Registration No. 333-
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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Form S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Under
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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Fortune Brands, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 13-3295276
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
300 Tower Parkway, Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
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Fortune Brands
Hourly Employee Retirement Savings Plan
(Full Title of the Plan)
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MARK A. ROCHE, ESQ. Copy to:
Senior Vice President, General Counsel
and Secretary EDWARD P. SMITH, ESQ.
FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. CHADBOURNE & PARKE LLP
300 Tower Parkway 30 Rockefeller Plaza
Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069 New York, New York 10112
(Name and address of agent for service)
Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service: (847) 484-4400
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
- ------------------------------------- -------------- ----------------- ---------------------- ----------------
Proposed Proposed
maximum maximum
Title of securities Amount to be offering price aggregate Amount of
to be registered registered** per share *** offering price*** registration fee
- ------------------------------------- -------------- ----------------- ---------------------- -----------------
Common Stock, Par Value $3.125 per
share, and Preferred Share
Purchase
Rights*.......................... 15,000 shares $28.71875 $430,781.75 $114
- ------------------------------------- -------------- ----------------- ---------------------- -----------------
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
* The Preferred Share Purchase Rights are attached to and trade with the
Common Stock. The value, if any, attributed to such Rights is reflected in
the market price of the Common Stock.
** In addition, pursuant to Rule 416(c) of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), this Registration Statement also covers an
indeterminate amount of interests to be offered or sold pursuant to the
employee benefit plan described herein.
*** Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
pursuant to Rule 457(h) under the Securities Act on the basis of the average
of the high and low per share market price ($29.0625 and $28.375,
respectively) of the Common Stock on January 26, 2000, as reported on the
New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions.
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<PAGE>
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Information required by Part I of Form S-8 to be contained in the
Section 10(a) prospectus is omitted from this Registration Statement in
accordance with the Note to Part I of Form S-8.
The Plan changed its name from the MasterBrand Industries, Inc. Hourly
Employee Savings Plan to the Fortune Brands Hourly Employee Retirement Savings
Plan on October 1, 1999.
Fortune Brands changed its name from American Brands, Inc. to Fortune
Brands, Inc. on May 30, 1997.
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
The following documents filed by Registrant with the Securities and
Exchange Commission are specifically incorporated herein by reference and made a
part hereof:
(i) Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1998, filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"),
which incorporates by reference certain information, including the
Company's 1998 consolidated financial statements contained in its 1998
Annual Report to Stockholders;
(ii) all other reports filed by Registrant pursuant to
Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act since December 31, 1998;
(iii) the description of Registrant's Common Stock, par value
$3.125 per share, set forth under the headings "Description of Fortune
Brands Capital Stock" and "Comparative Rights of Shareholders" on pages
94-105 of Registrant's Proxy Statement for the 1997 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders of Fortune Brands, Inc.;
(iv) the description of Registrant's Preferred Share Purchase
Rights contained in Registrant's Application for Registration on Form
8-A dated December 22, 1997;
(v) the Annual Report on Form 11-K of the MasterBrand Industries,
Inc. Hourly Employee Savings Plan (a predecessor plan of the Plan) for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, filed pursuant to Section
15(d) of the Exchange Act; and
(vi) Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration
No. 33-64075).
All documents subsequently filed by Registrant or the Plan pursuant to
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the filing of a
post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered have been
sold or which deregisters all securities remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof
from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained in a document
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to
be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the
extent that a statement contained herein or in any subsequently filed document
which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or
supersedes such statement. Any statement modified or superseded shall not be
deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute part of this
Registration Statement.
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Item 4. Description of Securities.
This Item is not applicable as Registrant's Common Stock is registered
under Section 12 of the Exchange Act.
Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.
This Item is not applicable.
