Item 5 - Other Events.
The registrant's press release dated December 11, 2000, regarding its
announcement to spin off the company's Office System business to stockholders.
Item 7 - Financial Statements and Exhibits.
c. Exhibits.
The following exhibits are furnished in accordance with the provisions of Item
601 of Regulation S-K:
Exhibit Description
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(1) Pitney Bowes Inc. press release dated December 11, 2000.
Signatures
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
PITNEY BOWES INC.
December 11, 2000
/s/ B. P. Nolop
-----------------------------------
B. P. Nolop
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ A. F. Henock
-----------------------------------
A. F. Henock
Vice President - Controller
and Chief Tax Counsel
(Principal Accounting Officer)
<PAGE>
Exhibit 1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
---------------------
PITNEY BOWES TO SPIN OFF
OFFICE SYSTEMS BUSINESS
Stamford, Conn., December 11, 2000 -- The Pitney Bowes Inc. (NYSE: PBI) Board of
Directors today unanimously approved a plan to spin off the company's Office
Systems business to stockholders as an independent, publicly-traded company. The
new business consists of U.S. and U.K. Office Systems operations. The
transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter 2001.
For financial reporting purposes, Office Systems will be treated as a
discontinued operation. Under the proposal, it is anticipated that Pitney Bowes
stockholders will receive 100 percent of the stock of the new company. The stock
distribution ratio, record and distribution dates will be determined just prior
to the spin date.
Michael J. Critelli, Chairman and CEO of Pitney Bowes Inc. said, "The
successful completion of this transaction will maximize the value of both Pitney
Bowes and Office Systems to our stockholders and customers." He continued, "As
separate entities, we can leverage the core strengths of each respective company
and sharpen the focus on the growth opportunities in our designated markets,
while maximizing speed and enhancing responsiveness to changing customer and
competitive conditions. Both organizations will also have greater flexibility to
invest and structure themselves in alignment with market needs, while continuing
during the transition to provide all customers with the quality products and
services that they've come to expect from Pitney Bowes."
It is intended that Office Systems will be licensed to operate under
the "Pitney Bowes" brand name for a period of time as Pitney Bowes Office
Systems and will continue to be headquartered in Trumbull, Connecticut. Pitney
Bowes Office Systems will feature a separate management team led by Marc C.
Breslawsky as the Chief Executive Officer.
<PAGE>
Currently serving as the President and Chief Operating Officer of
Pitney Bowes Inc., Mr. Breslawsky has over 30 years experience in the Office
Systems market and, in fact, started the facsimile business for Pitney Bowes in
1982. Mr. Breslawsky and Mr. Critelli will continue to work together during this
transition, with more of Mr. Breslawsky's focus being directed toward the
spin-off as the transaction nears completion.
"There is no one more capable of successfully guiding the new company
through today's hypercompetitive office systems marketplace than Marc
Breslawsky," commented Mr. Critelli. "When you combine Marc's proven operational
effectiveness, strategic sourcing skills, and ability to motivate and drive a
direct sales and marketing organization, with his years of experience guiding
both of these businesses for Pitney Bowes, he is well positioned to succeed in
leading and leveraging the strengths of this new organization."
Mr. Breslawsky said, "The Office Systems spin-off is consistent with
the strategic actions that we've previously taken with this business ---
starting with the merger of the facsimile and copier businesses, and most
recently, the phased expansion of the sales coverage to handle both product
lines across all market sectors earlier this year. We strongly believe that
Office Systems has the right products, the right strategy, the right people and
the right customer relationships to succeed in the marketplace."
Customers will also benefit from the synergies between the two
independent companies according to Mr. Breslawsky. "The spin-off process will be
seamless for Pitney Bowes and Office Systems customers because both
organizations are committed to working together in the best interests of all
customers," stated Mr. Breslawsky. "After the transaction is complete, Pitney
Bowes Financial Services will continue to provide Office Systems customers with
convenient access to leading-edge leasing and financial services, while Office
Systems will continue to provide productivity-enhancing fax and copier systems
for Pitney Bowes Management Services' customers."
The transaction is not subject to a vote of stockholders. The spin-off
will be subject to customary conditions, and prior to its completion, the
company intends to obtain a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service that the
transaction will be tax-free.
<PAGE>
On a pre-spin total company basis, the office systems operations are
estimated to contribute 14-15 percent of Pitney Bowes' forecasted revenue, 11-12
percent of forecasted EBIT, and 11-12 percent to forecasted net income for the
full-year 2000. As noted, Pitney Bowes Office Systems will be treated as a
discontinued operation beginning in fourth quarter 2000. This will lower the
company's proforma continuing operations earnings per share guidance for 2000 to
$2.15 to $2.18 and for 2001 to $2.35 to $2.40. For the reasons previously
disclosed, Pitney Bowes' revenue excluding the Office Systems operation, is
expected to decline about five percent in the fourth quarter, which implies an
increase of about two percent for the full-year 2000. The expected full-year
revenue growth rate for 2001 is four to six percent.
Pitney Bowes' continuing operations will include worldwide mailing,
shipping and logistics, production mail, e-billing and statement presentment,
small business solutions, management services, document outsourcing, and
financial services businesses.
Pitney Bowes is a global provider of total messaging solutions. For
more information on the company please visit www.pitneybowes.com
The forward-looking statements contained in this news release involve
risks and uncertainties, and are subject to change based on various important
factors including timely development and acceptance of new products, gaining
product approval, successful entry into new markets, changes in interest rates,
and changes in postal regulations, as more fully outlined in the company's 1999
Form 10-K Annual Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In
addition, the forward-looking statements are subject to change based on the
timing and specific terms of the spin-off.
