SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report: April 1, 1996
RALSTON PURINA COMPANY
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(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
MISSOURI 1-4582 No. 43-0470580
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(State or Other (Commission (IRS Employer
Jurisdiction of File Number) Identification
Incorporation) Number)
CHECKERBOARD SQUARE ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63164
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices (Zip Code)
(314) 982-1000
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(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
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Item 5. Other Events
On March 29, 1996, the Company released the following statement to the public:
"St. Louis, Missouri, March 29, 1996 ... Ralston Purina Company announced today
its intention to separate its international agricultural animal feeds business
in a tax-free spin-off to shareholders. Completion of the spin-off may take
nine to 12 months and is contingent upon a favorable tax ruling from the
Internal Revenue Service and approval by the Ralston Purina Board of Directors.
Ralston's international pet food business is not included in the proposed spin-
off and will remain part of Ralston's Pet Products group.
Wasserstein Perella & Co., an investment banking firm, has been retained by
management to assist with the spin-off.
Ralston's international animal feeds is a leading international producer of
formula animal feeds and agricultural products. Its products are marketed
outside the United States under the Purina Chow global brand. Fiscal 1995 sales
were $1.12 billion."
SIGNATURES:
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.
RALSTON PURINA COMPANY
By: James R. Elsesser
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Dated: April 1, 1996