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware provides in part
as follows:
"(a) A corporation shall have power to indemnify any person who
was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened,
pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in
the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is
or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is
or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer,
employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees),
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably
incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or
proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner the person
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had
no reasonable cause to believe the person's conduct was unlawful. The
termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order,
settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its
equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person
did not act in good faith and in a manner which the person reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had
reasonable cause to believe that the person's conduct was unlawful.
"(b) A corporation shall have power to indemnify any person who
was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened,
pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the
corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact
that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses
(including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by the
person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or
suit if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect
of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been
adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent
that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was
brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication
of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such
person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses
which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.
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"(c) To the extent that a present or former director or officer
of a corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in
defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a)
and (b) of this section, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter
therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including
attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in
connection therewith.
"(d) Any indemnification under subsections (a) and (b) of this
section (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the corporation
only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that
indemnification of the present or former director, officer, employee or
agent is proper in the circumstances because the person has met the
applicable standard of conduct set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of
this section. Such determination shall be made, with respect to a person
who is a director or officer at the time of such determination (1) by a
majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit
or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (2) by a committee of
such directors designated by majority vote of such directors, even
though less than a quorum, or (3) if there are no such directors, or if
such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written
opinion, or (4) by the stockholders.
"(e) Expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by an
officer or director in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the corporation
in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding
upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or
officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that
such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation as
authorized in this section. Such expenses (including attorneys' fees)
incurred by former directors and officers or other employees and agents
may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the
corporation deems appropriate.
"(f) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided
by, or granted pursuant to, the other subsections of this section shall
not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking
indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any
bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or
otherwise, both as to action in such person's official capacity and as
to action in another capacity while holding such office.
"(g) A corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain
insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer,
employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the
request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and
incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such
person's status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the
power to indemnify such person against such liability under this
section.
"(h) For purposes of this section, references to 'the
corporation' shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation,
any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent)
absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence
had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its
directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who is
or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent
corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent
corporation as a
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director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in
the same position under this section with respect to the resulting or
surviving corporation as such person would have with respect to such
constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.
"(i) For purposes of this section, references to 'other
enterprises' shall include employee benefit plans; references to 'fines'
shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to any
employee benefit plan; and references to 'serving at the request of the
corporation' shall include any service as a director, officer, employee
or agent of the corporation which imposes duties on, or involves
services by, such director, officer, employee, or agent with respect to
an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a
person who acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably
believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of
an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner 'not
opposed to the best interests of the corporation' as referred to in this
section.
"(j) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided
by, or granted pursuant to, this section shall, unless otherwise
provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has
ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to
the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.
"(k) The Court of Chancery is hereby vested with exclusive
jurisdiction to hear and determine all actions for advancement of
expenses or indemnification brought under this section or under any
bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or
otherwise. The Court of Chancery may summarily determine a corporation's
obligation to advance expenses (including attorneys' fees)."
Article XIII of Registrant's By-laws provides as follows:
"Section 1. (A) Each person (an 'indemnitee') who was or is made or
threatened to be made a party to or was or is involved (as a witness or
otherwise) 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
was or is a director, officer or employee of [Registrant] or was or is serving
at the request of [Registrant] as a director, officer, employee or 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 was or is alleged action in an official capacity as
a director, officer, employee or agent or in any other capacity while serving as
a director, officer, employee or agent, shall be indemnified and held harmless
by [Registrant] to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law
of the State of Delaware as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in
the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits
[Registrant] to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted
[Registrant] to provide prior to such amendment), against all expense, liability
and loss (including attorneys' fees and retainers therefor, judgments, fines,
excise taxes or penalties under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended, and amounts 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, officer, employee or
agent and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and
administrators; provided, however, that except as provided in Section 3 of
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this Article XIII with respect to proceedings seeking to enforce rights to
indemnification, [Registrant] shall indemnify any such person seeking
indemnification in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by
such person only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the
Board of Directors of [Registrant].
