. Except as the board of directors may generally or in some
particular cases authorize the execution thereof in some other manner, all
deeds, leases, transfers, contracts, bonds, notes, checks, drafts and other
obligations made, accepted or endorsed by the corporation shall be signed by
the chairman of the board or by one of the vice presidents or by the
treasurer.
SECTION 13
Fiscal Year
13.1. Except as from time to time otherwise provided by the board of
directors, the fiscal year of the corporation shall end on the 31st day of
December of each year.
SECTION 14
Amendments
14.1. These by-laws may be made, altered, amended or repealed by vote of
a majority of the directors in office or by vote of a majority of the stock
outstanding and entitled to vote. Any by-law, whether made, altered, amended
or repealed by the stockholders or directors, may be altered, amended or
reinstated, as the case may be, by either the stockholders or by the
directors as hereinbefore provided.
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EXHIBIT 5
[MUNGER, TOLLES & OLSON LLP LETTERHEAD]
(213) 683-9100
November 20, 1997
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
1440 Kiewit Plaza
Omaha, Nebraska 68131
Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Berkshire Hathaway Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the "Company"), in connection with the preparation of the Registration
Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") filed by the Company with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission").
The Registration Statement relates to the proposed issuance and sale of
shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $5.00 per share (the "Class A Stock"),
and shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $.1667 per share (the "Class B
Stock"), of the Company in connection with the proposed merger (the "Merger") of
International Dairy Queen, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Dairy Queen"), with
and into QDI, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company ("Merger Sub"), pursuant to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger,
dated as of October 21, 1997 (the "Merger Agreement"), by and among the Company,
Merger Sub, and Dairy Queen. The Class A Stock and Class B Stock are described
in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus included in the Registration Statement to
which this opinion is an exhibit.
We have examined and are familiar with originals or copies of such
documents, corporate records, and other instruments as we have deemed necessary
or appropriate in connection with this opinion, including, without limitation,
(i) the Registration Statement, (ii) the Merger Agreement, (iii) the Restated
Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, and (iv) the By-Laws of the
Company. This opinion is delivered in accordance with the requirement of Item
601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act").
In our examination, we have assumed the legal capacity of all natural
persons, the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents
submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all
documents submitted to us as certified, conformed, or photocopies, and the
authenticity of the originals of such latter documents. As to any facts material
to the opinions expressed herein, other than those assumed, we have relied
without independent verification upon the documents referred to above, the
accuracy of factual matters contained therein, and oral or written statements
and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company and
others, including public officials.
We are members of the Bar of the State of California. This opinion is
limited to the laws of the State of California, the General Corporation Law of
the State of Delaware, and the laws of the United States. We do not express any
opinion as to the laws of any other jurisdiction or as to any other laws of the
State of Delaware.
We have assumed the due authorization, execution, and delivery by or on
behalf of each of the parties thereto of the securities and documents referred
to above, other than the Company, and that (a) the Merger will occur and be
conducted in accordance with the terms, conditions, covenants, and other
provisions of the Merger Agreement, (b) all applicable provisions of the
Securities Act of 1993, as amended, and such state "blue sky" or other
securities laws as may be applicable have been or shall duly be complied with,
and (c) the Registration Statement, as finally amended, shall become effective
under the Securities Act.
<PAGE>
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
November 20, 1997
Page 2
Based upon the foregoing, we of the opinion that the shares of Class A Stock
and Class B Stock, when issued to the stockholders of Dairy Queen in accordance
with the provisions of the Merger Agreement, will be legally issued, fully paid,
and nonassessable shares of Class A Stock or Class B Stock, as the case may be.
We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and to the reference to this firm under the caption "Legal Matters" in
the Proxy Statement/Prospectus forming a part of the Registration Statement. In
giving such consent, we do not admit that we come within the category of persons
whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules or
regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
Very truly yours,
Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 8.1
[MUNGER, TOLLES & OLSON LLP LETTERHEAD]
(213) 683-9100
November 20, 1997
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
1440 Kiewit Plaza
Omaha, Nebraska 68131
Gentlemen:
You have requested our opinion regarding the discussions of the material
United States Federal income tax consequences under the captions "SUMMARY--The
Merger--Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations" and "THE MERGER--Certain
Federal Income Tax Considerations" in the combined Proxy Statement of
International Dairy Queen, Inc. ("Dairy Queen") and Prospectus of Berkshire
Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire") (the "Proxy Statement/Prospectus") which is included
in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") filed
on the date hereof by Berkshire with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"). The Proxy Statement/Prospectus relates to the proposed merger (the
"Merger") of Dairy Queen with and into QDI, Inc. ("Merger Sub"), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Berkshire pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger by and
among Berkshire, Dairy Queen and Merger Sub, dated as of October 21, 1997 (the
"Merger Agreement"). This opinion is delivered in accordance with the
requirements of Item 601(b)(8) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act.
In rendering our opinion, we have reviewed the Merger Agreement, the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and such other materials as we have deemed necessary or
appropriate as a basis for our opinion. In addition, we have considered the
applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder by the Treasury Department
(the "Regulations"), pertinent judicial authorities, rulings of the Internal
Revenue Service (the "IRS") and such other authorities as we have considered
relevant, in each case, in effect on the date hereof. It should be noted that
such Code, Regulations, judicial decisions, administrative interpretations and
such other authorities are subject to change at any time and, in some
circumstances, with retroactive effect. A material change in any of the
materials or authorities upon which our opinion is based could affect our
conclusions stated herein.