(B) The right to indemnification conferred in this Article XIII is and
shall be a contract right. The right to indemnification conferred in this
Article XIII shall include the right to be paid by [Registrant] the expenses
(including attorneys' fees and retainers therefor) reasonably incurred in
connection with any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition, such
advances to be paid by [Registrant] within 20 days after the receipt by
[Registrant] of a statement or statements from the indemnitee requesting such
advance or advances from time to time; provided, however, that if the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware requires, the payment of such expenses
incurred by a director or officer in his or her capacity as a director or
officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by
such person while a director or officer, including, without limitation, service
to an employee benefit plan) in advance of the final disposition of a
proceeding, shall be made only upon delivery to [Registrant] of an undertaking
by or on behalf of such director or officer, to repay all amounts so advanced if
it shall ultimately be determined that such director or officer is not entitled
to be indemnified under this Article XIII or otherwise.
"Section 2. (A) To obtain indemnification under this Article XIII, an
indemnitee shall submit to [Registrant] a written request, including therein or
therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to the
indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent
the indemnitee is entitled to indemnification. Upon written request by an
indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to the first sentence of this Section
2(A), a determination, if required by applicable law, with respect to the
indemnitee's entitlement thereto shall be made as follows: (1) if requested by
the indemnitee, by Independent Counsel (as hereinafter defined), or (2) if no
request is made by the indemnitee for a determination by Independent Counsel,
(a) by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of
Disinterested Directors (as hereinafter defined), or (b) if a quorum of the
Board of Directors consisting of Disinterested Directors is not obtainable or,
even if obtainable, such quorum of Disinterested Directors so directs, by
Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board of Directors, a copy of
which shall be delivered to the indemnitee, or (c) by the stockholders of
[Registrant]. In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification
is to be made by Independent Counsel at the request of the indemnitee, the
Independent Counsel shall be selected by the indemnitee unless the indemnitee
shall request that such selection be made by the Board of Directors, in which
event the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board of Directors. If it
is so determined that the indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to
the indemnitee shall be made within 10 days after such determination.
(B) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to
indemnification hereunder, the person, persons or entity making such
determination shall presume that the indemnitee is entitled to indemnification
under this Article XIII, and [Registrant] shall have the burden of proof to
overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons
or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption.
"Section 3.(A) If a claim under Section 1 of this Article XIII is not
paid in full by [Registrant] within 30 days after a written claim pursuant to
Section 2(A) of this Article XIII has been received by [Registrant], or if an
advance is not made within 20 days after a request therefor pursuant to Section
1(B) of this Article XIII has been received by [Registrant], the indemnitee may
at any time thereafter bring suit (or, at the indemnitee's
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option, an arbitration proceeding before a single arbitrator pursuant to the
rules of the American Arbitration Association) against [Registrant] to recover
the unpaid amount of the claim or the advance and, if successful in whole or in
part, the indemnitee shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of
prosecuting such claim. It shall be a defense to any such suit or proceeding
(other than a suit or proceeding brought to enforce a claim for expenses
incurred in connection with any proceeding in advance of its final disposition
where the required undertaking, if any is required, has been tendered to
[Registrant]) that the indemnitee has not met the standards of conduct which
make it permissible under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
for [Registrant] to indemnify the indemnitee for the amount claimed or that such
indemnification otherwise is not permitted under the General Corporation Law of
the State of Delaware, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on
[Registrant].
(B) Neither the failure of [Registrant] (including its Board of
Directors, Independent Counsel or stockholders) to have made a determination
prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the indemnitee
is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard
of conduct set forth in the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware,
nor an actual determination by [Registrant] (including its Board of Directors,
Independent Counsel or stockholders) that the indemnitee has not met such
applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a
presumption that the indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.
(C) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 2(A) of
this Article XIII that the indemnitee is entitled to indemnification,
[Registrant] shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or
arbitration commenced pursuant to paragraph (A) of this Section 3.
(D) [Registrant] shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial
proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to paragraph (A) of this Section 3
that the procedures and presumptions of this Article XIII are not valid, binding
and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such
arbitrator that [Registrant] is bound by all the provisions of this Article
XIII.
"Section 4. The right to indemnification and the payment of expenses
incurred in connection with a proceeding in advance of its final disposition
conferred in this Article XIII 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-laws, agreement, vote of stockholders or
Disinterested Directors or otherwise.
"Section 5. [Registrant] may maintain insurance, at its expense, to
protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of [Registrant] or
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise
against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not [Registrant] would have
the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under
the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. To the extent that
[Registrant] maintains any policy or policies providing such insurance, each
such director, officer or employee, and each such agent to which rights to
indemnification have been granted as provided in Section 6 of this Article XIII,
shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their
terms to the maximum extent of the coverage thereunder for any such director,
officer, employee or agent.
"Section 6. [Registrant] may, to the extent authorized from time to
time by the Board of Directors, grant rights to indemnification, and rights to
be paid by [Registrant] the expenses incurred in connection with any proceeding
in advance of its final
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disposition, to any agent of [Registrant] to the fullest extent of the
provisions of this Article XIII with respect to the indemnification and
advancement of expenses of directors, officers and employees of [Registrant].
"Section 7. If any provision or provisions of this Article XIII shall
be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (A)
the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this
Article XIII (including without limitation, each portion of any Section of this
Article XIII containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not
in any way be affected or impaired thereby; and (B) to the fullest extent
possible, the provisions of this Article XIII (including, without limitation,
each portion of any Section of this Article XIII containing any such provision
held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give
effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or
unenforceable.
"Section 8. For purposes of this Article XIII:
(A) 'Disinterested Director' means a director of [Registrant] who is
not and was not a party to the matter in respect of which indemnification is
sought by the indemnitee.
(B) 'Independent Counsel' means a law firm, or a member of a law firm,
that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor
in the past five years has been, retained to represent: (1) [Registrant] or the
indemnitee in any matter material to either such party, or (2) any other party
to the matter giving rise to a claim for indemnification. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the term 'Independent Counsel' shall not include any person who,
under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would
have a conflict of interest in representing either [Registrant] or the
indemnitee in an action to determine the indemnitee's rights under this Article
XIII.
"Section 9. Any notice, request or other communication required or
permitted to be given to [Registrant] under this Article XIII shall be in
writing and either delivered in person or sent by telecopy, telex, telegram or
certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to the
Secretary of [Registrant] and shall be effective only upon receipt by the
Secretary."
Registrant has procured insurance protecting it under its obligation to
indemnify officers and directors against certain types of liabilities (including
certain liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933) that may be incurred by
them in the performance of their duties and affording protection to such
officers and directors in certain areas to which the corporate indemnity does
not extend, all within specified limits and subject to specified deductions.
In addition, Registrant and certain other persons may be entitled under
agreements entered into with agents or underwriters to indemnification by such
agents or underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under
the Securities Act of 1933, or to contribute with respect to payments which
Registrant or such persons may be required to make in respect thereof.
Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.
This Item is not applicable.
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Item 8. Exhibits.
4a1 - Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Registrant dated March 31,
1999).
4b1 - By-laws of Registrant, as amended, as in effect the date
hereof (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibits 3(ii)a
and 3(ii)b to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of
Registrant dated November 12, 1999).
4c1 - Rights Agreement dated as of November 19, 1997 between
Registrant and First Chicago Trust Company of New York, as
Rights Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
4a to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Registrant dated
December 2, 1997).
15a1 - Letter from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as to certain
unaudited financial information.
23a1 - Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent
accountants.
24a1 - Power of Attorney authorizing certain persons to sign
this Registration Statement and amendments hereto on behalf
of certain directors and officers of Registrant.
24b1 - Power of Attorney authorizing certain persons to sign
this Registration Statement and amendments hereto on behalf
of administrators of the Plan.