Based upon the foregoing, it is our opinion that the statements made under
the captions "SUMMARY--The Merger--Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations"
and "THE MERGER--Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations" in the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, to the extent that they constitute matters of law or legal
conclusions, are correct in all material respects. There can be no assurance
that contrary positions may not be asserted by the IRS.
This opinion is being furnished in connection with the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. You may rely upon and refer to the foregoing opinion in
the Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Any variation or difference in the facts from
those set forth or assumed either herein or in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus
may affect the conclusions stated herein.
We hereby consent to the use of our name under the caption "THE
MERGER--Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations" in the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and to the filing of this opinion as an Exhibit to the
Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we come
within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the
Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
Very truly yours,
Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 8.2
[FAEGRE & BENSON LLP LETTERHEAD]
November 20, 1997
International Dairy Queen, Inc.
7505 Metro Boulevard
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55439
Ladies and Gentlemen:
You have requested our opinion as special tax counsel regarding the
discussions of the material United States Federal income tax consequences under
the captions "SUMMARY--The Merger--Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations"
and "THE MERGER--Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations" in the combined
Proxy Statement of International Dairy Queen, Inc. ("Dairy Queen") and
Prospectus of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire") (the "Proxy
Statement/Prospectus") which is included in the Registration Statement on Form
S-4 filed on the date hereof (the "Registration Statement") filed by Berkshire
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The Proxy
Statement/Prospectus relates to the proposed merger (the "Merger") of Dairy
Queen with and into QDI, Inc. ("Merger Sub"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Berkshire pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of October 21,
1997 (the "Merger Agreement"). This opinion is delivered in accordance with the
requirements of Item 601(b)(8) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act.
In rendering our opinion, we have reviewed the Merger Agreement and Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and such other materials as we have deemed necessary or
appropriate as a basis for our opinion. In addition, we have considered the
applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder by the Treasury Department
(the "Regulations"), pertinent judicial authorities, rulings of the Internal
Revenue Service (the "IRS") and other authorities all as of the date hereof. It
should be noted that such Code, Regulations, judicial decisions, administrative
interpretations and other authorities are subject to change at any time and, in
some circumstances, with retroactive effect. A material change in any of the
materials or authorities upon which our opinion is based could affect our
conclusions stated herein.
<PAGE>
November 20, 1997
Page 2
Based upon the foregoing, it is our opinion that the statements made under
the captions "SUMMARY--The Merger--Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations"
and "THE MERGER--Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations" in the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, to the extent that they constitute matters of law or legal
conclusions, are correct in all materials respects. There can be no assurance
that contrary positions may not be asserted by the IRS.
This opinion is being furnished in connection with the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. You may rely upon and refer to the foregoing opinion in
the Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Any variation or difference in the facts from
those set forth or assumed either herein or in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus
may affect the conclusions stated herein.
We hereby consent to the use of our name under the caption "THE
MERGER--Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations" in the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and to the filing of this opinion as an Exhibit to the
Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we come
within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the
Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
Very truly yours,
Faegre & Benson LLP
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement
of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. on Form S-4 of our reports dated March 7, 1997,
appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. for the
year ended December 31, 1996, and to the reference to us under the heading
"Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Omaha, Nebraska
November 20, 1997
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-4) and related Prospectus of Berkshire Hathaway
Inc. and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January
10, 1997, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of International
Dairy Queen, Inc. incorporated by reference in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for
the year ended November 30, 1996 and the related financial statement schedule
included therein, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Ernst & Young LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
November 20, 1997
<PAGE>
INTERNATIONAL DAIRY QUEEN, INC.
PROXY FOR CLASS B COMMON STOCK
SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
, 199
The undersigned stockholder of International Dairy Queen, Inc. ("Dairy
Queen") hereby appoints John W. Mooty and Michael P. Sullivan or either of them,
as attorneys, agents and proxies of the undersigned, with full power of
substitution in each of them, to vote, in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned at the Special Meeting of Stockholders (the "Meeting") of Dairy
Queen to be held on , 1997, at , in the General Offices of
Dairy Queen, 7505 Metro Boulevard, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and at all
adjournments thereof, all of the shares of Class B Common Stock of Dairy Queen
which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present, with all
powers the undersigned would possess if personally present.
PROPOSAL--To approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated
as of October 21, 1997 (the "Merger Agreement"), by and among Dairy
Queen, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Berkshire"),
and QDI, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of
Berkshire ("Merger Sub"), and to approve the transactions contemplated
thereby, including the merger of Dairy Queen with and into Merger Sub.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
(CONTINUED, AND TO BE SIGNED, ON OTHER SIDE)
<PAGE>
(CONTINUED FROM OTHER SIDE)
The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Special Meeting
and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus dated , 1997 relating to the
Special Meeting.
ALL SHARES WILL BE VOTED AS SPECIFIED. IF NO CHOICE IS SPECIFIED, THE SHARES
WILL BE VOTED FOR APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND AT THE
DISCRETION OF THE PROXY HOLDERS AS TO ANY OTHER MATTER THAT MAY PROPERLY COME
BEFORE THE MEETING.
Either of said attorneys or their substitutes who shall be present and act,
or if only one shall attend, then that one, shall have and may exercise all the
powers of said attorneys hereunder.
Dated: _____________________, 19__
__________________________________
(Signature)
__________________________________
(Joint Owner's Signature)
When signing as attorney,
guardian, executor, administrator
or trustee, please give title. If
the signer is a corporation,
please give the full corporate
name, and sign by a duly
authorized officer, showing the
officer's title. EACH joint owner
is required to sign.
PLEASE EXECUTE AND RETURN THIS PROXY PROMPTLY.
YOUR COOPERATION WILL BE APPRECIATED.