The Registrant will submit the Plan including any amendments thereto to
the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") in a timely manner and will make all
changes required by the IRS in order to maintain the tax qualified status of the
Plan.
Item 9. Undertakings.
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(a) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made,
a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3)
of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising
after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most
recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
in the Registration Statement;
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the
plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration
Statement or any material change to such information in the
Registration Statement;
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provided, however, that clauses (i) and (ii) do not apply if the
information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
clauses is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by
reference in the Registration Statement.
(b) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment 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.
(c) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of
the offering.
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference in this 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.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, Registrant has
been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and
is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of 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, 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 Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the Village of Lincolnshire, State of Illinois, on this 1st day
of February, 2000.
FORTUNE BRANDS, INC.
By /s/ Mark A. Roche
-------------------------------------
(Mark A. Roche, Senior Vice President,
Secretary and General Counsel)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on this 1st day of February, 2000.
Signature Title
--------- -----
Norman H. Wesley * Chairman of the Board and Chief
- ------------------------------- Executive Officer(principal
(Norman H. Wesley) executive officer) and Director
/s/ Craig P. Omtvedt Senior Vice President and Chief
- ------------------------------- Financial Officer
(Craig P. Omtvedt) (principal financial officer)
/s/ Michael R. Mathieson
- ------------------------------- Vice President and Chief Accounting
(Michael R. Mathieson) Officer
(principal accounting officer)
Eugene R. Anderson *
- ------------------------------- Director
(Eugene R. Anderson)
Patricia O. Ewers *
- ------------------------------- Director
(Patricia O. Ewers)
Thomas C. Hays *
- ------------------------------- Director
(Thomas C. Hays)
John W. Johnstone, Jr. *
- ------------------------------- Director
(John W. Johnstone, Jr.)
Sidney J. Kirschner *
- ------------------------------- Director
(Sidney J. Kirschner)
II-10
<PAGE>
Signature Title
--------- -----
Gordon R. Lohman *
- ------------------------------- Director
(Gordon R. Lohman)
Charles H. Pistor, Jr *
- ------------------------------- Director
(Charles H. Pistor, Jr)
Eugene A. Renna *
- ------------------------------- Director
(Eugene A. Renna)
Anne M. Tatlock *
- ------------------------------- Director
(Anne M. Tatlock)
Peter M. Wilson *
- ------------------------------- Director
(Peter M. Wilson)
*By: /s/ A. Robert Colby
--------------------------------------
(A. Robert Colby, Attorney-in-Fact)
II-11
<PAGE>
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Plan
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the Village of Lincolnshire, State of
Illinois, on this 1st day of February, 2000.
FORTUNE BRANDS HOURLY EMPLOYEE
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN
By Norman H. Wesley *
---------------------------------------
(Norman H. Wesley, Chairman,
MasterBrand Industries, Inc. Retirement
Plan Investment Committee)
*By /s/ A. Robert Colby
---------------------------------------
(A. Robert Colby, Attorney-in-Fact)
Exhibit 15a1
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549
Re: Fortune Brands, Inc.
Registration Statement on Form S-8
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We are aware that (a) our report dated May 13, 1999 on our review of
the interim financial information of Fortune Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries for
the three-month periods ended March 31, 1999 and 1998 and included in the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31,
1999, (b) our report dated August 16, 1999 on our review of interim financial
information of Fortune Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries for the three-month and
six-month periods ended June 30, 1999 and 1998 and included in the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1999 and
(c) our report dated November 12, 1999 on our review of interim financial
information of Fortune Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries for the three-month and
nine-month periods ended September 30, 1999 and 1998 and included in the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September
30, 1999 are being incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement on
Form S-8 of Fortune Brands, Inc., and the prospectus related thereto, relating
to securities to be offered under the Fortune Brands Hourly Employee Retirement
Savings Plan. Pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, such
reports should not be considered a part of such Registration Statement or
prospectus prepared or certified by us within the meaning of Sections 7 or 11 of
that Act.
Very truly yours,
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
February 1, 2000
Exhibit 23a1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this
Registration Statement on Form S-8 (this "Registration Statement") of Fortune
Brands, Inc. ("Registrant"), and the prospectus related hereto, of our report
dated February 3, 1999 relating to the consolidated financial statements,
appearing in the 1998 Annual Report to Stockholders of Registrant, which is
incorporated by reference in Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1998. We also consent to the incorporation by reference
of our report dated February 3, 1999 relating to the financial statement
schedule, which appears in such Annual Report on Form 10-K.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
February 1, 2000
Exhibit 24a1
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned, acting in the capacity or capacities with
respect to Fortune Brands, Inc. stated with their respective names below, hereby
constitute and appoint MARK A. ROCHE, EDWARD P. SMITH and A. ROBERT COLBY, and
each of them severally, the attorneys-in-fact of the undersigned with full power
to them and each of them to sign for and in the name of the undersigned in the
capacities indicated below (a) the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of the
Fortune Brands, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, (b) the Registration
Statement on Form S-8 of the Fortune Brands Retirement Savings Plan, (c) the
Registration Statement on Form S-8 of the Fortune Brands Hourly Employee
Retirement Savings Plan, (d) Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-51173) of the Fortune Brands, Inc.
Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan and (e) any and all amendments and
supplements thereto:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Signature Title Date
/s/ Norman H. Wesley Chairman of the Board and January 20, 2000
- --------------------------------------------- Chief Executive Officer
Norman H. Wesley (principal executive officer) and
Director
/s/ Craig P. Omtvedt Senior Vice President and Chief January 24, 2000
- --------------------------------------------- Financial Officer
Craig P. Omtvedt (principal financial officer)
/s/ Michael R. Mathieson Vice President and Chief January 21, 2000
- -------------------------------------------- Accounting Officer
Michael R. Mathieson (principal accounting officer)
/s/ Eugene R. Anderson
- -------------------------------------------- Director January 25, 2000
Eugene R. Anderson
/s/ Patricia O. Ewers
- -------------------------------------------- Director January 25, 2000
Patricia O. Ewers
/s/ Thomas C. Hays
- -------------------------------------------- Director January 24, 2000
Thomas C. Hays
/s/ John W. Johnstone, Jr.
- -------------------------------------------- Director January 21, 2000
John W. Johnstone, Jr.
/s/ Sidney J. Kirschner
- -------------------------------------------- Director January 24, 2000
Sidney J. Kirschner
/s/ Gordon R. Lohman
- -------------------------------------------- Director January 24, 2000
Gordon R. Lohman
/s/ Charles H. Pistor, Jr.
- -------------------------------------------- Director January 25, 2000
Charles H. Pistor, Jr.
/s/ Eugene A. Renna
- -------------------------------------------- Director January 24, 2000
Eugene A. Renna
/s/ Anne M. Tatlock
- -------------------------------------------- Director January 25, 2000
Anne M. Tatlock
/s/ Peter M. Wilson
- -------------------------------------------- Director January 24, 2000
Peter M. Wilson
</TABLE>
Exhibit 24b1
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned, acting in the capacity stated with his name below,
hereby constitutes and appoints MARK A. ROCHE, EDWARD P. SMITH and A. ROBERT
COLBY, and each of them severally, the attorneys-in-fact of the undersigned with
full power to them and each of them to sign for and in the name of the
undersigned in the capacity indicated below (a) the Registration Statement on
Form S-8 of the Fortune Brands Hourly Employee Retirement Savings Plan and (b)
any and all amendments and supplements thereto.
Signature Title Date
/s/ Norman H. Wesley
- -------------------------- Chairman, MasterBrand January 20, 2000
Norman H. Wesley Industries, Inc. Retirement Plan
Investment Committee
